Thailand's Ministry of Commerce is intensifying protection of intellectual property rights for Thai entrepreneurs operating in the Chinese market through a new memorandum of understanding linking cooperation across both domestic and online platforms. Government spokeswoman Lalida Phirusvisuttana revealed that the Cabinet has approved an MOU between Thailand's Ministry of Commerce and China's market oversight authority on intellectual property enforcement cooperation. The Cabinet also authorized the Commerce Minister or designated representative to sign the agreement, which aims to provide concrete assistance channels for Thai businesses affected by intellectual property violations in China's market and on Chinese online platforms. The MOU establishes a bilateral cooperation framework on intellectual property enforcement between Thailand and China to improve coordination between both countries' agencies on protecting rights domestically and addressing violations occurring on online platforms, an increasingly vital commercial channel. The cooperation covers four key areas: discussions on recent developments in intellectual property enforcement, relevant information exchange, facilitation of rights enforcement, and training and personnel development for both parties to enhance protection effectiveness and action against products or services that infringe intellectual property rights. Spokeswoman Lalida stated that this cooperation will strengthen the Ministry of Commerce's active role in assisting Thai entrepreneurs, particularly in cases involving trademarks, copyrights, patents, and other intellectual property properly protected under Chinese law, working in tandem with private enforcement by the rights holders themselves. Both sides will designate department-level agencies as primary coordinators and can discuss issues arising from the cooperation and jointly develop appropriate work plans, with implementation contingent on budget, resources, legal framework, and internal regulations of each country. The spokeswoman further clarified that the MOU is a non-binding expression of shared intent and creates no international legal rights or obligations, thus is not a treaty and does not fall under Thailand's Constitutional Section 178 on treaties. "The government is committed to elevating intellectual property protection for Thai entrepreneurs abroad, particularly in the Chinese market and online channels, to help reduce damage from infringement, build business confidence, and support Thai goods, innovations, and creativity to compete fairly in foreign markets."

Police forensics investigators conducted their third evidence-gathering visit to the Ladprao beer hall on July 14 to examine ceiling panels and electrical systems as they investigate the deadly fire that claimed 30 lives and injured many others. The team inspected ceiling areas throughout the venue to determine whether faulty wiring caused the blaze, while also reviewing the shop's electrical panel layout and checking whether materials were properly maintained or if easily flammable materials were used. Investigators are paying particular attention to the area above the stage zone, especially a cutout section, based on witness statements placing the fire's origin there with visible flames and smoke.

Major General Dr. Thanakrit Jitarirattana, director of the Klai Kanong Party's complaints center, visited the scene and expressed condolences to victims' families while criticizing what he called a recurring and preventable tragedy in Bangkok. He noted receiving complaints about similar problems since 2562 and questioned how many more losses must occur before serious corrective action is taken, emphasizing that regulatory agencies bear direct responsibility. He expressed concern the incident would fade from public attention and warned that violating operators must face legal consequences. His initial inspection found the venue operates as a restaurant but provides music services past midnight, creating ambiguity between restaurant and entertainment establishment classification. He called for investigation into building permits and use authorization under construction control law, noting emergency exit stairs were found locked, requiring identification of who ordered them secured.

Photos have flooded in online as Thai entertainer Jack Fanchan posted a viral catchphrase asking the identity of a man in military uniform spotted near Prime Minister Anutin on the night of a Ladprao beer hall fire. Social media has been circulating images of someone in disguise posing as a military officer in various government agencies. Jack Fanchan shared an old photo with the same man from years ago, captioning it with the catchphrase and claiming he doesn't know who the person is. He said the man asked to take a photo while wearing military attire with religious pendants, and questioned the man's recent interview on Thai News, adding that both the Prime Minister and journalists have been affected by the situation. Entertainment industry friends responded with humorous comments on the post.

The Thai government has partnered with the Motion Picture Association (MPA) to attract international film production investment, reporting that 69 foreign film projects in the first half of 2025 generated over 4 billion baht in revenue.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Suthummaphan met with Urmila Venugopalan, President and Managing Director of the MPA Asia-Pacific region, who traveled directly from California for the meeting. Representatives from the Tourism and Sports Ministry and Culture Ministry also participated in the discussions.

The meeting underscores Thailand's commitment to establishing itself as a world-class film production destination, with the United States currently leading as the top source of international film projects in the country.

The Thai government has emphasized its foreign film production incentive program (Cash Rebate), which was increased from 25% to a maximum of 30% in the previous year to enhance competitiveness and attract film crews from around the world amid intense international competition. This represents an important opportunity for Thailand to receive strategic insights for improving conditions that attract major Hollywood studios.

These proactive government measures have resulted in strong performance in foreign film production statistics in Thailand for 2025 (January–June). According to data from the Foreign Film and Video Affairs Division of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, a total of 302 foreign film projects have entered production in Thailand, with investment projected to exceed 4,025 million baht.

Looking at the top five source countries, the United States dominates both in number of projects and investment volume, with 23 American film projects generating 1,543 million baht in revenue. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Finland, and Germany follow in ranking.

Foreign content production in Thailand spans diverse formats, with "feature films" (such as major productions like The Creator, Meg 2, Jurassic World Rebirth, and acclaimed series like The White Lotus and Alien: Earth) generating the highest revenue for the country.

The Thai government reaffirms its readiness to provide full support and cooperation with international partners, including tax incentives, streamlined production facilitation, and workforce development in the film industry, to create an investment-friendly environment and establish Thailand as a sustainable preferred destination for the global film industry.

Thailand's Social Security Office has announced revisions to its old-age pension formula, confirming the adoption of the CARE formula to compensate those receiving lower payouts, with payments beginning in the next period.

On July 14, 2025, Social Security Office Secretary-General Kanjana Poolkaew revealed the pension formula improvements cover several key issues. The office adjusted calculations for those who contributed for fewer than 12 months, allowing them to receive benefits from both employee and employer contributions plus earnings, instead of only their own share. For contributors exceeding 180 months, the office reformed the pension rate calculation, changing from a 1.5% increase per completed 12-month period to a 0.125% monthly increase based on actual contribution months, better aligning benefits with contribution duration.

Another major change involves adjusting the wage base used for pension calculations from the average of the final 60 months before retirement to the lifetime average of all contribution months, with past wages adjusted to current value before applying CARE principles. This reflects lifetime earnings and reduces disparities from late-career income shifts. A five-year transition protection has been established for new retirees whose new-formula pensions fall below the old formula, providing tapering compensation starting at 100% in the first year and declining to 20% in the fifth year.

For current retirees, if recalculation under the new formula results in higher benefits, the Social Security Office will increase their pensions in the next payment period, though no retroactive payments will be made for past periods. This pension formula revision represents a significant step toward developing a fairer and more modern Thai social security system aligned with changing economic conditions, ensuring sustainable income security for workers after retirement.