Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, also Interior Minister, dismissed claims that the local government exam fraud scandal is connected to blue-faction political infighting on July 3 in Ayutthaya. Responding to allegations involving Natthapong Rueangpanya, a People's Party list MP and party deputy leader, Anutin insisted the corruption case stems from administrative systems, not political rivalry. He said seven agencies have launched investigations that go beyond fact-finding to trace financial flows of the wrongdoers and accomplices, as well as to prosecute officials who misused their authority—actions that amount to breaking the law with no political dimension whatsoever.

Anutin noted that the system being probed was already abolished three years ago, and current inspections use the new TOR (Terms of Reference), which makes fraud harder to commit. However, he said someone brazenly altered computer files, comparing the perpetrators to drowning people who lash out desperately. He emphasized that seven agencies have been tasked with this work under an MOU, and accountability will be pursued regardless of political affiliation.

When asked how the Interior Ministry will rebuild public trust, Anutin stressed the need to speed up investigations while adhering to proper procedures. He noted that the original exam papers are now secured and digitized, making tampering obvious. The discrepancy between original scores and computer records proves the files were altered dishonestly. Anutin expressed confidence that the government will eradicate such wrongdoing, especially within the civil service structure, stating that anyone who sells positions or promotes corruption from day one deserves consequences, not decades of tolerance. He rejected suggestions that the scandal reflects blue-faction disputes, insisting it is purely a civil service matter with no politics involved, and that wrongdoers will face accountability regardless of connections.

Chiang Mai — Royal Thai Army Border Patrol forces under Maj. Gen. Sadet Waiyanon, commander of the BPO's drug suppression operations center, reported a border drug interdiction operation in Chiang Mai that resulted in a five-minute firefight with a cross-border drug trafficking gang. Four suspects were killed, and authorities seized approximately 760,000 methamphetamine tablets along with significant quantities of heroin and raw opium. All military personnel were unharmed.

The operation stemmed from intelligence received on June 20, 2026, indicating that a smuggling gang planned to cross from a neighboring country into Thailand via the natural mountain pass at Doi Phamomcak in Tambon Maesao, Amphoe Maeyai, Chiang Mai Province.

On June 25, 2026, the BPO's special task unit mobilized two operational teams, including Rangers Company 3207 and cavalry forces, to conduct intensive patrols along natural routes near the Namauean channel in Maesao subdistrict to intercept illegal activity.

On July 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., officers spotted approximately 10-15 armed suspects moving through the terrain. When officials signaled for inspection, the group opened fire with unknown weapons, triggering a fierce five-minute gunfight.

After the shooting ceased, officers discovered four bodies from the smuggling group, while others escaped. All military personnel were safe.

A detailed search of the area recovered significant contraband: 11 modified backpacks containing approximately 760,000 methamphetamine pills, 11 bars of heroin (totaling 3.85 kilograms at 350 grams each), and 16 blocks of raw opium (totaling 25.6 kilograms at 1.6 kilograms each).

Authorities are conducting investigations and pursuing remaining gang members for legal prosecution.

After letting fans speculate for months, the identity of actress Diew Arissara Thongbrisut's new boyfriend has finally been revealed: Woody Lamsum, an heir from a prominent family with an equally impressive profile. Unlike earlier rumors linking her to a wealthy businessman, her actual partner is Woody, whose own standing is noteworthy. Previously, Diew had posted photos clinking glasses and holding hands with the mysterious young man on Instagram, and confirmed to media that their relationship is "private but not secret," meaning they value their privacy while being open about their relationship.

Speculation had previously pointed toward high-society figure Eric Seah, even prompting Diew's close friends to deny the connection. The revelation that her boyfriend is Woody Lamsum was later confirmed, with Diew following him on Instagram as well.

Further confirmation came from online users sharing the young man's Instagram stories, which featured Diew standing on a balcony overlooking the city—the same location where she had previously posted a photo holding coffee cups as a couple. Diew responded to one of his posts with a heart emoji, and he replied with the message "Happy Birthday tee rak" accompanied by red heart emojis, cementing the couple's sweet connection.

At 12:25 p.m. on July 3, 2025, JS100 Radio reported a construction crane collapse on Charoen Krung Soi 36 in Bang Rak district, Bangkok, startling local residents and commuters. Relevant authorities were immediately notified to investigate and provide emergency assistance.

One person was reported injured at the scene. Rescue teams and ambulances were coordinated to provide first aid before transporting the victim to hospital while assessing the surrounding area.

Authorities subsequently cordoned off part of the accident site to facilitate rescue operations and prevent the public from entering dangerous zones. The cause of the crane collapse remains under investigation, with no details released yet. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available from relevant agencies.

Young actors Teelee Vanpichit and Po Suphakarn have just returned from their first Paris Fashion Week experience after attending the VETEMENTS Spring/Summer 2027 show in Paris, France. On July 2, both appeared at the SHINSEGAE Hyperground K-Experience x Central event at Central World to share their fashion week experience.

Both expressed tremendous excitement, describing it as a wonderful opportunity to attend a world-class event. They revealed that their fan club name "VAVA" comes from the tone marks (chatawa) in both their names. They also purchased stars to gift to fans, symbolizing their commitment to stand by them forever.

**On returning from Fashion Week:** Po: "It was a wonderful experience. It really opened my eyes." Teelee: "I was very excited and couldn't control myself. On the way there, I talked to P'Po about what we'd do. Once we arrived, I tried to stay composed. It was all so new. There were many senior artists waiting for us." Po: "During the event, I was excited. They did everything really well."

**Was it what you expected?** Teelee: "It wasn't quite what we imagined because it was even grander than we thought. When we got there, everything exceeded expectations. Senior artists approached us, so it was a completely new experience."

**How did you prepare?** Po: "We studied the brand more." Teelee: "We prepared our language skills and social media content. We had many content ideas ready, but due to time constraints, we didn't post much."

**What did you learn?** Po: "It was like opening my eyes to how things work internationally." Teelee: "I got to talk with designers and take photos with senior fashion industry professionals."

**On the fan club name:** Teelee: "VAVA. Both our names have the chatawa tone mark, so doubling the word felt like it unified us together." Po: "Everyone already calls us by two syllables anyway."

**Why did you buy stars?** Teelee: "It was our idea and the adults' idea." Po: "Actually, we wanted to represent something. People call me the moon and Teelee the sun, so we wanted VAVA to be the star. That's why we bought and gave them out."

**Fans usually buy gifts for artists, not the other way around?** Teelee: "They'll be by our side as stars forever."

**How happy are you now that you have a fan club name?** Po: "Very happy. Before, people called us different things." Teelee: "We went by different names until we finally had our own official name and fan club identity. It feels good. We have a family now. It feels official."

**Message to fans:** Po: "As always, we're very grateful that you're part of us. We'll commit wholeheartedly to every project." Teelee: "Thank you."

**Do you think fans will like it?** Teelee: "I think they will. At first they might have been confused about where VAVA came from, but we explained during a live stream. The feedback from everyone has been positive."

Gold prices jumped 1,550 baht to track global markets as the US dollar weakened following disappointing non-farm employment data, while US-Iran negotiations progressed positively. On July 3, the Gold Traders Association raised 96.5% gold prices by 1,550 baht compared to the previous close, with bullion bars fetching 65,650 baht and ornamental gold at 66,450 baht per baht-weight. Global gold spot prices reached 4,183 US dollars per ounce at 33.16 baht per US dollar.

Huang Sheng Heng Gold Shop noted that global gold adjusted upward as the dollar index (DXY) dropped below 101 points following disappointing US non-farm employment figures showing only 57,000 new positions, far below economist forecasts of 114,000 and prior month's 129,000. CME FedWatch Tool raised expectations from 36.8% to 46.8% that the Federal Reserve may hold rates steady at the September 2026 FOMC meeting rather than raising them. Meanwhile, Qatar and Pakistan mediators completed discussions with Iranian and US negotiating teams in Doha on Wednesday, with both sides showing positive progress on a memorandum of understanding.

The unemployment rate came in at 4.2%, better than the forecasted and previous 4.3%, while SPDR gold fund sold 3.99 tonnes. Gold market analysis from overnight shows global gold prices continuing to rise, but one-hour charts show overbought conditions, suggesting a pullback may occur after testing 4,200 dollar resistance, with support at 4,120 dollars. If gold breaks below 4,100 dollars, further downside correction is likely.