On July 17, Deputy National Police Commander General Samran Nuanma, along with National Police Office Commander General Nopsil Poolswadee, led more than 200 police officers and officials from the Department of Business Development and the Land Department in executing "Phase 4" of the operation to dismantle foreign nominee networks in Chonburi province. Officers conducted searches at 41 locations across 33 companies with total damages valued at 235 million baht, focusing on a luxury residential development in Pattaya's Bang Lamung district that authorities allege was being marketed as a "Russian village."

The operation targeted two Russian networks: one led by Igor, a Russian national who held 49% ownership of a company used to purchase homes through Thai nominees, and another network involving Russian national Russieyuzup, whose family allegedly owned six properties in the same development. When questioned, Igor claimed he had lived in Thailand for 20 years with extended family but did not know the Thai nationals holding the remaining 51% ownership stake, attributing the arrangement to his accountant or lawyer. Officers seized documents, property advertisements, utility bills, and tax receipts from multiple homes.

Authorities arrested Thai accountants and lawyers involved in the scheme and issued arrest warrants for 33 foreign nationals holding shares in the property companies. Officials stated that many of the Thai nominees listed as 51% shareholders appeared to lack legitimate identities and may have been falsely registered. Deputy Commander Samran emphasized that Thailand welcomes tourists and investors but insists that legal companies provide foreigners with accurate information about property ownership restrictions, as foreign nationals are prohibited from directly owning land in Thailand.

Thailand is upgrading its rice sector by emphasizing quality over quantity to create sustainable farmer income through three distinct product categories. Nanthapong Jiralersphong, director of the Ministry of Commerce's Office of Trade and Strategy Policy, explained that the office is studying ways to elevate rice farming income into high-value agricultural products. This strategy aims to create differentiation for Thai rice and boost competitiveness in an increasingly crowded global rice market, where oversupply pressures prices. As a major global rice exporter, Thailand must transition from "selling volume" to "selling value" to sustainably increase farmer incomes.

The three rice categories are: eco-friendly rice, which emphasizes socially and environmentally responsible production meeting global trade standards and consumer expectations. This includes sustainable rice grown under the Sustainable Rice Platform (SRP) standards covering environmental, economic, social, and management dimensions; low-carbon rice produced through processes that reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and organic rice grown without synthetic chemicals. Identity and story-driven rice highlights unique value linked to geographical origin and traditional knowledge, including rice with Geographical Indication (GI) status—such as Khao Kam Lanna, Jasmine Rice from Khorat, and Khao Sangkhod Phatthalung—and indigenous and hill-tribe rice varieties with cultural significance and distinctive flavors. Health-focused rice addresses aging populations and wellness trends through superior nutritional value, including high-nutrition and colored rice varieties like Rice Berry and black rice rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals; and specialty rice developed through research, such as low-glycemic index rice for blood sugar management and fortified rice with added vitamins and minerals.

Nanthapong stated that upgrading Thai rice to high-value agricultural products is a crucial strategy to sustainably increase farmer incomes, differentiate Thai rice globally, and maintain competitive advantage. The office is currently studying global demand for premium rice to understand what types each country seeks, and developing policy proposals to shift cultivation areas from volatile white rice to high-value varieties that match consumer preferences and justify premium pricing.

RAYONG: An 80-year-old Norwegian man who financially supported a Muay Thai boxing camp in Rayong and was accused of sexually abusing boys there died two days before police raided the camp and arrested its supervisor, authorities said yesterday (July 16).

A concrete slab collapsed and crushed people in Sukhumvit Soi 66/1, Bangkok, on July 17, 2025, at 9:50 a.m., according to an emergency call received on the 199 hotline. The incident occurred in the Banga Na sub-district, Banga Na district. Firefighters and rescue personnel from Prakhon station responded immediately to the scene. Two people were injured, with one in serious condition, and were rushed to Ruamjai Hospital for treatment. One male victim trapped under the slab died at the scene, and rescue officials are working to recover the body. The concrete panel involved measured 1 meter in width and 6 meters in length.

Bank of Thailand Governor Withai Rattanakorn announced that the central bank is extending the asset repurchase rights deadline under the "Asset and Debt Relief" program—originally launched in 2021 to help businesses affected by COVID-19 and liquidity shortages—until December 31, 2027. Currently, approximately 400 participating entrepreneurs face deadlines beginning from July 2026, and the Bank of Thailand and government agencies are supporting financial institutions in providing financing options such as the "SMEs Secure+" credit line and low-interest loans from the Government Savings Bank. Many businesses, though committed to repurchasing their assets, are still recovering from economic pressures and the uncertainty stemming from Middle East tensions, requiring additional time to secure funding. The Bank of Thailand has therefore extended the asset buyback deadline to December 31, 2027, allowing viable businesses more time to raise capital and sustain operations. Business owners seeking to extend their repurchase deadlines are urged to contact their financial institutions promptly to comply with relevant procedures before their original contract terms expire. Those with sufficient liquidity and available funding can proceed with repurchasing assets on schedule to regain ownership more quickly.

A man with mental health issues breached a school in Udomsap subdistrict, Wang Nam Khiao district, Nakhon Ratchasima province on July 15, 2025, at around 8:30 a.m. during regular classes. Three female teachers quickly locked their classroom doors to prevent the man from reaching students inside. Security footage showed the man attempting to open the nearest classroom door, but the teacher held it shut and pushed him away before successfully locking up. The man then left the building as staff and school personnel pressured and escorted him out. No injuries were reported.

The school principal revealed that the man appeared to have climbed over a side wall to enter the school grounds. However, the school's regular safety drills ensured all teachers responded quickly by sheltering students inside locked classrooms. Once unable to access any classroom, the man left the building. Staff immediately alerted Udomsap Police Station, and with help from local officials and community leaders, police tracked down and apprehended the man. He was identified as a local resident with known psychiatric issues whose grandchild is a student at the school. The exact motive for the intrusion remains under investigation, and the school has coordinated with the man's family for close behavioral monitoring.

On July 16, 2025, Sithisak Jaidi, the Tambon Udomsap chief, and relevant authorities met with school administrators to establish additional security measures. The school will continue screening visitors at the main gate during designated times and increase perimeter patrols, as the surrounding fence remains vulnerable to people climbing over. The Nakhon Ratchasima Educational Area Office 3 has also provided support to staff and students while coordinating further safety enhancements with the school.