An independent inquiry committee appointed by the Supreme Court President scheduled hearings today at the Supreme Court on Ratchadamnoen Road for NACC Commissioner Akwit Watchwalkul and three others, including former Deputy Police Commissioner General Surchest Hakpal. They face misconduct charges related to Watchwalkul allegedly receiving a 246-baht gold bribe from Hakpal, who is under NACC investigation for allegedly benefiting from online gambling websites.

Multiple news outlets positioned themselves at designated media areas along Khlong Lot, but the accused did not appear at the announced location. Reports indicate they used alternative Supreme Court entrances to access the hearing. The independent panel used a courtroom designated for cases involving political office holders, though it is not an official judicial bench.

The independent inquiry committee functioned as investigators conducting interrogations. Accused parties were summoned to a U-shaped seating arrangement with four microphones to answer questioning. The proceedings remained confidential with no information released to media. Observers noted that if the accused fail to present conclusive evidence, the investigation results and whether charges will be pursued could lean toward the negative.

The bribery case originated from investigations into Hakpal's alleged online gambling benefits. Investigators uncovered evidence of 246 baht of gold bars given as a bribe to Watchwalkul, who oversaw or was involved in case proceedings at the time. Police compiled evidence for prosecution on charges of giving and receiving bribes and misconduct under Article 157. Hakpal's legal team maintains his innocence and disputes the police investigative process.

Because Watchwalkul is the accused bribe recipient, the NACC cannot pursue the investigation. Under the constitution, the Supreme Court President appointed nine independent investigators including judges, senior prosecutors, legal scholars, and former anti-corruption officials.

Khon Kaen recently inaugurated the "Volunteer City-Viewing" operational project at Wat Pa Chai Wan's early childhood development center, with Deputy Mayor Bunyarut Panitchayrungrieng presiding. The education office organized the activity to help students and youth leave their classrooms, experience real community settings, and learn the history of various locations within Khon Kaen municipality while improving the early childhood center—currently undergoing renovation as a learning and community development hub. Participants painted, landscaped, and created symbolic artwork to serve as educational materials.

Deputy Mayor Bunyarut stated that the municipality, particularly the education office, prioritizes involving youth in urban development. While volunteer groups sometimes work in underdeveloped areas, urban zones also require attention. "When children help maintain these spaces while learning about local history, they develop greater appreciation and understanding," he said. "Wat Pa Chai Wan's center is being enhanced with painting and artwork that serve both as area symbols and teaching tools for young children."

Volunteer participants came from multiple schools within and around the municipality. All agreed that urban development requires community participation and instilling civic pride. This four-year continuous initiative involves collaborative efforts in cleaning, maintenance, and improvement work resembling volunteer camps. When youth engage in hands-on activities, they pass positive values and civic consciousness to future generations.

Student volunteer Kwisara Ramphanninym said she wanted to experience Khon Kaen differently beyond the classroom, meet new friends, and gain new experiences. "This activity showed me Khon Kaen from a new perspective. We identified problems and worked together on solutions. I encourage others to join in developing our city," she said.

On July 6, 2569, at the Saimai Must Survive page office, 65-year-old Phen filed an urgent justice complaint regarding an incident in which she and her 18-year-old granddaughter were victimized by a group of teenagers who destroyed property and used knife weapons to slash her room door at the Aue-athan Housing Project on Phemi Sin Road. The incident falls under Bang Khae Police Station's jurisdiction, but no case progress has been made despite more than two months passing.

The incident occurred on May 21, 2569, around 7:00 p.m., when Phen was resting in her room with her granddaughter. A group of teenagers first caused a disturbance upstairs, then came down to Phen's room and violently slashed the door with knife weapons, causing severe damage. The terrifying behavior shocked Phen so greatly that she lost consciousness at the scene. The exact time the perpetrators fled remains unclear.

After the incident, Phen immediately filed a report with Bang Khae Police Station investigators. However, to date, no arrests have been made, despite having crucial evidence in the form of clear CCTV footage documenting the incident and the criminals' behavior. This has forced Phen and her family to live in fear and anxiety about their safety and property.

Phen provided additional information that she knows one perpetrator is "Nai To," who previously knew her son and had visited the upstairs room to eat. However, she is uncertain whether Nai To had any personal conflict with her son.

She urges police to expedite the arrest of all perpetrators and proceed with legal action, as well as promptly compensate for damages.

Ekphop Lueangprasert, founder of the Saimai Must Survive page who is assisting in this case, stated the case is not complicated at all, as there are witness testimony, circumstantial evidence, and clear CCTV video footage documenting the incident. He urges Bang Khae Police Station to accelerate their work and pursue the teenage perpetrators for legal proceedings as soon as possible, as the victim has suffered and awaited justice for more than two months. He expressed confidence that if police proceed seriously and diligently, the perpetrators can be arrested and prosecuted within just two days.

Prime Minister's adviser Wan Nor Mata addressed a Nida Poll survey on July 6, 2025, at Government House, explaining that PM Anutin Charnvirakul's approval ratings have declined due to multiple pressing issues. He noted that difficulties are normal for any administration and urged continued determination to overcome them.

Wan Nor stated that while the Prime Minister and cabinet are committed to solving problems, they face compounding challenges both domestically and regionally. He emphasized the importance of morale and securing cooperation from all sectors, particularly national unity and public support for government initiatives.

When asked about recent news reports, Wan Nor smiled and declined to comment, saying he was unaware of specifics. He similarly avoided speculation about whether emerging trends were politically motivated.

JAS invites volleyball fans to support Thailand's women's national team in Week 3 of the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL 2026) in Osaka, Japan, where they will face four world-class opponents. As the broadcast rights holder for VNL 2026 in Thailand, JAS is offering complete live coverage of all matches through Monomax streaming and MONOMAX SPORTS TV throughout the tournament.

The VNL 2026 Week 3 competition runs July 8-12, 2026, with simultaneous tournaments in three locations: Osaka, Japan; Hong Kong; and Belgrade, Serbia. Teams compete for crucial points and rankings to advance to the finals. Thailand's women's team will face Japan, Turkey, Poland, and the United States in Osaka.

Thailand's match schedule (Thailand time): • Wednesday, July 8 at 1:30 PM: Thailand vs. USA (Monomax) • Thursday, July 9 at 5:20 PM: Japan vs. Thailand (Monomax and MONOMAX SPORTS TV) • Saturday, July 11 at 1:30 PM: Thailand vs. Brazil (Monomax) • Sunday, July 12 at 1:30 PM: Thailand vs. Turkey (Monomax)

Week 3 is a critical turning point for all teams, making every match crucial for Thailand's pursuit of higher rankings. Fans can watch all matches free on MONOMAX SPORTS TV or subscribe to the Monomax Sports Basic package for 199 baht per month or 1,599 baht per year for full live and replay coverage throughout the tournament.

Beyond his entertainment career where actor Toy Phongsakorn dedicates himself to performing diverse roles, he also makes time for running—his favorite activity. He has balanced his work schedule with exercise and successfully completed multiple marathons. Toy previously played golf but shifted to running based on advice from industry professionals. Beyond personal health benefits, running has improved his work performance, including body maintenance and physical stamina for action scenes without fatigue.

Toy explains that people run for different reasons—some for health, others to challenge themselves through marathons. "Running for health means enjoying the activity, which leads to longer, more effective workouts. It's something I love and do for my own health. Running to challenge myself is like pushing my limits. Marathon running requires tremendous discipline, teaching many lessons about rest, sleep, nutrition, and training. Marathon training isn't just about race day; the preparation journey is equally important. Each marathon provided different perspectives—pressure, satisfaction, or sometimes wanting to quit due to limited training time because of back-to-back filming for seven days, making one actual race more difficult than previous ones."

As he entered the serious running world, Toy describes physical and mental changes in himself, with his family appreciating his discipline. He must sacrifice certain things—declining outings with friends to get home early and rest before early morning training sessions starting at 4:30 AM.

"Running mentally helps with focus, letting go, and building discipline. It requires sacrifices, like choosing not to party with friends to get proper rest before early morning training. That's trading something for something better. I suggest thinking about which path you choose—one that benefits your health or one that doesn't."

"Every foundation starts with walking. Begin with walking, then gradually shift to slow running with walking breaks. I believe this pace allows continuous, longer-term running. Many feel pressured to run fast like others or maintain low pace. For health running, monitor heart rate around 140-145 BPM—where you can still talk while running. This heart rate range helps your body burn fat as energy and improves health. Just 30 minutes daily provides health benefits."

By prioritizing a strong body, the results are improved health. The Ministry of Public Health also emphasizes comprehensive health care to encourage everyone toward better health and quality of life. "Good health means being with loved ones longer without burdening others. It just requires exercise. Many make excuses, postponing until tomorrow. If you don't start, your health suffers. The ministry continuously promotes exercise, explaining benefits and consequences of inactivity, encouraging Thais to prioritize health for better quality of life and longer time with loved ones—not just exercise, but comprehensive wellness."