BANGKOK — 15 July 2026, Thailand will continue using contributions from oil refineries and the Oil Fuel Fund to cushion domestic fuel prices against sharp increases in global markets, Energy Minister Eknat Promphan said at Government House.

Global oil prices have risen sharply over the past week due to escalating tensions in the Middle East, pushing up prices for all types of fuel. Despite this increase, Thailand will continue using existing price management mechanisms to soften the impact on consumers, including reducing refinery gate prices through contributions from domestic refineries and drawing on the Oil Fuel Fund to stabilise retail prices at petrol stations.

"The Ministry of Energy will monitor the situation every day to ensure domestic fuel prices do not rise as quickly or as sharply as global oil prices," Eknat said. He added that any price adjustments would be assessed daily and made gradually rather than through sudden hikes.

Eknat also reassured the public about fuel supplies, stating that Thailand has sufficient crude oil and refined petroleum stocks, with storage tanks holding ample reserves. "I can confirm that Thailand will not face fuel shortages," he said.

The government is balancing market-based pricing with measures to protect consumers from excessive volatility. According to Eknat, the government has already allocated 10.5 billion baht through existing mechanisms to help lower retail fuel prices. When global oil prices declined previously, the government relied primarily on refinery contributions rather than drawing heavily on the Oil Fuel Fund, which was already in deficit before he took office. Both refinery contributions and the Oil Fuel Fund will continue to be used to prevent domestic fuel prices from fluctuating as dramatically as those in the global market.

At 9 a.m. on July 15, 2026, at Government House, Justice Minister Ruetthaipol Naowarat announced that the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) had arrested Ms. Mallika, an executive and board member of a prominent forex brokerage firm, pursuant to a court-authorized warrant. She has been brought in for additional questioning and represents one of two arrest warrants that have now been fully executed.

When asked if Mallika is considered a key suspect, the justice minister confirmed she is a broker and a crucial figure who will undergo further investigation. Regarding whether additional persons need to be apprehended, he stated that all named suspects in the arrest warrants have been taken into custody, though the DSI continues its investigation and may issue summons for questioning—including for MP Phawut Phongwittayapanu from the Pheu Thai party.

On whether Phawut might flee, the minister expressed confidence that he would not, noting that Phawut has already agreed to confirm facts and is expected to be called for questioning during the parliamentary recess. Regarding whether evidence has reached Phawut, the minister said he could not comment and deferred to the DSI.

When pressed on whether all 22 persons summoned by the DSI will comply, the minister acknowledged uncertainty, explaining that when courts do not approve arrest warrants, summons must be issued instead. He noted that compliance depends on the individuals and that there may be timeframes for first and second summons. On observations that the DSI sought arrest warrants directly, he stated this is permissible under law, but the DSI must have sufficient evidence before requesting a court-approved warrant.

Thai entertainer Teng Thodteng has announced the sale of his 18 rai of land in Nakhon Nayok that was originally intended for a Teng market and kingdom project. Interested buyers are welcome to contact him. In a video tour, Teng described the property details: the land is divided into two plots—one of 11.5 rai and another of 6.5 rai—located opposite the Nakhon Nayok salt factory and about 1 kilometer from the local Makro. The property features water views and sits approximately 50 meters from a main road, with frontage spanning from bamboo groves to a fence and a large canal along the front. Behind the land rises a hillside. The property has two access roads—one near the salt factory market and another suitable for vehicles—with embankments already built to prevent landslides.

Teng revealed his reason for selling: "Originally this project was supposed to be a Teng market and kingdom, but after I went into the rice noodle shop business, I figured selling would be better."

He noted the land is well-suited for buyers interested in subdividing and reselling plots, or for waterfront residential development, given the two large ponds on the property and wide frontage. Teng is open to selling the full 18 rai, the 6.5 rai plot, the 11.5 rai plot, or any combination, and invites interested parties to call and discuss. He added that buyers could use the land for rice farming or other purposes.

On July 15, 2025, Police General Natthasak Chaowanasakai, commander of the Crime Suppression Division, authorized officers to arrest Narebet (surname withheld), 28, at a prominent boxing camp in Rayong province. Narebet faces charges of human trafficking for sexual exploitation of minors aged 15–17, operating a prostitution business, and managing illegal activities involving children. Officers from Rayong and Chachoengsao worked together with child welfare units to execute the arrest warrant issued July 7, 2025.

Investigators learned that the boxing camp housed approximately 30 trainees—both Thai and foreign nationals, aged 11–35—and that Narebet coerced young male boxers into sexual services with clients preferring men. An undercover officer posing as a student confirmed the scheme. During questioning, Narebet admitted he could arrange minors for sexual services at prices starting from 2,000 baht, claiming the children were troubled or poor. He identified over 15 other minors engaged in similar activities and provided their photographs and details.

In an undercover operation, officers posed as clients and negotiated a rate of 3,000 baht per child (2,000 to the child, 1,000 to Narebet) to meet at a Chachoengsao resort. Narebet was arrested upon delivery of the agreed services. Three rescued minors—aged 13, 15, and 16—were placed in protective custody. A second operation at the boxing camp identified 15 additional children and youth aged 11–19 living there without parental supervision; 12 were screened as potential trafficking victims. The case has been referred for further investigation.

Thailand's National Child Development Board has approved a universal child allowance of 600 baht per month for children aged 0 to 6 years, starting in fiscal year 2570. Deputy Prime Minister Yossakul Vongsudsdi announced the decision on July 15 following a board meeting held the previous day, emphasizing that child and youth development is critical as Thailand faces rapid aging and declining birth rates. The government aims to ensure that children born in Thailand have quality development and productivity in an era of global economic, technological, and climate change challenges.

Vongsudsdi stated that comprehensive child development must address physical and mental health, life skills, and future career readiness through appropriate services and welfare programs designed to reduce inequality and ensure equal opportunity. He stressed that development must begin with meaningful participation from children and youth themselves, allowing them to voice their needs and obstacles while adults provide support and solutions.

The board approved universal child allowance payments at 600 baht per child per month beginning in fiscal year 2570. The Ministry of Social Development and Human Security will expedite Cabinet approval and eliminate the requirement for beneficiary lists to reduce registration steps and accelerate benefit delivery. Additionally, the board designated child development during the first 2,500 days of life as a national priority under the "2,500-Day Miracle" initiative, aimed at addressing demographic crisis and strengthening human capital through community-based care mechanisms and cross-ministry coordination.

The government also outlined a 10-year strategic plan for the Council on Children and Youth (2568–2574) covering six key development areas: 21st-century education, mental and physical well-being, employment opportunities, meaningful participation, climate change resilience, and protection from violence. The Education Ministry was tasked with ensuring youth representation in parliamentary education committees.

Thai Steel Profile says Thailand's steel industry is changing, backing new Thai Industrial Standards to control raw material sources and raise standards to international levels while reducing structural risks.

Wichit Rattanasirivilai, managing director of Thai Steel Profile Public Company Limited, a major domestic rebar producer, revealed that the new standards requiring steel from Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) and Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) processes, along with mandatory Secondary Refining steps, represent the right approach to upgrading Thailand's industry long-term.

"Rebar quality begins with billet quality. If raw materials are stable and chemical composition is consistently controlled, rolled steel will meet standards and reduce construction risks," Wichit said.

Most Thai rebar producers currently operate as rolling mills, importing steel billets from abroad and converting them to rebar for domestic and export sales. The Industrial Products Standards Office reports over 16 licensed rebar producers lack their own furnaces, and 2025 imports exceed 1.6 million tonnes of billets.

Business operators believe the new standards will reshape competitive dynamics by emphasizing raw material sourcing, reducing quality variations in the market and improving supply chain transparency.

Three key benefits are expected: first, upgrading production processes through clear technology and quality control criteria that create unified practices and enhance Thai steel industry credibility; second, building confidence among engineers, designers, contractors, and project owners that construction steel maintains consistent quality and reduces technical risks; and third, reducing business risk for rolling mills and material importers by establishing clear billet selection criteria, avoiding future disputes over standards and product quality.

While the new standards may increase producer costs for material inspection and selection, industry assessments indicate returns include improved structural safety, market confidence, and alignment with global standards—factors critical for long-term competitiveness.

Amid intensifying global competition and rising safety demands, this TIS revision is not merely a technical change but a new foundation for Thailand's steel industry to support sustainable construction and future investment growth.