Review: The Evil Lawyer – When justice isn’t black and white, and the courtroom isn’t reserved for good people

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16 June 2026, 16:48

Review: The Evil Lawyer – When justice isn’t black and white, and the courtroom isn’t reserved for good people

The Evil Lawyer, a new Thai legal drama series released on 11 June, is directed by Thai filmmaker Nottapon Boonprakob, known for screenwriting on SuckSeed and May Who?, co-directing and writing on One for the Road, and directing the Netflix series Mad Unicorn.

This time, he turns his attention to Thailand’s legal world through the story of Mek, an idealistic young lawyer who suddenly finds himself accused of murdering the son of a police officer. To clear his name, he is forced to team up with Jittri, a notoriously cunning attorney known for exploiting loopholes in the law. Together, they navigate a justice system where the answers are rarely black and white.

What stands out most is the series’ willingness to explore the grey areas of Thailand’s justice system. Through the eyes of legal professionals, it raises uncomfortable questions about morality, power, and justice, three forces that do not always move in the same direction.

Another standout aspect is the attention to detail in depicting courtroom proceedings and cross-examinations. It is clear that the creators have done extensive research, resulting in scenes that feel remarkably authentic without unnecessary dramatisation.

More importantly, the series reminds viewers that courtrooms are not bright, orderly or reassuring spaces, as they are sometimes portrayed in television dramas. Instead, they are spaces filled with tension, pressure, and fierce competition, where everyone fights for their own interests.

The performances are equally impressive. Not only do the lead actors deliver compelling performances, but supporting actors and even minor characters add to the sense of realism. Many of them genuinely resemble people one might encounter in Thailand’s legal profession.

The casting choices also deserve praise for going beyond the conventional standards of attractiveness often seen in Thai series. The character Seya, for example, presents a migrant worker in a way that feels natural and believable.

Visually, the series employs muted colours and subdued lighting, creating an atmosphere of discomfort and moral ambiguity that neatly complements its themes.

One of the series’ most striking achievements is its incorporation of cases reminiscent of real-life incidents that have shaken Thai society. These include the mysterious death of a young woman on a boat surrounded by influential figures, recalling the highly publicised case of actress Tangmo Nida, as well as references to abandoned infant remains in hospitals and devastating industrial fires. Such elements make the series feel as though it is addressing truths that reality itself often hesitates to confront directly.

The series is not without flaws. At times, the pacing moves too quickly, leaving viewers wondering whether they have missed something important. The ending also leaves several questions unresolved, walking a fine line between setting up a second season and intentionally allowing audiences to draw their own conclusions.

Rather than being entertaining in the conventional sense, The Evil Lawyer is emotionally unsettling. It leaves viewers feeling uncomfortable, disturbed, and even disgusted by certain aspects of reality. Episode five, in particular, featuring the cross-examination of a doctor accused of sexually assaulting a patient, is among the most distressing scenes in the series.

Credit must be given to actress Ying Rhatha Phongam, who portrays Jittri and reportedly contributed to the design of this sequence by avoiding rehearsals with the actress playing the victim beforehand. The result is a painfully raw and realistic scene, capturing the desperation of someone cornered into revealing the truth before the court.

The series also questions the failures of Thailand’s justice system by satirising sensationalist news talk shows that invite the public to judge social issues. It reflects a painful reality: many people no longer place enough trust in formal legal mechanisms and instead seek justice through public opinion, allowing society itself to become judge and jury.

A lawyer’s duty is to fight for the best interests of their client within the framework of the law, not to determine who deserves legal representation. In that regard, the series may help dispel some of the misconceptions surrounding the legal profession.

For viewers who enjoy heavy dramas, thrillers, and stories that challenge social norms, The Evil Lawyer is not to be missed. However, audiences should be prepared for numerous sensitive themes, including sexual violence, imbalances of power, and cases that society often chooses to ignore.

Another major strength is the space the series gives to female lawyers. While women make up a significant part of the legal profession in reality, patriarchal attitudes often cause them to be overlooked. This series demonstrates that certain issues become even more powerful when told through women’s perspectives and voices.

Its biggest drawback may also be one of its strengths: the series is packed with symbolism and subtext. Viewers who dislike interpretation and analysis may find it demanding and occasionally overwhelming. But for those who enjoy unpacking hidden meanings, The Evil Lawyer is filled with Easter eggs and narrative layers that make it worth revisiting to catch details that may have gone unnoticed the first time around.

However, it is also difficult not to feel a sense of missed opportunity. While Thailand’s media and film industry have begun pushing boundaries by producing series willing to confront moral grey areas and structural problems that are plainly visible in Thai society, these stories still rarely go all the way. Certain issues could have been explored more deeply and interrogated more forcefully, yet they seem to stop short for reasons that remain unclear.

That is not to say that The Evil Lawyer lacks impact. On the contrary, it is powerful enough to leave viewers uncomfortable, angry, and questioning the nature of justice in Thai society. At the same time, it raises another question: had this series not been released on a streaming platform, would it have retained the same level of quality and boldness in its storytelling? Or would much of its sharper commentary have been diluted, leaving behind little more than another conventional legal drama?

More than a legal thriller, The Evil Lawyer is an uncomfortable reflection of a society that is still struggling to define what justice truly means. By the end, it leaves behind a disturbing question: when the system fails, who gets to decide what justice looks like?

Thailand ranked 8th for best healthcare system in global 2026 survey

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Khaosod English

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3 July 2026, 11:12

Thailand ranked 8th for best healthcare system in global 2026 survey

BANGKOK — 3 July 2026, the government has welcomed Thailand being ranked the world’s eighth-best healthcare system in 2026 by the Numbeo website, saying the result reflects the country’s efficient healthcare management and broad access to medical services.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploytalay Laksameesangjan said on Friday that the ranking was published by Numbeo, the world’s largest crowd-sourced cost-of-living and quality-of-life database, which compiles user-reported data on healthcare, housing, crime, transportation, cost of living and other indicators. According to the 2026 survey, Thailand ranked eighth globally for healthcare.

The top 10 countries with the best healthcare systems in the 2026 survey were:

Taiwan — 87.1 points
South Korea — 82.9 points
Netherlands — 81.1 points
Japan — 80.1 points
Austria — 78.9 points
Ecuador — 77.7 points
Finland — 77.6 points
Thailand — 77.5 points
Denmark — 77.2 points
Spain — 77.2 points

Ploytalay said Thailand’s healthcare system has been recognised for combining affordable medical costs with high-quality services, efficient administration and broad access to treatment.

She also highlighted the Universal Coverage Scheme (UCS), commonly known as the 30-baht scheme or Gold Card scheme, which allows eligible Thai citizens to receive healthcare using only their national identification card. The programme covers a wide range of medical services, from common illnesses to chronic and high-cost conditions, through Thailand’s network of public and participating private hospitals.

The government noted that the latest ranking also reinforces Thailand’s reputation as one of the world’s leading destinations for medical tourism.

Tourists apologise after taking offering coconut in Pattaya

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Khaosod English

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3 July 2026, 10:05

Tourists apologise after taking offering coconut in Pattaya

CHONBURI — 2 July 2026, Two foreign women have apologised after unknowingly taking a coconut left as an offering to local spirits at Pattaya Beach for a photo, sparking widespread discussion on social media.

The incident came to light after a Facebook user posted a 45-second video showing the tourists picking up a coconut from beneath a tree at South Pattaya Beach, Chon Buri, and using it as a photo prop by the sea.

Reporters visiting the site found that local residents regularly leave coconuts, desserts and bottles of red soft drink beneath the tree as offerings to guardian spirits, believing the practice brings good fortune.

The spot is also popular with both Thai and foreign visitors taking photos of the beach. Locals believe the women were unaware the coconut was part of a religious offering and had no intention of showing disrespect.

Wanchai, 35, who recorded the video, said he had earlier seen a group of four or five foreign tourists resting under the tree. After asking whether they planned to visit Koh Larn, one tourist picked up the offering coconut and walked to the beach to take photographs.

He later used a translation app to explain that the coconut had been placed there as an offering.

“Once they understood, they looked shocked and immediately apologised,” he said. “They said they did not know about the Thai custom, offered an apology in Russian, and returned the coconut to its original place.”

The incident has prompted online discussion about the importance of cultural awareness when visiting religious or spiritually significant sites in Thailand.

Indonesia arrests 12 over 3.37 tonnes of cannabis from Thailand

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Khaosod English

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3 July 2026, 09:38

JAKARTA — 3 July 2026 Indonesian authorities have seized 3.37 tonnes of cannabis buds allegedly imported from Thailand and arrested 12 suspects, including foreigners, in a drug trafficking case linked to the production of cannabis-laced vape products.

Reuters reported that Indonesia’s National Narcotics Agency announced the seizure this week following operations carried out in several Indonesian cities from 29 June to 1 July.

National Narcotics Agency chief Police General Suyudi Ario Seto said the cannabis buds were hidden inside suitcases and rubber boxes. The shipment originated from Thailand and was seized in East Java province.

2ks — FILE – Marijuana plants display buds as they are in the flowering stage at the indoor growing facility of Mockingbird Cannabis in Raymond, Miss., Jan. 20, 2023. A federal proposal to reclassify marijuana as a less dangerous drug has raised the hopes of some pot backers that more states will embrace cannabis. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

Investigators found that the cannabis was allegedly intended for distribution in major Indonesian cities, including Jakarta and Bali, and would be used to produce vape products containing cannabis.

The agency said the network had been recently established and included foreign nationals among its members.

Indonesia has some of the world’s strictest drug laws. One of the country’s most high-profile drug cases involved the Bali Nine, a group arrested in 2005 while attempting to smuggle heroin out of Bali’s international airport.

Two Australian ringleaders in the case were executed in 2015, causing a diplomatic rift between Indonesia and Australia.

Why Chadchart Won and Why We Should Think Beyond Bangkok

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Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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2 July 2026, 19:16

In the end, incumbent Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt won a historic landslide victory, securing re-election with a record of more than 1.44 million votes despite earlier speculation that he might not win more than a million.

Chadchart won more votes than the next four closest candidates combined. In fact, the votes of his four major rivals combined amounted to less than half of what Chadchart received on Sunday. It is a clear mandate that he should put to good use for the public over the next four years.

When I met Chadchart on the campaign trail late last week—less than three days before Election Day, at a market in Bangkok’s Huai Khwang district—the 60-year-old veteran politician was in his element, casually talking to voters. He did not even press them to vote for him, but simply asked them to go out and vote on Sunday.

Say what you will about Chadchart, the man is rather down-to-earth in his approach to people, and Bangkok could definitely have had a worse governor over the past four years.

Yes, persistent issues facing Bangkok include the PM2.5 pollution shrouding the capital during the cool and dry season, and Chadchart will have to do more. Little progress has been made in four years when it comes to rubbish separation. Furthermore, City Hall’s failure to assist homeless people and provide them with a more decent environment is clear for all to see—particularly along Ratchadamnoen Avenue at night, where you can witness a side of Bangkok that no Bangkokian can be proud of.

Beyond Bangkok, if Chadchart succeeds in outdoing himself in the next four years, he could definitely become serious PM material for Thailand. That matter is still in the distant future, however.

As for the candidate who was supposed to be Chadchart’s most realistic competitor for the seat at City Hall, the main opposition People’s Party candidate, Chaiwat Sathawornwichit, was the biggest disappointment. The 44-year-old, Japan-educated candidate failed miserably, finishing not second, but a distant third with just over 176,000 votes compared to Chadchart’s 1.44 million. This occurred despite the fact that the party won all the MP seats in Bangkok during the February general election less than five months earlier.

One factor making more and more people resent the People’s Party is its arrogance—or stubborn pride. Many within the party seem to believe that because they see themselves as the heroes on the righteous side, they never need to back down or admit they might have made a mistake. This was evident when the party appointed former junta supporter Surapol Nitikraipot as chief adviser to their Bangkok gubernatorial candidate, as well as in their decision late last year to vote for Anutin Charnvirakul as PM.

These moves were made despite loud, immediate objections from many well-intentioned supporters. These are but two clear examples. If the party refuses to listen to criticism or acknowledge missteps, it risks losing the trust of even more people moving forward.

The party essentially missed another golden opportunity to put one of its members in a position of power that could make a difference and prove to the public that it could run the Thai capital better than Chadchart.

In the end, the party wasted an opportunity. Surapol became a major distraction that sucked away a week of precious campaign time that could have been used to convince voters that Chaiwat was the better candidate. Instead, the party spent a full week defending its appointment decision.

Choosing Surapol was a strategic blunder, as it needlessly conflated deeply polarised national politics with local politics.

Ultimately, voters did not have enough confidence in Chaiwat. The party and his supporters also spent more time criticising and attacking Chadchart than convincing voters of why Chaiwat might provide better governance and improve Bangkok.

To be fair, the People’s Party actually led in 22 out of 50 districts in the concurrent Bangkok Metropolitan Council election. This means the party is still relatively popular in Bangkok as many voters chose split-ticket strategy—preferring Chadchart’s proven leadership while backing PP councillors for legislative oversight. But that’s also because Chadchart didn’t endorse any district councillor candidate.

Another big surprise was independent candidate Mallika Boonmeetrakool’s second-place finish, receiving significantly more votes than the People’s Party candidate. She secured over 288,000 votes, proving herself bold on social media and adept at delivering her conservative messages. In the end, she gained significantly more traction than the People’s Party candidate, despite the People’s Party enjoying a clean sweep of MPs across all Bangkok districts in February.

Meanwhile, the ruling Bhumjaithai Party chose not to field a candidate. The party is well aware that it remains unpopular in Bangkok, where voters view party leader Anutin Charnvirakul and de facto party boss Newin Chidchob with doubt and disfavour.

Whether you like or dislike Governor Chadchart is less important than Bangkokians pushing for positive change, holding their governor accountable, and working together to solve the city’s problems. That is how Bangkok can become a more liveable city. Our society cannot progress if the losing parties keep obstructing the winner.

At the same time, Thais should keep pushing for greater decentralisation so that provinces across Thailand have more power to manage their own affairs. It is time for elected governors in Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen, Phuket, and elsewhere.

There is no justification for continuing to deny people in these major provinces and cities the right to elect their own governors, as Bangkokians do, so they can have a more responsive local government that is truly answerable to the people. Any argument against it—that patronage politics is more deeply rooted in the provinces, or that elected governorships would risk producing mafia governors—is ultimately indefensible. Democracy cannot mature if people are permanently told they are not ready for it. They will have to learn, make mistakes, hold bad leaders accountable, and grow.

In the end, it would be good not just for these provinces, but for Thailand as a whole. The system of having provincial governors appointed by the central government in Bangkok is over a century old and completely outdated.

Bangkokians, who have enjoyed the right to elect their own governor for several decades now, should support such a move. The Bangkok-based press can, and should, do more to raise this issue as well. Thais elsewhere deserve no less.

Thailand pledges $200,000 to support Palestinian refugees through UN agency

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Khaosod English

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2 July 2026, 19:05

UNITED NATIONS — Thailand has pledged $200,000 in renewed multi-year funding to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) for the 2027–2031 period, reaffirming its support for Palestinian refugees.

The announcement was made by Charge d’Affaires a.i. Pawaree Xuto Chaipatiyut at the 2026 UNRWA Pledging Conference on 30 June.

In addition to the five-year commitment, Thailand also announced an extra $50,000 contribution to support UNRWA’s 2026 Flash Appeal, which provides emergency humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees.

Speaking at the conference, Pawaree said the international community should continue providing strong political support to ensure UNRWA can carry out its mandate independently and impartially.

“Supporting UNRWA is not only a humanitarian imperative, but also an investment in dignity, stability, and hope for millions of Palestine refugees,” she said.

Gulf successfully closes oversubscribed US$600 million offshore syndicated term loan, expanding international funding access

By

Mc Marketing

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2 July 2026, 18:11

Gulf Development Public Company Limited (“GULF” or the “Company”) has successfully closed its offshore syndicated term loan facility, a US$600 million syndicated term loan facility (the “Facility”), marking a significant milestone in the Company’s funding strategy.

Initially launched in May 2026 at US$400 million, comprising 3-year and 5-year tranches, the Facility received strong support from GULF’s relationship banks and attracted significant interest from a broad group of lenders, including several institutions establishing lending relationships with GULF for the first time. At closing, the Facility brought together 33 banks and achieved peak demand of approximately 4 times the initial facility size, enabling GULF to exercise its greenshoe option and upsize the Facility by US$200 million to reach the final amount of US$600 million.

The Facility attracted participation from a diverse group of international financial institutions across Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, China, Hong Kong, Philippines, India, Macau, and France, supported by GULF’s longstanding relationships with Japanese and Chinese partners, suppliers, and EPC contractors across its projects.

The strong market response reflects lenders’ confidence in GULF’s robust financial position, disciplined capital management, stable cash flow generation, and proven track record in developing and operating large-scale energy and infrastructure projects. It also demonstrates recognition of GULF’s position as a leading infrastructure and investment group with the ability to capture future growth opportunities beyond its traditional businesses.

Ms. Yupapin Wangviwat, Chief Financial Officer of GULF Group, said: “The successful completion of this Facility represents an important milestone in GULF’s funding strategy, expanding our access to international markets and further diversifying our sources of financing. The strong response from the banking community, with commitments reaching nearly four times the initial facility size at peak demand, reflects lenders’ confidence in GULF’s financial strength, operational track record, and long-term growth strategy. This confidence is further reinforced by GULF’s achievement of an ‘A’ credit rating with a Stable outlook from Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR), equivalent to Thailand’s sovereign rating. The transaction strengthens our relationships with existing banking partners, establishes new partnerships with international lenders, and enhances our financial flexibility by providing an additional funding source beyond the domestic Thai baht bond market.”

DBS Bank Ltd., Mizuho Bank, Ltd., MUFG Bank, Ltd., Natixis, Singapore Branch, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Singapore Branch, and United Overseas Bank Limited acted as Mandated Lead Arrangers, Underwriters, and Bookrunners, as well as Coordinators for the Facility. Mizuho Bank, Ltd. also acted as the Facility Agent.

Thailand’s First AI Readiness Index: MHESI, through NXPO, Joins Forces with AIS Academy and IRIS to Launch “TARI”

By

Mc Marketing

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2 July 2026, 17:50

Thailand is entering a critical phase of transformation across its economy, technology landscape, and workforce. As AI becomes a key driver of national and business competitiveness, Thai organizations are increasingly exploring how to apply AI within their operations. The focus, however, is no longer simply on access to technology, but on organizational readiness to translate AI adoption into meaningful impact across people, skills, data, processes, governance, and organizational culture. To address this need, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), through the Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO), in collaboration with AIS Academy and IRIS Consulting, has developed the “Thailand AI Readiness Index” or “TARI,” Thailand’s first AI readiness assessment index for organizations. TARI aims to provide Thai businesses with a practical framework to assess their current capabilities, identify priority areas for improvement, and plan their AI transformation more effectively. The initiative also opens the door for organizations across industries to take part in shaping the assessment framework and contributing to a national benchmarking database, strengthening the readiness of Thai enterprises and supporting the country’s transition toward an AI-driven economy.

Professor Dr. Yodchanan Wongsawat, Deputy Prime Minister and the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), said, “AI is not merely a new technology. It is becoming a key factor in shaping the direction of national development across the economy, industry, innovation, and workforce. The ability of Thai organizations to adopt AI effectively will serve as an important mechanism to strengthen the country’s long-term competitiveness. The TARI initiative therefore plays an important role in building a systematic understanding of the current level of AI readiness among Thai organizations. These insights will provide a critical foundation for the government to design targeted policies and support programs that help Thai organizations strengthen their AI readiness and adoption, while enabling the business sector to plan a stable and sustainable transition toward the AI economy.”

Ms. Kantima Lerlertyuttitham, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Corporate Officer at AIS, said, “Thailand is reaching a critical milestone in its transition toward an AI economy, a shift that is not only changing the way we work, but also redefining the country’s competitiveness. The key question is therefore not whether AI will replace people, but how we can prepare people, organizations, and the nation to use AI to enhance productivity and drive economic growth. However, the challenge many organizations face today is not a lack of technology, but uncertainty over how ready they are, where they should begin, and how AI can be applied to create real business impact. This is a critical question that we must work together to address with urgency.”

“Drawing on AIS’s experience in driving AI transformation within the organization, from building AI literacy and preparing teams to use AI to improve work efficiency, to upskilling employees at all levels and extending AI capabilities into products and services for enterprise customers, we believe that the transition into the AI era must begin with a clear understanding of an organization’s readiness across people, skills, data, work processes, and organizational culture, rather than technology investment alone.”

“Guided by AIS’s core vision of ‘Think Ahead for Thais,’ we look beyond the development of technology and capabilities within our own organization. We also think ahead for the readiness of Thai organizations, Thai people, and the country as a whole. This vision has led to our collaboration with leading partners to develop TARI as a common tool that helps Thai organizations assess their readiness, identify gaps, and define a more effective direction for AI adoption. We believe TARI will become an important mechanism to help Thai organizations and the country move confidently toward the AI economy, at a time when competitiveness is no longer defined by who has more AI, but by who is better prepared to use AI effectively,” Ms. Kantima added.

Dr. Surachai Sathitkunarat, President of the Office of National Higher Education Science Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO), said, “One of the key challenges in developing AI policy is the availability of sufficient, reliable data that accurately reflects the current state of Thai organizations. At present, data on AI adoption readiness remains fragmented, making it difficult to gain a systematic overview of readiness across industries. TARI will therefore play an important role in establishing a common assessment framework that enables all sectors to gain a clearer understanding of their level of readiness. NXPO will use the aggregated insights from TARI to analyze and design support measures that align with the specific context of each industry, while ensuring careful data governance to build trust among participating organizations and enable the appropriate use of data for policy development.”

Mr. Boriwat Pinpradab, Chairman at IRIS Consulting, says that “From IRIS’s experience working with organizations across a wide range of industries, we have found that many organizations are committed to advancing AI, but remain uncertain about where to invest first. Should they start by developing people, strengthening data capabilities, or redesigning certain work processes as the first priority? At the same time, some organizations may already have AI projects in place but have yet to clearly connect them to organization-wide impact.

This is why a standardized readiness assessment tool is essential. Before developing a roadmap, organizations must first understand their starting points. The development of TARI is the result of collaboration among the public sector, policymakers, and leading businesses in Thailand to answer a key question: how should Thai organizations assess their AI readiness in a way that reflects reality and enables the results to be applied in practice? For IRIS, we are proud to be part of designing TARI as more than an assessment index, but as a strategic framework that helps Thai organizations see their development direction more clearly and establishes a common language for AI readiness in Thailand going forward.”

Under this collaboration, TARI will act as a mechanism to bring together the public sector, private sector, and industry to establish a systematic standard for AI readiness assessment. The framework is designed to cover assessments at the organizational, functional, and individual levels, reflecting readiness from leadership vision, strategy, and policy to data capabilities, work processes, AI use cases, as well as employees’ knowledge, understanding, and capability to apply AI in practice.

TARI will assess organizational readiness across eight dimensions: 1) AI strategy and leadership, 2) data management, 3) technology and infrastructure, 4) people and AI skills, 5) governance and risk, 6) AI use cases and business value creation, 7) organizational culture and change management, and 8) AI implementation and realized impact. The initiative will be driven through three key stages:

Measure – Helping organizations gain a comprehensive understanding of their AI readiness, enabling them to identify strengths, gaps, and priority areas for development.
Benchmark – Enabling organizations to compare their capabilities against industry peers and national benchmarks, helping them prioritize development and investment for maximum impact.
Activate -Turning assessment results into practical action plans, including workforce development, process improvement, technology adoption, and the creation of an AI ecosystem tailored to each organization’s context.

More than 40 leading organizations across various industries have expressed interest in joining the pioneer group to help develop Thailand’s AI readiness index. The initiative will later expand to SMEs, supply chain businesses, and organizations across different sectors, with a target of at least 5,000 organizations participating in the assessment in the first year and more than 20,000 organizations in the next phase. This will enable Thai businesses at all levels to apply AI to create real value and achieve sustainable growth in the AI economy.

Organizations interested in contributing to the development of the Thailand AI Readiness Index (TARI) can learn more and register their interest at https://thailand-tari.ai, or stay updated through the official communication channels of NXPO, AIS Academy, and IRIS Consulting.

One Heart, One Glory: Bringing Champions Closer to the Loyal Fans

By

MC Marketing

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2 July 2026, 17:46

By Eric Park

Thai football fans understand the feeling well. They watch their heroes lift a trophy on screen, then return to everyday life the moment the broadcast ends. The game always seems just out of reach.

“One Heart One Glory” changes that.

Hosted by AIS and GULF at AIS SIAM, the event honors the people who give Thai football life. This includes the players who fight for every point during a tough season and the supporters who never stop believing in their clubs.

Up Close with the Silverware

For most Thai football fans, trophies exist behind a screen. Fans glimpse them in a post-match celebration broadcast, then they disappear.

For the first time, all five major championship titles were together in one space: the BYD Sealions6 League 1, BYD Seal5 League 2, BYD Dolphins League 3, Chang FA Cup, and Muang Thai Cup. There was no glass barrier and no TV frame. Fans stood close enough to see their own reflection in the silverware their clubs fought all season to lift.

Some supporters had followed their teams for years without ever being this close to a trophy. That changed this afternoon.

“Seeing the trophies up close and getting to share a moment with the players I’ve cheered for all season was just surreal,” says one of the attendees.

Real Connections with Champions

The trophies attracted the crowd, but the players kept them there.

Fans met the players who won those titles face-to-face. They heard behind-the-scenes stories not found in the highlight reels. They learned about the injuries players pushed through, the talks in the dressing room before key matches, and the small moments that turned a good season into a championship run. Representatives and players from Rasisalai United, Nara United, and Port FC moved through the crowd, answering questions, posing for photos, and sharing honest, unscripted conversations. These interactions reminded everyone why they fell in love with the game in the first place.

“Thai football is growing because of the fans. When you meet them like this, it stays with you. It makes every match feel bigger,” says Port FC player Tanaboon Kesarat.

More Than a Broadcast

Events like this show a long-term commitment.

AIS has consistently invested in Thai football to make the game more accessible. No matter where fans are, they can follow their clubs during every match, every result, and every key moment. With AIS PLAY, supporters can watch live matches on demand and stay connected to their teams throughout the season. They get to experience the game on their own terms.

Rasisalai Fans said “With AIS PLAY, supporters can watch every Thai League 1, 2, and 3 match live and on demand, keeping them connected to their teams throughout the season.”

“One Heart One Glory” took that commitment beyond the platform. It set fans right in the middle of the action.

As Thai football continues to grow, AIS and GULF focus on strengthening the relationship between clubs, players, and the communities that support them. They will bring the sport to more fans and make sure it means something to them.

One Heart, One Game

The trophies will return to the clubs. The photos will remain on phones. But what stayed with fans after “One Heart One Glory” was the energy that fans felt when they finally got to shake the hand of the player they’d been cheering for all season.

That connection is what the day was truly about. And it’s what AIS and GULF continue to build, one season at a time.

Vietnam, Philippines upgraded to upper-middle-income status by World Bank

By

Khaosod English

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2 July 2026, 17:33

The World Bank has upgraded Vietnam and the Philippines to upper-middle-income status following years of strong economic growth, a move that could boost investor confidence in both countries.

Vietnam had been classified as a lower-middle-income economy since 2009, while the Philippines had remained in that category since the late 1980s.

The World Bank attributed Vietnam’s upgrade to its export-led growth model and the Philippines’ broad-based expansion across multiple sectors.

Both countries surpassed the World Bank’s upper-middle-income threshold of $4,636 in gross national income per capita in 2025, with Vietnam reaching $4,970 and the Philippines $4,850.

Philippine officials said the new classification reflects the country’s sustained economic resilience, while Vietnam is targeting double-digit economic growth in 2026 through business-friendly reforms and infrastructure investment.

Jordan, Micronesia and Sri Lanka were also upgraded to upper-middle-income status, while Togo moved from low-income to lower-middle-income. The World Bank said the share of low-income economies has fallen significantly since 1987.

The new status could reduce access to concessional development financing, although Philippine officials said stronger economic fundamentals and improved market access are expected to outweigh the impact.

Silk shirts used to hide heroin in overseas parcel plot

By

Khaosod English

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2 July 2026, 16:29

Silk shirts used to hide heroin in overseas parcel plot

The Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) has seized another 24.38 kilograms of heroin hidden inside silk clothing, coffee sachets and winter jackets packed in international parcels bound for Australia and Taiwan, while expanding its investigation into a network linked to the Golden Triangle drug syndicate.

ONCB Secretary-General Pol. Lt. Col. Suriya Singhakamol said on 2 July 2026 that the ONCB, together with partner agencies, had intensified efforts to intercept narcotics destined for third countries.

Authorities confiscated 24.38kg of heroin concealed inside local handicrafts, silk garments, coffee sachets and winter jackets packed in five international parcels prepared for shipment to Australia and Taiwan.

The operation followed the seizure of two parcels in Bangkok on 30 June 2026, when officers found 8.17kg of heroin hidden inside local products destined for Australia.

Investigators traced the parcels to Loei province. On 1 July 2026, ONCB officers inspected a parcel delivery shop in Loei and discovered that three more parcels with similar characteristics had already been dispatched to two locations in Bangkok, prompting immediate raids.

At the first location in Bang Kapi district, officers seized two parcels containing 6.23kg of heroin concealed inside silk clothing. The shipment was bound for Taiwan.

At the second location on Rang Nam Road in Ratchathewi district, officers found 9.98kg of heroin hidden inside coffee sachets and winter jackets. The parcel was destined for Australia.

Further investigation found that the person directing the shipments to Australia is a Thai national wanted under an arrest warrant in Tak province on fraud charges, who allegedly issued instructions while residing in Australia.

On 2 July 2026, officers searched three locations in Loei and Nakhon Phanom provinces linked to the parcel shipments and bank accounts used to receive transport payments.

Those involved in sending the parcels told investigators that they had delivered the shipments twice together with the man’s Lao wife. They said they collected the parcels from a Lao man, while payment for the deliveries was transferred into the wife’s bank account.

Pol. Lt. Col. Suriya said Thailand’s proximity to the Golden Triangle, a major production area for methamphetamine, crystal meth, heroin and ketamine, as well as its role as a regional transport hub with extensive land, air, sea and international parcel networks, makes close cooperation between domestic and international agencies essential in disrupting drug trafficking at every level.

He said authorities will continue expanding the investigation to identify other members of the trafficking network and prosecute everyone involved under the law.

Members of the public with information on drug-related activities are encouraged to contact the ONCB hotline 1386, available 24 hours a day. Officials said all information provided by informants will be kept strictly confidential.

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