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.
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.
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.
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.
BANGKOK — 17 July 2026, Thai actors “Win” Metawin Opas-iamkajorn and “Force” Jiratchapong Srisang have apologised after facing criticism from fans in Thailand and abroad for using the Signal for Help hand gesture in a workout video, with critics saying it trivialised a symbol associated with domestic abuse.
The issue began gaining traction after social media users, particularly international fans, questioned the use of the gesture. They noted that the Signal for Help was developed to allow victims of domestic violence or people in threatening situations to discreetly ask for assistance without speaking.
Critics argued that using the gesture as a meme or for entertainment content risked diminishing its significance and could result in genuine requests for help being overlooked.
Following the backlash, both Win and Force posted apology statements on their X accounts, admitting that they had not fully understood the meaning or sensitivity of the symbol before using it.
Force explained that he had mistakenly believed the signal was a general gesture for asking for help in any situation and was unaware that it had a specific association with victims of violence. He added that he had seen people in Thailand use similar gestures in everyday situations, leading him to misunderstand it as a widely recognised general symbol.
He described the incident as a personal mistake and said he would be more careful when using various symbols and gestures in the future.
Win said he was sorry for using the gesture without properly understanding its meaning or the sensitivity surrounding it. He admitted he had mistakenly thought it was simply a general signal for requesting help.
He said the incident had been an important lesson that highlighted the need to communicate and use symbols more thoughtfully.
Both actors also thanked those who had reached out to explain the gesture’s meaning and offer guidance, saying they would learn from the mistake and pay greater attention to the impact of their communications in the future.
Although many online commentators believed the incident stemmed from a lack of awareness rather than malicious intent, the controversy prompted broader discussion of the Signal for Help and raised awareness in Thailand and abroad of its role as a discreet way for people experiencing violence or abuse to seek assistance.
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Cambodia has begun enforcing new rules barring visitors wearing traditional costumes that do not accurately reflect Khmer heritage from entering the Angkor Archaeological Park, as authorities move to protect the authenticity of the country’s cultural identity.
The measure took effect on July 13 after the APSARA National Authority met with costume rental vendors at Angkor Wat to promote historically accurate Khmer attire.
Officials said some rental outfits currently available to tourists incorporate imported fabrics, jewelry and accessories from neighboring countries, resulting in costumes that do not reflect authentic Khmer traditions.
Under the new policy, visitors wearing costumes that fail to meet recognized Khmer historical standards will be denied entry to the UNESCO World Heritage site.
Authorities are also urging vendors to replace imported materials with Khmer silk, sampot rbauk and locally crafted jewelry. Businesses have until January to phase out foreign-made costume elements, including those imported from Thailand.
“The use of inaccurate traditional costumes has affected the image of Khmer culture,” APSARA official Tes Sothy said, urging vendors to adopt authentic Khmer products.
The Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts said preserving the original character of Khmer traditional dress while safeguarding its authenticity remains a government priority. Officials added that authentic attire is determined not only by the fabrics and jewelry used, but also by how it is worn and its historical and social context.
Japan's Prince Hisahito, the son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, walks on his way to attend a funeral service for Princess Yuriko of Mikasa at the Toshimagaoka cemetery in Tokyo, Tuesday, Nov. 26, 2024. (Franck Robichon/Pool Photo via AP)
TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s parliament enacted Friday a historic revision to the 19th-century Imperial House Law by insisting only paternal-lineage men can become emperor, sparking fear that it could doom the already shrinking imperial family.
The revisions include adoption of distant male relatives to father future heirs and allowing princesses to keep their royal status after marrying commoners.
Royal watchers and experts fear the new measures could doom the 1,500-year-old hereditary institution by insisting that only men can be emperor, sparking worry about the shrinking, fast-aging imperial family.
Emperor Naruhito ’s 24-year-old daughter is hugely popular, and many Japanese want her to be his successor, but Princess Aiko is ineligible because she is a woman. Japan’s male-only succession rule means the line must move to the emperor’s younger brother, then to his 19-year-old nephew Prince Hisahito. Next in line after him is the emperor’s 90-year-old uncle.
In an imperial family that places a premium on male royal babies, Hisahito is the first such boy to be born in four decades. Only five of the 16 adults in the imperial family — there are no children — are men.
This matters, as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and other conservatives insist the male bloodline is “the only source of the emperor’s authority and legitimacy,” which will be the basis for the upcoming measures.
While an emperor’s mother can be a commoner, as is the case with the current one, only boys born to men with royal blood can be heirs to the throne, according to the Imperial House Law.
Lawmakers of Japan’s Upper House vote on a bill to revise the Imperial House Law during its plenary session in Tokyo, Friday, July 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)
The revision passed Friday to the antiquated law is meant to solidify the principle of that crucial bloodline by allowing the adoption of distant royal male relatives to father future heirs.
The new measures will also allow princesses to keep their royal status if they marry a commoner.
“It’s a declaration to prevent female monarchs … and to defend the male-lineage at all costs,” said Hideya Kawanishi, a Nagoya University expert on monarchy. “They cannot say it’s male chauvinism, so they call it tradition.”
Takaichi supports male-only succession
There have been eight female monarchs. The last was Empress Gosakuramachi, who ruled from 1762 to 1770.
The paternal-line male succession was stipulated for the first time in the 1890 Imperial House Law, when Japan promoted patriarchal systems. That law was largely carried over to the current 1947 version.
Friday’s revisions have led to protests from Japanese who see the government efforts as meant to eliminate Aiko from ruling and to justify discrimination against women and a patriarchal system.
“It’s very ironic that the first female prime minister herself is the leading proponent of the obsession with male-succession,” Chizuko Ueno, a prominent feminist scholar, wrote recently referring to Takaichi.
Ueno said the new measures “treat male royals as stallions and put female royals under pressure as ‘childbearing machines’ to produce male offspring.”
After Aiko’s birth, her mother Empress Masako, a Harvard-educated former diplomat and a commoner, developed a stress-induced mental condition, apparently over criticism for not producing a male heir.
Imperial family is shrinking
Because of the male-only succession rules and the dismissal of princesses who marry commoners, the monarchy after Hisahito is “extremely unstable,” former Imperial Household Agency chief Shingo Haketa told Kyodo News recently.
Historians say the male-only system is unworkable today, as Japan more broadly faces a fast-aging, dwindling population.
It only worked in the past because concubines produced half the emperors until about 100 years ago, when the practice ended under Naruhito’s great-grandfather, Emperor Taisho.
There was a government proposal in 2005 to allow female monarchs, but it was scrapped following Hisahito’s birth.
Naruhito’s two male heirs are his 60-year-old brother, Crown Prince Akishino, who is only six years younger than the emperor and has reportedly said he would be too old to serve, and Hisahito, Akishino’s 19-year-old son. Third in line is Naruhito’s uncle, Prince Hitachi, who is 90.
The law is meant to bring in distant relatives
The more controversial of the two measures allows unmarried male descendants, aged 15 or older, of distant imperial relatives — but only of paternal lineage — to be adopted into the royal family.
Fifty-one members from 11 branch families renounced their royal status in 1947, mainly to ease the postwar financial burden on the monarchy, Imperial Household Agency official Yoshimi Ogata told a recent parliamentary session.
These people are at least 36 generations removed from Naruhito because they split from a common male-line ancestor 600 years ago, Ogata said.
There is criticism of what some see as the government’s extraordinary efforts to make sure that male royals are producing male emperors.
“Who wants the son of an adoptee who nobody knows to be emperor instead of Aiko?” asked Yoshinori Kobayashi, a cartoonist campaigning for Aiko’s succession.
It may also be unrealistic to ask former royals to reenter a very strict family known as “an enclave without human rights.” Royals cannot choose their jobs or homes, and must follow other serious constraints.
“I wonder if anyone would raise a hand,” 81-year-old Asahiro Kuni, whose family renounced its royal status when he was 3, told TBS television. “I imagine many people, by age 15, have some idea about their future. It’s cruel to tell them … to change the course of their life.”
Kuni, who worked as an engineer at a major Japanese company, said he would tell his family to decline if asked by the palace. “You are asked to sacrifice your life for the happiness of the people. I can’t tell my family to choose such a difficult life.”
He also expressed support for female monarchs in interviews with other Japanese media.
Princesses who marry commoners can keep royal status
Aiko, known for her engaging smile, enthusiasm and witty conversation, is a public favorite.
Five single princesses, including Aiko and her popular cousin Kako, 31, may be affected by the other main revision to the Imperial House Law, which would allow them to keep their royal status and continue serving official duties if they marry commoners, although their spouse and children wouldn’t be accepted as royals.
Aiko’s elder cousin Mako renounced her royal status and moved to New York after marrying her college boyfriend, a commoner who now is a lawyer. The move was largely seen as her attempt to flee from the restrained imperial life.
Japanese Princesses send off Prince Hisahito, son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko, at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo as he leaves for the coming-of-age ceremony by a carriage on his 19th birthday, Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. (Yoshikazu Tsuno/Pool Photo via AP)
Ueno calls the system inhumane and urges the princesses to follow Mako’s example and leave when they can.
Hisahito, possible adoptees and their future wives will face enormous pressure to produce male offspring, Kawanishi said.
Many Japanese still want Aiko to be emperor
“The emperor is a symbolic figure, and I don’t see why women cannot serve in the role,” said 78-year-old Junichiro Tsujimaru, a sushi chain founder.
Yoshio Iwase, also 78, says Aiko, as the daughter of the emperor, is the legitimate successor. “I think it’s fine because there used to be female emperors in the past.”
There is worry that the government’s push will upset former Emperor Akihito’s legacy, which included making amends for the victims of World War II, fought in his father’s name.
Akihito, who abdicated in 2019, also tried to bring what was seen as an aloof monarchy closer to the people, an example followed by his son, Naruhito, and his family.
Akihito reportedly supports Aiko’s succession. He avoided directly answering a question about the 2005 government proposal but said female royals served a major role in the monarchy and that its role was to work for the happiness of the people — a remark interpreted as his support for female monarchs.
Naruhito also said in June that he hoped discussions about the measures would reach a conclusion that “will gain understanding of the people,” a comment palace watchers said was his nuanced displeasure.
Japan on Friday also enacted a controversial new law prohibiting desecration of its national flag, a key right-wing agenda pushed by Takaichi. Opponents see it as an attempt to intimidate the public and silence criticism against her government.
BANGKOK — 17 July 2026, The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will launch its new air-conditioned suburban rail service, SRT BANGKOK CONNEX (BNEX), linking Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal and Ayutthaya from 1 August, with fares starting at 30 baht.
The service will operate daily (Monday to Sunday) and is intended to provide an affordable and convenient travel option for both commuters and tourists. The route has been extended to originate from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, allowing passengers to connect easily with Bangkok’s suburban and urban rail networks.
Acting SRT Governor Anan Phonimdaeng said the launch of SRT BANGKOK CONNEX represents a significant expansion of the previous weekday-only Don Mueang–Ayutthaya service, aiming to better meet passenger demand.
The trains use refurbished KIHA 40/48 diesel railcars imported from Japan, which have undergone extensive maintenance and interior refurbishment to provide air-conditioned carriages with more comfortable seating and spacious interiors. The timetable has also been designed to better align with passengers’ daily travel patterns.
On weekdays (Monday to Friday), the service will operate six trips a day (Nos. 9001–9006), with the first departure at 05:15 to accommodate commuters travelling to Bangkok and surrounding areas.
On weekends (Saturday and Sunday), services will begin at 09:05, with four trips operating daily (Nos. 9003–9006), targeting both Thai and international tourists wishing to enjoy a leisurely visit to the historic city of Ayutthaya without having to rush on their days off.
SRT is also introducing a three-month promotional fare from 1 August to 31 October to help reduce passengers’ travel costs. During the promotion, passengers travelling from Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal to Don Mueang, Rangsit or Khlong Phutsa stations will pay a flat fare of 30 baht, while journeys to Bang Pa-in, Ban Pho and the terminus at Ayutthaya will cost no more than 50 baht.
SRT said it remains committed to improving the safety and punctuality of Thailand’s railway services while providing passengers with greater convenience.
Reinforcing its consistent ESG performance and advancing sustainable business growth through its C-K-P strategy
Bangkok, July 17, 2026 – CK Power Public Company Limited (SET: CKP), one of the region’s largest producers of electricity from renewables with one of the lowest carbon footprints, has been named to the ESG100 List by Thaipat Institute for the fifth consecutive year (2022–2026). The Company was selected as one of the 100 listed companies from a total of 931 securities assessed for the 2026 ESG100, reflecting its consistent performance and commitment to environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices.
This year, CKPower was one of seven companies in the Energy and Utilities sector selected from 72 listed securities in the Resources industry. The recognition reflects the Company’s commitment to conducting business with good corporate governance, transparency, effective management of ESG risks and opportunities, and the creation of sustainable value throughout its value chain. On this occasion, Mr. Thanawat Trivisvavet, Managing Director of CK Power Public Company Limited, received the ESG100 Certificate on behalf of the Company from Dr. Pipat Yodprudtikan, Chairman of the Thaipat Institute, at Viriyathavorn Building, Bangkok.
According to Mr. Thanawat, being named to the ESG100 List for the fifth consecutive year reflects CKPower’s continued focus on integrating sustainability into its business operations. The recognition by Thaipat Institute for the 2026 ESG100 underscores the Company’s consistent focus on delivering strong financial performance while upholding good corporate governance, transparency, and systematic sustainability management. The Company remains committed to effectively managing ESG risks and opportunities to strengthen its readiness for the energy transition and future challenges.
CKPower drives its business under the C-K-P sustainability strategy, comprising C – Clean Electricity, with the goal of achieving 100% renewable electricity consumption within the organization by 2043 while increasing the proportion of its installed capacity from renewable energy to more than 95% by the same year; K – Kind Neighbor, focusing on improving quality of life and creating shared value for communities, society, and stakeholders while respecting human rights throughout the value chain; and P – Partnership for Life, driving sustainable growth through strategic investments and innovation to strengthen regional energy security and create long-term value for customers and shareholders.
Dr. Pipat said that CKPower’s inclusion in the ESG100 List for the fifth consecutive year in 2026 reflects the Company’s consistent and outstanding performance in environmental, social, and governance (ESG). The ESG100 assessment conducted by Thaipat Institute is based on publicly available information disclosed by listed companies, together with an analysis of their ability to manage ESG risks and opportunities that may affect long-term competitiveness and sustainable growth. This recognition reflects CKPower’s commitment to conducting business responsibly and creating long-term value for its stakeholders.
Mr. Thanawat added that CKPower will continue to drive growth through the development of renewable energy, strengthening organizational capabilities, and applying innovation across its value chain. At the same time, the Company remains committed to enhancing energy security and advancing sustainability management in a tangible manner to create long-term value for all stakeholders while progressing toward its goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
SHANGHAI, China — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul joined Chinese President Xi Jinping and senior leaders from around the world at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai on Friday.
Speaking at the Shanghai World Reception Hall, Anutin delivered a keynote address under the theme “AI Partnership for a Brighter Future.”
The conference brought together heads of state, senior government officials, representatives of international organizations, business leaders and academics to discuss global cooperation in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Xi presided over the opening ceremony of the annual event, one of China’s flagship forums on AI, with participants exploring ways to strengthen international collaboration and promote the responsible development of artificial intelligence.
Anutin is attending the conference as part of his official visit to China.
SURIN — 17 July 2026, Fifty-seven students and teachers were injured after a school bus lost control and overturned on a highway in Surin province , authorities said.
Police at Prasat Police Station received a report of the accident at 11:22 hrs. The bus, carrying students from a school in Khukhan district, Sisaket province, overturned on Highway 214 in front of Wat Taluak in Kang Aen subdistrict, Prasat district.
Authorities said the bus was carrying 51 students and six teachers.
All 57 passengers suffered minor injuries. No serious injuries or fatalities were reported.
Police officers, emergency medical teams and other rescue agencies responded to the scene, providing assistance before transporting the injured to hospital for treatment.
Traffic on the highway has since returned to normal.
Authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.
