All traffic lanes have been closed from Ban Khak intersection to Pracha Thipat Road and the large roundabout due to water seepage in the underground tunnel under construction for the Purple Line extension. Emergency pumping operations continue to manage water accumulating in the sump basin beneath the tunnel near the major roundabout. Prime Minister Anuthim Chanyaweerakul and his team inspected the site last night, assessing that water levels remain within manageable limits. Officials were ordered to accelerate repairs to prevent impacts on public safety.

On July 9, reporters visiting the area found that Mass Transit Authority (MTA) staff and engineers remained on-site conducting close monitoring throughout the morning. MTA Board Chairman Montri Dethasakulsomm stated that preliminary assessment indicates the leak originates from a defect in the sump basin or water collection pit. Authorities immediately began repairs, focusing on preventing additional water inflow while continuously pumping water out. The pumping system currently handles incoming water flow, which decreased from approximately 70 cubic meters per hour overnight to about 50 cubic meters per hour by morning, indicating improving conditions.

Montri clarified this incident differs from the Samsen area case, resulting from a construction defect that MTA has ordered contractors to repair urgently. To prepare for heavy rainfall, MTA has ordered installation of additional underground dewatering systems, including deep wells approximately 50 meters deep to extract groundwater and reduce sump basin inflow. Grout injection to seal leaks is complete, and construction of underground curtain walls continues to prevent groundwater infiltration and reduce surrounding area impacts.

Latest inspections found no additional structural settlement, tilting, or new cracks, with nearby elevated structures remaining normal. MTA has ordered contractors to conduct detailed building inspections in the area with district engineers to ensure public confidence. The dewatering system begins today with pumping expected to start tomorrow, while curtain wall construction should complete within approximately one week. The surrounding area remains stable with no additional subsidence detected.

The rail line project is scheduled for completion in late 2027. Overall conditions are not concerning, as MTA and contractors are addressing issues promptly with 24-hour monitoring in accordance with government and transport ministry policy to ensure safe construction and public confidence. Traffic management initially will close the two leftmost lanes on Pracha Thipat Road outbound.

Thai superstar couple Yaya Urasaya Sperbund and Nadech Kugimiya are counting down to their wedding celebration on July 18th. After their Thai-Isan engagement ceremony in April and romantic wedding in Norway in May, Yaya recently appeared at the Disney's Moana Thailand Gala Premiere at Paragon Cineplex, updating fans on final preparations.

When asked if she worked until the wedding day, Yaya laughed and said she hadn't rested yet, but finished her drama shoot yesterday and had time to prepare. With only about 10 days remaining, she said it was manageable timing.

For the Bangkok celebration, Yaya described it as nearly complete except for food selection. She's prepared four wedding gowns and confirmed the theme will use the hashtag "NY Kayan Haeng Noi Khon Kaen" (NY, the groom from Norway, the bride from Khon Kaen). With roughly 500 guests expected, she said this third celebration would be special because everyone they love will be in one room.

When asked about increased displays of affection in Bangkok compared to her previous ceremonies, Yaya didn't deny the possibility and laughed. She described their affection as natural and unplanned, saying it simply erupts from their love. She emphasized they feel like they're the only two people in the world when they kiss in front of others.

Yaya praised Nadech as the most handsome man in the world and envisions their future growing old together. When asked who should be more envious—him for marrying the most beautiful woman in the world or her for marrying him—Yaya said everyone should envy Bear (Nadech's nickname). She shared that they compliment each other constantly, with her saying he's handsome and him calling her beautiful, adding that she can't say anything else.

BANGKOK — 9 July 2026, Thai police have arrested four Indian nationals accused of attempting to smuggle protected wildlife out of the country after investigators expanded a probe into a transnational wildlife trafficking network.

The suspects, identified as Glastin, 53, Manimaran, 37, Lingesh, 24, and Noorul, 52, were arrested under warrants issued by the Central Tax Court on 6 July 2026.

They face charges of attempting to export goods without completing customs procedures and illegally exporting protected and controlled wildlife under Thailand's Wildlife Preservation and Protection Act.

Police also seized one gibbon, one Indonesian langur, 100 Indian star tortoises, three suitcases and a white Mazda 3 sedan registered in Udon Thani.

The investigation began in May 2026, when officers were alerted by an airline after baggage belonging to a passenger travelling from Thailand to India was returned because it contained live wild animals and animal remains.

Investigators uncovered what they described as a transnational wildlife trafficking network. According to police, Glastin was responsible for finding buyers, while Manimaran and Lingesh procured wildlife to match customer demand and arranged shipments overseas.

Police said the group allegedly used a house in Soi Bang Kradi 19 in Bangkok's Bang Khun Thian district to keep and pack the animals before export.

Officers later observed the suspects handing over suitcases containing wildlife to another suspect, identified as Thameem, at a hotel. The luggage was then taken to Suvarnabhumi Airport to be checked onto an international flight.

Authorities intercepted the baggage and found one gibbon, two langurs, six tegu lizards and five blue-tongued skinks concealed inside the suitcases. Thameem was arrested at the scene, and investigators later obtained warrants for four additional members of the alleged trafficking network.

Police said the four suspects admitted the charges during questioning.

The suspects and the seized animals have been handed over to investigators with the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division for legal proceedings. Authorities said the investigation is continuing to identify and arrest other members of the network.

Ingfah Warahah's performance dancing in the rain during the Phaya Sattanakharaj ceremony in Nakhon Phanom went viral across Thailand. The dancer recently discussed her experience at the "A Fair: Best of 4 Regions" market event at CentralWorld Bangkok, explaining the spiritual intentions behind her performance. She revealed that she prayed for the rain to stop at crucial moments and believes it was a miracle—something difficult to explain.

Ingfah confirmed that even in heavy downpour, she never considered stopping her dance because she had made a vow to complete it. She also asked for blessings regarding love, admitting she is currently single and waiting for someone with matching values who can be supportive. She emphasized she's not particular about gender and that her manager Bossnawat is now more open-minded. She hopes to meet someone suitable and is aiming to get married by age 35.

"I approached this trip with faith," Ingfah explained. "We had to visit four events, starting at night with offerings for good timing. We were told a storm would arrive in 3-4 days. It wasn't ordinary rain—it was a typhoon. During the night prayers, I asked for the events to go smoothly and for the rain to stop if possible during certain parts. I wasn't just concerned about myself; I didn't want the guests to get sick or suffer."

She described how the rain miraculously stopped at key moments. When she performed in her red costume as a northern Thai dancer in the afternoon, the rain paused, then resumed after she finished. For her largest performance—the viral moment—Ingfah made a specific prayer: "Father, I dance four songs. If it must rain, let it be during the third song. I want to be the first dancer to perform in the rain, but let there be beautiful moments." During the first two songs, there was barely any rain, but by the third song, it began falling more heavily in striking streaks.

Ingfah noted that during the performance, she wore contact lenses but couldn't see due to the smoke and heavy rain, so she danced using her senses and spiritual intention, trusting the movements would come naturally. She was amazed that despite the conditions, her outfit remained pristine with nothing falling out of place.

She concluded by sharing her final prayer for the event: "I asked that this Nakhon Phanom 7.7 event—which waited for me for three years before my turn came—be a success at the national and international level. I pray that everyone sees the clip, sees the faith and our ceremony, and that it brings fulfillment to their wishes."

At 11 a.m. on July 9, 2025, at the Sanam Luang City Hall, Chatchatchai Sittiphan officially took office as Bangkok Governor for his second term. He performed ceremonial respect to royal portraits and submitted written wishes for the King's birthday celebration on July 28, 2025, as well as paying respects to deceased members of the royal family at the Rattanakosin Hall.

Chatchatchai was joined by his management team including Vishnu Suetsampol, Tawida Komlvetcha, Sannont Wangsamngaibun, Pornprom Wikitsetr, Kunanop Laeipraiwat, Pol. Gen. Adisorn Ngamjitsuksri, and Sittichai Aranyakananth, who paid respects to the City Hall shrine before beginning their duties.

At 11:30 a.m., an official handover ceremony took place at the Rattanakosin Hall, where the Bangkok Permanent Secretary formally transferred authority to the new governor.

Chatchatchai thanked all involved in the recent election, noting that 1.53 million voters supported his team—a reflection of four years of collaborative work. He emphasized that the public's confidence and mandate required continued dedication and cooperation for another four-year term.

Following the ceremony, Chatchatchai held consultations with the Permanent Secretary and deputy secretaries to discuss administration and governance strategies going forward.

Chatchatchai then announced his administration structure. Deputy governors include: Vishnu Suetsampol, Tawida Komlvetcha, Sannont Wangsamngaibun, and Pornprom Wikitsetr. Chakkaphan Phiwngam was named advisory chairman, overseeing budgets and coordination with city council members.

Advisory committee members include: Pol. Gen. Adisorn Ngamjitsuksri (anti-corruption and transparency), Dr. Nartpon Chanchanglair (education), Maj. Gen. Dr. Thaveepongsa Pajareya (public health), and Dr. Suporndham Mongkolsawat (disability services and employment).