At a press conference on July 21 at Government House, Education Minister Prasert Chantharwangtong, Deputy Minister Akranun Kannakittinant, and Non-Formal Education Bureau Director Ketsathip Supavanit announced that approximately 270,000 students aged 18 and older have been affected by changes to state welfare card eligibility criteria. So far, 53,000 have registered and filed appeals, with the bureau expecting around 100,000 total appeals by the July 31 deadline—roughly 60–70 percent of eligible students.

The affected group consists of non-formal education students who have already submitted data; the total has grown to approximately 55,000 applicants and is still rising. Officials urged students who may be considering dropping out to hold off, as the Education Ministry is committed to keeping everyone in the system. Deputy Minister Akranun said the bureau will support all appeals to prevent students from withdrawing from their studies.

Director Ketsathip explained that the 270,000 students aged 18 and older have been requesting welfare cards continuously since last year. However, this year's eligibility criteria treat non-formal students differently—many are working adults from economically vulnerable backgrounds who must balance earning a living with pursuing education.

At a Government House press conference on July 21, 2025, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit responded to Phayao MP and Kla Tham Party leader Thammanat Promboon's Facebook criticism that the agriculture ministry's staff transfers were financially motivated rather than performance-based. Suriya said all perspectives—including Thammanat's—would inform his decision-making.

Suriya affirmed that the transfers were conducted transparently and that the Permanent Secretary, not the minister, has authority to propose them. Seven senior officials will retire on September 30, necessitating replacements. The Permanent Secretary reviewed all criteria including integrity, work commitment, dedication, and seniority, consulting at the management level rather than deciding alone. Once the Permanent Secretary presented a thorough proposal, Suriya approved it and forwarded it to the Prime Minister's Secretary-General for Cabinet consideration.

When asked if the transfers were free of financial quid pro quo, Suriya confirmed there was no extortion or position-trading and said anyone with evidence of wrongdoing could file a complaint. Responding to allegations of purging political rivals, Suriya noted the agriculture ministry has 31 senior administrators; a true purge would involve all of them, not just a few. He highlighted his 11 years without incident—five under Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, four under General Prayut Chan-o-cha, one under Srettha Thavisin, and one under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra—as evidence of proper conduct. Suriya characterized Thammanat's scrutiny as standard opposition oversight and asked media to await the Cabinet meeting results before concluding on the scope of transfers.

The Government Lottery Office is allowing lottery ticket agents to terminate their agent status to join the 2025 State Welfare Card program, as some applicants failed to qualify due to annual income exceeding 100,000 baht. Applicants were disqualified from the 2025 State Welfare Card registration program because they had earnings above the 100,000-baht annual threshold, often because relatives or acquaintances registered them as lottery agents without their knowledge or consent. The registered individuals received no compensation and do not possess the registration documents, making it impossible for them to voluntarily cancel their agent status. On July 21, 2025, Government Lottery Office Director Pol. Lt. Noun Shansnak announced that existing lottery agents currently holding welfare card benefits who wish to continue in the welfare card program can request data verification and submit a cancellation request through the GLO Call Center at 0 2528 9999 during regular business hours. The office stands ready to facilitate access to state welfare benefits and provide citizens with sufficient income-generating options while receiving appropriate social assistance.

On July 21, Kanchanaburi Governor Waristha Sawansemsai signed an official proclamation urging all gold shops and ore dealers in the province to stop purchasing gold ore suspected of coming from illegal activities. The warning follows reports from Thong Pha Phum National Park of trespassing and illegal mining operations in forest areas of tambon Philok, Thong Pha Phum district, where authorities have already arrested multiple offenders and seized mining equipment.

As gold prices continue to rise, traders have begun purchasing ore from illegal miners seeking quick profits. Authorities have discovered that criminals are selling illegally mined gold to shops throughout Kanchanaburi. The illegal mining damages natural resources and the environment while threatening national economic and social security.

Under the Minerals Act of 2017, buying, selling, possessing, or transporting ore without a license from the Department of Basic Industries and Mining carries penalties of up to one year imprisonment or fines of three to five times the ore's value, or both. Such transactions also constitute a predicate offense under the Money Laundering Prevention Act of 1992, which carries additional penalties.

Thong Pha Phum National Park officials urged all gold shops, used goods dealers, and related businesses to refuse purchases of gold ore or ore-like materials from sellers who cannot provide clear documentation of origin. The park head called on the public to report illegal mining activities, unlicensed gold ore sales, or related information to police, the emergency hotline 191, or local authorities for legal action.

Authorities including national park rangers, special forces, border patrol police, local administration, and Philok Police Station have coordinated efforts to crack down on the illegal mining network.

Justice Minister Pol. Lt. Gen. Rutthapol Nao Wrathn announced on July 21, 2025, at Government House that the DSI has summoned more than 20 suspects to provide statements in connection with a Forex case, including Phawuth Pongwittayaphanu, a Pheu Thai party list MP. Questioning is expected to begin the following week. When asked whether Phawuth faced pressure from the government after changing his political stance and supporting the TH-AI Passport project, Rutthapol denied any such pressure, stating there had been no communication or action of any kind. Regarding the timeline for formal charges against all suspects, Rutthapol said the process depends on evidence gathered and the availability of witnesses and suspects for questioning.

The Thai national football team preparing for the 2026 AFC Asian Cup conducted intensive training on the morning of July 21, with players undergoing strength and conditioning work before a morning session and an evening training to build fitness ahead of the tournament. Thailand is placed in Group B alongside Malaysia, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Laos. The group-stage schedule is as follows: July 25 against Laos at the main stadium in Vientiane at 8:00 p.m., August 1 against Malaysia at Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok at 8:00 p.m., August 4 against the Philippines at the New Clark City Athletic Stadium at 8:00 p.m., and August 8 against Myanmar at Rajamangala Stadium at 8:00 p.m. All matches will be broadcast live on the TrueVisions Now application. The semi-final rounds will be held on August 15–16 and 18–19, 2026, using a home-and-away format, while the final will take place on August 22 and 26, 2026.