The Pracharacha Pol (KPI Poll) released survey results on July 31 showing that most Thais want the state welfare card program to continue, with 31.7% proposing increased spending limits to match living costs. The survey, conducted July 25-28 among 2,000 respondents nationwide aged 18 and above, found that 24.4% consider the vehicle ownership restriction the most problematic eligibility criterion, while 15.0% cite the annual income cap of 100,000 baht. However, 14.6% believe the overall criteria are clear and appropriate. More than half of respondents (53.1%) disagree with the reduced number of eligible recipients, fearing worthy individuals lose benefits, though 40.6% support it for better budget targeting. Regional opinions differ sharply—Bangkok residents approve the screening at 72.3%, while the Northeast disapproves at 68.7%. When asked about improvements, 27.7% want clearer explanations for rejections, and 25.1% want government agencies to coordinate data-sharing rather than placing the burden on applicants. Looking ahead, 31.7% propose increasing assistance to match living costs, while 29.1% want more precise eligibility criteria and improved databases to identify worthy recipients.

The Department of Foreign Trade is advancing Thai SMEs through the DFT+ program in Songkhla, connecting business networks and hosting trade-matching events while studying border logistics capabilities to prepare entrepreneurs for global markets. Department Director Arada Fuengthong has assigned Deputy Director Chanintr Rimcharoen to lead over 100 SME operators and government and private sector executives in relationship-building and trade network activities in Songkhla Province from July 22-24, 2026.

The DFT+ (Local to Global) initiative, officially launched on July 10, 2026, is funded by the SME Promotion Fund and aims to develop Thai entrepreneurs comprehensively through knowledge, networking, and connections to international trade opportunities. Since launch, entrepreneurs have completed two of five intensive training sessions before field activities in Songkhla Province. Participants will learn from logistics experts, engage in team-building activities, exchange experiences, and establish cooperation networks—essential foundations for business expansion and future trade partnerships.

A key highlight occurs on July 23, 2026, when SME operators will negotiate with business networks in Songkhla and nearby areas, including buyers, traders, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers, to expand markets and sales channels both domestically and internationally. The deputy director noted that Business Matching serves as a critical mechanism linking entrepreneurs with potential partners and driving actual transactions. The activity has generated strong business interest, creating preliminary negotiation value exceeding 10 million baht, with expectations for additional transactions and partnerships ahead.

The department also arranged study visits to the new Sa Dao Customs checkpoint, Thailand's highest-value land border trading post handling road transport to Malaysia and connections to Singapore. Entrepreneurs learned about X-ray Fast Scan inspection systems and the National Single Window (NSW) and ASEAN Single Window (ASW) systems, which the Department of Foreign Trade has integrated with electronic certificates of origin, reducing inspection time and facilitating FTA benefits.

The group also visited Padang Besar customs checkpoint, a rail transport hub connecting Thailand, Malaysia, and Singapore that handles large container and oversized cargo shipments, helping reduce logistics costs. These visits provided entrepreneurs with knowledge of border trade infrastructure and capabilities.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin expressed concern on July 31 about deteriorating water quality at Bung Sai Lake in Phichit province, an important natural water source and tourist attraction. He instructed the Pollution Control Department to urgently track and assess water quality, identify pollution sources, and coordinate with all relevant agencies to devise corrective measures and restore the water body.

Chomklin directed the Pollution Control Department to deploy drone technology to survey the area around Bung Sai Lake to gather spatial data, locate pollution sources, and analyze factors affecting water quality. This information will support targeted corrective measures with concrete results.

Dr. Surin Vorakitthammong, director-general of the Pollution Control Department, reported that the Region 4 office in Nakhon Sawan has continuously monitored five sampling points at Bung Sai Lake during fiscal 2025. Results from the first three quarters show that the central point (BS05) exhibits Category 5 water quality, indicating severe degradation.

The department conducted an aerial survey using drone technology on August 11, 2025, to identify pollution sources and factors affecting water quality, supported by the Phichit Provincial Administration and coordinated with provincial natural resources and environment office, Phichit Municipality, and local administrative organizations. Dr. Surin stated that aerial imagery will be analyzed alongside water quality test results to develop targeted restoration measures, enabling sustainable use and long-term ecosystem preservation.

On July 30, Senator Sompan Palasak from Group 10 filed a defamation complaint at Muang Amnat Charoen Police Station against Yingluck Achananth, director of the Internet for People Law Project (iLaw), and associates. The complaint stems from public Facebook posts that Sompan says falsely suggested he lacked qualifications to run for senator and misrepresented the legal requirements for Group 10 candidates—a category covering business operators outside small and medium enterprises.

Sompan stated that the posts damaged his reputation, causing him humiliation and public contempt. He emphasized that his qualifications were properly verified during the registration process, including submission of documentation proving knowledge and experience in his business sector. The Election Commission (EC) rejected challenges to his candidacy under ruling 17/2568, and he has since served as a senator without issue.

Sompan criticized Yingluck for failing to verify facts thoroughly and for applying what he calls "iLaw principles" rather than standard legal interpretation used by the EC and the public. He pointed out that iLaw's website information has already triggered electoral complaints in other provinces, with the EC dismissing those cases as well. Sompan stressed that while he operates a fish-ball noodle shop called "Big Fishball Noodle," he did not misrepresent his business on his application as Yingluck claimed. He argued that the EC, not Yingluck, has authority to evaluate candidate qualifications, and expressed dismay that Yingluck's posts included mocking and ridicule of his senate position, damaging his reputation, profession, and family honor.

Deputy Prime Minister Pokphand Nilpraphan has revealed progress on legislative reforms aimed at enhancing Thailand's competitive capacity. The government is currently collaborating with three major private sector institutions through a public-private committee to identify laws that hinder business operations. The private sector has proposed approximately 100 laws for amendment, with most suggestions coming from the Federation of Thai Industries and Thai Chamber of Commerce. Rather than developing a comprehensive masterplan—which would be time-consuming and slow to adapt—the government is requesting that the private sector clearly specify which laws are problematic and which phrases require revision. Once draft amendments are finalized, they will immediately be opened for stakeholder feedback before being submitted to the Cabinet for approval and assignment to relevant agencies.

The government will prioritize law reforms according to the "7 Leading Thailand" strategy, particularly focusing on industries that directly impact competitiveness, such as tourism and manufacturing. Business representatives have emphasized that high operating costs make Thailand increasingly uncompetitive against other nations. Pokphand noted that while initially estimated to take two months, significant progress has already been made, with clearer outcomes expected within another one to two months. However, he cautioned that competitiveness challenges extend beyond legal frameworks; structural costs—particularly high energy prices—also require simultaneous attention alongside legislative reforms.