On July 22, 2025, Thanayos Timsuwarn, chairman of the House Administrative Affairs Committee and Loei MP from the Phumi Thai Party, announced findings from a meeting with relevant agencies including the Interior Ministry, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and police to address entertainment venue regulations and zoning policy following a beer hall fire in the Ladprao area.

The committee found that Bangkok has authorized approximately 900 entertainment-like establishments that currently lack any legal safety oversight. These venues are governed only by general building standards, with no specific safety regulations controlling fire prevention, escape routes, or life and property protection.

Thanayos stated that the committee has tasked Bangkok with investigating how to establish safety standards for these venues, including fire-resistant materials, emergency exits, and comprehensive safety measures. Regarding zoning revisions, Bangkok indicated it had previously reviewed the issue in municipal council but has not yet submitted a formal request to the Interior Ministry for zoning changes, which falls under Bangkok's responsibility.

The committee noted that revised zoning could increase tax revenue for both Bangkok and the central government while improving public safety standards. Bangkok is reportedly preparing a checklist system for operators seeking licenses, requiring annual renewal with stricter safety inspections and standards.

Thanayos emphasized that current laws governing such establishments are outdated and do not reflect modern conditions. He stressed that zoning reform must be prioritized before law amendments, as it forms the foundation for regulation. Without Bangkok pursuing zoning revision, progress on legal reforms will be hindered. The committee has not yet decided whether to review separate regulations for entertainment venues operating outside designated zones, as such establishments may cause noise nuisance near schools, residences, and communities.

NONTHABURI — A woman whose viral social media post claiming sexual harassment by a motorcycle taxi driver following a JAY B fan-meeting event at Impact Arena in Muang Thong Thani has apologized after her sister clarified that she has a mental health condition.

The woman had alleged that after attending the concert, she hailed a motorcycle taxi to take her to a hotel 4 kilometres away. She claimed the driver took an isolated shortcut, touched her thigh twice without consent, and that she became frightened and jumped from the moving motorcycle, sustaining injuries requiring nine stitches. Photos of her injuries accompanied the post, which went viral with over 10 million views.

Korean artist JAY B expressed concern after learning of the incident, and fans rallied around her. However, when fans grew suspicious and investigated, they discovered the incident was fabricated. They accompanied the motorcycle taxi driver to file a complaint at Pak Kret Police Station and reviewed CCTV footage.

On 21 July at Pak Kret Police Station, the woman's older sister met with the 56-year-old motorcycle taxi driver to request mediation and offer compensation. The driver explained that on 12 July, the woman had hailed him after the concert. He took her to a hotel on Chaeng Watthana Road, Soi 21, using a shortcut alongside Bang Phut Canal to save her money—reducing the distance from 8 kilometres to 2 kilometres and lowering the fare from an estimated 200 baht to just 80 baht. She paid 100 baht, and he complimented her appearance and kindness during the ride.

On July 22, 2025, Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) released asset and liability declarations for high-ranking officials. Among the notable entries was Ms. Suchada Sang Thantrop, a newly elected Member of Parliament from Chaiyaphum province representing the Bhumjaithai Party.

Ms. Suchada declared joint assets with her husband Naiyang Sang totaling 1,974,908,877.24 baht. Ms. Suchada's personal assets amount to 130,026,048.20 baht, her husband's to 1,843,941,579.04 baht, and their minor children's to 941,250 baht. Combined liabilities are 454,286.88 baht.

Ms. Suchada's individual assets include deposits across 12 bank accounts (8.9 million baht), investments (16.1 million baht), four land parcels in Chaiyaphum (17.4 million baht), one vehicle valued at 11.3 million baht, and various rights and concessions (37.5 million baht). She reports annual income of approximately 1.7 million baht, including salary and office rental income, with annual expenses of 500,000 baht.

Her husband's assets total 1.843 billion baht, including deposits (154 million baht), investments (178 million baht), a major loan to Tree Aerials Capital Limited (1.44 billion baht), overseas condominium units, and various luxury items. Notable assets include a 9-rai property in Chaiyaphum valued at 15 million baht and a Lumpini condominium unit worth 37.5 million baht.

Luxury items declared include diamond ear studs (5 million baht), a 5-carat diamond ring (6.7 million baht), a Bulgari Serpenti Viper necklace (6.3 million baht), and several Patek Philippe watches ranging from 1.9 to 3.6 million baht each. An Hermes Kelly crocodile handbag is valued at 1.8 million baht.

The couple also owns artworks by Futura, an American graffiti and street artist from New York, with pieces valued between 5.4 and 7.8 million baht. Futura, originally known as Futura 2000, is a pioneering abstract graffiti artist from the 1970s who blended spray painting with hip-hop culture and has collaborated with global brands including Nike, Supreme, and Off-White.

Thai lingerie brand Wacoal is reinforcing its leadership position in women's undergarments by aggressively targeting the Gen Z market with its successful Bratop bra tank top line. Launched through online channels, the product has quickly become a bestseller, reflecting changing consumer behavior that prioritizes comfort and practicality in clothing choices for Thailand's tropical weather. The new collection features refined design based on body expertise, made with Bamboo fiber technology for smooth fit without indentation marks, breathable fabric, and skin-friendly materials aligned with Wacoal's commitment to environmental responsibility.

Dr. Supranie Ooyayasathian, executive director and head of Digital Business at Wacoal Thailand, stated that modern consumers increasingly value comfort in undergarments across various lifestyles including work, travel, and leisure. The Bratop line combines comfort with body support through Free Cut technology, natural bamboo fiber, and a selection of styles including tank tops, singlets, and t-shirts. Available in five sizes (S–2XL) with free shipping on all online platforms including www.wacoal.co.th, Shopee, Lazada, Central Online, ICC Shopping, TikTok Shop, and Wacoal stores, the product has set a sales target of 100,000 units. The success demonstrates that today's lingerie market prioritizes functionality, comfort, and quality alongside fashion, and Wacoal remains committed to developing high-quality products under environmentally friendly production standards.

The Red Shirts of Pathum Thani have decided to forego large-scale festivities for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's birthday this year, instead holding only a simple merit-making ceremony and birthday cake-cutting on July 26. On July 22, 2025, Sarrarak Malaitong, a leading Red Shirt figure in Pathum Thani Province, announced that the group would scale back celebrations compared to previous years, keeping the event simple to show respect and remembrance for the former premier's work on behalf of the public.

Although there will be no major celebration, Red Shirts in each province can still express their support for Thaksin in appropriate ways, with all activities conducted within a framework suited to current circumstances. The central event will be held at the broadcast studio of TV Channel 24, fifth floor of the Imperial Building on Lat Phrao Road, featuring a merit-making ceremony with nine monks, cloth offerings for the Buddhist Lent season, and a simple birthday cake-cutting.

The group expects over 1,000 participants, with coordinators receiving ongoing confirmations of attendance. Multiple provinces across Thailand are preparing similar merit-making activities, taking advantage of the timing near the start of Buddhist Lent to combine charitable work with remembrance of the former prime minister. July is traditionally considered an auspicious month, making it an appropriate occasion for merit-making that brings spiritual benefit and peace of mind to all participants.

Bangkok, July 16, 2025 – As Thailand faces its most challenging demographic transition, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Thailand and Chulalongkorn University organized a World Population Day 2025 event to promote a new population agenda grounded not merely in demographic statistics, but in hope, rights, choices, and human dignity across all age groups.

The event, held under the theme "Fulfilling Youth's Hope and Dreams for Today and Tomorrow: Empowering All Ages for a Sustainable Thai Future Amid Demographic Change," took place at Chulalongkorn University's Chulalongkorn 60th Anniversary Building. Participants from government, academia, youth networks, civil society, the private sector, UN agencies, media, and influencers exchanged views on Thailand's demographic future.

Thailand's population landscape is changing rapidly as the nation enters a super-aged society, with fertility rates falling below replacement level to below 1.0. Young people face economic uncertainty, rising living costs, job insecurity, housing concerns, unequal family care responsibilities, and shifting expectations about relationships and family life. These factors challenge the economy, labor market, care systems, and quality of life for people of all ages, highlighting the need for demographic preparedness grounded in rights, choices, and human dignity.

Dr. Julitta Onabanjo, UNFPA Country Director for Thailand and UNFPA Representative for Malaysia, emphasized in a video address at the World Population Day celebration and launch of the 2025 Population Future Survey that Thailand must shift from "demographic anxiety" to leveraging "demographic literacy and capacity." She called for evidence-based policymaking to prepare for demographic change, proposing four key actions: investing in youth decision-making and wellbeing; strengthening comprehensive family support systems and reducing women's burden; bridging age gaps; and driving policies that protect rights and choices, promote equality, and span the entire life course.

Ms. Siriluck Chiang-Wong, Head of UNFPA Thailand, stated: "Demographic change is not just about statistics—it is about hope, dignity, and opportunity. Thailand's falling birth rate and aging society should not be discussed only in numbers of newborns. Behind these trends are real lives of young people deciding their education, careers, relationships, family formation, and futures amid economic uncertainty and social change. Many young people still aspire to good-quality jobs, meaningful relationships, and the chance to build their families and contribute to society."