The cabinet has approved the Labor Ministry's proposal to introduce a new retirement pension calculation system called the "CARE" formula (Career Average Revalued Earnings), marking a welcome step toward a fairer and more transparent pension system. The core change replaces the previous method of using the final 60 months of wages with a calculation based on average earnings across the entire contribution period, with historical wages adjusted to present-day values to better reflect lifetime income and reduce inequality caused by late-career salary shifts. The reform affects multiple groups: contributors with fewer than 12 months of payments will now receive a pension instead of only a refund of their own contributions, while those with over 180 months of service will see benefits calculated at 0.125% per month based on actual contributions, eliminating unfair rounding that previously occurred. Current pensioners will receive increases in their next payment, though anyone whose benefit would decrease under the new formula will continue receiving their current amount for life. Sections 33 and 39 contributors have requested further adjustments, arguing they have lost expected benefits that should reflect their full contributions to the social security fund. The Labor Ministry will submit the draft regulation to the Office of the Council of State for review before publication in the Royal Gazette, becoming effective 180 days after posting. This reform represents a major step toward ensuring sustainable, fair, and secure retirement income for all contributors. The article also invites all contributors to register online and vote for social security committee members by July 20 to participate in fund management and benefit determinations.

A Bangkok man has gone viral after launching a TikTok channel that helps commuters find vacant parking spaces at the BTS Mo Chit Park and Ride, with viewers crediting the livestream for helping them secure parking during the morning rush.

The TikTok account, @mochitwangpao, or "Wang Pao" ("Vacant?"), has attracted more than 1 million views by livestreaming a bird's-eye view of the parking area. The channel currently has around 3,100 followers and regularly broadcasts live from 7:30 am to 9:00 am, Monday through Thursday, when demand for parking is at its highest.

Using a fixed camera overlooking the car park, the livestream provides drivers with a real-time view of available spaces, allowing them to quickly spot empty bays before entering the facility. Although the concept is simple, many commuters say it has made finding parking significantly easier during busy weekday mornings.

The channel has also shared videos of grateful drivers celebrating after successfully finding parking spaces with the livestream's help, including one motorist who performed a dance of thanks during the live broadcast, drawing laughter from viewers.

The idea has been widely praised on social media, with users applauding the creator for using technology to solve a common commuting problem without seeking anything in return. Many commenters described the project as an innovative community service, while others suggested the idea could be expanded into a subscription-based business.

Prime Minister Anutin led over 150 Thai private sector representatives to Chengdu to officially open the BOI office, serving as a gateway to attract quality investment in semiconductors, AI, and electric vehicles to boost Thailand's economic value. On July 18, 2025, PM Anutin, accompanied by deputy prime ministers, ministers, and Thai government and business leaders, formally inaugurated the BOI Chengdu office. The Prime Minister also presided over the opening keynote of the Thailand–China (Sichuan) Investment and Economic Forum at the Tianfu International Convention Center in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, attended by over 750 participants including Sichuan Governor Xiao Lian and senior Chinese officials.

At the forum, the Prime Minister stated that opening the BOI office in Chengdu demonstrates the government's commitment to elevate trade and investment with China and Sichuan Province. Trade and investment between Thailand and Sichuan have grown steadily. By combining Sichuan's strengths—its long history, dynamic economy, and ranking as China's fifth-largest economy—with Thailand's advantages, including its central ASEAN location, robust infrastructure, clean energy, skilled workforce, and strong supply chains in vehicles and electronics, the partnership can be significantly strengthened.

The Prime Minister affirmed that the Thai government aims to create a rapid, quality, and stable investment environment through three key policies: accelerating and facilitating investment projects via the Thailand FastPass mechanism, upgrading entrepreneurship and developing skilled personnel, and strengthening the domestic economy alongside foreign investment. The BOI Chengdu office will serve as a critical mechanism connecting Thailand with investors in Sichuan and Chongqing, advancing bilateral trade and investment toward shared prosperity and sustainability.

Sichuan Governor Xiao Lian stated that Thailand and China are neighbors, friends, and good partners, and should transform this friendship into economic driving force. Thailand excels in vehicles, agriculture, and food, while Sichuan is distinguished in resources, electronics, and energy. Sichuan is ready to promote cooperation in education, science, technology, innovation, culture, and tourism.

The Prime Minister led over 150 Thai private sector leaders from more than 40 companies on this mission, marking the largest private sector delegation accompanying a Thai government delegation abroad. Participants included representatives from the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Thai-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and executives from energy, food and agriculture, health and wellness, chemicals, automotive parts, industrial estates, and financial institutions, creating opportunities to strengthen bilateral ties.

On July 18, 2016, officers from the 2103rd Ranger Company Special Operations Unit and other security agencies conducted border interception operations along Highway 3015 in Bang Sarai Noi subdistrict, Mueang Hoa Wai district, Mukdahan province, to prevent illegal goods from entering the country without customs documentation. Acting on a tip-off about contraband avocados being smuggled in, authorities set up surveillance and successfully stopped a modified gray Isuzu pickup truck (license plate YM 623, Chiang Mai) with metal cage modifications. The driver, 35-year-old Thanadol from Mueang Lampoon district, was apprehended. An inspection of the vehicle revealed 100 crates of avocados weighing approximately 2,700 kilograms, all lacking proper customs clearance. The goods were seized and the driver was transferred to Mukdahan Customs for legal proceedings. Officials stated they will continue stepping up patrols and enforcement operations along the border to prevent tax evasion and protect the country's economic interests.

Thailand's Commerce Ministry, Immigration Bureau, and National Police launched a major crackdown on July 17, 2569, targeting luxury real estate businesses in Bangsaen, Chonburi province, to dismantle a foreign investment network using nominees and shell companies to illegally hold and resell residential properties online through share transfers. Commerce Department Director Poonpong Naiyanapakon revealed that authorities conducted searches on 33 companies, issuing four arrest warrants and 41 search warrants. Investigators found that the companies were structured with Thai nationals as nominee shareholders on behalf of foreigners, allowing foreign entities to control multiple properties and lease them out, circumventing Thai foreign business laws. Preliminary findings identified 14 companies holding land titles, established as foreign communities in luxury housing projects, with property transfers occurring through successive share changes rather than proper legal sales. Authorities examined company accounting records, financial trails, and questioned witnesses while verifying work permits and residency documents; initial evidence suggests operations were conducted under guidance from accounting and law firms. In Chonburi province, 76,752 registered companies exist (as of July 15, 2569), with deep investigation revealing 6,086 companies holding real estate with foreign investment, including 4,844 companies (79.59%) with 0.01-49% foreign stake, 212 companies (3.48%) with 49.01-99.99% foreign stake, and 1,030 companies (16.93%) with 100% foreign ownership. The Commerce Department stressed that foreign investors, particularly those holding 50 percent or more company shares—legally classified as foreigners—must comply with the Foreign Business Act, with certain restricted businesses listed in Schedule One.

Chiang Mai Zoo on July 18 held an animal enrichment activity to celebrate the 2026 FIFA World Cup final between Spain and Argentina, featuring predictions from two of its star residents: Lee, a black tiger, and Tiger, a Bengal tiger. Both tigers had correctly predicted teams in the previous semifinal round.

Lee's activity involved hidden food boxes designed as Spain and Argentina team jerseys, with equal portions of her favorite food in each. Using her senses and instincts, Lee chose Spain as the world champion. Tiger participated through an interactive feeding activity with soccer balls decorated with both team symbols, designed to stimulate natural foraging and play behavior. Tiger selected Argentina by pushing the ball into a goal.

Pichit Chitminthr, assistant director of Chiang Mai Zoo, explained that the activity supports animal welfare and enrichment principles by stimulating the tigers' natural senses and behaviors while entertaining visitors. The zoo emphasized that the tigers' predictions are purely for creative entertainment and do not constitute gambling or match forecasting. The zoo invites fans to see which tiger proves to be the more accurate "prediction guru" as they watch the Spain versus Argentina World Cup final together.