Category: The Bangkok Post

Police investigators have submitted more than 3,000 pages of documents in the civil service exam fraud case to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) for consideration in legal action.

The Crime Suppression Division (CSD) delivered the case files, contained in two boxes and 10 folders, on Tuesday to an NACC inquiry panel to determine whether the commission will take over the investigation.

Investigators said that if the NACC formally accepts the case, the files will not be returned to police. If the commission refers the case back to the CSD, the same investigative team will continue handling it.

The NACC has no fixed timeframe for deciding whether to accept the case. Investigators noted that in some previous cases referred to the commission, files were returned only one or two weeks before the statute of limitations expired.

Individuals implicated by statements from the accused will be summoned for further questioning, depending on which agency is assigned responsibility for the investigation.

The 13 suspects comprise two groups.

The first comprises 11 people arrested while allegedly altering exam answers at a company in Nonthaburi. They face eight charges, including assisting state officials in unlawful or corrupt acts, forging documents, certifying false statements, participating in a secret society and criminal association, removing others’ documents, forging official documents and entering false data into computer systems.

The second group comprises Ruangdech Sirikit, director of Srinakharinwirot University’s Educational and Psychological Testing Bureau, and Teeruth Supawiboonpol, former director-general of the Department of Local Administration. Both face six charges, including malfeasance, forging official documents, certifying false evidence, and removing or opening others’ documents. The People’s Student and People Reform Network of Thailand on Tuesday petitioned Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, calling for a broader disciplinary investigation.

Thai Airways International has reported recording a net profit of 1.54 billion baht in the second quarter of this year compared with 12.13 billion baht during the same period last year.

According to a statement from the flag carrier, total revenue (excluding one-time items) was 48.62 billion baht, an increase of 8.5% year-on-year. The rise resulted mainly from a 20.3% year-on-year increase in average passenger yield (including fuel and insurance surcharge but excluding excess baggage revenue).

THAI recorded total expenses (excluding one-time items) of 44.93 billion baht, an increase of 29.7% from the same period the prior year, mainly due to higher jet fuel prices arising from unrest in the Middle East. Average fuel prices increased by 104.6% year-on-year.

Consequently, THAI recorded operating profit before finance costs (excluding one-time items) of 3.69 billion baht, with an operating profit margin before finance costs (excluding one-time items) (EBIT Margin) of 17.5%.

THAI recorded finance costs of 3.16 billion baht, together with net one-time items as revenue of 335 million baht. As a result, for the second quarter of 2026, THAI reported a net profit of 1.54 billion baht, compared with a net profit of 12.13 billion baht in the same period of last year, and EBITDA of 8.18 billion baht.

As of 30 June 2026, THAI had total assets of 322.08 billion baht, an increase of 18.03 billion baht, or 5.9%, from Dec 31, 2025. Total liabilities amounted to 240.25 billion baht, increasing by 12.10 billion baht, or 5.3%, from Dec 31, 2025. The shareholders’ equity amounted to 81.83 billion baht, an increase of 5.92 billion baht, or 7.8%, from Dec 31, 2025.

As of June 30, 2026, cash and cash equivalents at THAI, together with other current financial assets, totalled 123.76 billion baht.

In terms of operations, as of June 30, 2026, THAI operated a fleet of 84 aircraft, with an average aircraft utilisation of 12.9 hours per aircraft per day. According to the statement, THAI carried a total of 3.66 million passengers.

Available Seat Kilometers (ASK) amounted to 16,778 million, decreasing 4.4% from the same period of last year due to flight reductions resulting from unrest in the Middle East, which affected passenger travel demand.

Revenue Passenger Kilometers (RPK) totaled 11,993 million, a decrease of 11.3%. As a result, the average Cabin Factor stood at 71.5%, compared with 77.0% in the same period of last year.

For the first six months of 2026, THAI recorded total revenue (excluding one-time items) of 99.65 billion baht, an increase of 3.20 billion, or 3.3%, from the same period of last year.

Total expenses (excluding one-time items) amounted to 82.21 billion baht, an increase of 14.4% year-on-year. Operating profit before finance costs (excluding one-time items) amounted to 17.44 billion baht, while finance costs amounted to 6.15 billion baht.

THAI also recorded net one-time items as revenue of 1.42 billion baht, mainly attributable to gains on termination and modification of aircraft lease agreements. As a result, THAI reported a net profit of 11.64 billion baht for the first six months of 2026.

A legal battle brought by the Thailand Consumers Council against businesses allegedly involved in online scams conducted through Facebook has moved forward, with the Bangkok South Civil Court scheduling the next hearing for Nov 23.

The council filed 10 lawsuits on June 8 against 17 companies on behalf of 10 consumers who allegedly fell victim to scams through Facebook, seeking compensation for their losses.

The lawsuits are being treated as a landmark case as they represent the first legal action in Thailand against digital platforms in connection with online scams, according to the council.

On Tuesday, the Bangkok South Civil Court held preliminary hearings for four of the cases, with representatives of the council, its legal team and victims attending. The hearings followed preliminary hearings for three other cases at the Civil Court in Ratchada on Aug 3.

The remaining three cases are scheduled for preliminary hearings on Aug 17 and 31, while the next hearing for the four cases at the Bangkok South Civil Court is set for Nov 23.

Previously, Saree Aongsomwang, secretary-general of the council’s office, said the 10 lawsuits had been filed as pilot cases, with three being handled by the Civil Court and seven by the Bangkok South Civil Court. She said the preliminary hearings marked only the beginning of the judicial process and acknowledged that the cases could take time because they involve multiple defendants, each with their own legal teams and rights under the law.

The large number of parties involved also creates practical challenges, including scheduling hearings at times suitable for all parties, Ms Saree said.

In response to the lawsuits, Meta said it was taking action against scams and had recently worked to disrupt online fraud networks across Southeast Asia.

Sex worker rights groups on Tuesday urged Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul to endorse a citizen-sponsored bill seeking legal protection and labour rights for sex workers.

Chatchalawan Muangjan of the Empower Foundation led service workers from Udon Thani, Chiang Mai and Bangkok in a symbolic event outside the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission, opposite Government House, calling for progress on the Sex Worker Protection Bill.

The groups submitted 10,293 signatures in support of the draft bill, but it was classified as a money bill on July 10. The ruling means the bill requires the prime minister’s endorsement before it can proceed to parliament.

Ms Chatchalawan said the delay contradicted the cabinet’s acknowledgement on Aug 5 of observations by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), which urged Thailand to decriminalise sex work to end arrests, stigma and rights violations, and to use labour laws to protect sex workers.

The foundation said sex workers had campaigned for recognition for more than 40 years and were seeking basic labour rights, including access to social security benefits under Section 33 of the Social Security Act on the same basis as other employees.

Ms Chatchalawan said the issue should reach the PM. She urged the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security to push for legislation to decriminalise sex work.

Three forest rangers from Thong Pha Phum National Park who went missing while patrolling for illegal gold mining were found safe in the Pilok mountains on Wednesday.

At 8.40am, the park launched a search operation for the three rangers, aged 29, 31 and 44, with helicopter support from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.

Contact with the trio was lost on Tuesday while they were patrolling a forest route as part of a crackdown on alleged illegal gold mining in the mountainous area of Pilok district.

The targeted gold-mining site was on a steep, remote mountain about 4 kilometres from the Thai-Myanmar border, according to the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.

At around 11am, the search team reported that the rangers had been found safe after being stranded in a remote area of the forest.

The rangers were unable to return as scheduled due to continuous heavy rain, with flash flooding and strong currents preventing them from continuing along their route.

They were evacuated by helicopter.

Reports said two of the missing rangers were newly recruited, while the third was an experienced ranger familiar with the area.

The Court of First Instance received 1.11 million cases in the first half of 2026 with most filed in Pathum Thani province and most criminal cases concerning narcotics.

Suriyan Hongwilai, spokesman of the Court of Justice, said on Wednesday the number of new cases in the first half of the year rose from 1.05 million, recorded in the same period last year, by five percent.

According to the spokesman, rulings were reached for 78% of the cases received in the first half of 2026.

Most of the cases, a total 23,863, were handled at Thanyaburi Provincial Court in Pathum Thani province. The top spot was followed by 20,181 cases at Min Buri Civil Court in Bangkok, 18,092 cases at Samut Prakan District Court in Samut Prakan province, 17,807 cases at Nonthaburi District Court in Nonthaburi province and 16,007 cases at Roi Et Provincial Court in Roi Et province.

Of criminal matters received in the first half of the year, the biggest portion, 248,369 cases, concerned narcotics, followed by 83,554 land traffic cases, 17,117 gun and ammunition cases, 13,837 immigration cases and 13,607 theft cases.

Among civil cases, the highest proportion of 59,659 were about estate management, followed by 19,001 tort cases, 8,802 borrowing cases, 6,818 subrogation cases and 5,988 breach of contract cases.

For consumer cases, the highest number, 131,993 cases, dealt with borrowing, followed by 97,546 credit card cases, 92,336 personal loan cases, 43,317 automobile hire purchase cases and 29,257 guaranty cases.

Thailand goalkeeper Kampon Phathomakkakul has warned his team not to underestimate Singapore as the two sides prepare to meet in the first leg of the Asean Hyundai Cup semi-final this weekend.

The Thai squad held a routine training session on Tuesday ahead of Saturday’s clash at Jalan Besar Stadium.

Speaking before practice, Kampon stressed the importance of maintaining focus against opponents he believes have made significant progress in recent years.

“We achieved our first target by finishing top of the group, collecting points and keeping clean sheets,” he said. “That was thanks to the tactics and methods of the coach, and the way everyone supported each other. Now we must concentrate on Singapore. The first leg result will be crucial because it could decide the tie over both matches. We will aim to secure a positive outcome.”

Kampon acknowledged the physical demands of the tournament but underlined his role in guiding younger teammates.

“Travel and matches may look easy from the outside, but they are far more difficult. My job is to help the younger players stay confident and maintain our standards. We want to win for Thailand.”

The veteran added that experience within the squad would be vital.

“We have played in many Asean Championships and are trying to improve each time. The senior players and staff are working hard to make the team better.

“Singapore have developed a lot and qualified for the Asian Cup finals. We cannot underestimate them.”

Striker Teerasak Poeiphimai echoed Kampon’s sentiments, highlighting the need for discipline against well-organised opponents.

“We are reviewing tactics carefully before facing Singapore. I scored against them in the last Asean Cup, so I have confidence, but they are strong and have a good system. Many of their players are regulars at club level and have played together for a long time. We must be cautious.”

Teerasak welcomed the return of forward Patrik Gustavsson, which he said would give Thailand more attacking options. “It depends on the coach, but our duty is to give everything in every game. We hope Thai fans will come to the stadium and support us.”

The first leg kicks off at 8pm Thai time on Saturday with live coverage on True Visions Now.

The first Thailand Content Market 2026 generated about 9.8 billion baht in trade negotiations. The categories that captured the most interest included films, animation, Boys’ Love and Girls’ Love series, production services, games and content services.

Co-hosted by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), the Creative Economy Agency and the private sector, the event took place from July 20-22 at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC), aiming to promote Thailand’s creative economy, connecting entrepreneurs, producers, content creators, investors, buyers and platforms.

Pornvit Sila-on, deputy director-general of the DITP, said the event facilitated 1,706 business meetings over three days, resulting in trade negotiation values of 9.8 billion baht. Of this amount, 266 million baht is expected to be realised immediately, 2.67 billion baht within one year, and 6.86 billion baht within 2-5 years.

He said the event provided a platform for business matching, knowledge exchange and international collaboration, helping create new business opportunities, expand overseas markets for Thai intellectual property, and enhance the long-term global competitiveness of Thailand’s content industry.

In terms of trade negotiation value by activity, the Bangkok International Digital Content Festival generated 2.11 billion baht, the Bangkok International Content Market 2.3 billion baht, the Business Matching Area 1.95 billion, and the Thailand Content Market exhibition booths 3.53 billion.

A total of 338 exhibitors participated, including 300 Thai companies and 38 foreign companies from China, South Korea, Japan and Southeast Asian nations.

The event attracted 6,731 visitors, including 5,694 Thais and 1,037 foreign visitors.

The department plans to host the Thailand Content Market 2027 from July 1-3, 2027 at the QSNCC, expecting to integrate the “Bangkok Rights Fair”, which adds book and publishing rights negotiations.

Thailand will seek Malaysia’s cooperation in addressing long-standing problems involving dual nationals along the border amid concerns over its potential security implications in the southern border provinces, National Security Council (NSC) secretary-general Chatchai Bangchuad said on Tuesday.

Mr Chatchai said he was scheduled to meet the government’s special envoys on Tuesday afternoon to coordinate operations and review border-related issues ahead of his visit to Malaysia on Aug 17-18. The discussions will include requests for Malaysian cooperation on border control and efforts to track people crossing the border.

Mr Chatchai said dual nationality had remained a challenge for years, particularly in verifying identities and maintaining accurate personal records.

He said some individuals change their names after crossing the border, making it difficult for Thai authorities to verify their identities. Addressing the problem would require close cooperation from Malaysia, he said.

Asked whether dual nationals could be linked to security incidents in the Deep South, Mr Chatchai said this was possible because some people change their names and lack identity records, making it difficult for authorities to verify their identities and monitor cross-border movements.

Thailand will seek Malaysia’s assistance in developing personal databases to help authorities verify identities, monitor border crossings and establish people’s nationality status, he said.

Asked whether a long-term solution would require people to choose a single nationality, Mr Chatchai said the law generally requires an individual to hold only one nationality and authorities would work to ensure compliance.

On nationality revocation, he said citizenship generally cannot be revoked from Thai-born nationals, but different rules may apply to naturalised citizens.

The poorly received 2025 film ‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ made a meta-commentary on how people no longer care about dinosaurs. The claim is reasonable, considering the dinosaur thriller genre has been on the silver screen for over 30 years, since the original Jurassic Park in 1993. Surprisingly, ‘The End of Oak Street’ (2026) manages a fun and fresh take on the genre, balancing intimate family drama with the big idea of a suburban street thrust into a prehistoric world.

David Robert Mitchell’s ‘The End of Oak Street’ is Jurassic Park in an American neighbourhood. It follows the Platt family whose neighbourhood somehow gets teleported back to the the time of giant reptiles.

Anne Hathaway, jumping from a weary mother role in ‘The Odyssey’ (2026) to another version of maternal, portrays a convincingly younger Denise, feeling lighter than Penelope both in look and feel. The same can be said of Ewan McGregor: known for playing a not-so-young Obi-Wan Kenobi, his turn as optimistic father Greg feels like a de-aged version of him. Both actors bring to life lovable characters with believable human flaws.

Naturally, ‘The End of Oak Street’s’ biggest selling point is its setting, which feels genuinely fresh, blending the familiarity of a US suburb with the excitement of the prehistoric world. I could feel the whimsy and excitement in every corner.

The film also captures the retro 80s popcorn summer-blockbuster feel quite well, whether in the John Williams-esque score, the period-appropriate suburban costumes and technology, the trope of ordinary people caught in an extraordinary event as in ‘E.T.’ (1982), or the sci-fi elements woven into the story, echoing the science fiction craze of the era.

The strongest part of ‘Oak Street,’ however, is not the big idea or the dinosaurs (some of which are strange, weird and even scary), but the family drama. The film blends grandeur with a more intimate, emotional family-centric narrative that feels sincere and complex. To the degree the runtime allows, the film leads the audience to care about its characters enough for an emotional payoff.

Nonetheless, given that this is a work by David Robert Mitchell, renowned for the horror film ‘It Follows’ (2014), I think people looking for a horror dinosaur movie will likely be disappointed. There are tense and thrilling moments, but not to the point of actually being frightful. This could be good or bad, depending on a viewer’s expectations.

On the other hand, there are some scenes that may be quite shocking for family viewing, although it finds a way to stick a safe, family-friendly ending.

Overall, I think ‘The End of Oak Street’ is a surprisingly fun popcorn blockbuster. Given the downfall of the recent Jurassic World Rebirth, many might overlook it as just another dinosaur movie. Nonetheless, the outing offers a fun and fresh adventure that proves a good dinosaur thriller doesn’t need to take us somewhere far, like a research-facility island searching for a world-defining cure. A familiar neighbourhood with intimate family drama can be enough.