PHUKET: Patong Police are searching for a foreign tourist accused of assaulting a jet-ski operator following a dispute over alleged damage to two rental jet-skis at Patong Beach yesterday afternoon (July 7).
PHUKET: Patong Police are searching for a foreign tourist accused of assaulting a jet-ski operator following a dispute over alleged damage to two rental jet-skis at Patong Beach yesterday afternoon (July 7).
Thailand's Department of Business Development is helping community entrepreneurs modernize by blending local cultural heritage with digital-age business skills, with 137 entrepreneurs receiving consulting this year through programs like SMA
Thai Community Businesses Tap Modern Markets With Local Charm
Poonpong Naiyanaphakon, director of the Department of Business Development under the Ministry of Commerce, revealed that consumer behavior is shifting toward products with distinctive identity, compelling stories, and authentic local character—representing a significant economic opportunity. Community businesses can now create added value through cultural resources, traditional wisdom, and limitless creative thinking.
The Department of Business Development is continuously advancing entrepreneur development through SMART Local Clinic and SMART Local Camp activities, building essential digital-age skills including brand building, product storytelling, customer experience design, merchandising techniques, and commercial negotiation. This ensures community enterprises grow strong and sustainably in modern markets.
This year, 137 entrepreneurs applied for and received consulting through SMART Local Clinic, while 42 entrepreneurs in the third SMART Local ME-D cohort completed intensive development and concrete business advancement.
To boost local soft power, the Department held a "Community Entrepreneur Success Stories: SMART Local ME-D" event today (July 8) showcasing the third cohort's potential. The event unveiled the "SUNS Day Trip" creative tourism route, transforming community products into contemporary items meeting modern consumer trends.
"SUNS Day Trip" is a community product route weaving Thai community charm through the concept "sun's journey throughout the day," connecting lifestyle, identity, and products in contemporary form from four pilot provinces: Sukhothai, Ubon Ratchathani, Nan, and Satun. The initiative creates novel customer experiences.
A special talk session "Journey through Local Stories: From Thai Community Charm to Modern Inspiration" featured brand-building expert Phaijinapath Jinapun. Certificates were awarded to third-cohort SMART Local ME-D entrepreneurs and "SUNS Day Trip" participants.
Thailand's economy grew 2.3% in 2023, bolstered by a 400 billion baht stimulus package and stronger-than-expected resilience against global supply shocks, the Bank of Thailand reported.
The government's public relations office reported on the July 8, 2569 meeting of the state-private sector economic committee (SPSC) where Bank of Thailand Governor Withaya Ratanakorn presented data showing Thailand's economy is more flexible than many had previously assessed. Contrary to earlier concerns about supply shocks from Middle East conflict, Thailand has managed impacts well across procurement and business adaptation.
With a 400 billion baht economic stimulus package supporting purchasing power, the Bank of Thailand revised its 2023 GDP growth forecast upward to 2.3%—the market's highest estimate and a sign of underlying economic strength. Recent inflation figures came in lower than expected, suggesting further price declines and demonstrating overall economic stability.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told business and economic agencies at the SPSC meeting that foreign investors remain highly confident in Thailand. He emphasized that investors seek streamlined approvals, reduced steps, and one-stop services rather than infrastructure improvements. The government is accelerating facilitation through the Board of Investment and related agencies, with nearly 1 trillion baht in pending investment interest.
The prime minister identified three strategic strengths to attract investment: food security, logistics systems, and Thai companies' international investment capacity. In an uncertain global environment, he noted that food-producing nations gain significant economic leverage, making it essential to elevate agriculture to strategic advantage. He called repeatedly for state agencies and Thai businesses to convert strong foreign investor confidence into actual investment that creates jobs and income for Thai people.
Pong Neelamyothin, Justice Ministry Permanent Secretary, has submitted her resignation after completing her four-year term, citing preference to leave rather than accept a lesser advisory role. Her resignation comes as she faces a corruptio
At 3:30 p.m. on July 8, 2569, sources within the Justice Ministry confirmed that Pong Neelamyothin, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Justice, who has completed her four-year term, has decided to submit a resignation letter to Justice Minister General Rutthapol Naowarat. She declined the offer to serve as Prime Minister's Advisor, expressing concern that she would not be able to apply her expertise and professional knowledge effectively in that role—describing it as a meaningless position.
Normally, the Permanent Secretary position can be extended annually for a maximum of six renewals. Historically, only Somchai Wongswasdi received a full six-year extension in this role. Chanchaowaun Chaiyanukit, the previous Permanent Secretary before Pong, also did not seek renewal.
Justice Minister General Rutthapol Naowarat acknowledged receiving Pong's resignation on personal grounds but has not yet approved it. He stated he is still reviewing whether approval is possible, as her name has been referred to the National Anti-Corruption Commission for investigation in a Layer 14 police case.
A 21-year-old Englishman used his life savings to take his 80-year-old grandfather to the 2026 World Cup, a gesture that went viral and inspired a U.S. company to refund his £10,000 after England's victory over DR Congo.
A heartwarming World Cup story unfolded when 21-year-old Jacob Allmendinger from East Yorkshire, England, made the bold decision to use his £10,000 (approximately 450,000 baht) savings—money he had carefully set aside for his future—to take his 80-year-old grandfather Jeff Galliger to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
For Jacob, the journey was far more than just watching football; it was a way to repay the love his grandfather had given him throughout his life. Since childhood, Jeff had always taken Jacob to football matches, making their bond as close as best friends rather than typical grandparent-grandchild relationships. Over the years, Jeff had consistently accompanied Jacob to watch Hull City matches, and now Jacob wanted to return the favor by sharing the atmosphere of the World Cup together.
During their travels through the United States and Mexico, the story of these two went viral online, with football fans deeply moved by Jacob's sacrifice and commitment to create lasting memories with someone he cherished. Touched by their story, a U.S. company called Metawin reached out to Jacob through social media and announced they would refund the £10,000 if England could defeat the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Previously, the company had set a condition that they would return the money if England defeated Panama by more than 2 goals, but when England won only 2-0, the company still pledged to refund the money if the Three Lions beat DR Congo, regardless of the score.
After England's 2-1 victory over DR Congo, Metawin honored their promise and transferred the full £10,000 back to Jacob, shocking him completely. "At first, I didn't really believe it," Jacob said. "Until I checked my bank account and actually saw the money there. That's when I was completely shocked."
Jacob revealed he would save the money for now and possibly deposit it into a savings account to consider his options, which now include attending other sporting events or even reviving his dream of buying a house.
Grandfather Jeff shared that they had been increasingly approached by football fans during their travels, especially in New York where people asked, "Are you the ones traveling around?" Meanwhile, Jacob acknowledged that messages from people worldwide made him realize just how precious time spent with loved ones truly is, as some opportunities may never come again.
Bangkok police dismiss online conspiracy theories linking a dragon-shaped logo in Huay Kwang to alleged Chinese territorial expansion, saying it's simply a design choice for easy recognition. The commander emphasized police lack authority o
The Huay Kwang police commander has dismissed online criticism surrounding a dragon-shaped logo in the area, which social media users have linked to alleged Chinese shadow capital or territorial transformation into a 'Huay Kwang province.' Police Captain Srisak Thongmee stated on July 8 that the symbol has existed long before his December appointment, and while he cannot confirm the original designer's intent, he firmly denies any hidden agenda. "It's not an issue," he said. "Don't link this to the Chinese or anything like that. It's probably just the designer's idea to create a symbol people would easily recognize, like how some areas use local landmarks as symbols." Regarding concerns about Chinese investment in Huay Kwang, Thongmee explained that police have already briefed parliament committees on the matter. He emphasized that police serve only as enforcement agents checking licenses and permits, while the Department of Business Development under the Commerce Ministry holds authority over business registrations and documentation verification. If operators hold legally valid licenses, police can only verify within their existing jurisdiction. The officer also advised the public to approach online information critically, noting that social media often makes unfounded connections, and cautioned against unnecessary stress from consuming unverified claims.
Director and Muay Chaiya master Thanawut Kasro unveils "Khun Khanom Tom: Sacred Inscriptions, Origin of Muay Thai," an action epic blending traditional Thai fighting arts with Hollywood-standard production aimed at global audiences. The fil
Kasro Entertainment has unveiled "Khun Khanom Tom: Sacred Inscriptions, Origin of Muay Thai," a major action epic featuring legendary fight choreography, at the Royal Thai Army Club in Bangkok. The film is directed and produced by Thanawut Kasro (Kru Dam), a Muay Chaiya master and internationally recognized filmmaker known for designing iconic action sequences in Thai films over 20 years, including "Khun Shan," "Lakhoutas," and "Nang Thas." Kasro gained international acclaim for his work on "Buoyancy," which received an Oscar nomination for Australia (AACTA Awards 2019) and ranked third globally. He has collaborated with Oscar-winning directors and A-list stars including Pierce Brosnan and Owen Wilson.
Kasro aims to elevate Thai ancestral fighting arts to global prominence by blending Muay Chaiya, ancient Muay Thai, and Ardamat sword techniques into stunning, elaborate choreography. Rather than a conventional action film, he intends the movie to serve as a cultural monument to Thai heritage on the world stage. The press launch featured an impressive ensemble cast including Tri-Thitthirm Sangmani, Ingland-Chayan Thertong, and Bank-Paweesh Mongkholpisit, with appearances by international legends.
Kasro Entertainment has partnered with Blue River Film Co., Ltd. (USA), represented by Mark Boot, a distributor of major international films including all three John Wick films and John Wick: Chapter 4. Together, they aim to position "Khun Khanom Tom" as a Hollywood-standard Thai action film for global streaming platforms. The event concluded with a spectacular fight demonstration by the lead cast, signaling the epic's imminent theatrical release.
A Russian man was arrested at Phuket Airport on July 8 after customs officials discovered 17kg of cannabis hidden in vacuum-sealed packages inside his two suitcases during a departure inspection.
Russian Man Caught Smuggling 17kg Cannabis at Phuket Airport. Multiple vacuum-sealed cannabis packages discovered.
On July 8, 2569, customs officer Ravin Kanakarn was on duty in the international departure terminal at Phuket International Airport when he inspected two blue rolling suitcases weighing 8 kilograms total belonging to Sergey Charabarov, age 30, a Russian national, after detecting suspicious items. Upon searching the luggage, officers found 35 packages of cannabis flower buds in vacuum-sealed bags totaling 11.4 kilograms and 12 packages of cannabis resin totaling 6.2 kilograms hidden inside both suitcases. The suitcases were seized as evidence.
During preliminary investigation, the suspect admitted that the suitcases and all contents were his. Officers charged him with illegally transporting goods out of the kingdom without completing customs procedures. He was taken into custody and transferred with the seized items to Saku Police Station for further legal action.
Thai rock legends BIG ASS reunite for a three-night farewell concert series November 13-15, 2025 at Impact Arena, marking their first major show together in nearly two decades with all seven original members.
Iconic Thai rock band BIG ASS has officially announced "Thai Life Insurance presents BIG ASS: The Last Great Concert," scheduled for three nights on November 13-15, 2025 at Impact Arena in Muang Thong Thani. More than 19 years have passed since their last major concert gathering, and the band views this as a historic moment. With all seven members reuniting—vocalist Chai (Decha Konalo), guitarist Aoff (Poonsakdi Chulabutr), guitarist Moo (Apisart Promraksa), bassist Oak (Pongphan Polsit), drummer Gob (Kachordet Promraksa), drummer Tam (Athipong Wanleo), and co-vocalist Dax (Ekkarat Wongchalad)—the event promises to be unmissable for rock fans across all generations.
The concert will be produced by GFest, a division of GMM SHOW and a leading concert organizer for Thailand's top rock artists. The production will feature professional-grade lighting, sound, visuals, and special effects designed to maximize the impact of BIG ASS's classic songs and create unforgettable memories for attendees. Tickets go on sale August 2, 2025 at 10:00 AM through Thai Ticket Major, with prices ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 baht for seated tickets and 2,200 baht for standing room.
A Thai woman underwent three surgeries to remove nearly 50 gallstones, which she attributes to drinking Thai iced tea daily for a decade, though doctors say gallstones typically result from multiple factors including genetics and diet.
BANGKOK — 8 July 2026, A Thai woman has gone viral after sharing her experience of undergoing three separate surgeries for nearly 50 gallstones, which she believes were linked to drinking Thai iced tea every day for about a decade.
In a Facebook post, the woman shared a health warning about her daily habit of drinking Thai iced tea after it led to abdominal pain, prompting her to seek hospital treatment. Accompanying photographs of gallstones removed during treatment, she wrote: "The result of drinking #ThaiIcedTea every day: 19 gallstones."
She later followed up in the comments to answer questions from netizens, explaining that she typically drank one glass of Thai iced tea each day, sometimes two, while consuming very little plain water. She said she had maintained the habit for around 10 years before developing abdominal pain beneath the right side of her ribcage, prompting her to seek medical attention.
Doctors diagnosed her with gallstones and scheduled three surgeries. She said the first procedure was not photographed, while the images she shared online were taken after the second surgery. She added that doctors estimated she had nearly 50 gallstones in total and that a third operation was scheduled three months later.
Although the woman believes her long-term Thai iced tea habit contributed to her condition, doctors generally say gallstones develop from multiple risk factors, including genetics, diet, obesity, age, rapid weight loss and certain medical conditions. There is no conclusive evidence that drinking Thai iced tea alone directly causes gallstones, though excessive consumption of sugary beverages may contribute to overall health risks.
French model Thylane Blondeau, twice named the world's most beautiful girl, married French actor Ben Attal on July 8 in a ceremony held beneath the Eiffel Tower. The 25-year-old wore a custom white gown for the celebration three months afte
On July 8, 2026, French model Thylane Blondeau, who was twice named "the most beautiful girl in the world," married French actor and DJ Ben Attal, 29, three months after his marriage proposal.
Blondeau wore a custom white wedding dress by Eva Bouskila Bridal with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop, while the groom wore a dark blue suit. The couple arrived at the venue in a classic Porsche 356 Speedster to warm congratulations from guests.
Blondeau became known worldwide at age six after Vogue Enfants crowned her "the most beautiful child in the world" in 2006. She modeled for Jean Paul Gaultier starting at age four and became the youngest person to appear on the cover of Vogue Paris at age ten, though her early modeling career drew criticism over the appropriateness of styling young children.
The couple began dating in 2020 before Attal proposed in March at the shores of Athens, Greece. Upon announcing the engagement, Blondeau posted: "I said yes to my best friend... from now and forever." At 25 years old, she has now completed her love story with a fairy-tale wedding ceremony.
Source: New York Post