PHUKET: A Myanmar national was arrested during an early-morning inspection at two markets in Phuket Town on Saturday (July 18) as authorities investigated complaints of foreigners illegally working in occupations reserved for Thai nationals.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthammaphan said on July 18 that she used a stopover during her return to Thailand from U.S. trade negotiations to participate in a Thai food and fruit promotion event at Aeon's Narita branch in Japan, monitoring market conditions and the overall situation for Thai products in Japan.

She visited displays of Thai fruits and food products that have attracted significant interest from Japanese consumers, particularly Thai durian, which continues to gain growing recognition and popularity, along with other Thai fruits such as mangosteen and pomelo, as well as Thai snacks and desserts favored by Japanese shoppers on weekends. These sales reflect the potential of Thai agricultural and food products to expand into Japan's premium market segment.

Suphajee also visited Kaew Jai, a Thai restaurant in Chiba Prefecture that holds the Thai SELECT certification and has served authentic Thai cuisine for over 25 years, exemplifying the success of building Thailand's food brand and consumer confidence in foreign markets.

Suphajee stated that through discussions with Pimjai Matsumoto, Honorary Trade Advisor for International Trade, and Nobuo Shirahama, a specialist in Japanese banana development, she exchanged information and monitored progress on promoting Thai banana exports to Japan, a market with high potential. Japan imports approximately 1 million tons of fresh bananas annually, with over 80 percent coming from ASEAN countries, making it an important opportunity for Thailand to increase market share and expand premium banana exports to Japanese consumers.

The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) has scheduled a visit for Japanese importers to banana cultivation areas to meet with farmers and business operators in order to build confidence and encourage purchasing orders, with the main objective of capturing a larger share of Japan's banana market.

"Whenever we see something, we must also see its faults. Thinking this way keeps our minds from wavering." – A dharma teaching from Luang Pho Cha Subhatto of Wat Nong Pa Phong, Ubon Ratchathani. In 2016, Phra Kru Uthai Buankij, known as Luang Pho Tee Pavaro, abbot of Wat Don Khwang in Uthai Thani province, a student of Luang Pho Thong Suk of Wat Saphan Sung, completed 72 years of age (six cycles of 12 years). To honor devotees who participated in his birthday merit-making ceremony, he commissioned the "Luang Pu Eiam Teacher Coin" in silver, niello inlay, and copper with gold plating. The coin is rectangular in shape with a raised figure of Buddha in relief at the center, bearing the numeral 9 in Thai script and the name "Luang Pu Eiam" below. The reverse side features a Khmer yantra with sacred Khmer characters encircling "Nametta" (loving-kindness), with "Teacher 2559" inscribed below—a relatively rare piece.

The "Phra Kandharaasadtr Amulet Coin" from Wat Phra Pathom Chedi in Nakhon Pathom is highly sought after. Created by Luang Pho Chot Thammapachotiko, a former abbot, using ancient casting techniques with metal alloy, the inverted oval-shaped coin features peacock designs carved on both front and back. The front center displays a Buddha image standing in a rain-calling posture, with the right hand raised to shoulder level in a summoning gesture and the left hand extended downward with palm facing up to receive water. The reverse bears a Khmer script yantra, making it an antique piece of great aesthetic and collector value.

"Phra Wichisara Sophon," or Luang Pho Chul Isaranyo, former abbot of Wat Hong Thong in Kamphaengphet and former district abbot, commissioned numerous amulets. The most popular is the "First Likeness Coin, Wat Hong Thong, Kamphaengphet, B.E. 2499." Rectangular in shape with a loop, it is made of copper with gold plating. The front shows a seated Buddha in full meditation posture, with an inscription below reading "In commemoration of the gift-giving ceremony for Phra Kru Vikrom Wichisara on March 30, B.E. 2499." The reverse bears a script yantra and remains a popular collectible.

"Phra Kru Khem Sarsudi" or Luang Pu Sai Khemmathamo, abbot of Wat Pa Phrom Viharn in Nong Bua Lamphu province, created notable amulets, particularly the "Raindrop Coin B.E. 2536." Without a loop, the front depicts a full Buddha in meditation, with "Series 1" inscribed below and "Luang Pu Sai Khemmathamo" below that. The reverse shows Buddhist requisites—a begging bowl, water vessel, and broom—with "Wat Pa Phrom Viharn" above and the inscription "Nonsan District, Udon Thani Province" below (created during the period when Nonsan was an Ampur in Udon Thani). This coin remains highly sought after and treasured.

On July 19, 2025, in Chengdu, Suphachai Chearavanont, senior vice president of the Charoen Pokphand Group, revealed that Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin's China roadshow aims to attract investment from major regions such as Chongqing and Shenzhen, which serve as China's advanced technology manufacturing hubs.

Based on regional analysis, Chongqing and Shenzhen are centers of industries Thailand must accelerate, particularly semiconductors, electronics, high-tech manufacturing, and aerospace. If Thailand can attract investors or forge business partnerships from these regions, it will significantly boost foreign direct investment.

Suphachai noted that Thailand received approximately $10 billion in foreign investment last year, while Vietnam attracted $27 billion—a gap that directly impacts GDP growth. This disparity compels Thailand to strengthen its manufacturing and export base, particularly in electronics and semiconductors, though Western capital inflows remain below potential despite positive signals from the data center sector.

The key to attracting Chinese investment lies in building trust and demonstrating that Thailand is a friendly nation prepared to welcome investment through favorable laws, tax incentives, and government facilitation. Chinese investors prioritize destination-country readiness to mitigate investment risk.

"This visit carries good omens because the Prime Minister understands both the public sector, politics, and private mechanisms—critical factors for building investment confidence and good governance. This enables senior Chinese leaders to listen to proposals and reassure Chinese investors seeking ASEAN production centers, particularly when compared to Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia," Suphachai said.

Suphachai stated that this economic offensive is a crucial step to reposition Thailand as the primary investment destination from the East, especially for emerging industries from Chongqing and Shenzhen, to strengthen Thailand's long-term economic structure.

Gulf Development Company Limited (GULF) launched the third year of its "GULF Sparks Energy" initiative, an educational roadshow bringing energy knowledge to over 600 students across three provinces in northern Thailand. The program teaches students about energy sources, electricity generation processes, fuel types, and energy conservation through hands-on learning activities. Participating schools include Wiangkaen Witthayakom and Chiangkhong Witthayakom in Chiang Rai, Ban Songao School in Loei, and Ban Phatang School in Nong Khai, aiming to instill appreciation for energy and natural resources.

The program delivers GULF's expertise in electricity and energy through engaging, playful learning activities with hands-on practice opportunities. The centerpiece is "My City, My Energy," where students design model cities with diverse electricity needs while learning electricity production steps and fuel advantages through four activity stations: hydroelectric power, wind energy, solar power, and fossil fuels. Students analyze and select appropriate energy sources for their model cities and receive educational materials for their schools.

Student Chayachat Chollua from Wiangkaen Witthayakom in Chiang Rai shared that the program helped him understand hydroelectric power as a renewable source that can produce electricity continuously, while noting that solar power depends on sunshine availability. His community should use hydroelectric power from the nearby Mekong River. Teacher Ekphol Kaewkantha from the same school praised how the knowledge can be integrated into classroom instruction to spark student creativity. Teacher Praweena Sritharadhikun from Chiangkhong Witthayakom added that students gained deeper understanding of renewable energy sources including hydropower, wind, and solar energy. Teacher Suphansa Intanai from Ban Songao School in Loei noted that students enjoyed hands-on learning with real equipment not found in textbooks, developing genuine understanding and appreciation of energy value. Student Sasiwimon Ruekaew from Ban Songao School called it an enjoyable and informative activity that strengthened teamwork and confidence. Principal Sadith Thiamchansorn from Ban Phatang School in Nong Khai expressed gratitude for GULF's contribution to student learning.