On July 24, officers from Rong Kwang Police Station in Phrae province responded to a fatal shooting at a residence in Ban Pak Huai Oi, Baan Wieng subdistrict, Rong Kwang district. The victim, 45-year-old Yut (surname withheld), was found dead inside the home with a shotgun wound to the torso. The shooter, 69-year-old Wichai (surname withheld), the homeowner and victim's father-in-law, stood waiting to surrender along with the shotgun used in the incident. Police took him into custody for legal proceedings. Initial investigation revealed that the victim had visited his father-in-law's home to plead for reconciliation with his separated wife, but negotiations failed and a severe argument erupted. During the confrontation, the victim challenged the older man to shoot him, causing the father-in-law to lose his temper momentarily. He fired one shotgun round, killing the victim on the spot, then surrendered to authorities.

On July 24, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yotchanun Wongsuwan announced good news for faculty and personnel under the ministry, revealing success in unlocking a talent mobility policy.

Yotchanun said the ministry has now fully unlocked the Talent Mobility issue by signing a new ministerial announcement on guidelines for personnel movement and exchange. The core concept is to create opportunities for capable personnel to work in suitable locations where they can maximize their potential and create the greatest benefit, fostering new knowledge exchange without being bound by old regulations.

Previously, many personnel wished to help other universities or organizations but worried about civil service rules, record damage, or career advancement impacts. The ministry therefore issued a new announcement to dismantle these barriers.

Key benefits of the new policy include: full cross-agency work capability, allowing temporary assistance or exchanges between universities and other agencies; uninterrupted service record, ensuring continuous service time counting without losing employment rights; unobstructed career advancement, allowing normal salary raises and academic position applications (Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, Professor); and scholarship repayment time counting, where time spent working in other agencies counts toward any required scholarship repayment period.

This unlocking represents a crucial opportunity for personnel to break free from old frameworks, gain experience, build inter-agency networks, and collectively advance Thailand's research and education systems. Yotchanun stated: "I have always believed human capital is the most important cog in driving the nation forward. The ministry is committed to continuously developing people, removing various barriers, and building the best ecosystem to allow all our talented people to grow and demonstrate their full potential without limits."

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.