Bank of Thailand Governor Withai Rattanakorn announced that the central bank is extending the asset repurchase rights deadline under the "Asset and Debt Relief" program—originally launched in 2021 to help businesses affected by COVID-19 and liquidity shortages—until December 31, 2027. Currently, approximately 400 participating entrepreneurs face deadlines beginning from July 2026, and the Bank of Thailand and government agencies are supporting financial institutions in providing financing options such as the "SMEs Secure+" credit line and low-interest loans from the Government Savings Bank. Many businesses, though committed to repurchasing their assets, are still recovering from economic pressures and the uncertainty stemming from Middle East tensions, requiring additional time to secure funding. The Bank of Thailand has therefore extended the asset buyback deadline to December 31, 2027, allowing viable businesses more time to raise capital and sustain operations. Business owners seeking to extend their repurchase deadlines are urged to contact their financial institutions promptly to comply with relevant procedures before their original contract terms expire. Those with sufficient liquidity and available funding can proceed with repurchasing assets on schedule to regain ownership more quickly.

A man with mental health issues breached a school in Udomsap subdistrict, Wang Nam Khiao district, Nakhon Ratchasima province on July 15, 2025, at around 8:30 a.m. during regular classes. Three female teachers quickly locked their classroom doors to prevent the man from reaching students inside. Security footage showed the man attempting to open the nearest classroom door, but the teacher held it shut and pushed him away before successfully locking up. The man then left the building as staff and school personnel pressured and escorted him out. No injuries were reported.

The school principal revealed that the man appeared to have climbed over a side wall to enter the school grounds. However, the school's regular safety drills ensured all teachers responded quickly by sheltering students inside locked classrooms. Once unable to access any classroom, the man left the building. Staff immediately alerted Udomsap Police Station, and with help from local officials and community leaders, police tracked down and apprehended the man. He was identified as a local resident with known psychiatric issues whose grandchild is a student at the school. The exact motive for the intrusion remains under investigation, and the school has coordinated with the man's family for close behavioral monitoring.

On July 16, 2025, Sithisak Jaidi, the Tambon Udomsap chief, and relevant authorities met with school administrators to establish additional security measures. The school will continue screening visitors at the main gate during designated times and increase perimeter patrols, as the surrounding fence remains vulnerable to people climbing over. The Nakhon Ratchasima Educational Area Office 3 has also provided support to staff and students while coordinating further safety enhancements with the school.

PHUKET: Raids over the past week have resulted in the seizure of 5,352 methamphetamine pills (ya bah) and more than 347 grammes of crystal meth (ya ice) as the latest ‘Operation 90 Days’ anti-drug campaign continues.

Caring for bedridden patients at home requires careful attention, knowledge, and proper equipment preparation to ensure good quality of life, reduce complications, and ease the caregiver's workload.

Medical equipment rental has become an increasingly popular option because it reduces costs and allows families to select equipment suited to the patient's specific condition with flexibility. Below is a comprehensive checklist of essential equipment for home care of bedridden patients, along with guidelines for appropriate use.

Equipment Checklist for Home Care of Bedridden Patients

1. Patient Beds and Pressure-Relief Air Mattresses The foundation of bedridden patient care is an appropriate bed—ideally one with adjustable height to assist with lifting, back support, and patient hygiene. Combined with an air mattress that prevents pressure sores, this setup reduces body pressure and is especially suitable for patients requiring extended bed rest.

2. Wheelchairs and Patient Transfer Equipment Wheelchairs are essential for taking patients to medical appointments or activities within the home. Lifting aids such as slings and slide sheets reduce caregiver strain and minimize injury risk.

3. Oxygen Generators and Respiratory Support Equipment For patients with respiratory issues, oxygen generators are vital equipment that improves breathing efficiency. Renting such medical equipment allows caregivers to access standard-quality devices without purchasing them outright.

4. Suctioning Machines Patients unable to clear secretions themselves require suction machines to prevent airway obstruction, reduce infection risk, and facilitate easier breathing.

5. Vital Sign Monitoring Equipment Devices such as blood pressure monitors, pulse oximeters, and thermometers help caregivers closely track patient condition and provide accurate data to healthcare providers.

Benefits of Renting Medical Equipment for Bedridden Patients

Renting medical equipment is a cost-effective and practical choice for many families because it reduces expenses on expensive equipment purchases, allows equipment selection based on patient needs, includes installation and usage guidance, permits equipment changes or upgrades as necessary, suits both short-term and recovery-phase use, and ensures all equipment meets standards, is clean, and ready for immediate use. This approach helps families care for patients with greater confidence.

In Nakhon Ratchasima on July 17, large crowds of residents, particularly elderly people, gathered outside a Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives branch in Phimai District to hear the announcement of new state welfare card recipients. Most came in person hoping to hear directly from officials to confirm their eligibility.

While the majority of those waiting learned they had been approved and expressed gratitude to the government, some residents were disappointed. Thuan Khemnark, 72, from Phimai District, said he was relieved to qualify after initially fearing rejection. He plans to use the welfare card benefits to pay for utilities and household expenses.

However, not everyone succeeded. Manop Chaemjang, 66, who previously held the card but was denied this round, criticized the strict criteria. He argued that elderly residents should automatically qualify, noting that some applicants own land but remain genuinely poor and should not be excluded. He contended that the rigorous qualification standards prevent poor people from accessing the support they need.

The Sustainable Arts and Crafts Institute of Thailand (SACIT) showcased Thai arts and crafts at the “Royal Thai Dress from Tradition to Modernity” exhibition at the MAD museum (Musée des Arts Dé...