An unusual natural phenomenon at Khong Khao Khat earthen dam in Tha Pla District, Uttaradit Province, has emerged following a drop in Siriki Reservoir water levels to 141 meters—about 31 percent capacity, or approximately 4,928 million cubic meters. A distinctive landform resembling a woman's face has become visible on the dam, featuring what appears to be a nose, long hair, and a gentle smile, earning it the nickname "Miss Tha Pla Earthen Dam."

Nai Danai U-Sap, chairman of the Tha Pla District Cultural Council, explained that this rare formation results from a natural balance between incoming water (approximately 20 million cubic meters daily) and the terrain at that specific location. The phenomenon is unprecedented in the 50 years since Siriki Dam's construction in 1968, when the main dam began operation as one of the region's largest earthen dams, capable of storing 9,510 million cubic meters of water. The smaller Khong Khao Khat dam, located in Chrim Subdistrict about 30 kilometers from Uttaradit city, has a crest spanning 5 kilometers.

Beyond its role as a water storage and supply facility for Tha Pla and Uttaradit city, the dam site has become an important tourist attraction. Officials note that the distinctive landform visible from elevated vantage points represents rare natural artistry, distinguishable only when water levels drop to this specific threshold. The surrounding area also offers scenic views framed by mountains and forests, making it suitable for relaxation, photography, and sunrise and sunset viewing.

PHUKET: A vulnerable family in Wichit has received a newly built home under a government housing assistance programme aimed at improving living conditions for low-income households.

Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin announced that Thailand has maintained conservation standards for UNESCO World Heritage Sites, confirming that no Thai heritage sites have been placed on the UNESCO World Heritage in Danger list. The results of the 48th ordinary meeting of the World Heritage Committee held on July 21-22, 2025, represent good news for Thailand, as no Thai sites were proposed for inclusion on the endangered list, reflecting the country's effective conservation and management of its World Heritage sites in accordance with the World Heritage Convention. Thailand is awaiting one more important decision in the coming three days regarding the registration of Wat Phra Mahathat Woramahaviharn in Nakhon Si Thammarat as a new World Heritage site, which would be Thailand's sixth cultural and ninth overall World Heritage site, and would make history as the first World Heritage site in southern Thailand.

Deputy Permanent Secretary Raviwan Puridej stated that Thailand's achievement in avoiding the endangered list resulted from policies prioritizing heritage conservation alongside sustainable development, supported by coordinated efforts across all relevant agencies. The Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, as Thailand's focal point for the World Heritage Convention, has integrated cooperation with site management agencies and stakeholders to monitor and assess conservation status closely, ensuring alignment with international standards and preserving the Outstanding Universal Value of Thailand's World Heritage sites. At the 48th World Heritage Committee meeting, agenda item 7A addressed the conservation status of properties on the endangered list, and Thailand received positive results with no sites proposed for the list, demonstrating effective implementation of conservation obligations and continuous preservation of heritage values.

The government emphasized that all households automatically receive the 3-baht rate for the first 200 electricity units with no registration needed, starting in September, while welfare card holders must register to claim the 315-baht monthly assistance.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Persivivatana explained that due to public confusion over the rate adjustment and government relief measures, the Ministry of Interior clarified that the new residential electricity rate structure under the National Energy Policy Committee resolution grants automatic entitlement to all households without requiring registration or app access.

Meanwhile, electricity relief for state welfare card holders still requires registration with the power authority to claim benefits under prescribed criteria.

The Regional Electricity Authority (PEA) and Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) under the Ministry of Interior's supervision are implementing the energy committee resolution, with new rates effective from August consumption and billing beginning in September 2569.

Under this rate restructuring, all residential homes receive the benefit of paying no more than 3 baht per unit for the first 200 units without registration or further action. Consumption from unit 201 onward applies the original rate. Temporary meter rates have also been reduced to match residential rates to ease household expenses.

Beyond the rate adjustment, state welfare card holders continue receiving electricity assistance capped at 315 baht monthly under the existing scheme, though they must register with the power authority. Registration opens July 20 through September 30, 2569.

Under the energy committee resolution, the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Energy, PEA, and MEA will separate public electricity costs from household bills at approximately 0.09 baht per unit, automatically reducing rates for all users.

"The government reiterates that this residential electricity rate adjustment is an automatic right for all households—no registration, no app download needed—with benefits visible on September bills for August consumption," Lalida stated. "State welfare card holders seeking the 315-baht monthly assistance should register with their power authority by the deadline to avoid missing the benefit."

A tense moment unfolded for the family of Guy Ratchanon and Haru during a trip to Rom Hup Market in Samut Songkhram province when a pickup truck nearly hit their three children as they crossed a zebra crossing. Guy quickly stepped in front of the vehicle to shield his children and then approached the driver to ask why he nearly struck the family, leading to a brief exchange. Though visibly upset, Guy remained composed and avoided any serious confrontation, and the incident has since generated significant online discussion.

In a recent social media post, Haru clarified that the incident occurred a month earlier, during a busy day at the market when both tourists and traffic were heavy. She emphasized that the family does not wish to turn the matter into drama or blame anyone, believing no one intentionally causes such accidents. Instead, she called for a reminder to all road users—both drivers and pedestrians—to exercise caution and look out for one another so everyone can return home safely.

Haru noted that while pedestrians are not always in the right, in this case her family had already crossed more than halfway across before the vehicle approached, suggesting that with a bit more caution and awareness on both sides, such incidents could be prevented. She thanked everyone for their concern and used the moment to reflect on what makes a destination truly worth visiting: not just beautiful places, but the kindness and discipline of the people who inhabit them.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), the Tourism Council of Thailand, and China's Guangdong Grandeur International Exhibition Group have announced the World Travel & Culture Expo (WTCE) 2026, ...