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.

The Royal Thai Navy has dismissed reports circulating on social media claiming that a vessel involved in an incident in the Gulf of Oman was Thai-flagged, confirming that no Thai ship was involved.

Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyaphan, spokesman for the Royal Thai Navy, said on 18 July 2026 that the Navy's Operations Centre coordinated with the Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center (Thai-MECC) Operations Centre and the Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) of the Marine Department to verify the vessel through ship-tracking systems.

The investigation confirmed that the vessel shown in media reports was not registered under the Thai flag.

The Navy also checked the status of the only Thai merchant vessel currently operating in the Gulf of Oman. After coordinating with the ship's safety officer, authorities confirmed that both the vessel and its crew were safe and continuing normal operations.

The Royal Thai Navy urged the public to rely on information from government agencies and credible news sources. It added that authorities would continue to closely monitor maritime security developments and coordinate with relevant agencies to safeguard Thai vessels and the country's maritime interests.

On July 18, 2025, the Crime Suppression Division and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration executed a raid on a secret drug den operating as an underground bar in a four-story commercial building on Pracha Uthit Road in Huai Khwang District, Bangkok. Acting on a court search warrant, officers arrested 11 suspects and seized 224 MDMA tablets, 51.16 grams of methamphetamine, 3.83 grams of cocaine, 326.24 grams of ketamine, 19 ecstasy pills, 38 electronic cigarettes, 91,000 baht in cash, two rings, and a gold-like amulet worth an estimated 300,000 baht total.

The operation followed a police directive to inspect entertainment venues throughout Bangkok after a nightclub fire in the Lat Phrao area. Investigators discovered the venue, known informally as a "secret pub," was actually a commercial arcade used as a front. The establishment operated continuously for 24 hours, restricted access to regular customers—primarily bar hostesses and entertainment workers—and served as an after-hours location. Dark tinted film blocked all windows, making it impossible to distinguish day from night, with the venue packed from 4 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The venue sold various drugs including ketamine, ecstasy, and MDMA to customers who could use them openly at tables. Officials found the building had no operating license, only one entrance with no emergency fire exit, and violated safety standards. The ground floor operated as a full-service entertainment venue with 28 customers and staff present during the raid. A mezzanine level contained VIP rooms, and the second floor housed the owner's bedroom and drug stockpiles.

Police charged two suspects—identified as Somchai and Patthana, the alleged owner and an employee—with drug possession for distribution, possession of electronic cigarettes, unlicensed operation, and violating opening hours regulations. Nine other suspects, including staff and customers found with drugs in their systems, were also detained. During interrogation, Somchai admitted operating the venue for 1-2 years and purchasing drugs for personal use and resale to tourists.

Deputy Police Chief Theeradej Thammosutee noted this case exemplifies serious safety risks: the single entrance with no fire escape, closed-off kitchen area, and patrons impaired by drugs created extreme danger in an emergency. He emphasized lessons from recent tragic losses in society underscore the critical need for rigorous enforcement.

The online drama intensified on July 18 when social media personality Tray Samut shared a video clip of Kritsana Sriphumiset, a well-known host and owner of premium gelato brand PARAMETER, defending his 519-baht cup price by saying it was actually very affordable. Tray criticized the price and compared it unfavorably to Dairy Queen's 89-baht large size, and pointed out that Kritsana had previously asked her to create content at his shop without payment but now apparently objects to others photographing his products. Singer Beer The Voice then posted photos from the shop with a lengthy comment defending Kritsana's gelato as genuinely smooth and delicious, stating that price perception depends on the individual consumer. She argued that if people don't like the product, they shouldn't buy it rather than criticizing it, and emphasized she was not paid for the endorsement and was simply speaking her honest opinion. Beer further commented that customers should be direct with shop owners about compensation expectations, and that she accepts both paid work and barter arrangements based on her own preference.

Army spokesman Pol. Lt. Col. Winthai Suwari disclosed on July 18 that the incident occurred while troops were conducting security reinforcement and operational base improvements along the border in Kantharawichai district, Sisaket province. The area was newly cleared for troop positioning and had not undergone thorough mine surveys. Although Cambodia had not used the area during recent combat operations, soldiers inadvertently stepped on an old, deteriorated landmine that still caused injuries despite its damaged mechanism.

Following the incident, Army engineer units and the Thai Military Humanitarian Demining Centre (TMAC) swept the area and discovered 19 old-model PMN-1 anti-personnel mines distributed around the site. The area has been cordoned off and clearance operations are underway to make it safe again. The Army's Regional Command 2 has instructed all troops conducting border security operations to increase vigilance and implement thorough area surveys, particularly in zones that have not yet been swept for mines.

The Royal Thai Navy has confirmed that a commercial vessel reported in recent news coverage near the Gulf of Oman is not a Thai-flagged ship. Following investigation in the area, one Thai cargo vessel and its crew remain safe. July 18, 2025 – Navy spokesman Rear Admiral Paratc Ratanajaipan revealed that after social media reports emerged about a commercial vessel incident in the Gulf of Oman, raising concerns it might be Thai-flagged, the Navy Operations Center coordinated information verification through vessel tracking systems with the National Maritime Security Center and the Port Authority's Vessel Traffic Service. Investigation found the vessel reported in the news is not a Thai-flagged ship. Separately, checks on Thai cargo vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman area—currently one vessel—confirmed after coordination with the vessel's safety officer that the ship and crew are safe, with normal sailing operations and mission performance ongoing. The Navy requested the public follow information from government agencies and trusted news sources, and confirmed it will closely monitor maritime security situations and coordinate continuously with relevant agencies to safeguard Thai vessels and national maritime interests.