Alek Teeradej transforms into a dark sorcerer in the horror-drama "Confessions of a Spirit Doctor," with a full trailer now released ahead of its August 12 theatrical debut. The film "Next Door," produced jointly by Chasing Light, Ad.Venture, and The Ghost Radio, has earned an invitation to screen at the Thai Film Festival in Vietnam 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City. Director Kong Kiartti Khomsiri and actor Kachabel Saran Ratchot Phueak Phiphatchana attended the festival, participating in Q&A sessions and warmly engaging with Vietnamese audiences. The Thai-Lao co-production horror film "Gongkoy: WRECKED," directed by Anny Chai Kaewlao, features top-tier actors from both countries including Ariya Sutharmmawong (Nana), Nipha Yakkanegi (Anita), Anongkan Pilaiwong (Mew), Kudtawon Akkaracha, and Nattapat Dilertsakcool (Megga). A special team-up event will also feature four young actors from the popular series "Double Helix"—Sun Zheng, Lee Sithong, He Jiasu, and Fa Seviangkeo—performing at the "Intertwined by Fate 'Double Helix' Concert in Bangkok" on July 25 at Thunderdome, Muang Thong Thani. Tickets are available through Ticket Melon. The horror-drama "Confessions of a Spirit Doctor" tells the story of Phra Toh (Alek Teeradej), a man whose fate plays tricks on him until he loses everything, then renounces Buddhism to enter the world of dark magic and sorcery, becoming a disciple of Mo Tian (Chakrit Yamnam), a powerful spirit doctor. The cast also includes Denis Jelilchsa Cappon, Am Amrinthorn Nitiphon, Boom Rannya Siyanonth, Wen Falconer, Neung Chalat Na Songkhla, and Baem Ganpimuk in special guest roles. The film arrives August 12.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas told reporters on July 21 that the welfare card review aims to ensure aid reaches the truly poor, not to strip people of benefits. The new registration round is significant because it can enroll 2.3 million previously excluded citizens who survey data shows genuinely need state support. At the same time, the government must screen out ineligible recipients, as numerous complaints have surfaced about fake poor people fraudulently accessing welfare benefits. Ekniti acknowledged that some genuinely poor residents may be incorrectly removed during fraud screening and pledged to help them reenter the system by establishing One Stop Service centers at the district level to process appeals and assist with documentation.

Ekniti identified systemic issues hampering accurate identification. Thailand's data infrastructure is outdated and does not reflect real-world circumstances—for example, people who own old, unused vehicles still registered in their names are wrongly classified as wealthy. The Finance Ministry is consulting with the Transport Ministry to revise asset criteria, especially for old or non-functional vehicles, to avoid cutting benefits to the genuinely poor.

Another problem is that personal data has been misused without people's knowledge through fake business registrations, stock holdings, corporate board memberships, and tax deductions linked to nominee rings and gray-market operations. "The truth is emerging," Ekniti said. "After we help the truly struggling, we must go after the groups deceiving villagers by using their names and causing them harm."

The government will extend appeal and review periods so genuinely distressed people can submit clarifications and evidence. Ekniti stressed that the welfare card is only one support tool; the government operates multiple social safety nets for vulnerable groups.

At a press conference on July 21 at Government House, Education Minister Prasert Chantharwangtong, Deputy Minister Akranun Kannakittinant, and Non-Formal Education Bureau Director Ketsathip Supavanit announced that approximately 270,000 students aged 18 and older have been affected by changes to state welfare card eligibility criteria. So far, 53,000 have registered and filed appeals, with the bureau expecting around 100,000 total appeals by the July 31 deadline—roughly 60–70 percent of eligible students.

The affected group consists of non-formal education students who have already submitted data; the total has grown to approximately 55,000 applicants and is still rising. Officials urged students who may be considering dropping out to hold off, as the Education Ministry is committed to keeping everyone in the system. Deputy Minister Akranun said the bureau will support all appeals to prevent students from withdrawing from their studies.

Director Ketsathip explained that the 270,000 students aged 18 and older have been requesting welfare cards continuously since last year. However, this year's eligibility criteria treat non-formal students differently—many are working adults from economically vulnerable backgrounds who must balance earning a living with pursuing education.

At a Government House press conference on July 21, 2025, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit responded to Phayao MP and Kla Tham Party leader Thammanat Promboon's Facebook criticism that the agriculture ministry's staff transfers were financially motivated rather than performance-based. Suriya said all perspectives—including Thammanat's—would inform his decision-making.

Suriya affirmed that the transfers were conducted transparently and that the Permanent Secretary, not the minister, has authority to propose them. Seven senior officials will retire on September 30, necessitating replacements. The Permanent Secretary reviewed all criteria including integrity, work commitment, dedication, and seniority, consulting at the management level rather than deciding alone. Once the Permanent Secretary presented a thorough proposal, Suriya approved it and forwarded it to the Prime Minister's Secretary-General for Cabinet consideration.

When asked if the transfers were free of financial quid pro quo, Suriya confirmed there was no extortion or position-trading and said anyone with evidence of wrongdoing could file a complaint. Responding to allegations of purging political rivals, Suriya noted the agriculture ministry has 31 senior administrators; a true purge would involve all of them, not just a few. He highlighted his 11 years without incident—five under Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, four under General Prayut Chan-o-cha, one under Srettha Thavisin, and one under Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra—as evidence of proper conduct. Suriya characterized Thammanat's scrutiny as standard opposition oversight and asked media to await the Cabinet meeting results before concluding on the scope of transfers.

The Government Lottery Office is allowing lottery ticket agents to terminate their agent status to join the 2025 State Welfare Card program, as some applicants failed to qualify due to annual income exceeding 100,000 baht. Applicants were disqualified from the 2025 State Welfare Card registration program because they had earnings above the 100,000-baht annual threshold, often because relatives or acquaintances registered them as lottery agents without their knowledge or consent. The registered individuals received no compensation and do not possess the registration documents, making it impossible for them to voluntarily cancel their agent status. On July 21, 2025, Government Lottery Office Director Pol. Lt. Noun Shansnak announced that existing lottery agents currently holding welfare card benefits who wish to continue in the welfare card program can request data verification and submit a cancellation request through the GLO Call Center at 0 2528 9999 during regular business hours. The office stands ready to facilitate access to state welfare benefits and provide citizens with sufficient income-generating options while receiving appropriate social assistance.

On July 21, Kanchanaburi Governor Waristha Sawansemsai signed an official proclamation urging all gold shops and ore dealers in the province to stop purchasing gold ore suspected of coming from illegal activities. The warning follows reports from Thong Pha Phum National Park of trespassing and illegal mining operations in forest areas of tambon Philok, Thong Pha Phum district, where authorities have already arrested multiple offenders and seized mining equipment.

As gold prices continue to rise, traders have begun purchasing ore from illegal miners seeking quick profits. Authorities have discovered that criminals are selling illegally mined gold to shops throughout Kanchanaburi. The illegal mining damages natural resources and the environment while threatening national economic and social security.

Under the Minerals Act of 2017, buying, selling, possessing, or transporting ore without a license from the Department of Basic Industries and Mining carries penalties of up to one year imprisonment or fines of three to five times the ore's value, or both. Such transactions also constitute a predicate offense under the Money Laundering Prevention Act of 1992, which carries additional penalties.

Thong Pha Phum National Park officials urged all gold shops, used goods dealers, and related businesses to refuse purchases of gold ore or ore-like materials from sellers who cannot provide clear documentation of origin. The park head called on the public to report illegal mining activities, unlicensed gold ore sales, or related information to police, the emergency hotline 191, or local authorities for legal action.

Authorities including national park rangers, special forces, border patrol police, local administration, and Philok Police Station have coordinated efforts to crack down on the illegal mining network.