The Ministry of Finance announced the results of the 2025 State Welfare Card Program on July 17 after opening new registration and verification between June 4-21. The committee reviewing applications found that 9.51 million people qualified out of a total of 18.82 million applicants. The approved recipients comprised three groups: 12.70 million existing cardholders, 740,000 people without cards identified through community development databases and the electronic family booklet system, and 5.38 million additional individuals discovered by the Interior Ministry during the registration period. Over 9.1 million applicants did not meet the qualification criteria and were rejected—approximately half of all applicants—leaving only the net figures announced. The stricter and more detailed evaluation criteria were implemented according to the Finance Minister's policy to ensure assistance reaches only those genuinely poor and in need. After results were announced, many people who previously received welfare cards but failed this time felt disappointed, with some even crying upon hearing the results. Those who qualified appeared happy and satisfied. However, those who did not qualify for the 2025 State Welfare Card Program can request a review between July 17-31 through four announced channels. Those who qualify—including existing cardholders—can begin using their benefits starting August 1. New applicants must first verify their identity through the Pao Tang application or one of five registration centers before they can use benefits starting October 1. Those requesting a review must contact the verification unit to correct their information by August 16 and go through the verification process again. The hope is that relevant agencies will exercise fair judgment based on actual living conditions according to established criteria, without being overly strict or lenient.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Interior Minister visited Huawei's Beijing Executive Briefing Center on July 19 to tour technology and innovation exhibits and discuss cooperation with senior company officials. The Prime Minister stated the government is ready to continue partnering with Huawei as an investor and technology ally to advance Thailand toward an AI-driven economy, with technology benefiting citizens through improved government services, education, healthcare, agriculture, urban management, and new high-income jobs. Thailand welcomes investment in future industries including AI, semiconductors, data centers, cloud systems, and high-speed communications technology, with strong infrastructure and production ecosystem advantages.

Huawei executives noted the company has operated in Thailand for over 20 years with continuous expansion in digital skills centers, cloud services, data centers, and regional headquarters, praising Thailand's openness and suitability for digital business. Both sides agreed to push two priority areas: developing Thai talent through the Huawei ICT Academy Thailand with universities nationwide, and collaborating on cloud and AI with government agencies and universities to produce workforce-ready professionals. The cooperation aims to expand AI and digital technology use to boost business efficiency, enhance public services, and strengthen national competitiveness while developing Thai personnel alongside technology. Government spokesman Ratchada Thanadirek emphasized the collaboration attracts global tech investment while creating genuine opportunities for Thais to gain in-demand skills, quality jobs, and improved living standards through practical technology applications.

A doctor warns that intense and persistent cravings to chew ice may not simply be a personal preference, but rather a medical condition. During hot weather, many people enjoy cold drinks with ice, and some habitually chew the leftover ice in their glass. However, Dr. Wu Chi-ing, a physician and health influencer, reveals that such compulsive ice-chewing behavior may actually reflect hidden health problems.

The condition is known medically as pagophagia, a form of pica (eating non-food items), and it may signal iron deficiency anemia. While ice-chewing may appear to be merely a personal habit, clinical experience shows that patients with this condition often have surprisingly high levels of iron deficiency when tested.

Why does iron deficiency cause ice-chewing cravings? Although there is no definitive scientific mechanism, the most widely accepted explanation is that iron is essential for brain function. When the body lacks iron, alertness and concentration decline, causing fatigue, drowsiness, and weakness. The intense cold sensation from chewing ice may temporarily stimulate the brain, providing a brief sense of refreshment and alertness.

The doctor notes that many patients find their ice-chewing urges disappear once iron levels are restored to normal through treatment, often surprising even the patients themselves with this change.

If you suspect iron deficiency, get tested before taking supplements. Dr. Wu Chi-ing recommends against self-treating with iron supplements without professional diagnosis. Anemia has multiple causes, and taking iron without addressing the underlying reason may be ineffective. It is necessary to identify the root cause: whether it stems from abnormal blood loss, insufficient dietary iron intake, or chronic gastrointestinal bleeding. Taking iron without proper diagnosis may mask the underlying disease and delay treatment.

Blood tests provide quick answers. A blood test measuring hemoglobin levels and iron storage in the body can provide rapid answers. Once diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor will determine the appropriate form and duration of iron supplementation, which is the safest approach.

Dr. Wu Chi-ing concludes that warning signals from the body often hide in small daily behaviors. While most people who chew ice may simply enjoy the sensation, in some cases this behavior may be the body's way of signaling iron deficiency and the need for medical evaluation.

Wat Saket has clarified that a coffin discovered beneath the Limpaphon Viharn belonged to the great-grandmother of the chapel's founding family, who died in 1951. Her descendants have received the remains and are preparing funeral rites, with the ashes to be kept in the original location.

The deteriorated red wooden coffin, roughly 155 years old, was found during excavation work at Wat Saket, the royal temple in Bangkok. Initial inspection revealed female skeletal remains believed to have been there for at least 50 years. The coffin also contained a stainless steel tray and four coins dated 1957. On July 19, 2026, the temple released a statement regarding the discovery.

The viharn was constructed in 1971 by the Limpaphon family. In 2025, the temple committee decided to undertake renovations due to structural deterioration, strengthening the foundation and raising the structure to improve the landscape and increase usable space. Work began in April 2026. On July 16, 2026, during excavation, the construction company discovered a concrete structure resembling a lime pit beneath the viharn, behind the main Buddha image. Further investigation revealed a coffin containing skeletal remains inside.

After consulting with the chapel's descendants, temple officials learned the remains belonged to the great-grandmother, Khun Yai Thuat Foong, who died in 1951. Her ashes had been placed beneath the viharn at a later date, consistent with forensic examination confirming female skeletal remains. The temple coordinated with the descendants and police to retrieve the remains for proper funeral rites at Wat Saket, after which the ashes will be returned to the Limpaphon Viharn.

Sanchamitr Hospital has dismissed a doctor immediately after investigations confirmed he misdiagnosed a male patient who subsequently died from acute coronary syndrome. The hospital's preliminary inquiry found that the physician had also communicated with the patient and family members in an unprofessional manner, violating hospital conduct regulations and medical ethics standards that require doctors to treat patients with respect. The dismissal became effective on July 19, 2025, and the hospital stated it is committed to providing comprehensive support to the patient's family and expressed sincere condolences.

On July 19, 2025, Dr. Phuwadej Surakot, director of the Department of Health Service Support (DHSS) under the Ministry of Public Health, announced that the DHSS has ordered officials from the Health Service Support Center 5 in Ratchaburi, working jointly with the Ratchaburi Provincial Health Office, to investigate a private hospital in the province. The investigation was prompted by a complaint alleging that a misdiagnosis resulted in delayed treatment, ultimately leading to the patient's death. Preliminary results are expected within seven days.

The investigation will examine whether the hospital followed legal standards in patient assessment and care management. Officials will review medical records and documents, and will take statements from both hospital staff and the deceased patient's family to ensure fairness to all parties. Preliminary findings are anticipated within the coming week.

Dr. Akam Pratisuwan, deputy director of the DHSS, stressed that all private medical facilities must prioritize patient safety. If a facility lacks specialists or necessary equipment, patients must be promptly referred to appropriate alternative facilities. Facilities found to fall below legal standards face penalties including imprisonment and fines under the Hospital Act, B.E. 2541, and professional ethics investigations will be forwarded to relevant professional councils.

Members of the public who have suffered harm from treatment at private hospitals or clinics can file complaints with the DHSS in Bangkok at 02 193 7002, or with their provincial health office if located outside Bangkok.