Thailand, Malaysia Set 30-Day Deadline to Resolve Shrimp Export Ban

Thailand and Malaysia have set a 30-day deadline to resolve a shrimp import ban following talks between their agriculture ministers, with both nations agreeing to accelerate food safety inspections to resume trade.

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The Thai Shrimp Association announced progress on July 6 following a bilateral meeting between Thailand's Agriculture Minister Suryia Jungrungreungkit and Malaysia's Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Sabu on July 1 regarding Malaysia's suspension of Thai shrimp imports.

Both governments agreed to accelerate residue and food safety inspection procedures so that imports and exports can resume normal operations within 30 days. The association thanked the government for addressing shrimp farmers' concerns and advancing concrete negotiations with Malaysia.

Association President Ekpetch Yodphithi called this a crucial first step opening the way for Thai negotiators to pursue discussions on both trade dimensions and technical food safety standards, which must be conducted carefully, transparently, and with consideration for national interests in both exports and consumer protection.

"Food safety inspection processes are necessary and should be conducted rigorously, but must be transparent, efficient, and not used as a trade barrier to ensure fairness for all parties," Ekpetch said.

With Prime Minister Anuthim Charnvirakul scheduled to visit Malaysia on July 8, the association urged the government to complete negotiations and related processes within the agreed 30-day timeframe. This is particularly urgent as natural shrimp supplies are expected to increase after the Department of Fisheries lifts its bay closure measures.

"On behalf of Thailand's shrimp industry, we encourage the government and negotiating team. Shrimp farmers across the country have placed their hopes in this government and these negotiations," Ekpetch said.

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National

Opposition Leader Attacks Government Aid Program as Ineffective

Democratic Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva criticized the government's 170-billion-baht aid program as wasteful, arguing his party's oil price model would have prevented the crisis and that assistance should target only those genuinely in ne

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At the Khon Kaen International Convention and Exhibition Centre on July 6, Democratic Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva spoke to media about the 'Thai Help Thai Plus' program. Abhisit said the party supports relief assistance for people facing hardship, but argued that if the government had adopted the Democratic Party's proposed oil price model, the situation would have stabilized by February without requiring emergency relief and a fraction of the current spending.

By choosing this approach, he argued, many people who don't genuinely need assistance are receiving aid, ultimately forcing the government to collect money from taxpayers. He questioned why taxpayers should subsidize the Prime Minister and Finance Minister's meals while the government creates debt for citizens—even though people still need help.

Abhisit emphasized that the program's 170 billion baht budget will be exhausted within four months, noting that the program is now in its second and third months while prices continue rising. He asked whether prices will drop after the program ends and what the government will do then. He concluded that if aid were limited strictly to those truly in hardship, assistance could be extended far longer.

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Police

Award Show Organizer Dodges Nearly 6 Million Baht Payment Debt

An event organizing company is seeking payment of nearly 6 million baht from a major awards show organizer over seven months after completing all contracted work for a late-2024 ceremony. The client claims to be awaiting sponsor contributio

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An event organizing company's AE and Art Director, Ms. B Kitikat, filed a complaint on July 6, 2025, at the Sai Yam Tong Rop Roi coordination center in Bangkok's Sai Yam district, seeking justice against a well-known national awards show organizer over an unpaid invoice of nearly 6 million baht. Despite completing and delivering all contracted work, the company has not received payment for over 190 days—more than seven months past the contract deadline—as the client claims to be waiting for sponsor contributions.

Ms. B explained that her company served as the primary organizer for the prestigious awards ceremony in late 2024, managing everything from press conferences to the actual awards broadcast, which honored celebrities, actors, politicians, and professionals from various industries. After the event concluded and all deliverables were submitted, the client's management attempted to negotiate a price reduction despite the work being complete. Subsequent follow-ups through accounting and direct contact with executives yielded only vague promises of updates.

By June 22, management finally cited a major automotive company sponsor as the reason for delays, pledging a clear answer by June 26. When that date passed with no contact, calls went unanswered. Ms. B noted the company had already sent a formal notice in March and suffered serious cash flow problems as a result. She added that this was their first project with this client, whom they had vetted for credibility beforehand. The outstanding debt excludes advance payments the company made for deposits, venue rentals, lighting and sound equipment, and payments to other suppliers who were also affected by the non-payment.

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Community

L.กฮ. Singer Puay Wins First Major Award

After more than a decade in the music industry, L.กฮ. singer Puay won his first major award—'Darling of Lukthung Network 2026'—through a nationwide voting system based on app listening points. The award was celebrated at a free regional con

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Young singer Puay from L.กฮ. has earned the 'Darling of Lukthung Network 2026' award, his first major prize after spending over a decade in the music industry. He credited all his fans for the honor, expressing his gratitude for their continued support and encouragement.

Lukthung Network organized a grand celebration with the 'Network on Tour' concert at Ocean Chumphon mall on Sunday, July 5, 2026, bringing together artists and DJs from across the region. Featured performers included Puay of L.กฮ., Off Dokfa, Biw Phongphipat, Biw Wallabee, Noi Suwina, Anass Sunlakaya, and Menthol. The free concert drew enthusiastic crowds from Chumphon and neighboring southern provinces.

Puay expressed his joy at receiving the award, stating: "After more than ten years in the industry, this is my first award from Lukthung Network, and I'm very proud. I dedicate this to all my L.กฮ. fans. Thank you for believing in me and standing by my side. Thank you to Lukthung Network, the team, and all the DJs who organized this event."

The award was determined through a nationwide voting system where listeners accumulated points by listening to songs through the Lukthung Network app during a 'point-burning' campaign. Voting took place from June 20-30, 2026, with listeners using accumulated points from throughout the year—the more they listened, the more points they earned. This year saw a historic record of over 300 million listening points accumulated through the app, with SMS voting also available as an additional channel.

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National

National Sports University Launches Muay Thai Development Initiative

The National Sports University's Thai Boxing Institute convened experts and academics in Pattaya to chart a strategy for elevating Muay Thai to international standards and positioning the sport as Thailand's global soft power.

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The National Sports University's Thai Boxing Institute held a workshop titled "Developing Muay Thai to International Standards" at Le Bali Resort and Spa in Pattaya, Chon Buri province. The event was opened by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wirasak Wisalaphon, rector of the National Sports University, alongside prominent speakers including Supachai Muensangkhae ("Superball Singhmawinn"), a championship-winning boxer, and Capt. Theerapat Yiuyium, a sports science expert.

The workshop aimed to gather opinions from academics and experts in the Thai boxing field to establish a sustainable direction for elevating Muay Thai to international standards, while preparing the university to host major boxing events.

The rector stated that this workshop marks the beginning of charting Muay Thai development across all dimensions to reach international standards. The National Sports University will serve as a hub for knowledge development, research, and training Thai boxing personnel. The university also plans to organize competitions and events under its own management to create a platform for athletes to showcase their abilities, promote sports tourism, and position Muay Thai as the country's soft power on the international stage.

Beyond panel discussions on "Developing Muay Thai to International Standards," participants divided into working groups to develop action plans in three key areas: competition organization, promotion of international competition participation, and global marketing of Muay Thai. Results and development guidelines will be finalized collaboratively.

This workshop represents a significant step in advancing Muay Thai—a national cultural heritage—toward becoming an internationally recognized and standardized sport, ensuring the future sustainability of Thailand's boxing industry.

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National

Climate Agency Elevates Community Green Products With Innovation

Thailand's climate agency launched a green fair promoting community eco-friendly products, focusing on helping grassroots networks create sustainable income through innovation and storytelling while reducing emissions.

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The Department of Climate Change and Environment is advancing community-based eco-friendly products by integrating green innovation and storytelling to transform local resources into a low-carbon community economy.

On July 6, Dr. Pirun Saiyasit Paanich, director of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, presided over the opening of the "Green Fair: Community Environmental Products" event, aimed at strengthening the capacity of grassroots networks to add value to community products while adapting to and reducing the impact of climate change.

Dr. Pirun stated that amid the global climate crisis, the department prioritizes building competencies across all sectors, particularly at the grassroots level. Current efforts must go beyond promoting adaptation to new global conditions; they must focus on sustainably leveraging natural resource bases through green innovation and product storytelling to increase economic value for communities.

"We must elevate grassroots network operations from their traditional focus on conservation and protection toward sustainable resource utilization," Dr. Pirun said. "We need to shift strategy with all sectors from a quantity-focused to a quality and income-focused approach (value over volume), such as linking products and services to sustainable tourism. This not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also creates stable income for communities through collaborative mechanisms designed with all stakeholders."

Dr. Pirun also outlined four key dimensions for developing community products toward a low-carbon society aligned with the BCG economic model: elevating standards to international levels through science and technology to ensure product safety and quality; modern design and packaging that appeals to contemporary consumers; using innovation to create added value by blending local wisdom with modern technology like AI design and storytelling; and distributing income and expanding sales channels through online platforms and community tourism routes.

The event brought together over 150 participants, including volunteer environmental networks from 50 districts in Bangkok, low-carbon learning centers, and low-carbon community networks, along with relevant government and private agencies.

The event featured products from volunteer networks across 77 provinces compiled into a catalog, with 15 exhibition booths showcasing outstanding work. Panel discussions covered promoting environmentally-friendly products and services toward a low-carbon society and developing sustainable products to strengthen low-carbon BCG communities, featuring experts from various sectors. The program also included workshops on content creation, packaging design, and digital marketing.

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Community

Punpun Stuns In Bikini While Making Matcha Cocktail

Actress Punpun Sutatta Udomsilp's Instagram video of her making matcha cocktails went viral, though viewers were more captivated by her bikini than her bartending skills. The post quickly racked up over 150,000 likes from fans praising her

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Social media erupted when actress Punpun Sutatta Udomsilp posted a video demonstrating her matcha-mixing skills on her personal Instagram account. However, both celebrities and netizens seemed far more focused on her eye-catching, sexy bikini outfit that stole the entire scene.

In the clip, Punpun exudes freshness in a tiny bikini, showcasing her fit and firm physique alongside a radiant smile that captivates viewers. She captioned the post "Matcha cocktail by PP all the way to bali" and "The tea is served."

Shortly after the post went live, celebrity friends and fans rushed to like and comment continuously, pushing the likes past 150,000 in no time. Comments flooded in with praise for Punpun's beauty, freshness, and charm, with remarks like "The matcha cocktail outfit," "Crazy," "The latte outfit," "After watching this, I need another cup," "Oh that outfit," "The matcha is so white," "The legendary matcha cocktail outfit," "I approve of the outfit," "I wasn't even looking at the tea," and "The number one outfit outfit," among many others.

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Police

Satun Provincial Chief Faces Criminal Charges Over Delayed Tourist Center Project

Satun PAO chairman Samruddhi Liang Prasit faces criminal charges for mismanaging a 29.8-million-baht tourist center project that dragged on for six years, with investigators finding he repeatedly extended deadlines for a contractor run by h

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On July 6, 2025, Surapong Inthatawon, Secretary-General of the NACC, announced that the commission had found criminal liability against Samruddhi Liang Prasit, Satun PAO chairman, for improperly managing a 29.8-million-baht tourist service center construction contract in Kuan Don district signed in September 2016. The project was supposed to be completed in December 2017 over 450 days with 11 work phases.

After signing, the contractor failed to begin work, prompting the PAO to issue four urgent notices before the contract deadline. By January 2018, only 25.79% of work was completed. Despite staff recommendations to terminate the contract and penalties exceeding 213% totaling 58.1 million baht, Samruddhi repeatedly approved contract extensions and allowed the contractor to submit revised work plans. The contractor continued to miss deadlines for over six years until finally submitting completed work on January 23, 2023.

Investigations revealed that Somkiat Liang Prasit, the managing partner of the contracting company, is Samruddhi's younger brother, suggesting potential nepotism. The NACC found Samruddhi violated criminal law under Articles 151 and 157 of the Criminal Code, Article 172 of the Anti-Corruption Act B.E. 2561, and Article 77 of the Provincial Administrative Organization Act B.E. 2540. The contractor company and Somkiat are considered accessories to Samruddhi's actions. The NACC has referred the case to the Supreme Prosecutor's Office for criminal prosecution and to relevant authorities for disciplinary action.

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Community

New Amulet Release Honors Revered Monk Luang Pho Pailai

A new amulet honors Luang Pho Pailai, a revered Bangkok monk who passed away in 1939 and became legendary for his mastery of Buddhist practices and a miraculous incident during his funeral ceremony. The commemorative medals, originally cast

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Luang Pho Pailai Chantasaro, a venerable monk and teacher at Wat Kamphaeng in Bangkok's Prasat Charoen District, became so renowned that he embodied the spirit of Bang Khun Thian area. Born into the Thonglueua family in June 1860, he grew up in a farming community in Bang Khun Thian, Thonburi Province. He was ordained at Wat Kamphaeng with three preceptors guiding him: Luang Pho That of Wat Sing, Luang Pho Phuang of Wat Kok, and Luang Pho Dit of Wat Kamphaeng, taking the name Chantasaro. During his monastic life at Wat Kamphaeng, he mastered Buddhist scriptures and chanting, demonstrating unwavering devotion throughout his entire monastic career. He learned advanced practices including the teaching of universal compassion, sacred 108-ingredient powder, and beeswax seal techniques from his mentors, and specialized in creating sacred red cloth. He passed away peacefully in 1939 at the age of 79, having spent 59 years as a monk.

Thousands attended his funeral ceremony, which was marked by a miraculous incident. When disciples lit fireworks and sparklers, they all mysteriously extinguished because Luang Pho Pailai disliked loud noises. However, after the ceremony ended, when they were relit, they produced an enormous, thunderous sound—an event that has been recounted as a local legend ever since.

His most celebrated amulet is the "2478 Casting Medal," created to commemorate his 75th birthday. It was produced in two designs: a spade-shaped coin and an oval-shaped coin, both cast in brass. The spade-shaped coin was particularly popular and larger than other versions, made for distribution to men as personal talismans. Master craftsman Poom On Sap designed the mold and oversaw the bronze casting, resulting in amulets that gained tremendous popularity.

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Local

Ancient Khmer Temple Pond Dries Up, Fish Die

Severe drought has drained the iconic pond at Wat Thepprast Sarakamphaeng Noi, an ancient Khmer temple in Si Saket province, leaving dead fish scattered across exposed cracked earth and disrupting a beloved merit-making tradition for visito

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A crisis has unfolded at Wat Thepprast Sarakamphaeng Noi in Utumpornpisai district, Si Saket province, where the iconic pond fronting the ancient Khmer temple has severely dried up. The water level has dropped dramatically, exposing cracked earth and thick mud in many areas. Dense aquatic weeds now blanket the pond, while the remaining water appears stagnant and dark green, emanating a strong putrid smell. Dead fish of various sizes float scattered throughout the pond and cling to vegetation, creating a distressing sight for visitors.

The temple, which houses Sarakamphaeng Noi Prasart—an important Khmer-era structure built around the 18th Buddhist century during King Jayavarman VII's reign—was historically used as a public hospital. Today it functions as a historical learning center, cultural tourism destination, and religious site where locals and visitors from across Thailand come to make merit, pray, and feed the fish. Feeding the fish has long been a signature attraction, with large schools of fish swarming the surface whenever visitors scattered food.

Visitors arriving expecting this cherished experience left deeply disappointed. Ms. Nuchrin, 40, who brought her three-year-old daughter to make merit and feed the fish, expressed heartbreak at the transformation. "I've visited many times because I loved the peaceful atmosphere and the variety of fish," she said. "Every time we scattered food, fish would rush to the surface creating a beautiful sight. But today we were shocked to find the water almost gone, dead fish everywhere, and a terrible smell. I worry this will damage the temple's reputation and the spiritual experience of those who come to make merit here."

Venerable Sanya, a monk at the temple, revealed that the pond has never experienced such severe water depletion in living memory. The dramatic decline has devastated the aquatic life that local residents and Buddhists have released as merit-making offerings over many years. Local administrative organizations and residents have begun coordinating efforts to address the crisis.

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National

SEC Accelerates TRUE Stock Deal Probe After Warning

Thailand's SEC has accelerated its investigation into TRUE stock transaction discrepancies after flagging data inaccuracies in a major share acquisition by Suphaporn Phimphong in June 2025. The regulator warned investors Friday while examin

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The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is intensifying its investigation into a TRUE stock transaction following a warning flag raised over data discrepancies. SEC Deputy Secretary-General and Spokesperson Anuek Yuyyuen revealed that the regulator has been tracking the case since its initial report and identified concerns regarding the accuracy of the Form 246-2 filing. On Friday, July 3, 2025, the SEC issued a warning marker to alert investors about the questionable report. The SEC is accelerating its fact-checking process and will examine information and question all relevant parties. If the SEC determines that any actions violate applicable laws or regulations, it will pursue strict legal proceedings. The investigation involves Suphaporn Phimphong's acquisition of TRUE shares on June 15, 2025, representing 3.2174% of total voting rights, bringing her total stake to 7.0992% of the company's voting rights. TRUE countered that the acquisition details—3.1786% ordinary shares and 0.0388% preferred shares—are preliminary and incomplete, currently under review. The company noted potential inaccuracies, as it has never offered preferred shares to the public and currently holds none.

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