At 4 p.m. on July 24, 2025, at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas briefed reporters on progress in U.S. tariff negotiations. He said he had just coordinated with Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthummaphand, who is overseeing the matter, and that today he would meet with the private sector. Many Thai products have received tariff exemptions with minimal impact, but some items remain subject to duties and require discussion with business leaders.

Ekniti emphasized that the most critical factor is accelerating talks with the U.S., which has not closed the door to negotiations. Thailand has not yet reached a final trade agreement, unlike other countries that have secured a 10 percent tariff rate. Suphajee is pushing hard to achieve this. Ekniti believes that if negotiations move quickly and Thailand addresses U.S. concerns about forced labor by reforming labor practices and meeting international standards, the country can compete on equal footing with others and minimize overall economic impact.

When asked which industries need to prepare for changes, Ekniti deferred to provide more detailed information. He also said he would review the figures to clarify the broader economic impact on Thailand.

Deputy Permanent Secretary Veeraphat Kiarttifuengfoo said the Energy Ministry is closely monitoring global oil prices, which continue to fluctuate due to economic and geopolitical factors affecting worldwide energy supply.

Thailand has taken precautions since Middle East unrest emerged, diversifying crude oil sources to include the United States and Argentina while increasing import volumes. As of July 23, 2025, Thailand's combined oil reserves—including commercial stock (2.353 billion liters), strategic reserves (3.385 billion liters), crude in transit (4.299 billion liters), and confirmed supply pending delivery (3.280 billion liters)—total 13.3 billion liters, providing 108 days of coverage. Current consumption averages 57.26 million liters of diesel and 30.36 million liters of petrol daily.

The government has ordered strict management to ensure fuel supplies meet public and business demand without shortage across all scenarios. On July 23, 2025, the Energy Policy Committee approved a refinery-gate price cut of 2.40 baht per liter for diesel effective July 24 to August 15, 2025. The Oil Fund, currently carrying a deficit of 63.921 billion baht, remains adequately liquid to manage prices at appropriate levels. Deputy Secretary Veeraphat stressed that the ministry will employ multiple measures—refinery-gate price reductions, the Oil Fund mechanism, and other necessary actions—to stabilize retail prices and minimize the impact on citizens' cost of living while continuously assessing global market conditions daily.

At 4 p.m. on July 24, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitivattanapong announced the findings of a committee studying the Landbridge project—a major infrastructure initiative designed to connect transport between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea. The study, completed ahead of its 90-day deadline, was conducted by three separate working groups examining economic feasibility and investment potential, environmental impacts, and public consultation and stakeholder engagement.

Ekniti stated that the committee's conclusion was that the Landbridge project has low business viability and poses substantial budget and risk impacts. Global trade disruptions from Middle East tensions could turn projected positive returns negative, creating significant economic risk. Additionally, shipping lines are unlikely to shift operations to Thailand because major carriers already have established alliances. Management risks also include slow cargo movement logistics, resulting in low economic returns and overall high risk.

On environmental concerns, Ekniti noted the risks are considerable and require greater strategic oversight. Integration of environmental protections remains incomplete, failing to adequately address marine ecosystems, coastal community livelihoods, food security, and forest preservation. Public feedback was divided: private sector and manufacturing interests supported the project, while environmental and marine conservation groups opposed it, with most stakeholders expressing concern and indecision.

The committee concluded that while the project has low business potential and high environmental risk with ongoing public disagreement, private sector demand for a Andaman-side port access remains. The government will instead pursue development of Ranong Port to its full potential, explore railway connections to Ranong, and consider "missing link" rail infrastructure connecting northward to China and eastward ports.

On large-scale investment projects generally, the committee recommended that each country's strategic objectives be clarified before agencies conduct feasibility studies—treating this as a lesson for the future and emphasizing that environmental strategy and public consultation must be integrated from the start.

When asked if this constituted shelving the Landbridge project, Ekniti said: "You could say that." The deputy prime minister did not clarify whether cabinet approval of the study findings would be sought.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister confirmed on July 24, 2025, that he has approved the resignation of Sonti Piyathat from his position as aide to Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Piphat Ratchakitprakarn. Anutin explained that Sonti submitted a resignation letter without providing any stated reason. He emphasized that the resignation is now effective and constitutes the aide's right to leave office. Anutin stated that when he appointed Sonti to assist Piphat, he delegated that responsibility, and suggested that anyone seeking the true reasons should ask Piphat directly, as his own duty was limited to approving the resignation letter.

Kim Seonho delivered an evening brimming with warmth and memorable moments at his 2026 Fan Meeting in Bangkok, held on Saturday, June 20, at Thunder Dome in Muang Thong Thani. The hall erupted with screams as he took the stage, greeting fans in Thai with "I've missed you so much," flashing a warm smile and commanding presence.

The event kicked off with a "counter service" segment where Kim recounted his early morning jog at Lumpini Park and shared how he encountered many fans there. Known affectionately as the "Sukhumvit Boy," he has become so integrated into Thai life that he lives as a true Bangkok resident. He then discussed his bucket list, giving himself a perfect five-star rating for the year and revealing that his key goal was to meet as many fans as possible and thank them personally—a mission he felt had been accomplished when he saw the crowd that evening. Moved by the moment, tears streamed down his face.

The "research room" segment allowed fans closer interaction as Kim answered questions, handwrote messages of love, and playfully transformed into a detective and race car driver, drawing continuous laughter and smiles. The "storage room" segment turned up the entertainment factor when Kim surprised fans with a cute dance performance to the song "Oob Bo Jang" by Bee The Star, sending the crowd into roaring cheers. Games followed, including ring toss and a water cup trick that had everyone laughing.

Highlights continued as Kim transformed into a flight attendant for "Seonho Airline," taking fans on a journey of happiness and memories. The evening concluded with a fan-made project presentation that deeply moved the actor, who expressed heartfelt gratitude for the unwavering love and support from Thai fans. The 2026 Kim Seonho Fan Meeting in Bangkok, presented by Grand Prix Xpectrum under Grand Prix International Public Company, proved to be another quality-packed evening filled with smiles, laughter, and shared love.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul stated on July 24, 2569, at Government House that the United States tariff of 12.5% on Thai goods represents a compliance issue. He said Thailand received preliminary notification of the tariff and is expediting work by relevant agencies to address it, noting that concerns relate to forced labor matters. Anutin acknowledged the need to examine why such issues were not resolved earlier but expressed confidence that Thailand's strong relationship and good trading partnership with the US will allow it to appeal for a tariff reduction at the first available opportunity. When asked if Thailand aims to restore the rate to 10%, Anutin said negotiations must achieve the lowest possible rate, requiring thorough preparation. He deferred details on the timing of future negotiations, awaiting a full report from Commerce Minister Supachai Suthithamronpanit, who heads Thailand's US negotiating team and is returning from America.