On July 1, 2569, representatives from dairy cooperatives across five regions and education institutions submitted a petition to parliament's Agriculture and Cooperative Committee opposing Senate amendments to the Milk and Milk Products Act. They argue the changes severely threaten the stability of grassroots dairy farmers nationwide.

Farmers strongly oppose Section 7 amendments that would reduce farmer representatives on the Milk Board from five experts (one per region) to just two. They contend this dismantles protections for upstream farmer interests and contradicts government policy requiring state promotion of cooperative sectors.

The overall bill also increases representation from private sector and politically-appointed capital groups, contradicting the National Anti-Corruption Commission's recommendation that the Milk Board remain neutral without conflicted industry interests.

Education representative Athit Silpapun highlighted dangerous provisions in Sections 5, 9, and 10 that would grant the Milk Board absolute power over the school milk program, previously monitored by a separate subcommittee. He warned that with capital-dominated boards, grassroots farmers would lose rights, raw milk would be wasted, and if implemented alongside FTA dairy imports, Thai farmers would face immediate bankruptcy.

The Agriculture Committee chairman acknowledged the serious complexity, noting two emergency sessions in recent weeks and establishing a fact-checking taskforce to investigate urgent farmer concerns.

At 1 p.m. on July 1, 2569 at Parliament, Sirikanya Tansagul, a party list MP and deputy leader of Pheu Thai, along with Phrixit Wachrasindu and Phakamon Nunanun, party list MPs and spokesperson, discussed the review of the fiscal year 2570 budget bill. Phrixit stated that after consultation among opposition coalition parties, the consensus is that they cannot accept the proposed budget. While each party will decide internally whether to vote disapprove or abstain, Pheu Thai confirmed it will vote against the bill.

Sirikanya noted that the debate revealed chronic fiscal problems left unresolved, with the government itself admitting to these issues raised by the opposition. However, examining the budget details shows systemic problems affecting all ministry and agency budgets with across-the-board cuts offering no clear solutions. While some welfare-related budgets were reduced, equipment, computer, and digital budget items increased.

Sirikanya criticized a 30 percent reduction in research and development funding through state funds as a poor signal that the country does not prioritize research and development. Though public health budgets increased, the expanded state welfare card budget is insufficient for future welfare obligations. Provincial budgets were cut over 20 billion baht, yet true decentralization funding increased only marginally by 7 billion baht.

Sirikanya said they have not received explanations from ministers over three days about budget priorities. Concerns extend beyond opposition MPs to government MPs themselves, surprised at major budget cuts and canceled projects with no ministerial explanation. She expressed concern that available budgets lack proper prioritization, with critical items cut while potentially unnecessary projects receive increases. When asked about committee-level expectations, Sirikanya said they expect detailed project justifications from the government, or committees will investigate why projects were cut or increased. Even with existing reductions, she believes further trimming is possible, citing examples like the 500 million baht cut to newborn welfare benefits despite declining birth rates and lack of adjusted criteria.

When asked to rate the debate, Sirikanya said this round was more measured and rational in questioning, expecting ministers to respond similarly. However, she found their explanations unconvincing and overly defensive.

MST Golf, a major golf equipment retailer with over 36 years of experience, has officially entered the Thai market as its fourth location in Southeast Asia, following Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Operating as MST Golf Thailand, the company opened its first store at Chaan Issara Tower 1 today in soft-opening mode, with a grand opening scheduled for July 9, 2025.

MST Golf Group Berhad CEO Oong Yap welcomed the expansion, stating: "We are delighted to establish our first branch in Thailand. We hope to become well-known among Thai golfers as we already are throughout the golf industry. Our mission is to provide a unique shopping experience and quality service to Thai golfers."

The Bangkok store features exclusive brands including Sun Day Red, Tiger Woods' premium apparel and lifestyle line (exclusive distributor for four countries), WAAC, a trending Korean-American fashion golf brand, and Disney Golf licensed merchandise. Club equipment includes On Off Daiwa, Fore All, and Cutter & Buck, along with leading global brands such as Adidas Golf, Nike, Puma, Under Armour, FootJoy, and ECCO. Golf equipment offerings include Titleist, Ping, TaylorMade, Srixon, Fourteen, Xxio, Cleveland, Mizuno, Bridgestone Golf, Callaway, and more.

Editor's Note: The following article is written by H.E. Mr. Zhang Jianwei, the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, on the occasion of the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand.

July 1, 2026 marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand.

Over the past 105 years of trials and hardships, the Communist Party of China has led the Chinese people in achieving a great leap from standing up and growing prosperous to becoming strong, and has brought about two miracles of rapid economic development and long-term social stability. In particular, since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, China has historically eradicated absolute poverty, comprehensively entered a stage of high-quality development, and steadily maintained its position as the world's second largest economy. Its international influence has been significantly enhanced, deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing with the rest of the world, continuously creating broad development opportunities for Thailand and other countries across the globe.

The Communist Party of China has always pursued an independent foreign policy of peace. It is dedicated to pursuing happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation and human progress and world harmony. Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, China is committed to building a community with a shared future for mankind, actively implements the four major global initiatives, and advocates a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation. China is unwavering in its role as a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, a defender of the international order, and a provider of public goods. It has always been a trustworthy and reliable partner for Thailand.

Concerted efforts over the past 51 years have yielded fruitful results. No matter how the international landscape has evolved, China and Thailand have always stood together and forged ahead side by side. The two countries respect each other's development paths and firmly support each other in safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests. Our mutually beneficial cooperation has yielded remarkable results. Bilateral trade volume has increased by more than 6,000 times compared with the early days of diplomatic relations. China has been Thailand's largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years, and is also Thailand's largest export market for agricultural products, a major source of investment, and a leading source of tourists. The two countries have also maintained close coordination on regional and international affairs, jointly promoting peace and development, and have worked together to address risks.

At 11:00 AM on July 1, 2025, rescue workers from Thammaratmaneerat Station responded to a report of a ten-wheeler dump truck losing control and striking a garland vendor at an intersection in Muang District, Chachoengsao Province. The victim was trapped beneath the vehicle. Rescuers quickly used two hydraulic jacks to carefully lift the truck before extracting the injured man.

The victim, 50-year-old Eik (surname withheld), a garland vendor, sustained multiple injuries including a fractured right leg. After initial first aid at the scene, he was transported to Chachoengsao Hospital for detailed medical evaluation.

According to the driver, retired Sergeant Major Somneuk Hancha, former commander of Bang Nam Prio Police Station in Chachoengsao, he was heading to pick up goods in the Saensuk area when he reached the traffic intersection during a red light. He attempted to brake but found the brakes had failed. To avoid hitting other vehicles, he swerved onto the sidewalk but failed to notice the garland vendor standing in the road median and struck him with force.

Police are conducting a detailed investigation of the scene, interviewing the driver and witnesses, and inspecting the truck to determine the exact cause of the accident and take appropriate legal action.

On July 1, 2026, applicants filed nominations nationwide for Social Security Board representative positions at the Bangkok Social Security Office Area 3 in Din Daeng district, with submissions beginning early in the morning on the first day of applications.

Among the applicants was Dr. Boonruk Aranyapol, an independent candidate and leader of the "Return, Don't Ask" workers' group, running as a representative for the insured persons' faction. He was accompanied by supporters offering encouragement. Dr. Boonruk stated he aims to represent workers by proposing solutions and improving appropriate benefits through four main policies: halting the CARE formula and confirming use of a separate calculation method to protect Article 33 contributions from being forfeited when transitioning to Article 39 status; implementing the Best 60 Months policy, which uses the best 60 months as the calculation base to boost old-age pensions; pushing for three legal amendments; and launching Open SSO to make fund operations transparent through live broadcasts.

Meanwhile, a team of housewives and security guards—three members in total—filed nominations together as representatives for the insured persons' faction. They expressed their aim to represent housewives, security personnel, and all workers to reflect problems they face and improve fair benefits.

On the first day of applications, nationwide nominations showed 34 applicants for insured persons' representatives and 11 for employers' representatives. Each applicant receives a number based on application order; simultaneous applicants are assigned numbers by lottery. The Social Security Office will accept applications nationwide through July 15, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including public holidays.