On July 22, 2026, in Seoul, Deputy Prime Minister Yossanan Wongswatdee led a high-level delegation including senior officials from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation (MHESI), representatives from the National Institute of Animal Science (NIA), and the Thai embassy to advance AI cooperation and startup promotion efforts.

The delegation held discussions with KT Corporation's senior leadership, which has expanded from a major telecommunications company to a comprehensive AI infrastructure leader offering network, cloud, and edge data center solutions, with plans to invest in a 1-gigawatt AI data center. Two key focus areas emerged: KT's AIVLE School, a national-level AI bootcamp that has trained over 3,230 professionals for major Korean firms like Samsung and Hyundai, aligns with Thailand's "AI for ALL" policy. Both sides agreed to establish a Joint Working Group on AI Literacy, with plans to sign a formal memorandum of understanding when KT executives visit Thailand in the third quarter.

The delegation also met with Y&Archer, a leading Korean startup accelerator and NIA partner, to discuss supporting Korean startups' expansion into Thailand and encouraging venture capital investment in Thai entrepreneurs. Y&Archer will bring approximately 70 Korean startups to Thailand for the Astream event later this year, creating business-matching opportunities for joint ventures, collaborative research, and technology applications in Thai and ASEAN markets. Deputy Prime Minister Yossanan emphasized the importance of reciprocal opportunities, requesting that Thai startups be given a platform to pitch their business ideas to Korean investors, ensuring that the collaboration benefits both nations' entrepreneurial ecosystems.

On July 22, 2025, Thanayos Timsuwarn, chairman of the House Administrative Affairs Committee and Loei MP from the Phumi Thai Party, announced findings from a meeting with relevant agencies including the Interior Ministry, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and police to address entertainment venue regulations and zoning policy following a beer hall fire in the Ladprao area.

The committee found that Bangkok has authorized approximately 900 entertainment-like establishments that currently lack any legal safety oversight. These venues are governed only by general building standards, with no specific safety regulations controlling fire prevention, escape routes, or life and property protection.

Thanayos stated that the committee has tasked Bangkok with investigating how to establish safety standards for these venues, including fire-resistant materials, emergency exits, and comprehensive safety measures. Regarding zoning revisions, Bangkok indicated it had previously reviewed the issue in municipal council but has not yet submitted a formal request to the Interior Ministry for zoning changes, which falls under Bangkok's responsibility.

The committee noted that revised zoning could increase tax revenue for both Bangkok and the central government while improving public safety standards. Bangkok is reportedly preparing a checklist system for operators seeking licenses, requiring annual renewal with stricter safety inspections and standards.

Thanayos emphasized that current laws governing such establishments are outdated and do not reflect modern conditions. He stressed that zoning reform must be prioritized before law amendments, as it forms the foundation for regulation. Without Bangkok pursuing zoning revision, progress on legal reforms will be hindered. The committee has not yet decided whether to review separate regulations for entertainment venues operating outside designated zones, as such establishments may cause noise nuisance near schools, residences, and communities.

NONTHABURI — A woman whose viral social media post claiming sexual harassment by a motorcycle taxi driver following a JAY B fan-meeting event at Impact Arena in Muang Thong Thani has apologized after her sister clarified that she has a mental health condition.

The woman had alleged that after attending the concert, she hailed a motorcycle taxi to take her to a hotel 4 kilometres away. She claimed the driver took an isolated shortcut, touched her thigh twice without consent, and that she became frightened and jumped from the moving motorcycle, sustaining injuries requiring nine stitches. Photos of her injuries accompanied the post, which went viral with over 10 million views.

Korean artist JAY B expressed concern after learning of the incident, and fans rallied around her. However, when fans grew suspicious and investigated, they discovered the incident was fabricated. They accompanied the motorcycle taxi driver to file a complaint at Pak Kret Police Station and reviewed CCTV footage.

On 21 July at Pak Kret Police Station, the woman's older sister met with the 56-year-old motorcycle taxi driver to request mediation and offer compensation. The driver explained that on 12 July, the woman had hailed him after the concert. He took her to a hotel on Chaeng Watthana Road, Soi 21, using a shortcut alongside Bang Phut Canal to save her money—reducing the distance from 8 kilometres to 2 kilometres and lowering the fare from an estimated 200 baht to just 80 baht. She paid 100 baht, and he complimented her appearance and kindness during the ride.

On July 22, 2025, Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) released asset and liability declarations for high-ranking officials. Among the notable entries was Ms. Suchada Sang Thantrop, a newly elected Member of Parliament from Chaiyaphum province representing the Bhumjaithai Party.

Ms. Suchada declared joint assets with her husband Naiyang Sang totaling 1,974,908,877.24 baht. Ms. Suchada's personal assets amount to 130,026,048.20 baht, her husband's to 1,843,941,579.04 baht, and their minor children's to 941,250 baht. Combined liabilities are 454,286.88 baht.

Ms. Suchada's individual assets include deposits across 12 bank accounts (8.9 million baht), investments (16.1 million baht), four land parcels in Chaiyaphum (17.4 million baht), one vehicle valued at 11.3 million baht, and various rights and concessions (37.5 million baht). She reports annual income of approximately 1.7 million baht, including salary and office rental income, with annual expenses of 500,000 baht.

Her husband's assets total 1.843 billion baht, including deposits (154 million baht), investments (178 million baht), a major loan to Tree Aerials Capital Limited (1.44 billion baht), overseas condominium units, and various luxury items. Notable assets include a 9-rai property in Chaiyaphum valued at 15 million baht and a Lumpini condominium unit worth 37.5 million baht.

Luxury items declared include diamond ear studs (5 million baht), a 5-carat diamond ring (6.7 million baht), a Bulgari Serpenti Viper necklace (6.3 million baht), and several Patek Philippe watches ranging from 1.9 to 3.6 million baht each. An Hermes Kelly crocodile handbag is valued at 1.8 million baht.

The couple also owns artworks by Futura, an American graffiti and street artist from New York, with pieces valued between 5.4 and 7.8 million baht. Futura, originally known as Futura 2000, is a pioneering abstract graffiti artist from the 1970s who blended spray painting with hip-hop culture and has collaborated with global brands including Nike, Supreme, and Off-White.

Thai lingerie brand Wacoal is reinforcing its leadership position in women's undergarments by aggressively targeting the Gen Z market with its successful Bratop bra tank top line. Launched through online channels, the product has quickly become a bestseller, reflecting changing consumer behavior that prioritizes comfort and practicality in clothing choices for Thailand's tropical weather. The new collection features refined design based on body expertise, made with Bamboo fiber technology for smooth fit without indentation marks, breathable fabric, and skin-friendly materials aligned with Wacoal's commitment to environmental responsibility.

Dr. Supranie Ooyayasathian, executive director and head of Digital Business at Wacoal Thailand, stated that modern consumers increasingly value comfort in undergarments across various lifestyles including work, travel, and leisure. The Bratop line combines comfort with body support through Free Cut technology, natural bamboo fiber, and a selection of styles including tank tops, singlets, and t-shirts. Available in five sizes (S–2XL) with free shipping on all online platforms including www.wacoal.co.th, Shopee, Lazada, Central Online, ICC Shopping, TikTok Shop, and Wacoal stores, the product has set a sales target of 100,000 units. The success demonstrates that today's lingerie market prioritizes functionality, comfort, and quality alongside fashion, and Wacoal remains committed to developing high-quality products under environmentally friendly production standards.

The Red Shirts of Pathum Thani have decided to forego large-scale festivities for former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's birthday this year, instead holding only a simple merit-making ceremony and birthday cake-cutting on July 26. On July 22, 2025, Sarrarak Malaitong, a leading Red Shirt figure in Pathum Thani Province, announced that the group would scale back celebrations compared to previous years, keeping the event simple to show respect and remembrance for the former premier's work on behalf of the public.

Although there will be no major celebration, Red Shirts in each province can still express their support for Thaksin in appropriate ways, with all activities conducted within a framework suited to current circumstances. The central event will be held at the broadcast studio of TV Channel 24, fifth floor of the Imperial Building on Lat Phrao Road, featuring a merit-making ceremony with nine monks, cloth offerings for the Buddhist Lent season, and a simple birthday cake-cutting.

The group expects over 1,000 participants, with coordinators receiving ongoing confirmations of attendance. Multiple provinces across Thailand are preparing similar merit-making activities, taking advantage of the timing near the start of Buddhist Lent to combine charitable work with remembrance of the former prime minister. July is traditionally considered an auspicious month, making it an appropriate occasion for merit-making that brings spiritual benefit and peace of mind to all participants.