Tourism Minister Surasak Kham-jairuangkul revealed preliminary assessments showing that from January 1 to July 18, 2025, Thailand attracted 17.36 million foreign tourists, representing a 3.05 percent decline compared to the same period last year, yet generating 838.73 billion baht in visitor spending.

China leads with 2.86 million visitors, followed by Malaysia (2.25 million), India (1.31 million), Russia (1.06 million), and South Korea (631,777). During the week of July 12-18, Thailand welcomed 585,189 foreign visitors, a 4.04 percent increase from the previous week, averaging 83,598 arrivals daily.

Short-haul markets from neighboring countries drove growth with 382,072 visitors, up 6 percent week-over-week, while long-haul markets remained stable at 203,117 visitors. Chinese summer holidays and Taiwan's recovery following Typhoon Bavi contributed significantly to the uptick, with Taiwanese arrivals surging 50.74 percent to 25,201 visitors. New flight routes including Shenzhen-Phuket (increased from 3 to 4 weekly flights), the inaugural Dubai-Bangkok service on flydubai, and Thai Airways' new Amsterdam-Bangkok route bolstered connectivity.

Weekly rankings showed China (107,875), Malaysia (63,181), India (35,114), Taiwan (25,201), and the United States (20,461) as the top five source markets. Minister Surasak noted that Chinese, Indian, Taiwanese, and American visitors increased 8.27, 3.82, 50.74, and 3.57 percent respectively week-over-week, while Malaysian arrivals fell 17.82 percent. Forecasts suggest continued growth in coming weeks driven by extended summer holidays and increased flight availability.

On July 20, 2025, at 11:30 a.m., at Mueang Udon Thani Police Station, 22-year-old Deft from Nong Bua Lamphu approached police to inquire about 10,000 baht he claimed comedian Mam Jokkmok transferred to him for travel to Yasothon province. The man told officers that he heard through a mind-reading device that his father—the famous comedian—had sent him money, but since he has no bank account, the funds were deposited into the police station's central account instead.

Deft explained that he came to the police station hoping officers would check if the money from his alleged father had arrived. Once he received it, he said he would immediately travel to Yasothon to reunite with Mam Jokkmok, whom he said he only sees on television but misses dearly.

Police believe Deft has mental health issues. The Mueang Udon Thani Police Station is coordinating with Nong Bua Lamphu Provincial Police to notify the man's relatives about his whereabouts so they can collect him and take him home.

On July 20, 2025, an explosion occurred inside an NGV gas pump station in Bo Win subdistrict, Si Racha district, Chachoengsao province, trapping one person inside the building who was struck by collapsing walls. The condition of the trapped person was initially unknown, causing alarm among people in the area. After receiving the alert, rescue officers from Seal Dharma Bo Win station, along with volunteers and relevant agencies, rushed to investigate the scene and plan an urgent rescue operation. The area was cordoned off to prevent additional hazards. Officials are currently investigating the cause of the explosion and assessing the damage. It was later confirmed that the person trapped inside had died after being crushed by falling building walls. Further updates on injuries and additional damage will be reported as more information becomes available.

Seecon, a custom home builder, is accelerating its expansion into the Eastern Region by officially opening the "Seecon Custom Home Building Center Bangsaen-Chachoengsao," its fifth service center, to tap demand in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). The company has set a first-year sales target of 100 million baht and received two house orders on opening day valued at 4 million and 10 million baht respectively, after establishing its business foundation in Bangkok and surrounding areas for over 65 years.

Managing Director Manu Trakulgodkij of Seecon Limited explained that Chachoengsao was chosen as the starting point due to its high economic potential, large population base, and benefits from EEC investments including U-Tapao Airport, high-speed rail connecting three airports, aircraft maintenance facilities, and government-promoted Data Center projects worth tens of billions of baht. Although Seecon previously entered the Chachoengsao market, the company had withdrawn to strengthen its Bangkok operations before returning with improved experience, personnel, and production systems.

The company targets first-year sales of 100 million baht in the EEC area, nearly doubling from its current base, with an estimated 20 homes per year and first-year revenue recognition of 50-60 million baht, as the home-building business recognizes revenue progressively based on construction progress rather than full contract value immediately. Prior to opening the new center, Seecon had already been constructing 15-20 homes annually across Chachoengsao, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat, generating approximately 50-60 million baht per year or about 5% of the company's total annual sales of 1,100-1,200 million baht.

Average house prices in the Chachoengsao area range from 4-5 million baht per unit, compared to the more diverse Bangkok market where Seecon builds homes starting at 2 million baht up to 50 million baht, with an average of approximately 6 million baht per unit.

Managing Director Manu stated that expansion into the EEC extends beyond Chachoengsao to encompass the entire Eastern Economic Zone including Rayong, Chachoengsao, and nearby provinces such as Chanthaburi and Trat, which hold significant growth potential. Seecon chose the name "Seecon Custom Home Building Center Bangsaen-Chachoengsao" rather than "branch" to reflect a comprehensive service center covering design, consultation, and construction management.

Currently, Seecon operates five service centers: Srinakarin, Bangkae, Chaengwattana, Ramintra, and Bangsaen-Chachoengsao.

The company highlighted its two in-house precast concrete manufacturing plants as a competitive advantage. Managing Director Manu noted that producing precast components in-house strengthens the company's competitive position in the custom home-building market.

The Royal Thai Air Force celebrated 15 years of service for the Gripen C/D fighter jets and Saab 340 airborne warning and control aircraft at Wing 7 in Surat Thani Province on July 20, 2025. Supreme Commander General Ukritsadee Buntanon and Air Force Commander Air Chief Marshal Seksarr Khantha presided over the event, joined by former air force commanders including Air Chief Marshal Ittaporn Suphavong, who initiated the Gripen procurement program, along with General Prachin Chanthong and General Panthaphakdi Pattanagun.

Key activities included formation flying displays by Gripen C/D and Saab 340 aircraft, demonstrations of Gripen fighter capabilities, and an 'Elephant Walk' featuring 14 aircraft in total—nine Gripens and five Saab 340s—taxiing in unified formation on the runway. General Ukritsadee emphasized that the 2011 decision to acquire these aircraft has ensured Thailand's readiness for modern, multi-dimensional warfare. He noted that the air force continues developing modern warfare capabilities through sensor systems and cross-dimensional operational foundations, with plans to acquire additional fighter aircraft and enhanced systems that will strengthen Thailand's regional defense posture over the next decade.

Air Force Commander Air Chief Marshal Seksarr highlighted the crucial role Gripen aircraft played in supporting joint military operations during the Thailand-Cambodia border crisis, demonstrating the tangible benefits of the 15-year investment in advanced air capabilities and network-centric operations.

Police have arrested and charged two female hotel staff members with jointly assaulting another person in a case that has drawn significant public attention. On July 20, 2026, the victim—a 20-year-old culinary intern identified as Ms. A—was struck in the face with a hand, hit on the arm with a wooden spoon, and slapped on the head multiple times in front of coworkers. She was also forced to eat uncooked rice after handling raw rice in the kitchen.

After collecting evidence and identifying the two Thai suspects, aged 41 and 36, officers from Pa Tong Police Station brought them in for questioning and formally charged them with assault. They have been detained and forwarded to court for prosecution.

The case gained widespread public attention after a kitchen surveillance video showing the assault was circulated on social media, prompting police to accelerate their investigation and quickly bring charges against those involved.