BANGKOK — Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow has ordered a fact-finding investigation after the Chinese Embassy in Bangkok requested Thai authorities examine an incident where a Chinese national allegedly faced excessive force from a security guard at a book festival event.

Speaking on Tuesday, Sihasak said authorities would first establish the facts before taking further action. "We have ordered an investigation to determine exactly what happened. Incidents like this can occur," he said.

The Chinese Embassy had urged Thai authorities to promptly investigate the case, which arose from an altercation at the International Novel Festival 2026 in Bangkok.

When asked about Thai social media users criticizing the Chinese Embassy's Facebook statement, Sihasak said the embassy had the right to issue a public explanation. "We understand people's feelings, but it is better to establish the facts and ensure fairness for all parties," he said.

Asked whether Thailand would coordinate with the Chinese Embassy on the matter, Sihasak said discussions should wait until the investigation concludes. "Let's establish the facts first. Once the investigation is finished, we can discuss the matter. We must ensure fairness for all sides," he said.

The controversy began when a Chinese attendee was forcibly removed from reserved seating by event security staff, sparking heated debate online in Thailand and China.

Organizer GMMTV later acknowledged that the outsourced security worker used excessive force, apologized for the incident, and suspended the staff member pending investigation results. The company also denied claims that it had filed legal action against the Chinese attendee.

Prime Minister Anuthine Charnvirakul presided over a Buddhist chanting ceremony and alms-giving ritual to honor His Majesty the King's birthday on July 28, 2025, at 7:00 AM at Sanam Luang. He was joined by cabinet members, the Privy Council, parliamentary and judicial leaders, government officials, military commanders, the national police commissioner, and private sector representatives. When the Prime Minister arrived, ten senior monks took their seats as he lit incense and candles before a portrait of the King, then administered the precepts to the monks who chanted prayers. The Prime Minister and other high-ranking officials presented robes and religious supplies to all 10 monks, then participated in a water-blessing ritual and made prostrations of respect. The alms-giving ceremony with 175 monks concluded afterward. At 8:00 AM, the Prime Minister and cabinet members took a solemn oath as civil servants, pledging to serve the nation with integrity and loyalty to uphold the King's ideals and work for the country's prosperity and development. The oath emphasized officials' commitment to follow the King's teachings and principles of governance, expressing gratitude for His Majesty's continued guidance and compassion toward the people. The ceremony concluded with prayers and well-wishes for the King's long life, good health, wisdom, and lasting benefit to the nation and its citizens.

The SAT Sports Tourism Festival 2026 concluded successfully at Central Festival Chanthaburi from July 24-26, drawing officials including Thai Sports Authority Director-General Dr. Kongsakd Yodmani, Chanthaburi Deputy Governor Thawatchai Namsomuthorn, and representatives from government, private sector, and local sports organizations.

The festival featured three competitive sports—professional Muay Thai, mini-marathon running, and 3×3 basketball—along with cheerleading demonstrations and a Sports Entertainment Expo. Celebrity concerts by artists including Lamai Haitongkam, Kong Huairai, and Paradox drew enthusiastic crowds.

Dr. Kongsakd emphasized the Thai Sports Authority's goal of using sports to drive tourism, economic growth, and community income to improve quality of life sustainably. He noted that integrating sports with tourism aligns with government policy and the national sports development plan, which aim to promote public health, develop potential in youth, and create economic opportunities for local communities. The festival format—combining diverse sports competitions with entertainment—showcases Chanthaburi's natural resources, culture, and local identity to visitors, creating memorable experiences and encouraging future tourism. The Sports Authority believes this event will serve as a model for integrating sports and tourism to generate economic, social, and community development value while inspiring youth to pursue athletics and excellence.

The Thai Astronomy Society posted on Facebook on July 28 that a meteor shower will occur July 28–30, but viewing is not recommended. The event is the Southern Delta Aquarids meteor shower, named after the radiiant point near the star Delta Aquarii.

Three reasons discourage observation: the meteor shower has an exceptionally low peak rate of only 15–20 meteors per hour; it occurs during Thailand's rainy season when cloud cover is typically heavy; and this year it coincides with the full moon, causing moonlight to dominate the night sky.

The society's lack of recommendation does not constitute a prohibition, only an attempt to manage expectations. Interested observers may still watch during the window between 1 a.m. and dawn by recline, looking broadly at the sky without focusing on a single spot, and avoiding high hopes.

Labor Minister Chulphan Amornvivat addressed the postponement of the Social Security Board election at a press conference on July 28, 2025, at Sanam Luang. He explained that someone filed a case with the administrative court claiming the board registration announcement was improper, prompting the court to issue a temporary suspension order. The Social Security Office held an election committee meeting on July 27 but halted proceedings to await clarity from the court on whether the election can proceed. If the court rules favorably and lifts the suspension, the ministry will keep the original September 27 election date.

Amornvivat said the situation involves two aspects: the 2564-2565 election regulations that were in place when he took office, and public and civil society demands to expedite the election process. He emphasized the necessity of having a fully empowered board to operate the Social Security Office efficiently. When asked if politics was involved in the legal challenge, he declined to speculate, noting he does not know the complainant personally. He stressed that the challenger has legitimate legal rights to file the case, and the office must follow proper procedures.

When asked about the risk of delays jeopardizing the September 27 deadline, Amornvivat expressed hope that the election would not be postponed, as a new fully functional board is urgently needed. He dismissed opposition claims that the government lacked sincerity, saying he had engaged extensively with opposition members and civil society groups and demonstrated genuine commitment. He reiterated that regardless of the court proceedings, an election for the Social Security Board must take place, and the office will follow all legal steps to ensure it happens.

The Thai Gold and Silver Dealers Association reported that gold prices on July 28, 2569 have fallen sharply compared to the previous day's closing. Ornamental gold is selling at 65,400 baht per baht weight. Gold bullion bars are trading at 64,400 baht per baht for buying and 64,600 baht for selling according to the first announcement. For 96.5% ornamental gold, the buying price stands at 63,111.08 baht per baht and the selling price at 65,400 baht. International gold spot prices are at 4,047 US dollars per ounce. Gold traders predict that tomorrow's market opening will see prices surge by 1,000-2,000 baht per baht weight, potentially breaking through the 80,000 baht barrier.