During the July 1, 2569 parliamentary session reviewing the fiscal year 2570 budget bill, Labor Minister Chulphon Amornvivat explained that the Labor Ministry's budget allocation increased by 5 percent this year, though many departmental operations faced cuts due to fiscal limitations.

The budget increase specifically targets insured workers' contribution payments through the Social Security Office. The minister acknowledged parliamentary concerns about outstanding state contribution payments owed to insured workers, confirming that approximately 42,000 million baht in arrears will remain by the end of September.

Looking back over the past decade, arrears reached approximately 100,000 million baht annually during 2558-2559. However, since the 2561 Fiscal Discipline Act created a mechanism requiring the government to repay outstanding debts, successive administrations have made consistent payments within their budget capacity.

This year, the ministry allocated approximately 7,000 million baht specifically for outstanding arrears—an increase from the previous year and a deliberate commitment to advance debt repayment. The minister emphasized the government's intention to maintain this framework, enabling the public sector to return funds to insured workers as quickly as possible.

A target has been set for 2574 to settle the entire 42,000 million baht debt. After this year's 7,000 million baht payment, approximately 35,000 million baht will remain. The minister confirmed the government's commitment to completing repayment expeditiously and within the established timeline.

A 45-year-old man identified as Manusakdi was arrested on June 29 at approximately 3:00 PM for burglarizing a home in the Sam Sen Nok area of Huay Khwang, Bangkok on June 27. Police received a report listing stolen items including three Japanese swords, gold bracelets with pendants, pearl necklaces, jade bracelets, designer bags (Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Prada), and a television—totaling approximately 3,710,000 baht in value.

Investigators tracked the suspect using a motorcycle he used in the crime. On June 29, officers located him and found the stolen goods stored at his residence. A search also recovered 90 rounds of .22mm ammunition held without proper authorization. The suspect confessed to climbing into the home around 11:00 PM on June 26 to steal the valuables.

Manusakdi was charged with theft and illegal possession of ammunition. He admitted to all charges, stating he committed the burglary because he was unemployed and needed money. The case was forwarded to Sutthisarn Police Station for further prosecution.

Weekly Horoscope Thursday, July 2, 2025 By Busaphan

Aries Today you should be cautious of dangers from large machinery, large trees, and heavy moving objects, as well as land and property matters. Stories about neighbors or local gossip are usually unreliable. Your patience is limited, and your planetary placement in the financial sector may cause you to spend money wastefully.

Taurus You are fortunate in socializing and have an appropriate role in your community without any hidden agendas. Single people should avoid spending time alone with strangers or foreigners, as misunderstandings may occur. Those in relationships may experience frequent disturbances with their partners.

Gemini Your fortune has brightened considerably since May ended. This is an excellent opportunity for those who work honestly, patiently, and diligently within ethical and moral boundaries. You frequently meet elders and their associates who may treat you to meals and bring you benefits, but you should not gamble with them.

Cancer You have experienced prolonged misfortune despite your efforts. Going forward, increase your good deeds, and the positive karma you have created will return to you greatly. For example, you once gave a child money for candy; now that child has grown into a business owner whose services you use, and upon learning this, they offer you much better prices than others.

Leo Today you receive an unexpected sum of cash, unrelated to gambling. If you have a new romantic partner, avoid open contact, as it may lead to leaks and harm. You may face gossip damaging your reputation, and even respected elders cannot help. However, your financial progress continues during this period.

Virgo Old friends or workplace superiors bring benefits to you. If your life lacks anything, elders will fill those gaps according to your merit. Younger colleagues or junior staff bring work opportunities you're interested in. Even old enemies may return to reconcile or confront you.

Libra Your income has decreased or expenses exceed income considerably. Do not let others know about your finances. It is inadvisable to cut down large trees within your home as it blocks beneficial luck. Careless words may cause unexpected danger. Dealings with government agencies often face obstacles.

Scorpio You frequently receive benefits from distant sources or from people you rarely meet. Income and expenses are normal with no troubles. You receive meaningful gifts related to beliefs or amulets. Small accidents occur due to your impatience and quick temper. If you're in a relationship, minor quarrels may arise.

Sagittarius You may lack strength today and experience body aches or minor injuries. You might even be bitten by animals. Activities involving heat may cause scalding accidents or electrical short circuits. If electrical wiring in your home is damaged by animals, repair it immediately before problems worsen.

Capricorn You may plan to reorganize your staff and assistants, with some potentially becoming romantic partners in the future. Those opposing your work during this period are often skilled negotiators and natural enemies.

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Amata Corporation Public Company Limited (AMATA) has announced the appointment of Rungroaj Rangsiyobhas, former President and Chief Executive Officer of Thai Cement (SCG), as a Strategic Advisor. The role aims to strengthen the organization's strategic capabilities, support board decision-making on policy matters, and facilitate Amata's regional business expansion plans amid volatile global economic conditions and significant geopolitical factors affecting investment flows.

Rungroaj brings extensive experience in Thailand's industrial sector and regional operations. During his tenure at SCG from 2016 to 2023, he played a crucial role in regional business expansion, organizational management through global economic uncertainties, and driving environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives alongside carbon reduction efforts.

"We are confident that Rungroaj's policy-level expertise and business sector experience will significantly strengthen our strategic perspective and enhance the organization's long-term competitive capabilities," the company stated.

Amata's expansion strategy aligns with the global "China Plus One" trend, which is accelerating manufacturers' efforts to diversify production bases away from China. The company is implementing a 10-billion-baht investment plan to develop infrastructure and facilities across Thailand, Vietnam, and strategic northern areas of Laos, creating supply chain connectivity and attracting manufacturing relocation investments.

The appointment reflects Amata's critical phase of business expansion and industrial city development. By bringing in experienced strategic personnel to support the board and management, the company aims to enhance business development capabilities, risk management, and strategic decision-making while building confidence among investors, stakeholders, and international business partners.

Amata continues prioritizing quality industrial city development alongside infrastructure advancement and investment promotion, guided by ESG principles to achieve sustainable growth. This strategic advisor appointment represents part of the company's competitive enhancement and long-term growth momentum, particularly as global industries face transformation driven by economic, social, and environmental factors that significantly influence world economic direction and current business investment decisions.

A 42-year-old fisherman from the Cook Islands has survived eight days adrift in the Pacific Ocean. Despite facing giant waves, freezing conditions, and being knocked overboard twice, he never lost hope and prayed continuously before being successfully rescued.

The ordeal began on June 11 when Apia Uuta, 42, set out from his home island located 1,140 kilometers from Rarotonga in the Pacific Ocean during strong winds to fish. Shortly after departure, his boat engine malfunctioned and died at sunset, leaving him unable to return to shore and forcing him to drift with the wind.

During his days trapped at sea, he faced waves taller than his boat crashing from both sides, throwing him overboard twice. He survived with only two bottles of drinking water, fishing equipment, a water tank, an ice box, and a single cloth.

He ate raw fish he caught, collected rainwater to drink, and used the cloth and ice box to stay warm during the bitterly cold nights.

Apia recounted that on the third day, he spotted lights from a fishing boat after praying and tried to paddle toward it, but the wind pushed his boat away.

Hope returned on day eight when he heard a New Zealand Air Force aircraft circling overhead. The plane alerted nearby fishing vessels to search the area.

A Taiwanese fishing boat eventually found him after hearing his distress whistle. After being safely rescued, he confirmed he will return to fishing but will be more careful. He urged other fishermen not to forget flashlights, life jackets, rain jackets, and to always pray before setting out to sea.

Australian authorities have intensified border security following charges against a French woman accused of importing a controlled drug hidden inside a body wash bottle after arriving from Thailand.

The case emerges days after the Australian Federal Police (AFP) announced the arrest of a 26-year-old Thai Airways flight attendant who allegedly attempted to smuggle approximately one kilogram of heroin concealed in a cloth bag into Australia through Melbourne Airport on Thursday. Another drug-related arrest had been made just days prior when a 31-year-old French woman travelling from Thailand was detained on smuggling allegations.

According to an AFP statement released Friday, the French suspect appeared before Perth Magistrates Court facing charges related to allegedly importing a border-controlled drug into Australia.

The statement revealed that the French woman, residing in Manning, was arrested by Australian Border Force (ABF) officers upon arriving at Perth Airport from Thailand on Monday. During baggage screening, ABF officers discovered a suspicious liquid inside a container labelled as body wash.

Testing confirmed the liquid as 50 grams of 1,4-butanediol (BDO), a substance classified as a border-controlled drug under Australian law.

ABF officers also examined the woman's mobile phone, finding images suggesting she may have concealed additional prohibited substances internally. She was referred to the AFP for further investigation and subsequently excreted 40 steroid tablets, which authorities seized for forensic examination.

Authorities have not disclosed the specific steroid type or announced additional charges relating to the tablets.

She faces one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug under Section 307.2 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code, carrying a maximum penalty of 25 years' imprisonment.

AFP Detective Acting Superintendent Peter Brindal stated authorities remain vigilant against those attempting to smuggle illicit substances through Australia's airports.

ABF Superintendent John Eldridge noted that 1,4-butanediol is an extremely dangerous chemical solvent. Upon entering the body, it converts to gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a powerful central nervous system depressant capable of being fatal in doses of just a few milligrams. Due to its extreme danger, 1,4-butanediol has been subject to Australian border controls since 2024, with trafficking offences treated as seriously as those involving methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine.