Bangkok Mass Transit System (BEM) has reported a 60% increase in EMV Contactless card usage since launching full service on the Blue and Purple Lines, demonstrating strong passenger acceptance. Dr. Sombutr Kitchalapaksakul, BEM's Chief Executive Officer, stated that since June 1, all automated fare gates across stations now support EMV Contactless payments—including credit, debit, prepaid, and Mangmoom cards—streamlining travel and supporting government cost-of-living initiatives.

BEM's readiness is crucial for implementing the government's unified ticketing policy with fares of 17-45 baht per trip, launching January 1, 2027, requiring EMV Contactless payment exclusively. Beyond this, the company is preparing the Orange Line (East) for late-2027 launch, projected to handle 100,000 trips daily initially and 300,000 trips daily once the West Line opens in 2028. BEM is also acquiring 21 additional Blue Line trains to meet growing passenger demand from the expanding network.

The company is collaborating with the State Railway of Thailand and Krung Thai Bank to refine the EMV system, addressing limitations and ensuring smooth, efficient operations for all passengers.

Thai Yamaha Motor is launching the "PG-1 Ride and Run" activity to unite its community of motorcycle users for the official Ultraman Hero Run 2026, marking the superhero's 60th anniversary. The event will take place across three locations nationwide: Bangkok on July 19, 2026; Hat Yai, Songkhla province on September 26, 2026; and Kanchanaburi in November 2026.

The activity combines the thrill of group riding with active lifestyle experiences, allowing PG-1 owners to connect with fellow riders and Ultraman fans nationwide. Participants will ride together to each venue, experience the local culture and atmosphere, make new friendships, and enjoy special activities reflecting the heroic spirit of Ultraman. The event is organized by Fun Entertainment Company and Dream Express Company, with support from the Tourism Authority of Thailand and Thai Yamaha Motor.

Interested PG-1 riders can register through the Facebook page "Yamaha Society Thailand" by responding to the activity post. Registration spots are limited at each venue. The Ride and Run concept emphasizes active living, travel enjoyment, and community connection while celebrating the Ultraman legacy with fans of all generations.

On July 17, Sirikanya Tansakul, Pheu Thai list MP and deputy party leader, criticized the government's welfare card approval announcement, saying many legitimately poor people have been disqualified. She noted the Finance Ministry deliberately planned this year's reregistration to reduce beneficiaries, evident from the budget cut to 42 billion baht compared to the usual 50 billion baht allocation. This means the government intended to reduce eligible recipients to 9-10 million people by tightening criteria significantly. However, this approach risks excluding genuinely poor and suffering citizens.

On announcement day, Sirikanya reported cases where truly poor people failed qualification due to data errors—such as vehicles they don't own but registered under their names, or land recorded as exceeding the 10-rai limit because children's names were added. "The big question is whether the government's effort to filter people has ended up filtering out the truly poor instead," she said. She noted that banks are now overwhelmed with appeals, yet the Finance Ministry provides outdated contact information and other agencies like the Department of Land Transport are unreachable, reflecting poor coordination.

Sirikanya stated the Finance Ministry's Office of the Permanent Secretary appears unprepared with appeals mechanisms and hasn't coordinated with other agencies to handle today's appeals. "This has created total confusion. The government must urgently fix this to truly help the poor, rather than excluding them because the screening net is too fine and strict," she said. When asked if budget constraints drove the tighter criteria, she confirmed budget limitations played a role, noting fiscal year 2569 began with only 30 billion baht—cutting existing cardholders in half. Though 2570 increased to 42 billion baht, Sirikanya observed the government uses rigid criteria requiring applicants to meet all qualifications, despite hardship varying in severity and degree. A low-income person with land exceeding 10 rai may have unproductive property already reflected in low income, yet still loses eligibility.

At 1:00 a.m. on July 17, 2026, officers from Samran Rat Police Station, led by Lieutenant Colonel Chaiyakrit Pothoa and commanded by Prasathai Wiratthayaphorn, arrested 21-year-old Chirayuth along with one homemade firearm in front of the station.

Traffic police on patrol noticed a motorcycle displaying suspicious behavior—riding against traffic and the rider was not carrying a valid driver's license. They asked Chirayuth to come to the station for questioning.

When he arrived at Samran Rat Police Station, Chirayuth showed signs of agitation. Since only one traffic officer was present, officers called in the arrest team to assist with a safe search.

During the search, police discovered one homemade gun inside a red shoulder bag the suspect was carrying. When questioned, Chirayuth admitted the weapon was his.

Officers informed him of the charges and his rights, recorded the arrest, and handed him over to investigators for further proceedings. Chirayuth confessed to all charges during questioning. He was formally charged with an arrest record and the weapon was submitted as evidence for ongoing prosecution.

Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) and the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) have announced the relocation of two toll lanes and the opening of two additional Easy Pass channels to improve traffic efficiency and convenience for expressway users. The changes will take effect from July 2026 onwards.

On the Chaeng Watthana Expressway at the Rama VII Bridge toll plaza, Easy Pass lane 7 (relocated from lane 4) will open on July 20, 2026, and lane 8 (relocated from lane 5) will open on July 24, 2026.

Users can obtain further information by calling the Chaeng Watthana Expressway Control Center at 02-555-0255, the Udon Expressway Control Center at 02-567-5680, or the EXAT Call Center at 1543. Updates are also available on BEM Bangkok Expressway and Metro's Facebook and X accounts.

Jasmine International Public Company Limited (JAS), which holds broadcast rights for FIFA World Cup 2026 in Thailand, has joined forces with Bang Sue Police Station and Bangkok's Green Area Management Division to conduct a readiness inspection of the venue and security measures for the "FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 ONE NIGHT ONE CHAMPION" event scheduled for Sunday, July 19, 2026. The public will be admitted from 11:30 PM (Gate 3) at Vachirabenjatas Park (Railway Park) to watch and cheer for the World Cup final.

The inspection team included Colonel Sanong Saengmanee, commander of Bang Sue Police Station; Lieutenant Colonel Manoon Koumeuang, deputy commander; Benjawan Fagcrajung, head of Green Area Management 1; and Nawarat Poolmak, deputy director of sustainability at JAS. The readiness check aimed to integrate cooperation among all sectors in areas including crowd management, security, traffic control, emergency preparedness, and facility operations to ensure a smooth and safe event.

The "FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 ONE NIGHT ONE CHAMPION" event will run from 11:30 PM on Sunday, July 19, 2026, through the early morning hours of Monday, July 20, 2026, with kickoff at 2:00 AM at Vachirabenjatas Park. Admission is free.