Government spokesman Rachada Thanadirek announced that international media outlets including Bloomberg have reported strong performance by Thailand's SET Index, which is the best-performing stock market in ASEAN this year, accompanied by significant inflows of foreign capital into both equities and bonds. She said this signals clear renewed confidence in the Thai economy. According to reports, the Thai stock index has risen more than 27% since the beginning of the year, outperforming other ASEAN markets, while foreign investors have made net purchases of nearly 2,000 million dollars (approximately 67 billion baht) in Thai stocks and approximately 1,260 million dollars (around 42 billion baht) has flowed into the Thai bond market. Rachada stated that these figures result from political stability, clear economic policies, and government efforts to support the economy amid high global volatility from Middle East tensions, energy prices, and international capital movements. She emphasized that the value of Thailand's stock market is supported not only by improved political conditions but also by clear economic policy direction, export and tourism promotion, while the Bank of Thailand continues to maintain financial system stability as a key pillar of the Thai economy. Rachada also noted that foreign investors are increasingly watching Thailand's growing role in the global AI supply chain through investments in data centers, data hosting, digital infrastructure, and technology businesses related to artificial intelligence—an industry that will create long-term added value for the Thai economy. The government views the capital market recovery as merely a starting point; the next challenge is converting investor confidence into real investment, actual job creation, and growth in corporate profits to help Thailand escape the low-growth trap it has faced for years. The government is committed to maintaining a favorable investment climate through clear policies, economic stability, export and tourism support, and development of future industries to build sustainable confidence among both domestic and foreign investors.

Deputy Prime Minister's Spokesperson Lalida Periwattana announced that the government is accepting welfare card qualification reviews from July 17–31 for applicants who failed the initial assessment. Citizens can correct their information, address errors, and protect their rights through four channels: bank registration units, the state welfare program website, the Pao Tung app, and the government app. Those who submit reviews and are asked to provide additional documents must complete corrections by August 16 at the relevant qualification-checking agencies, or it may affect their eligibility.

Deputy Spokesperson Ploytalae Laksmeesangjun noted that people disqualified due to vehicle ownership can appeal with help from the Transport Ministry. The Ministry has arranged for the Department of Land Transport to assist citizens in verifying vehicle ownership records free of charge at provincial transport offices nationwide. Citizens can bring their ID or relevant documents to check the central database (MDM) at any provincial or branch transport office. If vehicle records don't match reality, the data will be corrected and registered properly. The government is expediting database updates so people can use accurate information to appeal and preserve their welfare card rights.

Looksaikongdin Gym has issued a ban preventing fighter Saiyudania Looksaikongdin from competing in Muay Thai domestically or internationally, effective immediately until further official notice. The gym requested cooperation from all promoters, event organizers, and industry professionals to respect the ban, as Saiyudania remains contractually bound to the gym. The gym stated the decision, though painful for management, was necessary after previous warnings and opportunities for improvement failed to produce the expected behavioral changes. The announcement was issued on July 17, 2026, on behalf of Looksaikongdin Gym and the family.

Deputy Education Minister Akkanut Kankakit has addressed the situation where some ONIE students have been dropping out of school after failing to meet the criteria for state welfare cards. The Education Ministry has acknowledged the problem and is urgently coordinating with relevant agencies to find a swift resolution, as no student should be forced to choose between education and essential rights.

Akkanut called on all students to remain calm and not make hasty decisions to leave school, saying the ministry is moving quickly to fix the issue. "Since hearing this news, I've been deeply troubled because I don't want to see any of you having to quit school due to concerns about welfare or family hardship. Your job is to study and hold onto your dreams; solving these problems is our responsibility. Please don't drop out," he said.

The minister further stressed that education is Thailand's future and the Education Ministry will not leave students to face this challenge alone. He and other ministry leaders will work closely with students and coordinate urgently with all relevant agencies to find the best solution. "No matter what problems arise, the Education Ministry will stand behind you and provide full support so everyone can continue their studies without interruption," Akkanut said, urging students not to lose hope and to stay in school.

Gold prices on July 18, 2026 have surged 350 baht compared to the previous day's closing price of 64,300 baht per baht weight for ornamental gold, according to the Gold Traders Association announcement posted at 9:02 a.m. Gold bars are trading at 63,850 baht per baht weight for purchase and 64,050 baht for sale. Ornamental gold (96.5% purity) is being purchased at 62,580.48 baht per baht weight and sold at 64,850 baht, while global gold spot prices are at 4,018.00 U.S. dollars per ounce.

Police arrested Sachanat, 26, on July 18, 2025, at a residence in Phuket following an investigation into an intrusion on the Firstup.in.th online game-recharge platform in June 2025. The suspect hacked the website's security system, created fake user accounts, exploited payment vulnerabilities, and generated fraudulent credit balances without making actual payments, then used the fake credits to purchase goods and steal recharge codes, causing over 200,000 baht in damages.

During the arrest, officers recovered methamphetamine (80 tablets), a semi-automatic .380 pistol, ammunition, two computers, and four mobile phones. Background checks revealed Sachanat had five outstanding arrest warrants for robbery, fraud, and computer crimes.

Under interrogation, Sachanat revealed he completed only sixth grade but possessed advanced computer skills. He initially attempted to hack government systems—specifically the Royal Thai Police—to delete his own arrest warrants. When that failed, he targeted commercial websites with vulnerabilities, using AI chatbot programs as self-teaching tools and upgrading his computers. After relocating to Phuket, he took on paid hacking jobs until police arrested him. He faces charges including theft, property damage, and computer crimes.