EVOLVE MMA opens first academy in Thailand at EmSphere, Bangkok

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9 July 2026, 13:20

EVOLVE MMA, Asia’s premier championship martial arts brand, today announced the opening of EVOLVE EmSphere, its first academy in Thailand. The launch marks the beginning of EVOLVE’s long-term commitment to growing the martial arts community in the country.

Located in the heart of Bangkok, EVOLVE EmSphere features world-class 5-star training facilities and offers more than 150 classes per week across Muay Thai, Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), Wrestling, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), Kids’ Muay Thai, and Kids’ BJJ. Designed for all ages and experience levels, the academy welcomes complete beginners, fitness enthusiasts, and professional athletes alike.

Building on the success of its Singapore academies, EVOLVE EmSphere provides flexible class schedules to accommodate executives, entrepreneurs, students, families, and children.

“When we founded EVOLVE MMA in Singapore in 2009, our vision was to create a platform where anyone could unleash their greatness through the power of martial arts,” said Chatri Sityodtong, Founder and Chairman of EVOLVE MMA and Founder and CEO of ONE Championship. “Bringing EVOLVE MMA to Bangkok marks an exciting new chapter in our mission to make world-class martial arts accessible to everyone.”

EVOLVE EmSphere also introduces the EVOLVE Kids’ Program, Asia’s largest Kids’ Muay Thai and BJJ programme, welcoming children aged 4–13. The curriculum focuses on confidence, discipline, resilience, character development, bully-proofing, self-defence, and lifelong fitness in a safe and structured learning environment.

Supporting the academy is one of the world’s most accomplished martial arts coaching teams, bringing together more than 1,000 years of combined championship experience. EVOLVE EmSphere will also serve as the home of the EVOLVE Fight Team, preparing elite athletes for global competition, including ONE Championship.

The instructor team includes Sam-A Gaiyanghadao, Sagetdao Petpayathai, Petch-Phangan Lukjaoporongtom, Yamin PK Saenchaimuaythaigym, Neung Thoranee Guaybangkorlaem, and Pathipan Arthikong, all of whom bring elite competition and coaching experience while sharing a commitment to helping students achieve their full potential.

Founded in Singapore in 2009, EVOLVE MMA is Asia’s premier martial arts academy, with academies in Singapore and Thailand. The opening of EVOLVE EmSphere marks the next phase of the organisation’s international expansion, bringing its proven approach to authentic martial arts instruction to new communities across the region.

Japan extends visa-free entry for Thai tourists by one year

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9 July 2026, 12:33

Japan has extended its temporary visa exemption scheme for holders of ordinary Thai passports by another year, allowing Thai tourists to enter the country without a visa for stays of up to 15 days per visit.

The Thai Department of Consular Affairs confirmed on 8 July that the visa-free measure remains in effect from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027.

Thai authorities reminded travellers to strictly comply with Japan’s immigration rules by not overstaying their permitted period of stay and not engaging in employment without the appropriate authorization.

Under the current arrangements, Thai passport holders can travel visa-free to 35 countries and territories, with the permitted length of stay varying by destination.

Thai citizens may stay for up to one year in Georgia without a visa.

Countries allowing visa-free stays of up to 90 days include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Ecuador, South Korea, Peru and Haiti.

Visa-free stays of up to 60 days are available in Samoa, Panama and Cambodia.

Thai passport holders may stay for up to 30 days without a visa in China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Laos, Macau, Mongolia, Malaysia, Maldives, Philippines, Russia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Tajikistan, Timor-Leste, Turkey, Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan.

Visa-free stays of 14 to 15 days are available in Japan (15 days under the temporary scheme valid from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027), Taiwan (14 days until 31 July 2026), Myanmar (14 days for arrivals via international airports only), Brunei and Oman.

Thai performing arts captivate audiences at Thailand Grand Festival 2026 in the Netherlands

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9 July 2026, 12:32

Thai performing arts captivate audiences at Thailand Grand Festival 2026 in the Netherlands

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — 7 July 2026, The Bunditpatanasilpa Institute (BPI) showcased Nora dance, traditional Thai costumes and creative performing arts, captivating Dutch and international audiences at the Thailand Grand Festival 2026 in The Hague, the Netherlands.

Thailand’s BPI under the Ministry of Culture continues to advance its mission of promoting Thai arts and culture on the international stage. By showcasing its expertise in traditional Thai dance, music, performing arts and cultural heritage, the institute brings these cultural treasures to both the Thai diaspora and international audiences. The initiative aims to reflect Thailand’s cultural identity, raise global awareness and enhance the value of Thai cultural arts worldwide.

On this occasion, Assistant Professor Dr. Somkiat Poomipak, President of the BPI, assigned the Faculty of Performing Arts to lead a troupe of performers at the Thailand Grand Festival 2026. The event, held from 2-6 July at Lange Voorhout in The Hague, the Netherlands, was organised by the Royal Thai Embassy and attracted strong interest from Dutch and international audiences alike, earning praise for the elegance and beauty of Thai performing arts on the international stage.

The performances featured a variety of traditional and contemporary productions, with highlights including Nora, the southern Thai dance-drama inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2021, alongside a showcase of traditional Thai costumes. Both performances drew particular attention from festival visitors.

Other performances included the opening production “Charm of Siam”, followed by the traditional Nora dance and creative productions titled “Kinaree Ron Ok Nora Buchayan” (The Flight of Kinnaree and Nora Sacrificial Dance), “Leela Mak Kaep” (The Rhythm of Isan Wooden Castanets), “Kipas Renang” (The Graceful Fan Dance), and “Chor Sin Thin Thai” (The Bouquet of Thai Arts). The performances received a warm reception from audiences, showcasing the charm, identity and elegance of Thailand’s cultural heritage on an international stage.

Furthermore, on 5 July, the Faculty of Performing Arts also organised a cultural workshop in The Hague for members of the Thai diaspora. The session introduced participants to the fundamentals of Thai performing arts and the creative performance “Puen Thai,” aiming to promote learning about Thai cultural arts while strengthening connections between overseas Thais and their cultural heritage.

The international cultural outreach reflects the BPI’s role as Thailand’s leading educational institution for arts and culture in preserving, promoting and expanding Thai performing arts internationally while fostering cultural exchange and strengthening ties between Thailand and the global community.

Police arrest four Indians in wildlife trafficking crackdown

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9 July 2026, 11:37

Police arrest four Indians in wildlife trafficking crackdown

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.

Tourist boat wrecked after waves smash it onto Pattaya beach

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9 July 2026, 10:34

Tourist boat wrecked after waves smash it onto Pattaya beach

CHONBURI — 8 July 2026, A tourist boat suffered heavy damage after strong winds and rough seas apparently snapped its anchor line, sending it drifting onto Pattaya Beach late, with losses estimated at several hundred thousand baht. Nobody was on board during the incident.

Reporters were alerted at 23:30 by local residents that a medium-sized tourist boat had been washed ashore near the entrance to Pattaya Soi 1 in Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District.

At the scene, the vessel was found stranded on the beach as powerful waves continued pounding its hull, causing severe structural damage to one side. Strong winds and high waves also left smaller boats anchored offshore rocking violently.

The boat’s owner, 59-year-old Prasit Sukkul, said he received a phone call from people near the beach informing him that his boat had broken free from its anchorage and had been pushed ashore by the waves.

When he arrived, he found that repeated impacts from the surf had badly damaged the starboard side of the vessel.

Prasit said the boat had been anchored about 200 metres offshore and was normally used to transport tourists and provide charter fishing trips. Although it had not been in service for nearly a year, he said it had continued to receive regular maintenance.

The owner said the exact cause of the incident remains unclear. He noted that the anchor rope was thick and should not have snapped easily, raising the possibility that it may have been deliberately cut. However, he said the severe weather and rough sea conditions could also have caused the rope to fail.

The boat cannot yet be moved because authorities are waiting until the morning of 9 July 2026 to assess sea conditions and inspect the extent of the damage.

Initial estimates place the losses at several hundred thousand baht. If the vessel is found to be too badly damaged to be repaired at the scene, officials may coordinate a salvage operation to remove it from the beach.

Thailand names new long-necked dinosaur from Kalasin

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9 July 2026, 10:04

Thai palaeontologists have named a new long-necked dinosaur species from Kalasin province, adding a 15th formally recognised dinosaur species to Thailand’s fossil record and strengthening the country’s place on the map of Jurassic dinosaur discoveries.

The new species, Uragasaurus kalasinensis, was announced on 8 July after being published in the journal Scientific Reports by a research team led by Apirut Nilpanapan, Sita Manitkoon, Varavudh Suteethorn and Komsorn Lauprasert.

The fossil was discovered at the Phu Noi fossil site in Din Chi subdistrict, Kham Muang district, Kalasin province, within the Lower Phu Kradung Formation, which the study places in the Upper Jurassic period.

Researchers identified Uragasaurus as a member of Mamenchisauridae, a family of sauropod dinosaurs known for their exceptionally long necks. Sauropods were large, four-legged, herbivorous dinosaurs, and mamenchisaurids include some of the longest-necked animals ever to walk on land.

Uragasaurus is estimated to have measured about 18 to 20 metres in length and was herbivorous. The species was identified from an isolated anterior dorsal vertebra whose anatomical features differed from those of previously known mamenchisaurids, allowing researchers to classify it as a new species.

The discovery is scientifically significant because mamenchisaurid fossils have previously been found mainly in China. The identification of Uragasaurus kalasinensis in northeastern Thailand expands scientists’ understanding of where these giant long-necked dinosaurs lived during the Late Jurassic.

The genus name Uragasaurus combines the Sanskrit word uraga, meaning “snake” or “serpent lizard”, with the Greek word sauros, meaning “lizard”. The species name, kalasinensis, honours Kalasin province, where the fossil was discovered.

The study also identifies Uragasaurus kalasinensis as only the second dinosaur species formally named from the Phu Kradung Formation, underscoring the scientific importance of the Phu Noi fossil site, where thousands of prehistoric fossil specimens have been recovered and many more remain awaiting study.

Screenshot 2026 07 09 100027 — Life reconstruction by Thai palaeoartist Pakorn Chotchaiyaporn, showing Uragasaurus in a forested Jurassic landscape.

With the naming of Uragasaurus kalasinensis, Thailand now has 15 officially named dinosaur species, further reinforcing Kalasin’s reputation as one of the country’s most important palaeontological sites.

Reference: Nilpanapan et al. (2026), Scientific Reports, “A new mamenchisaurid sauropod dinosaur from the Late Jurassic Phu Kradung Formation of Thailand.”

Three dogs rescued after e-bike causes house fire

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9 July 2026, 09:34

UDON THANI — 8 July 2026, Three Chihuahuas were rescued from a smoke-filled house after a fire believed to have started from an electric motorcycle parked outside spread to a car and part of a home in Udon Thani on, officials said.

The Emergency Call Center 199 received a report of a house fire in Ploy Villa housing estate in Nong Bua Subdistrict, Mueang Udon Thani District, at 16:00.

Fire engines from Nong Bua Municipality and Udon Thani Municipality were dispatched to the scene.

Firefighters found flames engulfing an electric motorcycle parked in front of the single-storey house. The fire then spread to a nearby car, prompting crews to spray water to prevent the blaze from reaching the main structure. It took about 30 minutes to bring the fire under control.

The electric motorcycle was completely destroyed, while the front half of the car sustained significant damage. An air-conditioner compressor and parts of the house were also damaged.

During the operation, residents informed firefighters that three dogs were still trapped inside the house. After the flames were extinguished, crews ventilated the building to clear the smoke before searching the interior.

The three Chihuahuas were found hiding in a bedroom and were carried out safely one by one. The dogs were visibly frightened, trembling and tearing up.

Authorities said the homeowner was away working in another province at the time of the fire, leaving no one inside the house.

Neighbours said they heard three loud bangs, similar to firecrackers, before seeing smoke and flames erupt from the front of the property. They tried to put out the fire with a garden hose while alerting other residents and calling emergency services.

A 67-year-old neighbour, identified only as Em, said he rushed his family to safety after hearing the loud noises and spotting the flames. Although he attempted to extinguish the fire, it spread too quickly, forcing him to seek help.

Another neighbour, Chakkrit, said he heard three to four loud bangs before seeing flames rise from the parked electric motorcycle. The fire spread rapidly because no one was home when it broke out.

Police investigators and forensic officers are scheduled to inspect the scene on 9 July 2026 to determine the exact cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage.

American fitness influencer Connor Murphy drowns in Samut Prakan lake

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8 July 2026, 19:06

SAMUT PRAKAN — 8 July 2026, American fitness influencer and YouTuber Connor Michael Murphy has died after drowning in a lake at a luxury residential property in Bang Phli district, according to Thai media reports citing police and rescue workers.

Murphy, 32, was found about 20 metres from the shore after divers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation searched the lake for around 30 minutes. An initial examination found no signs of assault, and police sent the body to Ramathibodi Chakri Naruebodindra Hospital for a post-mortem examination.

The incident occurred at a rented luxury house next to a large pond. A village staff member who recorded video of the incident said Murphy had begun behaving erratically before running into the water. Witnesses said he swam in the lake until he appeared exhausted and then disappeared beneath the surface.

Witnesses said they did not enter the water because the lake was more than 10 metres deep. Rescue divers were later called to the scene and recovered the body.

Police later found the luxury lakeside house Murphy had been renting badly vandalised. Black and yellowish paint had been splashed throughout the 22-million-baht property, including on furniture, home decorations and electrical appliances. The homeowner, identified only as Ms. View, said Murphy and his 22-year-old girlfriend had rented the house for 35,000 baht a month and had been living there for about three months.

Murphy’s girlfriend, identified only as Bee, said that the damage appeared to have happened overnight while she was asleep in another room. She said Murphy had seemed normal before the incident and that she had never seen him use drugs while they were living together.

A security guard told police that Murphy had returned to the neighbourhood in a hired vehicle before the drowning. According to the Bangkok Post, Murphy reportedly tried to give the driver 1,000 baht, approached another resident’s car asking for a ride, then became agitated, shouted, rolled on the pavement and raised his hands as if praying. When police arrived, he ran into the lake.

Police are still investigating the circumstances leading up to Murphy’s death. Authorities are awaiting full autopsy and toxicology results to determine whether drugs or other substances played a role in the incident. Police later searched Murphy’s vehicle and found two unused syringes and several unidentified white pills inside a waist bag, according to reports.

Murphy had publicly discussed mental health struggles in videos posted to his YouTube channel, though he also claimed that some of his acts of insanity were staged.

Murphy had reportedly been staying in Thailand on a Destination Thailand Visa and working remotely selling fitness food supplements.

Murphy was best known for bodybuilding, fitness and social-experiment videos. His main YouTube channel, Connor Murphy, has 2.36 million subscribers, while a second channel, Connor Murphy Unfiltered, has 1.28 million subscribers. His Instagram account has about 378,000 followers as of writing.

Murphy’s death drew immediate attention across fitness and influencer circles online, where followers revisited his rise from bodybuilding prank videos to increasingly erratic and controversial livestreams in recent years. Many viewers expressed shock and sadness, while others pointed to his publicly documented struggles and unusual online behaviour as context for the intense reaction to the news.

Murphy had previously been reported in Thai media in 2024 after an alleged domestic incident near Pattaya involving his Thai girlfriend. It was reported at the time that police responded to a home in Huay Yai after allegations that Murphy had acted erratically and assaulted his girlfriend with a golf club.

Police have not announced a final cause of death beyond drowning, and further forensic results are pending.

The foundation of future advantage : Ranking the pathways to build a solid foundation for your child’s value in the future world

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8 July 2026, 18:45

In an era where the world is changing rapidly and filled with new challenges, the most critical question on the minds of many parents is not just “What should my child study?” but rather, “What kind of school represents the most solid and worthwhile investment in building a strong foundation for our child?”

For Bangkok Christian College (BCC), the answer is clearly reflected in over 173 years of proven results—transforming “tuition fees” into an investment that perfectly creates the very first momentum in life.

No.1 : The First Step Toward Stability and Invaluable Social Assets
First grade is the most crucial turning point. BCC does not begin by rushing academics at the expense of a child’s youth. Instead, the school prioritizes “Top 3 Precious Experiences”: building a foundation for adaptation, fostering a warm “Brotherhood Society,” and cultivating the joy of learning. Investing in this safe environment helps build strong emotional security (Self-Esteem).

Furthermore, the school promotes “The Value of Happiness” through a robust network of activities, including music, sports (football, basketball), and academics. It also serves as the starting point for connections between seniors and juniors, which eventually grow into the ” Purple – Gold” alumni network. These networks are not just school prestige; they are intellectual and social capital that pass on opportunities and perspectives to subsequent generations of BCC students.

No. 2 : A Solid Foundation is the Starting Point for Long-Term Thinking
What makes BCC different from schools that focus only on superficial modernity is the belief that “true innovation must grow on a strong foundation.” This foundation is not limited to the classroom; it is about forging discipline, learning how to win and lose through activities, and collaborating with others—all of which are emotional intelligence (EQ) skills that never become obsolete, no matter how the world changes.

No.3 : Where 173 Years of Experience Meet Future Skills
At the same time, BCC recognizes that preparing children for the modern world requires more than traditional knowledge. The school invests in applying innovation and learning technology in a concrete way through Project-Based Learning, using real-world problems with measurable results to build “3 Skills for a Future Advantage”:

• Leadership: Skills in team management, decision-making, and responsibility through hands-on projects and the Student Council.
• Digital Literacy: Learning to use technology, innovation, and AI knowledgeably and effectively.
• Entrepreneurship: Critical thinking, planning, and problem-solving based on real-world scenarios to build a competitive Portfolio for university entrance.

Value Transformed into a Future Advantage. All of this is not done just to “follow trends,” but to genuinely create an edge in learning and living for every student. The 173-year foundation of Bangkok Christian College is more than just a historical figure; it is proof that every investment here is worthwhile, used to raise children who can stand firmly, possess skills ready for the future, and enjoy a supportive network.

These are children who can “go far and do well.” This is what BCC has proven: serving as the most worthwhile first momentum for your child’s future.

China says it is closely monitoring Mekong tributary pollution

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8 July 2026, 18:22

China said it has been closely monitoring reports of heavy metal contamination in tributaries of the Mekong River in Thailand and understands growing public concern over the environmental and health impacts.

The statement, issued by a spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Thailand, came after groups of protesters gathered outside the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok and the Chinese Consulate-General in Chiang Mai to raise concerns over pollution in tributaries of the Mekong River.

The embassy said China attaches great importance to the issue and has been following reports of heavy metal contamination in the affected waterways. It also acknowledged the concerns of communities living along the river basin over potential risks to the environment and public health.

The spokesperson said the rivers in question are transboundary waterways shared by Thailand and Myanmar, stressing that the source of the contamination should be determined through an investigation based on facts, scientific evidence and responsibility.

China supports Thailand and Myanmar in strengthening communication and coordination and carrying out a joint investigation as soon as possible to identify those responsible and address the issue appropriately, the statement said.

The embassy added that protecting the Mekong River ecosystem is a shared responsibility of all countries in the basin. China said it is ready to strengthen cooperation with Mekong nations on water resource management and environmental conservation to safeguard the river’s ecological security.

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