Interior Ministry Vows Local Exam Fraud Probe Results Within Week

Thailand's Deputy Interior Minister pledged to deliver results within a week on an ongoing investigation into fraud allegations in local government recruitment exams, vowing swift action against any officials or individuals involved in corr

31 Jul Khaosod

Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liangprasoet on July 31, 2569 disclosed progress on an investigation into allegations of fraud in local government recruitment exams, saying he has instructed relevant agencies to expedite fact-checking and action on all fronts to achieve swift clarity. He confirmed that within the coming week there must be progress or conclusions in completed investigations to restore public confidence. Local government recruitment exams are a critical gateway for young people and those sincere about public service; allowing fraud to occur damages moral principles and destroys public trust in the civil service system.

"I have instructed all agencies that next week we must have results in the areas where action is possible," Worasit said. "We will not let this matter be buried or drag on. The public must have answers, and those who took the exam honestly must receive justice. If the investigation finds that any individuals or government officials were involved in corruption, we will take decisive action through discipline, administrative procedures, and criminal law with no exceptions, and we will not consider the position or influence of anyone involved."

Worasit added that responsible agencies have been ordered to coordinate with law enforcement agencies to swiftly gather complete evidence with transparency and in accordance with due process, while providing regular progress reports to keep the public continuously informed. The Interior Ministry prioritizes strengthening good governance in local administration and will not allow corruption to undermine the opportunities of candidates who passed exams through ability and integrity, because truth must be revealed, justice must be served, and wrongdoers must face legal punishment.

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National

Election Official Asks Thai EC to Probe Orange-Slate Candidate Collusion

A civil society leader asked Thailand's Election Commission to investigate whether 300 orange-slate Senate candidates engaged in illegal coordinated activity, arguing that similar conduct by opposing groups has been treated differently unde

31 Jul Khaosod

On July 31, 2025, Srisuwarn Janyai, leader of the Love Nation Love Land organization, filed a formal request with the Election Commission (EC) to investigate allegations that approximately 300 orange-slate Senate candidates engaged in coordinated activity at a meeting held at Jupiter Room in Muang Thong Thani. He asked whether such planning and organization to deploy candidates as a unified faction would constitute illegal conduct that could undermine fair and honest elections.

Srisuwann noted that while media, influencers, academics, and politicians have debated allegations of vote-rigging by one candidate group already under EC and Special Cases Investigation Department (DSI) scrutiny, similar conduct by the orange-slate group has emerged but is being described differently. He questioned the double standard: if one faction's coordinated activity is called "organized teamwork" or "deploying our people," why is similar behavior by opposing candidates labeled "vote-rigging"?

Srisuwann argued that the Election Commission, as the authority under the Constitutional Act on the Election Commission Article 41, has a duty to investigate and determine facts whenever reasonable suspicion arises, regardless of whether a formal complaint is filed. He emphasized that standards must be applied equally to all factions, and that "vote-rigging" should not become merely a political insult selectively applied to disfavored groups. He submitted preliminary evidence along with his complaint to prompt formal investigation and adjudication according to law.

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National

PromptPay Surges 13% in June with 2.39 Billion Transactions

Thailand's PromptPay digital payment system processed 2.39 billion transactions in June, a 13% surge year-on-year, with registered accounts reaching 83.15 million as the system strengthens its role in the country's financial infrastructure.

31 Jul Khaosod

National IT and Telecom Authority (NITMX), which provides Thailand's national payment infrastructure, released June 2025 usage data for the PromptPay system on July 31, showing continued growth in digital payments during the first half of the year. PromptPay transaction volume reached 2.39 billion in June, a 13% year-on-year increase, while transaction value stood at 4.38 trillion baht, up 4% year-on-year. This growth reflects PromptPay's role as a cornerstone of Thailand's digital financial infrastructure, supporting high-volume transactions reliably across peer-to-peer transfers, online shopping, small business payments, and cash flow tied to expanding economic activity.

Registered accounts climbed to 83.15 million by end of June, comprising 82.73 million personal accounts and 0.42 million business accounts. Steady growth in registrations shows public and business confidence in the real-time, secure, and low-cost transfer system, particularly among small merchants, online retailers, and freelancers. The highest daily transaction volume occurred on Tuesday, June 30, with 79.79 million transactions, coinciding with month-end bill payments, salary transfers, and business clearing cycles.

Cross-border QR payment inbound transactions in June reached 1,584,225 million baht, driven largely by foreign tourists using their home country apps to scan QR codes and pay for goods and services in Thailand directly, eliminating currency exchange barriers. China led with 981.52 million baht in transaction value, followed by Malaysia at 310.69 million baht and Laos at 111.85 million baht, underscoring the importance of cross-border payment connectivity for supporting tourism and international trade.

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National

Lawmaker Urges Strict Review of Duplicate Government Spending

A Bangkok MP is pushing for stricter scrutiny of government spending, flagging wasteful seminars, public relations campaigns, and consultant fees that lack clear public benefit ahead of the 2570 budget approval.

31 Jul Khaosod

At Parliament on July 31, 2569, Phanthit Nuamjerm, a Bangkok MP from the People's Party and member of a subcommittee reviewing the 2570 budget appropriations bill, reported on the committee's progress and raised concerns about spending practices. He called on each government agency to justify why expenditures on seminars, conferences, public relations, consultant fees, overseas travel, and contracted services are necessary and truly beneficial to the public.

Phanthit specifically flagged seminars whose purpose is unclear, overseas academic conferences, public relations initiatives measured only by reach metrics, foreign travel with unclear outcomes, and excessive reliance on outsourced consultant work when permanent staff should be able to handle tasks themselves. He emphasized that the committee's role is not to obstruct government operations but to question whether non-core expenditures represent good value for taxpayer money.

"I propose we reduce seminars of unknown purpose, cut back on public relations measured by clicks alone, and question costly foreign travel when Thailand's budget situation is what it is," Phanthit said. He noted that his team bases decisions on detailed budget documents, not feelings, examining every project's funding, budget execution, redundancies, unit costs, performance indicators, and public outcomes. However, many agencies have failed to provide complete supporting documentation or adequate answers to the committee's questions, citing examples such as the Office for Promotion of National Reform, Strategy, and National Reconciliation, whose mandate overlaps significantly with other agencies.

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National

Politician Flags Stalled Local Exam Fraud Case After 40 Days

An MP has called out stalled progress in a 5-billion-baht local government exam fraud investigation after 40 days, alleging a premeditated conspiracy involving collusion between the Department of Local Administration and Srinakharinwirot Un

31 Jul Khaosod

MP Phakamon Thun-anon on July 31 criticized the lack of progress in the local government exam fraud case, noting that over 40 days have passed since authorities raided a building in Nonthaburi but no substantial headway has been made on the 5-billion-baht corruption scheme. She contended the fraud was not a spontaneous act but a premeditated conspiracy coordinated at senior management levels, with evidence pointing to collusion between the Department of Local Administration and Srinakharinwirot University since 2023.

Phakamon highlighted that Burapha University initially won the bidding process in December 2566 but was later replaced by Srinakharinwirot University, which had submitted a higher price. After Burapha's appeal succeeded, the contract was still awarded to Srinakharinwirot under new specifications, suggesting deliberate manipulation of the procurement process.

She emphasized that a fraud operation of this magnitude requires coordination at the decision-making level, not merely among low-level implementers, and that the case warrants investigation into the financial trails of individuals involved and a thorough review of how contract specifications were altered to favor one university over another.

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National

EXIM Bank Launches 2% Export Credit Program for Thai SMEs

EXIM Bank launches a 2% export credit program for Thai SMEs at Franchise Expo Thailand 2026 (August 6–9), offering loans, insurance, and special discounts to help small businesses access global markets with reduced financing costs.

31 Jul Khaosod

On July 31, 2026, the Export-Import Bank of Thailand (EXIM Bank) will offer full financial services and special promotions at Franchise Expo Thailand 2026, running August 6–9, 2026 at Impact Muang Thong Thani (Halls 6–7, Booth I2). The initiative, branded "Export Co-pilot: Supporting Thai Business, Confident Export in All Situations," aims to strengthen Thai entrepreneurs and connect them with global opportunities.

Key loan and insurance products include:

• EXIM Expand Shield Loan: Starting at 2.59% interest with protection against non-payment by foreign buyers; maximum credit limit 100 million baht with coverage up to 10 million baht.

• EXIM Employment Promotion Loan Phase 3: Supports liquidity and sustained employment for registered businesses; fixed 3-year rate starting at 2.00% annually; maximum 50 million baht over 3 years.

• EXIM for Small Biz Export Insurance: Protects Thai entrepreneurs against non-payment risks with maximum coverage of 2 million baht per policy; 70% loss coverage; first customer receives free premium worth 1,800 baht with 300,000 baht coverage.

Event registrants receive additional benefits: 1. Interest rate discount of 0.25% annually for the first 6 months, or 2. Front-end fee discount of 0.25% of the loan amount for loans up to 2 million baht

Approval must occur within 3 months of event participation. Entrepreneurs can receive on-site financial consultation at the expo or register for online advice at https://forms.office.com/r/PyvMXdMR6m. For more information, contact EXIM Contact Center at 0-2169-9999.

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Regional

Bangkok Hospital Opens Phuket Cancer Institute

Bangkok Hospital Group consolidates cancer care across three Phuket hospitals under a new unified institute, strengthening the island's medical tourism appeal.

31 Jul The Phuket News

PHUKET: Bangkok Hospital Group has officially opened the Bangkok-Phuket Cancer Institute, bringing together the cancer treatment services of three private hospitals in Phuket as part of a strategy to strengthen the islands position as a regional medical hub and destination for medical tourism.

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National

Koh Kret Red Tea Earns Geographic Indication Status

Koh Kret red tea, made from local red mulberry leaves using traditional Mon methods, has earned geographic indication status as Nonthaburi's fifth GI product, generating over 8 million baht annually while preserving community heritage.

31 Jul Khaosod

The Department of Intellectual Property under the Commerce Ministry has registered Cha Rang Daeng Koh Kret as the fifth geographic indication (GI) product of Nonthaburi Province, highlighting Mon community heritage and local identity while transforming agricultural goods into high-value products that generate over 8 million baht annually and support cultural tourism and sustainable development.

Armorn Suaptaveedharm, Director-General of the Department of Intellectual Property, explained that Cha Rang Daeng Koh Kret is produced from leaves of the red mulberry tree, a local plant that thrives in Nonthaburi's Koh Kret area. The leaves undergo traditional Mon processing and roasting methods passed down through generations, with careful raw material selection resulting in a tea with distinctive color, aroma, and flavor that clearly reflects the relationship between local wisdom and geographic environment.

The tea's unique qualities stem from Nonthaburi's natural conditions along the Chao Phraya River floodplain, with fine clay soils and silty loam enriched with minerals from river sediment. Despite seasonal flooding, the hardy local red mulberry plant produces high-quality leaves and branches. After traditional processing—drying and roasting at appropriate temperatures—the tea brews to a golden yellow hue with pleasant aroma, smooth taste, and subtle sweetness with no bitterness, making it distinctive to the region.

The tea is also popular as a health beverage, with benefits including reduced fat, cholesterol, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure.

Cha Rang Daeng Koh Kret is Nonthaburi's fifth GI product, following Koh Kret pottery, krathoem wrapped in banana leaves, Nonthaburi durian, and Yai Klum mango. It demonstrates the province's ability to transform local resources, community wisdom, and cultural identity into high-value goods that generate income for farmers and entrepreneurs while creating tourism destinations linking lifestyle, culture, and local products.

Currently, 22 producers operate with annual capacity of approximately 8,000 kilograms, creating economic value of over 8 million baht yearly. Combined, Nonthaburi's five GI products generate over 64 million baht annually.

Armorn noted that the GI registration reflects the successful implementation of policy by the Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, emphasizing agricultural value-added and community identity products. The department systematically promotes GI goods through producer development, quality control, packaging design, branding, market expansion both domestically and internationally, media promotion, storytelling, and linking production sites with community tourism so visitors can experience local lifestyle, wisdom, culture, and authentic products.

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Community

Joey Phuwasit Launches Third Album With Fan Meet and New Music Video

Thai singer Joey Phuwasit launched his third album "Sanathana Suk" at a Bangkok fan meeting featuring a music video premiere, mini-concert, and interactive activities. The event transformed the venue into a celebration space with games, mer

31 Jul Khaosod

Singer Joey Phuwasit held his first-ever fan meeting called 'Sanathana Suk STATION' at Bangkok's Amphoe Station to launch his third album 'Sanathana Suk,' transforming the venue into a 'Pavilion of Happiness.' The event featured multiple zones including a market area with local food stalls and merchandise, carnival-style mini-games, photo booths recreating scenes from his music videos, a fan wall for messages and wishes, and interactive games on stage such as fortune-telling and song-guessing contests.

The event's main highlight was the world premiere of the new music video 'Rak Mai Wai Laeo Woy,' which starred his real-life girlfriend Jen Neelinyan in the leading role. This was followed by an intimate mini-concert where Joey performed songs from the new album including 'Sanaya Duan Hok,' 'Nit Noi,' 'Sarika Linthong,' 'Na Nha Thong,' 'Mor Hung Khao,' 'Duang Duen,' and the new single 'Rak Mai Wai Laeo Woy,' all in a casual, friendly atmosphere.

Fan club members received special privileges including group photos, autograph signing opportunities with Joey, and exclusive commemorative gifts. Before the event, Joey shared with media about the album's creation, his relationship, his recent receipt of the 'Proud Alumni Award' from Roi Et Rajabhat University in recognition of his contributions to society, and his plans for a major concert in the future.

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Regional

Phuket Sets August 20 Deadline for Underpass Repairs

Phuket's governor has given contractors until August 20 to finish repairs on highway underpass lighting and electrical systems, with penalties continuing for ongoing delays.

31 Jul The Phuket News

PHUKET: Phuket Governor Chotinrin Kerdsum has set Aug 20 as the latest deadline for completing long-delayed repairs to lighting and electrical systems in the island’s highway underpasses, while warning that the contractor will continue to face financial penalties for the delays.

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Tourism

Iconsiam Honors Late Queen With Thai Textile Festival

Iconsiam hosts month-long Thai textile and arts festival throughout August 2025 honoring late Queen Sirikit, featuring exhibitions, fashion shows, and limited-edition handwoven bags celebrating her legacy of preserving traditional Thai craf

31 Jul Khaosod

Iconsiam invites the public and tourists to join in honoring the late Queen Sirikit while continuing her mission to preserve Thai arts, crafts, textiles, and local wisdom through exhibitions, activities, and creative works throughout August 2025.

The month begins with a tribute exhibition titled "Sirikit the Queen: The Nation's Beloved Heart" (August 1–8) at Thara Hall, Walk Way, and Arts Way on the M floor. The exhibition conveys Her Majesty's grace through works by national artists and accomplished artists across five art forms, featuring 3D animation screenings, panel discussions, and charity displays.

From August 11–13, the Office of the Prime Minister, through the Public Relations Department, presents "Legacy of Thai Textiles & Fashion" at Charoen Nakhon and Thara Halls on the M floor. Organized under the theme "Legacy: Creative Continuity & Creativity," the event showcases over 100 pieces from 10 model communities across Thailand, alongside talks by leading designers and contemporary Thai textile fashion shows featuring models and celebrities to champion Thai soft power globally.

S'CRAFT, under the SIRIVANNAVARI brand in partnership with Iconcraft, launches a limited collection of Thai textile bags titled "THREADS OF LEGACY: S'CRAFT 2026." Drawing inspiration from Her Majesty's textile legacy, the collection consists of 88 limited-edition bags handwoven by Thai artisans, displayed and sold from August 11–31.

Throughout August, Iconcraft on floors 4–5 presents "THAI TEXTILE HEROES 2026," highlighting Thai textiles, crafts, and local wisdom. The program includes youth artwork exhibitions, the Cultural Textile Awards 2026 showcase, and the "Thai Textiles: Wear Them With Joy" exhibition, following the royal initiative of Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana.

From August 11–16, Iconsiam partners with the Thai Crafts and Design Foundation to host "Her Majesty the Queen's Blossoms" at Vatthana Hall on floor 3, presenting stories of flowers given royal names, Thai handicraft demonstrations, and sales of products from the Thai Crafts and Design Foundation.

A major highlight is the launch of the "Thai Textiles Trend Book SPRING/SUMMER 2027," developed under the royal initiative "Thai Textiles: Wear Them With Joy." The book will be on display from August 11–14 at Suralai Hall on floor 7, presenting the concept "Village to the World," elevating Thai textile wisdom to contemporary design and international fashion industry standards.

Experience the charm of Thai textiles, crafts, and local wisdom from across the country while honoring the late Queen Sirikit throughout August 2025 at Iconsiam. For more information, call 1338 or visit Facebook: ICONSIAM.

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