The Ministry of Finance has raised Thailand's 2025 economic growth forecast to 2.5 percent, up from an April projection of 1.6 percent, citing strong export demand and accelerated investment. Finance Ministry spokesman Winit Wisetsuwannaphum attributed the upgrade to sustained export growth, increased public and private investment, and rising private consumption supported by government economic policies.

Export values in US dollars are projected to expand 12.5 percent, nearly double the previous 6.2 percent forecast, driven by improved demand from major trading partners. The first five months of 2025 saw consecutive export growth averaging 10.9 percent, particularly in industries recovering with global economic cycles. Imports are expected to rise 19 percent as private sector investment acceleration drives increased machinery, equipment, and capital goods purchases, along with higher energy import prices in the second quarter.

Private consumption is forecast to grow 2.7 percent while private investment is expected to expand 9 percent, supported by machinery investments and capital inflows into promoted sectors under the New S-Curve targeting and Thailand FastPass measures. These initiatives have boosted foreign investor confidence, resulting in foreign direct investment of 187 billion baht in the first half of 2025—68.3 percent higher than the same period last year—supporting domestic manufacturing base expansion.

Government consumption is projected to grow 1.5 percent while public investment is expected to expand 3.2 percent, supported by timely fiscal year 2026 budget completion and mega infrastructure projects that will enhance competitiveness and attract private investment. Inflation is forecast at 2 percent annually, with crude oil averaging 82 dollars per barrel (range of 77-87 dollars), down from the previous 91-dollar estimate. The current account is expected to show a small deficit of 0.5 billion dollars, or negative 0.1 percent of GDP, primarily from first-half deficits.

Wat Sri Suphan, also known as the Silver Temple in Chiang Mai, has sparked widespread online debate after a foreign tourist shared a photo of a sign outside its Silver Ubosot stating that while both men and women are required to purchase entry tickets, only men are permitted to enter the Ubosot. Women are restricted to walking around the exterior and viewing the interior through their mobile phones instead.

The post, shared on X, has received more than 4.5 million views, triggering criticism from internet users worldwide, with many questioning gender equalities and why women are charged the same entrance fee as men while being denied access to the same areas. The English-language sign also drew heavy criticism for containing the phrase "Think you for your donation and respectation" instead of "Thank you for your donation," with many users saying such errors should not appear at a tourist attraction that welcomes international visitors.

Many Thai social media users explained that the restriction stems not from Buddhist teaching but from local beliefs dating back to the Lanna Kingdom, rooted in animist beliefs and spirit worship. According to traditional belief, women—particularly those menstruating—were considered capable of rendering sacred spaces ritually impure. Many Thai users stressed that such restrictions are not practised across Buddhist temples throughout the country and apply only to some temples in northern Thailand.

Many Thai women have said the issue has been debated within Thai society for years with little change. Some suggested that if access restrictions remain, admission fees should be adjusted accordingly, or visitors should be clearly informed of conditions before purchasing tickets. Others pointed out that if this is a specific temple custom, its historical background should be explained comprehensively so international visitors do not mistakenly assume it represents Buddhist doctrine as a whole.

The debate has highlighted the ongoing challenge of balancing respect for local beliefs and traditions with gender equality—an issue of growing global significance. Both Thais and foreigners have questioned the fairness of charging equal admission fees while providing unequal access to visitors.

A 66-year-old man died in a bicycle accident while heading to work on his first day, hoping to earn money to support his family. His heartbroken grandson revealed he would now take over caring for their grandmother. On July 24, rescue workers responded to a call at Wat Buppharam temple in Muang District, Trat Province, finding the man lying unconscious with a head injury beside his bicycle. Rescue volunteers performed initial CPR before coordinating with the hospital ambulance. Hospital staff later confirmed his death and police launched an investigation.

Inspection of the bicycle revealed it was an old model without functioning front or rear brakes. The man had improvised a front brake using an old flip-flop attached with nylon rope to the handlebars and controlled with a latch. However, the steep entrance to the work site proved fatal—when he attempted to brake while cycling downhill, the nylon rope snapped, causing the bicycle to accelerate before he crashed and struck his head.

A construction worker stated the man had applied for the job the previous day but couldn't start due to rain. He arrived early on his first day, before the 8 a.m. shift, when no one else was present. Other workers discovered him unconscious with his bicycle and called for emergency assistance.

His 27-year-old grandson revealed that the man had raised him since birth and previously worked odd jobs to support the family. A week earlier he became unemployed but recently secured this construction job because his grandmother's small shop sales were insufficient to cover rent and household expenses. The grandson said he would now assume responsibility for caring for his grandmother. Police documented the scene, took statements, and had the body transported to the hospital for the family to arrange traditional funeral rites.

At 10:30 a.m. on July 24, 2025, at the First Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge border checkpoint in Nong Khai district, immigration police coordinated with local security and relevant agencies to receive 67 Thai nationals—both men and women—deported by Lao authorities. The individuals were processed through immigration screening and interviewed by multidisciplinary teams; preliminary investigation found no victims of human trafficking or persons subject to arrest warrants.

Investigation revealed that all 67 had worked as online gambling administrators in Cambodia until clashes erupted along the Thai-Cambodian border. They then traveled back to Thailand before being persuaded to move to Vientiane, Laos, where they rented dormitories in Ponphanao and Donhoun districts as bases for operating illegal 24-hour online gambling sites across three work shifts.

On July 21, 2025, Lao authorities conducted a major crackdown targeting illegal gambling networks and human trafficking, including scam operations. After completing legal procedures, they coordinated the deportation of all 67 individuals back to Thailand.

Deputy Immigration Commander Thiyachaphat Rangsiprahmankul stated that individuals deported following Laos's ongoing sweeps against scam and online gambling networks face penalties under immigration and labor laws, plus consular care fees incurred during detention abroad. Immigration authorities will place deportees on a watchlist to prevent illegal border crossing and further criminal activity, short of a full blacklist designation.

On July 24, 2025, investigators from Pong Nam Ron Police Station in Chanthaburi received a report of a fatal shooting at a residential house in Pong Nam Ron subdistrict. Police arrived at the scene with hospital staff and forensic officers, discovering the body of a 52-year-old man named Daeng with a single gunshot wound to the head. An 11-millimeter handgun and ammunition magazine were found near the victim, surrounded by empty alcohol bottles.

Investigation revealed that the shooter was Anant, 46, Daeng's close friend and housemate. The dispute stemmed from a longstanding suspicion: Daeng had accused Anant of stealing his car keys. On the day of the incident, after both men had been drinking heavily, Daeng brought up the missing keys and the two engaged in a heated argument. When Anant tried to calm down by walking into the house, Daeng continued verbally abusing him from outside. Anant then returned indoors, retrieved a firearm from his bedroom, came back out, and shot Daeng in the head at close range, killing him instantly.

Police quickly tracked down and arrested Anant at the scene. Deputy Commander Arrakchapon Suntharawipath of Chanthaburi Provincial Police, along with investigators, escorted the suspect back to the crime scene to document his confession. Anant was subsequently charged with intentional murder and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

On July 24, 2569, Pol. Col. Thanadkij Tangmanaskul, superintendent of Dong Charoen Police Station, and Pol. Lt. Songkran Panmanee, assistant superintendent, pursued suspects in a theft case reported on July 21, 2569 at 7:40 a.m. The burglary occurred at a water production facility in Moo 6, Wang Ngiao Subdistrict, Dong Charoen District, Phichit Province, which is managed by Ms. Thitiporn (surname withheld) and is located on the property of Pol. Gen. Sanun Kachorprasat, also known as former Phichit politician "Khun Nun."

Investigation revealed that between July 17-19, 2569, burglars forced their way in and stole multiple items including motors and electrical equipment with copper wiring and coils, electronic components, electrical brake controllers, and various types of electrical circuit breakers. They also stole wine during the theft.

CCTV footage identified the suspect riding a black Honda Wave 110i motorcycle with registration plate Chorn 790 from Phitsanulok. After the theft, the suspect sold the stolen goods to a second-hand shop in Moo 9, Takudrai Subdistrict, Chondan District, Phetchabun Province. The seller was identified as Wirojan, a resident of Chondan District.

On July 22, 2569, police conducted a search at the suspect's home and found 10 pieces of evidence. The suspect was arrested, confessed to the burglary, and was charged accordingly.