Thailand National News — Daily Bangkok & Government Updates

Labor Groups Oppose CARE Pension Formula Overhaul
National

Labor Groups Oppose CARE Pension Formula Overhaul

Labor unions formally opposed a new pension formula for Social Security Fund retirees, warning it will reduce benefits and impact quality of life for millions of Thai workers nationwide.

Agriculture Minister Defends Senior Staff Transfers
National 3 sources

Agriculture Minister Defends Senior Staff Transfers

Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit defended staff transfers at his ministry, denying allegations they were financially motivated or politically driven, saying all decisions followed transparent procedures and involved the Permanen

Lottery Office Allows Agents to Quit for Welfare Card Program
National

Lottery Office Allows Agents to Quit for Welfare Card Program

The Government Lottery Office is allowing lottery agents to quit their positions to join the 2025 State Welfare Card program after some applicants were disqualified for exceeding the 100,000-baht annual income limit. Agents can request canc

Only 200,000 of 1 Million Poor Card Applicants Approved, Ministry Awaits Clarity
National

Only 200,000 of 1 Million Poor Card Applicants Approved, Ministry Awaits Clarity

Only 200,000 of one million poor card applicants were approved by Thailand's Social Development Ministry, which is investigating the high rejection rate and awaiting cabinet guidance on next steps. Rejected applicants, particularly seniors

Justice Minister Denies Pressure on Lawmaker Over Policy Stance
National

Justice Minister Denies Pressure on Lawmaker Over Policy Stance

The Justice Minister denied pressuring a Pheu Thai MP over policy changes, as the DSI summoned over 20 suspects in a Forex case expected to begin questioning next week.

International Dance Festival Unites Eight Nations in Chiang Mai
National

International Dance Festival Unites Eight Nations in Chiang Mai

Over 200 dancers from eight countries competed in classical ballet, jazz, and contemporary styles at the International Dance Festival held July 11–12 at Chiang Mai's National Theatre. The event featured performances from 40 dance institutio

Thai Squad Ramps Up Fitness Ahead of Laos Clash
National

Thai Squad Ramps Up Fitness Ahead of Laos Clash

Thailand's national football team intensified training ahead of their 2026 AFC Asian Cup opener against Laos on July 25 in Vientiane, with players focusing on strength and conditioning to prepare for group-stage matches.

Education Minister Seeks Welfare Card Rule Change for Dropouts
National

Education Minister Seeks Welfare Card Rule Change for Dropouts

Education Minister Prasert Chantharwangtong plans to request Cabinet approval for relaxed welfare card eligibility rules for non-formal education students who dropped out, urging them to rejoin the system.

Corrupt Officials Enable Illegal Foreign Businesses
National

Corrupt Officials Enable Illegal Foreign Businesses

BANGKOK: Corrupt government officials were viewed as the main factor allowing foreigners to illegally operate businesses in Thailand, a Nida poll showed on Sunday (July 19).

Thai Man Diagnosed With Monkeypox After Contact With Foreign Partner
National

Thai Man Diagnosed With Monkeypox After Contact With Foreign Partner

A 37-year-old Thai man with HIV was diagnosed with monkeypox Clade 1b after sexual contact with a foreign partner, confirmed through PCR testing and treated with antiviral medication.

Thailand Targets 2030 for China Rail Link Completion
National

Thailand Targets 2030 for China Rail Link Completion

Thailand targets 2030 to complete a 250-kilometre high-speed rail link to China, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul confirming the timeline following his visit.

Neighbor's Cigarette Smoke in Your Home: What Thai Law Says
National

Neighbor's Cigarette Smoke in Your Home: What Thai Law Says

Thai law classifies secondhand smoke drifting into a neighbor's home as a potential nuisance if it causes health harm, meaning property owners cannot ignore their neighbors' wellbeing. Affected residents can file complaints with local autho