PHUKET: A Chinese national holding shares in five Phuket companies is suspected of operating a lucrative network helping fellow Chinese nationals obtain Thai identification cards and citizenship for fees of up to B1 million each, Phuket MP Chalermpong Saengdee has alleged.

AWC has signed a sustainability-linked loan agreement with Siam Commercial Bank for 40.5 billion baht to support development of the "Wang Nakhon Kasem Yaowarat" project, a landmark mixed-use development designed to transform Bangkok's historic Thai-Chinese quarter into a world-class tourism destination. Of this amount, 10.5 billion baht will fund the Yaowarat project, which will feature a Kung Fu Panda experience from Universal Destinations & Experiences alongside cultural heritage attractions that blend Thai-Chinese traditions with international-standard experiences. AWC Chief Executive Officer Vallabha Traisorus stated the funding represents a pivotal step in the company's Sustainable Growth-Led Strategy, emphasizing how the development will create economic opportunities for local communities, preserve cultural identity, and position Thailand as a leading global tourism destination. Siam Commercial Bank Chief Executive Sarachai Rattanaphon added that the long-standing partnership between the bank and AWC demonstrates mutual confidence and reflects their continued commitment to meaningful national projects, culminating in this major collaboration.

The Thai Shooting Association has presented score sheet evidence to counter claims from the mother of national shooter Isaranudom Boonparchaiwitpach, age 22, who finished third in selection trials and was denied entry to the Asian Games despite meeting performance standards. The association believes there is a deliberate discrediting process with unknown parties orchestrating the campaign. Captain's mother, Pornpaktr Boonparchaiwitpach, filed a complaint with Sports Minister Surasak Phandcharoenworakul, alleging the shooting association deliberately obstructed her son's participation in the Asian Games despite his qualifying performance. Sakol Wanpong, chairman of the Thai Shooting Association, recently clarified the matter, stating he is unfazed because the entire situation is untrue. He recounted how Isaranudom participated in the 2021 Tokyo Olympics at age 16 and was eliminated in the first round. Afterward, the athlete's mother claimed the association failed to provide support and ammunition for training, though the association counters that the athlete refused to train at the association facility and instead trained alone in Nakhon Ratchasima province. Wanpong explained that the association held three selection competitions over three months, with the final two rounds in March and April. Competition rules require only the top two finishers in each category to compete at the Asian Games. The association possesses clear evidence that Isaranudom finished third in the two selection rounds and did not qualify. When the athlete's mother learned her son placed third, she requested the association send him anyway, but the association firmly declined, citing rules that allow only first and second place finishers. Since becoming chairman, Wanpong stated he has prohibited ammunition trading, which violates law, and maintains administrative distance from athletes and parents, refusing to show favoritism or cause harm. He emphasized that parents should not interfere in competitions and training—these are coaching responsibilities. He rejected claims that selected athletes are "his people," noting such allegations are untrue. Wanpong concluded that score reports generated from equipment linked to the internationally recognized Sius program cannot be altered, making the complaint to the minister a clear discrediting process orchestrated by outside parties. He offered full information to the minister if needed.

On July 16, 2025, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul welcomed senior executives and representatives of the EU-ASEAN Business Council (EU-ABC), the European Association for Business and Commerce (EABC), and European business delegations to Government House to discuss trade, investment, and economic cooperation. The Prime Minister stated that European business leaders have confirmed their intention to expand investments in Thailand and praised the government's responsiveness to the business sector following multiple international meetings. Thailand reaffirmed its readiness in investment, tourism, and manufacturing and requested European business support in finalizing the Thailand-EU FTA negotiations, targeting completion by the end of 2025. The Prime Minister acknowledged delays in final-stage talks due to differing positions between both sides, particularly on raw materials and agriculture, which require careful resolution to benefit all parties. A successful FTA would dramatically increase bilateral trade value and allow Thai exporters to access European markets without tariff barriers. When asked about obstacles, the Prime Minister identified raw materials and agriculture as key issues requiring balanced solutions. Regarding OECD membership, he reported that this topic is discussed at every international forum and that several world leaders have confirmed support for Thailand's membership bid. The Prime Minister emphasized that OECD membership would create new opportunities for Thailand in trade, investment, and raising national standards, complementing FTA negotiations, investment attraction, and the Thailand Fast Pass program. When asked if he was confident Thailand could achieve OECD membership by 2026, he said the government would proceed with full effort while acknowledging that final decisions rest with the OECD committee, not the Thai government, and Thailand would prepare comprehensive documentation to meet all criteria.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated on July 16 at Government House that local government exam fraud and Thailand's OECD membership bid are separate matters. OECD membership requires good governance and audit principles, he said, adding that while complete prevention of cheating is impossible, the government has systems to investigate, arrest, and prosecute offenders as quickly as possible. Anutin noted that on July 15, people both inside and outside involved in the fraud were arrested and prosecuted, with investigations continuing. Multiple trusted agencies—including the National Anti-Corruption Commission, National Police, and Anti-Money Laundering Office, as well as the Interior Ministry itself—are conducting full investigations. When asked whether the Central Civil Service Commission's decision was unlikely to change, Anutin said the details should be explained by those responsible, and the commission will act accordingly. He emphasized that all actions must follow the law.

At a government house press conference on July 16, Prime Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul and the Interior Minister commented on the one-week mark since ministers were instructed to revise how they communicate their work. When asked how results are looking, the PM said it's for journalists to assess, adding that he will focus only on beneficial topics and positive developments occurring in the country. When pressed on whether multiple ministers are launching PR offensives to align with the PM's direction, Anuthin simply laughed without answering. Asked whether government and ministry spokesperson teams are coordinating their efforts properly, the PM replied that everyone is doing their duty in full and working as a team, releasing genuine accomplishments to the public while avoiding anything that is not a real achievement or lacks practical benefit.