On July 20, 2025, Wannee Mahaneeranont, secretary-general of the Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Fund (ARDF), announced that the organization is now accepting applications to recruit qualified individuals as board members from both government and private sector backgrounds. The recruitment opens an opportunity for knowledgeable and experienced professionals to participate in formulating policies and operational guidelines for agricultural assistance and development programs nationwide.

Deputy Prime Minister Yasachon Wongsawasdi, in his capacity as ARDF board chairman and recruitment committee chair, signed the recruitment announcement dated July 17, 2025. Qualified candidates will be recommended to the board chairman before Cabinet consideration for formal appointment under the 1999 Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Fund Act.

Areas of Expertise Sought: Candidates from both government and private sectors must demonstrate knowledge, expertise, achievements, and experience in one of the following fields: • Financial management or banking • Local economic rehabilitation and development • Community-based industries • Agricultural technology • Water resource development • Conservation and restoration of natural resources and the environment

Qualifications for Private Sector Applicants: Private sector candidates must have no legal disqualifications, including: • Not holding political office, political party positions, or local government roles • Not serving as a political party board member, advisor, or officer • Not currently employed as a civil servant or state enterprise official with permanent status • No history of dismissal from state or state enterprise positions due to misconduct

Government sector applicants must obtain written approval or endorsement from their respective agency heads before nomination.

Required Documents: • Two passport-style photographs (2 inches) • Copy of national ID card or government employee card (1 copy) • Copy of house registration document (1 copy) • Copy of educational credentials or work achievement certification from organization (if available)

Application Period and Locations: Interested candidates may submit applications in person between July 21–26, 2025 (including public holidays) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Bangkok Headquarters: Agricultural Rehabilitation and Development Fund Office, CEC Building No. 68/12, Floors 3–5, Kamphaengphet 6 Road, Ladyao Subdistrict, Chatuchak District, Bangkok 10900

Regional Branches: Applications also accepted at ARDF provincial branch offices nationwide

For more information, contact the ARDF head office at 080-0702991 or 080-070-2334.

On July 22, 2025, Election Commission Chairman Nrong Klunvarin addressed the progress of fraud investigations into the national election day, stating that the review is proceeding on schedule with four more rounds of consideration remaining and more than half the work already completed. When asked whether any political figures identified by the Thai Raksa Chart Party and iLaw in their disclosure of Surat Thani provincial election data are included in the commission's investigations, Nrong said he did not know what information they had released but assured the public that the commission is reviewing all cases based on evidence and on schedule, with nothing to worry about. Regarding criticism and pressure from political parties and civil society groups calling for all cases to be referred to court, Nrong emphasized that the commission considers cases based on evidence alone and does not view such pressure as interference, stating the commission is simply fulfilling its duty and will do so to the best of its ability. On the matter of the performance evaluation of Election Commission Secretary-General Sawaeng Boonmee for 2024, the chairman laughed and said to ask the secretary-general directly, while Sawaeng declined to comment.

The death toll from the Roong Beer Tha Ladprao fire in Bangkok has risen to 35, with another victim confirmed on July 22, 2025. Ms. Titichaya Krutwich, 23, died at 2:20 a.m. at Siriraj Hospital. Among those injured, 12 remain in critical condition in ICU, 21 are still hospitalized at various facilities, and 48 have recovered enough to return home.

Trat province will lose a key public transport link when the Transport Company Limited (BKBS) Trat-Bangkok (Mochit) route shuts down by month's end, closing a legendary 67-year-old service. The closure has created unavoidable concerns among residents regarding daily life and community economics, though other BKBS minibus services like Chiang Chai will continue operating.

BKBS Trat ticket seller Nonghlak revealed the current service departs Bangkok's Mochit station at 7:30 a.m. and leaves Trat at 9:30 a.m., with a nighttime departure at 10:30 p.m. previously canceled during the COVID-19 period. The final run will operate on July 31, 2025.

The route closure stems from unsustainable economics, with ridership averaging only 10 passengers from the originating point and 4-5 additional pickups at Saen Tung station, against fixed daily operating costs of 5,000 baht per trip. The suspension will particularly impact elderly residents using state welfare benefits and passengers with heavy luggage who find minibuses inconvenient.

Nonghlak, who has worked at the station for 10 years, said she faces relocation challenges if transferred to Bangkok or Chiang Buri headquarters. Local songthaew driver Yongyut noted the route's closure means losing a customer base and expressed concern for elderly passengers aged 70-80 who will struggle with minibus travel, especially since tour operator Chiang Chai runs only one daily service.

Passenger Naresil countered that the service is a basic public welfare that should not be eliminated. Despite many choosing faster minibuses, the BKBS route is essential for welfare card holders and seniors who receive half-price fares—a crucial benefit allowing limited budgets to stretch further. Even if the service loses money, maintaining at least one vehicle would help those unable to afford full fares. Minibus operator Suranpong acknowledged increased ridership if BKBS closes but personally hopes the service continues, providing travel options for tourists and Trat residents.

The Po Teck Tung Foundation is reducing social inequality and creating equal livelihood opportunities for Phisanulok residents by distributing vocational equipment to the poor, providing wheelchairs to people with disabilities, and deploying mobile medical units for free community services. Led by Supharat Sambatyjarunthai, Naowarat Wansiree, and Pithakphand Tugchit, foundation teams delivered vocational equipment worth 667,800 baht to 34 individuals—women, men, single fathers, and LGBTQ+ people—lacking resources to start businesses. The foundation also distributed 10 wheelchairs valued at 30,000 baht and 20 student bicycles worth 25,800 baht, bringing total assistance to 726,300 baht.

Additionally, the foundation deployed community health units with volunteer doctors, paramedics, rescue teams, and volunteers to provide free eyeglasses, haircuts, and youth entertainment activities. The ceremony took place at Wat Phothitong in Bang Rakam District, Phisanulok Province, with participation from local officials and community leaders.

Supharat Sambatyjarunthai revealed that the Women and Family Employment Promotion Project aims to equip economically disadvantaged individuals with vocational tools and skills. The foundation coordinated with 12 women and family development learning centers across Thailand—Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Chachoengsao, Nakhon Ratchasima, Songkhla, Suratthani, Sisaket, Khon Kaen, Lamphun, Lampang, Chiang Rai, and Phisanulok—to identify and support beneficiaries. The foundation hopes this initiative will reduce social inequality, create sustainable income, and support families long-term.

Over 116 years, Po Teck Tung Foundation has expanded programs to improve quality of life across communities regardless of race or religion, serving as a comprehensive charitable organization dedicated to its mission: "Save lives, preserve lives, build lives."