Nicaragua's President Daniel Ortega, stands for a group photo at a summit by the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (ALBA) in Caracas, Venezuela, Saturday, Dec 14, 2024. (AP Photo/Jesus Vargas)
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Nicaragua’s President Daniel Ortega said his country won’t be holding elections anytime soon, a statement underscoring the strongman’s efforts to extend his nearly 20-year rule and dashing hopes by the opposition that he might heed their demands for a democratic vote.
The announcement effectively canceled Nicaragua’s next elections, originally scheduled for November 2027 after the government-controlled Congress voted in January 2025 to extend the five-year presidential term by one year.
Ortega spoke on Sunday at the anniversary of the Sandinista Revolution that toppled the Somoza dictatorship in 1979 and first brought him to power. He returned to the presidency in 2007 and has since rewritten the constitution, crushed political opposition and solidified his control over virtually all branches of the Nicaraguan government.
Ortega declared himself the winner of the 2021 election — a vote widely viewed as illegitimate by the international community — after jailing all the candidates who could have possibly beaten him. The U.S. does not recognize Ortega’s presidency.
“There won’t be anymore elections,” Ortega said in a speech railing on his longtime adversary, the United States. “Parties put in place by the Yankees, put in place by the Somoza regime, coming back to power — that story is over.”
“Never, never, never,” he said of any future elections.
Opponents and rights groups said the Sunday announcement represents an escalation as Ortega further solidifies his grip on Nicaragua.
Juan Sebastián Chamorro, a 2021 candidate who was behind bars until he was released to the U.S. in 2023 with more than 200 other political prisoners, said the announcement reveals Ortega’s longstanding plan to consolidate power in the hands of the Sandinista party, similar to other one-party rule countries like China and Cuba.
“Ortega and Murillo are evidently afraid at the idea that the slightest political opening could create the conditions for dissent to manifest and threaten their grip on power,” said Tiziano Breda, a senior Latin America analyst at independent conflict monitor ACLED.
“Instead of staging a rigged election, they have opted to eliminate electoral competition altogether,” he added.
BANGKOK — 21 July 2026, Disney Run Thailand 2026 has drawn online criticism after participants complained about organisational issues, with netizens joking: “You get the ‘Run’, but zero ‘Disney’.”
The running event was held around Rama VIII Bridge in Bangkok on the morning of 19 July, attracting a large number of participants. The competition featured two race categories: a 5-kilometre run and a 10-kilometre run.
Following the event, several participants and social media users shared their experiences, with many criticising the event management and saying the atmosphere did not deliver the “Disney” experience they had expected.
The Facebook page ผู้บริโภค (Consumers) raised the issue in a post, writing: “Is it true? I saw many people join Disney Run. Most said they only got the ‘Run’ part, but not the ‘Disney’ part at all. Some even said the participants’ costumes looked grander. What do consumers think?”
The post sparked widespread discussion, with some commenters saying they felt fortunate that they had been unable to secure tickets. Others criticised the event, describing it as a “bland, unseasoned version of Disney.”
One comment said: “At first, I felt disappointed and frustrated that I could not get a ticket in time. But after seeing how the event was organised this morning, I feel lucky that I missed out. Congratulations to everyone who attended.”
Meanwhile, some participants praised the quality of the medals, shirts and capes provided at the event, but criticised the management system, including transport arrangements, long waiting times to exit the parking area, and lengthy queues at food stations that caused many attendees to give up waiting.
The event’s mascots also became a topic of discussion, with some attendees saying the designs and overall atmosphere did not meet expectations for a globally recognised brand. Others made sarcastic comparisons to the “Dan Neramit era” — referring to a former Bangkok amusement park — while questioning whether licensing limitations may have affected the event’s presentation.
Despite the criticism, Disney Run Thailand 2026 still attracted strong interest from Disney fans and runners. The backlash highlighted participants’ expectations for an event that combines smooth operations with a fully immersive Disney experience, rather than simply functioning as an ordinary running event.
BANGKOK — Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a draft ministerial regulation to remove the red-whiskered bulbul, also known as the “Nok Krong Hua Juk” songbird, from the country’s protected wildlife list, paving the way for wider breeding and commercial development.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Prertwiwatana said on Tuesday that the Cabinet approved the principle of the draft regulation proposed by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
The move would remove the red-whiskered bulbul from the list of protected non-aquatic wildlife species, where it is currently listed as a protected bird under item No. 576. The government said the change aims to support breeding, increase captive populations and develop the bird as an economic animal that can generate income for breeders.
Under the current regulations, owners, breeders and traders of red-whiskered bulbuls are required to obtain official permits and meet legal requirements, which have limited wider breeding and expansion, Lalida said.
She added that changing the bird’s status would allow people to breed and propagate the species more easily, helping increase captive populations and reducing reliance on catching birds from the wild.
The government also said the move would support local traditions, particularly in southern Thailand, where bird keeping and singing competitions are part of community culture.
The Wildlife Conservation and Protection Committee has approved the removal of the red-whiskered bulbul from the protected list, while instructing the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation to closely monitor wild populations.
If the bird’s population declines or faces risks to its survival, authorities will reconsider restoring its protected status, Lalida said.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment previously opened a public consultation on the draft regulation between 11 and 25 February 2026. Lalida said most respondents supported the proposal, while relevant agencies raised no objections and viewed it as a way to create economic value for breeders.
“The change aims to balance support for local livelihoods and community economies with natural resource conservation,” Lalida said, adding that the government would promote responsible breeding while continuing to monitor wild populations to prevent ecological impacts and illegal capture.
LOS ANGELES, California — 21 July 2026, the work of K9 detection dog Maisy, a beagle assigned to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations in Los Angeles, has once again attracted online attention after uncovering a suitcase from Thailand containing prohibited items, including a 7-kilogram Bengal monitor lizard.
The CBP Office of Field Operations shared images of Maisy standing behind the seized items on Facebook, saying the K9 officer had detected luggage from Thailand containing a total of 50 pounds (about 22 kilograms) of meat products, including raw meat, as well as 33 pounds (about 15 kilograms) of mangoes, garlic, bamboo and banana plants.
Officials from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service also seized a Bengal monitor lizard weighing 16 pounds (about 7 kilograms) found inside the luggage.
CBP jokingly captioned the post:
“If you found all this in a suitcase, wouldn’t you be this happy too?”
The agency shared a photo of Maisy appearing to smile after completing the mission.
The incident drew widespread reactions from internet users, with many joking that the suitcase looked more like a “food box” than luggage. Others joked that a beagle’s greatest talent was sniffing out food, while some questioned the attempt to bring a monitor lizard into the United States.
This is not the first time a CBP Los Angeles K9 officer has gone viral. Previously, another beagle named Merla gained attention after helping officers detect undeclared food and agricultural products, including a case involving more than 100 pork and chicken sandwiches found in a traveller’s luggage from Thailand.
U.S. authorities regularly deploy K9 officers to detect food, plants and animal products because such items can carry diseases and pests that may threaten ecosystems and the country’s agricultural industry.
BANGKOK — Thailand’s Cabinet has approved officially recognizing 12 August as a national commemorative day while retaining it as an annual public holiday in honour of the late Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother.
Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythale Laksmisangchan announced the decision following the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.
12 August marks the birth anniversary of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and is also observed as Thailand’s National Mother’s Day. The date will continue to be observed as an annual public holiday.
The Cabinet’s decision follows the Queen Mother’s death on 24 October 2025, which brought a period of national mourning. The government said the move reflects the Thai people’s enduring gratitude for her lifelong dedication and contributions to the nation and its people.
According to the government, annual royal merit-making ceremonies are held on 12 August to commemorate the Queen Mother’s birth anniversary. The Secretariat of the Prime Minister proposed officially designating the date as a national commemorative day while maintaining its status as a public holiday, a proposal the Cabinet approved on Tuesday.
“Eye” Kanyalak Nookaew, Thailand’s representative at Miss Supranational 2026, has continued to generate attention on the global stage by wearing a Thai fabric ensemble inspired by the art of Yala province during the pageant’s intensive residency and competition activities in Poland.
The contestant, who has attracted attention throughout the competition for incorporating Thai fashion into her wardrobe, appeared in an elegant straight-haired look wearing a Thai textile ensemble that highlighted the artistic identity of southern Thailand.
The outfit was inspired by the paintings of Assoc. Prof. Nicoleh Radenahmad, an artist whose work reflects the culture and way of life of the region.
The ensemble was created by Thai fashion brand SAKIYA, which printed the artwork onto fabric using non-toxic dyes before transforming it into a distinctive design.
The patterns on the top and skirt depict “The Flower Garden of Yala,” showcasing the province’s vibrant natural beauty.
Eye Kanyalak previously wore the design on the runway in collaboration with SAKIYA and chose to bring it back onto the international stage, turning the outfit into more than a fashion statement. It has also become a platform to showcase Thai craftsmanship, art and local storytelling to a global audience.
The ensemble represents how Thailand’s beauty extends beyond traditional textiles, blending art, culture, wisdom and stories from communities across the country into a form of soft power capable of reaching the global stage with elegance.
Supporters have praised SAKIYA for helping promote Thai textiles and local art while sending encouragement to Eye Kanyalak as she competes in the 17th Miss Supranational competition.
The Miss Supranational 2026 final will be held on 31 July in Poland.
SURAT THANI — The Royal Thai Air Force on Monday marked the 15th anniversary of the service of its Gripen C/D fighter jets and Saab 340 airborne early warning aircraft with a large-scale “Elephant Walk” formation at Wing 7 in Surat Thani, underscoring its combat readiness and ability to defend national sovereignty.
The ceremony was attended by Supreme Commander Gen. Ukrit Boontanon and Air Force Commander ACM Seksan Kantha.
The event featured formation flights by Gripen C/D fighters and Saab 340 aircraft, a Gripen flight demonstration, and exhibitions highlighting the Air Force’s operational capabilities.
The centrepiece was the “Elephant Walk” — a coordinated taxiway procession involving nine Gripen C/D fighters and five Saab 340 aircraft, for a total of 14 aircraft. The display, commonly staged by leading air forces on significant occasions, symbolizes operational readiness and unity among air assets.
Speaking at the event, ACM Seksan said the Gripen C/D fleet had played an important role in supporting joint operations during the recent Thailand-Cambodia border tensions, describing the aircraft’s performance as proof of the Air Force’s 15-year investment in network-centric warfare.
He said the Air Force has focused on integrating information across its units to enable forces to “know first, see first, understand first, decide first and act first,” a concept that has guided its operations for more than a decade.
According to the Air Force chief, the Gripen fighters and Saab 340 airborne early warning aircraft have been among the most critical platforms during periods of conflict, achieving an operational success rate of nearly 100% while using relatively few weapons to engage identified targets.
Seksan said the effectiveness of the force depends not only on advanced military hardware but also on the personnel operating it. He credited Air Force personnel for maintaining seamless information-sharing over the past 15 years, helping ensure the military remains ready to respond to any threat against the country’s sovereignty.
“Always Lalisa,” the first documentary centred on LISA, the BLACKPINK member and global solo artist, will make its world premiere at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), to be held in Toronto, Canada, from 10–20 September.
Directed by Sue Kim, the 97-minute documentary has been selected to screen at one of the world’s most prestigious and influential film festivals.
Filmed over the course of a year, “Always Lalisa” follows LISA as she embarks on her career as a solo artist, documenting the creation and release of her debut solo album Alter Ego, her landmark solo performance at Coachella 2025, and the beginning of her acting career in Season 3 of HBO’s The White Lotus.
According to the official synopsis released by TIFF, the film traces LISA’s journey from her childhood dreams to becoming a member of BLACKPINK and the global superstar she is today. It also explores her transition into a solo career while revealing a more personal side of her life.
In addition to behind-the-scenes footage of major performances, the documentary captures LISA returning to Thailand to spend time with her family and lifelong friends. It explores the contrast between her life as a globally acclaimed artist and her true self outside the spotlight—the person she has described as “just an ordinary girl from Thailand.”
Meanwhile, Billboard reported that the documentary chronicles defining moments in LISA’s life and career, including her performance at the opening ceremony of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and her solo debut at Coachella 2025, both of which marked major milestones in her journey as an independent artist.
The film also highlights LISA’s work under her own management company, LLOUD, documenting the beginning of a new chapter in her career while capturing the moments that have shaped her evolution as a global performer.
Kim travelled alongside LISA for a year to document her journey. She previously directed The Last of the Sea Women, which premiered at TIFF 2024, and The Speed Cubers, which was shortlisted for the Academy Awards, establishing her as one of today’s leading documentary filmmakers.
Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival marks another significant milestone for LISA, as TIFF is widely regarded as one of the world’s most influential film festivals and a major platform for the premieres of acclaimed feature films and documentaries from international filmmakers.
NAKHON PATHOM — 21 July 2026, the success of SM CLASSICS LIVE 2026, which reimagined K-pop hits through a full symphony orchestra, has highlighted the growing potential of Thailand’s classical music scene to attract younger audiences through familiar songs.
That is the view of Nuttha Kuankajorn, known by her nickname “Mook”, Principal Oboe, who performed in the concert. She believes the SM Classics project could encourage people who have never attended a classical performance to experience an orchestra for the first time.
Nuttha Kuankajorn, or “Mook”, Principal Oboe of Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra.
Although the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra (TPO) has previously staged crossover concerts featuring film, video game and animation soundtracks, Mook said performing fully orchestrated K-pop music was a first for her and, she believes, for many of the musicians involved.
A longtime fan of SM Entertainment artists since 2004 and 2005, she admitted that despite knowing many of the songs by heart, performing them in orchestral form proved to be one of the most demanding projects of her career.
“I remember thinking how lucky I was to be in the audience instead of performing. In the end, I found myself on stage as part of the orchestra.”
She said that while the ensemble’s rehearsal schedule was similar to other productions, every musician had to spend considerable time practising individually before group rehearsals. The intricate arrangements and musical details typical of K-pop demanded precision so that dozens of performers could play as a single ensemble.
According to Mook, one of K-pop’s strengths lies in its musical diversity, making it particularly well suited to orchestral adaptation while giving classical musicians the opportunity to explore a different musical world.
She stressed that the project’s goal was not to turn every audience member into a classical music enthusiast overnight, but simply to encourage people to experience a live orchestra for the first time.
“We’re not expecting everyone to become classical music fans after one concert. But if someone leaves inspired and wants to come back for another orchestral performance, then we’ve succeeded.”
Mook also echoed the philosophy of conductor Thanapol Setabrahmana, who believes classical music has never disappeared from everyday life because it forms the emotional backbone of countless films, video games and other media.
“If a film didn’t have an orchestra creating its emotional atmosphere, everything would feel completely different.”
Red Velvet’s Wendy (left) and Thanapol Setabrahmana, the conductor (right).
She said this shows that classical music is not as distant or inaccessible as many people assume, but is already woven into everyday life through different forms of media.
Mook also believes Thailand is moving in the right direction with crossover productions that blend orchestral music with contemporary culture, making classical performances more accessible to younger generations while showcasing the abilities of Thai musicians on the international stage.
She said Thailand already has the musicians, venues and production teams capable of hosting more international orchestral events, highlighting Prince Mahidol Hall at Mahidol University and the Thailand Philharmonic Orchestra for their extensive experience with similar productions.
Audience reactions appeared to support that view.
Tubtim (left) and Mint (right), concertgoers.
One concertgoer, Tubtim, said she initially bought a ticket to see guest artist Wendy of Red Velvet. Although she was already interested in orchestral performances, she admitted she might not have travelled such a long distance if her favourite artist had not been part of the programme.
Another audience member, Mint, said she attended because she wanted to hear how K-pop songs would sound when rearranged for a full orchestra. She added that Red Velvet’s “Feel My Rhythm” had already inspired her to start listening to classical music in everyday life.
By the end of the concert, however, both women agreed the experience far exceeded the ticket price and was so moving that it brought them to tears.
They said they would gladly return if similar concerts were held in the future, even without their favourite K-pop artists, because the performance revealed new musical details in songs they already knew and fundamentally changed their perception of classical music.
Both also suggested that a large concert hall in a more central location with easier access to public transport would encourage more people to attend orchestral performances and further strengthen Thailand’s classical music industry.
For Mook, such reactions represent the project’s greatest achievement.
“The success of SM Classics isn’t measured by how many K-pop fans come to the concert,” she said. “It’s about people leaving the hall with a new perspective..
classical music isn’t out of reach.. Thailand has musicians, orchestras and production teams whose abilities are on par WITH the world.
She said she hopes projects like SM Classics will help build a new generation of concertgoers while reinforcing Thailand’s potential as a destination for world-class orchestral performances.
BANGKOK — 21 July 2026, A social media post by the Swedish Embassy in Thailand featuring First Secretary Emanuel Lundin trying traditional Thai coconut ice cream has delighted Thai internet users, many of whom urged him to try the country’s iconic street-vendor version next.
Lundin praised the dessert for its ultra-smooth texture and sweet flavour, saying it was perfectly suited to Thailand’s hot weather.
The embassy said the coconut ice cream was served with traditional toppings including peanuts, palm seeds and sweetcorn, and recommended a vendor outside Two Pacific Place near BTS Nana station, where a serving costs just 20 baht.
After the post went viral, Thai social media users flooded the comments section, saying that to experience authentic Thai coconut ice cream, visitors should try the classic pushcart version sold by roaming street vendors.
Many comments joked about the challenge of buying ice cream from the mobile vendors, which are known for moving quickly through neighbourhoods.
“A Swede is amazing for managing to flag down the ice cream cart. Even many Thais can’t catch it in time,” one user joked.
Another wrote: “Did you have to run after the cart, sir?”
A third replied: “Why run? That’s exhausting. I just follow it on my motorbike until I get my ice cream.”
Others shared recommendations for their favourite vendors, with one commenter writing: “The only ice cream I love is Pai Thong. It’s 25 baht a serving,” describing it as an affordable dessert with a flavour familiar to Thai people.
Some users also playfully referenced the recent controversy surrounding a well-known gelato brand in Thailand, posting comments such as: “Better eat it at minus seven degrees,”
while another joked: “It’s easy to find, reasonably priced, and if you become friends with the vendor, you can even call ahead to order. For just 40 baht, you get a special serving that leaves you completely full. The texture is smooth and chewy with a great bite. The only catches are making sure they hear you call them, and being able to run fast enough to catch up!” — making light-hearted comparisons between the two frozen desserts.
Despite the jokes, most commenters praised the Swedish diplomat for embracing a local Thai favourite and said that if he returns to Thailand, traditional pushcart coconut ice cream should be at the top of his list of foods to try.
