PHUKET: Phuket welcomed almost 7 million visitors in the first six months of 2026, generating B263 billion in tourism revenue, while strong domestic travel over the current three-day public holiday is expected to contribute a further B329.7mn to the islands economy, according to the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT).

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul displayed public solidarity with Deputy Prime Minister Piphath Ratchakij and his wife Nathi at a 50-day merit-making ceremony dedicated to late Princess Bajrakitiyabha on July 30, 2025. During the event, Anutin handed Piphath a temple amulet in front of cameras, and later walked arm-in-arm with him while joking to reporters: "See? Two deputies and one first lady." When asked if the display was meant to quell rumors of tension, both men laughed before Anutin noted it was a religious holiday.

Anutin dismissed criticism about government relations, saying the cabinet is united in its mission to advance the nation. He emphasized that the government welcomes constructive criticism and acts on helpful feedback, but called on critics to use the justice system rather than personal opinions to judge government actions. He added that every cabinet member is working effectively across all sectors, citing examples such as resource and environment minister Suchath Chomklin's efforts to combat illegal logging in Phuket alongside deputy PM Phakaorn Nilapraband's legal interpretation work.

Transport Deputy Minister Pattrapong Pattharapredit reported that Ubon Ratchathani Airport has broken its all-time passenger record during the recent extended holiday period coinciding with the King's Birthday, Asalha Bucha, and Buddhist Lent, when many people traveled home or visited tourist destinations. The Airports of Thailand has ordered all regional airports to provide convenient services while maintaining strict safety and security standards, including regular checks of x-ray machines, CCTV cameras, electrical systems, and passenger terminal facilities. Staff have been deployed at adequate levels, especially during peak hours, to manage passenger flow and reduce congestion, while airport traffic has been optimized to prevent delays.

Statistics show that Ubon Ratchathani Airport recorded its highest daily passenger count at 4,931 travelers on July 28, 2025, coinciding with the Ubon Ratchathani Candle Festival, one of Thailand's most celebrated local traditions held from July 28-30. The airport coordinated with local transport offices and the Tourism Authority of Thailand Udon Thani office to provide free shuttle services for festival visitors. The deputy minister invited the public to explore regional traditions and cultural activities nationwide to stimulate the economy and distribute income to communities, aligning with the "Airport for Regional Development" policy to elevate regional airports as engines for economic growth, tourism, and transport.

On July 30, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister, speaking as leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, addressed a request by Supachai Jai Samut, a party-list MP and the party's legal counsel, asking the Election Commission (EC) to investigate whether donations to a group of independent candidates constitute illegal vote-buying. Anutin expressed support for this approach, noting that Supachai is performing his duty as the party's legal representative.

When asked if the government would green-light legal action if violations were found, the Prime Minister replied that it is Supachai's responsibility to ensure correctness and protect the party and its members from any legal fallout. Anutin emphasized that the government operates with full transparency and has disclosed all relevant information, noting that media outlets have even suggested he speaks too much.

Regarding whether the core issue hinges on financial links and whether nine Bhumjaithai politicians and ministers could avoid liability if no connection to them can be established, Anutin declined to comment further. He stated that the case is already in legal proceedings, and since he himself is reportedly involved, he cannot discuss details without potentially compromising the case. He reiterated that the government respects the law and is simply allowing the judicial process to proceed without bias or slander.

At 7:10 a.m. on July 30, 2569, Deputy Interior Minister Vorasit Liangprasoet gave an interview at Government House regarding allegations in the Senate selection case. The allegations claimed that if his father, Somkiat Liangprasoet (Sokierat), successfully secured a Senate seat through a particular formula, his son would receive a government position. Vorasit responded rhetorically by asking, "Is it really that easy?" He said his father would file a complaint because such allegations were unjust to both of them.

When asked whether this constituted political discrediting, Vorasit said he did not know the reason but that it appeared to be a deliberate issue created to distract attention, or perhaps something else entirely. Regarding opposition claims that only 5 percent of evidence has been disclosed and questioning whether the remaining 95 percent exists or is merely speculation, Vorasit suggested they ask the opposition directly. He added that this matter had been ongoing for over a year and all processes were already complete. If real evidence existed, he said, it should be submitted to authorities who are already investigating, not to him or the media.

When asked if the Senate case constitutes political rhetoric, Vorasit said such tactics have been ongoing. He confirmed he had discussed the matter with his father but said there was nothing unusual about their conversation. Regarding opposition demands for more information, Vorasit stated that there was nothing to disclose since the alleged situation never occurred in the first place.

At 8:10 a.m. on July 30, 2026, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed reporters at Government House regarding Kla Kaew Party leader General Thammanas Prombpao's trip to Monaco, which coincided with former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's presence there. When asked whether this signaled a red-green political alliance, Anutin replied with a quip: "Red and green mixed together just makes blue." The remarks came after Thammanas himself clarified his Monaco trip, denying it was a secret meeting and stating it was unrelated to any manifesto with Thaksin.