SHANGHAI: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Shanghai today (July 17) during his visit to China, with Thai-Cambodian border security expected to be high on the agenda.
SHANGHAI: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in Shanghai today (July 17) during his visit to China, with Thai-Cambodian border security expected to be high on the agenda.
Gold prices dropped 600 baht per baht-weight on July 17, with ornamental gold falling to 64,300 baht as global spot prices declined to $3,987 per ounce.
Gold prices fell sharply on July 17, 2025, according to the Thai Gold Traders Association. Ornamental gold (96.5%) dropped 600 baht per baht-weight to a selling price of 64,300 baht, down from the previous day's close on July 16. The association released the updated pricing at 9:01 a.m. Gold bars are trading at 63,300 baht per baht-weight for buying and 63,500 baht for selling, while ornamental gold (96.5%) trades at 62,034.72 baht for buying and 64,300 baht for selling. The global gold spot price stands at 3,987.00 U.S. dollars per ounce. Gold traders predict the market may rebound by 1,000 to 2,000 baht per baht-weight tomorrow, potentially reaching 80,000 baht.
A doctor called for mandatory evacuation training after a deadly Bangkok bar fire, warning that people must practice staying calm and following safety procedures before disaster strikes rather than relying on instinct in emergencies.
Following the fire at a Ladprao beer bar on July 12 that killed multiple people and left many injured, Dr. Srawit Suaboon, known as Mor Kaeng, shared crucial survival advice while appearing at the Finn Stars Market event at The Mall Lifestyle Store in Bangkapi. He emphasized that all victims deserve care and treatment, and called on authorities to strengthen safety protocols to prevent future disasters.
On survival techniques for mass casualty events, Mor Kaeng stressed the importance of staying calm: "In theory, everyone knows the first step is to keep your wits about you, but in reality, when faced with such an event, it's nearly impossible to stay mentally alert. We must train ourselves starting today, not wait for disaster to strike. We need practical training so our bodies become accustomed to maintaining composure." He advised that when encountering an emergency, people should first stay still and observe their surroundings, listen for guidance from those who understand the situation, and avoid panicking or pushing others. He noted that basic knowledge like wetting cloth to cover the nose and mouth and crouching low are essential but often forgotten in the chaos of the moment.
Regarding burn injuries, Mor Kaeng cautioned that serious burns, especially on the face and neck, require immediate medical attention and cannot be self-treated, as victims risk losing critical fluids and minerals. On prevention measures, he acknowledged his own limitations in knowing all regulations, and expressed skepticism that operators of large establishments like bars would be unaware of safety requirements. He implied that both business owners who violate safety standards and government agencies responsible for enforcement must be held accountable to prevent future tragedies.
Four suspects were arrested in Phuket's Naka Ridge National Reserved Forest for illegally constructing structures on protected land, as authorities intensify enforcement against forest encroachment across Thailand.
Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin has announced that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment is strictly enforcing laws against those who encroach on state resources, particularly in national reserved forests. The Forestry Department has been tasked with conducting investigations, making arrests, and prosecuting offenders without any exceptions in order to prevent forest encroachment and protect the country's natural resources.
On July 14, 2026, the Phuket Forest Center, working with provincial authorities, Muang Phuket District officials, and two forest protection units, inspected the Naka Ridge National Reserved Forest in Karon Subdistrict. The inspection discovered three suspects—Thawathai Phaet-khim, Anuphon Sawasdi, and Manoch Thongtham—who were constructing metal-frame structures with metal sheet roofing inside the protected forest. A fourth individual, Thappasan Panmanee, later identified himself as the employer and land owner, admitting he possessed no legal documentation. Officers immediately arrested the suspects.
The inspection found that approximately 1 rai, 3 ngan, and 22 square wah of forest had been cleared and encroached upon. Authorities seized equipment including metal cutters, concrete drills, welding machines, and chainsaws. The suspects were charged under the National Reserved Forest Act of 1964 and the Forestry Act of 1927 for occupying, clearing, constructing, and utilizing reserved forest land without permission. The suspects were handed over to Karon Police Station for further legal proceedings. The Forest Resource Management Office No. 12 (Krabi Branch) was instructed to assess environmental damage, and the authorities will seek a court order to demolish the illegal structures.
"I affirm that the Ministry will not tolerate any forest encroachment for personal gain," Suchat stated. "All offenders must face justice, and we will work seriously to reclaim the forest and preserve natural resources as a legacy for all Thai people and future generations."
A minor 2.2 magnitude earthquake struck Wianghaeng District in Chiang Mai early Wednesday morning, with residents reporting light tremors but no structural damage.
Chiang Mai's earthquake monitoring unit reported a 2.2 magnitude earthquake centered in Tambon Wianghaeng, Amphoe Wianghaeng, Chiang Mai Province, occurring at 2:13 a.m. on July 17, 2026. Residents in Wianghaeng District were able to feel the tremor. Relevant authorities have rushed to inspect the area, and preliminary reports indicate no damage to homes or infrastructure in the district.
Thailand is pivoting its tourism strategy toward health and wellness sectors to boost economic growth amid global volatility and domestic economic challenges. An August 5 seminar will bring government and industry leaders together to develo
Matichon is hosting an exclusive meeting on August 5, 2025, on "New Tourism New Economy: Unlocking Health Economy Opportunities to Transform Thailand's Tourism Future." The seminar aims to bring together tourism experts and government officials to exchange views on the new tourism landscape and drive forward Thailand's economic agenda.
The event comes amid global economic volatility caused by geopolitical tensions, regional conflicts, and energy and trade uncertainties that are affecting countries worldwide. Thailand faces challenges including sluggish economic growth, slowing exports, weak domestic consumption, and high household debt.
Tourism remains a crucial economic engine for Thailand with potential to generate revenue, create opportunities, and drive growth across hotels, restaurants, healthcare, real estate, and community businesses. The tourism sector is rapidly transforming through trends including the longevity economy, wellness tourism, medical tourism, and sports tourism, requiring Thailand to adapt its strategies and create new competitive advantages globally.
The seminar will serve as a platform for government agencies, private sector, and policymakers to exchange perspectives on tourism's role in Thailand's economic future, analyze opportunities and challenges facing the industry within the changing global economic context, and propose policy recommendations and actionable insights for sustainable tourism growth. Expert speakers include Suphavut Saichuer discussing the longevity economy and new opportunities for Thai economics, and Nithee Seephare from the Tourism Authority of Thailand.
Aye Kannyalak was reinstated as Miss Supranational Thailand 2026 after a dispute, with former pageant director Jo Kampol Thongchai mediating between her and her male counterpart to resolve misunderstandings.
After a dramatic dismissal and subsequent reinstatement, Aye Kannyalak remains Miss Supranational Thailand 2026, with former pageant director Jo Kampol Thongchai stepping in as mediator. Jo posted on Facebook stating "Clear hearts, apologies given, forgiveness granted, moving forward #Thailand" alongside photos of both Aye and her male counterpart Jack Titus.
An official announcement confirmed Aye's appointment, stating she has been selected based on suitability, potential, readiness, and commitment to represent Thailand. The announcement noted that Jo has volunteered to mediate discussions between Jack Titus and Aye Kannyalak, allowing both parties to address misunderstandings and reach mutual understanding.
Under their new agreement, Jo will officially oversee and support the female representative's preparation for the Miss Supranational 2026 pageant. The announcement urged public support for both representatives as they prepare to compete on the world stage under the Thai banner. Aye responded in the comments thanking Jo for his continued belief in her abilities.
Thailand's sugar industry is deploying carbon credits, tracking systems, and carbon capture technology to become a national green industry model while meeting the country's Net Zero 2050 target, converting emissions into economic assets for
Industry Minister Verawut Silpa-archa announced that the Ministry of Industry is accelerating Thailand's sugarcane and sugar sector toward full green industry status by deploying carbon management, carbon credit trading, and carbon capture, use, and storage (CCUS) technology as key mechanisms to generate economic value and strengthen Thailand's competitiveness in the intensifying global green trade landscape. During a recent visit to a Thai sugar mill in Udon Thani, Silpa-archa emphasized that the industry has potential to become a national green industry model—not merely reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but converting carbon into economic assets that generate new income for farmers and businesses.
Current data shows Thailand's sugarcane cultivation sector emits approximately 25-30 million tons of CO2 equivalent annually, while sugar production releases another 10-15 million tons, totaling 35-45 million tons yearly. This makes the combined sector a major player in achieving the country's Net Zero Emissions target by 2050. The Ministry, through the Sugarcane and Sugar Board (SOSF), is rolling out a carbon tracking project along the entire production chain—from field to mill—to measure, verify, and report greenhouse gas emissions transparently and accurately. The ministry is also developing a carbon credit trading mechanism via the T-VER program to directly compensate farmers and businesses for carbon reduction.
Additionally, CCUS technology is being promoted for the sector, particularly converting captured carbon into biochar to enhance soil carbon storage and add value to agriculture. The ministry outlined six strategic directions to transition the industry toward a low-carbon future: establishing international standards for CCUS carbon credits, developing comprehensive carbon tracing systems, creating economic incentives through carbon credit markets, elevating sustainability standards according to Bonsucro and Sugar Ecolabel criteria, preparing for the EU's CBAM mechanism, and integrating the sugar industry into Thailand's 2050 Net Zero goal. Officials stressed that carbon will shift from a cost burden to an economic asset, requiring the sector to evolve from a major carbon emitter into a carbon value creator and green bioindustry pioneer.
Of 18.82 million applicants for Thailand's 2025 welfare card, 9.51 million passed eligibility checks announced July 17. Those who failed have until August 16 to appeal online or at five participating banks, with results due September 21.
What To Do If You Failed The 2025 Welfare Card Eligibility Check
After the Ministry of Finance announced the results on July 17, 2025, following the registration period from June 4-21, 2025, a total of 9.51 million applicants from 18.82 million registrants passed the eligibility requirements. These are divided into three groups:
Group 1: Existing welfare cardholders (12.70 million) Group 2: Non-cardholders identified in government databases and the electronic family book system (0.74 million) Group 3: Non-cardholders identified during the registration period (5.38 million)
What Should You Do If You Failed The 2025 Welfare Card Eligibility Check?
If you receive a "failed to pass eligibility check" result and wish to appeal or request re-verification of your information, you can file an appeal within 15 days of the result announcement through four channels:
Online channels: - Website: https://บัตรสวัสดิการแห่งรัฐ.mof.go.th or https://welfare.mof.go.th (click "Submit Appeal" button) - Application "Thangruat" (click "Submit Appeal" button) - Application "Pao Tang" (click "Submit Appeal" button)
In-person appeals through 5 participating banks: - Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives (BAAC) - Krungthai Bank Public Company Limited - Government Housing Bank - Bank of Islamic Republic of Thailand (Islamic Bank of Thailand) - GSB Bank
(Available during each bank's operating hours and branches)
You must correct your information and complete the appeal by August 16, 2025. Results of the re-review will be announced on September 21, 2025 through the same four channels.
What If You Passed During The Appeal Round?
If you previously received welfare benefits, you do not need to verify your identity again (e-KYC) as the program already has your existing information. If you have never received welfare benefits, you must complete identity verification (e-KYC) through the five banks or the Pao Tang application. Regardless, you can begin using your benefits starting October 1, 2025, or when your identity verification is completed if you apply later.
An influencer faces allegations that 81.9 million baht in donations were withdrawn in cash from personal accounts, with a rival creator demanding accountability on live-stream today.
The controversy centers on allegations that 246 million baht in donated funds were transferred to personal accounts, with 81.9 million baht subsequently withdrawn in cash over multiple transactions. A rival Facebook page has accused an influencer of questionable financial practices, describing the situation with heavy skepticism. Pond Chakkaprukshanon has declared he will address the matter on his live-stream program today, calling for accountability and stating he has evidence from the person who exposed the issue. In response, Songduhi has posted cryptic messages about karma and personal responsibility, including veiled jabs at her rival. The posts have sparked widespread commentary and criticism among social media users. Pond emphasized that someone must be held responsible for the missing funds.
Just over 9.5 million Thais qualified for the 2025 State Welfare Card program, with benefits beginning August 1 for existing cardholders and October 1 for new applicants.
The Ministry of Finance announced on July 17, 2025, that 9.51 million people have passed the qualification criteria for the 2025 State Welfare Card program out of 18.82 million registrants. The qualified applicants are divided into three groups: 12.70 million existing cardholders, 0.74 million new applicants from community development databases, and 5.38 million additional applicants identified during registration.
Qualified applicants can check their status starting July 17, 2025, through four main channels: the "Pao Tang" mobile app, the "Thang Rat" app, the official website (welfare.mof.go.th), and five participating banks including Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, Government Savings Bank, Krung Thai Bank, Government Housing Bank, and Islamic Bank of Thailand.
Existing cardholders can begin using their benefits starting August 1, 2025, while new qualified applicants must complete identity verification (e-KYC) through the app or banks before they can use benefits beginning October 1, 2025. Those who did not pass can request a review between July 17-31, 2025, with final results announced on September 21, 2025.