Social Development Minister Nikhom Somklaeng announced at Government House on July 21 that his ministry submitted 1 million names for state welfare card eligibility review but only approximately 200,000 passed the criteria. He said the ministry must investigate why so many applicants were rejected and will coordinate with the Interior Ministry while awaiting cabinet guidance on how to proceed. Ministry officials are on standby to compile lists compiled with local authorities for further processing, and rejected applicants—especially persons with disabilities and the elderly—can file appeals if they prepare the required documents and evidence. Somklaeng also noted that on July 24–25, the Social Development Ministry will co-host a Universal Design festival with the Association of Persons with Disabilities of Thailand and Thammasat University at Impact Muang Thong Thani, with Deputy Prime Minister Yuthasak Sasindhorn serving as opening guest.

The ATOD Children and Youth Development Association, working with the Committee for the Coordination and Promotion of Non-Formal and Informal Education, successfully held the International Dance Festival (IDF 2026) on July 11–12 at the National Theatre of Chiang Mai College of Dramatic Arts.

Led by Dr Mom Luang Preeyapun Sridhavat, President of ATOD, the festival drew support from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Culture, Australian Teachers of Dancing International, Thai Lion Air, and major corporate sponsors. The event brought competitors from eight countries to perform across classical ballet, jazz, contemporary dance, contemporary national dance, and hip hop.

With 203 performances from 40 dance institutions, the festival highlighted the diversity of global performing arts. Two prestigious awards were presented: the Overall Highest Score Trophy on behalf of Education Minister Prasert Jantararuangtong, awarded to Miss Chanisara Tharanatham, and the Highest Score in Contemporary National Dance Trophy on behalf of Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaised, awarded to Miss Tanaporn Weeradetch.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Chiang Mai Vice Governor Boonlue Thamtharanurak and attended by distinguished guests including the Japanese Consul-General and regional education officials.

At 9:20 a.m. on July 21, 2026, at Government House, Education Minister Prasert Chantharwangtong spoke to the media before the Cabinet meeting regarding non-formal education students who dropped out to qualify for state welfare cards. He said he would raise the matter in Cabinet to discuss how eligibility criteria could be adjusted to provide assistance. Students are a vulnerable group requiring special care, as NFED learners range widely in age. Prasert had already raised the issue with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprayat during their China visit and said further details would be discussed today.

Regarding students who have already dropped out, Prasert appealed for them to rejoin the system, as the government does not want anyone to leave education. The ministry is working on solutions and will adjust any criteria that can be modified. The exact number of dropouts from the NFED's total enrollment of 200,000 is still being verified. The Education Ministry is also pushing to help former students understand the situation and encourage them to return. Prasert stressed that the Education Ministry does not want students dropping out for such reasons, as education is crucial. The ministry aims to protect their rights and enable them to resume their studies. All relevant information has been prepared by the Education Ministry for presentation at today's Cabinet meeting.

BANGKOK: Corrupt government officials were viewed as the main factor allowing foreigners to illegally operate businesses in Thailand, a Nida poll showed on Sunday (July 19).

BANGKOK: The Thai government aims to complete the construction of a 250-kilometre (155-mile) section of a high-speed rail line that will connect ‌it to China by 2030, as Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul concluded a five-day visit to the country.

Nonthaburi: At 7:30 a.m. on July 21, 2025, police received a report of a fatal shooting in Soi Pak Kret-Jaeng Wattana 23, Khlong Toei Subdistrict, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi. The victim, identified as Jarukrit (surname withheld), 25, a former mechanical engineering student at Pathumwan Institute, was found lying on the roadside with a single gunshot wound to the right rib cage. The attackers were two men riding a red Honda PCX motorcycle who came up alongside the victim and opened fire. One suspect wore a dark yellow long-sleeved shirt and black pants with a full-face black helmet, while the passenger wore a light green shirt, black pants, and a full-face gray helmet.

Police Colonel Adirerk Thongkamkaew, superintendent of Pak Kret Station, stated that the motive remains unclear, though the victim had recently graduated and was working steadily. According to family and friends, the suspects had been watching the victim for one to two days before carrying out the attack on the morning he left for work. Investigators are analyzing security camera footage and pursuing leads on the vehicle used in the shooting to track down the perpetrators.