Nong Nooch Garden Expands Rare Plant Conservation With 23 Coco de Mer Trees

Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden in Pattaya planted 23 rare Coco de Mer trees on Saturday, bringing its collection to 58 mature specimens worth approximately 29 million baht combined. The world's largest-seeded palms, endemic to the Sey

1h ago Khaosod

On Saturday, July 4, 2026, at 9:00 AM at the Boy Scout camp area of Nong Nooch Tropical Botanical Garden in Pattaya, garden president Kampol Tansatja joined students from St. Stephen's Stanley College in Hong Kong to plant an additional 23 Coco de Mer trees (Lodoicea maldivica). This represents one of the largest simultaneous plantings of this rare species at the botanical garden and marks a significant step forward in the garden's global rare plant conservation initiatives.

The planting brings Nong Nooch's total Coco de Mer collection to 58 mature trees—increased from the previous 35—along with an additional 25 seedlings. Each mature tree is valued at approximately 500,000 baht, making this one of Thailand's most significant Coco de Mer collections and an invaluable off-site genetic conservation facility (Ex Situ Conservation).

Kampol stated that today's planting represents working for the future, as conserving rare plant species requires continuous effort and patience spanning decades. Nong Nooch is committed to fulfilling its role as a botanical garden that collects, conserves, studies, and disseminates knowledge about plant genetics, ensuring that valuable natural resources are passed on to future generations.

The Coco de Mer, or double coconut (Lodoicea maldivica), is an extremely rare palm endemic to a few small islands in the Seychelles archipelago in the Indian Ocean. It produces the world's largest seeds and is considered one of the most valuable plants in botany due to its scarcity and strict protection status. Historically, sailors would discover the fruits floating in the ocean without ever finding the source tree, leading to the belief that the trees grew beneath the sea—hence the French name "Coco de Mer," or "sea coconut." This mystery made the Coco de Mer fruit even more precious and rare than gemstones.

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Police

Man Electrocuted Cutting Bamboo Near Power Line

A 59-year-old man was electrocuted while cutting bamboo for a construction project in Nong Bua Lamphu province after the stalk contacted a high-voltage power line. Authorities determined the moisture in the fresh bamboo conducted electricit

1h ago Khaosod

A tragic accident claimed the life of a man cutting bamboo for a grilled chicken shop when he fell against a power line and was electrocuted. Police received the report at 1:30 PM on July 7, 2569, of a body found along a dirt road near a bamboo grove in Ban Kham subdistrict, Muang district, Nong Bua Lamphu province, approximately 2.5 kilometers from the residential area.

The deceased, identified as Winai, 59 years old, lay with his head turned toward the road and arms extended toward the bamboo stand. His body bore severe electrical burn marks running from top to bottom, with skin peeling away across approximately 20 centimeters. Both his hands were clenched. Near the body, officers found a machete about 50 centimeters long. One freshly cut bamboo stalk lay parallel to the road, while another had fallen across a high-voltage power line. The base of the bamboo had been severed from the root.

The victim's wife, Phuea, tearfully recounted that she had left home before Winai that morning. She knew he was hired to help build a grilled chicken shop for a neighbor and would ride a three-wheeled motorcycle to the job. A neighbor found him dead and called to inform her.

Neighbors explained that Winai had been working on the job for two days and had gone to cut bamboo from a relative's grove surrounding the property. Authorities questioned family members about the cause of death, but they saw it as a tragic accident.

Investigators determined that the bamboo stalk bore signs of electrical contact and charring at its tip. Authorities believe Winai cut the bamboo until it fell and contacted the high-voltage power line, which hangs approximately 10 meters above ground. Because fresh bamboo contains moisture, when Winai attempted to pull the bamboo away from the line, the high-voltage electricity traveled through the wet bamboo, through his body, and into the ground, causing his death. His body was subsequently released to family members for funeral arrangements.

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Tourism

TAT Promotes Thailand's Lush Rainy Season To European Travelers

Thailand's Tourism Authority is promoting the rainy season to European travelers, highlighting lush landscapes, full waterfalls, and fewer crowds as ideal conditions for visiting during this shoulder travel period.

1h ago TAT Newsroom

Bangkok, 7 July 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is inviting travellers to experience “Blooming and Bright Amazing Thailand” during Thailand’s rainy season, a shoulder travel period when landscapes turn lush, waterfalls are at their fullest, destinations are less crowded, and journeys unfold at a more relaxed pace.

Thailand’s seasons offer distinct travel moods throughout the year, from the cool season’s clear skies and the summer season’s coastal appeal to the rainy season’s lush landscapes, fuller waterfalls, and calmer destination atmosphere.

Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor, said, “Blooming and Bright Amazing Thailand invites travellers to see Thailand at a different rhythm, when the kingdom is greener, calmer, and full of seasonal character. This is a rewarding time to enjoy Thailand’s landscapes, hospitality, culture, wellness, gastronomy, and quieter travel atmosphere, while extending tourism benefits to businesses and communities across the country.”

TAT’s offices across Europe in London, Paris, Frankfurt, Prague, Stockholm, Moscow, and Rome are working with tourism industry partners, including airlines, hotels, and travel companies, to present Thailand’s seasonal appeal to European travellers. The campaign highlights the value of travelling outside peak periods, with more room to explore, lush natural scenery, and a calmer rhythm across destinations.

The concept supports TAT’s year-round tourism direction by presenting the rainy season not as an off-period, but as one of Thailand’s most refreshing times to travel. It showcases the country’s natural beauty, travel value, service standards, and diverse experiences across beach holidays, culture, cuisine, wellness, diving, golf, outdoor activities, and sustainable tourism.

Thailand remains a favourite destination for European travellers, supported by strong air connectivity, direct flights from major European cities, international service standards, and a wide range of experiences for different travel styles. Whether for a beach escape, cultural journey, wellness retreat, food-led adventure, or nature-based holiday, Thailand offers a quality travel experience that is meaningful, memorable, and in season.

Ang Ka Nature Trail, Chiang Mai

Wat Umong, Chiang Mai

Pha Dok Siao Waterfall, Doi Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai

Banyan Golf Club Hua Hin, Prachuap Khiri Khan

Rut Canal, Krabi

Nongtalay, Krabi

Tamarind Springs Forest Spa, Ko Samui, Surat Thani

Kuan Nom Saow Viewpoint, Krabi

Ao Ton Sai, Ko Phi Phi Don, Krabi

The post TAT invites travellers to discover Blooming and Bright Amazing Thailand appeared first on TAT Newsroom.

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Weather

Heavy Rain Forecast For 34 Provinces, Flash Floods Warned

Heavy rain is expected across 34 Thai provinces over the next 24 hours due to a low-pressure system, with the northeast region facing the highest risk of flash floods and forest runoff in hilly areas.

1h ago Khaosod

The Meteorological Department issued a weather forecast on July 7, 2569, predicting heavy rainfall in the Eastern and northeastern regions over the next 24 hours, caused by a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam and moderate southwest monsoon winds. Residents are warned to stay vigilant against heavy rainfall accumulation that could trigger flash floods and forest runoff, especially in hillside and basin areas. Maritime conditions show moderate winds with waves of 1-2 meters in the Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand, approximately 1 meter in the lower Gulf, and exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm zones. Boat operators are advised to exercise caution and avoid areas with thunderstorms.

Regional forecasts (18:00 today to 18:00 tomorrow): Northern Region: 40% thunderstorm coverage, primarily in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, and Phetchabun. Low 23-26°C, high 31-35°C. Southwest wind 10-20 km/h. Northeastern Region: 60% thunderstorm coverage with heavy rain in some areas, particularly in Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, and Ubon Ratchathani. Low 23-25°C, high 28-35°C. Southwest wind 10-20 km/h. Central Region: 30% thunderstorm coverage, mainly in Uthai Thani, Ayutthaya, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Low 23-27°C, high 34-36°C. Southwest wind 10-25 km/h. Eastern Region: 40% thunderstorm coverage with heavy rain, particularly in Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Low 23-27°C, high 32-35°C. Southwest wind 15-35 km/h. Waves 1-2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in storms. Southern Region (East Coast): 30% thunderstorm coverage in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Yala, and Narathiwat. Low 23-27°C, high 33-36°C. Southwest wind 15-35 km/h. Waves 1 meter nearshore, 1-2 meters offshore, exceeding 2 meters in storms. Southern Region (West Coast): 30% thunderstorm coverage in Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. Low 24-26°C, high 32-35°C. Southwest wind 15-35 km/h. Waves 1-2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in storms. Bangkok and Vicinity: 30% thunderstorm coverage. Low 27-29°C.

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National

Cabinet Cuts Fund Contributions For Four State Banks

Thailand's Cabinet cut fund contribution rates for four state banks from 0.25% to 0.0625% annually starting January 2025, aiming to reduce their costs and enable greater lending support to struggling borrowers and small businesses facing ec

2h ago Khaosod

The Cabinet has approved a Finance Ministry announcement to reduce fund contribution rates for four specialized financial institutions: the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC), Government Savings Bank, Bank for Housing and Urban Development (BHUD), and Islamic Bank of Thailand for the 2025 fiscal year.

The contribution rate will be reduced from the previous 0.25% annually to 0.0625% annually on deposits received from the public, effective from January 1 to December 31, 2025, with contributions divided into two installments of 0.03125% each. This reduction is intended to lower the cost burden on specialized financial institutions and enable them to provide meaningful assistance to borrowers.

Government spokesman Lalida Persivivatana stated that this measure aligns with Thailand's volatile economic conditions, which face challenges from global trade policies, geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, and Middle Eastern conflicts. Many borrowers at these institutions are grassroots individuals, vulnerable groups, small business owners, and microenterprises facing liquidity risks and debt repayment challenges.

The government expects these financial institutions to use the reduced costs to support debtor assistance programs, debt restructuring, and new credit facilities for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with potential, thereby improving economic liquidity. The government will closely monitor implementation to ensure aid reaches people effectively without undermining financial discipline or encouraging unnecessary debt default.

"The government is leveraging specialized financial institutions as tools to support grassroots communities, reduce financial burdens, help borrowers stabilize and recover, and support credit for entrepreneurs with potential, enabling the economy to move forward with stability and fairness," Lalida stated.

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Regional

Coconut Farmers Demand FDA Explanation on Frozen Coconut Milk Imports

Over 300 coconut farmers from Prachuap Khiri Khan protested on July 7, demanding the FDA explain its approval of frozen coconut milk imports, which they claim are depressing domestic prices. The farmers have yet to receive written responses

2h ago Khaosod

Over 300 angry coconut farmers from Prachuap Khiri Khan stormed Bang Saphan District on July 7, 2025, demanding that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explain its approval of frozen coconut milk and coconut cream imports. Network leader Pongsak Bunrak and farmers arrived with sound-equipped pickup trucks to submit a letter to Bang Saphan District Chief Manit Vongjinda, requesting coordination with relevant agencies.

The farmers specifically called on the FDA to provide clarification about approvals for importing frozen coconut milk and ready-to-drink coconut cream, which they believe are major factors driving down domestic coconut prices. The coconut farmer network had previously submitted a request through the Prachuap Khiri Khan Provincial Health Office on May 27, 2025, asking for import approval criteria, procedures, and historical import statistics for frozen and processed coconut milk from 2023-2025. However, they have yet to receive a written response. The provincial health office sent an urgent letter to the FDA on June 9, 2025, requesting factual clarification following complaints from affected coconut farmers.

Without an official response, the farmer network submitted a letter to the district chief requesting that FDA Secretary-General Supattra Bunserm visit the area by July 14, 2025, to directly address farmers on five key points: approval criteria for coconut milk imports; authorization standards for importers; why imported products don't clearly indicate raw material origin; impact calculations on domestic coconut quotas; and protection measures for Thai farmers.

The network reiterated seven earlier proposals submitted to the Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister and Commerce Minister on March 24, 2025: suspending all coconut and coconut product imports until large coconuts reach at least 18 baht per fruit and dried coconut reaches at least 35 baht per kilogram. They also called for releasing import data, establishing a national coconut committee with farmer representatives, converting imported coconut products to equivalent whole coconut units before approval, requiring clear raw material origin labels, and restricting processing outside AFTA and WTO frameworks. The network scheduled another gathering for July 14, 2025, at Bang Saphan District Hall to await responses.

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Community

Actress Khwan Denies Romance Rumors, Opens Door To Dating

Actress Khwan Usamanee denied dating Buddhist teacher Ajarn Beer at a July 7 event, calling him an older brother figure while revealing she's open to romance with someone successful and impressive.

2h ago Khaosod

Actress Khwan Usamanee addressed swirling romance rumors at the Thaimart marketplace platform launch event on July 7 at the Sirinimit National Convention Center. Fans have been intensely speculating about her closeness with Ajarn Beer, a Buddhist teacher known for his reformative work.

Khwan firmly stated that she and Ajarn Beer share only a platonic, sibling-like bond rooted in mutual respect. "He's like an older brother and a role model to me," she explained, dismissing pregnancy rumors by clarifying that her recent hospital visits were for allergy treatment and wellness care, not obstetric reasons.

The actress revealed she's now ready for romance. "I want to have a boyfriend. Anyone interested can try, but they need to win my heart," she said with a smile. When asked if Ajarn Beer could be that person, she joked that she calls him "Older Brother Turtle" because of his resemblance to a character from a Thai drama.

Regarding her hospital visits, Khwan explained she was undergoing wellness and anti-aging treatments due to allergies and work stress, not prenatal care. She expressed openness to pursuing a relationship but noted she's been too busy with work to check dating messages.

When asked what qualities attract her, Khwan said she appreciates capable, successful men with good mindsets and strong performance records who've built something themselves. "I haven't found anyone impressive yet—everyone's the same level," she remarked.

Asked if she could now be "sold" to the right suitor, Khwan laughed: "You can try to woo me. My mom's given her blessing. Keep trying—win my heart, and that's all that matters."

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Tourism

Tomorrowland Thailand Sells Out All 150,000 Tickets

All 150,000 tickets for Thailand's inaugural Tomorrowland electronic dance music festival in Chon Buri this December sold out within days, with 85% of buyers from abroad. The government projects the three-day event will generate 6 billion b

2h ago Khaosod

BANGKOK — Tickets for the inaugural Tomorrowland Thailand music festival have sold out, with all 150,000 tickets snapped up shortly after sales opened, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said on Tuesday.

Speaking after the weekly Cabinet meeting, Surasak said the three-day electronic dance music festival, scheduled to take place in Chon Buri this December, sold around 50,000 tickets per day, reaching full capacity of 150,000 tickets across the event.

The government expects the festival to attract an average of 50,000 visitors daily and generate about 6 billion baht in economic activity each year.

Thailand has signed a five-year agreement to host Tomorrowland, with the government projecting the event will inject at least 30 billion baht into the economy over the duration of the contract.

According to the minister, about 85% of ticket buyers are international visitors, while 15% are Thai attendees. Foreign visitors include both short-haul and long-haul travellers, with many expected to stay in Thailand for extended periods.

Surasak said festival packages priced at 150,000 baht or more have also been sold, contributing to the projected economic impact. The event is expected to create around 4,000 jobs during both the preparation and staging of the festival.

The government said extensive measures are being put in place to ensure the safety and convenience of attendees, including dedicated shuttle bus services, enhanced public transport, increased police deployment and volunteer support.

Organisers will also implement comprehensive security measures in coordination with government agencies to ensure the safety of both festivalgoers and nearby communities, Surasak said.

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Regional

Lisa Wax Figure Stars in Thai Candle Festival

Ban Bing village in Nakhon Ratchasima is featuring wax sculptures of Thai pop star Lisa in its Buddhist Candle Festival float on July 28, depicting her as celestial beings and mythical creatures to blend contemporary culture with traditiona

2h ago Khaosod

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — A wax sculpture inspired by Thai global pop star Lisa will take centre stage at this year's traditional Buddhist Candle Festival in Chok Chai district, as organisers blend contemporary pop culture with centuries-old craftsmanship to attract wider audiences.

Community leaders and residents of Ban Bing village in Chok Chai subdistrict are racing to complete their candle float for the Chok Chai Subdistrict Municipality's annual Candle Festival 2026, scheduled for 28 July.

The procession will continue to portray key moments from the life of the Buddha—including his birth, enlightenment and passing into nirvana—alongside tributes to King Maha Vajiralongkorn, preserving the intricate artistry for which Chok Chai's candle festival is renowned.

A major highlight this year is a series of wax figures modelled on Lisa's likeness. Featuring her signature bangs, the sculptures depict the singer as celestial beings, angels and mythical creatures from the Himmapan forest, creating a contemporary twist on traditional Buddhist art.

Village head Sakchai Khumkratoke of Ban Bing said the artisan team wanted to make the festival more appealing to people of all ages and nationalities while maintaining its Thai identity.

"When we thought of a Thai person recognised both nationally and internationally, Lisa immediately came to mind," he said.

According to Sakchai, the artists unanimously agreed to incorporate Lisa's likeness into the procession by subtly integrating her face into sculptures of angels, celestial beings, kinnari and nakee figures. He said the design pays tribute to her talent and beauty while giving the candle float a more modern and international image.

"She represents Thailand on the global stage while remaining proudly Thai, and we wanted the procession to reflect that same spirit," he added.

The Chok Chai Candle Festival will be held on 28 July in front of the Chok Chai Subdistrict Municipality Office before participating floats join the larger provincial candle festival in Nakhon Ratchasima from 28–30 July.

Visitors will not only be able to admire the elaborate candle floats but also see the Lisa-inspired wax sculpture up close as part of the Ban Bing community's procession.

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National

Gen Z Facing Rising Risk Of Liver Fluke Infection

Generation Z in Northeast Thailand increasingly risks liver fluke infection from eating raw or undercooked fish dishes popularized on social media, with nearly one in three people in the region already infected and facing potential cancer c

2h ago Khaosod

At Khon Kaen University's Faculty of Medicine on July 7, 2024, Associate Professor Wacharin Loilom, acting director of the Cholangiocarcinoma Research Institute, revealed that Gen Z infections from the liver fluke parasite are increasing due to social media exposure. Northeast Thailand records over 10,000 cholangiocarcinoma cases annually. The director cited a concerning trend: numerous influencers posting viral videos of eating raw or undercooked fish dishes, particularly fermented fish prepared with lime juice and chili powder, which young people enthusiastically replicate. Random screening of approximately 200,000 people across the Northeast found an average liver fluke infection rate of 28.8%, with roughly one in three people infected. The truly alarming aspect is not the parasite itself, which is treatable with anthelmintic drugs, but the risk of cholangiocarcinoma development. If people continue old eating habits after treatment, they risk repeated infections, significantly increasing cancer risk. With Northeast Thailand's population of 24 million, approximately 6 million face infection risk. Khon Kaen University has developed a rapid test kit, similar to COVID-19 tests, approved by health authorities. The public health system now covers one free annual screening for those 15 and older who answer yes to any of three risk questions. Restaurant owner Wachirpun Wanthong, 39, owner of Saep Chatchajen restaurant, assured customers that his establishment uses 100% boiled fermented fish at 200 degrees Celsius, guaranteeing safety. He noted that customer visits have only increased since the health warnings emerged.

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National

Lucky Zodiac Signs See Wealth Flow On July 7

Six zodiac signs—Dragon, Gemini, Aquarius, Sagittarius, Pisces, and Virgo—will experience wealth and career breakthroughs on July 7, according to fortune teller Mo Boy. The fortunate signs benefit from ancestral blessings and mystical prote

2h ago Khaosod

During this period, the fate of individuals and zodiac signs will undergo significant change, potentially shifting in positive directions or requiring careful caution. Fortune teller Mo Boy reveals that on July 7, six zodiac signs—Dragon, Gemini, Aquarius, Sagittarius, Pisces, and Virgo—will experience an opening of great wealth and fortune under the protection of the serpent's path. These signs enjoy good destiny connected to sacred and mystical forces. Their fortunes are strengthened as ancestral blessings reverse misfortune into good, with money flowing like a river, careers advancing, major projects developing, and blessings materializing according to wishes. May this merit be fulfilled for all.

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