On July 23, Asapon Sannathrirat, a Phumi Jai Thai party member representing Sisaket and chair of parliament's anti-corruption committee, reported that investigations have revealed 11 officials were involved in altering exam scores for 5,960 people who failed the local government employee recruitment test. The anti-corruption commission's figure does not match the 5,924 candidates announced publicly by the local government examination committee. The scheme allegedly involved collaboration between Srinakharinwirot University staff, who were tasked with verifying scores, and officials at the examination committee. Investigators are pursuing the case within a compressed 10-month timeline instead of the standard two years. Asapon stated that the 5,960 candidates who received altered scores are considered complicit in the wrongdoing, but those who come forward to the anti-corruption commission with useful information may request witness immunity. Officials revealed that senior exam committee administrators ordered one of three suspects and a university staff member to change failing scores to passing ones via messaging apps, and the committee requested protective measures for all three suspects due to fears of retaliation. The investigation has uncovered high-level ministry director involvement and is examining whether senior permanent secretaries or politicians were connected to the scheme. The anti-corruption commission explained the extended timeline involves three months for evidence collection, one month for data processing, and six months for defendants to respond to charges.

AI & Robotics Ventures (ARV), Thailand's leading developer of advanced robotics and artificial intelligence, announced on July 23 that it has partnered with SKYLLER Solutions, a specialist in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and drone services, to host the grand "ARV & SKYLLER Open House 2026" technology exhibition and demonstration at Reignwood Park, a luxury real estate development. SKYLLER presented its technological advances, innovations, and solutions alongside real-world case studies demonstrating measurable value and returns across diverse industries. Naphaphatch Hongsaprapaas, head of human resources and operations at ARV, stated the goal was to offer participants hands-on experience of technologies developed from real-world application while exchanging perspectives and building new partnerships to advance operational efficiency, safety, and sustainability. The event thanked Reignwood Park for hosting and trusting SKYLLER's solutions to enhance management and security systems within the project, demonstrating the practical application potential of drone technology. Thasaphichya Thawarasuk, head of ARV's business unit, emphasized the desire to showcase the true potential of UAV innovation and intelligent solutions ready to drive industries into the digital age and establish international standards for partners and clients. Kunachat Withursunsorn, technology solutions team manager at SKYLLER Solutions, revealed that amid current industrial challenges, drone solutions play a crucial role in improving efficiency, safety, and data-driven decision-making. The choice of Reignwood Park as the venue aimed to clearly demonstrate that drone solutions have real-world applications beyond industry, extending to other infrastructure effectively. The event featured live technology demonstrations including fixed-wing drone remote surveillance showcasing UAV capabilities for comprehensive security and safety monitoring over large areas, drone delivery integrated with ColdCare Solutions technology allowing real-time temperature, humidity, and shock tracking via the ColdCare Platform to revolutionize medical transport to remote and disaster-affected areas, and floating solar panel inspection using high-resolution and thermal cameras for rapid and accurate assessment.

On July 23, Nirat Pongsitthithawer, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry and acting director-general of the Department of Local Administration, briefed reporters after meeting Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at Government House. He explained that discussions centered on fraud discovered in the local government employee examination, involving the Central Civil Service Commission's (CCSC) announcement procedures. The CCSC chair signed off on the decision during a meeting on July 17.

When asked why the matter needed to return to a meeting after the CCSC had already voted, Nirat explained that according to protocol, the CCSC initially certifies examination scores. When errors are found, the CCSC must vote to rescind its original decision and then vote to certify the corrected scores. Verification was completed on July 17 but had not been brought to a meeting. "This is the straightforward way to do it, respecting the rights of all test-takers as much as possible," he said.

After the meeting concludes, the CCSC must issue a proclamation signed by the chair with an attached roster of names, all stamped to verify the data matches the original examination and verification date with no alterations. When asked if the delayed process poses legal obstacles, Nirat denied it, citing the massive scale of the operation involving 270,000 test-takers. He said officials will rush to complete the task within today or tomorrow to prevent errors.

Asked whether the action aims to prevent lawsuit filings against the Administrative Court, Nirat stated the department respects and protects rights and hopes to prevent litigation. "If we make a straightforward announcement and stand confident in our work, I believe no one will file a suit," he said. Multiple agencies—including the Department of Local Administration, the company contracting with Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, IT-savvy police, and the National Anti-Corruption Commission—have verified the errors to minimize mistakes. Regarding enforcement authority, Nirat said the CCSC will pursue legal action against those who submitted false information to the meeting. He declined to name specific individuals or agencies at this stage, noting that damage on this scale demands accountability. Criminal charges are already underway, with police and anti-corruption officials now involved due to the fraud against the government.

BANGKOK — A 42-year-old man with a psychiatric history was allegedly attacked by a self-described vigilante group after posting social media content critical of the Thai monarchy, then faced a lèse-majesté complaint under Article 112 of the Criminal Code, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR).

TLHR said the man, identified under the pseudonym "Thanit," was attacked on the evening of 22 July after members of a group calling itself "Kong Ruen Narok" (Hell Barracks) tracked him down at his residence in Bangkok's Don Mueang district.

The group had reportedly begun posting messages about searching for Thanit on 20 July, claiming it would locate him within 24 hours. According to TLHR, the group accused him of posting videos and messages on social media that referred to the monarchy.

Video clips circulating online appear to show dozens of people surrounding Thanit outside his residence. TLHR said the footage showed members of the group physically assaulting him, including repeatedly slapping him, kicking him, stomping on his head and body, and striking him with knees and elbows. The group's actions allegedly caused visible injuries, including bruising and damage to his glasses.

The group later took Thanit by pickup truck to Tao Poon Police Station, where a lèse-majesté complaint had already been filed against him on 21 July over Facebook Reels allegedly containing remarks about King Vajiralongkorn.

TLHR said police had not issued a summons or sought an arrest warrant for Thanit before the group brought him to the station. Members of the group reportedly remained in the area outside the police station afterward.

Police later examined and seized two of Thanit's mobile phones before any charges had been formally filed, according to TLHR. The rights group said police records stated that Thanit consented to the seizure and allowed officers to access data on the devices.

The phones were reportedly seized as evidence in connection with the Article 112 complaint, which was filed after an individual alleged that content posted through Facebook Reels contained remarks considered defamatory toward the monarch.

Lawyers from TLHR later accompanied Thanit to Don Mueang Police Station, where he filed a complaint against those allegedly involved in the assault. They also requested that police send him for a medical examination.

When lawyers met Thanit at Don Mueang Police Station late on 22 July, TLHR said he had bruises across his body, a swollen lip and head pain. The following morning, he was admitted to hospital after complaining of severe chest pain and was placed under emergency treatment.

TLHR said Thanit has received psychiatric treatment since 2007. He was released from prison in 2024 and had since stopped taking medication. The group also said he is the primary caregiver for his mother, who has Alzheimer's disease.

The incident has raised renewed concerns over the actions of self-described vigilante groups.

A report from Thailand's National Savings Fund (NSF), drawing on household economic and social surveys by the National Statistical Office and research from TDRI, reveals a troubling reality: Thailand is not only aging but facing longer lifespans and increased elderly isolation. The most urgent concern is the "wave" of workers aged 46–60, which has grown from 1990 to 17.3 million by 2024, representing 39% of the entire working-age population. The majority of this group (41.6%) are self-employed or small business owners who must plan independently for retirement savings over the next 10–15 years while facing rising living costs and stagnant savings.

Retirement spending crisis data shows that in 2024, average monthly expenses for ages 46–60 are 8,362 baht, while those aged 61–70 spend about 7,603 baht monthly. Current elderly allowances begin at only 600 baht per month, covering just 7.9% of necessary expenses. Additionally, living alone costs significantly more—solitary elderly spend an average of 10,087 baht monthly due to inability to share housing, food, and transportation costs.

Savings gap analysis reveals the financial vulnerability is severe. People aged 46–60 save only 4,416 baht per month on average. At this rate, those who start saving at 46 will have funds for only 6.6 years of retirement; those starting at 50 can cover 5.1 years; and those at 55 only 2.8 years. With Thai life expectancy now reaching 80–90 years (the population aged 90+ has quadrupled in 30 years), current savings are clearly insufficient.

The NSF promotes enrollment for self-employed workers, small merchants, farmers, and informal workers aged 15–60, offering substantial benefits: government matching contributions up to 100% (maximum 1,800 baht annually by age bracket); flexible contributions from 50 to 30,000 baht yearly; guaranteed lifetime monthly pensions at age 60; and full tax deductions up to 30,000 baht annually. As traditional retirement models—living modestly with adult children's care—fade, the NSF serves as a safety net for informal workers to achieve retirement security and dignity beyond age 60, supplementing government elderly allowances.

Interested individuals can enroll via the NSF mobile app, Line @nsf.th, or service counters nationwide. For inquiries, call the savings hotline at 02-049-9000.