Vithaya Abiraksviriya, Thailand country manager for Think of Living and DDproperty, announced that the real estate platform has analyzed market data to support buyers, investors, and agents in making more informed decisions. The overall market currently shows clear signs that negotiating power has shifted to buyers in both new and secondary home markets, as developers accelerate inventory clearance amid slowing new project launches.

In the first five months of 2025, new project values declined by approximately 10 percent while new units fell by 30 percent. Developers are responding by competing through promotions and price cuts to convert stock into cash. Meanwhile, the secondary home market is heating up, with transaction values approaching 50 percent of all real estate deals, reflecting sellers' willingness to reduce prices for faster closures.

Although buyers currently hold negotiating power, DDproperty estimates this advantage may not last long as new supply continues to decline. Bangkok's townhouse absorption rate has improved from roughly six years to about four years of inventory clearance, though still above the two-year timeframe typical of healthy markets. If supply continues shrinking, buyer competition will likely intensify.

Website visitor numbers have dropped from an average of three million monthly to about two million—nearly 30 percent—yet customer inquiries to agents remain steady, resulting in almost double the visitor-to-inquiry conversion rate compared to early last year. This reflects a highly motivated buyer pool ready to decide immediately when finding suitable properties at acceptable prices.

The rental market shows similarly strong conversion rates, with tenant demand continuing to rise. DDproperty identified market gaps by comparing listings against inquiries by price segment: rental properties at 20,000–30,000 baht per month and purchase properties at 5–10 million baht remain in strong demand relative to supply, creating opportunities for developers, investors, and agents.

Vithaya noted that secondary market sales—where over 80 percent of transactions flow through agents with rising trends—present significant opportunities for agents. The rental market also offers growing potential as high tenant turnover and changing consumer behavior favoring rentals over purchases, especially post-COVID, have become normal for younger generations. Agents who can compete effectively will be those who transition into advisory roles.

On July 15, Dr. Wicharn Bounkittikul, director of the Department of Disease Control's epidemiology division, announced screening results for liver fluke infections among university students in Maha Sarakham Province. Of 2,200 students screened using urine test kits, 451 tested positive; however, laboratory confirmation using Modified Kato Katz and FECT techniques on 309 stool samples found only 4 confirmed cases of liver fluke infection.

The screening also detected other parasites, including 4 cases of intestinal fluke, 5 cases of roundworm, 2 cases of hookworm, and 1 case of whipworm. The Department of Disease Control will only provide deworming medication to patients with confirmed positive results and plans to collaborate with the Department of Medical Sciences to refine urine test kit procedures.

Dr. Wicharn noted that Thailand's overall liver fluke situation has improved steadily, with infection rates among people aged 15 and older in high-risk areas declining from 16.27% in 2016 to 2.53% in 2024. However, the Northeast and Northern regions remain under close surveillance. In 2024, the department screened 240,220 people and treated 6,074 confirmed cases.

Dr. Yongjeurh Lersirithawaror, director of the general communicable disease division, explained that liver fluke is a "silent threat" that can remain dormant in the body for 20–30 years, initially causing no symptoms. The parasite's larvae live in the flesh, scales, and fins of freshwater fish; consuming undercooked fish allows larvae to mature in the bile ducts, causing chronic inflammation and increasing the risk of bile duct cancer by 5.5–6.4 times compared to uninfected individuals.

Prevention measures include eating only thoroughly cooked freshwater fish, avoiding raw or undercooked fish dishes, selecting fermented fish products from regulated producers, and seeking screening if you have a history of consuming raw fish or live in high-risk areas. Dr. Yongjeurh also warned that widespread misconceptions—that lime juice, chili, pickled foods, or alcohol kill the parasite—are false and offer no protection.

Actress Ning Chanya is thrilled to finally debut on the international stage in the martial arts action film "Kung Fu Soccer," a spinoff of Stephen Chow's legendary "Shaolin Soccer." The film reunites her with co-stars Dilraba Dilmurat, Zhang Xiaofei, and EXO's Lay Zhang in an action-packed adventure about a grassroots women's football team that harnesses kung fu to win the prestigious Supreme Invincible Cup tournament.

Ning Chanya shared her excitement about the project, which required over a year of intensive training in football skills and physical conditioning. She revealed that her dedication resulted in injuries including torn ankle ligaments and a meniscus tear, which have since healed. According to Ning, the film goes beyond beautiful football—it transforms the pitch into an epic kung fu arena where goals could shake the heavens. The film premiered in China on July 11 and will soon arrive in Thai cinemas.

On July 15, Pol. Lt. Gen. Withawat Chinkhram, commander of Police Region 5, and Pol. Col. Decha Phomsuwannaram, deputy commander, ordered officers led by Pol. Col. Rathannon Ekathitikulpat (Thong Lo Police Station commander) and Pol. Maj. Nattakitti Chokkouksong (deputy commander) to conduct a joint safety inspection with Watthana District officials, including District Director Pimpchuda Sakunsitthitada, at a service establishment on Sukhumvit 63 in Klongtan Nue subdistrict, Watthana District, Bangkok.

The inspection focused on fire prevention and suppression measures, emergency exits, emergency lighting, and fire extinguisher readiness, with strict adherence to government standards emphasized. Key requirements inspected included: regular checks of electrical systems and equipment; strict prohibition of fireworks and sparkling devices indoors; avoidance of highly flammable decorative materials such as foam and plastic fabric; fire extinguishers placed in clearly visible, easily accessible locations with adequate coverage; self-illuminated exit signs visible even during power outages; emergency exits that must not be locked and must open outward immediately; limiting occupancy to prevent overcrowding and ensure safe evacuation; and mandatory staff fire evacuation drills with clearly defined roles.

The establishment was found to be in full compliance with regulations. Officials reiterated the requirement for strict and continuous adherence to all fire safety measures.

A Laotian worker who died in the Ladprao beer hall fire has been returned to his hometown in Laos for religious ceremonies. On July 15, 2025, authorities reported a solemn atmosphere at the Second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge border checkpoint in Mukdahan Province as officials from the Poh Teck Tung Foundation transported the deceased Laotian worker from the Ladprao beer hall fire to hand over to the Savannakhet Volunteer Rescue Association for repatriation.

The victim was identified as Phonepaseut Poungppany, a Laotian laborer who worked at the Ladprao beer hall. He was from Ban Kruea Khao Kad, Muang District, Savannakhet Province, Laos. After receiving the body from Thai officials, the Savannakhet Volunteer Rescue Association transported it across the Second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge back to his hometown so his family could conduct merit-making and religious ceremonies according to Laotian tradition.

The Ladprao beer hall fire on the night of July 12, 2025, caused significant loss of life, bringing the death toll to 32 with many more injured. Among the deceased were two Laotian workers: Phonepaseut Poungppany and Viangphon Chandavong, both employees of the establishment. Viangphon Chandavong had suffered severe injuries from the fire and was initially treated at Rama 9 Hospital before being transferred to Chonburi Hospital, where she later died.

Thailand and Laos continue to work closely together in assisting affected individuals, facilitating the repatriation of the deceased, and providing ongoing support to the bereaved families of both nations.

Starbucks Thailand is advancing a four-part strategy to tap into Thailand's 65 billion baht coffee market, targeting 600 store locations by early 2025 while accelerating menu innovation, digital expansion, reinforcing its leadership in quality and customer experience, and pursuing growth alongside community and environmental stewardship despite economic headwinds and volatile coffee bean pricing.

On July 15, 2024, Netranapa Srisamai, Managing Director of Starbucks Thailand, unveiled the company's 2024 business vision and direction. Starbucks has operated in Thailand for 28 years and remains confident in the market's growth potential. The company views itself not merely as a coffee shop brand but as one that grows alongside customers, partners, and communities, committed to delivering superior consumer experiences while creating positive social and environmental impact.

Starbucks sees opportunity in Thailand's growing coffee industry. Ministry of Commerce data shows the Thai coffee market is valued at approximately 65 billion baht and growing about 8 percent year-on-year, supporting the company's continued expansion and new product development.

For 2024, the company has set four core strategies: product innovation, digital channel expansion, reinforcing leadership in quality and store experience, and growth paired with care for people, communities, and the environment.

On innovation, Starbucks is continuously developing new beverages and products across both coffee and non-coffee categories to serve diverse consumer tastes, with an emphasis on fruit-based drinks that align with Thai preferences. New launches include the Durian Dream Frappuccino, featuring durian, and the Iced Shaken Thai Milk Tea with Egg Custard Pudding—developed specifically for the Thai market and available with or without pudding. The company is also introducing more affordably priced options to encourage trial without compromising quality.

Starbucks is differentiating itself through merchandise, which has driven significant sales growth, and through collaborations with global brands such as Harry Potter collections, which have been well-received.

Srisamai highlighted the digital strategy. Since COVID-19 accelerated changes in consumer behavior, Starbucks developed a comprehensive Digital Ecosystem beyond just the Starbucks Rewards loyalty program. The app now supports advance ordering, in-store pickup, home delivery, table service, meeting room reservations via LINE Official Account, and the Starbucks LINE Gift service for sending gifts and beverages on special occasions.

Starbucks Rewards currently has over 1.9 million members, and the company will continue enhancing digital payment options and services while expanding partnerships with delivery providers and e-commerce platforms.

Srisamai emphasized that quality remains central to operations—from product development and operations to store design and environmental management—with Starbucks stores prioritizing eco-friendly materials.