Prime Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul and Foreign Minister gathered 140 Thai business executives in Chengdu on July 18 for a Prime Minister-Thai Private Sector Luncheon, bringing together leaders from finance, food, energy, industrial parks, healthcare, and tourism sectors investing in China. Anuthin expressed satisfaction with the visit and stated that the government's official trip has clear and substantial goals, particularly promoting trade and investment in new industries between Thailand and China.

Following his July 17 meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, where Xi confirmed that Thailand and China are "one family," Anuthin will hold discussions with Premier Li Qiang on July 19 to request support for Thai business operators in China. The day's activities include opening a Board of Investment office in Chengdu and hosting the Thailand-China (Sichuan) Investment and Economic Forum, signaling Thailand's serious commitment to elevating local-level trade cooperation.

Anuthin assigned deputy prime ministers, the foreign minister, and other senior officials to discuss opportunities and challenges facing Thai private enterprises in China, particularly in Sichuan Province. The prime minister emphasized that government and private sector must work together under principles of good governance and transparency, with the state's role being to facilitate business by removing legal obstacles and accelerating free trade agreement negotiations with key trading partners.

Anuthin thanked Thai business leaders for driving the national economy and reiterated that while government creates opportunities, the private sector generates success. "If we work together as Team Thailand with a shared goal," he said, "we will not only grow in the Chinese market but step into the global market strongly and sustainably."

Worrachai Hema, former Samut Prakan MP from the Pheu Thai Party, commented on former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's recent visits to ASEAN leaders in Malaysia and Indonesia. Hema noted that Thaksin was invited by these leaders, rather than seeking meetings himself, indicating that these encounters create benefits for their countries, particularly Indonesia, where President Prabowo Subianto invited Thaksin to serve as an adviser, recognizing his knowledge and experience.

Hema expressed concern that Thailand's situation differs markedly. Although Thaksin is Thai and a former prime minister credited as one of Thailand's most capable leaders—having resolved an economic crisis and raised GDP growth from 1% to 5% in two years—his talents are not being utilized by his own country. Since the coup that removed him from power, Thailand's economic growth has declined steadily, with neighboring countries like Myanmar and Cambodia now surpassing Thai GDP. Thaksin also ranks as the former prime minister who has faced the most hardship.

"Thailand faces a problem where talented people are excluded from solving the nation's problems, and other countries recruit them to work while Thailand gains no benefit," Hema stated. He called on red-shirt supporters who still admire Thaksin to gather on July 26 at Jum-Dad restaurant, Pom Yang Kham Road, kilometer 6, Soi Ram Intra 40, from 11 a.m. onwards, to celebrate Thaksin's 77th birthday and show him encouragement. "Anyone who wishes to come and offer support is welcome to join," Hema said.

Former Pheu Thai Party spokesman Porampon Nopurit has raised alarm over data inconsistencies in the state welfare card eligibility verification, which has resulted in many citizens being disqualified. While he acknowledges that verification is necessary for fair and transparent aid distribution, fieldwork and public feedback across the country reveal numerous cases where data does not match reality, causing eligible people to lose their chance at support. He is urging the government to expedite a comprehensive review of criteria, improve the database, and facilitate appeals to ensure assistance reaches the truly disadvantaged fairly and widely.

Porampon highlighted specific problems including vehicle ownership data that doesn't reflect current reality—some people no longer own cars listed in their names, or sold vehicles without updating registration. Others were disqualified because children's names were fraudulently claimed as dependents for tax deductions, raising fears that genuinely struggling citizens are falling through the cracks.

Feedback from across multiple provinces shows many applicants are devastated, with some in tears upon learning their disqualification. Although the government extended the appeals deadline to July 31, practical barriers persist: traveling to agencies, obtaining documents, and gathering evidence require time and money that poor, elderly, and remote-area residents often cannot afford.

Porampon warned that without urgent action to review criteria, update data, and ease appeals, potentially millions of eligible citizens could miss out on state assistance due to technical constraints, even as they struggle with rising living costs. He stressed that a strong government ensures deserving people access help quickly, fairly, and comprehensively—not one that simply disqualifies the most applicants. He emphasized that when ordinary citizens are cared for, grassroots purchasing power grows, strengthening the entire economy.

Prime Minister Anuthim Charnweerakul and Deputy Foreign Minister, accompanied by his wife and delegation, arrived at Shuangliu International Airport in Chengdu, People's Republic of China on July 18.

The Prime Minister attended the Prime Minister-Thai Private Sector Luncheon, a Board of Investment (BOI) event bringing together 140 senior Thai executives (CEOs) from the private sector investing in China. Participating companies represent diverse industries including finance, food, energy, industrial estates, healthcare, public health, and tourism.

The Prime Minister then chaired the opening ceremony of the "Thailand-China (Sichuan) Investment and Economic Forum" and the inauguration of the investment unit at the Thai Consulate General in Chengdu at the Tianfu International Convention Center, before meeting and discussing with representatives of various companies.

INNOPOWER has launched INNOPOWER Digital and announced a strategic partnership with Triple Dot Consulting to develop data and AI technologies for Thailand's industrial sector, emphasizing its role as a comprehensive decarbonization partner. Under this collaboration, the two companies will jointly develop an Industrial Digital Solution Platform covering four areas: Data & AI for Industries (predictive analytics and machine performance analysis), Smart Asset Management (real-time maintenance planning and spare parts management), Visual & Acoustic Inspection Analytics (computer vision and AI-based quality control), and Robotic & Automation Integration (connecting robotics to digital platforms and enterprise systems). Sirinart Jentanomma, head of digital business development at INNOPOWER Digital, explained that the partnership brings Triple Dot Consulting's expertise in robotics, AI, and asset management to complement INNOPOWER's deep understanding of the energy industry, delivering measurable solutions for both the EGAT Group and industrial clients. Suvicha Kojranjit, co-founder of Triple Dot Consulting, added that the collaboration merges technological expertise with industrial experience to create practical solutions for asset management, data analytics, and automation, helping Thai organizations strengthen their competitive edge.

Lukkade Metinee posted proudly about her son Sky breaking Thailand's national junior record (ages 16–18) in the 200-meter individual medley at the 2026 Asian Age Group Championships on July 17. The previous record, standing for 32 years, was held by Shark Monthuk Ratpong Sirisannont, a former Thai national swimmer and the first Thai male to win gold in swimming at the 1994 Asian Games. Sky earned a silver medal with his record-breaking performance.

Friends and members of the entertainment industry rushed to congratulate Sky, with messages of praise flooding in. "Amazing! Skye's the limit, let's go," and "So proud of you," were among the congratulations. Videos of the medal presentation ceremony showed the Thai flag proudly raised as Sky received his award.