NONTHABURI — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul inaugurated the Thailand Defence Industry Exhibition 2026 (THAIDEF-EX 2026) on Tuesday morning, underscoring the government's commitment to strengthening domestic defence capabilities and promoting economic self-reliance amid shifting global geopolitical dynamics. The opening ceremony was held at 08:00 on July 8, 2026, at the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence in Si Saman, Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi.

Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, arrived at the venue standing atop a First Win mine-resistant armoured vehicle alongside Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen. Several senior cabinet members attended the event, including Deputy Prime Ministers Suphajee Suthumpun and Yoschanan Wongsawat, as well as Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa and other government officials.

In his address, Anutin emphasized that the exhibition demonstrates Thailand's readiness to safeguard national sovereignty while building economic resilience through greater self-reliance. He noted that the global landscape has shifted dramatically, with geopolitical conflicts disrupting international trade, investment and supply chains that once operated freely.

"Many countries are now prioritizing self-reliance to ensure security and sustainable production rather than depending on imports," Anutin said.

The prime minister argued that developing Thailand's defence industry would strengthen national security while creating opportunities to advance technology, upgrade manufacturing capabilities and generate greater economic value. He highlighted Thailand's manufacturing capacity and strategic location as positioning the country to become a competitive production hub for defence technologies in the global market.

Anutin characterized THAIDEF-EX 2026 as a major milestone in Thailand's industrial development, stating that investment in the defence sector would encourage research, high-technology development, engineering and innovation while opening doors for Thai entrepreneurs to move into higher-value industries.

He noted that many technologies in widespread use today, including unmanned aerial vehicles, satellite navigation systems and advanced materials, originated from defence-related research before being adapted for commercial and civilian applications.

Stressing that defence industry investment should be viewed as an investment in both national security and Thailand's future economic competitiveness, Anutin expressed confidence that Thailand has the potential to become one of the region's leading producers of defence technology. He pledged continued cooperation between domestic and international partners to establish an integrated ecosystem.

Bangkok has entered the world's top 10 most expensive cities for luxury living for the first time, according to the Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2026 published by Swiss private bank Julius Baer. The Thai capital climbed from 11th place in 2025 to 10th this year, marking its first appearance in the top 10 since Julius Baer introduced the index in 2020.

The ranking is based on the prices of 20 categories of premium goods and services across 25 cities worldwide, reflecting the cost of maintaining a high-end lifestyle for high-net-worth individuals. Julius Baer said the Asia-Pacific region remains a global wealth hub, with five cities in the top 10: Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney and Bangkok. Bangkok's rise reflects growth in the luxury goods market and spending among affluent consumers in the region.

Singapore retained the top spot as the world's most expensive city for luxury living for a fourth consecutive year, driven by property and vehicle costs, as well as the strength of the Singapore dollar. Zurich climbed to second place, while Monaco entered the top three for the first time. Hong Kong and London ranked fourth and fifth, respectively.

The report also found that the global cost of luxury living rose by an average of 10.2% in US dollar terms in 2026. Key factors included stronger currencies in several countries and higher material prices, particularly gold, which pushed up the cost of luxury items such as jewellery and watches.

Top 10 cities for luxury living costs in 2026: Singapore, Zurich (Switzerland), Monaco, Hong Kong, London (United Kingdom), Shanghai (China), Paris (France), Sydney (Australia), Milan (Italy), and Bangkok (Thailand).

Pokklao Anan has been recalled to the national team following the announcement of 25 players selected for Thailand's squad competing in the 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup (ASEAN HYUNDAI CUP 2026).

The Football Association of Thailand announced the 25-man squad for the tournament running from July 24 to August 26, 2026, under English head coach Anthony Hudson.

The tournament holds FIFA International 'A' Match status and awards FIFA ranking points during the international window period. In the group stage, group champions and runners-up will advance to the semifinals.

The 25-member squad consists of:

Goalkeepers: 1. Kampol Padtmakurkul - Ratchaburi FC 2. Korkiat Phipatthanakda - Muangthong United 3. Chatchai Bootrom - Buriram United

Defenders: 4. Chaiyapol Adsorn - Kaochiao FC 5. Nuttapong Saiyaria - Chonburi FC 6. Nurudin Veeravatnoddom - Buriram United 7. Phansa Meawibul - Buriram United 8. Pichitchai Siakrathok - Ayutthaya United 9. Manuel Tom Biah - Kaochiao FC 10. Waris Chutong - BG Pathum United 11. Wanchai Jarunngkranya - True Bangkok United 12. Adisorn Promrak - Ratchaburi FC 13. Usamma Thiangkam - PT Prachuap FC

Midfielders: 14. Kakna Kamyok - Muangthong United 15. Chavalit Saelao - Pram Bangkok 16. Thosavat Limvannasathian - Ratchaburi FC 17. Pokklao Anan - True Bangkok United 18. Picha Uatra - True Bangkok United 19. Worchit Kanitribampen - Kaochiao FC 20. Saraj Yooyuen - BG Pathum United 21. Seksorn Ratree - Kaochiao FC

Forwards: 22. Jehanafy Mama - PT Prachuap FC 23. Theerasak Pheyphumai - Kaochiao FC 24. Patrik Gustafssson - BG Pathum United 25. Yotsagor Boophon - Chonburi FC

Selected players must report to the Novotel Future Park Rangsit hotel on July 14, 2026 at 12:00 noon and will conduct evening training sessions at the BG Training Center.

A stellar lineup of Thai music legends gathered for the charity concert 'Sing Memories: Sweet Songs in Memory' on July 4, 2025, at SiamPic Hall on the 7th floor of Siam Square One. The event, presented by the Thai Red Cross Donation HUB with Workpoint Group and partners, successfully raised funds for the organization's humanitarian efforts.

The concert opened warmly with the song 'Give to You,' performed by Arm Korkant, introducing co-hosts Kik Kiarti and Arm Korkant, who guided audiences through nostalgic analog-era memories.

The highlight featured an impressive roster of iconic Thai artists performing masterpiece hits. The legendary Chaleiang band, led by Ju Sukhbunliang and Giang Kiatsak, opened with soothing ballads. Pan Thanaporn Waekprayoon followed with powerful vocals from the lakprao-sai tradition, surprising the crowd with a duet with Dang Phusit on 'Good Brother.'

The 'Three Uncles of Chaleiang'—Jib Watcharai, Di Nitiphong, and Dang—performed legendary hits bringing laughter and smiles. Di then accompanied R&B princess Nat Meeriya for an emotional duet and medley that had audiences on their feet.

Legendary pop-cassette icon Mam Pathrida delivered classic hits including 'Yatika,' 'Abandon,' and 'Through Prayer.' The evening concluded with all artists performing 'Don't Love But Miss You' and 'Still Chaleiang,' followed by 'Flower of Life,' a composition by national artist Praphat Chollasranont, performed by Pan Thanaporn. The powerful message conveyed the spirit of giving and supporting the needy, embodying the Thai Red Cross mission and inviting continued community participation in helping vulnerable Thais.

The Department of Medical Services under the Ministry of Public Health is expanding healthcare access for remote communities. The department has launched the "Royal Medical Vehicle and Doctors for Remote Communities" project, deploying specialist doctors and medical staff to Mae Hong Son Province to provide proactive clinical services to underserved communities. The initiative aims to reduce travel burdens and costs for residents while developing health systems tailored to local contexts, ensuring equitable access to quality medical care. The project also offers health screening, disease prevention services, and public health education to help communities manage their own health long-term.

The project launch ceremony was held at Mae La Luang Subdistrict Health Promotion Hospital in Mae La Noi District, Mae Hong Son Province. Dr. Natphong Wongwiwat, Director-General of the Department of Medical Services, attended alongside Deputy Director-General Dr. Thanin Wetchaphirunant and senior departmental officials. Mae Hong Son Governor Viboon Waeobandid presided over the ceremony, while Dr. Woraphat Kongpeislaphanthan, Director of Thanyarak Hospital Mae Hong Son, reported on the project's key objectives of caring for both general populations and those struggling with drug addiction.

Dr. Natphong Wongwiwat assigned Dr. Woraphat Kongpeislaphanthan to drive intensive operations in the region. The director developed the initiative by retrofitting a royal-donated vehicle originally used during the COVID-19 pandemic into a fully equipped mobile medical unit. The vehicle is equipped with modern technology and telemedicine systems connecting with specialist doctors to overcome geographic barriers. Services include screening, diagnosis, and prescription dispensing in a single one-stop service model, providing convenience and accessibility to patients.

A key focus of this initiative is serving drug-dependent patients in remote areas—a vulnerable group often marginalized and underserved by the healthcare system. Thanyarak Hospital Mae Hong Son is committed to providing compassionate treatment and rehabilitation on par with general healthcare standards, helping individuals break free from addiction, rebuild their dignity, and reintegrate into society. Follow-up teams will monitor treatment outcomes in communities to prevent relapse and improve quality of life for marginalized residents.

To support policy-level implementation and comprehensive assistance, Dr. Natphong Wongwiwat has promoted the concept of reducing social inequality, noting that Mae Hong Son Province faces critical geographic and resource constraints.

A devastating tragedy has struck the family of Shanichara Bote in Nepal after losing four family members to attacks by the same wild elephant over 14 years. Despite their efforts to relocate and escape the danger, the attacks have continued to haunt them. In 2012, Bote lost his parents to a severe elephant attack at Baruwa Market in Madi. Fearing increased wildlife dangers from forest encroachment, he moved his remaining family across the Rapti River to Kathmandu District, hoping distance from the forest would bring safety. However, the nightmare returned when the same elephant found them again. Last Sunday, Bote had to report to police in Chitwan District after the elephant attacked his home, killing his 25-year-old daughter-in-law and 4-year-old grandson. Bote told local media that his family had believed crossing major rivers would protect them, but after years passed, the same elephant returned and invaded their home, making him feel there is nowhere left to flee. The elephant, named Dhurbe, has been under wildlife conservationists' watch due to its continuous attacks on humans. Over 23 years, Dhurbe is believed responsible for at least 25 deaths within Chitwan National Park. Park officials use satellite-tracked collars to monitor the aggressive male elephant's movements. Before the recent incident, Dhurbe was linked to 23 deaths; the latest attacks brought the toll to 25. Experts suggest Dhurbe's aggressive behavior may stem from being a solitary male elephant separated from his herd, forcing him to seek food in human settlements and creating human-wildlife conflict. While elephant attacks are common in countries like India and Nepal, Bote's case is exceptionally rare as he has lost family members to the same elephant twice over 14 years, making it one of Nepal's most heartbreaking wildlife tragedies.