The Cabinet on 30 June approved a proposal from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs allowing the Republic of Iraq to reopen its embassy in Thailand, marking a significant upgrade in bilateral relations as the two countries celebrate 70 years of diplomatic ties.

Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said the decision follows Iraq's continued request to restore its diplomatic mission in Bangkok after improvements in its domestic stability.

She said the reopening of the embassy will enhance coordination between the two countries and open new opportunities for cooperation, particularly in energy, trade and investment.

Iraq is the world's fourth-largest oil producer, and Thai officials expect closer engagement in the energy sector as well as expanded trade links. Iraq is also an important export market for Thai rice.

The move is also expected to support tourism cooperation, as the number of Iraqi visitors to Thailand continues to rise. In 2025, Thailand recorded 15,644 Iraqi tourists, more than triple the previous year.

Officals said the embassy will further strengthen Thailand's role as a regional hub for engagement with the Middle East, while improving consular services and facilitation for Iraqi nationals in Thailand.

Mae Nam Nueng's lottery predictions for July 1, 2569 are now available for players seeking lucky numbers. This week's numerical guidance includes featured numbers, two-digit endings, three-digit endings, four-digit endings, and reserved numbers to help players choose their lottery tickets.

Featured numbers: 1, 2, 3, and 9 Two-digit endings: 12, 39, 13, 19, 29, and 23 Three-digit endings: 123 and 239

Fans have responded enthusiastically, sharing their plans to play both local and Thai national lottery games with comments of gratitude and well-wishes. The predictions also draw from a merit-making ceremony marking 100 days for the late comedian Neng Meng Chai, with players hoping to strike lucky numbers in this drawing.

Asian researchers have accelerated development of cyborg cockroaches—semi-robotic life forms capable of breathing underwater for three hours—to explore hazardous areas and conduct rescue missions in place of humans. Scientists have elevated these resilient insects into "tiny explorers" by developing a 3D-printed diving suit that allows cockroaches to survive submerged for extended periods, with potential applications in rescue operations, disaster zones, and possibly future space exploration.

Research published in Nature Communications reveals that the suit functions similarly to a human scuba tank. Professor Hirotaka Sato from the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore) leads the research team, explaining that this technology expands the capabilities of cyborg insects to operate in environments inaccessible to humans.

Previously, Sato's team successfully controlled Madagascar hissing cockroaches remotely by implanting electrodes into their sensory systems, achieving precise movement control and enabling multiple insects to coordinate collaborative tasks. Their ultimate goal is creating "biological rescue drones" using living organisms to locate survivors in dangerous areas.

A major limitation of cyborg insects was their inability to function underwater, as flooded environments hindered their mobility. Researchers designed a waterproof resin suit using 3D printing technology that generates oxygen and delivers it to the insect's respiratory opening, allowing operation on land and underwater.

Instead of human oxygen tanks, the suit uses a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and manganese dioxide to create oxygen for the cockroach's respiration. Trials showed cockroaches could move underwater for up to three hours at depths near one foot with minimal bodily impact, maintaining maximum speeds of 78.4 millimeters per second—comparable to their land speed.

Researchers believe this technology could assist search and rescue operations following floods, heavy rain, or structural disasters, since cockroaches can navigate tight spaces, drainage pipes, and areas difficult for humans and robots to access.

However, the research team's ambitions extend beyond Earth. Sato revealed that their ultimate dream involves bringing this technology to space to create "space suits for cyborg insects" that could potentially explore Mars's surface. The team plans additional testing in extreme environments mimicking conditions near space vacuum.

Compared to robots, cockroaches offer advantages: they can operate extended periods without recharging and naturally forage for energy. Sato's cyborg cockroaches have previously demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability.

The ITF Juniors World Tennis Tour J60 (2) competition took place at ALM X Impact Tennis and Sports Center in Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi on June 30, 2025, during the second round of main draw matches.

Sixteen-year-old Thai rising star Thatida Hongkha, ranked 451st in junior world rankings and seeded second in the tournament, faced a scare against 17-year-old Lulwa Naswardani from Indonesia. After dropping the first set 4-6, Thatida mounted a comeback to win the next two sets and advanced with a 2-1 victory (4-6, 6-1, 6-4). She will face fellow Thai player Pimpisa Vongwanichkajorn, ranked 2449th in junior world rankings, in the third round's final 16.

Meanwhile, Thai player Rio Kotigul, ranked 676th in junior world rankings and seeded eighth, also advanced in the men's singles after defeating Japan's Takuto Nakano 2-0 (6-3, 6-4) in the second round. Rio will face South Korea's Daniel Yang, ranked 682nd and seeded ninth, in the third round.

Other Thai tennis players' results in the second round included: Women's singles—Jinnipa Trachuwanich (seeded 13) defeated Jittanan Vimuktananont 5-7, 6-0, 6-0; Rio Higashi defeated Parami Tutkaew (seeded 9) 6-4, 6-1; Chotirinn Kaewka (seeded 3) defeated Maria Uvarova 6-2, 6-1; Sarawisa Kulphalicharam (seeded 15) defeated Sofia Arpa of Malta 7-5, 6-1; Pichayaphat Srimuekh (seeded 10) defeated Ukraine's Carolina Kostiukova 6-4, 2-6, 6-4; Paveenun Nualnaowisit (seeded 14) defeated Warinda Leepreechananth 6-2, 6-0; Pattananthana Phuakham defeated Karin Hiramatsu (8-Australia) 5-7, 6-2, 6-2; and Pimpisa Vongwanichkajorn defeated Nathaliya Shalinski (seeded 16) 6-1, 6-2. Kanokinthorn Wongphurueaksai lost to Isabella Welch (5-Australia) 0-6, 1-6; Ploychetchphon Duangkhaew lost to Misaki Yamagishi (11-Japan) 2-6, 5-7; Anyavee Paisalphanurvongse lost to Kai Nning Shannyah Ung (7-Singapore) 1-6, 3-6; Anna Sato lost to Nanayo Wada (6-Japan) 3-6, 2-6; Thanaporn Kornsila lost to Zhang Zhuoyan (4-China) 0-6, 0-6; and Mali Ongloew lost to Kae Asuma (12-Japan) 0-6, 1-6.

Men's singles: Tham Phanthrathorn (seeded 1) lost to Zhou Jingxuan of China 4-6, 6-2, 2-6; Danthai Takaong lost to Vivaan Bidasariya (14-India) 5-7, 4-6; Thamma Kosiri lost to Yosuke Hino (11-Japan) 5-7, 3-6; Thu Charumilintra lost to Huang Jian (2-China) 1-6, 1-6; and Napradt Lallai lost to Jenson Yokota-Ho (12-Australia) 0-6, 0-6.

Kasetsart University researchers have discovered a new yeast species from Thailand's mangrove ecosystems, highlighting the value of biological diversity for human applications. The research team made this significant international contribution by identifying a new yeast species in Thai mangrove forests and naming it "Sirindhorniae" (Sirindhorniae) in honor of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn's 70th birthday celebration.

The discovery was conducted by Assistant Professor Dr. Pannida Khunnaamvong, Honorary Professor Dr. Sawittri Limtong, Associate Professor Dr. Nantana Sisukhom, and graduate student Pajongvon Gangprakan from the Department of Microbiology at Kasetsart University's Faculty of Science, supported by research funding from the National Research Council of Thailand.

The new yeast species was discovered on the leaf surface of small-fruited mangrove trees (Rhizophora apiculata) at Rajiv Gardens Mangrove Botanical Park in Chanthaburi Province, one of Thailand's most important ecosystems for maintaining natural balance and a rich repository of the country's biodiversity. From 20 samples collected at the botanical park, researchers isolated 242 yeast strains, demonstrating the remarkable abundance of microorganisms in nature. Though microscopic and invisible to the naked eye, these organisms are essential components of ecosystems and may hold knowledge that could lead to future innovations.

Molecular analysis of the yeast's nucleotide sequences revealed that most strains were known species. However, strain DMKU-RG45 possessed a unique genetic signature that did not match any previously identified yeast species globally. After further study using polyphasic taxonomy—which examines morphological, biochemical, physiological, and genetic characteristics—researchers confirmed that DMKU-RG45 represents a new yeast species.

The research team named the species "sirindhorniae" after Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, with royal permission to use her name as the species designation. This naming honors her 70th birthday celebration and recognizes her significant role in promoting education and conservation of Thailand's natural resources and biological diversity.

Beyond its academic significance, the discovery of "Sirindhorniae" yeast demonstrates the hidden value of Thailand's natural ecosystems, which may serve as sources of knowledge and biological resources for future human benefit. The research found that this new yeast species can utilize various carbon sources and ferment alcohol from glucose. However, researchers are continuing to study additional properties to evaluate its potential applications.

Thailand's National Health Security Office (NHSO) surveyed 411 people during the Thailand Healthcare 2026 event (June 25-28, 2569) about their awareness and understanding of the national health insurance system. Results showed that 96.4% of respondents knew about the gold card (30-baht health insurance scheme), and 92.7% understood that Thai citizens have access to government-provided health insurance including civil servant benefits, social security, or the national health insurance program. Additionally, 86.1% correctly identified the NHSO as the responsible agency.

However, gaps remain in public understanding. Only 69.3% knew the correct hotline number 1330 for gold card inquiries, complaints, and benefits verification, with some confusing it with 1669, the emergency medical line. The survey found the most commonly used NHSO information channels were the 1330 hotline (51.3%), LINE Official Account (49.1%), television (46.5%), the NHSO website (45.5%), printed materials (44.8%), and Facebook (42.3%).

The NHSO plans to strengthen multi-channel communication using digital platforms, phone lines, social media, mainstream media, and local outreach to reach diverse audiences. Clear messaging about the 1330 hotline—specifically that it handles all gold card inquiries, rights verification, and complaints—requires continued emphasis to reduce confusion and improve public access to their benefits.