DE warns of fake EXAT Payment SMS

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18 July 2026, 12:37

DE warns the public about fake SMS messages claiming to be from the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) requesting payment through the website mfoli.cc, urging people not to click suspicious links that may steal personal or financial information.

The Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE), through the Anti-Fake News Center Thailand (AFNC), has released the latest results of its fake news monitoring and reporting efforts. The initiative is in line with the policy of Mr.Chaichanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, to strengthen public awareness of technology-related crimes, fake news, and misinformation.

On 6 July 2026, AFNC monitored a total of 111,503 messages and identified 4,906 messages requiring verification. The largest number of reports came from Social Listening channels, accounting for 4,894 messages, followed by 12 reports received through LINE. A total of 16 issues were investigated, with verification results received from relevant agencies for six cases.

Among the seven stories that attracted the greatest public attention, two were confirmed as true, three were identified as fake news, and two were classified as misleading information. These included:

Misleading Information: Chiang Khong and Chiang Saen districts are expected to see water levels rise by 1.5 meters after China announced water releases from Jinghong Dam in late June 2026.

Misleading Information: Thai soldiers closed the Mae Sot border crossing to block supplies to Myanmar after stray bullets hit houses in Thailand.

Fake News: The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) sent SMS messages requesting payment of outstanding toll fees through the website mfoli.cc.

True News: The Ministry of Public Health has extended the free influenza vaccination program until 31 August 2026.

Fake News: Japan has increased its import quota for Thai rice by 60,000 tons with zero import duty.

True News: Thailand’s shrimp exports to Malaysia are set to resume as normal.

Fake News: VIP vans from Cambodia can easily cross into Thailand despite border fences.

One of the most notable fake stories claimed that the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) had sent SMS messages requesting payment of outstanding toll fees through the website mfoli.cc. The DE Ministry coordinated with EXAT under the Ministry of Transport and confirmed that the claim is false.

EXAT stated that the link is a fraudulent website created by scammers. The website uses a name similar to official M-Flow payment channels to trick people into clicking malicious links.

EXAT also confirmed that it has no policy of sending SMS messages requesting payment of toll fees or fines. If a driver fails to pay a toll, EXAT will send a written notice by mail only.

The public is advised not to believe such messages, not to click any attached links, and not to provide personal or financial information. Anyone with questions can contact the EXAT Call Center 1543, available 24 hours a day.

The DE Ministry remains concerned about the spread of fake news and misinformation across online and social media platforms. Sharing unverified information may lead to misunderstanding, financial losses, misuse of personal information, and broader impacts on society.

The public is encouraged to trust and share information only from official sources and to carefully verify facts and website links before believing or forwarding any information.

People who encounter suspicious information or possible fake news can report it or verify information through the Anti-Fake News Center Thailand via Hotline 1111 ext. 87, available 24 hours a day.

Thai Navy says vessel in Oman incident was not Thai-flagged

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Khaosod English

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18 July 2026, 11:52

Thai Navy says vessel in Oman incident was not Thai-flagged

BANGKOK — The Royal Thai Navy has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that a vessel involved in an incident in the Gulf of Oman was Thai-flagged, confirming that no Thai ship was involved.

Rear Adm. Parach Rattanachaiyaphan, spokesman for the Royal Thai Navy, said on 18 July 2026 that the Navy’s Operations Centre coordinated with the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center (Thai-MECC) Operations Centre and the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) of the Marine Department to verify the vessel through ship-tracking systems.

The investigation confirmed that the vessel shown in media reports was not registered under the Thai flag.

The Navy also checked the status of the only Thai merchant vessel currently operating in the Gulf of Oman.

After coordinating with the ship’s safety officer, authorities confirmed that both the vessel and its crew were safe and continuing normal operations.

The Royal Thai Navy urged the public to rely on information from government agencies and credible news sources.

It added that authorities would continue to closely monitor maritime security developments and coordinate with relevant agencies to safeguard Thai vessels and the country’s maritime interests.

Moo Deng predicts Argentina to win 2026 World Cup

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Khaosod English

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18 July 2026, 10:58

Moo Deng predicts Argentina to win 2026 World Cup

CHONBURI — Thailand’s celebrity pygmy hippo Moo Deng has predicted that Argentina will win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, choosing the South American side over Spain during a prediction event at Khao Kheow Open Zoo.

The activity was held on 18 July 2026 at the zoo’s pygmy hippopotamus enclosure in Si Racha district, where zoo officials invited visitors to watch Moo Deng make its pick ahead of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.

As part of the event, the zoo’s nutrition team prepared two fruit platters as environmental enrichment for the animal, carving the team abbreviations ESP and ARG into the fruit and decorating each with the respective national flag.

After the enrichment items were placed inside the enclosure, Moo Deng walked directly to the fruit platter bearing Argentina’s flag, drawing cheers and laughter from spectators.

The selection was interpreted as the hippo’s prediction that Argentina will lift the 2026 World Cup trophy.

Narongwit Chodchoi, director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, said the activity was organised to entertain visitors while promoting animal enrichment, which encourages natural behaviours, provides exercise, reduces stress and supports proper nutrition.

He stressed that the prediction was intended solely as a fun promotional activity and not as encouragement or support for gambling, which is illegal in Thailand.

The zoo added that, regardless of the actual result of the World Cup final, the event was designed to bring smiles to visitors and football fans around the world.

A 7.3 earthquake hits Mexico-Guatemala border with no immediate damage reported

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Associated Press

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18 July 2026, 10:20

A 7.3 earthquake hits Mexico-Guatemala border with no immediate damage reported

TAPACHULA, México (AP) — A strong earthquake struck the southern Mexican Pacific coast on Friday, right on the border with Guatemala, and was felt from Mexico City to El Salvador. Authorities did not report any severe damage or casualties in any country. Two people were reported injured in southern Mexico.

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) reported that the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.3 with the epicenter 48 kilometers (30 miles) southwest of Aquiles Serdan, near the coast of Chiapas and at a depth of 15 kilometers (9 miles). It was preceded by a smaller quake with an epicenter a bit farther out in the ocean.

There were at least 10 aftershocks between magnitude 4.9 and 6, according to USGS.

In Tapachula, the main city on Mexico’s southern border, the tremor began mildly but gradually intensified.

“We were upstairs on the second floor when it started shaking; we thought it would pass, but then it got stronger, so we all went downstairs and evacuated in an orderly manner to the front courtyard,” Alejandra Mendoza, an administrative employee at a public hospital in the city, explained to The Associated Press.

Demetrio Martínez, head of the city’s Civil Protection agency said that a Haitian migrant woman in her 30s suffered a nervous breakdown and jumped from a height of about four meters (13 feet) from an apartment building. She was taken to a hospital with fractures, but her life is not in danger, the official added. He said that there was another minor injury from a broken window at a nearby business.

In Guatemala City, the earthquake frightened residents because of how long it lasted. Many people poured into the streets in the middle of rush hour as the workday was beginning and several buildings were evacuated.

Guatemala’s National Coordinator for Disaster Reduction (CONRED) reported no immediate damage. Social media users posted videos of some landslides, especially on roads heading west.

The Ministry of Education suspended in-person classes in the departments of San Marcos, Quetzaltenango, Suchitepéquez and Retalhuleu, near the quake’s epicenter.

In the Mexican capital, where buildings in certain areas creaked and shook, the earthquake alert did not sound because, the government said, “the energy radiated by the earthquake during the first few seconds did not exceed the activation thresholds.”

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that preliminary reports showed no damage. The navy recommended staying away from beaches for six hours because of tsunami risk.

The Meteorological Service of Chiapas alerted that there could be tsunami waves up to 1 meter (3.3 feet) off the coast of Mexico and Guatemala.

In the town of Suchiate, located along the river that separates Mexico from Guatemala, coastal areas are being monitored for tsunami risk, according to Mayor Elmer Vázquez Gallardo.

In San Salvador, the earthquake was also felt strongly, but no deaths or damage were reported, although the Ministry of Environment reported another earthquake of lesser intensity off the coast of the department of Usulután, in the eastern part of the country.

The region is prone to earthquakes, many that can be deadly. Earlier this year, a strong earthquake rattled southern and central Mexico, killing two. Hundreds in Mexico City were killed in a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in 2017.

Two found dead, more than 30 cats killed in Bangkok house fire

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Khaosod English

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18 July 2026, 09:41

Two found dead, more than 30 cats killed in Bangkok house fire

BANGKOK — Two people were found dead and more than 30 cats perished after a fire broke out at a three-storey house in Bangkok’s Thonburi district early on 18 July 2026, authorities said.

Police from Samre Police Station received a report of the blaze at 06:00 hrs at a house in Soi Somdet Phra Chao Taksin 11, Somdet Phra Chao Taksin Road, Samre subdistrict.

Firefighters from Talat Phlu Fire and Rescue Station and volunteers from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation were dispatched to the scene.

Authorities said the fire started on the ground floor before spreading to the second floor. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after about 15 minutes.

Inside a room on the second floor, rescue workers found the bodies of a 62-year-old man and a 58-year-old woman.

Officials also discovered the remains of more than 30 cats inside cages. Another 13 cats were rescued alive from the house.

Forensic police and doctors from Siriraj Hospital’s Institute of Forensic Medicine examined the scene and collected evidence before the bodies were sent for autopsy.

Authorities believe the fire may have been caused by an electrical short circuit, although the exact cause remains under investigation. Police are continuing their inquiry.

China assures Cambodia-bound tanks will not be used against Thailand, PM says

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Khaosod English

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17 July 2026, 19:10

SHANGHAI, China — China has assured Thailand that Chinese-made military equipment supplied to Cambodia will not be used to harm Thailand, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said after holding bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday.

Speaking after the meeting in Shanghai, Anutin said he raised Thailand’s concerns over China’s delivery of military hardware, particularly tanks, to Cambodia.

According to Anutin, Chinese officials acknowledged the concerns of the Thai government and public, explaining that the tank procurement had been agreed long before the recent tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.

China said it delayed the delivery during the period of conflict because of the sensitivity of the situation, but was ultimately obliged to fulfill the contract.

“China assured us that, under the terms agreed between the two sides, the military equipment delivered to Cambodia will not be used to cause any harm to Thailand,” Anutin said.

The prime minister said Xi also reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with Thailand in areas including security, economic development, technology transfer and personnel training.

On regional security, Xi offered to facilitate dialogue between Thailand and Cambodia to help restore good relations and encourage both sides to find a mutually acceptable solution, Anutin said.

Anutin reiterated Thailand’s position that it does not seek conflict but has a responsibility to protect its sovereignty and the safety of its people.

He also said China had offered to host the upcoming Lancang-Mekong Cooperation leaders’ meeting instead of Thailand to avoid placing member states, particularly Cambodia, in an awkward position amid bilateral tensions.

During the meeting, Anutin also conveyed a message from King Maha Vajiralongkorn inviting Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, to pay an official state visit to Thailand. According to the prime minister, Xi accepted the invitation in principle and said he would visit when both sides’ schedules permit.

Free khon and Thai dance show returns to Lumphini Park

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Khaosod English

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17 July 2026, 17:33

Free khon and Thai dance show returns to Lumphini Park

BANGKOK — 17 July 2026, Bangkok residents and visitors are invited to enjoy free performances of traditional Thai dance, music and khon masked theatre at Lumphini Park this weekend as part of the city’s “Thai Arts in the Garden” programme.

The event, titled “Sin Thai Nai Phrueksa” (Thai Arts in the Garden), will take place on 18 July at Lumphini Hall in Lumphini Park.

Visitors will be able to enjoy traditional Thai performing arts in the park’s surroundings, with highlights including khon and classical Thai dance performances by young performers from the Wat Chaipruekmala Recreation Centre, alongside music by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s Music Division Piphat Ensemble.

Performances will run from 17:00 to 19:00, while the venue will open to the public from 16:00 to allow visitors to reserve seats in advance.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has invited residents and tourists to spend the weekend with family and friends while experiencing Thailand’s cultural heritage through live performances in the heart of the capital.

Admission is free.

Taiwan extends visa-free entry for Thai travelers through July 2027

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Khaosod English

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17 July 2026, 17:25

Beautiful architecture building taipei city — Taipei, Taiwan

Taiwan has extended its trial visa-free entry program for Thai passport holders by another year, allowing Thais to travel to the self-ruled island without a visa until 31 July 2027.

Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) said the extension, which takes effect on 1 August 2026, also applies to nationals of Brunei and the Philippines.

The decision followed an inter-agency review of Taiwan’s visa and entry policies for countries covered under its New Southbound Policy (NSP), an initiative aimed at strengthening ties with Southeast Asia and other regional partners.

MOFA said authorities evaluated the effectiveness of the visa-free scheme and other travel facilitation measures before agreeing to extend the program for another year.

The ministry said it will continue reviewing and refining its visa policies to strengthen bilateral relations, attract more international visitors and ensure border security and public safety.

In addition to the visa-free extension for Thai, Bruneian and Philippine nationals, Taiwan will continue its simplified visa program for high-end group tourists and its Travel Authorization Certificate (TAC) scheme for eligible travelers from India, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar and Laos through the end of 2027.

However, Cambodian nationals will no longer be eligible for those two programs from Aug. 1, 2026.

Taiwan said it will also continue discussions with partner governments to improve reciprocal visa arrangements for Taiwanese travelers.

Thai science creator wins historic double at Webbys

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Khaosod English

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17 July 2026, 16:54

Thai science creator wins historic double at Webbys

BANGKOK — 17 July 2026, Thai science creator “Pol” Nawapol Chuamvarasart, better known as SaySci, has made history by becoming the first Thai creator to receive honours at the 30th Webby Awards after winning two awards in the Social Content Series – Education & Science category for his content series “Internet, but Science.”

SaySci won both major awards in the Social Content Series – Education & Science category and also received Webby Honoree recognition in the Creator – Education, Science & Technology category.

Established in 1996, the Webby Awards have been dubbed the “Internet’s highest honour” and the “Oscars of the Internet” by The New York Times. They are widely regarded as one of the world’s most prestigious awards for digital content, recognising excellence in websites, apps, social media, podcasts, videos and other online media.

This year saw more than 13,000 entries submitted from over 70 countries, with only about 4% of all submissions receiving recognition. Winners in other categories included global organisations and brands such as NASA, Google, National Geographic Society and Claude AI, as well as projects involving LISA of BLACKPINK and Justin Bieber.

The Webby Winner is selected by the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS), while the People’s Voice Winner is determined through public voting. Organisers said more than 940,000 people cast over 4.6 million votes this year.

The work that propelled SaySci to the awards is “Internet, but Science,” a series that explains internet memes, viral trends, games, news and pop culture through scientific principles, transforming online entertainment into accessible educational content that connects directly with everyday life.

In keeping with the Webby Awards tradition of limiting acceptance speeches to just five words, SaySci chose to say:

“Six Seven? Skibidi? Brainrot? …Science!”

The phrase reflected the concept behind his work, which bridges internet culture and science.

However, Nawapol revealed that despite receiving a world-class award, the achievement did not attract as much attention in Thailand as he had hoped. He said he had sent press releases to several media organisations and sought sponsorship to travel to New York City to accept the award, but was unable to secure funding in time and therefore missed the opportunity to attend the ceremony in person.

He said he was not trying to complain but hoped his experience would encourage Thai society to place greater value on Thai creators and provide more support for talented people across a wide range of fields, including science, sport, the arts and education.

Nawapol also emphasised that Thailand has many talented science communicators and expressed hope that his success would inspire more Thai creators to showcase their work internationally while continuing to produce engaging, accessible and easy-to-understand science content for the public.

Thai host bar apologises over lawyer’s robe controversy

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Khaosod English

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17 July 2026, 16:05

Thai host bar apologises over lawyer's robe controversy

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — 17 July 2026, A popular host bar in central Nakhon Ratchasima has apologised after drawing widespread criticism for putting a man dressed in a lawyer’s gown on stage to receive drinks from customers. The venue quickly issued a public apology, while prominent lawyer Thanai Tum warned that the incident may have breached the law.

The controversy erupted after the entertainment venue, which operates as a host bar, organised an activity featuring a man wearing a lawyer’s gown with a numbered badge pinned to his chest while standing on stage. Customers were then invited to select hosts by offering them drinks.

The incident sparked fierce criticism on social media, with many arguing that using the prestigious attire of the legal profession for entertainment purposes was inappropriate and disrespectful.

The venue later posted a public apology on Facebook, saying it had no intention of impersonating, referring to or disrespecting the legal profession.

news147735 21G6pTBxIX1784272935 — The statement from the bar.

“If our actions caused discomfort or affected any individuals, groups, organisations or those concerned, we humbly accept responsibility and sincerely apologise,” the statement said, adding that the bar would ensure a similar incident would not happen again.

Thanai Chinaphan Saengphakdiyothin, known publicly as “Thanai Tum” and chairman of THANAI TUM CHINPHAN LAW GROUP CO., LTD, commented that the incident was inappropriate because a lawyer’s gown is a prestigious garment that holds significance within Thailand’s justice system and may only be worn by people licensed to practise law.

He said that if someone wearing the gown caused members of the public to mistakenly believe they were a qualified lawyer, resulting in financial loss or other damage, the conduct could potentially amount to fraud.

He added that if photographs or videos of the incident were distributed online, authorities might also need to consider whether any offences under Thailand’s Computer Crime Act had been committed, depending on the content, intent and consequences of each case.

Thanai Tum further emphasised that the lawyer’s gown is a symbol of honour for members of Thailand’s legal profession and should not be worn by members of the public for amusement or entertainment. He called on relevant authorities to investigate the incident thoroughly and take legal action if any violations were found.

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