At a government house briefing on August 5, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangkaew addressed Cambodia's plan to seek UN recognition of the 2543 MOU and the 1:200,000 scale map, stating that these documents are already UN-endorsed and represent nothing new, so Thailand has no cause for concern. The MOU includes provisions beyond just the 1:200,000 map, such as watershed issues, and Thailand possesses its own 1:50,000 scale map that both sides have acknowledged, meaning Cambodia's actions have no impact on existing UN-recorded evidence.

Regarding compulsory arbitration, Sihasak explained that both sides are currently nominating arbitrators, with six to seven names already submitted and each side to select three, a process still in progress. He emphasized that compulsory arbitration is a mechanism under UNCLOS that Thailand must follow, as the process continues regardless, and the UN will appoint Thailand's arbitrators if needed. Thailand will ensure its interests are fully protected.

Sihasak noted that Thailand has consistently maintained that bilateral negotiations should precede compulsory arbitration under UNCLOS, but Cambodia claims Thailand's cancellation of the 2544 MOU triggered the arbitration process. Thailand cancelled the 2544 MOU because it had stalled for 20 years and to initiate fresh negotiations under UNCLOS, which Cambodia only joined in March. He questioned why Cambodia did not attempt bilateral talks first, which might have created a positive atmosphere for discussing land border issues. He pointed out that at the ASEAN summit in the Philippines, both leaders discussed bilateral matters and agreed to rebuild trust and cease international attacks, yet Cambodia rejected negotiations and proceeded directly to compulsory arbitration, effectively closing the door on land border talks while continuing to attack Thailand on the world stage.

Sihasak also remarked on UN Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews' report on human rights in Cambodia, acknowledging it as routine monitoring but warning that statements attributing cross-border violations exceed the UN's mandate and must consider the sensitive Thailand-Cambodia situation, cautioning that any statement touching on Thailand will be exploited by Cambodia and human rights committees must be mindful of regional sensitivities.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow on Wednesday said the Chinese ambassador to Thailand should help explain the controversy surrounding Chinese tourists at Suvarnabhumi Airport and avoid making statements that deepen public tensions.

Speaking at Government House on August 5, Sihasak said he had previously discussed similar incidents with the Chinese ambassador, describing them as highly sensitive issues requiring careful diplomatic handling.

"The ambassador should come forward to explain the situation, not simply defend China's interests, but also help build understanding," Sihasak said. "The ambassador is stationed in Thailand. The primary duty is to promote relations between our two countries and foster mutual understanding between our peoples."

The remarks came after approximately 20 Chinese passengers were denied boarding at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The incident drew increased public attention after video footage emerged showing a Thai airport security officer making a racist gesture.

Sihasak stressed that diplomats must be mindful of their role when addressing such disputes. "Therefore, any public statements by the ambassador must take that responsibility into account and should not add to the current tensions," he said. "I believe the ambassador understands this."

He added that the same principle applies to Thai diplomats serving abroad. "The Thai ambassador in China must also work to preserve good relations between our countries," he said.

Sihasak said Thailand must continue enforcing its immigration regulations while ensuring visitors have a positive experience, emphasizing that authorities should strike a balance between law enforcement and maintaining the country's image as a welcoming destination.

The Government Housing Bank (GHB) has dismissed concerns about online campaigns promoting debt strikes, stating that housing loans are not vulnerable to such movements due to careful vetting of borrowers' repayment capacity before approval. GHB President Mahattana Ampornpisiṭ emphasized that the bank's housing loans are fundamentally different from personal loans, which are at the center of the current debt-strike debate, because housing loans involve thorough assessment of borrowers' ability to repay before approval, ensuring that borrowers genuinely intend to purchase homes. If customers face economic hardship or reduced income and begin to struggle with payments, the bank offers early intervention through debt restructuring, settlement negotiations, extended loan terms, and adjusted installments. The bank is also deploying digital systems, dashboards, and data analytics to monitor credit quality closely and reduce non-performing loan (NPL) risk.

In the first half of 2025, GHB approved 123,149.93 million baht in new lending, a 14.85% increase from the same period last year, representing 49.9% of the full-year target of 246,795 million baht. Housing loans of up to 3 million baht accounted for 58,685 cases, up 7.39%. The bank's NPL ratio stood at 5.54%, with a Coverage Ratio of 150.76% and a BIS Ratio of 15.47%, both exceeding Thai central bank standards and reflecting strong financial health.

Although the real estate sector faces challenges, the bank believes the market has reached its low point and will gradually recover in the second half. The bank maintains its full-year lending target of 246,795 million baht and is expanding credit access for freelancers and self-employed professionals, targeting over 10,000 million baht in loans to this group through Credit Scoring, AI Credit Assessment, and Alternative Data methods. Homes priced below 3 million baht remain the primary market, accounting for over 80% of new lending, with the average loan per borrower declining to 1.07 million baht, reflecting the bank's focus on helping low- and middle-income earners own homes.

The bank is also extending its reduction in transfer fees and mortgage registration fees for another year to stimulate home purchases and support the real estate sector. In addition, GHB is supporting the government's clean energy policy through sustainable lending (Green Loan & ESG), including cool-home loans, Number 5 homes, and Solar Roof loans. Existing customers receive a fixed 1% interest rate for three years, while new customers start at 0.99%, to promote solar power installation, reduce electricity costs, and increase clean energy use in households.

Phetchaburi — National park rangers have begun investigating the death of a large male wild gaur discovered shot multiple times outside Khao Yai National Park boundaries. The carcass was reported by local residents on August 5, 2569 in Moo 8, Ban Phu Bon, Hat Kham Subdistrict, Kui Buri District, Phetchaburi Province.

Initial examination revealed multiple wound marks on the animal's back and left side. Metal detection scans identified what appear to be embedded bullet fragments within the wounds, prompting officials to arrange an immediate necropsy with a veterinary team and to gather evidence for prosecution if poaching is confirmed.

Nithat Nunsong, director of the Region 3 Protected Area Management Office in Phetchaburi, reported that rangers received a tip from local residents about the carcass. The animal was estimated to be 21–25 years old, weighing 900–1,000 kilograms, with a body length of 240 centimeters and height of 160 centimeters. The horns spanned 72 centimeters tip to tip, with a maximum spread of 77 centimeters.

Detailed examination of the carcass revealed multiple puncture wounds approximately 1×1 centimeter in size across the backbone and left abdomen. Metal detector scans confirmed metallic objects resembling bullet tips embedded in the wound areas. Officials scheduled a thorough necropsy for August 5, 2569 to confirm the cause of death and collect forensic evidence.

The director stated that if the autopsy confirms the gaur was killed by gunfire, the national park chief will file charges against the perpetrator under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act, B.E. 2562, with an urgent pursuit for prosecution. Additionally, all units have been instructed to intensify quality patrols and coordinate with surrounding communities to prevent further wildlife poaching. The public is urged to report any wildlife or natural resource violations to the Region 3 Protected Area Management Office or the Department of National Parks hotline 1362, available 24 hours daily.

Nanthapon Jirawalesspong, director of the Ministry of Commerce's trade policy and strategy office, announced that Thailand's general consumer price index for July 2025 stood at 102.10, representing a 1.95% year-on-year increase. The rise marks a slowdown from June's 2.42% but remains continuously positive due to domestic fuel prices staying elevated compared to the previous year, driven by ongoing Middle East conflicts that push public transportation costs higher. Processed food prices have risen broadly and significantly, with some food ingredients gradually increasing, while fresh vegetables are higher than last year due to low base prices and weak El Niño effects.

The 1.95% inflation comprised a 1.88% rise in non-food and beverage categories, driven by elevated domestic fuel prices, public transport fares, and international airfares, alongside a 2.04% increase in food and non-alcoholic beverages from higher prices in items like pre-cooked meals, fresh vegetables, rice, and eggs. Energy prices moderated month-on-month—gasohol dropped from 37–38 baht per liter to 36.16 baht, while diesel fell 3.33% from 39.31 to 35.98 baht per liter.

Core inflation (excluding fresh food and energy) accelerated to 1.34% from 1.23% in June, while the seven-month average (January–July 2025) rose 1.21% year-over-year. Nanthapon warned that August inflation is expected to remain positive due to sustained high fuel prices from continued Middle East tensions and new military operations, persistently elevated food prices with broad menu increases, rising transportation costs, and fresh vegetable prices higher than the prior year. Offsetting pressures include slightly lower electricity rates and declining fresh fruit prices from ample supply. The Ministry maintains its 2025 inflation forecast at 1.5–2.5%.