Thailand's Department of Intellectual Property is warning franchise businesses to urgently register and protect their intellectual property as the sector continues to grow rapidly. According to Department Director Oramont Saupthaweethum, Thailand's franchise business is worth over 300,000 billion baht and is a popular expansion model for entrepreneurs seeking to grow their brands quickly. However, franchising involves more than just licensing a business name or opening branches—it requires proper protection of trademarks, production formulas, management systems, and business knowledge that form the core value and competitive advantage of the business. Without proper protection and management, businesses risk counterfeit operations, unauthorized use of rights, and future disputes.

Proper intellectual property management strengthens brand value, builds confidence among franchisees and investors, and ensures standardized expansion. Before launching a franchise system, businesses should prepare in six key areas: (1) Check for name and trademark similarity using AI Image Search and Trademark Checker tools on the Department's website to reduce the risk of infringing others' marks; (2) Register trademarks for legal protection—the Department now offers fast-track service for businesses that need urgent protection; (3) Register trademark license agreements to clarify the rights and obligations of both parties; (4) Draft franchise agreements that clearly define rights, duties, and conditions; (5) Register patents or utility patents if the business has developed innovations, products, or manufacturing processes; and (6) Establish trade secret protection measures to prevent unauthorized use of business knowledge.

The Department is ready to advise and support businesses of all sizes, particularly SMEs, in leveraging intellectual property as a tool for value creation and competitive advantage. Entrepreneurs can request free intellectual property consulting through the IP Consulting Center (IPAC) at the Department of Intellectual Property, Ministry of Commerce, or call the hotline 1368 for guidance on protecting, utilizing, and managing intellectual property.

The Government Savings Bank released results for its special 2-year lottery draw, series 254-271 and 273-277, on August 1, 2025. First prize (30 million baht) went to ticket 6706555 from series 255, while second prize (1 million baht) was awarded to ticket 0389782 from series 269. Additional prizes ranged from 10,000 baht down to 500 baht across multiple prize categories, with specific winning numbers listed for each tier.

Thai Smile Boat Limited, operator of electric ferries on the Chao Phraya River, is rolling out participation in the government's "Thai Help Thai Plus 60/40" subsidy program to support travel convenience and ease the cost-of-living burden on residents. Passengers can begin scanning to claim their subsidy benefit from August 1st onward.

With the subsidy, eligible passengers will pay only 12 baht per trip instead of the standard 30 baht, supporting government policy to reduce household expenses while promoting clean-energy tourism and lowering environmental pollution. Passengers can register their eligibility with staff at ferry piers or onboard staff through the Pao Tang application from August 1st to September 30th, 2026.

The Thai Help Thai Plus benefit applies to all three Thai Smile Boat routes: the Green Line (City Line) running Siamcharoen-Phra Pin Klao, the Purple Line (Urban Line) running Sathorn-Phra Nang Klao, and the Blue Line (Metro Line) running Nonthaburi Pier-Wat Voracharyawat. Once the subsidy benefit is exhausted, passengers can also use their HOP Card with the Daily Max Fare option to travel unlimited throughout the day for just 40 baht.

Coach Heng Vithaya Lauhaokul, a 72-year-old Thai football legend, shared his views on the Thai national team's prospects for the World Cup during an interview with YouTube channel GoodDayPodcast. In the "Gossip Goal" episode titled "Why Thailand's First Bundesliga Player Says Thai Football Has No Structure," Coach Heng recounted his playing career from childhood through his time in Japan and Germany, as well as his encounters with world-class players.

When asked about Thailand's chances of reaching the World Cup, Coach Heng stated: "Other countries develop much faster than us. Looking nearby at Singapore and Vietnam—Vietnam has world-class training facilities." He added: "We keep saying we've surpassed ASEAN, but we haven't surpassed anything. We're still stuck in place. Surpassing means we need a proper youth development structure according to AFC standards. Even clubs with Thai League licenses—many just make things up. There's nothing in place."

Coach Heng emphasized that direction and leadership are crucial, citing Spanish former technical director Carles Romegaza, who established what he called the "Thai Football Iceberg"—a comprehensive framework aligned with international standards. "I don't see anyone using it," Coach Heng said. "He created something massive. Everything was correct by international standards, but we didn't follow through. By now, that iceberg has completely melted."

When asked whether an expanded World Cup format with 64 teams and a co-hosting quota could help Thailand qualify, Coach Heng answered firmly: "No. If Thailand were to host, there would be many requirements—stadiums have specific regulations." When asked if Rajamangala or Suphachalasai stadiums would meet standards, he replied: "Neither passes. It's not just about stadiums. There are other details—accommodations, hotels, training grounds. Where would we put everything?"

Regarding youth football competitiveness against countries like Japan and South Korea, the 72-year-old responded: "No. It comes down to learning capacity. Thai children lack this. If we teach them, we need to question them first, but they don't understand and are afraid. Football requires three things: effort, courage, and character. Thai children don't have these."

Prime Minister Anutin Chaiyawongsa, accompanied by Interior Minister Praphat Photsudhon, visited Suphan Buri province on August 1, 2569 at 09:45 a.m. in the Doimbangnangbuach district to inspect farmers participating in a rice cost-reduction and yield-improvement initiative at a demonstration plot in Ban Than Nang Rueang. He met with local farmers and heard presentations on the program before touring the demonstration field, where he praised Praphat's expertise and long commitment to agricultural development. The PM emphasized that Praphat is one of only three people in Thailand who truly understands rice cultivation well, and noted that today is Praphat's birthday. He stated that from now on, August 1 must be reserved in his calendar for Suphan Buri because Praphat is an important figure to him and to the farming community. The PM also highlighted that the province delivered four of five parliamentary seats to Bhumjaithai, nearly sweeping the province, and expressed confidence that the fifth seat will follow in the next election because having all representatives from one party makes governance smoother and more efficient.

Prime Minister Anuthín Charnvírakul and Interior Minister rushed to Chonburi province to monitor the case of two Thai suspects in the killing of two Russian siblings. Speaking at 9:45 a.m. on August 1, 2025, in Suphan Buri, the Prime Minister said that while today brought auspicious news, it was overshadowed by a calamity caused by two Thai nationals whose actions have brought shame to the country. He stressed that this crime did not simply kill three foreign nationals or involve domestic homicide alone—it has effectively killed Thailand's image and destroyed the country's efforts to build a safe, prosperous nation. The suspects, he noted, had recently been released from prison and quickly reoffended. The Prime Minister emphasized that those who have damaged the nation to this extent must receive the harshest possible punishment commensurate with their grave crimes. He pledged to ensure no preferential treatment or assistance will be given to the offenders and vowed to expedite the legal process to bring swift justice.