Thailand's Director-General of Tourism Chatturong Phakdeevanich announced that 302 foreign film productions brought 4.025 billion baht in investment to the country during the first half of 2025, reflecting global producers' continued confidence in Thailand as a key production hub in Southeast Asia.

The figure exceeds half of the 7 billion baht generated throughout 2024, when Thailand set an all-time record for foreign film investment. The Tourism Department estimates that, given the strong first-half trends and major productions scheduled for the second half, Thailand could break its own record again in 2025.

Phakdeevanich attributed Thailand's appeal to its diverse filming locations, quality Thai workforce, internationally standardized service systems, and government incentives including the Thailand Film Incentive Measures, which offer up to 30% cash rebates to foreign productions.

"Thailand no longer competes merely on scenic beauty," he said. "We now offer a complete system—professional teams, film companies, studios, equipment, hotels, transportation, and government support. These are the factors that convince international producers to choose Thailand."

Global streaming platforms, particularly Netflix, are driving significant growth in Thailand's film and content industry through continuous investment in Thai-related productions, creating employment and circulating funds throughout the economy.

The Tourism Department identified a promising new trend: the rapid growth of "vertical drama" or short-form vertical content, gaining popularity particularly in China and Asian markets. This format has attracted more content producers to film in Thailand.

The department is confident that Thailand's growing role in global content production, combined with the government's film promotion policies, will position the country as a regional hub for international film and content production, generating sustained revenue, employment, and economic value.

At 1 p.m. on July 1, 2569 at Parliament, Sirikanya Tansagul, a party list MP and deputy leader of Pheu Thai, along with Phrixit Wachrasindu and Phakamon Nunanun, party list MPs and spokesperson, discussed the review of the fiscal year 2570 budget bill. Phrixit stated that after consultation among opposition coalition parties, the consensus is that they cannot accept the proposed budget. While each party will decide internally whether to vote disapprove or abstain, Pheu Thai confirmed it will vote against the bill.

Sirikanya noted that the debate revealed chronic fiscal problems left unresolved, with the government itself admitting to these issues raised by the opposition. However, examining the budget details shows systemic problems affecting all ministry and agency budgets with across-the-board cuts offering no clear solutions. While some welfare-related budgets were reduced, equipment, computer, and digital budget items increased.

Sirikanya criticized a 30 percent reduction in research and development funding through state funds as a poor signal that the country does not prioritize research and development. Though public health budgets increased, the expanded state welfare card budget is insufficient for future welfare obligations. Provincial budgets were cut over 20 billion baht, yet true decentralization funding increased only marginally by 7 billion baht.

Sirikanya said they have not received explanations from ministers over three days about budget priorities. Concerns extend beyond opposition MPs to government MPs themselves, surprised at major budget cuts and canceled projects with no ministerial explanation. She expressed concern that available budgets lack proper prioritization, with critical items cut while potentially unnecessary projects receive increases. When asked about committee-level expectations, Sirikanya said they expect detailed project justifications from the government, or committees will investigate why projects were cut or increased. Even with existing reductions, she believes further trimming is possible, citing examples like the 500 million baht cut to newborn welfare benefits despite declining birth rates and lack of adjusted criteria.

When asked to rate the debate, Sirikanya said this round was more measured and rational in questioning, expecting ministers to respond similarly. However, she found their explanations unconvincing and overly defensive.

MST Golf, a major golf equipment retailer with over 36 years of experience, has officially entered the Thai market as its fourth location in Southeast Asia, following Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Operating as MST Golf Thailand, the company opened its first store at Chaan Issara Tower 1 today in soft-opening mode, with a grand opening scheduled for July 9, 2025.

MST Golf Group Berhad CEO Oong Yap welcomed the expansion, stating: "We are delighted to establish our first branch in Thailand. We hope to become well-known among Thai golfers as we already are throughout the golf industry. Our mission is to provide a unique shopping experience and quality service to Thai golfers."

The Bangkok store features exclusive brands including Sun Day Red, Tiger Woods' premium apparel and lifestyle line (exclusive distributor for four countries), WAAC, a trending Korean-American fashion golf brand, and Disney Golf licensed merchandise. Club equipment includes On Off Daiwa, Fore All, and Cutter & Buck, along with leading global brands such as Adidas Golf, Nike, Puma, Under Armour, FootJoy, and ECCO. Golf equipment offerings include Titleist, Ping, TaylorMade, Srixon, Fourteen, Xxio, Cleveland, Mizuno, Bridgestone Golf, Callaway, and more.

Editor's Note: The following article is written by H.E. Mr. Zhang Jianwei, the Chinese Ambassador to Thailand, on the occasion of the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand.

July 1, 2026 marks the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China and the 51st anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Thailand.

Over the past 105 years of trials and hardships, the Communist Party of China has led the Chinese people in achieving a great leap from standing up and growing prosperous to becoming strong, and has brought about two miracles of rapid economic development and long-term social stability. In particular, since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, China has historically eradicated absolute poverty, comprehensively entered a stage of high-quality development, and steadily maintained its position as the world's second largest economy. Its international influence has been significantly enhanced, deeply interconnected and mutually reinforcing with the rest of the world, continuously creating broad development opportunities for Thailand and other countries across the globe.

The Communist Party of China has always pursued an independent foreign policy of peace. It is dedicated to pursuing happiness for the Chinese people and rejuvenation for the Chinese nation and human progress and world harmony. Under the guidance of Xi Jinping Thought on Diplomacy, China is committed to building a community with a shared future for mankind, actively implements the four major global initiatives, and advocates a new type of international relations featuring mutual respect, fairness, justice, and win-win cooperation. China is unwavering in its role as a builder of world peace, a contributor to global development, a defender of the international order, and a provider of public goods. It has always been a trustworthy and reliable partner for Thailand.

Concerted efforts over the past 51 years have yielded fruitful results. No matter how the international landscape has evolved, China and Thailand have always stood together and forged ahead side by side. The two countries respect each other's development paths and firmly support each other in safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests. Our mutually beneficial cooperation has yielded remarkable results. Bilateral trade volume has increased by more than 6,000 times compared with the early days of diplomatic relations. China has been Thailand's largest trading partner for 13 consecutive years, and is also Thailand's largest export market for agricultural products, a major source of investment, and a leading source of tourists. The two countries have also maintained close coordination on regional and international affairs, jointly promoting peace and development, and have worked together to address risks.

At 11:00 AM on July 1, 2025, rescue workers from Thammaratmaneerat Station responded to a report of a ten-wheeler dump truck losing control and striking a garland vendor at an intersection in Muang District, Chachoengsao Province. The victim was trapped beneath the vehicle. Rescuers quickly used two hydraulic jacks to carefully lift the truck before extracting the injured man.

The victim, 50-year-old Eik (surname withheld), a garland vendor, sustained multiple injuries including a fractured right leg. After initial first aid at the scene, he was transported to Chachoengsao Hospital for detailed medical evaluation.

According to the driver, retired Sergeant Major Somneuk Hancha, former commander of Bang Nam Prio Police Station in Chachoengsao, he was heading to pick up goods in the Saensuk area when he reached the traffic intersection during a red light. He attempted to brake but found the brakes had failed. To avoid hitting other vehicles, he swerved onto the sidewalk but failed to notice the garland vendor standing in the road median and struck him with force.

Police are conducting a detailed investigation of the scene, interviewing the driver and witnesses, and inspecting the truck to determine the exact cause of the accident and take appropriate legal action.

Saphan Khwai Police Station conducted surveillance using hidden cameras to track a motorcycle theft gang, eventually capturing the entire group and linking them to violent crimes in both Thonburi and Nonthaburi areas. On July 1, 2026, officers led by Pol. Col. Samroay Phromphat announced the arrest of three suspects: Traiphop, age 19; Theerphol, age 19; and Thanyarak, age 19. Police seized 49 items including stolen motorcycles, motorcycle key components, lock-picking tools, helmets, and clothing worn during the crimes.

Officers charged the gang with organized nighttime motorcycle theft using vehicles to facilitate their crimes. Before the arrests, the suspects had stolen multiple motorcycles in the jurisdiction of Metropolitan Police Division 9. Investigators analyzed criminal behavior patterns, studied the timing of crimes, and continuously reviewed CCTV footage to track the gang.

After committing thefts, the criminals would flee to Phra Pin 5 Village in Soi Ekachai 109. On June 30, officers spotted Traiphop riding a motorcycle matching one used in the crimes. When confronted with CCTV footage showing him at crime scenes, Traiphop confessed to multiple motorcycle thefts.

Traiphop revealed that after stealing motorcycles, he would keep them at his rental room. Theerphol would contact buyers, who would send trucks to collect the vehicles. Before handover, they would change the keys and ignition switches, and arrange forged identity card and vehicle registration copies through a person called "Tee." Police found one Honda Wave motorcycle at Traiphop's room that he admitted stealing from Rama 5 Road in Phlai Bang subdistrict, ready for delivery to a buyer. They also recovered theft tools, stolen vehicle registrations, motorcycle parts, and clothing used during crimes.

Officers arrested Theerphol at a rental room in Soi Phahonyothin 58, who confessed to using aircraft aluminum to pry open motorcycle ignitions and working with Traiphop and Thanyarak. Police later arrested Thanyarak in Soi Bang Khae 14. All suspects admitted selling each stolen motorcycle for approximately 20,000 baht and dividing the proceeds.