The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) opened a public hearing on July 17, 2026, on draft regulations to upgrade standards for major shareholders of securities firms, derivatives traders, and digital asset businesses, aiming to ensure major shareholders meet appropriate qualifications and boost confidence in Thailand's capital market. The SEC previously refined principles regarding prohibitions for business operators and conducted consultations from April to May 2026, with most stakeholders supporting the proposed framework. The SEC has now prepared three draft announcements with key points including: (1) standardizing major shareholder prohibitions across all business types to address current risks, such as expanding the scope of money laundering violations and financial support for terrorism and weapons proliferation both domestically and internationally, while covering cross-sector risks under SEC oversight; (2) establishing uniform standards for assessing the severity of major shareholder conduct across all business types; and (3) providing a 90-day transition period from the announcement's effective date for businesses and major shareholders to prepare for compliance. Stakeholders and interested parties may submit comments via the SEC website (https://www.sec.or.th/TH/Pages/PB_Detail.aspx?SECID=1189) or the central legal system (https://law.go.th/listeningDetail?survey_id=NzY3MERHQV9MQVdfRlJPTlRFTkQ=), with email submissions accepted until August 16, 2026.

Phaholyothin Police Station is urging relatives to collect three motorcycles left at a beer hall in Ladprao that was destroyed by fire, which killed people and injured many. One motorcycle registered in Yasothon Province has not been reached. On July 17, 2025, Pol. Lt. Srithakrija Phitakchanakit, traffic sergeant at Phaholyothin Police Station, revealed findings after investigating the three motorcycles parked at the fire scene on Ladprao. The first motorcycle is a red-and-white Yamaha Fino with license plate Kathan 600 (Yasothon), registered to Ms. Natrada. Officers have been unable to contact her and do not yet know whether she was injured or what happened to her in this incident. Police are asking her or her relatives to urgently contact them. The second motorcycle is a black-and-red Honda Wave. Officers checked the engine number and verified through records that it belongs to a deceased victim. Police express their deepest condolences to the family and are currently waiting for relatives to collect the motorcycle. The third motorcycle is a black Honda Scoopy-i with license plate 6 Khor 2003 (Bangkok). The owner's name and contact information have been confirmed, and this person is among the injured and is still receiving treatment but has not yet collected the bike. Regarding the process for collecting motorcycles and belongings, including personal items lost or left inside the shop, victims or relatives should prepare travel identification documents and come to Phaholyothin Police Station. The first step is to meet with the case investigator to provide information and file a record. After that, they can bring the documents to the traffic investigation unit at Phaholyothin Police Station to collect the motorcycles and belongings, and can contact the traffic sergeant directly.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced the results of bilateral talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Shanghai on July 17, revealing that Xi has offered to facilitate dialogue between Thailand and Cambodia to restore relations. During discussions emphasizing the strong bond between the two countries, China confirmed its commitment to ongoing support and cooperation with Thailand across security, economics, technology transfer, and personnel training.

A key topic addressed regional relationships and security concerns. Xi acknowledged neighboring country relations and offered to mediate efforts to restore Thai-Cambodian ties and find joint solutions. Thailand reiterated its position that it does not seek conflict but must protect sovereignty and public safety.

Anuthin addressed concerns about China's tank deliveries to Cambodia, explaining that China understood Thai government and public worries. He noted the purchase order predated recent conflict, but China had delayed deliveries during the fighting. China assured that under agreed conditions, the weapons will not be used to harm Thailand.

Anuthin also confirmed that China offered to host the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation framework meeting—originally to be co-chaired by Thailand—to avoid inconvenience for participating states, particularly Cambodia. On a ceremonial note, Anutin conveyed a royal invitation from Thailand's King inviting President Xi and his wife on an official State Visit, which Xi accepted in principle pending scheduling alignment.

The Southern region has recorded the most significant irregularities in local government employee examination scores. The Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry announced that next week will mark the conclusion of the process after the central civil service examination committee voted to disqualify 5,924 candidates. He dismissed rumors of manipulation, stating that detailed verification was completed overnight before today's meeting.

Of approximately 279,000 test-takers from over 400,000 applicants, 5,924 showed score anomalies that were corrected. The committee voted to cancel the previous exam results and will issue a new certified list. The Permanent Secretary emphasized this is not a new examination but a re-tallying of existing correct scores, with the 5,924 irregularities removed and reranked. Early verification showed significant anomalies in the initial phase, with some scattered throughout later entries.

When asked about cross-referencing the new list with the National Anti-Corruption Commission's data, the Permanent Secretary noted that timestamps on answer sheets and result sheets were recorded within 4 minutes of the exam, providing clear chronological records. Regarding the committee's authority to disqualify candidates, he confirmed that the agency responsible for approving results has the authority to correct its own decisions when data is found to be inaccurate.

The official stated that today's decision represents completion of the entire verification process, not a partial review, addressing public expectations. He clarified that while there were minor differences of opinion on data presentation, all committee members unanimously agreed to disqualify all 5,924 problematic candidates. Regarding rumors of efforts to remove disqualified candidates from misconduct records, he stated such maneuvering is now impossible as the process is complete.

On July 17, Thanachoat Rungthipanont, deputy director-general of the Comptroller General's Department, announced that the Cabinet has approved the 2026 State Welfare Registration Program. Existing cardholders from the 2022 program who qualified for 2026 benefits can begin using their benefits from August 1 (5 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily), while new applicants must wait until October 1.

Eligible beneficiaries can access benefits through two methods: the Paotang mobile application (G Wallet) for smartphone users, or their national ID card with PIN code verification for those without smartphones. Both methods require facial recognition scanning at participating merchants or agencies. The program provides monthly allowances of 300 baht for essential goods, 80 baht every three months for cooking gas, and 75 baht for public transportation.

New applicants and those undergoing benefit review must complete identity verification (e-KYC) within 180 days through either the Paotang app or one of five designated banks: Krung Thai Bank, Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, Government Savings Bank, Government Housing Bank, and Islamic Bank of Thailand. Identity verification must be completed at registration centers, and those wishing to delegate authority must also verify in person at these centers.

On July 17 at the Maleenont Building, Pond Chakrakrisna gave an extensive interview to address allegations of misappropriated charitable donations. He firmly denied the claims, arguing that the financial documents presented were AI-generated attacks against him. He stated that association treasurer Karnchai had reviewed the bank statement showing only 80 million baht in funds, far below the alleged 200 million, and questioned where that figure came from.

Pond detailed the association's legitimate expenses: handling approximately 10,000 cases annually at 5,000 baht per case equals 50 million baht alone, plus vehicle maintenance, fuel, and assistance to bereaved families. The association also pays roughly 10 employees, with the highest salary not exceeding 9,000 baht, averaging 100,000 baht monthly.

Regarding the 30,000-baht transfers, Pond explained this follows association rules allowing such withdrawals for managing operational costs. While he initially used his wife's account as a conduit due to the association account lacking banking app and card access, he has now switched to the association president's account per a meeting resolution.

Pond acknowledged wrongly obtaining the list of 18 complainants from officials to verify if they were defaming him—something he shouldn't have done. Regarding Nayana, he revealed he once intended to buy her property to build a sacred statue but abandoned the purchase after she allegedly went back on a price-reduction promise, leading him to demolish the structure.

Concerning the land registered under his mother's name, Pond explained the broker claimed the owner was his relative and worried about tax implications if transferred to the association, so he requested individual registration first with later transfer to the association. He admitted lacking legal knowledge and didn't consult a lawyer.

Pond clarified his income sources: previously from creating and selling amulets, now from product reviews on Facebook, tiktok sales, and product endorsements. The free nose surgery allegation he flatly denied—the clinic performed it for free in exchange for influencer reviews. On the lottery ticket controversy, he explained he borrowed lottery tickets from someone who won first prize to photograph for content, noting in comments that they belonged to someone else.

Pond concluded by saying if society accepts his explanation, his actions going forward will serve as proof of his integrity.