World Rugby has sent congratulations to the Thai Rugby Football Association on the official opening of its new headquarters and the association's 88th anniversary, expressing wishes for continued success in developing rugby within Thailand. World Rugby has also granted official recognition to the Union Cup, a 15s rugby championship competing for the Asian title, allowing match results to count toward the World Rugby Rankings. This represents a major milestone for 15s rugby in Asia, as Asia Rugby currently lacks a continuous regional-level competition in the 15s format.

The Union Cup serves as an important regional platform initiated by Southeast Asian countries under the leadership of Pol. Maj. Gen. Kulthon Prachuabmahae, chairman of the Southeast Asian Rugby Federation (SEARF), providing international competition opportunities for 15s rugby players across Asia. Besides SEARF member nations, the tournament now includes Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Chinese Taipei, and Guam, enhancing its development impact on regional rugby.

Kulthon Prachuabmahae expressed honor and delight at World Rugby's recognition of Thailand and the Union Cup initiative, calling it excellent news for Asian rugby. He also announced that Sahapol Palpathee has stepped down as SEARF secretary-general to focus on his role as deputy chairman of the Thai Rugby Football Association overseeing international affairs. Phanithan Prachuabmahae has been appointed as the new SEARF secretary-general.

The SEARF committee officially acknowledged Palpathee's resignation and approved Phanithan's appointment. Member nations expressed gratitude for Palpathee's dedication and leadership during his tenure, while expressing confidence that his commitment to rugby development will continue and welcoming Phanithan to advance rugby progress across Southeast Asia.

Veteran comedian Tua Raem was deeply moved after visiting his ill friend Do Doksadao and witnessing the touching moment when Do's daughter Prai returned from abroad to present her diploma to her father at his bedside, bringing tears to both father and daughter. Tua shared updates on Do's recovery, noting that his friend's face has brightened and he can now communicate using sign language, while reflecting on life lessons from 73 years of marriage and urging men to stop causing their wives sorrow. Tua explained that he brought fellow comedians to visit Do with flowers to congratulate Prai, and that despite his current condition—requiring a tracheotomy and unable to speak—Do is undergoing physical therapy with robotic assistance to help him walk and move his hands, showing signs of gradual improvement and maintaining his sense of humor by cracking jokes throughout therapy sessions.

Gold prices have declined by 100 baht per gram on July 31, 2026, according to the Gold Traders Association. Ornamental gold (96.5% purity) is selling at 65,450 baht per gram, with a buy-back price of 63,156.56 baht per gram. Gold bars are trading at 64,650 baht per gram for sales and 64,450 baht per gram for purchases. International gold spot prices stand at 4,083.50 US dollars per ounce.

PHUKET: More than 300 relatives visited inmates at Phuket Provincial Prison this week as the prison opened a series of special family visitation sessions to mark His Majesty the King’s birthday.

The nation has been shaken by news of the sudden death abroad of Hlun Solo, a young YouTuber and scholarship student who graduated in political science from Chulalongkorn University. He died in Georgia, but the cause of death has not yet been determined.

Reporters spoke with actor Mum Jokmok on a film set for "Suea Hoon Mangkorn Hao" about his reaction to the tragedy. Speaking with deep sadness, he admitted he had to quickly close the news after seeing it. The emotional moment intensified when he heard the Isaan-dialect words and tears of the grandmother mourning her grandson, which deeply moved him.

Mum expressed his sympathy, questioning why someone so young and healthy would die so suddenly. He speculated on possible causes—cardiac arrhythmia, stroke, or brain stem issues—while acknowledging the different legal and medical systems in Georgia versus Thailand.

"It's so tragic," Mum said in Isaan dialect. "Hearing her missing her grandson, thinking 'When will Hlun come visit again?'—it breaks your heart. We're both Isaan people. He studied hard, he went to Chulalongkorn. Just think about it." Mum admitted he would cry if he continued listening, describing himself as easily moved to tears. He reflected on how unimaginable it would be if it were his own child or grandchild, and worried about the grandmother's grief, the long journey to bring his body home, and the unfamiliar funeral procedures in a foreign country.

Mum also revealed that actress Sunalei, who was recently hospitalized for intestinal issues, was still so shaken by the news that she raised her hands in prayer, hoping it was nothing serious. He emphasized how connected people in the entertainment industry feel to one another, recalling a reporter friend who had recently passed away. "Even though we see each other all the time, when someone is suddenly gone, it hits hard," he said. "Let's all just stay healthy and live a full life together."

Police are urgently investigating the suspicious death of a 3-year-old boy with multiple bruises on his body. The biological mother, 24, and stepfather, 19, have denied any involvement in the injuries or death, but both tested positive for methamphetamine and have been detained pending charges.

The incident occurred on July 29 when rescue workers in Mukdahan Province responded to a report from Mukdahan Hospital. Rescue officer Pongsak said that upon arriving at the single-story home, the child appeared limp and pale. CPR was performed immediately, but the child showed no vital signs. The hospital later confirmed the child had died, with doctors noting suspicious bruises at multiple points on the body.

Police interrogated the mother, known as Jum, 24, and the stepfather, Kattawuth, 19. Both denied any connection to the bruises or the child's death. However, urine tests revealed methamphetamine in both their systems, and they were charged with drug possession and detained.

Lieutenant Colonel Pairoj Taiphutthara, commander of Mukdahan Provincial Police, said investigators have already questioned four people at the scene and plan to call in two to three more witnesses. Initial inspection of the home found no signs of struggle or violence that could explain the bruises.

The child's body has been sent for detailed forensic examination and autopsy in Khon Kaen Province to determine the true cause of death and what caused the marks on his body. Results from medical examination are pending.

The child's grandmother, who arrived at the police station, was deeply distressed and tearful. She said she could not accept what happened and demanded the case be pursued to the fullest if wrongdoing is found. She revealed she had planned to take the child to live with her at the end of the month and had recently called him asking if he wanted to come stay with her, to which he had nodded yes.