At 13:15 on July 24, 2569 (2026) at Government House, Justice Minister Rutthapol Naowarattana provided an update on the Forex case investigation. He disclosed that the DSI informed him that Phawut Pongvitthapanu, a Pheu Thai party-list MP, has requested to postpone his clarification statement on the charges. The Minister said he does not know the reason for the postponement and was not informed when it would be rescheduled. This is considered a legal procedure, and the DSI will issue another summons.

When asked how many times the DSI can issue summons, Rutthapol replied that normally it is twice. Once that is exhausted, whether an arrest warrant is issued depends on whether DSI finds just cause based on Phawut's reason for postponement.

Asked whether the delay constitutes obstruction, the Minister said he does not know Phawut's reasons, but acknowledged that if there are urgent matters preventing him from appearing, that falls under DSI's consideration.

Regarding investigation progress, Rutthapol confirmed that investigators have traced over 28 million baht in financial transactions. Importantly, they have discovered a server belonging to QRS Global Company that contains comprehensive records of all company transactions. When asked who owns QRS Global, he deferred to the DSI for details. On whether the financial trail connects to any political party, Rutthapol said it remains unclear.

Thailand's June 2025 exports reached $34.66 billion, up 20.8% from the same month last year and representing 24 consecutive months of growth, according to Nanthapon Jiralertsapong, director of the Office of Trade and Commercial Policy. Excluding oil, gold, and strategic materials, exports grew 23.1%. For the first six months of 2025, total exports hit $196.74 billion, up 17.6% year-on-year.

Industrial goods remain the primary growth driver, particularly electronics, phones, electrical appliances, automobiles, and auto parts, supported by global AI infrastructure and data center investments as well as pre-tariff rush buying ahead of U.S. trade policy uncertainty. Agricultural and agribusiness exports remain down 6.5% overall but show signs of recovery in selected categories: rubber (+12.5%), sugar (+39.3%), canned and processed seafood (+17.5%), pet food (+22.3%), and processed chicken (+8.2%).

Industrial exports expanded 25.1%, marking 27 consecutive months of growth, with standout performers including computers and components (+57.4%), mobile phones and components (+186.1%), electrical circuits (+23.2%), chemicals (+27.8%), electrical transformers (+42.1%), and batteries (+232.4%), reflecting sustained global technology sector demand.

Major export markets showed strong performance: the United States led with 44.3% growth for the 33rd consecutive month, followed by ASEAN-5 (+40.5%), Japan (+22.7%), the European Union (+22.3%), and China (+4.9%). Secondary markets also performed well, with Latin America (+50.7%), Oceania (+32.7%), and Africa (+9.9%) leading growth, while the Middle East (-6.9%), South Asia (-6.3%), and CLMV nations (-5.6%) contracted.

June imports totaled $41.19 billion, up 50.3%, resulting in a trade deficit of $6.53 billion. The first six months accumulated a deficit of $31.74 billion.

The Office of Trade and Commercial Policy projects continued export growth in the second half of the year driven by AI-related electronics demand, though geopolitical risks and U.S. tariff policies remain concerns. The Commerce Ministry will accelerate negotiations on Thailand-EU and ASEAN-Canada trade agreements while discussing tariff issues with the United States, and will address nominee ownership and illegal investment problems to ensure export stability and strengthen Thailand's long-term competitiveness.

BANGKOK: The Thai passport went slightly down in the global ranking this year, as Singapore still underlined its most powerful travel document in the ratings.

At 11:25 a.m. on July 24, 2025, at parliament, Kraviroj Parisnanakul, Bhumjaithai MP for Ang Thong, addressed the case involving Yingcheep Atchajanont, manager of the Internet Law for Citizen Democracy project (iLaw), who exposed evidence in a parliament influence case naming Kraviroj among nine implicated individuals. On July 23, Deputy Prime Minister Pharadorn Parisnanakul, one of those named by iLaw, made a public statement. Bhumjaithai has discussed the matter and intends to file defamation charges on behalf of all nine affected members, though the party is still deciding how to proceed.

Kraviroj expressed surprise that iLaw initially disclosed all nine names linked to the influence case, but Yingcheep later claimed he had no evidence—only hearsay from others. Kraviroj stated this caused significant harm. He acknowledged that politicians must undergo public scrutiny from opposition, civil society, and independent organizations, and welcomes such oversight. However, he insisted scrutiny must be conducted fairly and factually, without unfounded allegations or political manipulation designed to damage reputations or mislead society.

Kraviroj noted that when he first heard of the allegations, he thought there might be new information, but was told they were old matters already investigated by opposition leader Prayut Chan-o-cha and parliamentary committees. He questioned why the issue resurfaced now without new evidence, suggesting possible political timing rather than genuine accountability concerns.

He appealed to civil society and the public that while oversight is commendable and necessary for politicians, it must be grounded in accurate information and good faith—not hidden political agendas that harm others. When asked about Yingcheep's invocation of SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) defense rules, Kraviroj argued that if government figures used state power to silence truthful disclosure, that would constitute censorship. However, he countered that Yingcheep himself admitted his claims lacked evidence and were not factual, yet caused harm by naming all nine individuals with unsubstantiated accusations of misconduct. Kraviroj asserted that the affected parties must defend their rights and dignity. He drew a parallel, asking what would happen if someone made baseless accusations against Yingcheep—such as links to forex schemes or inciting youth unrest—without evidence. Just as Kraviroj's group suffered damage from false allegations, they must exercise their right to legal defense.

On July 24, 2025, the Central Investigation Police Command announced the takedown of the 'Style Cycle' gang following coordinated raids across 19 locations in 11 provinces: Bangkok, Pathum Thani, Chachoengsao, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Sa Kaeo, Tak, Kanchanaburi, Roi Et, Lampang, Chiang Rai, and Chiang Mai. Police arrested 17 suspects—three involved in money laundering and control, seven in fund transfers and cash withdrawals, and seven operating fake bank accounts—and seized approximately 23 million baht in assets including luxury vehicles, cash in multiple currencies, gold bars, jewelry, designer goods, and other valuables.

According to investigators, the scam began when victims were lured via Facebook to open online shops and join a Line OpenChat group called "Style Cycle Market" with over 1,000 members. After registration, victims were told their withdrawals were blocked due to insufficient sales credit and were directed to another group where they were deceived into transferring money multiple times—some amounts reaching millions of baht—to supposedly "activate" their accounts and process inventory. The victim in this case transferred money 25 times totaling 14.75 million baht but could never withdraw funds.

Financial investigations revealed the gang operated a complex money-laundering scheme: they moved funds to purchase goods for export to Cambodia, withdrew cash to Chinese networks in Bangkok's Ratchadamri area, and purchased gold to obscure origins. A front company in Mae Sot, Tak province, laundered money for scammer gangs in Myanmar and Cambodia, taking a 25 percent commission. Money collectors received a 5 percent fee for cash delivery to Chinese networks. In 2568 (2025), the network cycled over 149 million baht and was linked to over 226 other online fraud cases totaling more than 17 million baht in losses.

Investigators also found that Thai nationals operating the fake accounts were themselves victims of recruitment scams. They responded to job postings on Facebook and TikTok offering admin or driver work paying 18,000–19,000 baht monthly. Upon falling for the scheme, they were taken to open multiple bank accounts, placed in vans, and transported to the border regions of Sa Kaeo and Chachoengsao under armed guard. They were forced across the Thailand-Cambodia border into Poipet, where their phones and documents were confiscated. Held in an iron-barred room under 24-hour armed guard, they were forced to edit images and pose as admins to scam Thai victims. One account holder reported being ordered to scan his face repeatedly to confirm money transfers over three to four days while facing threats.

The Royal Gazette announced on July 24, 2569 BE the royal conferral of an ecclesiastical rank certificate upon Phra Ratchavachrathorn of Wat Kai Tia in Bangkok, promoting him to the rank of Phra Khru Wachrathorn. The royal appointment was issued to recognize his suitability for the proper performance of religious duties. The rank became effective from July 23, 2569 BE and was announced on July 24, 2569 BE, marking the 11th year of the current reign.