Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin has asked the Pollution Control Department to oversee the closure of the MA-RE-DESIGN project while expressing gratitude to the German federal government for supporting Thailand's circular economy initiatives to improve plastic packaging management and prevent marine waste. This collaboration has established critical policy frameworks, tools, and mechanisms for the country's plastic management system to meet international standards.

Suchat explained that the MA-RE-DESIGN project, running since 2023, involved GIZ working alongside WWF and UNEP-COBSEA under the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, with the Pollution Control Department as the primary implementing partner and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources as a key ally. With German government support, Thailand has developed knowledge, tools, and policy proposals to implement extended producer responsibility (EPR) systems, environmentally friendly product design, and circular economy practices that directly reduce plastic and marine waste, leading to sustainable improvements in environmental quality and public living standards.

Dr. Surin Vorakitjatharn, director-general of the Pollution Control Department, stated that the project developed Design for Recycling (D4R) guidelines, created policy and legal recommendations supporting EPR systems, and provided tools to establish Producer Responsibility Organizations (PROs) to improve the country's plastic packaging management.

At the local level, the project developed plastic waste management prototypes based on circular economy principles in Koh Tao, Surat Thani Province, and Trang Province through collaboration among local governments, businesses, and communities. It also facilitated knowledge exchange with Southeast Asian countries to scale up Thailand's best practices regionally, strengthening cooperative efforts to address plastic pollution and marine waste sustainably, Dr. Surin added.

On July 2, 2569, at Parliament, Phakamol Nunananth, a List MP for the Pheu Thai Party and chair of the House Committee on Political Development, Media, and Public Participation, received a letter from lawyer Phatthrapong Suphaksa requesting an investigation into local government civil service entrance exam fraud.

Phatthrapong stated that although the National Anti-Corruption Commission arrested those involved in the exam fraud, the Ministry of Interior—the responsible agency—has provided no guarantee that the case will proceed against the perpetrators. Instead, the ministry has sued those who released audio clips. He requested the committee summon individuals and witnesses for clarification, hoping this occurs soon, as the fraud has harmed both the civil service system and the public. Over a thousand legitimately qualified exam-takers have formed a chat group and plan to file complaints with both the committee and the Prime Minister's Office.

Phakamol noted that complaints about local civil service exam fraud have been coming into the committee, with documents submitted by affected test-takers, observers, and those who have followed the case since the past. Therefore, the lawyer's submission is not the first, revealing that the damage extends far beyond the present—it likely spans multiple years and may involve a coordinated scheme.

The committee will review all complaints and may call relevant agencies for information. Currently, evidence is scattered between the Ministry of Interior and the Anti-Corruption Commission, making a neutral investigation difficult. The committee should serve as a mediator to impartially gather facts and present them to society.

Phakamol emphasized the widespread evidence and damage; with fraud involving 4.5 billion baht, authorities must identify those responsible. She suggested the exam process itself requires review, as current methods may be inadequate. Civil service recruitment, being as consequential as elections, should include external observers. This aligns with Pheu Thai's position.

When asked about the timeline, Phakamol said the committee expects to set the agenda this week and consider the matter the following week.

Farida Hai Thongkham apologized to all brands for canceling scheduled events and pledged to get back to work as soon as she recovers. Fans expressed concern after learning of her hospitalization, while Farida herself posted a video offering apologies, worried about her commitments.

Farida canceled brand collaborations on December 2-3 and released a statement: "I apologize to all the brands for days 2-3. As soon as I get better, I'll rush back to work for all of you brand owners."

The singer disclosed details of her condition: "Vera is safe. I'm experiencing severe back pain to the point I can't move, plus fever. The doctor admitted me to the hospital because I have a urinary tract infection."

Fans rushed to offer prayers for her swift recovery, while also cautioning her mother not to push too hard, noting that her daughter is overworking and needs rest. They wished both Vera's mother and Vera good health and strength.

Gold prices for July 2, 2569 have jumped sharply according to an announcement from the Thai Gold Traders Association. Ornamental gold (99.5%) is selling at 64,700 baht per gram, representing an increase of 850 baht compared to the previous day's close on July 1. Bar gold is trading at 63,700 baht per gram for buying and 63,900 baht per gram for selling. Ornamental gold (96.5%) is being purchased at 62,428.88 baht per gram and sold at 64,700 baht per gram. International spot gold prices stand at $4,046.00 per ounce. Gold traders are predicting further price increases of 1,000-2,000 baht per gram in tomorrow's opening, potentially breaking through the 80,000 baht barrier.

The Land Bridge project secretary revealed that an evaluation subcommittee will meet on Friday, July 3rd to assess project value and gather stakeholder input before submitting a report to the Prime Minister in August. Donucha Pichyanan, secretary-general of the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), announced that the subcommittee will convene to receive information from private sector experts and transportation academics, including shipping line representatives, to carefully gather opinions before presenting the report to the Prime Minister in August.

The subcommittee will focus on three key evaluation areas: (1) commercial feasibility, examining the reasonableness of projected cargo volumes; (2) transshipment capacity, analyzing the project's ability to attract shipping lines given existing competitive regional ports; and (3) operational performance, evaluating the cost, time, and efficiency of moving cargo between shores.

Office officials stressed that this large-scale project requires extensive preparation and meticulous evaluation at every stage, from feasibility assessment through the issuance of a private sector request for proposals (RFP). The committee acts as a neutral body gathering data from academic, private, and public sectors to reach conclusions reflecting reality as closely as possible.

Regarding public concerns about linking the project to the proposed Southern Economic Corridor (SEC) development law, the committee will assess whether new legislation is actually necessary, since existing laws may be adaptable. "The committee doesn't presume new laws are always required, as many current laws could potentially be modified," Donucha stated. "But that depends on whether the Land Bridge project proves financially viable."

The government emphasized its commitment to hearing public input, particularly from local residents, and to pursuing gradual, sustainable development that communities support. The committee has engaged with protest groups to incorporate their concerns into considerations of project and legal appropriateness, with legal issues to be included in the Prime Minister's report.

Astrologer Wang Warangkana has released her July forecast, highlighting the five zodiac signs with the strongest luck this month.

Gemini: A turning point! Career progress and rising income.

Sagittarius: Lucky fortune! Wealth flows continuously.

Taurus: Steady luck! Life improves in every way.

Libra: Standout fortune! Success with support from others.

Aquarius: New opportunities! Unexpected prosperity beyond expectations.

Source: Wang Warangkana