The cabinet has approved welfare card eligibility for 18.8 million people, removing requirements for parental tax deductions and agricultural debt considerations. Results will be announced on July 17, with the first batch receiving funds on August 1 and new recipients on October 1. An appeals process will be available, and those not selected can apply for the alternative "Thai Helping Thai Plus 60/40" program. Winitj Wisetsuwannaphumi, director of the Fiscal Policy Office and finance ministry spokesman, announced that the cabinet revised state welfare eligibility criteria for 2025 to better cover vulnerable populations. The committee will review the updated criteria on July 16 before announcing results on July 17. Two key criteria have been eliminated: parental tax deduction requirements and agricultural debt assessments, as farmers often carry debts exceeding 100,000 baht due to disasters or other assistance measures. Spouse and dependent deductions remain in effect. The 18.8 million recipients comprise three groups: 12.72 million existing verified recipients, 1.05 million registered with the Interior and Social Development ministries but not yet receiving benefits, and 5.04 million vulnerable people identified in a June survey who have never received state welfare. Those denied can file for reconsideration with clear explanations of which criteria they failed. Those ineligible for the welfare card but seeking support can access the Thai Helping Thai Plus 60/40 program through the Pao Tang app during the two-month transition period without re-registering. The Finance Ministry will coordinate with the Budget Office to ensure sufficient funds for all eligible applicants.

Two British tourists, accompanied by their lawyer, filed a complaint after allegedly being charged nearly 150,000 baht by a karaoke bar in central Chiang Mai. The bar owner insisted customers were charged according to actual service and the establishment's rates. Following police mediation at Chiang Mai City Station, where both parties were questioned further and given opportunity to negotiate, the bar agreed to refund the full amount.

The case began on June 28 when the victim, a British resident living with his Thai wife in Hang Dong district, took a visiting English friend to dine and socialize in the Nimmanhaemin area before heading to the karaoke bar in the old city. The victim's wife reported that both men were heavily intoxicated. After their first payment of under 1,000 baht, they attempted to leave but were persuaded by staff to stay until the husband threatened to call police, allowing them to exit.

Later, they called a tuk-tuk to drop off their friend at a hotel before returning home to Hang Dong. However, the wife claimed the driver brought her husband back to the same karaoke bar despite his severely intoxicated state. The next morning, she discovered over 120,000 baht charged to her husband's credit card and approximately 26,000 baht to her own card—nearly 150,000 baht in total—prompting a police report.

The victim noted multiple transactions within a short timeframe, with some transfers to mobile payment accounts not registered under the bar's name, suggesting irregularities. The bar stated the two tourists genuinely used services, requesting many female staff members to sit and drink at their table at 700 baht per person per hour for approximately 4-5 hours, with the total calculated the following morning.

The victim disputed the excessive charges and the multiple unequal transaction entries, questioning why a credit card with a 50,000 baht limit was charged beyond that and how his wife's card was used. He also requested investigation into the tuk-tuk driver's role, noting phone location data showed multiple stops around the city before returning to the karaoke bar, questioning whether other individuals were involved.

Investigators are currently gathering evidence, including statements from both parties, financial transaction records, and related information.

On July 14, 2026, bodycam footage from Senior Sergeant Warichai Chaiwong and Senior Sergeant Mangkorn Kotchompoo—two police officers who responded to rescue victims from the Ladprao beer bar fire—captured the harrowing events as they unfolded. The officers arrived on motorcycles at the entrance of the venue at 12:13 a.m. on July 13 and immediately began questioning early evacuees about injuries before checking the entrance area and shouting for people to evacuate. Upon entering the venue, they were shocked by the severity of the situation and alerted firefighters that many people were trapped near the back exit. Despite thick smoke filling the area, the officers attempted entry to assist victims but were forced to retreat due to the heavy smoke, calling for additional help from other personnel. At 12:14 a.m., the officers successfully rescued one unconscious woman but suffered severe smoke inhalation in the process. Throughout the ordeal, the officers communicated with each other about the dangers inside and the multiple casualties, but remained determined to save as many lives as possible, repeatedly emphasizing their commitment to helping injured victims.

Thai national women's volleyball team captain Pornpun Koedpracha spoke out after the 2026 VNL competition concluded, reaffirming the squad's primary objective: securing a spot at the Olympic Games. The Thai team finished 14th in the standings with a record of 3 wins and 9 losses for 12 points. Coach Kiatpong Ratchatakrien led the team back to Thailand, where Thai Volleyball Association president Somporn Chaibangyang welcomed them home.

Team captain Pornpun emphasized that the final week of competition went according to plan, with the team winning one match and playing competitively in several others. She noted that all players performed well and the team must carry forward the valuable experience gained from this tournament.

"Our ultimate goal is to qualify for the Olympic Games, and if we succeed in that, winning a medal at the Asian Games should follow naturally," she said.

On July 7, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., by royal authorization, Lieutenant General Panat Saeng-thian, Deputy Commander of the Palace Guard Bureau, presented flowers, incense, candles, lustral water, lotus buds, and ceremonial cloth to Phra Phrom Wachirmongkol (Luachai Kunwuttho), abbot of Wat Rachathiwas Wiharn, marking his 96th birthday and the completion of eight twelve-year cycles. The ceremony was held at the Assembly Hall of Wat Rachathiwas Wiharn in Dusit District, Bangkok.

At 10:30 a.m., the Supreme Patriarch authorized Somdet Phra Mahawerawong (Suchin Akkhachino) to perform the lustral water ceremony on behalf of the Supreme Patriarch. The monks and disciples of Wat Rachathiwas Wiharn then held a merit-making ceremony in celebration of the auspicious occasion, with Somdet Phra Mahawerawong presiding.

For this auspicious occasion, Phra Phrom Wachirmongkol presented the "Kunwuttho Thera" educational scholarship fund for 2026 to eight educational institutions totaling 270,000 baht: Wat Kok Piao School in Songkhla (50,000 baht), the Thammayut Sangha in Sukhothai (50,000 baht), Wat Huay Phud School in Songkhla (30,000 baht), Wat Huay Phud School in Songkhla (20,000 baht), Wat Thamnab School in Songkhla (20,000 baht), Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University (30,000 baht), King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Thonburi (30,000 baht), and Wat Rachathiwas Secondary School (40,000 baht). The scholarships aim to promote Buddhist education, support youth development, and cultivate human resources as a vital force for Buddhism and society.

Phra Phrom Wachirmongkol currently serves as abbot of Wat Rachathiwas in Wachirpayaban Subdistrict, Dusit District, Bangkok. Born on July 7, 1930, in Tamnab Village, Songkhla Province, he was ordained as a Buddhist monk on July 5, 1950, at Wat Huay Phud in Songkhla. He excelled in Pali and Buddhist teachings, and has held numerous important positions overseeing education and monastic administration. He was appointed abbot of Wat Rachathiwas in 2000 and was elevated to the ecclesiastical rank of Phra Racha in 1972.

Sansiri reveals key shifts in Thailand's foreign real estate buyer landscape, signaling the country as a major global destination for residents and investors alike.

Sripimpa Rattanamyur, Marketing Executive President of Sansiri PCL, reports that Thailand's real estate market during the first half of 2025 remains attractive to foreign buyers despite global economic fluctuations. The market is entering a critical turning point driven by structural changes in purchase motivations, buyer nationalities, and how different locations serve varying lifestyle needs.

Foreign investors are increasingly pursuing long-term asset holding strategies rather than seeking rental returns alone. They now view Thailand as a destination for second homes, retirement planning, and future long-term residence. Chinese buyers are becoming more cautious and measured in their purchasing decisions according to global economic conditions, while Hong Kong investors are spreading investments across multiple countries. Thailand nonetheless remains a top destination due to affordable living costs, internationally recognized healthcare, continuous infrastructure development, and its potential as a regional hub.

Sansiri identifies significant growth from emerging markets in South Asia, the Middle East, and ASEAN—particularly affluent groups preferring residential ownership for family living. Buyers from Singapore and Japan are also increasing their market presence, viewing Thailand as both an investment destination and second home location. The government's long-term residence promotion policies, such as the LTR visa, further strengthen confidence among retirees and those planning extended stays in Thailand.

The pivotal market trend is that lifestyle has become as important as location itself in buyer decisions. Each area offers distinct advantages for different buyer profiles.

Bangkok remains the primary market for foreign workers, investors, and executives, particularly for mid-range to luxury condominiums in central business districts and near mass transit systems. Phuket holds its position as the regional luxury lifestyle and second home destination, offering premium villas and residences appealing to privacy-seeking buyers, digital nomads, and high-net-worth individuals worldwide. Pattaya attracts holiday home seekers and retirees with convenient Bangkok connectivity and development incentives from the Eastern Economic Corridor. Hua Hin appeals to families and those seeking spacious residential properties in tranquil settings for long-term living.

Secondary cities also gain increasing popularity based on specific buyer needs. Chiang Mai attracts health and wellness-focused buyers and remote workers seeking nature-immersed lifestyles, while Koh Samui draws luxury second-home buyers seeking privacy, sea views, and premium quality of life.

Another significant trend is the rental market's evolution as an additional consideration in the overall investment landscape.