National Security Council Secretary General Chatrchai Bangchawat outlined the government's dual approach to addressing violence in Thailand's southern border provinces during a press briefing at Government House on July 24. While expressing sadness over recent incidents, he stressed that peace talks led by National Intelligence Agency Director Thanat Suwannanont have made significant progress and must continue, as more than half of the various dissident groups are willing to participate in dialogue.

For those still resorting to violence, the government will enforce the law strictly and separately, Chatrchai said. He rejected the notion that suspending talks in response to violent acts would be appropriate, arguing that doing so would only complicate and intensify the conflict. He pointed out that armed groups appeared to exercise restraint during the Prime Minister's recent visits to Malaysia, suggesting Malaysian mediation efforts are bearing fruit and that violent factions respect Malaysia's role.

When asked whether dissident groups could communicate internally, Chatrchai acknowledged they likely know each other and coordinate to some degree, but emphasized the need to distinguish between those willing to dialogue and those using violence. The government's strategy, he explained, must balance firm law enforcement with continued peace negotiations—abandoning either approach in favor of the other would only worsen the situation. He expressed confidence that all parties, including the military, police, and civilians, are making genuine efforts despite occasional unforeseen incidents.

BANGKOK: Thailands ageing population is raising concerns over retirement security, with 17.3 million near-retirement workers facing a high risk of insufficient savings to support them in old age, according to the National Savings Fund (NSF).

BANGKOK: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dismissed Taiwan’s criticism of Thailand’s support for the One China policy yesterday (July 23), saying Bangkok’s position would not affect economic ties with Taipei.

On July 24, 2025, the U.S. government under President Donald Trump announced a new set of import tariffs covering 60 countries and the European Union, with rates set at 10% and 12.5%, effective immediately to replace the expiring temporary 10% tariff. Thailand has been placed in the group subject to a 12.5% tariff, alongside China, Japan, South Korea, and Vietnam, representing an increase from the previous temporary rate of 10%. Countries deemed by the U.S. to have stronger measures against forced labor will pay 10% instead.

The policy change came after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that tariff collection under emergency law (IEEPA) was unlawful, prompting the Trump administration to shift to authority under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, which has clearer legal backing. However, certain products such as oil, gas, fertilizer, and specific items have been exempted from the new tariff measures.

A tragic hit-and-run accident unfolded on Ping River Road in Saraphi District, Chiang Mai, on the evening of July 23, 2026, when a 13-year-old boy was struck by a gray pickup truck and suffered severe injuries. The driver immediately fled the scene without stopping to provide any assistance. Emergency responders rushed the boy to hospital, but he ultimately succumbed to his injuries, leaving his family heartbroken.

The accident occurred at approximately 7 p.m. on July 23 near Wan Tarn village on the road toward Don Chai Pa Daet Market in Saraphi District. Initial reports indicate the vehicle was a gray pickup truck that fled immediately after impact, abandoning the injured child without help.

As of 12:10 a.m. on July 24, police are reviewing CCTV footage and tracking the escape route of the vehicle. Authorities are asking anyone driving through the area around 7 p.m. to come forward—especially those with dashcam footage—or anyone who spots a gray pickup truck with collision damage. Information should be reported to Muang Chiang Mai Police Station or the emergency hotline 191.

Online communities had rallied to support the boy's recovery, but he has now died. The public is demanding that the driver take responsibility and urging police to apprehend the suspect quickly and pursue legal charges.

The Thai Meteorological Department issues a 24-hour weather forecast for July 24, 2025, warning of heavy rainfall in northern Thailand and the western Andaman coast caused by a low-pressure trough over northern Vietnam and moderate southwest monsoon winds affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. The public is urged to remain alert for dangers from heavy rain and water accumulation. Sea conditions in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand will be moderate with waves 1-2 meters high, rising above 2 meters during thunderstorms; fishermen are advised to navigate with caution and avoid thunderstorm areas. Tropical Storm Noel, currently northeast of the Philippines, is expected to move across the northern Philippines toward the upper South China Sea today and make landfall in Guangdong, China on July 25-26, 2025, with no impact on Thailand. Regional weather forecasts include: Northern region with 60% thunderstorms and heavy rain in Maehongson, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Tak, and Phetchabun; Northeastern region with 70% thunderstorms and heavy rain in Nongkhai, Buengkan, Udonthani, Sakonnakhon, Nakhonphanom, Mukdahan, Amnatcharoen, and Ubon Ratchathani; Central region with 60% thunderstorms and heavy rain in Lopburi and Saraburi; Eastern region with 70% thunderstorms and heavy rain in Nakhonnayok, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat with 1-2 meter waves rising above 2 meters during thunderstorms; Eastern Southern region with 40% thunderstorms primarily in Chumphon, Suratthani, Nakhonsithammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Yala, and Narathiwat with 1-meter waves offshore; and Western Southern region with 70% thunderstorms and heavy rain in Ranong, Phangnga, and Phuket with 1-2 meter waves.