Surachet Kongchip, research head at Cushman & Wakefield Thailand, notes that guaranteed-return condominiums remain a key sales strategy for developers, particularly as the condo market slows and inventory piles up. Unlike discounts or free transfer fees—short-term measures—these projects offer 5-9% annual returns over 2-7 years or longer, providing strong incentive for investors.

However, buyers should not focus solely on promised returns. They must assess the project's operational capability, since returns depend on rental income. If a project fails to meet revenue targets, it cannot pay guaranteed returns on schedule.

COVID-19 exposed serious risks. Many projects launched between 2017-2020 stalled mid-construction when tourism collapsed and rental income vanished overnight. Some developers still cannot operate normally; projects in secondary locations far from beaches or attractions underperform expectations, falling short on rental revenue and threatening return payments.

Phuket dominates the guaranteed-return market with over 6-7 major projects, followed by Pattaya, which has slowed due to excess inventory and reduced foreign investment, especially from Russians. Other markets like Hua Hin, Cha-am, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai have fewer such projects.

Buyers typically sacrifice unlimited access to rooms—usually limited to 14-30 days annually—in exchange for guaranteed returns. The rest of the year, developers rent units daily or monthly, with daily rentals preferred for higher income. This rental revenue funds the guaranteed returns and covers operating costs.

Deputy Prime Minister Phrathat Pirisnanantakul on July 1, 2569, addressed parliament's consideration of the fiscal year 2570 budget bill, responding to criticism from Democratic Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva. While agreeing with most of Abhisit's observations about budgeting obstacles, Phrathat disagreed on one point: calling the budget "vision-less." He argued that without this year's approach, continuing old methods in years 2571-2572 would truly be vision-less. The government, facing potential disaster, had no choice but to adopt this budget structure while acknowledging its imperfection due to time constraints and long-standing fiscal obligations. Phrathat noted this represents a chronic problem binding multiple governments, yet none had dared to reform budgeting procedures. He stated previous comments would benefit the country only if implemented, not merely used to gain parliamentary approval before reverting to old practices next year. Phrathat has discussed plans with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Interior Minister Eknit Nitithumphrapas, and Deputy PM Pakorn Nilpraphan to launch reforms, recruiting parliamentary allies believing budget system restructuring is essential. This requires parliament's cooperation on legislative changes and collective brainstorming. The Finance Committee is establishing a subcommittee to study and reform state revenue collection, aligning with Eknit's reform plans. Regarding borrowing and rising deficits, the government recognizes approaching debt ceilings and plans to reduce deficits while maintaining fiscal discipline. "This government won't follow old patterns," Phrathat said, emphasizing deficit reduction priorities. On transparency, the government proactively provided budget office Excel files for parliamentary analysis weeks before proceedings, a first. With clear PM directives to tighten budgets, the government also engaged budget offices in performance evaluation—an unprecedented undertaking.

Deputy Prime Minister Songsak Tongsri stated on July 1, 2569 at Government House regarding Grit (Pongsakorn Saoton) that he acknowledged having no involvement with the audio clip falsely attributed to Songsak. According to Grit's account, he provided this information to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) as well, consistent with his interview with a news channel. When asked if he was aware that Grit had apologized and denied Songsak's involvement, the Deputy Prime Minister said that while Grit spoke in that manner, he remained unsatisfied because the person who made the statements caused him damage and then retracted them while society was still watching. Songsak stated he believed the public remained skeptical of him, prompting him to assert his rights over being named and damaged, seeking justice for the harm caused. Therefore, the complaint against Grit will continue. He emphasized using all legal rights because his name was used to cause damage through false information, requiring maximum accountability from those responsible. He noted that when such news circulates widely among hundreds, thousands, and millions of people, they will believe it, which is psychologically damaging. He questioned how proceeding with the complaint addresses this. "When damage occurs, is an apology alone sufficient?" he asked. "But for society and the public who learn of my name being involved, how much can they really reverse their beliefs? Because bad news spreads widely while good news reaches far fewer people."

Thailand's Investment Analysts Association released findings from 25 firms showing a broadly positive outlook on Thailand's economy and capital markets for the second half of 2025. Growth drivers include government stimulus, domestic consumption recovery, infrastructure investment, and artificial intelligence and data center technology, which analysts see as critical market boosters. The survey upgraded Thailand's average 2025 GDP growth forecast to 1.93% from 1.72% previously, within a range of 1.5-2.7%, assuming crude oil at $84.80 per barrel and a risk-free rate of 2.11%.

Analysts weighted foreign capital inflows as the strongest positive factor, cited by 92% of respondents, followed by AI technology investment at 88%. Resolution of U.S.-Iran-Israel tensions was seen as beneficial for regional capital flows by 80%. On downside risks, 68% flagged potential changes to major central bank policies and quantitative easing, while 56% cited U.S. interest rate direction.

All analysts expect Thailand's policy rate to hold at 1% through year-end. Projected 2025 earnings per share rose to 96.04 baht from 87.64 baht previously, with expected 10.2% EPS growth. The SET Index is forecast to close third quarter at 1,608 points within a 1,496-1,655 range, with year-end target of 1,619 points. Money is increasingly rotating from AI stocks into undervalued Thai shares, as the market remains attractively priced amid improving economic fundamentals.

The Thai Diabetes Association, in collaboration with WHO-CCS NCDs, the Ministry of Public Health, and partner agencies, is expanding a model for managing type 2 diabetes remission through an e-learning program. Prof. Wanni Nithiyananth, chair of the Thai Diabetes Association, presented the DM Remission project results at Bangkok City Hall 2, aiming to develop service frameworks that help type 2 diabetes patients achieve remission in the Thai context.

According to Prof. Nithiyananth, diabetes remains a serious concern in Thailand. Physical examination surveys show prevalence increasing from 6.6% in 2004 to 10.6% in 2567-2568, with only one in three patients maintaining good blood sugar control. Behavioral changes that reduce blood sugar to non-diabetic levels without medication represent sustainable health promotion, reduce medical staff burden, lower state healthcare costs, and support WHO goals to halt rising diabetes cases and reduce premature non-communicable disease deaths by one-third by 2030.

"The key principle for achieving diabetes remission is reducing body weight by at least 10% in obese type 2 diabetes patients through appropriate dietary management combined with physical activity—both aerobic and resistance exercise—under medical supervision," Prof. Nithiyananth explained.

Assoc. Prof. Petch Rodaree, First Vice Chair of the Thai Diabetes Association, noted that diabetes cases in Thailand continue rising, with approximately 6 million current patients and 100,000-200,000 new cases annually. Without intervention, accumulating cases risk increases in diabetic kidney disease and kidney failure.

"Managing diabetes toward remission, particularly in patients within five years of diagnosis, requires strict behavioral modification through diet and exercise to achieve 10% weight loss. This restores pancreatic function and reduces insulin resistance in obese patients, addressing the disease's root cause and reducing treatment and medication expenses while improving long-term public health," Assoc. Prof. Petch said.

Assoc. Prof. Petch added that recognizing diabetes's behavioral origins, the Association recognizes that health behavior change requires multidisciplinary expertise and care system management for diabetes remission programs. This demands more patient engagement and closer monitoring than traditional treatment, necessitating information system development, staff training, Ministry of Public Health policy support, and budget allocation from the Thai Health Promotion Foundation for research projects like Eliminate DM. These efforts ensure comprehensive coverage, patient accessibility, and clinical and health economic evidence.

Dr. Kritsada Hanbanjerd, WHO-CCS NCDs consultant and chair, noted the program supported development of guidelines for diabetes remission, remote e-learning systems, and information systems tracking blood pressure, weight, diet, steps, and blood sugar levels.

On July 1, 2569 at 12:30 p.m., police in Ban Bo Win subdistrict, Sri Racha district, Chon Buri province received a report of a shooting with casualties at a rental room. Officers arrived to find Aung Myo Min, a 40-year-old Myanmar national, deceased from a gunshot wound to the head.

Two others were injured: Zar Zar Tun, 39, a Myanmar national, sustained a gunshot wound to the right chest area requiring hospitalization at Laem Chabang Hospital; and a 35-year-old Myanmar man named Myo suffered a minor graze wound to the right hand.

Police arrested the suspect, Saiyut (surname withheld), 43, a Thai national. He confessed that he had been playing eight-nine poker the previous day and lost money. After finishing his factory shift at 7 a.m., he joined the gambling group but they had already dispersed. He invited the Myanmar nationals to play another round, but they mocked and ignored him. Enraged and humiliated, he retrieved a 9mm modified pistol and fired at the group, causing the casualties. Police are proceeding with legal charges.