Editor's Note: The following article is written by H.E. Mr. Zhang Jianwei, the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, on the occasion of the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand.

July 1, 2026 marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand.

Over the past 105 years of trials and hardships, the Communist Party of China has led the Chinese people in achieving a great leap from standing up and growing prosperous to becoming strong, and has brought about two miracles of rapid economic development and long-term social stability. In particular, since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, China has historically eradicated absolute poverty, comprehensively entered a stage of high-quality development, and steadily maintained its position as the world's second largest economy. Its international influence has been significantly enhanced, deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing with the rest of the world, continuously creating broad development opportunities for Thailand and other countries across the globe.

The Communist Party of China has always pursued an independent foreign policy of peace. It is dedicated to pursuing happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation and human progress and world harmony. Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, China is committed to building a community with a shared future for mankind, actively implements the four major global initiatives, and advocates a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation. China is unwavering in its role as a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, a defender of the international order, and a provider of public goods. It has always been a trustworthy and reliable partner for Thailand.

Concerted efforts over the past 51 years have yielded fruitful results. No matter how the international landscape has evolved, China and Thailand have always stood together and forged ahead side by side. The two countries respect each other's development paths and firmly support each other in safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests. Our mutually beneficial cooperation has yielded remarkable results. Bilateral trade volume has increased by more than 6,000 times compared with the early days of diplomatic relations. China has been Thailand's largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years, and is also Thailand's largest export market for agricultural products, a major source of investment, and a leading source of tourists. The two countries have also maintained close coordination on regional and international affairs, jointly promoting peace and development, and have worked together to address risks.

At 11:00 AM on July 1, 2025, rescue workers from Thammaratmaneerat Station responded to a report of a ten-wheeler dump truck losing control and striking a garland vendor at an intersection in Muang District, Chachoengsao Province. The victim was trapped beneath the vehicle. Rescuers quickly used two hydraulic jacks to carefully lift the truck before extracting the injured man.

The victim, 50-year-old Eik (surname withheld), a garland vendor, sustained multiple injuries including a fractured right leg. After initial first aid at the scene, he was transported to Chachoengsao Hospital for detailed medical evaluation.

According to the driver, retired Sergeant Major Somneuk Hancha, former commander of Bang Nam Prio Police Station in Chachoengsao, he was heading to pick up goods in the Saensuk area when he reached the traffic intersection during a red light. He attempted to brake but found the brakes had failed. To avoid hitting other vehicles, he swerved onto the sidewalk but failed to notice the garland vendor standing in the road median and struck him with force.

Police are conducting a detailed investigation of the scene, interviewing the driver and witnesses, and inspecting the truck to determine the exact cause of the accident and take appropriate legal action.

Saphan Khwai Police Station conducted surveillance using hidden cameras to track a motorcycle theft gang, eventually capturing the entire group and linking them to violent crimes in both Thonburi and Nonthaburi areas. On July 1, 2026, officers led by Pol. Col. Samroay Phromphat announced the arrest of three suspects: Traiphop, age 19; Theerphol, age 19; and Thanyarak, age 19. Police seized 49 items including stolen motorcycles, motorcycle key components, lock-picking tools, helmets, and clothing worn during the crimes.

Officers charged the gang with organized nighttime motorcycle theft using vehicles to facilitate their crimes. Before the arrests, the suspects had stolen multiple motorcycles in the jurisdiction of Metropolitan Police Division 9. Investigators analyzed criminal behavior patterns, studied the timing of crimes, and continuously reviewed CCTV footage to track the gang.

After committing thefts, the criminals would flee to Phra Pin 5 Village in Soi Ekachai 109. On June 30, officers spotted Traiphop riding a motorcycle matching one used in the crimes. When confronted with CCTV footage showing him at crime scenes, Traiphop confessed to multiple motorcycle thefts.

Traiphop revealed that after stealing motorcycles, he would keep them at his rental room. Theerphol would contact buyers, who would send trucks to collect the vehicles. Before handover, they would change the keys and ignition switches, and arrange forged identity card and vehicle registration copies through a person called "Tee." Police found one Honda Wave motorcycle at Traiphop's room that he admitted stealing from Rama 5 Road in Phlai Bang subdistrict, ready for delivery to a buyer. They also recovered theft tools, stolen vehicle registrations, motorcycle parts, and clothing used during crimes.

Officers arrested Theerphol at a rental room in Soi Phahonyothin 58, who confessed to using aircraft aluminum to pry open motorcycle ignitions and working with Traiphop and Thanyarak. Police later arrested Thanyarak in Soi Bang Khae 14. All suspects admitted selling each stolen motorcycle for approximately 20,000 baht and dividing the proceeds.

Pa Khayan has purchased lottery tickets from the renowned Je Haeng lottery stand for the July 1, 2026 draw, following a dramatic incident involving an illegal Sukhothai lottery. Previously, on June 24, Pa Khayan bought from Je Haeng, and the vendor posted about it on Facebook. This time, Je Haeng posted a photo of Pa Khayan holding two tickets numbered 375753, with a caption suggesting she favors the number 3.

For this draw on July 1, 2026, Pa Khayan is holding two lucky number combinations: 463923 and 218632. This follows a recent high-profile incident where Pa Khayan purchased a winning ticket from Je Haeng's stand but a neighbor stole and destroyed it before later confessing to the crime. Je Haeng's lottery stand has built a legendary reputation for producing first-prize winners.

On July 1, 2025, the National Buddhist Office's civil service committee voted to dismiss Buncheert Kittithrang, Deputy Director of the National Buddhist Office, and Pransuveert Awoaramrasmi, Director of the Rayong Provincial Buddhist Office, for gross misconduct. The committee also voted to terminate Ms. Patchaman Chai Khlong Kitr, a senior administrative official, effective June 29, 2025.

The dismissals stem from a temple allowance fund embezzlement case in Pathum Thani Province that occurred when Buncheert served as director of the provincial office before his transfer to the national office in July 2024. Pransuveert subsequently took over the Pathum Thani position in August 2024, while Patchaman worked under both directors during this period.

The Office of the Auditor General discovered irregularities in fund disbursements totaling approximately 800,000 baht, with funds being transferred directly to Patchaman's bank account. The investigation revealed that Buncheert and Pransuveert failed to verify whether the money reached eligible monks in the region. Furthermore, both officials signed off falsely claiming budget disbursement was complete, and they provided Patchaman with confidential authorization codes meant exclusively for the provincial director's use, enabling her to approve budgets independently.

The Auditor General's office reported the matter to the National Buddhist Office and the Central Investigation Police, leading to the civil service committee's decision. The committee determined that Buncheert and Pransuveert deliberately failed to perform their duties according to civil service procedures, undermining institutional credibility. Patchaman was dismissed for her direct involvement in the scheme. The National Buddhist Office has since removed Buncheert's name from its administrative leadership structure.

Actress Lingling Kwong personally posted a lengthy statement on X (Twitter) to address fan tensions that emerged over the July promotional schedule for 'In Love Forever,' her drama series with co-star Orm Kornnaphat. One faction of fans demanded more promotional content and episode reactions from Thai Channel 3, while another sympathized with the actresses' demanding schedules. In her message, Lingling acknowledged her private preference to avoid social media but committed to increasing her online presence for fans. She gently redirected blame for limited promotional materials to her own personality traits rather than the production company, while firmly calling for fans to maintain rationality and reject online toxicity. She expressed gratitude for fan support and emphasized her love for kind, thoughtful followers. Her measured response, balancing accountability with boundary-setting, drew widespread admiration for her maturity and grace in defusing the conflict without blaming either side.