On July 6, Air Force Commander General Prabhas Saundjai, director of the Thai-Cambodian Situation Information Center (JIC), responded to criticism that soldiers deployed along the border lack adequate bunkers and protective shelters, which has reportedly affected troop morale and raised safety concerns. The military acknowledged public concern for frontline troops and stated that all commanders prioritize soldier safety, welfare, and morale above all else.

General Prabhas said the preparation of protective structures, defensive measures, and strengthening of operational bases are being conducted continuously based on urgency and terrain conditions, with ongoing situation assessments and improvements to personnel, equipment, and base defense systems. "Commanders are not complacent—troop safety is paramount," he stated.

The JIC director said frontline forces continue performing their duties with strength, discipline, and commitment to protecting national sovereignty, while commanders are actively visiting the field, listening to problems, and urgently providing necessary support. General Prabhas noted that details regarding bunker placement, protective measures, and area security are classified as operational information that the military must withhold to avoid compromising national security and soldier safety. The military requested public cooperation in refraining from sharing tactical information that could impact field operations.

The military thanked the public for their support and reaffirmed its commitment to fully caring for troops so they can effectively and safely fulfill their mission to protect the nation's sovereignty.

Rayong Long Beach Festival 2026 @Laem Mae PhimThe Rayong Long Beach Festival 2026 is set to feature a full lineup of artists, offering live music by the beach at Laem Mae Phim.

Dates: July 10–12,...

BANGKOK — 6 July 2026, Thai police have warned both Thai and foreign travellers against smuggling cannabis overseas, saying offenders could face severe penalties, including imprisonment in Thailand and even harsher punishment abroad.

Police issued the warning on Monday following a series of recent international drug trafficking cases involving cannabis allegedly smuggled from Thailand.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Chaturaphat Phiromkaew, Commander of the Foreign Affairs Division and Deputy Spokesperson of the Royal Thai Police, cited three recent cases:

• Hong Kong customs officers seized about 23 kilograms of dried cannabis and arrested two suspects — a Chinese national and a Hong Kong resident — who had arrived from Thailand.

• Indonesia's National Narcotics Board (BNN) dismantled a cannabis trafficking network and seized 3.37 tonnes of high-grade cannabis allegedly originating from Thailand while pursuing Malaysian and Chinese suspects.

• Authorities in Poland seized 1.2 tonnes of cannabis concealed inside construction bricks in a shipping container exported from Thailand and arrested eight suspects.

Police warned both Thai and foreign nationals against carrying, smuggling, or accepting payment to transport cannabis, cannabis flower buds, or cannabis-containing products out of Thailand. Although cannabis has been partially decriminalised for certain medical purposes within Thailand, its export remains strictly regulated, and it remains illegal in many destination countries.

The Royal Thai Police outlined the relevant legal penalties:

• Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017): Up to 10 years' imprisonment, a fine of up to four times the value of the goods (including duty), or both.

• Protection and Promotion of Traditional Thai Medicine Knowledge Act B.E. 2542 (1999): Up to one year's imprisonment, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both.

• Ministry of Public Health Notification on Controlled Herbs (Cannabis) B.E. 2568 (2025): Up to one year's imprisonment, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both.

• Laws of destination countries: Cannabis remains classified as a narcotic in many jurisdictions, where smuggling offences may carry penalties ranging from lengthy prison terms to life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

Police urged travellers to remain vigilant and avoid becoming unwittingly involved in transnational cannabis trafficking networks.

Authorities advised travellers never to accept luggage, parcels or other items from strangers, or even acquaintances, for transport abroad. If prohibited substances are found, the carrier may be held legally responsible for possession and smuggling offences. Travellers were also urged to thoroughly inspect their own luggage before departure to ensure it does not contain cannabis or cannabis-infused products, including herbal inhalers, tea, confectionery or cosmetics.

Police further advised against working as couriers transporting goods or luggage overseas on behalf of others, warning that travellers have no reliable way of knowing what they may be carrying.

A Thai court on Monday acquitted activist Tantawan Tuatulanon, known as Tawan, and six co-defendants of charges under Article 112, Thailand's royal defamation law, and Article 116, the sedition law, over a public opinion poll asking whether royal motorcades caused inconvenience.

The Thai Lawyers for Human Rights said the South Bangkok Criminal Court ruled that the poll, conducted at a shopping mall on 8 February 2022, merely posed the question, "Do you think royal motorcades cause inconvenience?" The court found that the wording did not refer to any specific individual or mention any member of the royal family by name, and therefore did not meet the legal elements required for an offense under Article 112, which criminalizes defaming, insulting or threatening the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent or the Regent.

The seven defendants had also faced charges under Article 116, which prohibits acts deemed to incite unrest or public disorder, as well as offenses including insulting officials, obstructing officials in the performance of their duties and failing to comply with official orders.

In its ruling, the court said the defendants did not deliver speeches that defamed, insulted or threatened the King. It added that the symbolic three-finger salute by the first and second defendants constituted an expression of individual rights and freedoms, which others may agree or disagree with.

The court also found no evidence that the defendants' actions caused unrest, threatened national security or encouraged people to break the law, and therefore dismissed the charge under Article 116 as well.

On July 6, 2569, government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek announced that Prime Minister Anuthon Chanyaweerakhul and the Interior Minister have ordered a thorough and careful investigation into fraud allegations surrounding the local government employee examination. The investigation must uphold transparency principles, be verifiable at every stage, and produce results that can be clearly explained to the public.

Prime Minister's Order 263/2569 establishes a fact-finding and legal review committee to investigate alleged misconduct in the 2568 local government and civil servant recruitment examination. The committee, headed by Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapart with the Justice Minister as vice chair, has full authority to examine all aspects of the evidence and must submit a comprehensive report to the Prime Minister within 30 days of July 6, 2569, with progress updates every 10 days.

Ratchada stressed that the government demands strict, clear, and transparent procedures at all stages capable of fully addressing public concerns. The investigation is viewed as an important lesson for strengthening preventive measures and oversight mechanisms, while helping restore public confidence in the civil service system.

Tuesday, July 7, 2569 marks the 121st death anniversary of Phra Kru Si Chalangka Sangvorn, known as Luang Pu Ruem Pramo, the former abbot of Wat Chuk Ka Choe in Si Racha district, Chachoengsao province. A distinguished Buddhist scholar and teacher from Chachoengsao, he was a fellow student with Luang Pu Tim of Wat La Rai in Rayong province.

Born into the Chiangeak family on July 7, 2448 at house number 26 in Si Racha district, he was one of eleven siblings. Devoted to Buddhism from his youth, he was ordained at age twenty at Wat Laem Chabang, with Phra Kru Sunthondham Rot of Wat Ang Sila as his preceptor, assisted by Phra Ajarn Chue and Phra Ajarn Lumuan.

He spent the Buddhist Lent studying scriptures at Wat Chuk Ka Choe under Luang Pu Than, the abbot at that time. Soon after, he gained widespread respect and admiration for his exemplary conduct. When Luang Pu Than passed away during his sixth monastic year, he was appointed to succeed him as abbot. He was then promoted to district ecclesiastical leader, recognized for his knowledge and administrative abilities. He subsequently received appointments as preceptor and district chief monk of Si Racha.

He later received royal recognition with the ecclesiastical title Phra Kru Chao Khana Amphoe Si Racha, First Class, given the honorific name "Phra Kru Si Chalangka Sangvorn."

Administrative service: 2479 became abbot of Wat Chuk Ka Choe; 2484 became Phra Kammavaja Charn; 2485 became preceptor; 2487 became village ecclesiastical leader of Bang and Nong Kham; 2518 served as acting district chief monk of Si Racha; 2519 became district chief monk of Si Racha; 2530 resigned as abbot to become abbot of Wat Chutathit Thammesabha Ram Voraviharn at Ko Si Chang branch.

Ecclesiastical ranks: 2481 achieved Phra Kru Fourth Class; 2493 Phra Kru village chief Third Class; 2507 Phra Kru village chief Second Class; 2515 Phra Kru village chief First Class; 2520 Phra Kru district chief First Class.

He had a passion for esoteric knowledge from his lay days, traveling to renowned teachers throughout Thailand. His first teacher was Luang Pu Am, former abbot of Wat Nong Krabork in Ban Kai, Rayong, famous for goat amulet formulas. From him he learned the rain-seeking and seven-moon beeswax spells. He also studied tablet-making with Luang Pu I of Wat Sattahip, tiger forehead tattooing with Luang Pu Sai of Wat Nong Kaet Noi in Chachoengsao, and twelve-zodiac powder making from Luang Pu Tian of Wat Bo in Pathum Thani, among other studies with various masters including Luang Pu Ong of Wat Nong Ri and Luang Pu Phui of Wat Na Phra That.

His most significant teacher was Somdej Phra Ariyanamsa, the Supreme Patriarch, from whom he studied astrological divination, vipassana meditation techniques, and numerology until achieving mastery. He could read astrological charts, change destinies, and realign cosmic fortunes.

Beyond Buddhist knowledge, he was also skilled in traditional medicine. He created and consecrated multiple amulets of considerable spiritual and financial value. Late in life, he focused on vipassana meditation practice until his death on July 19, 2538, at age ninety with seventy monastic years.