At parliament on July 2, 2025, Pheu Thai MP Phawut Phongwitthayanupong explained that he postponed his DSI statement on the Forex-3D case to July 6 due to scheduled parliamentary sessions, important legislative votes, and multiple committee meetings where he serves as chair. He assured he has all documents and evidence prepared and is ready to address all questions, including the financial network diagram connected to Spark Digital.

When asked about the Justice Ministry's observation that the money transfers seemed inconsistent with gold trading claims, Phawut said he would address this directly with the DSI and expressed no concern, stating he would speak only the truth.

Regarding allegations that his gold trading video amounted to chain-letter solicitation, Phawut clarified he was interviewed about his trading experience after attending a training course and was one of several interviewees featured. He emphasized the content contained no investment solicitation, merely personal experience sharing.

When asked if the money transfers could impact his party, both Phawut and party spokesman Kranuphol Tiensuwan reacted strongly. Kranuphol compared the situation to former Transport Minister Sakdisiam Chidchob's donations to Bhumjaithai, which the Constitutional Court found baseless, yet that case involved significantly smaller amounts. He questioned the consistency of Thailand's legal standards.

Kranuphol denied rumors that Pheu Thai was pressuring Phawut to resign, calling such reports mere gossip. He criticized the DSI for announcing someone's name without formal charges, comparing it to a past case where a former DSI chief named an individual in a press conference only for him to be imprisoned later. He urged the DSI to adopt stricter standards before publicizing individuals' names.

The Office of the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council (NXPO) under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation held its first public policy conference titled "Transforming Thailand through Mission-Oriented Innovation Policy (MOIP)" at Pullman King Power Hotel in Bangkok on July 1, 2025. Deputy Prime Minister Yossakrun Wungsawat, who also chairs the NXPO, presided over the event, which attracted over 200 senior officials from government, private sector, educational institutions, and policymakers.

Yossakrun emphasized the importance of mission-oriented innovation policy as a critical mechanism for guiding national development and enhancing Thailand's competitiveness amid rapid economic, social, and technological changes. The NXPO plans to align higher education, science, research, and innovation policies with international standards by implementing the MOIP framework for a five-year strategic plan (2028-2032) to establish clear national development objectives and coordinate all sectors systematically.

Yossakrun noted that Thailand already possesses a strong knowledge base, research infrastructure, and scientific capacity, so the country need not start from scratch but should build upon existing expertise to address national development challenges. He highlighted three priority challenge areas: addressing global technology competition through AI, semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and robotics; tackling climate change through circular economy, green energy, and space technology initiatives; and preparing for an aging society through wellness, precision medicine, future food, and creative economy development.

Yossakrun stressed that policy implementation requires integration across all ministries, diverse policy tools, legal reforms, and continuous monitoring and impact assessment. He also emphasized elevating Thailand's research standards to align with OECD guidelines to build confidence in research quality, funding systems, and operational standards.

The Narcotics Suppression Bureau expanded its investigation into an international drug trafficking network on July 2, with senior officials announcing the arrest and search operation targeting a cross-border drug smuggling ring. According to Police Lieutenant General Suriya Singhakamol, the bureau's secretary-general, the recently arrested air hostess in Chachoengsao province is believed to be part of the same network as the case involving Ms. Meena, who was charged with smuggling heroin to Australia.

Suriya explained that the operation is divided into three groups: a delivery-and-receiving group, from which one person was arrested today; a group of Thai couriers hired to transport goods, whose only role is to pack items into luggage and deliver them; and a receiving group at the destination. The main operator, who owns and runs the entire operation, is based overseas and is a Lao national.

The network uses sophisticated methods, with pre-packaged containers disguised as t-shirts, instant noodles, tea, coffee, vases, and jars manufactured abroad, then shipped into Thailand before being handed to couriers for delivery. Police are actively pursuing several leads, including the Facebook account "Rose Rose," which contacted Ms. Meena to recruit her as a courier to Australia, and an individual who delivered packages to her.

Suriya noted that Rose Rose instructed Ms. Meena to photograph the delivered goods as proof of completion. Ms. Meena was promised 8,800 baht but has not received payment since the shipment was intercepted before reaching its destination. The Facebook account has changed repeatedly, confirming it is a fake profile. While the trafficking ring does not exclusively use drugs from the Golden Triangle, Thailand's convenient transportation infrastructure has made it the preferred transit route for international drug smuggling operations.

At 2:30 p.m. on July 2, 2569, the House of Representatives convened under Speaker Sophon Sararum to address an oral question from Priset Wattrasindhu, a Pheu Thai party list MP, regarding Senate graft proceedings under DSI investigation. Justice Minister General Rutthapol Naowaratol failed to appear, citing official duties, prompting an uproar on the parliamentary floor.

Priset expressed frustration at the minister's absence, accusing him of deliberately dodging accountability and attempting to evade scrutiny of the Senate case by waiting for the Election Commission to intervene. When Speaker Sophon tried to move to the next agenda item, opposition MP Pakorn Udompipat challenged the speaker's handling of the matter, demanding to know if the government would continue disrespecting the legislative branch.

Sophon clarified that the speaker has no authority to compel the executive to answer questions. When Democrat MP Satit Wongnongtoey attempted to discuss parliamentary procedures to assist Priset, Sophon cut him off, citing rules against interrupting general discussions. Despite Satit's objections, the microphone was muted and he was ordered to sit.

Pakorn protested the speaker's decision, arguing members have the right to object. When pro-government MP Romtham Kamnurak offered the opposition an additional question slot for next week, Sophon reminded him that rules allow only three questions weekly, requiring one to be dropped. Pakorn suggested waiving the rules for more questions, but Sophon refused.

The disagreement escalated when Pakorn asked what rule violation he had committed in requesting an exception. Sophon sternly told him such behavior was improper and ordered him to sit, explaining that the government had already proposed a solution. Pakorn remained standing, prompting Sophon to declare frustration over why anyone was at the session at all, before ordering Pakorn to be seated.

ORP is confident that Thailand's IT market will continue growing despite economic challenges, buoyed by the transition to AI Computing. The company is rolling out "COMMART ULTRAFORCE," an IT products showcase and sales event bringing together over 200 leading IT brands with AI technology and special promotions designed to drive purchasing and boost IT sales in the second half of 2025.

On July 2, 2025, Bunlertsak Narathai, CEO of ORP Public Company Limited, announced the launch of "COMMART ULTRAFORCE" at the Bangkok Convention and Exhibition Centre's Halls 98-99. This year's event centers on adopting cutting-edge AI technology, showcasing the latest products and innovations including AI PCs, AI notebooks, gaming PCs, smart devices, DIY PC components, monitors, and accessories from leading manufacturers. Special promotions will run throughout the event from July 2-5.

Narathai noted that the event comes amid challenging conditions in the computer industry, with IT component prices like RAM and SSD rising due to market shortages, driving up prices for assembled computers and notebooks. "Despite overall economic challenges, we're confident Thailand's IT market has growth potential and will be boosted by the clear shift to AI Computing happening this year. We believe COMMART ULTRAFORCE will be a significant driver for mid-year IT sales," he said.

Visitors will experience hands-on demos of the NVIDIA DGX Spark, a compact AI supercomputer designed for high-level AI development and processing. The event also features "The Ultra PC," a flagship DIY computer with a limited-edition GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition graphics card for both AI and high-end gaming, inspiring consumers building new systems.

The UltraForce activity zone showcases the latest AI technology and innovations for consumer experience, with special activities from IT creators, gamers, and esports professionals, plus a cosplay contest.

Pornchai Chansuphahsang, Media and Event Director at ORP, stated that "COMMART ULTRAFORCE" brings together high-performance IT products from over 200 brands to meet consumers seeking AI-era equipment. With 0% installment options, clearance deals, and exclusive offers from IT brand partners, the company expects strong attendance and robust consumer buying decisions mid-year.

Luang Pu Ka Kandhayo, former abbot of Wat Bodhi Chai in Tha Uthen district, Nakhon Phanom province, was a senior monk who ordained over 90 years ago. A student in the lineage of the revered Luang Pu Sri Tat Yanasampanno, the builder of Phra That Tha Uthen, he also served as preceptor to two renowned monks: Luang Pu Teuo Achaldhamma of Wat Pa Aranyawiwek in Nakhon Phanom and Luang Pu Thong Ratana Kanthasilo of Wat Pa Ban Kum in Ubon Ratchathani.

Born into the Suvannamajo family on October 7, 1881, in Tha Uthen, he received early religious education in the village temple. At age 21 in 1902, he took monastic vows at Wat Bodhi Chai's ordination hall, with Phra Khru Thon of Wat Phon Kaew as his preceptor, Phra Khen Uttamo as his disciplinary instructor, and Phra Nu Viriya as his witness.

After one year as a monk, he traveled to Bangkok to study Pali scriptures at Wat Thep Thidaram monastery, but returned home when his brother died during a cholera outbreak, canceling his plans to pursue monastic studies.

When Phra Photharaj, the abbot of Wat Bodhi Chai, passed away, Luang Pu Ka was appointed abbot in 1913. He became a respected teacher of the Dharma and Vinaya, training numerous monks and novices in recitation of the Patimokkha and Buddhist chants through oral instruction. He never sought administrative rank within the monastic community, focusing instead on educational and spiritual guidance of both monks and laypeople.

During his tenure, he oversaw the construction of a new brick ordination hall to replace the deteriorating wooden structure, a project taking four years. He also supervised construction of a sermon hall housing an ancient Buddha image in the Mara-victory posture, originally created when the temple was founded, measuring 2.4 meters wide and 4 meters tall, along with three new monastic residences.

Luang Pu Ka was renowned for his strict adherence to monastic discipline and simple living. He trained his students to be mindful even of minor precepts, practiced moderation, avoided material accumulation, and lived frugally. In his final years, his health declined despite medical treatment, and he peacefully passed away on September 19, 1977, at 8:20 p.m. from old age at 96 years of age and 75 years of monastic life.

Before his death that year, his students had planned to create a commemorative amulet to distribute on what would have been his 97th birthday, but the project was not completed before his passing. The medal features a shield-like shape with a loop, and displays a half-length portrait of Luang Pu Ka on the front. This was the first edition, cast in aged copper, though the exact number produced remains unknown.