PHUKET: Nine educational institutions in Phuket have been recognised for outstanding efforts in promoting anti-corruption values, with provincial officials reaffirming their commitment to strengthening transparency and good governance across government agencies.

The Bangkok governor and district election results reveal more than just political direction in the capital—they also indicate the Democrat Party's challenges in reviving public support, a road that remains long and difficult. The party's gubernatorial candidate received substantially fewer votes compared to the party's House election performance in February, while winning only 8 districts in the subgovernor races. This confirms that the party's traditional voter base in Bangkok has not returned, and popular support has not recovered as expected. The party must now undertake a comprehensive strategic review, since relying on past reputation or former political ties is no longer adequate. Instead, candidates must build their identity through genuine accomplishments, maintain close contact with the public, understand local issues, and prove they can truly represent constituents in their districts. This Bangkok election also reflects an encouraging trend in Thai politics: Bangkok residents now value tangible accomplishments over political attacks and rhetoric. Political mudslinging carries less weight than credibility demonstrated through actual performance. Many hope this represents a significant turning point in Thai politics across all arenas, where voters support politicians based on results rather than clever but hollow discourse. For the Democrat Party, fielding candidates this cycle represents an attempt to regain the attention of Bangkok voters once more. Party leaders—including Abhisit Vejjajiva, Korn Chatikavanij, and Dr. Kharidi Lueawyoichueb—all campaigned vigorously and worked to restore the party as a viable choice for Bangkok residents. Yet the final election tally shows the Democrats still face considerable challenges ahead. Bangkok voters today no longer vote automatically based on party name alone. Instead, they carefully evaluate candidates, party image, and administrative credibility simultaneously. This is a major hurdle the Democrat Party must clear if it hopes to stand firmly in Bangkok politics again.

Ajarn Khattiya Shinbanchar joined the Hong Kong Tourism Authority's "Good Fortune Luncheon" event at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen's Park to reveal fortune-seeking rituals popular among Thai visitors to Hong Kong and provide entertainment industry updates for the latter half of the year.

When visiting Hong Kong in the second half of the year, Khattiya recommends worshipping at Tai Sui temples. The first deity to visit is Tai Sui, as Jupiter holds powerful influence through this year into next. He specifically recommends the Room 60 Tai Sui at Wong Tai Sin Temple, where visitors can receive blessings from celestial powers and the universe, surrounded by all 60 Tai Sui deities and Tao Tei.

Other important stops include shrines dedicated to Guan Yu for those in military or police work, and Guan Yu temples for those born in Rat or Ox years. Khattiya emphasizes proper etiquette: bow to heaven and earth first, dress respectfully, and maintain sincere faith. He advises learning a deity's virtues—whether benevolence, commerce, smoothness, victory, good fortune, wealth, health, or love—to ask for appropriate blessings. When praying, he recommends making only one or two specific requests to maintain focused spiritual energy.

When asked about immediate results, Khattiya highlights two locations where wishes are said to materialize quickly. Guan Yin Hung Hum temple is popular for lottery wins and financial blessings. He personally requested financial assistance from authority figures and received results immediately upon landing. The fortune teller visits nearly every month, making additional requests and giving thanks with each visit.

Thai Airways International launched its inaugural direct flight between Bangkok and Amsterdam on Tuesday, marking the airline's return to the Dutch capital after a 28-year absence. A ceremony at Suvarnabhumi Airport was attended by Thai Airways CEO Chai Eamsiri, Chief Commercial Officer Kittipong Sarnsombat, airline executives, staff and invited guests. Passengers on the inaugural flight received commemorative souvenirs.

The airline said the resumed route aims to meet growing travel demand while improving connections between Thailand, the Asia-Pacific region and major European destinations through the Star Alliance network. The Bangkok–Amsterdam service will operate daily, with Flight TG936 departing Bangkok at 05:35 and arriving in Amsterdam at 12:40 local time, while Flight TG937 departs Amsterdam at 14:15 local time and arrives in Bangkok at 06:35 the following day.

BANGKOK — On July 1, 2026, 'Of Veins and Wires' made history as the first Thai short film to reach the semifinalist stage at the 2026 Student Academy Awards, widely known as the "Student Oscars," which represents the student equivalent of the Academy Awards.

The film is among 61 finalists selected from a total of 2,972 submissions worldwide. The competition will now advance to a final voting round to determine which films win awards.

'Of Veins and Wires' is a thesis project created by Supakorn Kitwattanachai (known as "Petch"), with Tanbhiti Supatwanich as co-producer. The project was developed through the Communication Design programme at the Faculty of Architecture at Chulalongkorn University.

Set in Bangkok in 2055, the film envisions a future where artificial womb technology has made pregnancy optional rather than mandatory. This breakthrough raises hope, controversy, and profound questions throughout society.

Blending documentary and fictional elements in a docu-fiction format, the film explores the ethical and social dimensions of reproductive technology through interviews with three women while showing viewers behind the scenes of a fictional artificial womb clinic. The film presents multiple perspectives on whether society should embrace or resist the future of childbirth.

Thai Airways stated that a flight attendant arrested by Australian police with heroin has clearly violated company discipline. The airline's HR director, Janthrika Chotiksathian, clarified the company's internal procedures, disciplinary measures, personnel screening and training protocols. She emphasized that this was an individual act and does not reflect on the airline's safety standards.

The attendant, who began working for Thai Airways in 2566-2567, earned a base salary of 15,000-20,000 baht monthly, with total monthly income averaging 50,000-60,000 baht including flight pay and other compensation.

When disciplinary cases arise, the airline suspends the employee and forms an investigation committee, allowing the employee to clarify their position. Thai Airways stated it does not tolerate any disciplinary violations and has strict rules prohibiting pilots and crew from accepting items for transport, or misusing their company position for personal gain.

Chotiksathian emphasized that the incident must be separated from aviation safety concerns, as it reflects individual behavior, not systemic problems. She confirmed the airline maintains strict 3S standards—Service, Safety and Security—and that the company president has ordered a comprehensive review of all organizational rules and measures to identify and address any potential vulnerabilities. The airline reaffirmed its commitment to operational excellence and safety standards.