Thailand's head coach Anthony Hudson declared his team will pursue an aggressive attacking strategy in the opening Group B match of the 2026 AFC Cup against hosts Laos on July 24 at the Hilton in Vientiane. Hudson held a press conference alongside midfielder Seksaad Raatree ahead of the tournament's first match between Thailand (ranked 94th globally) and Laos (ranked 185th).

Hudson stated: "We must start well. We will play with a positive mindset, with intensity, and try to press forward aggressively. We want to begin this tournament with strength." He emphasized that Thailand are not favorites but possess talented young players with exciting qualities, naming Seksaad Raatree as an example. "I have confidence in our team. I don't want to put pressure on the players. I'll try to help them show their best form on the pitch."

Hudson added that each player has different talents, and his role is to encourage them to be bold and attack during the match. He praised the team's current commitment and preparation. Raatree expressed confidence, saying the team has prepared well and hopes for a strong tournament start. He downplayed pressure, noting that performance on the pitch is what matters, and that all teams are capable. The match will be played at Laos National Stadium on July 24 at 8 p.m., broadcast on TrueVisions Now.

Police announced on July 24 at Huai Kwang Station that they had dismantled a "fake Thai father" scheme in which foreign children were fraudulently granted Thai citizenship through false paternity claims. The operation resulted in the arrest of four suspects: two Chinese parents and two Thai men acting as nominal fathers. National Administrative Development Commission Secretary-General Narucha Kosaksivaliset, Deputy National Police Commander Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma, and Deputy Director of Health Support Services Akom Praditsuwan led the press briefing following the raids, which included a private hospital.

Narucha revealed that the investigation began after discovering irregularities in civil registration databases, particularly cases where children born to Chinese mothers were registered with Thai fathers. Deeper investigation confirmed that men were using false identities to provide paternity affidavits for children whose biological fathers were foreign nationals. Evidence was gathered, an investigation was conducted, and operations expanded, ultimately leading to today's raids and arrests.

The administration commander stated that the "fake father" problem has been a persistent social issue. He instructed all relevant agencies—government bodies, civil registration offices, and hospital personnel—to strictly follow proper procedures and the law, and to refuse assistance to any illegal activities. Officials involved in such schemes would face disciplinary action up to dismissal and criminal prosecution under statutes carrying harsher penalties for public servants. Officials also pledged to coordinate with the Ministry of Public Health regarding private hospital staff implicated in the scheme.

Deputy National Police Commander Samran reported that suppression of the scheme has been ongoing. In a previous operation on July 9, authorities executed 35 arrest warrants. Today's operation, which expanded from leads and public tips, has identified 1,483 children with suspicious records in Bangkok. Of these, two children's cases have been processed, leading to today's four arrests. Authorities plan to verify all suspicious cases and revoke Thai nationality for any children unlawfully granted citizenship.

Thai Defense Minister General Anutin Charnvirakul said on July 24, 2025, that his meeting with China's Defense Minister Admiral Dong Jun was a formal state visit following discussions with President Xi Jinping. He highlighted that the Chinese minister stressed the importance of informal dialogue and emphasized that China must remain neutral because both Thailand and Cambodia are valued friends. The Chinese minister described the comprehensive strategic partnership as having both public and private dimensions.

General Anutin noted that China had previously wanted to visit Thailand but faced urgent commitments. He stated that China possesses advanced military equipment comparable to any nation and can provide various forms of assistance. However, according to the 2016 treaty and agreements, China delays delivery and does not supply weapons during armed conflict—a demonstration of strategic partnership and respect for Thailand.

The minister said China has proposed cooperation beyond military equipment, including education, technology, and artificial intelligence initiatives. When asked whether China would mediate between Thailand and Cambodia, General Anutin clarified that the Chinese minister did not offer mediation but rather emphasized that both countries are China's friends and that China provides equipment according to existing treaties until the Thai-Cambodian border situation improves.

China seeks to elevate military relations with Thailand and has invited the Thai defense minister to forums and an official visit to China, both of which he has accepted. Regarding weapons including corvette ships, General Anutin confirmed that China provides both, noting that as a superpower, China can supply anything but chooses not to, or delays delivery. He suggested the public compare Chinese equipment provided to Cambodia with Thailand's own capabilities, while remaining uncertain about ammunition supplies.

On July 24, 2569, at the Ministry of Defense, Defense Minister General Adul Bunyatharnchaij held a press conference to clarify controversy surrounding his earlier interview, in which he avoided using the word "hunt" regarding the gunman who killed five rangers in Narathiwat province. He expressed genuine sorrow over the incident, stating that nothing pains a soldier, officer, and commander more than losing subordinates in combat. "My green heart has remained unchanged throughout my life," he said. "Even though my role is now Defense Minister, I affirm that my subordinates must not die in vain. I have instructed the Fourth Army Region commander to apprehend the perpetrator. I have done this throughout my life—subordinates do not die without consequence. However, my position and role require that if I speak more forcefully, it escalates the situation and adds fuel to the fire. But when it is necessary to express what is in my heart, I must speak. Nothing hurts more than being accused of not caring for my subordinates, and I regret that my words were not fully understood." He denied being angry and said there is no conflict with the Army Commander, with whom he coordinated before the commander visited the area. He apologized for the communication gap. "I do not have a polished rhetoric. When media asks me, I answer without considering the impact would be this severe. It pains me when people say that as a soldier I was one way, but changed when I entered politics. I am not deluded or proud. I am not attached to anything. If you go to the Northeast, you can ask people there—this is the kind of person I am," Adul said. During this interview, the Defense Minister displayed a tense demeanor and tears welled up in his eyes.

Deputy Education Minister Akkaranat Kankakit presided over the opening of the 25th National Science and Mathematics in Schools Academic Conference (STEM 25) on July 24, 2569, at Rajabhat Rajchanakit University in Chachoengsao Province. The conference theme, "Green STEM Education for Global Sustainability: Integration and Innovation," reflects a shift in Thai education toward embedding environmental problem-solving into science and math instruction.

Akkaranat emphasized that Green STEM goes beyond a mere theme—it represents a fundamental approach to integrating real-world environmental challenges into teaching to build life skills rather than focusing solely on test scores. He highlighted that AI technology should be viewed not as a threat but as a tool enabling teachers to design more precise and effective personalized learning experiences.

The ministry is backing this initiative through three key policies: reducing administrative burdens to free up classroom time for teachers, sustaining teacher development through Professional Learning Communities (PLC), and elevating science and math education to international standards to improve Thai students' PISA assessment scores.

"I wish to honor the role of every teacher, because every hour in the classroom and every question that inspires children to think critically is the most worthwhile investment in the nation's future," Akkaranat stated. "Teachers are the foundation for developing scientists, engineers, and innovators who will lead Thailand toward sustainability."

The deputy minister presented "Model Teacher" awards to nine educators and toured exhibitions showcasing student and graduate work, including innovations in coding and AI, e-waste metal extraction research, and electric vehicle conversion technology for used trucks. Director Theeradej Chearsukchumroon of the Institute for Promotion of Teaching Science and Technology (IPST) noted the conference serves as a collaborative platform for educators to exchange knowledge, present research, and develop science, mathematics, and technology innovations together.