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No. 01 · ENDLESS
Police

Former Official Admits to Audio in Exam Cheating Scandal

Former Agriculture Ministry official Krit admits his voice appears in an audio clip linked to an exam cheating scandal but denies involvement in fraud, apologizing to Deputy PM Thongsak for reputational damage.

2h ago Khaosod

On July 1, 2025, Phongkorn Saothon (Krit), a former committee member of the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry and one of the voices in the audio clip regarding an exam fraud scheme, visited Thung Song Hom Police Station with his lawyer Yuttapong Petcahote to declare his innocence and deny any attempt to evade authorities.

The case began on June 30 when Tiwa Karakrasan, representing Deputy Prime Minister Thongsak Thongsi, filed a complaint at the police station against three individuals: Som, Krit (the voices in the recording), and Bangjack (who distributed it). They face charges of joint defamation and computer crimes.

Krit confirmed the voice in the clip was genuinely his, not AI-generated, and apologized to Deputy Prime Minister Thongsak Thongsi for the damage to his reputation caused by the public exposure. He asserted that neither he nor Thongsak was involved in any exam fraud scheme.

Regarding his relationship with Gandapart (Som), Krit clarified they met only recently through a mutual acquaintance and had met just once in Surat Thani province. He denied any special closeness or negotiations for personal gain, stating the audio was recorded since late last year. He has provided a full statement to investigators.

Krit's lawyer revealed that formal charges have not yet been filed because his client came forward voluntarily. The legal team is gathering evidence to file a counter-complaint against those responsible for secretly recording and publicly distributing the private conversation.

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Police

Thailand Battles Dual Drug Crisis: Trafficking and Addiction

Thailand faces a mounting drug crisis both as a trafficking hub and domestic addiction epicenter, with authorities struggling to address root causes in neighboring production facilities despite international pressure and mounting public saf

2h ago Khaosod

Thailand's role as a transit point for drug trafficking to other countries has gained international attention following the recent arrest of a Thai Airways flight attendant in Australia. Drug enforcement agencies must thoroughly investigate this trafficking network and arrest all involved parties while implementing measures to prevent Thailand from becoming a drug smuggling corridor. International scrutiny threatens Thailand's international standing and could harm tourism and exports through stricter inspections, damaging the nation's credibility.

However, the drug crisis extends beyond export concerns. Domestic drug addiction is rampant and deeply troubling, with Thai society in crisis due to widespread drug use and trafficking. Streets are increasingly filled with intoxicated individuals behaving erratically and dangerously. Drug-induced hallucinations lead to violent attacks on civilians, with cases of drug-influenced motorcycle riders throwing rocks at parked cars already reported. These incidents pose serious threats to public safety.

While authorities including the Narcotics Control Board and police continually conduct investigations and make arrests, they have failed to address the root cause: production facilities in neighboring countries, both on the western and northeastern borders. Tackling the source requires government-level policy and international cooperation with neighboring countries. Otherwise, Thailand will remain a drug trafficking hub, with authorities only addressing symptoms rather than the underlying problem.

The drug trafficking export issue demands urgent action to show the international community Thailand's commitment. Equally critical is controlling domestic drug sales and addiction within the country. Comprehensive measures and regional cooperation are essential to break the cycle.

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National

Retirement Lottery Program Moving Forward

Thailand's retirement savings lottery program is moving toward implementation after the National Savings Fund Committee confirmed no obstacles remain. The digital scheme, priced at 50 baht per ticket, allows Thais aged 15+ to accumulate sav

2h ago Khaosod

The National Savings Fund Committee secretary-general announced the advancement of the retirement savings lottery program, or "Huay Kaesiwan," for the public. The secretary-general stated that discussions with the Finance Ministry and policy officials show no obstacles to the project's progression. The committee is requesting 60 days to organize and clarify the system before presenting it to the Finance Minister for consideration. If approved, full implementation will accelerate, with clarity expected by the end of 2025 and official ticket sales to commence.

The Huay Kaesiwan project originated from the Pheu Thai Party when it led the government after the 2023 election, driven by the Finance Ministry and the National Savings Fund Committee under the concept of "buy lottery, money doesn't disappear, it becomes savings."

The initial format involves digital scratch-off tickets priced at 50 baht each. Eligible buyers must be Thai nationals aged 15 and above, with a monthly purchase limit of 3,000 baht. Prize drawings occur every Friday, with a first prize of 1,000,000 baht (5 prizes) and a second prize of 1,000 baht (10,000 prizes).

Crucially, money spent on tickets will not be lost but accumulated as savings, with full refund upon reaching age 60.

Phaophoomi Rojansokul, deputy leader of Pheu Thai Party and former Finance Ministry official who championed the project, expressed support for the current Finance Ministry's continuation of the policy for public benefit. The former official noted that the program has gained international recognition as an innovative model, with international organizations preparing to study Thailand's lottery savings model in depth.

The former official stated that the previous government developed and promoted this policy, resulting in the National Savings Fund Act being published in the Royal Gazette as law. The National Savings Fund Committee system is ready to support Huay Kaesiwan.

The program has passed approval from both the House of Representatives and Senate, indicating widespread acceptance. If the current government recognizes the benefits, it can immediately continue and advance the project.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Democrat Party Faces Long Road to Recovery After Bangkok Election

The Democrat Party's poor showing in Bangkok's recent governor and district elections reveals a crisis of public confidence, with the party's traditional voter base failing to return despite vigorous campaigning by top leaders.

2h ago Khaosod

The Bangkok governor and district election results reveal more than just political direction in the capital—they also indicate the Democrat Party's challenges in reviving public support, a road that remains long and difficult. The party's gubernatorial candidate received substantially fewer votes compared to the party's House election performance in February, while winning only 8 districts in the subgovernor races. This confirms that the party's traditional voter base in Bangkok has not returned, and popular support has not recovered as expected. The party must now undertake a comprehensive strategic review, since relying on past reputation or former political ties is no longer adequate. Instead, candidates must build their identity through genuine accomplishments, maintain close contact with the public, understand local issues, and prove they can truly represent constituents in their districts. This Bangkok election also reflects an encouraging trend in Thai politics: Bangkok residents now value tangible accomplishments over political attacks and rhetoric. Political mudslinging carries less weight than credibility demonstrated through actual performance. Many hope this represents a significant turning point in Thai politics across all arenas, where voters support politicians based on results rather than clever but hollow discourse. For the Democrat Party, fielding candidates this cycle represents an attempt to regain the attention of Bangkok voters once more. Party leaders—including Abhisit Vejjajiva, Korn Chatikavanij, and Dr. Kharidi Lueawyoichueb—all campaigned vigorously and worked to restore the party as a viable choice for Bangkok residents. Yet the final election tally shows the Democrats still face considerable challenges ahead. Bangkok voters today no longer vote automatically based on party name alone. Instead, they carefully evaluate candidates, party image, and administrative credibility simultaneously. This is a major hurdle the Democrat Party must clear if it hopes to stand firmly in Bangkok politics again.

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Tourism

Fortune Teller Shares Lucky Charms For Hong Kong Year-End

A renowned Thai fortune teller shared lucky worship practices for visitors to Hong Kong's temples, recommending specific deities like Tai Sui and Guan Yu for blessings during the year's second half.

3h ago Khaosod

Ajarn Khattiya Shinbanchar joined the Hong Kong Tourism Authority's "Good Fortune Luncheon" event at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park to reveal fortune-seeking rituals popular among Thai visitors to Hong Kong and provide entertainment industry updates for the latter half of the year.

When visiting Hong Kong in the second half of the year, Khattiya recommends worshipping at Tai Sui temples. The first deity to visit is Tai Sui, as Jupiter holds powerful influence through this year into next. He specifically recommends the Room 60 Tai Sui at Wong Tai Sin Temple, where visitors can receive blessings from celestial powers and the universe, surrounded by all 60 Tai Sui deities and Tao Tei.

Other important stops include shrines dedicated to Guan Yu for those in military or police work, and Guan Yu temples for those born in Rat or Ox years. Khattiya emphasizes proper etiquette: bow to heaven and earth first, dress respectfully, and maintain sincere faith. He advises learning a deity's virtues—whether benevolence, commerce, smoothness, victory, good fortune, wealth, health, or love—to ask for appropriate blessings. When praying, he recommends making only one or two specific requests to maintain focused spiritual energy.

When asked about immediate results, Khattiya highlights two locations where wishes are said to materialize quickly. Guan Yin Hung Hum temple is popular for lottery wins and financial blessings. He personally requested financial assistance from authority figures and received results immediately upon landing. The fortune teller visits nearly every month, making additional requests and giving thanks with each visit.

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National

Parliament Deputy Dismisses Critique Over Lottery Distraction

Deputy Speaker Mallika Jiraphanthavannich blocked a Bangkok MP's critical slides during a parliamentary budget debate, dismissing his concerns about defense spending by noting that lottery drawings had distracted public attention.

3h ago Khaosod

At 3:30 p.m. on July 1, 2025, during a parliamentary session discussing the 2570 fiscal year budget bill, Deputy Speaker Mallika Jiraphanthavannich, who was chairing the meeting, clarified procedures for presentation slides to be displayed in the chamber. She requested that lawmakers submit slides to the audio-visual team for screening first, as some content may occasionally be offensive or cause staff inconvenience. She noted that certain slides from Bangkok MP Ekachai Udomamnuay of the Democratic Party would not be permitted to be shown.

"Ekachai's substance is already strong enough," Mallika said. "There's no need to sensationalize or invoke 'demon lawyer' tactics right now. The lottery is drawing today—believe me, people are busy checking their lottery tickets, not really watching us. At 3:30 this afternoon, by 4 o'clock they'll know who won. You need to understand how ordinary people think."

Ekachai had criticized the Defense Ministry budget by employing a parable about three demons consuming military funds: phantom soldiers who exist only on paper to collect salaries, fraudulent researchers manipulating budgets, and finally the "demon minister" allegedly pushing through improper arms deals.

"If the current government's budget allocation process is infected by these three demons eating away at Defense Ministry funds—especially the largest one, the demon minister—then I cannot support allocating the Defense Ministry budget in this manner," Ekachai stated.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai Airways Resumes Amsterdam Route After 28 Years

Thai Airways resumed direct flights between Bangkok and Amsterdam after nearly three decades, launching daily service to strengthen travel connections between Thailand and Europe through its Star Alliance network.

3h ago Khaosod

Thai Airways International launched its inaugural direct flight between Bangkok and Amsterdam on Tuesday, marking the airline's return to the Dutch capital after a 28-year absence. A ceremony at Suvarnabhumi Airport was attended by Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri, Chief Commercial Officer Kittipong Sarnsombat, airline executives, staff and invited guests. Passengers on the inaugural flight received commemorative souvenirs.

The airline said the resumed route aims to meet growing travel demand while improving connections between Thailand, the Asia-Pacific region and major European destinations through the Star Alliance network. The Bangkok–Amsterdam service will operate daily, with Flight TG936 departing Bangkok at 05:35 and arriving in Amsterdam at 12:40 local time, while Flight TG937 departs Amsterdam at 14:15 local time and arrives in Bangkok at 06:35 the following day.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

School Criticized For 5,500-Baht Teacher Pay

A Kalasin primary school faced backlash for offering temporary English teachers just 5,500 baht monthly, sparking debate over inadequate educator wages and public school funding.

3h ago Khaosod

KALASIN — A primary school in Kalasin province has sparked widespread criticism after advertising a temporary English teaching position with a monthly salary of just 5,500 baht.

Ban Non Yang School in Kuchinarai district, under the Kalasin Primary Educational Service Area Office 3, announced on 1 July 2026 that it is seeking one temporary employee for the position of assistant teacher/English teacher.

Applicants must hold at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent in English. The advertised salary is 5,500 baht per month.

Applications are being accepted in person at the school's personnel office from 1–7 July 2026, between 09:00 and 15:00, including weekends and public holidays.

After the recruitment notice was shared online, social media users questioned whether the salary was enough to support a basic standard of living.

Many commenters noted that the monthly pay amounts to about 275 baht per day for a 20-day working month, arguing that it is lower than wages earned by many daily labourers. Others said food delivery riders working only a few hours a day could earn more, while some questioned whether the wage complies with Thailand's labour laws.

The recruitment notice has reignited debate over low pay for temporary teachers and funding for public education.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai Short Film Advances to Student Oscar Semifinals

A Thai short film titled 'Of Veins and Wires' has made history by becoming the first from Thailand to reach the semifinalist stage of the 2026 Student Academy Awards, competing among 61 finalists from nearly 3,000 submissions worldwide. The

3h ago Khaosod

BANGKOK — On July 1, 2026, 'Of Veins and Wires' made history as the first Thai short film to reach the semifinalist stage at the 2026 Student Academy Awards, widely known as the "Student Oscars," which represents the student equivalent of the Academy Awards.

The film is among 61 finalists selected from a total of 2,972 submissions worldwide. The competition will now advance to a final voting round to determine which films win awards.

'Of Veins and Wires' is a thesis project created by Supakorn Kitwattanachai (known as "Petch"), with Tanbhiti Supatwanich as co-producer. The project was developed through the Communication Design programme at the Faculty of Architecture at Chulalongkorn University.

Set in Bangkok in 2055, the film envisions a future where artificial womb technology has made pregnancy optional rather than mandatory. This breakthrough raises hope, controversy, and profound questions throughout society.

Blending documentary and fictional elements in a docu-fiction format, the film explores the ethical and social dimensions of reproductive technology through interviews with three women while showing viewers behind the scenes of a fictional artificial womb clinic. The film presents multiple perspectives on whether society should embrace or resist the future of childbirth.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Weather

Heavy Rain Alert: Northeast And South Thailand Braces For Storms

Thailand's Meteorological Department warns of heavy to very heavy rain across the northeast and southern coast through July 3, with flash flooding likely in low-lying areas and waves exceeding 3 meters in the Andaman Sea.

3h ago Khaosod

The Thai Meteorological Department issued severe weather alert number 11 on July 1, 2025, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall across Thailand from July 1-3. The worst conditions are expected in the upper northeastern region, eastern region, and western coast of southern Thailand, caused by a monsoon trough and strong southwest monsoon. Affected provinces include Chachoengsao, Trat, Chumphon, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun, among many others across the northeast, north, central, and south. Residents should prepare for potential flash floods and flooding in hilly and low-lying areas. Maritime warnings indicate waves of 2-3 meters in the upper Andaman Sea, exceeding 3 meters during thunderstorms, with smaller boats advised to avoid departure. A tropical depression in the South China Sea near coordinates 14.0°N, 116.5°E with maximum winds of 55 km/h is moving westward at 30 km/h and is expected to intensify into a tropical cyclone by July 4-6, moving toward southern China without direct impact on Thailand. The public is urged to monitor updates from the Thai Meteorological Department via http://www.tmd.go.th or by calling 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182 available 24 hours daily.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Thai Airways Suspends Flight Attendant Over Heroin Smuggling

Thai Airways suspended a flight attendant arrested by Australian police with heroin, saying the incident reflects individual misconduct rather than systemic safety failures. The airline emphasized its strict protocols prohibiting crew from

3h ago Khaosod

Thai Airways stated that a flight attendant arrested by Australian police with heroin has clearly violated company discipline. The airline's HR director, Janthrika Chotiksathian, clarified the company's internal procedures, disciplinary measures, personnel screening and training protocols. She emphasized that this was an individual act and does not reflect on the airline's safety standards.

The attendant, who began working for Thai Airways in 2566-2567, earned a base salary of 15,000-20,000 baht monthly, with total monthly income averaging 50,000-60,000 baht including flight pay and other compensation.

When disciplinary cases arise, the airline suspends the employee and forms an investigation committee, allowing the employee to clarify their position. Thai Airways stated it does not tolerate any disciplinary violations and has strict rules prohibiting pilots and crew from accepting items for transport, or misusing their company position for personal gain.

Chotiksathian emphasized that the incident must be separated from aviation safety concerns, as it reflects individual behavior, not systemic problems. She confirmed the airline maintains strict 3S standards—Service, Safety and Security—and that the company president has ordered a comprehensive review of all organizational rules and measures to identify and address any potential vulnerabilities. The airline reaffirmed its commitment to operational excellence and safety standards.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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