On July 29, 2025, Labor Minister Julphand Amorwiwat discussed the administrative court's temporary suspension of Section 2 of the election committee's announcement requiring eligible voters to register with the Social Security Office. The suspension prompted the election committee to postpone the vote, though the court order is temporary and intended only to allow the SSO to reconsider procedures after the announcement raised conflicts with existing regulations. The court's suspension does not cancel or delay the election outright. The SSO's immediate step is to appeal the suspension order to the highest administrative court; if the court revokes it, the election can proceed as planned on September 27.

"This suspension applies only to the announcement, not the regulations, so we must appeal the suspension order," the minister stated. "If the court lifts it, we can proceed with the election on September 27 as scheduled." Julphand emphasized that social security board elections are critically important because the committee has operated in a caretaker status for months, causing operational delays across multiple functions. He expressed determination to accelerate the election process.

When asked about contingencies if the highest administrative court does not revoke the suspension, the minister outlined several options. The first is to await the court's final judgment, which could take considerable time and risk a governance vacuum at the social security board. A second option is to amend the regulations, but this requires a lengthy legal process—including public hearings, draft proposals, review by relevant agencies, and publication in the Royal Gazette—taking at least 45 days before a new election process could begin, making it impractical for immediate action.

Meanwhile, the SSO is exploring an alternative approach: using a database of approximately 11 million eligible voters and placing voter lists at polling units by residential location, allowing insured persons to verify their names and vote directly. However, details still require consideration, such as employees of large companies registered at head offices but working in other provinces, and establishing a cutoff date for verifying voter eligibility when real-time database updates are impossible on election day. Clear criteria must be established before implementation.

"Ultimately, the social security board election must occur—whether on September 27 or later is another matter," the minister said. "But I and the SSO confirm the election must happen soon." Regarding criticism of the registration conditions, Julphand noted his intention to revise the regulations, as many issues warrant review including insured person registration, employer participation, and ensuring all contribution tiers have proper representation on the board. However, because regulation amendments are time-consuming, proceeding before the election could delay the vote further.

Setter Nugnick Nattanichaa Jaisen was named captain of Thailand's women's volleyball team competing in the 6th SEA V Cup 2026, with coach Keattipong Ratchatkreangkrai expressing confidence in her leadership. The Thai squad departed Bangkok on July 29 aboard Thai AirAsia flight FD 640 to Hanoi, Vietnam, featuring experienced players including Piew Atchara Kongyos, Omsorn Sasipha Chundvisut, and rising stars Sarah Anchoma and Jade Nannapath Muljukum. Coach Ott emphasized that the SEA V Cup serves as an important test for the team ahead of the Asian Championships and Asian Games, with most squad members being prepared for those major competitions.

The tournament runs July 31–August 2, 2026, in Hanoi with four teams competing: Vietnam (host), Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand. All teams play in a round-robin format, with the champion determined by total points. Thailand's schedule includes matches against Indonesia on July 31, Philippines on August 1, and Vietnam on August 2.

At noon on July 29, 2025, at the grounds of Wat Khao Chong Lom in Siracha District, Chachoengsao Province, large crowds came to pay respects to the Thao Wessuwanna Tong Luean statue, a 15.99-meter-tall brass Buddha image weighing 80 tons—the tallest newly constructed Buddha statue in Thailand. The shrine's opening ceremony was held on July 24, 2025. A smaller 9.9-meter plaster statue of the same deity has already blessed 19 lottery winners with grand prizes, while the larger statue granted one grand prize winner on December 16, 2024.

Visitors brought offerings and incense to worship and seek blessings, drawing lucky numbers from incense sticks to use as lottery ticket guidance for the August 1, 2025 drawing. The deity is known to favor dance offerings, with devotees either performing traditional dances themselves or hiring dancers, sometimes spending 100,000 baht on firecrackers as offerings.

Among those seeking blessings was Nang Sao Saithong, a 30-year-old factory worker who came to give thanks and seek further blessings after winning over 200,000 baht in the previous lottery. She drew the number 997 from incense sticks and plans to use it to purchase lottery tickets, hoping to become the 21st grand prize winner blessed by this shrine.

PHUKET: Police have obtained an arrest warrant for a Russian man wanted for stealing more than B627,000 from a currency exchange at Central Phuket Festival shopping mall, with investigators revealing that the suspect has also overstayed his visa since 2025.

A father and son visiting Nan province were shocked to discover their booked accommodation did not match the pictures shown online. On July 28, Anant Seedaeng, director of the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Nan office, along with Nadthip Kaewprathit of the Nan Tourist Police, met with the affected tourists—referred to as "Khun Kao"—to address the situation.

Anant stated that TAT treats all tourists like family members and that when problems arise, the organization and relevant agencies take immediate action. He explained that the discrepancy occurred between the accommodation provider and the booking information, resulting in service that fell short of expectations. The tourists had planned a three-day, two-night trip to Nan, staying first in Sapan and then in the city center.

To demonstrate sincerity and encourage the tourists to return, TAT Nan presented them with commemorative gifts and arranged a complimentary room voucher from Sapan Glang Na resort. Anant emphasized that Nan's appeal extends beyond natural beauty to include high service standards and the warmth of local hospitality. He noted that this incident serves as an important lesson in strengthening cooperation with local tourism operators to prevent similar mismatches and ensure all visitors have exceptional experiences. Khun Kao expressed satisfaction and confirmed plans to return to Nan province.

The family and relatives of Hulun Solo, an adventurous travel content creator, have launched a public appeal for help after losing all contact with him while he was filming and traveling in Georgia. Communication ceased entirely on July 13, 2025, and as of now, over 16 days have passed with no word from the YouTuber, causing deep concern among his family, relatives, and loyal fan base. Hulun Solo is known for his distinctive travel content featuring a relaxed and down-to-earth lifestyle, which has earned him a dedicated following. Fans and family members are coordinating information with Thai networks abroad, hoping for a breakthrough and good news soon.

On July 29, 2025, local officials from Samdet District in Kalasin Province, including Subdistrict Chief Wirat Rajchalee and Subdistrict Mayor Trinetr Kaewsimma, visited the family home to offer support and gather information. They have escalated the case to the provincial governor and are coordinating with consular services to track developments.

Hulun's 82-year-old grandmother, Som Plengsuak, who raised him after his father's death, expressed her anguish at being unable to reach him, saying she cannot eat or sleep. She has been holding his photograph and praying for his safety. She and the family organized a ritual ceremony seeking divine intervention for his rescue and safe return. His sister, Borluk, 28, noted that during previous trips abroad, Hulun would notify them when in areas without internet signal and could typically reconnect within two to four days—but this time 15-16 days have passed with no contact.