Prime Minister Anuthon Chanthawong met with Zhang Leji, chairman of China's National People's Congress, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on July 20, 2026, following a wreath-laying ceremony at the Heroes Monument in Tiananmen Square. Government spokesman Ratchada Thanadirek stated that both sides reaffirmed their commitment to sustaining the 51-year Thai-Chinese friendship and advancing cooperation in new sectors such as space, electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and sustainable environmental protection, with concrete benefits for both nations' peoples.

The prime minister identified four key cooperation pillars: First, politics and security, including high-level exchanges and a 2+2 mechanism between foreign affairs and defense ministries, plus joint efforts against transnational crime and online fraud networks. Second, economics and investment, promoting balanced trade and high-quality investment that creates jobs and value-added production in Thailand, alongside collaboration in science, technology, future industries, and infrastructure. Third, people-to-people relations through enhanced tourism, cultural exchange, and media cooperation to deepen Thai-Chinese understanding and closeness. Fourth, regional cooperation supporting ASEAN's central role, Mekong River basin collaboration, dialogue-based problem-solving, and support for peace in Myanmar.

The prime minister also encouraged increased legislative exchanges between the two parliaments and invited China's National People's Congress chairman to visit Thailand—a visit that would mark the first such official trip in 15 years. He expressed confidence that close cooperation between Thailand's government and legislature with China's will create economic opportunities, enhance security, and strengthen long-term regional stability.

China's National People's Congress chairman welcomed the prime minister's first official visit to China and hailed the success of the WAIC 2026 conference attendance and meetings with President Xi Jinping, pledging to advance bilateral cooperation into concrete implementation benefiting both peoples. He stated that China supports Thailand's modernization agenda, particularly in artificial intelligence, digital technology, space, health, and clean energy and environment sectors. Both sides agreed to closer collaboration in international forums including ASEAN-China frameworks and the Mekong-Lancang Cooperation, while upholding international principles under UN guidelines.

The Chinese parliament chief also praised the two legislatures' cooperation and expressed hope for joint exchange of approaches to elevate environmental laws and sustainable development, while extending invitations for Thailand's parliament speaker and vice speaker to visit China.

PHETCHABURI — On 20 July 2026, police cordoned off a section of road in Phetchaburi after a suspicious object resembling a hand grenade was found beside the roadway near the Ban Lat overpass on the route heading towards Ban Mo Municipality in Mueang Phetchaburi district.

The Phetchaburi Provincial Police Emergency Call Centre received a report from a member of the public at 08:56 hrs alerting them to the suspicious object. Officers from Mueang Phetchaburi Police Station were dispatched immediately and confirmed the presence of a grenade-like item at the scene.

Police established a security perimeter, restricted public access, and redirected traffic while warning motorists to avoid the area as a precaution. An explosive ordnance disposal team from the Phetchaburi Provincial Police Investigation Division was called to examine the object using specialist equipment and standard bomb disposal procedures to assess any potential danger.

The item will be sent for forensic examination while investigators work to determine its origin. Police are also reviewing CCTV footage from nearby cameras to identify who left the object at the location. Authorities stated that legal action would be pursued if any criminal offence is determined.

Police cautioned the public against touching, moving, or inspecting any suspicious objects that resemble explosive devices, urging residents to immediately notify authorities or call the 191 emergency hotline so trained personnel can respond safely.

On July 20, 2025, at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road, a court hearing was held regarding charges against prominent actors Yuranun Pamornmontri and Pichaya Wattanamontri in a public fraud case involving the DiIcon Group. The two defendants were originally indicted on April 27 and subsequently released on temporary bail of 1 million baht with restrictions on foreign travel without judicial approval.

Pichaya's legal counsel had indicated that the case stemmed from the main DiIcon case and was scheduled for evidence review on July 20. However, the court has now consolidated this case with the primary DiIcon matter, which has already progressed to the witness examination phase. As a result, no evidence review will take place, and the case will proceed directly to witness testimony scheduled for August 4, 2025, at 9:00 AM.

The Small and Medium Enterprise Credit Guarantee Corporation (SME DBF) reported that credit guarantee commitments in the first six months of 2025 reached 44.57 billion baht, a 129% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This catalyzed over 50.16 billion baht in lending through financial institutions, benefiting more than 50,000 SME operators, sustaining approximately 342,000 jobs, and generating over 219.73 billion baht in economic benefit.

The service, food and beverage, and manufacturing and trade sectors accounted for over 54% of total guarantees. A key driver of growth was the "Quick Big Win" credit guarantee scheme with 50 billion baht in total commitments, which waived guarantee fees for the first three years and charged only 1% annually thereafter, leveraging risk-based pricing to boost lender confidence.

The organization launched the new "Credit Plus" guarantee product with 20 billion baht to capitalize SMEs at all levels, offering coverage from 10,000 baht up to 100 million baht per borrower at a starting fee of just 1.25% annually with terms up to 10 years. It employs the TCG Score credit-scoring system for risk management and is expected to generate approximately 26.9 billion baht in new lending to over 9,000 operators while preserving roughly 194,000 jobs.

Beyond credit support, the organization has restructured debt for over 3,000 claimants totaling 1.58 billion baht and cleared debts for 716 borrowers worth 180 million baht under the "SME DBF Ready to Help" initiative. It is expanding year-round assistance through "SME DBF Ready to Guarantee, Ready to Help" phase two and accelerating digital transformation through the "SME DBF Ready Plus+" initiative, which will develop an API Gateway to connect real-time credit guarantee services with modern financial ecosystems and virtual banking platforms.

Pathum Thani Provincial Administration (PTAO) is reinforcing its role as a model local government organization in public health, continuing its aggressive flu vaccination campaign for the third consecutive year to build community immunity and sustainably improve residents' well-being. The initiative operates under the slogan "Good Health Starts Here: PTAO Cares About Your Health."

Influenza is a seasonal disease that occurs every year and affects public health broadly. Over the past three years, PTAO has recognized the importance of this issue and implemented proactive policies to secure high-quality vaccines for residents. Recently, Governor Kamnalwit Thupkrajang (Big Jazz) visited communities to inspect vaccination services and encourage residents, merchants, and students participating in the program. He announced that this year's campaign has distributed 265,000 free vaccine doses across the province.

Gov. Kamnalwit reported that public response has been excellent and growing each year, with increasing confidence in vaccine safety. Annual flu vaccination not only reduces severe illness and hospital admissions but also eases household financial burdens, strengthening the province's primary health care system and advancing it toward becoming a truly safe and healthy city.

PTAO invites at-risk groups, youth, and unvaccinated residents to receive free flu vaccines until July 31, 2025 at the PTAO multipurpose building (near Pathum Thani Market) and all health centers and stations throughout the province. No appointment needed—just bring your ID card. More details are available on the PTAO Facebook page. For inquiries, contact the PTAO Public Health Office at 02-975-8940–8, ext. 126.