Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthammaphan announced that the Commerce Ministry is developing details for a cost-of-living relief initiative aimed at reducing expenses on prepared food for the public. The program builds on the existing 'Thailand Helping Thailand Plus' initiative by recruiting restaurants to offer affordable rice and curry dishes priced at 40 baht per plate. Approximately 250,000 restaurants in the Commerce Ministry network and participating in the Thailand Helping Thailand Plus program are eligible to join. Participating restaurants will receive government subsidies for food ingredients, with support amounts under consideration ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 baht per establishment. The program will initially target 100,000 restaurants for a minimum duration of three months, pending Cabinet approval. The Commerce Department will prepare details for Cabinet submission within the third week of this month. Suphajee emphasized the government's intention to alleviate the financial burden on salaried workers through this voluntary program, without forcing restaurants to reduce prices. Participating restaurants must offer quality prepared meals—such as rice with at least two curry or side options—priced not exceeding 40 baht per plate. The Commerce Ministry will place clear signage at participating establishments so the public can easily identify and choose affordable food options. If the program receives positive reception, the government plans to expand the number of affordable restaurants nationwide.

On July 11, 2025, Virojn Laksanaadithorn, a former People's Party list MP, posted on Facebook expressing gratitude to the Bangkok Governor for inviting him to serve on the advisory board. However, he explained that his primary intention is to support the Bangkok City Council's work and strengthen the oversight mechanisms between the executive and legislative branches. "I must respectfully decline the advisor position at this time," Virojn stated. "However, this refusal does not mean I'm unwilling to cooperate. On the contrary, if Bangkok's administration or any agency finds my knowledge and experience useful in solving problems and improving quality of life, I'm happy to offer recommendations, exchange ideas, and follow up on results with full commitment." Virojn added that regardless of which branch one serves, the ultimate goal should remain the same: making Bangkok a better city for all its people.

On July 11, 2569 at Parliament, Rakchanok Srinok, a list-system MP from the Pheu Chart party and chair of the House committee studying and monitoring budget administration, discussed the "Budget Hack 70" initiative. She explained why budget scrutiny matters: it affects citizens from childhood onward, determining welfare allowances, education quality, and responses to floods and droughts. Public administration depends on three elements: people, laws, and budgets.

Rakchanok stated that understanding budgets reveals whether politicians kept campaign promises. Budget proposals, typically valued at twice the final allocation, must be submitted before the official budget. She identified four ministries that failed to submit data: the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, Ministry of Energy, and Ministry of Public Health. The Defense and Foreign Affairs ministries submitted minimal data, while the Labor Ministry and Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment initially submitted then withdrew their proposals.

She cited an example from Hat Yai Municipality's budget requesting 8 million baht for jet skis, questioning government sincerity. Rakchanok emphasized that change requires collective action from all citizens, not just politicians. She highlighted recent victories where public pressure forced the government to reconsider policies on dependent care tax deductions and the TH-AI Passport program, demonstrating citizens' power to hold authorities accountable.

Drug trafficking suspect Ekawit, 41, also known as "Peng," owner of the LINE account "rin rin," has been arrested as a key member of a drug smuggling network. He allegedly coordinated the transportation of narcotics into Bangkok and was arrested in Phayao province before being taken to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau for interrogation overnight.

On July 11 at 11:00 AM, Ekakit was transferred to the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road for detention proceedings. As officers led him past waiting media, he expressed an apology to airline hostess Mina, her boyfriend, and her parents, claiming he did not intend to become involved in the operation. When reporters pressed him on how he could claim lack of intent while participating in drug trafficking, he did not respond further and only repeated his apologies to Mina.

Investigators interrogated Ekakit intensively throughout the night to expand the investigation to other network members. Prosecutors opposed his bail request, citing the serious nature of the charges and concerns he might flee or tamper with evidence.

Singer Chai Tatthasmit has sparked attention with his measured response to recent entertainment industry drama involving Mind Music Records. The label's owner, veterinarian Sathapathorn (known as Dr. Mind), recently signed a former factory worker nicknamed "Puay," known for a viral bedroom video, as a new artist and asked for society's understanding as she starts over. During a film promotion for "Muay Deva: Double Down" at M Studio on Ratchayothin, Chai explained he hasn't posted about the controversy because he's been occupied and only recently discovered it. He stressed he doesn't support opportunism for building fame and trusts that fans and society will ultimately decide.

Chai discussed his artist selection criteria, emphasizing that talent and values must go hand-in-hand. He also touched on updated developments in a car repair fraud case at a well-known auto shop in Pathum Thani, where a vehicle owner was allegedly cheated out of payment and the case is now in court.

Chai stated: "I think the comments are already unanimous. Many people have spoken up. I believe everyone should be more aware and alert about this because it's not normal. It's a completely different matter. There are many reasons and factors involved. Whenever something like this happens, people seize the opportunity. For example, we've been through similar, even heavier situations like Uncle Pol's case before. We should learn from these societal lessons.

I understand some people may seize opportunities or act with good intentions, but ultimately, success can't happen without audience or viewer support." He acknowledged concerns that children might imitate such behavior, noting that young people today record content constantly. "I'm not too serious about it because I don't think I own the entertainment industry. People do what they do. I'm just tired of what's happening and tired for society overall. But I'm somewhat relieved that some people still have common sense—they don't just follow the drama and then go support them anyway. That's two different things entirely." Chai emphasized that ultimately it comes down to fans and the work produced, and that anything unnatural will reveal itself through actual output.

BANGKOK — 11 July 2026, Thailand's Meteorological Department has issued its sixth weather warning, cautioning that Typhoon Bavi will strengthen the southwest monsoon and bring heavy to very heavy rainfall, flash floods and rough seas across parts of the country through 15 July 2026.

The warning said the strengthened southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand will generate strong winds and hazardous sea conditions.

Waves in the upper Andaman Sea are forecast to reach 2–4 metres, exceeding 4 metres during thunderstorms. Waves in the upper Gulf of Thailand and lower Andaman Sea are expected to reach 2–3 metres, rising above 3 metres in stormy conditions.

The department advised all vessels to navigate with caution and avoid areas affected by thunderstorms. Small boats in the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand were urged to remain ashore during the warning period.

Between 11 and 14 July, heavy to very heavy rain is forecast for parts of the western South, western Central Plains and eastern Thailand, with Ranong, Phang Nga, Kanchanaburi, Chanthaburi and Trat identified as provinces at particular risk.

Residents in vulnerable areas, especially near hillsides, waterways and low-lying areas, were urged to watch for flash floods and forest runoff caused by accumulated rainfall.

The department said Typhoon Bavi, currently over the Pacific Ocean east of Taiwan, is expected to make landfall along the eastern coast of Fujian Province, China, between 11 and 12 July.

Although the storm is not expected to make landfall in Thailand, it will intensify the southwest monsoon affecting the country.

Authorities advised travellers heading to areas affected by the typhoon to monitor weather updates before departure.

The Meteorological Department said its next weather bulletin would be issued at 17.00 hrs on 11 July 2026.