On July 8, 2568, the National Anti-Corruption Commission announced it has elevated the local government examination corruption case to special case status. The investigation targets the director-general of the Department of Local Administration, intermediaries, and test-takers who purchased scores. The NACC has gathered sufficient evidence that officials manipulated exam scores and collected money from applicants in exchange for helping them pass the 2568 civil service recruitment examination.

NAAC Secretary-General Surpong Intrathaweun stated that investigators have compiled evidence indicating the department's director-general and associates fraudulently altered exam scores and demanded payments from candidates. The case has been designated a special case due to its national importance and widespread impact.

The NACC committee approved establishing a special investigation committee under the Anti-Corruption Act to examine four groups: senior officials at the Department of Local Administration; state officials involved in exam administration; non-state individuals including those who altered answer sheets, collected bribes, and received score modifications; and any other involved parties.

The NACC will coordinate with the Royal Thai Police and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) to assist in the inquiry. The investigation will pursue all persons involved in the fraudulent examination scheme.

Pop superstar Khalid is set to perform his "It's Always Summer Somewhere Tour" in Bangkok on November 29, 2025, at UOB Live Mosphere, organized by Live Nation Tero. The chart-topping artist, famous for the Thai-favorite hit "Young Dumb and Broke," has built a global music phenomenon since his teenage years.

Khalid's breakthrough single "Location" earned Diamond certification from the RIAA, launching him to a record deal with Right Hand Music Group/RCA Records. His debut album American Teen achieved 4x Platinum status, while his second album Free Spirit debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, featuring the hit single "Talk," which earned a Grammy nomination.

The artist has become a defining voice in contemporary pop and R&B, with over 35.6 billion streams worldwide across all platforms. He has received seven Grammy nominations and won numerous prestigious awards, including six Billboard Music Awards, four American Music Awards, two iHeartRadio Music Awards, and an MTV Video Music Award.

Khalid has collaborated with leading artists including Normani on "Love Lies," Halsey and Benny Blanco on "Eastside," and worked with Alicia Keys, Billie Eilish, Ed Sheeran, and many others. In recent years, he contributed to the Barbie film soundtrack and toured with Ed Sheeran across North America.

In 2024, Khalid released his third album Sincere, reflecting his artistic and personal growth. His latest album After The Sun Goes Down, released in October 2024, features 17 tracks blending smooth R&B with electropop and 80s synth influences. The album received praise for being "Vibrant," "Authentic," and "Slinky," with hit singles including "In Plain Sight" and "Nah." Khalid recently received Billboard's "Disruptor" award at the 2025 Live Billboard Music Summit, honoring his influence on music, genre diversity, and creative innovation.

He has also found success in dance and electronic music with "Nobody (Make Me Feel)" featuring Oskar Med K, followed by "Save My Love," a collaboration with KYGO and Griffyn in 2025.

Ticket presale for fan club members begins July 13 (12:00-23:59). Mastercard holders in Thailand can purchase presale tickets from 12:00 on Tuesday, July 14, until 11:59 on Wednesday, July 15. UOB cardholders also receive presale access.

Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has partnered with the private sector to expand electric vehicle charging infrastructure as part of its commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

On July 8, 2026, at Zeekr House Charoen Nakhon in Thon Buri district, Deputy Bangkok Governor's Office Permanent Secretary Lertlak Leelarueangsang attended a press conference and co-chaired the opening ceremony of a new EV charging station. She delivered a keynote address titled "Sustainable Mobility for Carbon-Free Future." Executives from the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT), TPM Group, Zeekr Thailand, and representatives from government agencies and private companies also participated.

Lertlak emphasized that the BMA has prioritized sustainable urban development and climate action through its Climate Change Master Plan. The city has introduced major initiatives including the Bangkok Energy Action Plan and the Waste and Wastewater Action Plan to achieve significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Bangkok aims to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050, with an interim target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 49% by 2030—equivalent to approximately 10.15 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. The strategy focuses on four key sectors: energy, transportation, waste and wastewater management, and green urban development.

The transport sector offers the greatest opportunity for emissions reduction, accounting for up to 39% of the city's overall reduction target. Promoting electric vehicles is therefore critical to reducing air pollution, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and improving residents' quality of life.

The BMA continues to advance clean-energy transportation through initiatives such as the BMA Feeder electric bus service, which connects with mass transit routes, and electric passenger boats operating on Khlong Saen Saep. The city is also gradually replacing government vehicles with EVs to model low-carbon public sector operations.

Lertlak stated that the new charging station represents a significant milestone in public-private cooperation to strengthen EV infrastructure. The project is expected to enhance convenience for EV users, boost consumer confidence, support Thailand's electric vehicle industry growth, and help transform Bangkok into a sustainable low-carbon city.

"The BMA is committed to working with government agencies, the private sector and the public to develop cleaner transport systems, improve energy efficiency, embrace future technologies and enhance people's quality of life while achieving Bangkok's Net Zero goal by 2050," she said.

The newly opened ZEEKR Power TPM 960 Ultra Fast Charging station is located at the Bukkhalo intersection on Charoen Nakhon Road. With 960-kilowatt charging capacity, it is Thailand's most powerful EV charging station.

PHUKET — 8 July 2026, Police are searching for a foreign tourist accused of assaulting a jet ski operator at Patong Beach after allegedly refusing to pay for damage caused in a jet ski collision.

The incident occurred on Tuesday at Patong Beach in Kathu district after the tourist allegedly crashed a rented jet ski into another watercraft, causing damage. According to the operator, the tourist refused to pay for the repairs, walked away from the beach and later allegedly attacked the caretaker during a dispute.

The jet ski operator said he initially tried to resolve the matter amicably, explaining that there was clear evidence showing the tourist had damaged the jet ski. However, the tourist allegedly refused to compensate for the damage and walked toward Bangla Road.

The operator said he followed the tourist to ask why he would not accept responsibility, prompting a heated argument. He alleged the tourist then lifted him and slammed him to the ground before repeatedly punching him in the face and fleeing the scene.

Doctors later found the victim had sustained multiple injuries, including facial swelling, extensive bruising and a fractured cheekbone. He said he did not fight back because he wanted the matter to be handled through legal channels.

The victim later filed a complaint with investigators at Patong Police Station, telling officers that a family of three foreign tourists—a man, a woman and a child—had rented two jet skis before one of the watercrafts was damaged in the collision.

According to his statement, the family walked toward Bangla Road after refusing to pay for the damage. When he followed them, the man allegedly assaulted him before fleeing toward Jungceylon Shopping Centre.

Pol. Col. Korakrit Khankhruea, superintendent of Patong Police Station, said investigators had been ordered to review CCTV footage and gather evidence to identify and locate the suspect.

He said police would pursue legal action while ensuring fairness to all parties involved.

The victim is seeking compensation for both the damaged jet ski and his injuries, and called on authorities to take firm action against tourists who break the law to help maintain confidence among tourism operators and workers in Phuket.

S Cola is revving up excitement once again by sponsoring the Bangsaen Grand Prix 2026, Asia's premier international street circuit racing championship, now in its seventh year. The beverage brand is sending leading Thai drivers from AAS Motorsport to compete in the Supercar GT4 category, featuring renowned racers Boom Kantathee Kusiri and Micky Kamick Kanasoot, both champions of the Thailand Super Series 2025, along with drivers Poo Dechathon Phooakravorti and Om Thanaphat Sutthiswang.

At the recent Thailand Super Series 2026 event in May, Boom and Poo competing under car number 91 secured first place in race two and second place in race four. Micky and Om, driving car number 9, achieved third place in race two and third position in race four, demonstrating strong performance on the international circuit.

Beyond the track, S Cola created an immersive experience for motorsport fans attending the Bangsaen street circuit event in Chachoengsao province (July 4-5, 2026). The brand distributed samples of its new "est Shoot Salty Lemonade" flavor—a crisp blend of tangy lemon and salt with low sugar and B-complex vitamins. The highlight included exclusive Meet & Greet sessions at the S Cola booth where fans met AAS Motorsport drivers, received autographed merchandise, and gained access to exclusive grid walk passes. For S Cola, being awesome extends beyond the racetrack into every moment of life.

SAIC Motor-CP and MG Sales (Thailand), the manufacturer and distributor of MG vehicles in Thailand, have started delivering the new MG Urban electric vehicle to its first batch of customers following its official launch and overwhelmingly positive reception from Thai consumers. The model's standout features include smart, easy-to-use functions designed specifically for Thai users. In a remarkably short timeframe, the MG Urban has achieved over 3,000 pre-orders, reflecting strong customer confidence in MG's new electric vehicle offering across design, technology, value, and performance that suits everyday driving needs.

This success underscores MG's commitment to introducing modern automotive innovations and expanding access to quality electric vehicle experiences for Thailand's growing consumer base. The MG Urban was developed under the "LIFE EASY" concept to enhance urban living with convenience, agility, and greater peace of mind. Features include intelligent technologies such as Smart Parking Assist and Remote Auto Parking, plus Level 2 ADAS driving assistance systems. The vehicle offers a maximum range of 530 kilometers per charge under NEDC standards.

The spacious cabin combines intelligent connectivity technology suited to modern lifestyles, while five-star safety ratings from Euro NCAP and ANCAP provide additional confidence. The vehicle also includes an EV Lifetime Warranty covering the high-voltage battery, motor drive unit, and motor control unit with no mileage or ownership limitations.

Ta Shen Shen, Managing Director of SAIC Motor-CP, stated that the MG Urban launch demonstrates Thai customers' continued confidence in the MG brand. "We are grateful to our Thai customers and media partners for the excellent response, enabling us to secure over 3,000 pre-orders in a short period. This success reflects MG's strategy of bringing global innovations to develop vehicles that understand and meet the lifestyle needs of Thai consumers through meticulous design combined with advanced technology and safety standards," he said.

In response to the exceptional demand, MG has accelerated production capacity and is managing all operations fully to meet increased customer demand and expedite deliveries across all variants. Interested buyers can test drive the new MG Urban at MG dealerships nationwide and participate in roadshow events across various provinces, with additional special offers available at https://www.facebook.com/MGcarsThailand