Deputy Democratic Party leader Kaladee Liaopairojaern announced on July 16, 2025, at Parliament that she has tested the TH-AI Passport in its initial version and found several important details still pending release from relevant agencies. These include revised employment contracts, the full list of project inspection committee members, and clarification on key performance indicators (KPIs) and data processing methods. Kaladee emphasized that these three issues are central to ensuring taxpayer value, maximum benefit, and transparent, verifiable operations.

After preliminary testing, Kaladee reported that the system's user interface is attractive and its AI learning functions appear comprehensive. However, after consulting with technology experts, she discovered that many functions resemble free AI services already available internationally, raising questions about why Thailand requires such a large budget for the project. She called for wider public testing to better assess the initiative's cost-effectiveness.

Kaladee also noted that the contract model has been adjusted from "Pay per Use" to "Pay per Active User," a significant change that should improve transparency and budget accountability. She expressed concern that the system's integrated learning and operational design may discourage public adoption, potentially undermining the justification for the substantial investment. Kaladee further recommended that project success metrics be clearly linked to Thailand's national AI strategy, noting that concrete goals remain unclear despite the project's budget in the hundreds of millions to over a billion baht.

Bangkok has ordered the temporary closure of three establishments for failing to meet safety standards as part of a citywide safety inspection blitz across all 50 districts. On July 16, Bangkok authorities announced they are escalating safety measures for businesses and service establishments across the city under orders from Governor Chatchat Sittipan. All 50 district offices have been instructed to coordinate with police on aggressive inspection operations focusing on fire safety preparedness, emergency response capability, and verification of business permits and proper building use under the 1979 Building Control Act. Any business found with safety deficiencies or failing to comply with regulations will face immediate suspension of services until legally corrected.

Three venues have already been shut down: a Rama I establishment in Pathumwan District was closed after operating as an unlicensed pub with live music and lighting but lacking emergency exits and fire escape signs; a Charoensanitwong venue in Bangkok Noi District was suspended for providing entertainment services without proper authorization for activities posing health risks; and a Phetchburi establishment in Ratchathewi District was ordered to cease operations within seven days after repeatedly flouting previous warnings. Violators face penalties under the 1992 Public Health Act: up to six months imprisonment or fines up to 50,000 baht, with additional daily fines of up to 25,000 baht for continued violations.

Bangkok authorities emphasized this is not a temporary crackdown but an ongoing, systematic effort to enforce regulations, elevate safety standards, and build public confidence.

On July 16, 2026, at the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Chatrapech Chanla, 39, mother of Natthapong Charoen Dong, 22, a second-year electrical technology student at Minburi Polytechnic College, came to receive her son's body. He was shot and killed by an assailant on a motorcycle at a traffic light near Suthathoboch Temple in Ladkrabang district, Bangkok, in the early hours of the morning.

Chatrapech revealed that she did not know of any problems her son had with anyone. She only knew that he attended school with good intentions. She was aware that his friends had minor disputes with others, but never imagined it would escalate to violence of this severity.

She stated that as a mother, she constantly reminded her son to be careful. He dressed normally for school, never had conflicts with anyone, and never carried weapons. When asked about the brazen attack at the traffic light, she said such behavior is inappropriate for someone his age and that she does not know who the perpetrator is. She appealed to the killer to take responsibility for what happened, saying that even if they evade the law, they will face karmic justice.

"Just as the perpetrator fled to save their own life, our son also wanted to save his own life," the victim's mother said.

The family will later perform merit-making rituals at Srivaree Noi Temple in Bang Sao Thong, Samut Prakan province.

Mae Thong Sook has partnered with KUBIX to launch the MTS Gold Investment Token, Thailand's first digital token for gold trading investment, offering a 3% annual yield. Dr. Kritharat Hiranyasiri, executive chairman of the MTS Gold group, revealed that the company has been operating for over 74 years as a leading integrated gold trader in Thailand, covering gold bar imports and exports, refining, retail and wholesale operations, and futures brokerage. The company recently pioneered an online gold trading platform through the K PLUS app developed with Kasikornbank.

Mae Thong Sook Central, a subsidiary of MTS Gold, collaborated with KUBIX Digital Asset (under Orbix Group, a Kasikornbank financial services division) to launch the MTS Gold Investment Token, Thailand's first digital token for gold business investment. Global gold demand in 2568 surged to over 5,000 tons for the first time, valued at approximately $555 billion, a 45% increase from the previous year. Gold ETFs received net inflows exceeding 800 tons, and central banks worldwide purchased 863 tons net to diversify reserves and reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar.

2569 gold market trends are expected to be supported by strong investment demand from geopolitical tensions, debt and equity market volatility, and continued high gold ETF and bullion purchases; sustained central bank accumulation near 2568 levels for international reserve management and risk diversification; and limited gold supply due to mining constraints and rising production costs.

Nathapong Hiranyasiri, CEO of Mae Thong Sook Central, stated that MTS Gold sees growth in the gold bar market and opportunities to expand its customer base, so it is offering the MTS Gold Investment Token as a 3-year holding investment suited for investors seeking long-term returns with potential bonuses tied to gold price appreciation. The digital token offering will allocate at least 90% of raised funds to purchase 96.5% gold bars as inventory for gold trading through 13 Mae Thong Sook shop branches in Bangkok and surrounding areas, with future expansion planned. Up to 10% will be used as working capital. Token holders receive two types of returns: (1) a fixed 3% annual yield paid once yearly throughout the project term, and (2) potential special returns from gold price appreciation based on the gold-to-token ratio, if average selling prices exceed average purchase prices at project closure. After three years, token holders receive their full initial investment. Repayment sources come from project revenues and cash flows.

On July 16, 2025, at Parliament, Kalee Liawpairooj, a Democrat list MP and deputy party leader, responded to criticism from a group of cabinet ministers known as the "divine children." She rejected their claims and countered that the Democrat Party has existed for 80 years, not 30 years as they suggested—the latter figure likely refers to the ministers' own ages. Kalee stressed that Thailand's current crisis demands talented and experienced personnel, and she urged the special minister group to demonstrate their skills more visibly.

"Many people have continuously criticized me, but I want to say that I don't even know many of them or have to look up their surnames," Kalee said. "However, we can still work together because I uphold the principle of being a watchdog, checking every project without stopping. If people are open-minded, I believe we can work well together. But Thailand badly needs skilled people because we are in crisis." She added that while she can work alongside these ministers, the country is facing significant challenges.

When asked if she believed the current government lacked capability, Kalee responded with a mix of humor and seriousness, saying she had just created another headline. She expressed frustration that many decisions lack long-term vision beyond initial budget allocations. She cited major issues like artificial intelligence strategy, data centers, and a 400 billion baht treasury borrowing decree to address energy crisis impacts, noting these require deeper understanding and foresight.

Kalee emphasized the need for a shared national vision, pointing out that Thailand's past decisions have been piecemeal and reactive, causing missed opportunities. She called for coherent long-term planning, especially as the country develops new master plans. She questioned whether Thailand had clearly defined its future role in the digital industry and whether current budget allocations, such as the 1.5 billion baht for the TH-AI Passport project used by 5 million people, truly serve the best national strategy.

"Today I'm at the Pom Prap Sattru Phai district. Thank you to everyone who raised issues today," Kalee concluded.