At a Government House press conference on July 21, 2025, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit responded to Phayao MP and Kla Tham Party leader Thammanat Promboon's Facebook criticism that the agriculture ministry's staff transfers were financially motivated rather than performance-based. Suriya said all perspectives—including Thammanat's—would inform his decision-making.

Suriya affirmed that the transfers were conducted transparently and that the Permanent Secretary, not the minister, has authority to propose them. Seven senior officials will retire on September 30, necessitating replacements. The Permanent Secretary reviewed all criteria including integrity, work commitment, dedication, and seniority, consulting at the management level rather than deciding alone. Once the Permanent Secretary presented a thorough proposal, Suriya approved it and forwarded it to the Prime Minister's Secretary-General for Cabinet consideration.

When asked if the transfers were free of financial quid pro quo, Suriya confirmed there was no extortion or position-trading and said anyone with evidence of wrongdoing could file a complaint. Responding to allegations of purging political rivals, Suriya noted the agriculture ministry has 31 senior administrators; a true purge would involve all of them, not just a few. He highlighted his 11 years without incident—five under Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, four under General Prayut Chan-o-cha, one under Srettha Thavisin, and one under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra—as evidence of proper conduct. Suriya characterized Thammanat's scrutiny as standard opposition oversight and asked media to await the Cabinet meeting results before concluding on the scope of transfers.

Host Krachai appeared on the talk show "Mohon Krachaeng" to support a woman named Khru Saai, who had shared the heartbreaking story of losing her husband to medical malpractice. During the broadcast, Krachai disclosed that his own father, aged 74, died under similar circumstances—the doctor performed a second stent procedure without his consent, and it ruptured. He said he sneaked into the operating room and witnessed his father's heart being manually pumped with blood pouring from his mouth. Krachai revealed the hospital conducted an investigation and paid nearly 20 million baht in compensation.

Krachai defended Khru Saai against online criticism suggesting she suffered from bipolar disorder, arguing instead that her emotional breakdown was a natural response to profound grief and loss. He called on viewers to reassess their judgment and show compassion, saying her behavior was understandable given the trauma she had endured. By sharing his own painful experience, Krachai aimed to validate her suffering and discourage further character attacks.

Social Development Minister Nikhom Somklaeng announced at Government House on July 21 that his ministry submitted 1 million names for state welfare card eligibility review but only approximately 200,000 passed the criteria. He said the ministry must investigate why so many applicants were rejected and will coordinate with the Interior Ministry while awaiting cabinet guidance on how to proceed. Ministry officials are on standby to compile lists compiled with local authorities for further processing, and rejected applicants—especially persons with disabilities and the elderly—can file appeals if they prepare the required documents and evidence. Somklaeng also noted that on July 24–25, the Social Development Ministry will co-host a Universal Design festival with the Association of Persons with Disabilities of Thailand and Thammasat University at Impact Muang Thong Thani, with Deputy Prime Minister Yuthasak Sasindhorn serving as opening guest.

The ATOD Children and Youth Development Association, working with the Committee for the Coordination and Promotion of Non-Formal and Informal Education, successfully held the International Dance Festival (IDF 2026) on July 11–12 at the National Theatre of Chiang Mai College of Dramatic Arts.

Led by Dr Mom Luang Preeyapun Sridhavat, President of ATOD, the festival drew support from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Australian Teachers of Dancing International, Thai Lion Air, and major corporate sponsors. The event brought competitors from eight countries to perform across classical ballet, jazz, contemporary dance, contemporary national dance, and hip hop.

With 203 performances from 40 dance institutions, the festival highlighted the diversity of global performing arts. Two prestigious awards were presented: the Overall Highest Score Trophy on behalf of Education Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, awarded to Miss Chanisara Tharanatham, and the Highest Score in Contemporary National Dance Trophy on behalf of Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaised, awarded to Miss Tanaporn Weeradetch.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Chiang Mai Vice Governor Boonlue Thamtharanurak and attended by distinguished guests including the Japanese Consul-General and regional education officials.

At 9:20 a.m. on July 21, 2026, at Government House, Education Minister Prasert Chantharwangtong spoke to the media before the Cabinet meeting regarding non-formal education students who dropped out to qualify for state welfare cards. He said he would raise the matter in Cabinet to discuss how eligibility criteria could be adjusted to provide assistance. Students are a vulnerable group requiring special care, as NFED learners range widely in age. Prasert had already raised the issue with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprayat during their China visit and said further details would be discussed today.

Regarding students who have already dropped out, Prasert appealed for them to rejoin the system, as the government does not want anyone to leave education. The ministry is working on solutions and will adjust any criteria that can be modified. The exact number of dropouts from the NFED's total enrollment of 200,000 is still being verified. The Education Ministry is also pushing to help former students understand the situation and encourage them to return. Prasert stressed that the Education Ministry does not want students dropping out for such reasons, as education is crucial. The ministry aims to protect their rights and enable them to resume their studies. All relevant information has been prepared by the Education Ministry for presentation at today's Cabinet meeting.

BANGKOK: Corrupt government officials were viewed as the main factor allowing foreigners to illegally operate businesses in Thailand, a Nida poll showed on Sunday (July 19).