On July 8, 2025, Parliament voted to approve the principle of amendments to the Immigration Act and related hotel legislation, despite opposition from lawmakers who argued the government's draft fails to comprehensively solve underlying problems.

During debate, MPs from the People's Party supported the bills but raised concerns that the amendments address only minor issues without tackling systemic problems. MP Thao Piphop Limchitrakorn of Bangkok argued that larger legislative reforms are needed and proposed postponing the vote to allow consideration of an alternative People's Party draft classified as financial legislation, which requires the Prime Minister's signature. He requested waiting for that draft to be submitted to ensure comprehensive solutions could be examined simultaneously.

Following debate, opposition MP Pakorn Udompipatthansakul proposed referring the bills to a special committee before approving the principle, noting that while the current draft represents minor changes, a more substantial reform draft awaits the Prime Minister's signature. However, ruling coalition deputy whip Krawee Parisnanantakul of Ang Thong opposed the referral, arguing the bills could proceed to committee consideration after principle approval.

House Speaker Mallika then suspended the session for negotiations between government and opposition representatives. Upon reconvening, Parliament voted by majority to approve the principle of all four bills and establish a 25-member special committee to examine them, using the government's draft as the primary version for consideration.

Bridgestone Thailand is inviting automotive enthusiasts to experience high-performance motorsports at IMPACT Speed Fest 2026, with prizes worth over 500,000 baht. As the official main sponsor of Thailand's largest national automotive and lifestyle festival, Bridgestone will showcase premium tire innovations and exclusive activities throughout the three-day event running July 17-19, 2026, at IMPACT Challenger Hall, Buildings 2-3 in Muang Thong Thani from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Visitors to the Bridgestone booth will witness the first-ever launch of new BRIDGESTONE tire models in Thailand, along with high-performance vehicles equipped with BRIDGESTONE POTENZA tires from Top Secret Thailand and Street Doc. The booth will feature prominent automotive influencers, including Bie Bai Yok, a YouTuber and owner of Top Secret Thailand custom shop, and Go from Street Doc.

Special celebrity guests will make daily appearances, including Ott Pramont Pathan (July 17), Uno Lao Thong (July 18), and Bee Bai Yok, creator and wife of Bie Bai Yok (July 19).

Event attendees can win over 500,000 baht in prizes from the Bridgestone booth, including a grand prize of four BRIDGESTONE POTENZA tires worth over 50,000 baht, 10,000 baht tire discounts, and 15% Bridgestone tire discounts for participants. Limited-edition merchandise including shirts from TOP SECRET X BRIDGESTONE and STREET DOC X BRIDGESTONE collaborations will be sold exclusively at the event.

IMPACT Speed Fest 2026 is Thailand's largest automotive and lifestyle community festival, held for the second year on July 17-19, 2026, at IMPACT Challenger, Buildings 2-3. The festival aims to strengthen car enthusiast culture through automotive brands, customization shops, car care products, tires and wheels, fashion, furniture, games, and dining, creating an accessible space for all.

Dr. Therachai Saeang-kaew, advisor to the deputy agriculture minister, revealed that the proposal for a new Dairy and Dairy Products Act to replace the 2008 version represents a significant upgrade in promoting, developing, and regulating dairy farming, as well as safeguarding the quality of cow milk and dairy products in Thailand.

He stated that the new law will address problems differently from the old approach. Rather than relying on a single agency to solve issues, all stakeholders will collaborate through a Milk Board that plays a crucial role in formulating policies, managing, and overseeing Thailand's entire dairy industry.

Under the current 2008 law, unclear jurisdiction meant that not all stakeholders in the dairy sector received fair problem resolution. The revised law addresses this by ensuring that all interested parties—whether farmers or business operators—participate in resolving issues equitably and effectively.

Dr. Therachai emphasized that the new Dairy and Dairy Products Act will definitely benefit farmers. He compared the law to legislation that must be practical. The new act establishes a 34-member Milk Board with representatives from all stakeholders—farmers and operators—who can participate in drafting regulations, serving on subcommittees, and determining raw milk costs and prices that work for everyone.

He noted that dairy farming is a royal profession established by the late King Bhumibol, which everyone should help preserve. The government is already committed to supporting it. Crucially, when the law takes effect, it must ensure fair implementation without exploitation. When any party exploits others, both the exploited and the exploiter eventually suffer.

All parties must depend on each other and work in harmony. If upstream, midstream, and downstream operators unite, and the government supports them, management becomes easier and solutions emerge naturally. Dr. Therachai said he is ready to serve, support, and drive forward Thailand's dairy sector and all stakeholders for sustainability, safety, and fair pricing.

NONTHABURI — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul inaugurated the Thailand Defence Industry Exhibition 2026 (THAIDEF-EX 2026) on Tuesday morning, underscoring the government's commitment to strengthening domestic defence capabilities and promoting economic self-reliance amid shifting global geopolitical dynamics. The opening ceremony was held at 08:00 on July 8, 2026, at the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Defence in Si Saman, Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi.

Anutin, who also serves as interior minister, arrived at the venue standing atop a First Win mine-resistant armoured vehicle alongside Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen. Several senior cabinet members attended the event, including Deputy Prime Ministers Suphajee Suthumpun and Yoschanan Wongsawat, as well as Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa and other government officials.

In his address, Anutin emphasized that the exhibition demonstrates Thailand's readiness to safeguard national sovereignty while building economic resilience through greater self-reliance. He noted that the global landscape has shifted dramatically, with geopolitical conflicts disrupting international trade, investment and supply chains that once operated freely.

"Many countries are now prioritizing self-reliance to ensure security and sustainable production rather than depending on imports," Anutin said.

The prime minister argued that developing Thailand's defence industry would strengthen national security while creating opportunities to advance technology, upgrade manufacturing capabilities and generate greater economic value. He highlighted Thailand's manufacturing capacity and strategic location as positioning the country to become a competitive production hub for defence technologies in the global market.

Anutin characterized THAIDEF-EX 2026 as a major milestone in Thailand's industrial development, stating that investment in the defence sector would encourage research, high-technology development, engineering and innovation while opening doors for Thai entrepreneurs to move into higher-value industries.

He noted that many technologies in widespread use today, including unmanned aerial vehicles, satellite navigation systems and advanced materials, originated from defence-related research before being adapted for commercial and civilian applications.

Stressing that defence industry investment should be viewed as an investment in both national security and Thailand's future economic competitiveness, Anutin expressed confidence that Thailand has the potential to become one of the region's leading producers of defence technology. He pledged continued cooperation between domestic and international partners to establish an integrated ecosystem.

Bangkok has entered the world's top 10 most expensive cities for luxury living for the first time, according to the Global Wealth and Lifestyle Report 2026 published by Swiss private bank Julius Baer. The Thai capital climbed from 11th place in 2025 to 10th this year, marking its first appearance in the top 10 since Julius Baer introduced the index in 2020.

The ranking is based on the prices of 20 categories of premium goods and services across 25 cities worldwide, reflecting the cost of maintaining a high-end lifestyle for high-net-worth individuals. Julius Baer said the Asia-Pacific region remains a global wealth hub, with five cities in the top 10: Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Sydney and Bangkok. Bangkok's rise reflects growth in the luxury goods market and spending among affluent consumers in the region.

Singapore retained the top spot as the world's most expensive city for luxury living for a fourth consecutive year, driven by property and vehicle costs, as well as the strength of the Singapore dollar. Zurich climbed to second place, while Monaco entered the top three for the first time. Hong Kong and London ranked fourth and fifth, respectively.

The report also found that the global cost of luxury living rose by an average of 10.2% in US dollar terms in 2026. Key factors included stronger currencies in several countries and higher material prices, particularly gold, which pushed up the cost of luxury items such as jewellery and watches.

Top 10 cities for luxury living costs in 2026: Singapore, Zurich (Switzerland), Monaco, Hong Kong, London (United Kingdom), Shanghai (China), Paris (France), Sydney (Australia), Milan (Italy), and Bangkok (Thailand).

Pokklao Anan has been recalled to the national team following the announcement of 25 players selected for Thailand's squad competing in the 2026 ASEAN Hyundai Cup (ASEAN HYUNDAI CUP 2026).

The Football Association of Thailand announced the 25-man squad for the tournament running from July 24 to August 26, 2026, under English head coach Anthony Hudson.

The tournament holds FIFA International 'A' Match status and awards FIFA ranking points during the international window period. In the group stage, group champions and runners-up will advance to the semifinals.

The 25-member squad consists of:

Goalkeepers: 1. Kampol Padtmakurkul - Ratchaburi FC 2. Korkiat Phipatthanakda - Muangthong United 3. Chatchai Bootrom - Buriram United

Defenders: 4. Chaiyapol Adsorn - Kaochiao FC 5. Nuttapong Saiyaria - Chonburi FC 6. Nurudin Veeravatnoddom - Buriram United 7. Phansa Meawibul - Buriram United 8. Pichitchai Siakrathok - Ayutthaya United 9. Manuel Tom Biah - Kaochiao FC 10. Waris Chutong - BG Pathum United 11. Wanchai Jarunngkranya - True Bangkok United 12. Adisorn Promrak - Ratchaburi FC 13. Usamma Thiangkam - PT Prachuap FC

Midfielders: 14. Kakna Kamyok - Muangthong United 15. Chavalit Saelao - Pram Bangkok 16. Thosavat Limvannasathian - Ratchaburi FC 17. Pokklao Anan - True Bangkok United 18. Picha Uatra - True Bangkok United 19. Worchit Kanitribampen - Kaochiao FC 20. Saraj Yooyuen - BG Pathum United 21. Seksorn Ratree - Kaochiao FC

Forwards: 22. Jehanafy Mama - PT Prachuap FC 23. Theerasak Pheyphumai - Kaochiao FC 24. Patrik Gustafssson - BG Pathum United 25. Yotsagor Boophon - Chonburi FC

Selected players must report to the Novotel Future Park Rangsit hotel on July 14, 2026 at 12:00 noon and will conduct evening training sessions at the BG Training Center.