On July 23, Nirat Pongsitthithawer, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry and acting director-general of the Department of Local Administration, briefed reporters after meeting Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul at Government House. He explained that discussions centered on fraud discovered in the local government employee examination, involving the Central Civil Service Commission's (CCSC) announcement procedures. The CCSC chair signed off on the decision during a meeting on July 17.

When asked why the matter needed to return to a meeting after the CCSC had already voted, Nirat explained that according to protocol, the CCSC initially certifies examination scores. When errors are found, the CCSC must vote to rescind its original decision and then vote to certify the corrected scores. Verification was completed on July 17 but had not been brought to a meeting. "This is the straightforward way to do it, respecting the rights of all test-takers as much as possible," he said.

After the meeting concludes, the CCSC must issue a proclamation signed by the chair with an attached roster of names, all stamped to verify the data matches the original examination and verification date with no alterations. When asked if the delayed process poses legal obstacles, Nirat denied it, citing the massive scale of the operation involving 270,000 test-takers. He said officials will rush to complete the task within today or tomorrow to prevent errors.

Asked whether the action aims to prevent lawsuit filings against the Administrative Court, Nirat stated the department respects and protects rights and hopes to prevent litigation. "If we make a straightforward announcement and stand confident in our work, I believe no one will file a suit," he said. Multiple agencies—including the Department of Local Administration, the company contracting with Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University, IT-savvy police, and the National Anti-Corruption Commission—have verified the errors to minimize mistakes. Regarding enforcement authority, Nirat said the CCSC will pursue legal action against those who submitted false information to the meeting. He declined to name specific individuals or agencies at this stage, noting that damage on this scale demands accountability. Criminal charges are already underway, with police and anti-corruption officials now involved due to the fraud against the government.

BANGKOK — A 42-year-old man with a psychiatric history was allegedly attacked by a self-described vigilante group after posting social media content critical of the Thai monarchy, then faced a lèse-majesté complaint under Article 112 of the Criminal Code, according to Thai Lawyers for Human Rights (TLHR).

TLHR said the man, identified under the pseudonym "Thanit," was attacked on the evening of 22 July after members of a group calling itself "Kong Ruen Narok" (Hell Barracks) tracked him down at his residence in Bangkok's Don Mueang district.

The group had reportedly begun posting messages about searching for Thanit on 20 July, claiming it would locate him within 24 hours. According to TLHR, the group accused him of posting videos and messages on social media that referred to the monarchy.

Video clips circulating online appear to show dozens of people surrounding Thanit outside his residence. TLHR said the footage showed members of the group physically assaulting him, including repeatedly slapping him, kicking him, stomping on his head and body, and striking him with knees and elbows. The group's actions allegedly caused visible injuries, including bruising and damage to his glasses.

The group later took Thanit by pickup truck to Tao Poon Police Station, where a lèse-majesté complaint had already been filed against him on 21 July over Facebook Reels allegedly containing remarks about King Vajiralongkorn.

TLHR said police had not issued a summons or sought an arrest warrant for Thanit before the group brought him to the station. Members of the group reportedly remained in the area outside the police station afterward.

Police later examined and seized two of Thanit's mobile phones before any charges had been formally filed, according to TLHR. The rights group said police records stated that Thanit consented to the seizure and allowed officers to access data on the devices.

The phones were reportedly seized as evidence in connection with the Article 112 complaint, which was filed after an individual alleged that content posted through Facebook Reels contained remarks considered defamatory toward the monarch.

Lawyers from TLHR later accompanied Thanit to Don Mueang Police Station, where he filed a complaint against those allegedly involved in the assault. They also requested that police send him for a medical examination.

When lawyers met Thanit at Don Mueang Police Station late on 22 July, TLHR said he had bruises across his body, a swollen lip and head pain. The following morning, he was admitted to hospital after complaining of severe chest pain and was placed under emergency treatment.

TLHR said Thanit has received psychiatric treatment since 2007. He was released from prison in 2024 and had since stopped taking medication. The group also said he is the primary caregiver for his mother, who has Alzheimer's disease.

The incident has raised renewed concerns over the actions of self-described vigilante groups.

A report from Thailand's National Savings Fund (NSF), drawing on household economic and social surveys by the National Statistical Office and research from TDRI, reveals a troubling reality: Thailand is not only aging but facing longer lifespans and increased elderly isolation. The most urgent concern is the "wave" of workers aged 46–60, which has grown from 1990 to 17.3 million by 2024, representing 39% of the entire working-age population. The majority of this group (41.6%) are self-employed or small business owners who must plan independently for retirement savings over the next 10–15 years while facing rising living costs and stagnant savings.

Retirement spending crisis data shows that in 2024, average monthly expenses for ages 46–60 are 8,362 baht, while those aged 61–70 spend about 7,603 baht monthly. Current elderly allowances begin at only 600 baht per month, covering just 7.9% of necessary expenses. Additionally, living alone costs significantly more—solitary elderly spend an average of 10,087 baht monthly due to inability to share housing, food, and transportation costs.

Savings gap analysis reveals the financial vulnerability is severe. People aged 46–60 save only 4,416 baht per month on average. At this rate, those who start saving at 46 will have funds for only 6.6 years of retirement; those starting at 50 can cover 5.1 years; and those at 55 only 2.8 years. With Thai life expectancy now reaching 80–90 years (the population aged 90+ has quadrupled in 30 years), current savings are clearly insufficient.

The NSF promotes enrollment for self-employed workers, small merchants, farmers, and informal workers aged 15–60, offering substantial benefits: government matching contributions up to 100% (maximum 1,800 baht annually by age bracket); flexible contributions from 50 to 30,000 baht yearly; guaranteed lifetime monthly pensions at age 60; and full tax deductions up to 30,000 baht annually. As traditional retirement models—living modestly with adult children's care—fade, the NSF serves as a safety net for informal workers to achieve retirement security and dignity beyond age 60, supplementing government elderly allowances.

Interested individuals can enroll via the NSF mobile app, Line @nsf.th, or service counters nationwide. For inquiries, call the savings hotline at 02-049-9000.

K-pop sensation XG brought electrifying energy to Impact Arena in Muang Thonburi on July 19, 2025, for their 'XG WORLD TOUR: THE CORE IN BANGKOK' concert. The seven members—Jurin, Chisa, Hinata, Harvey, Juria, Maya, and Cocona—delivered a non-stop performance featuring hit songs including 'GALA,' 'MASCARA,' 'TGIF,' 'PUPPET SHOW,' and many others, backed by world-class production with stunning lighting, visuals, and sound design that elevated every moment.

Thai fans (ALPHAZ) reciprocated the energy by holding coordinated banners reading 'BKK IS READY TO ROCK THE UNIVERSE WITH XG' during the 'O.R.B' performance and synchronized dancing throughout the show. The concert closed with an encore set featuring 'SHOOTING STAR,' 'MILLION PLACES,' 'NEW DANCE,' and 'LEFT RIGHT,' cementing Bangkok as a memorable stop on XG's world tour and leaving fans eager for the group's return to Thailand.

CHONBURI — Authorities in Chonburi rushed to inspect a flooded school after an image circulating on social media appeared to show a crocodile inside the campus, only to discover it had been generated using artificial intelligence by a student.

Heavy overnight rain caused flooding in several parts of Sattahip district, including Sing Samut School, where floodwaters disrupted access for students and parents. The school switched to online learning on Thursday as a safety precaution.

As residents followed updates on the flooding, a photo claiming to show a crocodile inside the school was shared online, including by the Sawang Rojanathammasathan Foundation after it received the image from a member of the public for verification. The image quickly spread, alarming students, parents and local residents.

Following the reports, Sattahip District Chief Nattawut Anuyotha ordered local officials, rescue workers and relevant agencies to search the school and surrounding area.

After a thorough inspection, authorities found no crocodile or any signs of one.

People's Party MP Thana Thanatharn Pramulpong, who represents Chonburi's 10th constituency, also visited the school after seeing the viral image and concerns over public safety.

Officials later traced the source of the image to a student at the school, who admitted using AI to create the fake crocodile picture before sharing it in a chat group. The image was then widely reposted, leading many people to believe it was real.

Authorities confirmed there was no crocodile at the school and urged the public to verify information before sharing it online, particularly images generated using AI, to avoid causing unnecessary panic and wasting emergency resources.

TRAT — Thailand's Expressway Authority (EXAT) has unveiled plans for a sea bridge connecting Koh Chang island with the mainland, aiming to reduce travel times and replace long ferry waits.

EXAT presented the project's latest feasibility studies and gathered public feedback in Trat on Thursday, saying the bridge would improve access for residents, students, patients and tourists.

The project is expected to affect 66 landowners — 23 on Koh Chang and 43 in Laem Ngop district — with compensation to be based on market prices under the Land Expropriation Act 2019. The initial compensation estimate is expected to reach billions of baht.

EXAT said an EIA review would take about one year, with cabinet approval targeted for 2029. Construction could begin in 2031, with the bridge expected to open around 2035 if there are no delays.

The agency also plans to seek private investment through a market sounding process later this year. Toll fees are expected to be set close to ferry fares to avoid burdening local residents.

Many locals welcomed the project, saying it could bring long-awaited development to Koh Chang, despite concerns among some residents affected by land acquisition.