The government's public relations office reported on the July 8, 2569 meeting of the state-private sector economic committee (SPSC) where Bank of Thailand Governor Withaya Ratanakorn presented data showing Thailand's economy is more flexible than many had previously assessed. Contrary to earlier concerns about supply shocks from Middle East conflict, Thailand has managed impacts well across procurement and business adaptation.

With a 400 billion baht economic stimulus package supporting purchasing power, the Bank of Thailand revised its 2023 GDP growth forecast upward to 2.3%—the market's highest estimate and a sign of underlying economic strength. Recent inflation figures came in lower than expected, suggesting further price declines and demonstrating overall economic stability.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul told business and economic agencies at the SPSC meeting that foreign investors remain highly confident in Thailand. He emphasized that investors seek streamlined approvals, reduced steps, and one-stop services rather than infrastructure improvements. The government is accelerating facilitation through the Board of Investment and related agencies, with nearly 1 trillion baht in pending investment interest.

The prime minister identified three strategic strengths to attract investment: food security, logistics systems, and Thai companies' international investment capacity. In an uncertain global environment, he noted that food-producing nations gain significant economic leverage, making it essential to elevate agriculture to strategic advantage. He called repeatedly for state agencies and Thai businesses to convert strong foreign investor confidence into actual investment that creates jobs and income for Thai people.

A heartwarming World Cup story unfolded when 21-year-old Jacob Allmendinger from East Yorkshire, England, made the bold decision to use his £10,000 (approximately 450,000 baht) savings—money he had carefully set aside for his future—to take his 80-year-old grandfather Jeff Galliger to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

For Jacob, the journey was far more than just watching football; it was a way to repay the love his grandfather had given him throughout his life. Since childhood, Jeff had always taken Jacob to football matches, making their bond as close as best friends rather than typical grandparent-grandchild relationships. Over the years, Jeff had consistently accompanied Jacob to watch Hull City matches, and now Jacob wanted to return the favor by sharing the atmosphere of the World Cup together.

During their travels through the United States and Mexico, the story of these two went viral online, with football fans deeply moved by Jacob's sacrifice and commitment to create lasting memories with someone he cherished. Touched by their story, a U.S. company called Metawin reached out to Jacob through social media and announced they would refund the £10,000 if England could defeat the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Previously, the company had set a condition that they would return the money if England defeated Panama by more than 2 goals, but when England won only 2-0, the company still pledged to refund the money if the Three Lions beat DR Congo, regardless of the score.

After England's 2-1 victory over DR Congo, Metawin honored their promise and transferred the full £10,000 back to Jacob, shocking him completely. "At first, I didn't really believe it," Jacob said. "Until I checked my bank account and actually saw the money there. That's when I was completely shocked."

Jacob revealed he would save the money for now and possibly deposit it into a savings account to consider his options, which now include attending other sporting events or even reviving his dream of buying a house.

Grandfather Jeff shared that they had been increasingly approached by football fans during their travels, especially in New York where people asked, "Are you the ones traveling around?" Meanwhile, Jacob acknowledged that messages from people worldwide made him realize just how precious time spent with loved ones truly is, as some opportunities may never come again.

Kasro Entertainment has unveiled "Khun Khanom Tom: Sacred Inscriptions, Origin of Muay Thai," a major action epic featuring legendary fight choreography, at the Royal Thai Army Club in Bangkok. The film is directed and produced by Thanawut Kasro (Kru Dam), a Muay Chaiya master and internationally recognized filmmaker known for designing iconic action sequences in Thai films over 20 years, including "Khun Shan," "Lakhoutas," and "Nang Thas." Kasro gained international acclaim for his work on "Buoyancy," which received an Oscar nomination for Australia (AACTA Awards 2019) and ranked third globally. He has collaborated with Oscar-winning directors and A-list stars including Pierce Brosnan and Owen Wilson.

Kasro aims to elevate Thai ancestral fighting arts to global prominence by blending Muay Chaiya, ancient Muay Thai, and Ardamat sword techniques into stunning, elaborate choreography. Rather than a conventional action film, he intends the movie to serve as a cultural monument to Thai heritage on the world stage. The press launch featured an impressive ensemble cast including Tri-Thitthirm Sangmani, Ingland-Chayan Thertong, and Bank-Paweesh Mongkholpisit, with appearances by international legends.

Kasro Entertainment has partnered with Blue River Film Co., Ltd. (USA), represented by Mark Boot, a distributor of major international films including all three John Wick films and John Wick: Chapter 4. Together, they aim to position "Khun Khanom Tom" as a Hollywood-standard Thai action film for global streaming platforms. The event concluded with a spectacular fight demonstration by the lead cast, signaling the epic's imminent theatrical release.

Iconic Thai rock band BIG ASS has officially announced "Thai Life Insurance presents BIG ASS: The Last Great Concert," scheduled for three nights on November 13-15, 2025 at Impact Arena in Muang Thong Thani. More than 19 years have passed since their last major concert gathering, and the band views this as a historic moment. With all seven members reuniting—vocalist Chai (Decha Konalo), guitarist Aoff (Poonsakdi Chulabutr), guitarist Moo (Apisart Promraksa), bassist Oak (Pongphan Polsit), drummer Gob (Kachordet Promraksa), drummer Tam (Athipong Wanleo), and co-vocalist Dax (Ekkarat Wongchalad)—the event promises to be unmissable for rock fans across all generations.

The concert will be produced by GFest, a division of GMM SHOW and a leading concert organizer for Thailand's top rock artists. The production will feature professional-grade lighting, sound, visuals, and special effects designed to maximize the impact of BIG ASS's classic songs and create unforgettable memories for attendees. Tickets go on sale August 2, 2025 at 10:00 AM through Thai Ticket Major, with prices ranging from 1,500 to 4,000 baht for seated tickets and 2,200 baht for standing room.

On July 8, 2026, French model Thylane Blondeau, who was twice named "the most beautiful girl in the world," married French actor and DJ Ben Attal, 29, three months after his marriage proposal.

Blondeau wore a custom white wedding dress by Eva Bouskila Bridal with the Eiffel Tower as the backdrop, while the groom wore a dark blue suit. The couple arrived at the venue in a classic Porsche 356 Speedster to warm congratulations from guests.

Blondeau became known worldwide at age six after Vogue Enfants crowned her "the most beautiful child in the world" in 2006. She modeled for Jean Paul Gaultier starting at age four and became the youngest person to appear on the cover of Vogue Paris at age ten, though her early modeling career drew criticism over the appropriateness of styling young children.

The couple began dating in 2020 before Attal proposed in March at the shores of Athens, Greece. Upon announcing the engagement, Blondeau posted: "I said yes to my best friend... from now and forever." At 25 years old, she has now completed her love story with a fairy-tale wedding ceremony.

Source: New York Post

The former mayor of Khuan Kalong Subdistrict Administration Organization, wanted for running a position-selling extortion scheme, has fled to a neighboring country. Authorities are preparing to issue arrest warrants for an additional accomplice who served as an intermediary in recruiting victims. Investigators believe many more victims exist and are tracing financial flows.

On July 8, high-level security sources confirmed the former official has already crossed into Malaysia. Region 9 Police have coordinated with Satun provincial police to formally contact Malaysian authorities through official channels for his arrest and extradition.

Investigators found clear evidence that victims handed over hundreds of thousands of baht, believing they could place their children in government positions, but none were ever hired. A source revealed that investigators are preparing to seek court approval for arrest warrants for one additional accomplice—a close relative of the former official who acted as a broker in negotiating with and recruiting victims.

Lieutenant Colonel Niphon Hemsamahmat, Satun Provincial Police Commander, has ordered all district police stations throughout Satun to establish complaint desks and accept reports from residents affected by this fraud scheme. This will streamline complaint handling and systematically collect evidence and witnesses, as investigators believe dozens more victims remain silent and hidden. Police and the National Anti-Corruption Commission are expanding investigations into money laundering routes, with officials carefully examining transactions to identify financial pathways.