On July 15, Rangsiman Rom, a Pheu Thai list MP and chair of the House Committee on Law, Justice, and Human Rights, briefed lawmakers on the committee's investigation into local government recruitment for 2567-2569. Several agencies provided testimony, including the TOR (Terms of Reference) drafting committee and the Interior Ministry's deputy secretary general. However, some agencies failed to cooperate fully. The National Anti-Corruption Commission initially confirmed attendance but later submitted only a written statement without explanation, as did the Public Administration Department, citing other urgent commitments.

Rangsiman highlighted three key findings. First, the TOR lacks adequate anti-fraud safeguards—there is no mechanism to verify if Excel files or score data have been altered after upload. Of approximately 15,000 preliminary vetted names, about 6,000 show signs of modification, with some cases already under NACC review. Second, announced candidate lists do not match score records in system files, suggesting either the announcements are incorrect or the data has been tampered with. Responsibility rests with the Central Local Official Recruitment Committee and the Interior Ministry permanent secretary. Third, while five officials were reportedly placed under severe disciplinary investigation, no formal complaints or accusations have been filed against any individuals by the ministry.

Rangsiman questioned whether these safeguard failures were deliberate or accidental and called for further investigation into the circumstances and those responsible.

On July 15, 2025, at the Cyber Crime Police Division headquarters in Muang Thonburi, Songkan Ajchariyadej, a former justice reform commissioner and legal advisor authorized by Defense Minister Adulyadej Buntharm, filed a formal complaint with cyber crime investigators. The complaint targets a Facebook page called "Phee Saep Sanan Phatoep," which has allegedly spread images, videos, and text containing false or distorted information about the Defense Ministry, including claims that the ministry has financial interests in Cambodia and has therefore refused to cut ties with the Cambodian government.

Songkan stated that the false information has caused widespread public confusion, with approximately 5,700 comments criticizing the Defense Minister and nearly 300,000 views. He emphasized that the posts have damaged the ministry's reputation and compromised national security. Evidence and screenshots have been collected and submitted to the Cyber Crime Police Division for prosecution and page removal.

Deputy Commander Chatchaphan Khlaikhlueang confirmed receipt of the complaint and stated that the Cyber Crime Police Division 1, which covers Bangkok, will investigate whether the posts violate Section 14(2) of the Computer Crime Act, which prohibits uploading false or distorted information that may harm national security, public safety, economic stability, or cause public panic. Investigators will examine the page in detail and determine whether the account holder is a real person or using a fake account. If the perpetrator is identified, legal action will be pursued; if the account is fake, Meta will be contacted for user information to track down the offender before the page is shut down.

Commander Sirivatth Deepho added that preliminary findings indicate the content consists of live streams or videos making direct allegations against the Defense Ministry. Investigators have been assigned to determine whether the content constitutes false information and whether it impacts national security. If both elements are established, the case will fall under the Computer Crime Act.

The Interior Ministry is preparing to modernize Thailand's entertainment venue law and establish zoning restrictions. Permanent Secretary Arthit Sampantarattana said the prime minister recognizes that existing laws have become outdated as circumstances change. Zoning designations in Bangkok will be determined by the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Commissioner, while provincial authorities will handle their respective regions, with the prime minister directing agencies to accelerate the process.

When asked whether enforcement would intensify given widespread violations, Arthit explained that many establishments register as restaurants but operate as entertainment venues by selling alcohol and allowing dancing, which constitutes illegal operation without proper licensing. The ministry intends to review whether current laws and measures adequately address the situation. He emphasized that the core problem stems not from business operations themselves but from inadequate safety standards, leaving venues unable to properly respond to or care for patrons during emergencies.

Regarding jurisdiction between the Interior Ministry and police, Arthit noted that the Ladphrao beer hall obtained permission to operate as a restaurant through a district office, while the Interior Ministry will oversee legal compliance. A urgent meeting is being arranged by a deputy permanent secretary to coordinate efforts, expected to take place soon.

RAYONG: Police have arrested the supervisor of a Muay Thai boxing camp in Rayong province for allegedly procuring teenage boxers for a foreign sponsor and other pedophiles.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) deputy secretary-general announced plans to request additional answer sheet data from the Ministry of Interior and has advised local authorities to postpone hiring remaining candidates pending clarification of the investigation.

Speaking at 2:15 p.m. on July 15, 2025, at the Department of Local Administration following a local civil service exam committee meeting, Suchart Kruakitanon, NACC deputy secretary-general, said the commission will report its findings to an inquiry committee to establish facts. Work will be expedited in coordination with the Ministry of Interior.

When asked how the NACC will examine 800,000 answer sheets, Suchart said the investigation is ongoing and any problems will become additional test issues. He stressed the need to prioritize this investigation immediately because some candidates have already been hired and the matter has broad implications.

Regarding whether additional charges will be filed, Suchart said the matter will be reconsidered once the inquiry committee is formally established. The committee has been working for two weeks since the NACC elevated it to a special case due to its widespread impact. The commission is committed to full investigation.

On how candidates awaiting hiring will proceed, Suchart said the meeting recommended postponing hiring pending clarification. Since the investigation is ongoing, local authorities considering hiring the next batch must ensure clarity first. He noted that while some candidates may have done nothing wrong, those awaiting hiring must await verification given the complaints. He suggested that if candidates pursue legal remedies to seek protective orders, the court should provide justice to those affected, as this case impacts hundreds of thousands of test-takers.

Gulf Development Public Company Limited, represented by Sitamon Ratanawaladee, Director of Strategic Planning, received a certificate of honor from Tetch Bunnag, Secretary-General of the Thai Red Cross Society, in recognition of the company's donations and support for the Rama IX Centre for Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery at Chulalongkorn Hospital under the Thai Red Cross. The recognition was presented during the "40 Years of Rama IX Centre: International Standards Toward Sustainability" event held on July 13, 2025, at Chulalongkorn Hospital. The company is inviting the public to donate and receive commemorative items from the "Empowering Me" charity campaign, with all proceeds supporting the center's operations and reflecting GULF's commitment to combining infrastructure development with improved quality of life for disadvantaged Thais and equitable healthcare access.

Marking the center's 40th anniversary, GULF has brought back an exhibition of 10 symbolic paintings titled "Empowering Me – A Power of Identity Beyond Appearances: This Is Me, Beautiful As I Am," created by university students nationwide. The artwork conveys the dreams, resilience, and true identity of individuals with facial and cranial differences, aiming to foster understanding and acceptance of diversity in society.

GULF and Chulalongkorn Hospital have jointly set up a booth inviting public donations in exchange for commemorative items inspired by the "Empowering Me" concept, including acrylic keychains, canvas shoulder bags, and blankets. Interested donors can contribute and receive merchandise through various Thai Red Cross channels, including the website www.iredcross.org, with donations eligible for double tax deduction. All contributions will be directed without overhead costs to support the center's operations in caring for, treating, rehabilitating, and improving the sustainable quality of life for patients.

"GULF is proud to support the Rama IX Centre in enhancing the quality of life for young people with facial and cranial differences," said Sitamon. "The center plays a vital role in comprehensive patient care—physical, emotional, educational, and social skills development—enabling them to live confidently and reach their full potential. We are delighted that our support over the past decade has created opportunities and brighter futures for patients and families, benefiting Thai society and the healthcare system."

Over the past 10 years, GULF has improved patients' and families' quality of life through multi-faceted support of the Rama IX Centre, including: donating approximately 10 million baht toward patient care and transportation costs; providing over 20 million baht in educational scholarships under the "One Scholarship, One Dream, Build the Future" program, benefiting more than 500 youth and enabling three to complete undergraduate degrees; and organizing the "Empowering Me" art exhibition to showcase the identity and resilience of individuals with facial differences.