BANGKOK: In addition to a national digital TV broadcast streaming platform, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) plans to develop a national digital radio and audio platform to bridge the radio broadcasting gap and promote automated emergency and disaster alerts nationwide.

Bangkok Mass Transit System (BEM) is organizing the 18th edition of "BEM Helps Students Conquer TCAS," a comprehensive tutoring program designed to turn students' weaknesses into strengths on the TGAT exam. The event transforms Samyan Mitrtown Hall into a knowledge center on Saturday, August 8, 2025, from 7 AM to 7 PM.

Three top tutors from We By The Brain will lead in-depth sessions on all three TGAT sections: TGAT 1 (English Communication) with Dr. Somita Muat Thong, TGAT 2 (Logical Reasoning) with Wishet Kee Sukhaphand, and TGAT 3 (Work Competency) with Surachet Pichit Pongsophae. The program also features university pathway guidance, an inspirational talk from KruDew (Chaitawat Manochaicharoenkul) of KruDew English, a mini concert, games, and activity booths from sponsors.

High school students can register now via QR Code or https://line.me/R/ti/p/@413ljgvl. For updates, follow TCAS by BEM on Facebook and TikTok.

The Finance Ministry announced on July 6, 2024, through Winit Wisetsuwannaphoomi, director of the Office of Fiscal Economics, that the Public Welfare Committee for Grassroots Economy and Society held its eighth meeting of 2024. The committee approved results from the state welfare card registration program for 2024, including expansion of target groups. An additional 5,383,393 vulnerable individuals without existing welfare cards, identified during the Interior Ministry's field registration between June 4-21, 2024, will now enter the eligibility verification process.

For the 2024 program screening, income earners who claim parental care deductions will no longer be automatically disqualified from welfare benefits. The Ministry also incorporated recommendations from the Bank of Thailand regarding the 100,000-baht total credit limit criteria, now excluding agricultural credit. Agricultural lending differs from standard credit as it operates seasonally and sometimes provides disaster relief, making it an unreliable indicator of financial capacity or asset status.

The Finance Ministry is considering allowing current welfare card holders who fail to qualify for the 2024 program to access the Thailand Helping Thais Plus (60/40) initiative for two months (August 1 - September 30, 2024), since they were ineligible during the previous registration period. The Cabinet will review these revisions before the official results announcement scheduled for July 17, 2024.

Police from Pak Khlong Rangsit Station responded on July 6, 2025 to reports of a school van striking a power pole on Muang Aek Road in Lak Hok Subdistrict, Pathum Thani. Officers found a severely damaged white Toyota van with a downed power pole across its hood. Inside were 13 male students from Wat Na Wong School and one 25-year-old male driver, totaling 14 injured passengers. Eight victims were transported to Siam Saint Carlos Hospital and six to Paolo Hospital.

Investigation revealed the van was carrying football players living in a dormitory near Khlong Song area. The driver suddenly swerved to avoid a parked trailer truck, lost control, and crashed onto the sidewalk into the power pole. A 16-year-old student seated near the driver reported observing the driver appearing drowsy with drooping eyes before the collision. Police are conducting further investigation into the driver's condition and whether the van exceeded passenger capacity.

At 10:20 a.m. on July 6 at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithadprasat addressed the upcoming Constitutional Court ruling on a decree authorizing the Finance Ministry to borrow up to 400 billion baht to address the energy crisis and facilitate the country's energy transition in 2025.

Ekniti stated that the government's best course of action is to present complete and accurate information justifying the necessity of the measure. Thailand's heavy reliance on energy—particularly oil—reflects in the country's current account deficit, largely driven by elevated global oil prices. He noted that ongoing global conflicts continue to damage energy infrastructure worldwide, keeping fuel prices high.

When asked about contingency plans if the court rules unfavorably, Ekniti said the government would accelerate private sector partnerships through a public-private cooperation committee. He emphasized that delays in energy transition would further weaken Thailand's already fragile economy amid persistent high global oil prices and Thailand's continued import dependency.

Ekniti mentioned ongoing discussions about transitioning to clean energy and shifting vehicle fuel consumption from diesel to biodiesel and biomass energy derived from palm, sugarcane, and sugar. Such transitions could benefit farmers through improved incomes.

Ekniti also announced launching a personal Facebook page "Dr. Ekniti Nitithadprasat" to explain the broader economic picture and welcome both positive and negative feedback from the public.

The Social Security Office (SSO) began accepting nominations for insured person and employer representatives to serve on the Social Security Board for 2025 on July 1. Applications are being accepted through July 15, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., including public holidays, at SSO headquarters in Bangkok and provincial offices nationwide.

As of 9:00 a.m. on July 6, 2025, a total of 68 candidates had registered: 13 from the employer side and 55 from the insured persons side. Meanwhile, 694,519 eligible voters had registered to participate in the election, up from 682,413 the previous day, with increases in both the employer category (from 5,409 to 5,469) and insured persons category (from 677,004 to 689,050).

Candidates from the insured persons category must be Thai nationals at least 18 years old, registered with the SSO, and have contributed for at least three months within the six months preceding the election announcement. They must not be bankrupt, lack legal capacity, have had voting rights revoked, been convicted of election fraud or corruption, hold political office, be civil servants, or have other disqualifying characteristics.

Employer-side candidates must also be Thai nationals at least 18 years old and registered employers or authorized representatives of registered employers. They must have contributed for at least three months within six months before the election, with similar disqualifications as insured person candidates.

Eligible insured voters must be Thai nationals registered with the SSO for at least six consecutive months with at least three months of contributions within six months of the election announcement. Eligible employer voters must be registered employers meeting the same contribution requirements or authorized representatives. All voters must register by July 15, 2025, or forfeit their voting rights. The election is scheduled for September 27, 2025.