On July 15, 2025, Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Arisit Sampatharatana appeared at the Central Investigation Bureau to brief journalists on the local government civil service exam fraud case. He stated that the Prime Minister has been closely monitoring the situation and attended today's central examination committee meeting as one of its members. After delegating initial oversight, Arisit found his own name under investigation, prompting his personal attendance. The Prime Minister wanted an update on the committee's review of all prior proceedings.

During today's meeting, irregularities were discovered in three rounds of 15,000 appointees, with 14,988 reporting for duty out of 15,520 who passed. Investigators compared submitted candidates' scores against raw answer sheets kept in safes and found 5,814 individuals with score discrepancies: 3,621 candidates had scores artificially inflated from failing to passing; 1,713 had scores bumped up to secure higher rankings; and 480 others had single-point errors or unclear scans requiring verification against the Anti-Corruption Commission's sealed documents.

When asked why the Prime Minister did not simply revoke the appointments himself, Arisit explained this follows the law governing local government procedures. The Interior Minister chairs the committee but must include representatives from all three local government bodies and their secretaries—six officials total—plus outside experts. Since the committee is collectively composed and appointed, not unilaterally designated by the Premier, decisions require joint deliberation. The 5,814 flagged appointments have been referred to the three local government committees for further action. If revocation proceeds, a complete recount will be needed and qualified candidates from the remaining pool will fill positions. Currently, all score sheets and answer documents are held by the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

While Yala province is known for its natural beauty and multicultural charm, it is also home to a wealth of high-quality products from talented local entrepreneurs ready to enter national and international markets. The Yala Municipality has been continuously supporting local businesses, particularly after last year's successful Grand Halal event, which generated strong sales, business partnerships, and widespread brand recognition. This year, the municipality is returning with local entrepreneurs to make an even greater impact at Grand Halal Bangkok 2026 at BITEC Bangna in Bangkok from July 15–17, 2026, marking an important step in boosting the local economy and building community pride.

According to Pongsak Yingchanomjareun, Mayor of Yala Municipality, the municipality serves as a hub for promoting entrepreneurs, particularly in contemporary fashion that leverages the region's halal cultural resources in an area where over 90% of the population is Muslim. The effort includes collaboration with designers from Malaysia and Indonesia, as well as partnerships with Thammasat University to systematically develop design skills. The municipality is also upgrading standards for processed agricultural products and food while ensuring that grassroots entrepreneurs and community networks are included in the learning process for sustainable self-reliance. Long-term goals include introducing premium brands to foreign markets in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, including Jeddah.

The mayor emphasized that the objective is to develop entrepreneurs and create sustainable livelihoods by building strong sales capabilities. When these business owners succeed, it creates jobs and improves the overall economy, enabling people to support their families and education. At Grand Halal Bangkok 2026, Yala Municipality aims to create an opportunity for sustainable entrepreneur and grassroots development by elevating community products to international standards and showcasing Yala's unique identity. Featured brands include KiriKhet, a premium drip coffee brand from Yala's pristine forest highlands, known for its carefully selected, high-quality roasted beans.

On July 15, 2025, the Constitutional Court considered cases referred by the administrative courts of Phitsanulok and Chiang Mai regarding Section 50(18) of the Local Election Act, B.E. 2562, which the court assessed against Article 26 of the Constitution concerning the limits on individual rights and freedoms. The disputed provision states that anyone convicted of an offense under the act—whether or not they received a sentence—who has completed their sentence or faces a final judgment less than five years before the election date is ineligible to run for local office.

The Constitutional Court determined that this disqualification rule excessively restricts a person's right to candidacy without reasonable justification. By a 7-2 majority vote, the court ruled that Section 50(18) contradicts Article 26 of the Constitution.

This ruling means the five-year disqualification period cannot be enforced in the areas the court found unconstitutional, establishing an important standard for protecting citizens' voting and candidacy rights under the Constitution. The seven justices supporting the decision were Udom Sittiwirattham, Wirul Sangthian, Chiraniti Hawanon, Naphadol Theppitag, Banjong Sakdiwoungpracha, Udom Rattamrit, and Sarawut Songsivilay. The two dissenting justices were Nakorin Mekhtrairat, the court's president, and Sumet Roykuncharin.

Police investigating the Ladprao beer bar fire reported significant progress on July 15 as they examined documents and financial records. Four individuals are connected to the establishment: two registered owners—one currently hospitalized in intensive care and his mother—plus two additional partners or informal shareholders, whose identities are already known to police. Investigators are examining how money flowed between the business and all four parties to determine if financial misconduct occurred. The financial evidence will be combined with other materials to support charges against those involved. Authorities are comparing this case with similar past incidents, including the Chonburi pub fire and Santic Bar cases, finding that the Ladprao group has significant assets though not at the level of the Santic case. Preliminary charges may include at least three existing counts with additional possible charges under the Service Establishment Act, plus potential civil claims for damages. Regarding CCTV evidence, investigators have successfully recovered approximately 30 minutes of footage from the bar's 16 cameras and are meticulously reviewing the sequence of events. Key findings show that smoke originated from the left side of the stage before rapidly spreading right and developing into continuous flames. This evidence will be corroborated with witness statements from staff, customers, and emergency personnel.

Chonburi FC has officially announced the signing of Phiraphat Notchaiiya, a 33-year-old left-back, to reinforce the team's defense and prepare for the 2026/27 Thai League season. Notchaiiya is among Thailand's most experienced left-backs, having played for numerous top-tier clubs including BEC Tero Sasana, Muangthong United, True Bangkok United, and most recently Phlang Kanchanaburi FC. He made 22 appearances across all competitions last season, logging 1,467 minutes of play.

At the international level, Notchaiiya has represented Thailand across all age groups, from the U-19 to U-23 teams and the senior national squad, reflecting his quality, experience, and professionalism. Notchaiiya is Chonburi FC's eighth new signing for the season, joining Wellington Priori, Ryoma Itou, Stenio Junior, Krawich Thasaa, Chaoowat Veeraphat, Dennis Murillo, and Triston Do as the club prepares for a successful campaign in the 2026/27 Thai League.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul visited the Central Investigation Police Bureau on July 15, 2025, to review progress in the 2024 local civil service exam fraud scandal. Speaking at the meeting, the PM stressed his government's commitment to exposing wrongdoing without compromise, saying the case involves approximately 5,000 individuals who were illegally appointed to local positions.

Anutin warned that politicians implicated in the fraud would face severe consequences, noting that some falsely portrayed themselves as heroes while committing extensive misconduct. He confirmed that multiple officials have already been suspended pending investigation results and emphasized that all proceedings must follow strict legal procedures based on factual evidence. "This case offers no leniency," he stated. "Everything must proceed according to law, and no one should fear unfair treatment or interference."

The PM also announced plans to present the entire matter to the Central Civil Service and Local Government Employee Commission in a meeting scheduled for July 23, 2025, to decide on removing the 5,000 fraudulently appointed individuals from their positions. He assured the public that the investigation would be transparent and swift, with all findings based on verified evidence rather than political considerations.