Young Man Murdered, Cremated in Lonely Ceremony

A murder victim cremated in a sparse ceremony at a Buddhist temple in Udon Thani after his elderly aunt, his sole surviving relative, could not afford funeral expenses. Police arrested a man in connection with the case.

20 Jul Khaosod

On July 20, 2025, the body of Somsak, a murder victim whose head and genitals were severed before being buried in a shack in Ban Dung District, Udon Thani, was cremated in a sparse ceremony at Wat Burpawan. Police arrested Niruit in connection with the case and filed three charges: attempted murder, concealment of remains, and animal cruelty, though he has denied involvement.

The victim's 80-year-old aunt, Wichian, who sells bundled rice porridge for a living, explained she had no money for funeral expenses and was the only surviving relative. She handed the body over to the local rescue association, which arranged a simple Buddhist cremation ceremony attended by six monks. The atmosphere was somber and quiet, with no other family members present to pay respects.

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Police

Police Still Investigating Ladprao Beer Hall Fire, Suspects to Be Named This Week

Police are investigating a deadly Ladprao beer hall fire with forensic results and suspect names expected this week as authorities review building inspections and question witnesses about safety violations.

20 Jul Khaosod

Police Region 2 Commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Kiatkul Sandhanee convened an investigative team on July 20 to review progress in the Ladprao beer hall fire case. Authorities have questioned three groups of witnesses so far: injured survivors, shop staff, and Chatuchak district officials who issued the business license. The commander emphasized the case's high public profile and its impact on confidence in workplace safety regulations and government oversight. About 150 witness statements have been taken, mostly from survivors, victims' relatives, rescue personnel, and subject matter experts. The investigation is proceeding on preliminary charges of negligence causing fire resulting in death and serious injury, as well as violations of the Building Control Act. The commander stated that forensic results and cause determination are expected within this week. The issue of civil engineers who inspected the venue in April—finding no defects—is under review, and those officials are being sought for questioning. The shop owner remains hospitalized and unable to be interviewed. Investigators are pursuing the case with scientific evidence as the foundation to ensure justice for the victims.

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Regional

Two Crocodiles Spotted in Khlong Lam Luk Ka Canal, Residents On Alert

Two crocodiles longer than a meter were spotted in Khlong Lam Luk Ka canal in Pathum Thani province on July 20, prompting residents to avoid the water near Phuetchanya Temple.

20 Jul Khaosod

On July 20, residents of Khlong 8 in Lam Luk Ka, Pathum Thani province, shared video clips of large crocodiles measuring more than 2 meters long appearing in the canal near Phuetchanya Temple, causing significant panic in the area. A 49-year-old traditional massage therapist stationed at a floating massage clinic in the irrigation canal witnessed the first crocodile between 2 and 2:30 p.m. Initially it appeared to be a log, but closer observation revealed the animal's nose, eyes, and mouth at water level before it sank—a behavior distinct from logs which drift with the current. The first crocodile measured approximately 1.5 to 2 meters, while a smaller second specimen of about 1 meter emerged near the floating clinic, roughly 3 meters away.

The witness distinguished the animals from fish by their natural crocodile behavior of surfacing only the top of the head to breathe, with eyes and nostrils visible while the body remains submerged. He immediately warned residents to avoid entering the water and avoid areas near the canal pending further verification. Pattama Puranasurang, a staff member at the temple, noted unusual fish behavior before the sighting—the fish refused to eat their regular pellet food and huddled on one side of the canal, even though monks later provided 4-5 sacks of fish food. She also recalled seeing a suspicious object floating about a week earlier when water levels were higher. The crocodile sighting has alarmed local water spinach gatherers, who have temporarily halted harvesting for safety, and residents remain anxious despite most not having witnessed the crocodiles themselves.

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National

Bangkok Launches Massive Safety Crackdown on Bars and Nightlife Venues

Bangkok authorities are inspecting 1,100 bars and nightlife venues over 60 days to enforce safety standards following the deadly Ladprao beer hall fire, with immediate corrections required for any life-threatening risks.

20 Jul Khaosod

Bangkok's governor and police are collaborating on a comprehensive inspection of entertainment venues across the capital to check safety standards and prevent future incidents like the Ladprao beer hall fire. The operation targets 1,100 entertainment establishments citywide to be completed within 60 days, with the first two weeks prioritizing high-risk venues with heavy foot traffic. Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, Deputy Police Commissioner General Thatchai Pitaneelabutr, Metropolitan Police Commissioner Siam Bunserm, and other officials toured various bars and liquor establishments, inspecting building structures, flammable ceiling materials, entry and exit points, fire escapes, fire prevention systems, electrical systems, safety equipment, emergency notification systems, evacuation plans, and whether operations comply with licenses. Any life-threatening risks must be corrected immediately. The governor invited the public to report safety concerns through the Traffy Fondue system for rapid official inspection. Deputy Police Commissioner Thatchai emphasized that this prevention measure aims to elevate safety standards at service establishments, stressing that officers must act fairly, transparently, and without discrimination while avoiding unreasonable burdens on business operators. He cautioned against corruption, which could allow dishonest officials to extort operators. With the governor and police taking concrete action, all provinces are urged to similarly conduct rigorous evening inspections of entertainment venues, identifying and closing those with life-safety risks until corrections are made, particularly to prevent repeated disasters that endanger lives and officials' careers.

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National

Thailand Must Close Loopholes Enabling Foreign Lawbreakers

Most Thais view money laundering and illegal foreign investment as serious threats to the economy, with government corruption identified as the primary factor enabling such crimes across the country.

20 Jul Khaosod

A Nida Poll survey on illegal foreign activity reveals that most Thai citizens view money laundering and illegal business investment as the most dangerous forms of foreign crime, followed by nominee land ownership, shell businesses operated for foreigners, fraudulent Thai citizenship schemes, and currency manipulation. These activities directly harm Thailand's economy by siphoning capital from the system and allowing revenue to leak abroad. Many ordinary Thais have witnessed such conduct firsthand—from money laundering to nominee schemes, large foreign settlements, and illegal occupations—showing these are real problems across the country, not merely media stories. The survey identified government corruption as the leading factor enabling foreign crimes, cited by over 67 percent of respondents, with weak penalties, legal gaps, political corruption, and official neglect also playing major roles. This reveals the problem is rooted in internal structural weaknesses, not foreigners alone. While Thailand needs foreign investment, tourists, and skilled labor to drive its economy, these must be coupled with strict and fair law enforcement. Legitimate businesses should be promoted while lawbreakers face prosecution without exception. The government must urgently plug identified loopholes by combating official corruption, modernizing laws for transnational crime, increasing penalties for nominee schemes and money laundering, creating transparent oversight, and enforcing laws fairly. Failure to act risks undermining investor confidence, damaging Thai entrepreneurs, and causing long-term economic harm. The time has come for serious government action to prevent Thailand from becoming a safe haven for criminals and to protect Thai citizens' interests and the nation's future economy.

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National

Disabled Elderly Woman Repeatedly Denied Welfare Card

A 77-year-old disabled woman in Surin Province remains unable to access a state welfare card despite multiple applications, as her name never appears in the government system even though her village submitted her documents.

20 Jul Khaosod

On July 20, 2025, at Krung Thai Bank in Surin Province, 77-year-old Wimol came to verify her eligibility and confirm her identity for a 2025 state welfare card. Although her village leader had already submitted her name, it does not appear in the system. She has submitted documents and evidence multiple times in the past but has never been approved. This time, her name is not even in the eligibility verification database. Despite being disabled, living alone, and in severe poverty with no income, she remains ineligible.

Wimol tearfully recounted her frustration, asking why her name is missing from the database when she has applied many times before while others have been approved or at least notified of issues. She lives alone, her only child died in an accident, and she survives on 1,500 baht monthly from elderly and disability allowances with no other income or assets. She submitted documents at the village office as instructed by local authorities, but cannot understand why her information never appears in the system. She struggles to walk and depends on rides to inquire about her eligibility, asking if any agency can help her.

After bank staff checked her records again, they found nothing in the system and advised her to reapply in the next registration round, with no known opening date. Meanwhile, another elderly man, 81, was denied eligibility because records show he owns one car and one motorcycle. He explained he only owns one motorcycle purchased by relatives in 2557 under his name, but has never owned or driven a car and never allowed anyone to register a vehicle under his name. Frustrated by the error and the bureaucratic hassle, he decided to abandon his application, saying at his age he is simply waiting for death and wasted money hiring a ride for nothing.

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National

Jeff Satur and Mean Nichanun Heat Up National 3×3 Basketball Finals

Male and female champions were crowned at the national 3×3 basketball finals at Mega Bangna, with presenters Jeff Satur and Mean Nichanun celebrating the winners who will advance to international competition.

20 Jul Khaosod

Presenters Jeff Satur and Mean Nichanun led celebrations at the national championship finals of the 'est COLA 3×3 Basketball U-League 2026,' where male and female champions were crowned to advance to international competition. The event at Mega Bangna shopping center included performances by Gen Z artists such as Jackie Chakrin, Aston Ratiphat, and Mark Notharit, as well as a celebrity exhibition match featuring the presenters, entertainers, and national basketball players. Both presenters praised the competing teams for their dedication and passion, emphasizing that the 'est AWESOME PLAYGROUND' provides a platform for young people to showcase their skills and pursue what they love, whether or not they won the trophy.

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Police

Thai Olympics Vice Chair Reports New Sexual Abuse Case in Sports

Thailand's Olympic Committee vice chair has reported another sexual abuse case involving a female athlete, calling for accountability and systemic change to protect sports participants from harm.

20 Jul Khaosod

Dr. Suvanna Silpachar, vice chair of the Thailand Olympic Committee, has announced receiving another report of sexual abuse against a female athlete in Thai sports. In her statement, Dr. Silpachar described today as another day weighing heavily on her heart, having received a case that calls her to duty protecting people in sports from sexual assault. Every time she hears a victim's story, the same question echoes: how many more female athletes must suffer, gather courage to speak truth, battle pressure from all sides, and seek justice—only to end with "acceptance" or face "dark forces"? No one knows the tears, fear, exhaustion, and loneliness hidden behind those words. Sexual abuse should never be acceptable, never a price athletes must pay to compete or chase their dreams. Though disheartened today, she finds hope and sends strength to the victim, recognizing their courage and assuring them they do not fight alone. She thanked the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the Department of Women's Affairs and Family Institution, and the Safeguarding Thailand team for their swift help and support. She hopes that one day, Thai society will no longer ask "how many more cases," but instead see victims protected, perpetrators held accountable, and sports become truly safe for everyone.

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Police

Electrician Killed in NGV Pump Explosion in Chachoengsao

A 40-year-old electrician died when an explosion in an NGV pump station's electrical control room caused a concrete wall to collapse on him in Chachoengsao on July 20. The blast occurred as he inspected a reported burning smell in the equip

20 Jul Khaosod

An electrician has died after an electrical control room explosion at an NGV pump station in Chachoengsao caused a concrete wall to collapse on him. Pump staff reported detecting a burning smell and called in the electrician for inspection when, without warning, a sudden explosion occurred and the building's wall collapsed across the road. Officers and emergency responders rushed to the scene after receiving the alert at 3:30 p.m. on July 20, finding the electrical control room severely damaged with brick fragments scattered throughout the area. Upon inspection near the third pillar, rescuers discovered 40-year-old Santi pinned under the collapsed wall, crushed under up to two stories of concrete. He was already deceased when removed from the rubble. Subsequent searches found no additional victims. Authorities have determined that pump staff first detected a burning smell and summoned the electrician to inspect the electrical control room, but the explosion occurred while he was performing his duties. The exact cause of the blast remains under investigation by relevant officials.

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National

Thai Volleyball Team Receives 4 Million Baht, Bonus 5 Million If Champion

JAS presented 4 million baht to Thailand's women's volleyball team for the 2026 Nations League, with an additional 5 million baht bonus if they win the Asian championship.

20 Jul Khaosod

Major shareholder Pichit Potharamik of JAS presented 4 million baht in support funds to Thailand's national women's volleyball team for the 2026 Women's Nations League competition as previously committed. Dr. Sorachai Asvaprabha, CEO of Jasmine International Limited (JAS), a regional leader in Sports & Entertainment Platform content, alongside Monomax executives, delivered the support at a ceremony on July 20, 2025 at MONO29 television station.

Pichit Potharamik also announced an additional 5 million baht bonus if the team wins the Asian Women's Volleyball Championship. Somporn Chabangyang, president of the Thai Volleyball Association, expressed gratitude to JAS and MONO for their ongoing support of the women's volleyball team and commitment to promoting volleyball in Thailand and supporting athletes' physical development and recovery.

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