Deputy Prime Minister Yasothon Wongswat and Social Development Minister Nikom Somklang launched the "Five-Dimensional Poverty Alleviation and Social Status Elevation Plan" in sandbox format in Roi Et province on July 18, using science, research, and innovation as precision tools to combat poverty down to the household level. If successful, the program will expand nationwide, with senior officials from both ministries, local administrators, and Roi Et parliamentarians participating.

Yasothon explained that the sandbox's core is real-world implementation using a comprehensive Provincial Poverty Alleviation Platform (PPAP) centered on local universities and linked with provincial, local, civil society, and state agencies at all levels. The PPPConnext system has already identified and verified 1,243,449 poor individuals from 303,444 households across 20 provinces, analyzing problems across five capital dimensions: human, physical, financial, natural, and social capital.

To date, the research program has developed over 458 poverty-alleviation models generating income for 179,370 poor people, increasing total earnings by 979 million baht. Some 3,638 scalable technologies cover food processing, fishing, agriculture, and material value-added sectors, deployed through a network of over 70 university development centers nationwide. In Roi Et specifically, Roi Et Rajabhat University identified 53,795 poor households and implemented a "precision agriculture" vegetable-farming model in Kaset Wisai and Muang Roi Et districts using IoT sensors and automated drip irrigation, benefiting 514 households with average monthly income increases of 3,414 baht and reducing debt for 44.5 percent of farmers.

The Sugar and Sugar Cane Board (SSCB) and the Thai Industrial Standards Institute (TISI) are jointly implementing Thailand's Ministry of Industry's "ONE MIND unified industry" policy by piloting an artificial intelligence platform and data-driven management system designed to connect government databases, eliminate operational fragmentation, and strengthen Thailand's industrial competitiveness. SSCB Secretary-General Baimai Suvannatrai announced the collaboration will streamline the entire sugar production chain—from weather forecasting and crop planning to detecting hot spots to reduce burning, analyzing production processes, and predicting domestic and global sugar consumption trends.

The effort supports Thailand's 2023-2027 digital government roadmap, emphasizing user-centric digital services and staff development to build a sustainable digital ecosystem. Deputy TISI Secretary-General Pattharaphol Limpakdi outlined three dimensions guiding the organization toward becoming an intelligent agency: digital process reform, seamless data integration, and AI innovation for consumer safety. The roadmap includes centralizing registration databases, standards, e-licensing, e-surveillance, and certification systems to achieve three goals—speed, transparency, and safety—with plans to launch an AI Expert System in 2027 for factory risk assessment and a SMART TISI market surveillance system before achieving full data-driven decision-making by 2029.

The project will develop a Risk Assessment Dashboard, an online monitoring system for Thai standards, and AI social listening tools to protect consumers. Additional deliverables include a real-time AI Dashboard, 24/7 AI chatbots for public services, and smart alert systems for emerging risks. Over 170 staff have been trained in data and AI, with knowledge shared with nearly 1,500 farmers, entrepreneurs, and citizens, marking a significant step toward data-driven governance and industry practices in Thailand.

Prime Minister Anusit Chanyawimol and Deputy Interior Minister presided over the opening of the Thailand–China (Sichuan) Investment and Economic Forum 2026 on July 18 at Tianfu International Convention Center in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China. The event also marked the official launch of the BOI Chengdu Office, attended by Sichuan provincial officials, senior executives from both countries, investors, and Thai-Chinese private sector representatives.

The PM expressed gratitude to the Chinese government, Sichuan provincial authorities, and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (Sichuan branch) for supporting the forum and BOI office opening. He noted that Sichuan, with 80 million people and China's sixth-largest economy, is a major economic and industrial hub. Thailand, he said, offers competitive advantages including its position as ASEAN's geographical center, quality infrastructure, strong supply chains, skilled workforce, and clean energy resources.

The government is pursuing a three-dimensional economic development strategy: accelerating business approvals through the Thailand FastPass program (which has already facilitated over 750 billion baht in investment), upgrading Thai entrepreneurs and personnel through BOI competitiveness funds and skill-bridge programs, and strengthening the domestic economy through short-term stimulus measures and structural reforms in energy and digital sectors. These efforts have earned recognition from Moody's and S&P Global Ratings, which upgraded Thailand's creditworthiness outlook, while Thailand's IMD competitiveness ranking continues to rise.

The PM highlighted the significant trade potential between Sichuan and Thailand through the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle initiative, positioning Thailand as a central hub linking China's western regions with South Asia, Central Asia, and ASEAN.

Prime Minister Anutin Anutin Chaiyawongse led an economic mission to Chengdu to open a Thai-China investment forum and conduct one-on-one negotiations with six major corporations in technology, automotive, and tourism sectors to attract investment into Thailand.

Reporting from the People's Republic of China, Prime Minister Anutin Chaiyawongse and the Minister of Interior, accompanied by a high-level Thai government delegation, are on an official visit to China from July 16-20, 2025. On July 18, the Prime Minister led the delegation from Shanghai to Chengdu, Sichuan Province, to advance full-scale economic, technology, and tourism cooperation. The delegation participated in the "Prime Minister-Thai Private Sector Luncheon" to exchange perspectives with Thailand's leading business representatives and hear recommendations for penetrating the Chinese market.

A total of 48 Thai companies with 153 representatives attended the business negotiations in Chengdu, combining both those already conducting joint ventures with Chinese investors and those seeking new business partnerships. One hundred ten business leaders participated in the luncheon with the Prime Minister.

Eleven prominent business executives dined at the PM's table, including Pimjai Lee Isisaranukul, President of the Federation of Thai Industries; Norungsak Putthaprommonkol, President of the Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce; Viboon Suphakropongkul, Vice President of the Thai Chamber of Commerce; Surachai Jiaranon, Senior Vice President of Charoen Pokphand Group; Saravuth Yuvittaya, CEO of TCP Business Group; Supralaks Ampuch, Chairman of The Mall Group; Vikrom Kromditsathit, CEO of AMATA; Vichai Kulsomsap, CEO and Chairman of Sahapattana Group; Yothin Damnanchaivanit, President of Industrial Park 304; Chaya Chantavasu, Senior Vice President of PTT; and Manoo Chotetewanya, Chairman of Sahafarm.

The Prime Minister will use this opportunity to gather feedback and recommendations from Thailand's private sector to discuss with the Chinese government. A meeting with Chinese Premier Li Qiang is scheduled for July 20. The Board of Investment (BOI) office in Chengdu was officially opened during the visit to serve as a link connecting Chinese investors to Thailand, signaling the Thai government's commitment to deepening trade and investment relations with China at the regional level.

Sichuan Province is strategically important as China's sixth-largest economy with a population of over 80 million, with economic potential comparable to Thailand. Thailand and China have emphasized connectivity through the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor and the Chengdu-Chongqing economic corridor, which will position the region as a crucial connection point between western China, South Asia, and ASEAN, with Thailand serving as the region's primary gateway.

The Prime Minister revealed that last year, the value of investment promotion applications from Chinese entrepreneurs reached a record 380,000 million yuan, equivalent to an economic stimulus of over 1 trillion baht, a 67% increase from the previous year. Trade between Thailand and Sichuan in 2025 expanded by 112%, reflecting investor confidence in Thailand's infrastructure, clean energy, and strong supply chains.

San Camillo Hospital Ban Po has suspended the attending physician and established a fact-finding committee to investigate the circumstances surrounding a patient's death. The hospital expressed deep condolences and sent support to the family, acknowledging public concerns about the incident. Hospital management appointed a committee of relevant experts to thoroughly and fairly review all medical data and treatment procedures. To ensure transparency and impartiality, the hospital has ordered the treating physician to remain suspended until the investigation is complete. The hospital stated it is committed to conducting a transparent and fair examination of the incident and pledged to improve treatment quality according to medical ethics and professional standards with patient safety as the priority. Meanwhile, teacher Suray shared a final photo of her husband who had just picked up their child from school before his death, expressing grief and frustration in a caption questioning why the doctor did not perform an examination when it could have made a difference.

Icon Siam, a world-class landmark on the Chao Phraya River, is partnering with KHUNPARE COLLECTION to present the Neo Land Festival 2026—an art exhibition featuring painted sculptures called NEO Art Toys inspired by the elephant, a symbol of Thai identity. The works reinterpret this icon through contemporary perspectives of Thailand's diverse artists, inviting audiences to experience creativity and artistic identity in a fresh format.

The exhibition comprises 49 artworks by 33 acclaimed Thai artists spanning contemporary Thai art, pop art, doodle art, surrealism, and other modern genres. Each artist conveys stories, experiences, beliefs, and imagination on neo sculptures using distinctive techniques to create unique original works.

"Neo" is a dimensional art canvas representing "rebirth," reflecting how artworks transform when placed in an artist's hands. Rather than being predefined, neo serves as a starting point for imagination that is constantly reborn. Through its distinctive and singular works, neo is not merely an elephant character or art symbol—it is a space of creative freedom where artists can fully unleash imagination and creative potential without limits on canvas and dimensional surfaces. Every artwork in the exhibition is handcrafted by artists using varied techniques including oil paint, acrylic, spray paint, colored lines, and markers, becoming a space for new ideas and endless artistic interpretation.

Among the exhibition's highlights is "Horse of Dawn," a 170-centimeter-tall art toy by Indy Nine (Chanok Nanth Khwan Muni), which conveys the human condition in the modern world facing expectations, power, and spiritual seeking through the symbol of a golden horse representing freedom and wisdom. Set against intense red tones, delicate flowers hint at hidden gentleness within the human heart.

Another notable work is "Flash Space" by Uang Angyakorn Mun Phonlasri, a doodle-art-style piece blending cars, speed, space, and infinite imagination with vibrant colors expressing maximum playfulness and bold thinking outside convention. Her "Doodle Flow" conveys simple yet powerful lines in doodle style, while "Love of the Forest 01: My Sleeping Forest Summer" tells of nature's resurgence. "TAMU's Land" reflects ideas of sustainability and clean energy, and "Rhythm of Love" draws inspiration from Ganesh as the origin of art and creation.

The exhibition also includes "Low Fat" by Norngchai Oon Jai, a surrealist work peeling away neo's outer "shell" or patterns to reveal inner muscle and skeletal structure, signifying the "common foundation" hidden beneath diverse differences. The work humorously takes its name from the artist's personal experience with weight management.

Other notable works in the exhibition include Monster Parade, NEO 2050, Ruby Ganesha, NINJA Ganesha, and Night Dr.