During parliament's budget deliberations on July 1, 2025, Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaiyachok Chidchob defended his ministry's budget increase of 33.18 percent, citing three reasons for proceeding with the TH-AI Passport project: legal compliance, successful negotiations with contractors that benefit both the government and public, and testing that confirmed the product's high quality. He assured citizens expecting to become one of 5 million free AI users to wait only a bit longer, emphasizing efficient use of budgeted funds.

The 33.18 percent budget increase targets two areas: the Office for Promotion of Digital Economy (OPDE) and the Meteorological Department. The OPDE's increase funds bundled cloud procurement services that reduce costs through bulk purchasing and lower personnel and meeting expenses by up to 100 million baht.

Regarding why bundled procurement hasn't expanded to all departments, Chidchob cited three reasons: some units have prior budget commitments; certain functions differ from standard cloud services and require enhanced security; and departments like the Ministry of Interior, National Police Office, and Ministry of Defense require specialized data protection that prevents bundled procurement. However, he signaled intent to expand this procurement method in the future to achieve further savings.

Actress Karisa Springkert, known as Karisa The Face, shared the emotional moment of being proposed to, offering relationship advice on winning a man's heart. Her main concern: how to cry beautifully. She even considered asking actress Aff-Noon for tips.

Karisa has prepared to leave her single life behind after her non-celebrity boyfriend surprised her with a proposal at the Hollywood sign overlooking Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, California, United States.

On July 1, 2026, Karisa appeared at a press conference launching the series "Rak" at Major Cineplex Sukhumvit (Ekamai) theater 3, where she displayed her engagement ring and recounted the proposal moment in a romantic atmosphere.

"When I put it on, I immediately thought of him and wondered: with this face, this skin, this hair—is this legendary? The entertainment industry's freshest-looking proposal. I just woke up to this happening to me," she said.

When he proposed, did you sense any signs beforehand?

"I didn't sense anything. The night before, I went out with Poo and came back around 4 AM. He texted asking if I was home. I thought it was sweet, but it was already 4 o'clock and I still wasn't back. He probably thought about what tomorrow would bring, but I was fully immersed in life. I'm glad he still loves me."

What time did you finally get home that night?

"I probably started sleeping around 6 AM. He started following up around 4 AM, and then came the shower and everything else."

How did the proposal happen?

"He suggested we go for a walk up the hill. I don't remember exactly, but it was around 9 AM and I didn't feel like going—I was so lazy. But I love him, so when he suggested it, I went. When a man says something, you have to do it. You have to be the most adorable person in the world."

You complained the whole way up because you'd only just fallen asleep?

"I complained the entire hike that after a 10-day trip, why did we have to hike on a hangover day? I felt nauseous the whole time. Then I felt refreshed when other people passed us going down, and he warned me about coyotes up ahead. I got excited to see them—they're like jackals, right? But he explained they're still dangerous. I thought, 'LA is amazing, but I didn't go up to see coyotes.' Then we went to enjoy the view.

After a while, he said something, and I turned to look. He was on one knee. I felt like the most beautiful person in the world. I never expected that moment. It felt so warm. After he proposed, he explained he wanted it to be just the two of us because my life is so full with work, meals, and friends. He wanted me to experience a moment he intentionally created—just us two."

Did your mind go blank when he proposed?

"No, I heard him propose and got confused. My first thought was: Am I grown up? Is everything ready? I'm ready. But I always feel like I'm 10 years old. I felt like proposal scenes were for adults. Am I grown up? That was my only question."

Can you remember what he said before kneeling?

"I remember just one sentence: 'Will you marry me?'"

CHANTHABURI — The Thai military on Tuesday hosted a delegation of ASEAN observers at the Thai-Cambodian border in Chanthaburi province, where they were briefed on security measures and the progress of a border fence project, reaffirming that the construction complies with international law.

The nine-member delegation, comprising representatives from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines accredited to Thailand, was led by Air Vice Marshal Chitphon Korkitsammakul, director of the International Affairs Office at the Defence Intelligence Department. Rear Admiral Udom Kulsiripanyo, chief of staff of the Chanthaburi and Trat Border Defence Command, welcomed the group and provided a security briefing.

The observers inspected the construction of the border security fence between boundary markers 52 and 59 in Pong Nam Ron district. Thai authorities said the project is more than 45% complete and is intended to strengthen border security and improve border management.

Addressing questions about a gap near boundary marker 52, the Chanthaburi Marine Task Force explained it was part of the engineering design and had been left open pending decisions by the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Boundary Commission. The opening will later be fitted with a removable panel to facilitate joint inspections of the boundary marker by Thai and Cambodian officials.

The military said the project is being carried out transparently, in accordance with international law, and with Cambodian observers present throughout the process. The ASEAN delegation also visited strategic locations along the border to assess measures against transnational crime and border management.

The Royal Thai Armed Forces said it remains committed to safeguarding Thailand's sovereignty while promoting peace and good relations with neighbouring countries in line with ASEAN cooperation.

The mid-year car show "Fast Auto Show Thailand 2026" is now underway, showcasing new vehicle debuts including Honda City and Mitsubishi Attrage, with used cars available across all segments. The event runs through July 5 at BITEC Bangna and features several highlights. Honda has unveiled the new City sedan and hatchback versions to the public for the first time since their launch last week, with test drives available. The Honda e:N2 electric SUV is also available for test drives. Honda is running a special campaign called "Honda THE GRAND QUAKE DEAL" offering new customers special interest rates starting at 0%, complimentary Honda Exclusive Care for up to 5 years, and exclusive incentives ranging from 6,000 to 40,000 baht for Turbo and e:HEV models, or up to 130,000 baht for electric vehicles.

Mitsubishi is debuting the redesigned Attrage eco-sedan with a sportier appearance, featuring a new sporty front grille and enhanced safety features. The entry-level Active trim includes ADAS Camera with Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning systems, and both Active and Smart versions comply with EURO 6 emissions standards. Mitsubishi is also displaying the Xforce HEV compact SUV with their latest full-hybrid technology and seven driving modes, along with special promotions including 0% interest rates and fuel cards worth 10,000 baht.

Toyota showcases a diverse lineup of vehicles including the bZ4X, Corolla Cross, and Yaris Cross SUVs; the Camry sedan; commercial vehicles like Hilux Champ, Hilux Revo, Fortuner Leader S, and Land Cruiser FJ. The Land Cruiser FJ is a standout, priced at 1,289,000 baht, featuring a rugged design, 2.7-liter gasoline engine, body-on-frame construction with all-wheel drive, Toyota Safety Sense with adaptive high-beam headlights, 360-degree camera, and comprehensive driver assistance systems.

One suspect surrendered to investigators at Bua Yai Police Station in Nakhon Ratchasima on July 1 after 200 pig heads were illegally dumped into public water sources used for tap water production. The dumping occurred at two locations: 140 heads in a pond within Sanam Luang Park in Bua Yai Municipality, and 60 heads at Takhok Weir in Ban Prang Subdistrict, Kong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The incident, which took place on June 29, caused foul odors and affected water quality for residents.

According to Pol. Maj. Suranat Sakonwan, commander of Bua Yai Police Station, the suspect confessed that he and three colleagues were employees of a major meat processing company. They had transported 200 pig heads for sale, but the product spoiled. The company ordered them to dispose of it, yet due to negligence and poor judgment, they dumped the heads into the water instead, hoping to feed fish. The suspect apologized to all affected residents.

Three other employees are expected to surrender on July 2. Police remain skeptical of the suspect's account and plan to conduct separate interviews with the remaining three suspects to clarify the true reason for the dumping, the origin of the pig heads, and whether they were genuinely company employees. Criminal charges will be filed pending further investigation.

A 93-year-old Chinese widow broke down in tears after seeing a digitally restored photograph of her husband who died in war decades ago, reuniting lost memories and love through digital technology.

Zhao Chuifen from Liuyang lost her young husband Zhang Zhu'xin after he was conscripted in the 1950s. In July 1953, amid escalating Korean War tensions, a major battle erupted on Dongshan Island when Kuomintang forces attacked. The People's Liberation Army was forced to urgently send reinforcements, including soldiers from Liuyang. The battle lasted over 36 hours and resulted in the PLA's victory, but at a heavy cost: over 1,200 soldiers killed or wounded, including Zhang Zhu'xin, who died at just 20 years old—leaving behind no photographs or family memories.

After losing her husband, Zhao grieved deeply, crying every day. She continued caring for his family dutifully before being arranged to remarry his cousin to support the household. Despite having five children in her later life, Zhao never forgot her first love and kept his memory alive. Her family still calls her second husband "Father Zhu'xin" to this day.

In May, volunteers from Nanjing University of Technology, supported by Hunan provincial authorities, launched a project to restore the faces of soldiers who died at Dongshan Island using family information, photographs, and historical documents. On June 24, restored images of four soldiers from Liuyang were returned to their families.

When Zhao received Zhang Zhu'xin's restored image, she collapsed emotionally upon seeing his young face. Holding the photograph, she gazed at her husband's features before overwhelming grief overcame her. She pressed her face to the frame, lit incense, and spent a long time paying respects as her descendants stood nearby, moved by the moment. Her daughter revealed this was only the second time she had seen her mother weep.

For decades, these heroes from Dongshan Island existed only as names inscribed on monuments, making it difficult for many families to pay respects. Now, with their faces restored, they are no longer merely names on a memorial—they have become real people once again.