The United States has announced new tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners, citing concerns over forced labour in global supply chains. Thailand will face a 12.5% tariff under the new measures.

The Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) said it is imposing the tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act, arguing that the affected countries lack sufficiently robust laws or enforcement measures to prevent the import of goods produced with forced labour. The USTR said such practices undermine supply chain integrity and create unfair competition for US manufacturers.

The measures took effect on July 24, replacing temporary tariffs previously imposed under Section 122 of the Trade Act, which grants the US president emergency authority to levy import duties. The Section 122 tariffs, set at 10%, were introduced by the Trump administration after the US Supreme Court struck down the president's broader tariff programme affecting trading partners worldwide.

Under the new framework, the USTR has divided affected trading partners into two groups. The first group, subject to a 10% tariff, includes countries that already prohibit imports made with forced labour or have reciprocal trade agreements with the United States, such as Canada, the United Kingdom and the European Union.

Thailand has been placed in the second group, which is subject to a 12.5% tariff because it does not yet have a legal framework or cooperation mechanism that meets US requirements on forced labour enforcement. According to the USTR, countries in this category lack import bans or equivalent legal measures targeting goods produced with forced labour. Besides Thailand, the 12.5% tariff also applies to China, Japan and India.

The move will have significant implications for Thailand, as the United States is the country's largest export market. The USTR has previously raised concerns about labour practices in Thailand's fishing and seafood industries, while acknowledging improvements in worker registration, vessel inspections and supply chain traceability.

Despite those reforms, the USTR said Thailand has yet to adopt legislation prohibiting the import of goods produced with forced labour, placing it in the higher tariff category under the new Section 301 measures.

On July 24, 2025, a reporter spoke with Miss Ning (a pseudonym), the wife of a police officer, who openly shared the details of her painful discovery. She explained that she began dating her husband in 2016, married him in 2020, and they had a 5-year-old daughter together. After their marriage, her husband's behavior changed dramatically—he stopped coming home regularly and would disappear after arguments. When a young woman suddenly added her on Facebook and was also listed as her husband's friend, Miss Ning grew suspicious. When she questioned her husband, he denied knowing the woman and claimed she was a police contact. A coworker later informed her that her husband had taken the woman out to eat, but when Miss Ning followed, she couldn't catch them.

Frustrated by his denials, Miss Ning hired a private investigator. On the first day of surveillance, her husband called her via video chat saying he was tired and going to bed. Within 10 minutes, the investigator spotted him picking up the other woman and heading to a hotel. Miss Ning followed discreetly but wanted to gather solid evidence before confronting him. After days of surveillance, when the investigator located her husband and the woman at a sukiyaki restaurant, Miss Ning went there and finally got him to confess. He admitted to the affair, which had lasted about two months.

When Miss Ning asked him to choose, her husband said he would stay with her, but his actions told a different story—he never came home to sleep with her and their daughter, and he continued contacting the other woman. Miss Ning has now moved out of the family home, though their daughter remains with him. She is seeking justice and plans to pursue divorce proceedings, hoping to gain custody of their child.

The government is stepping up enforcement against the use of Thai nationals as nominees for foreign business operations, with new inspection measures beginning August 1st. Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Phasisvivat revealed that the upgraded system will shift from basic document review to deep-data analysis, examining corporate registrations, shareholder structures, financial statements, accountant records, and related information to classify risk levels and identify potential nominee companies with precision. The approach improves law enforcement efficiency while minimizing impact on legitimate operators; officials may request additional evidence—such as financial documents and bank statements—from Thai shareholders to verify investment sources and ownership percentages, evaluating each case on its merits.

Lalida emphasized that the measure does not target all foreign investors or create barriers to overseas investment, but rather uses data and financial pathways to distinguish lawful business operators from those exploiting nominee structures to evade regulations. The government prioritizes building a transparent and fair investment climate alongside strict enforcement against violators. By raising inspection standards, the government aims to protect Thai businesses and honest investors, strengthen economic confidence, and ensure all competitors operate under equal rules.

On July 24, 2025, the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) released a statement regarding an air-conditioned bus on route 204 (vehicle number 8-55128) that became stranded on railway tracks at the Ratchaprarob intersection on July 23. The BMTA investigated using GPS data and questioned the driver and others involved. At approximately 10:30 a.m., while heading toward Bangkok Aphiwatana Station, the bus reached the intersection on a green light and proceeded normally. However, as it approached the railway crossing, traffic suddenly stopped, causing the bus to become stuck across the tracks. An inspector on board immediately took action following emergency safety protocols and coordinated with State Railway of Thailand officials and local volunteers to manage traffic until the bus could proceed. The driver has been disciplined according to BMTA regulations. The BMTA apologized for the incident and emphasized to all drivers the importance of strictly following rules and carefully assessing traffic conditions to ensure passenger safety.

Prime Minister Anuthine Charnveerakul and Minister of Interior will chair the Thailand Zero Dropout Plus (TZD+) awards ceremony on July 24, 2569, at the Phukit Bodin Building at Government House at 3:30 p.m. The event honors individuals and agencies playing key roles in addressing the dropout crisis among children and youth outside the formal education system, while reinforcing the goal of restoring educational opportunities and securing better futures for all Thai children.

Lieutenant General Paiumpun Chidchob, chair of the national committee on resolving the out-of-school children and youth problem, will report on the Thailand Zero Dropout Plus program's progress before the prime minister awards outstanding contributors and announces ongoing policy initiatives.

Former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin receives this year's honorific award for originating and championing the Thailand Zero Dropout program as a national priority, enabling out-of-school children and youth to return to learning pathways and develop their potential appropriately. Additional awards go to provinces including Pattani and Yala, organizations such as the Kracok Ngeang Foundation and Sansiri Public Company Limited, and individuals including broadcaster Vivat Vongpattratith, in recognition of their substantial contributions to the Zero Dropout initiative.