Thai chamber of commerce argues that US tariffs on Thailand versus competitors differ only marginally and should not be a major concern, recommending faster improvements in labor standards, supply chain transparency, and long-term competitive capacity.

Pont Aramwattananont, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Thai Chamber Federation, discussed the US Section 301 tariffs imposed on over 60 trading partners including Thailand. While Thailand faces a 12.5% tariff rate, most competing nations face similar impacts, keeping overall US market competition on relatively level ground. Countries with slightly lower tariffs around 10% may have minor advantages, but the margin is narrower than previous measures and poses no significant threat to Thai business competitiveness.

Pont stated that the US is focusing on forced labor and excess production capacity. The private sector views Thailand as having no systemic forced labor issues, but laws and related measures must be enforced more clearly to build trading partner confidence and meet international standards. This will help Thailand compete fairly with countries that may receive exemptions in the future.

Another critical issue being monitored is excess capacity product measures, which the US is still examining. These could affect certain product groups, requiring urgent negotiation of reciprocal trade agreements to balance commerce with the US.

The most important step now is close government-private sector collaboration to prepare data and negotiating positions with the US for mutually beneficial outcomes. Trade agreements must reduce obstacles and preserve Thailand's long-term competitive capacity.

Pont added that the Thai Chamber of Commerce is ready to represent the private sector by gathering data, recommendations, and impact assessments from businesses to support the Ministry of Commerce. The chamber's university has conducted analyses the chamber will support, ensuring Thailand's approach is careful and balanced between protecting national interests and building investor and trading partner confidence.

"Thailand should use this opportunity to accelerate improvements in labor standards, supply chain transparency, and trade agreement negotiations, turning this crisis into an opportunity to strengthen long-term competitiveness," Pont said.

On July 24, 2569, Deputy Police Chief General Somran Nualma and National Police Commander Nopsilon Poolswat, along with officials from the Interior Ministry, Public Health Ministry, and Special Investigation Division, conducted raids at two key locations to dismantle the "Thai Father" network that falsely registered over 1,500 foreign children. Four additional suspects were arrested: Thai nationals Mongkol and Wawe, who served as fake fathers, and Chinese nationals Ms. Si and Mr. Hu, a Chinese couple.

During a search of a luxury home in the Mengjai area owned by the Chinese couple, police recovered passports, photographs, birth certificates, health and life insurance documents, and bank records. Ms. Si, who speaks Thai fluently, tearfully claimed she had not hired Mongkol but rather that he was a close friend willing to help out of goodwill. She stated she had worked in Thailand for nearly 20 years, loved the country, and simply wanted her child to have Thai nationality and an easier life, insisting she was unaware this arrangement was illegal.

Ms. Si revealed she had even consulted a doctor at the hospital while pregnant about the arrangement, so she did not think it was wrong. When asked who suggested the idea, she said people had mentioned it and that Mongkol, whom she had known since 2558, was a Thai friend without a girlfriend or children who willingly became her child's father at no cost. Her husband, Mr. Hu, refused to be interviewed, claiming he knew nothing of the operation and that he had resided in Thailand since 2006, a total of 20 years.

Nangkol told reporters he "didn't want to say much" and insisted he was not paid, as they worked at the same place and he was willing to help because he did not know it was illegal. During this operation, police also expanded their investigation into a private hospital and found three suspicious children, with two cases already showing signs of fraud and one still under investigation. The Department of Provincial Administration (DOPA) N.I.C.E. filed charges with Huay Kwang Police Station against all those involved. Investigators gathered detailed evidence, including witness statements, medical records, and birth registration documents.

At 9:30 a.m. on July 24, 2025, at Parliament, Sirikunnya Tansukul, a Pheu Thai party list MP and deputy party leader, addressed the case of Pawut Pongsawittayaphanyu, a fellow Pheu Thai list MP, who declined to participate in an interview, saying he was unable to discuss the TH-AI Passport project due to lack of close involvement and concerns about jeopardizing a Forex-related case.

Sirikunnya clarified that Pawut was not actually refusing to discuss the matter out of fear of compromising the Forex case—that explanation appeared to have been added later. She said Pawut simply stated he was not closely following the issue at this time and referred inquiries to Ratchanok Srinork, another party list MP, who is actively tracking the project. Sirikunnya attributed Pawut's absence from the follow-up to the toll of multiple lawsuits requiring him to focus on legal defense.

Sirikunnya added that the Pheu Thai party continues its investigation through parliamentary committee mechanisms, including the budget oversight committee and the legal affairs and human rights committee, which have already sent letters to various agencies requesting further inquiry and investigation into the matter. She indicated that developments are likely to continue.

On July 24, 2025, Major General Kriangsak Wattanakirik, commander of the 43rd Army Infantry Region at Thaetsatree Srisunthon Camp in Tung Song district, Nakhon Si Thammarat, held a formal honor guard ceremony to receive the body of volunteer ranger Nathsit Kaewsenao, 34, belonging to Ranger Company 4509, Battalion 45. Kaewsenao died in the line of duty in Rangae district, Narathiwat, during operations in Thailand's three southern border provinces. His body was then conveyed to Manao Wan Royal Temple in Chang Klang district, Nakhon Si Thammarat, for merit-making ceremonies. Royal wreaths on behalf of His Majesty the King, Her Majesty the Queen, and various members of the Thai royal family were presented before the casket by representatives including Deputy Governor Theeraphong Chuaichoo. Government officials, military personnel, members of the public, and the deceased's family attended the ceremony conducted according to royal funeral protocols. The deceased's mother, Sompon Kaewsenao, recalled that her son was deeply concerned about his family, especially his two children and her aging health. During his last visit home, he urged his younger sister to pass the sergeant examination so she could support their mother after he was gone, saying, 'You must pass that exam so you can take care of our mother. I won't be around much longer.' No one realized those words would be his final farewell.

Chachoengsao police remains in critical condition after colleague opens fireLegacyA police officer is in critical condition after being shot by a colleague following a workplace dispute at a highway police service centre in Chachoengsao province. The Chachoengsao police shooting took place at around 1am yesterday, July 23, in the car park outside the Bang Khla Highway Police Service Centre in Bang Khla district. The injured officer was identified as Police Sub-Lieutenant Yutthapong. He sustained gunshot wounds to the chest, left arm and hip before being rushed to Buddhasothorn Hospital for emergency treatment. Hospital officials have not released an update on his condition. Police arrested the accused, Police Senior Sergeant Major Phitsanu Malaisorn, at the scene after he reportedly waited to surrender. Officers also seized a 9mm handgun believed to have been used in the shooting. Photo via ThaiRath According to witnesses, Yutthapong was the head of the highway police service centre. Before the incident, he and Phitsanu had attended a meal with more than 10 fellow officers before returning to the station. Witnesses told investigators the pair began arguing at the restaurant and continued the dispute during the journey back to the service centre. The girlfriend of a maid employed at the centre told police she heard the officers arguing loudly in the car park before several gunshots were fired. She said she then found Yutthapong lying on the ground with serious injuries. Channel 7 reported that more than 10 shots were fired during the incident. Phitsanu admitted the dispute was related to work but declined to provide further details. Investigators said he appeared to be under significant stress during questioning. Photo via ThaiRath According to the media, the disagreement may have stemmed from differing views on work procedures linked to the officers’ positions and age difference. Phitsanu declined to discuss the matter further, saying he would speak only in the presence of his lawyer. The accused was scheduled to be taken to Chachoengsao Provincial Court today, July 24, for temporary detention while the investigation continues. In a separate incident reported in February, a police officer at Huai Khwang Police Station in Bangkok accidentally shot a colleague during a firearms inspection before a training exercise. Police said the shooting was accidental and not the result of any personal dispute. The story Chachoengsao police remains in critical condition after colleague opens fire as seen on Thaiger News.

The Airports of Thailand Authority has launched promotional measures for new flight routes, both domestic and international, to support convenient public travel and tourism with a 50% reduction in landing and parking fees.

Deputy Transport Minister Phattrapong Phattarapredit announced that he has ordered the airports authority to develop and promote flight routes within Thailand and internationally, positioning regional airports as engines for regional development. The aim is to link transportation, commerce, and tourism across the country.

Previously, the authority consulted with airlines and regional tourism operators to identify ways to launch new routes and increase frequencies on promising corridors. Efforts include coordinated tourism marketing, travel promotion events, and route development aligned with each area's economic potential—creating viable business cases for carriers while expanding public travel options and strengthening regional airports' role in driving economic and tourism growth.

Phattrapong emphasized that measures must prioritize public benefit by offering more convenient travel choices, direct routes to various regions, shorter travel times, and lower costs. The initiative aims to stimulate regional economies so local communities gain from the resulting business, trade, and tourism growth.

"These measures support not only airlines but also create opportunities for citizens to access convenient, quick, and affordable travel while driving sustainable regional economic growth," he said.

Airports of Thailand Director Danai Ruangsoon noted that the authority previously offered promotions only for domestic routes. The agency is now expanding incentives to international routes, including both scheduled and charter flights, to align with the deputy minister's policy goals.

New airlines will receive a 50% discount on landing and parking fees for six months if they have never operated from the authority's airports or have ceased operations for at least one year.

New routes will receive a 50% discount on landing and parking fees for one year if they are newly launched or have been inactive for at least one year. The authority expects to announce these promotional measures by early August.