On July 19, 2026, a reporter visited 28-year-old Ms. Saa, a former company employee from Prakonchaicharoen District, Buriram Province, who now lies bedridden at home unable to speak or move her limbs. She can only blink her eyes and does not respond to conversation, facial expressions, or smiles. Her 50-year-old aunt and 53-year-old mother care for her and her 10-month-old son, named Phi.

According to her aunt, on September 12 of the previous year, Ms. Saa went to Prakonchaicharoen Hospital in labor. Doctors determined she needed a caesarean section and delivered a healthy 3,200-gram baby boy. Ms. Saa recovered well and could walk normally after surgery. However, approximately one day later, she went into shock with convulsions. She was transferred to Buriram Central Hospital from September 13 to October 27—44 days—where doctors diagnosed her with a blood clot in her lungs. She was discharged to home care as a bedridden patient, receiving 70,000 baht in compensation and free hospital transport if needed.

Her aunt had to quit her job to care for her niece. The family applied for a state welfare card to help with expenses but was rejected because records incorrectly listed her as owning a vehicle, which she has never owned. Ms. Saa's mother revealed that her son-in-law disappeared after his wife fell ill, visiting only once and abandoning the family to fend for themselves. Without income, they struggle to afford diapers, wet tissues, and infant formula. Well-wishers have donated about 30,000 baht, but the family remains uncertain about their future. The mother pleaded for medical experts to advise on her daughter's condition and help improve her mobility to ease the burden on caregivers, noting that her daughter is deeply traumatized both physically and emotionally.

Dr. Jed Bunyavongvorawirooj, deputy director of primary care at Maha Rachcha Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, posted a video on Facebook highlighting five warning signs of sudden heart artery narrowing that can affect people of any age, urging people not to take symptoms lightly.

Dr. Jed noted that coronary artery disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. The five warning signs are: (1) Sharp pain in the jaw, teeth, or neck when blood supply to the heart is cut off; (2) Pain or tightness below the breastbone resembling acid reflux that doesn't improve with antacids—this may indicate heart muscle oxygen deprivation rather than reflux; (3) Sudden, unexplained fatigue where daily activities become difficult and even light exertion causes breathlessness and excessive sweating; (4) Dizziness, heart palpitations, and excessive sweating from severe blood deprivation that don't improve with rest or drinks; and (5) Inexplicable exhaustion and tiredness where routine activities become impossible without cause—this suggests the heart is weakening as it fails to pump oxygen-rich blood efficiently.

Dr. Jed warned that delaying medical evaluation—thinking symptoms can be checked tomorrow or when there's time—is why many people lose consciousness and die before receiving help. He advised everyone to manage risk factors including diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, and obesity, emphasizing that even if doctors can revive someone, they may not return to their normal state.

An online debate has intensified over the question of whether hand washing is necessary after urination, with many internet users claiming that genitals are cleaned daily and are therefore cleaner than hands, or arguing that since they don't touch the toilet seat or door handle directly, there's no need to wash their hands. Dr. Chen Wei-hsin, a urologist specializing in the urinary system, counters that these arguments overlook the transmission of invisible microorganisms and has identified three key health risks that many people commonly neglect, reiterating that hands should always be washed after using the bathroom.

Dr. Chen Wei-hsin shared educational information through his clinic's social media page, explaining misconceptions about bathroom hygiene and highlighting three critical risks:

1. The genital area is a reservoir for microbes. The doctor explains that the perineal area and male scrotum have numerous sweat glands and are poorly ventilated, making them prone to accumulation of sweat and oils. The warm, humid environment creates an ideal breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Even daily bathing cannot eliminate all secretions and microorganisms, so when handling genitals to urinate or wiping the urethral opening, hands inevitably contact numerous skin cells and bacteria without realizing it.

2. Microbes lingering on underwear. "Washing underwear does not always mean it's completely clean," Dr. Chen notes, citing data from American microbiologist Charles Gerba, which indicates that used underwear may retain an average of 0.1 grams of fecal matter. The doctor emphasizes that the point is not to create fear but to warn that underwear regularly contacts intestinal bacteria, skin microbes, and secretions. Although they may appear clean on the outside, this doesn't mean they're completely free of pathogens. If family members have diarrhea, gastrointestinal infections, or reproductive tract infections, underwear and towels should be washed and completely dried, and hands should always be washed after handling soiled laundry. He also recommends changing underwear every 3-6 months or immediately if the fabric becomes yellowed, discolored, or stiff.

3. Airborne microbes in the bathroom. Beyond bodily microbes, the bathroom environment is another critical factor. The doctor explains that each flush generates a phenomenon called toilet plume, which can disperse bacteria and small particles contaminated with urine or feces into the air before settling on the flush button, door knobs, and users' hands.

Four recommended ways to reduce bathroom health risks:

1. Wash hands both before and after using the bathroom. Since hands contact phones, door knobs, and various objects throughout the day, washing hands before using the bathroom reduces the chance of introducing microbes to the urethral tissue, while washing after removes any microbes acquired during elimination.

2. Avoid aerosol exposure when flushing. Always close the toilet lid before flushing to reduce the spread of pathogens such as norovirus and enterovirus. If using a squat toilet, step back at least 1 meter after flushing to minimize exposure to aerosols.

3. Minimize direct surface contact. Although the risk of infection from toilet seats is low, [content cuts off]

Kritsan Sripirumsathad, a prominent TV personality and owner of the premium PARAMETER gelato brand, faces escalating controversy that extends beyond pricing criticism to include disputes over instructional eating content and warnings to ice cream consumers. The founder has issued a press invitation to hold an urgent media briefing addressing concerns about the PARAMETER: Classic Refined Gelato brand. In his statement, Kritsan said: "In response to criticism and online discussion surrounding PARAMETER Gelato, which has attracted significant public and media attention, and to clarify the facts and address all points of public interest, I, Kritsan Sripirumsathad, founder of PARAMETER Gelato, will hold an urgent press conference for media and the public, with the opportunity for media to question all matters." The press conference begins at 6 p.m. today (July 19, 2025) at the PARAMETER Gelato store, ground floor, Siam Paragon.

Thailand's Sports Authority (SAT) is warning Thai athletes to exercise caution regarding banned substances before competing in the 20th Asian Games. The organization is conducting ongoing educational training sessions for sports federations and athletes to raise awareness and promote preventive measures from the start rather than addressing violations afterward.

Dr. Kongsakd Yodmanee, director-general of SAT, stated that this year the authority has been providing continuous education on banned substances to all sports federations and athletes ahead of various sporting events. He emphasized that prevention is far better than correction, as this is critically important on the international sports stage. The SAT director expressed confidence that Thai athletes will face no banned substance issues during the Asian Games, given that all parties have implemented stringent preventive measures. He acknowledged that while unintentional technical violations may occur—such as through food or medication consumption—no athlete would intentionally violate the rules.

The SAT has consistently stressed the importance of vigilance regarding banned substances, implementing educational outreach regularly in line with standards set by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). WADA officials will conduct random doping tests throughout the competition. Dr. Kongsakd concluded by confirming that Thais will be able to watch the 20th Asian Games for free, with live broadcasts on T SPORTS 7 as the primary channel and additional broadcasts through partner networks. The SAT invites Thai sports fans to follow along and cheer on Thai athletes throughout the competition.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has advanced bilateral trade, investment, and tourism during his visit to China by presiding over the Thailand-China (Sichuan) Investment and Economic Forum 2026 on ...