Worachai Hema, former Samut Prakan MP from the Pheu Thai Party, expressed regret that foreign nations are making use of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra while Thailand does not benefit from his abilities. He called on red-shirt supporters to gather and celebrate Thaksin's 77th birthday on July 26 at Joom-Dad restaurant to offer encouragement.

Worachai noted that Thaksin's recent visits to ASEAN leaders in Malaysia and Indonesia were made at their invitation, not at his request, suggesting these meetings benefit those countries. Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, in particular, invited Thaksin to serve as an advisor, recognizing his knowledge and experience could help develop Indonesia.

Worachai lamented the contrast with Thailand, where Thaksin—a Thai national and widely regarded as one of Thailand's most capable former prime ministers—is sidelined. Thaksin had guided the country through an economic crisis, raising GDP growth from 1% to 5% in two years. However, economic growth has stalled since his removal from power, with neighboring countries like Myanmar and Cambodia now surpassing Thailand's performance.

"Thailand faces a problem where talented and capable people are blocked from working to solve the nation's problems, only to be recruited by foreign countries, while Thailand gains no benefit from their abilities," Worachai said. He invited all who support Thaksin to join the birthday celebration on July 26 at Joom-Dad restaurant (Ponyang Kham, km 6, Soi Rama Intra 40) starting at 11 a.m.

Former Pheu Thai Party spokesman Porampon Nopurit has raised alarm over data inconsistencies in the state welfare card eligibility verification, which has resulted in many citizens being disqualified. While he acknowledges that verification is necessary for fair and transparent aid distribution, fieldwork and public feedback across the country reveal numerous cases where data does not match reality, causing eligible people to lose their chance at support. He is urging the government to expedite a comprehensive review of criteria, improve the database, and facilitate appeals to ensure assistance reaches the truly disadvantaged fairly and widely.

Porampon highlighted specific problems including vehicle ownership data that doesn't reflect current reality—some people no longer own cars listed in their names, or sold vehicles without updating registration. Others were disqualified because children's names were fraudulently claimed as dependents for tax deductions, raising fears that genuinely struggling citizens are falling through the cracks.

Feedback from across multiple provinces shows many applicants are devastated, with some in tears upon learning their disqualification. Although the government extended the appeals deadline to July 31, practical barriers persist: traveling to agencies, obtaining documents, and gathering evidence require time and money that poor, elderly, and remote-area residents often cannot afford.

Porampon warned that without urgent action to review criteria, update data, and ease appeals, potentially millions of eligible citizens could miss out on state assistance due to technical constraints, even as they struggle with rising living costs. He stressed that a strong government ensures deserving people access help quickly, fairly, and comprehensively—not one that simply disqualifies the most applicants. He emphasized that when ordinary citizens are cared for, grassroots purchasing power grows, strengthening the entire economy.

Prime Minister Anuthim Charnweerakul and Deputy Foreign Minister, accompanied by his wife and delegation, arrived at Shuangliu International Airport in Chengdu, People's Republic of China on July 18.

The Prime Minister attended the Prime Minister-Thai Private Sector Luncheon, a Board of Investment (BOI) event bringing together 140 senior Thai executives (CEOs) from the private sector investing in China. Participating companies represent diverse industries including finance, food, energy, industrial estates, healthcare, public health, and tourism.

The Prime Minister then chaired the opening ceremony of the "Thailand-China (Sichuan) Investment and Economic Forum" and the inauguration of the investment unit at the Thai Consulate General in Chengdu at the Tianfu International Convention Center, before meeting and discussing with representatives of various companies.

INNOPOWER has launched INNOPOWER Digital and announced a strategic partnership with Triple Dot Consulting to develop data and AI technologies for Thailand's industrial sector, emphasizing its role as a comprehensive decarbonization partner. Under this collaboration, the two companies will jointly develop an Industrial Digital Solution Platform covering four areas: Data & AI for Industries (predictive analytics and machine performance analysis), Smart Asset Management (real-time maintenance planning and spare parts management), Visual & Acoustic Inspection Analytics (computer vision and AI-based quality control), and Robotic & Automation Integration (connecting robotics to digital platforms and enterprise systems). Sirinart Jentanomma, head of digital business development at INNOPOWER Digital, explained that the partnership brings Triple Dot Consulting's expertise in robotics, AI, and asset management to complement INNOPOWER's deep understanding of the energy industry, delivering measurable solutions for both the EGAT Group and industrial clients. Suvicha Kojranjit, co-founder of Triple Dot Consulting, added that the collaboration merges technological expertise with industrial experience to create practical solutions for asset management, data analytics, and automation, helping Thai organizations strengthen their competitive edge.

Lukkade Metinee posted proudly about her son Sky breaking Thailand's national junior record (ages 16–18) in the 200-meter individual medley at the 2026 Asian Age Group Championships on July 17. The previous record, standing for 32 years, was held by Shark Monthuk Ratpong Sirisannont, a former Thai national swimmer and the first Thai male to win gold in swimming at the 1994 Asian Games. Sky earned a silver medal with his record-breaking performance.

Friends and members of the entertainment industry rushed to congratulate Sky, with messages of praise flooding in. "Amazing! Skye's the limit, let's go," and "So proud of you," were among the congratulations. Videos of the medal presentation ceremony showed the Thai flag proudly raised as Sky received his award.

CHONBURI — Thailand's celebrity pygmy hippo Moo Deng has predicted that Argentina will win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, choosing the South American side over Spain during a prediction event at Khao Kheow Open Zoo.

The activity was held on 18 July 2026 at the zoo's pygmy hippopotamus enclosure in Si Racha district, where zoo officials invited visitors to watch Moo Deng make its pick ahead of the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina.

As part of the event, the zoo's nutrition team prepared two fruit platters as environmental enrichment for the animal, carving the team abbreviations ESP and ARG into the fruit and decorating each with the respective national flag.

After the enrichment items were placed inside the enclosure, Moo Deng walked directly to the fruit platter bearing Argentina's flag, drawing cheers and laughter from spectators. The selection was interpreted as the hippo's prediction that Argentina will lift the 2026 World Cup trophy.

Narongwit Chodchoi, director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo, said the activity was organised to entertain visitors while promoting animal enrichment, which encourages natural behaviours, provides exercise, reduces stress and supports proper nutrition.

He stressed that the prediction was intended solely as a fun promotional activity and not as encouragement or support for gambling, which is illegal in Thailand. The zoo added that, regardless of the actual result of the World Cup final, the event was designed to bring smiles to visitors and football fans around the world.