On July 4, 2569, Democrat Party spokesperson Pongsak Khwanmuang disclosed details about the July 1 vote on the 2570 fiscal year budget bill, explaining that the party's lawmakers voted to abstain without any hidden political motives. He reaffirmed the party's commitment to quality opposition work.

Pongsak stated the Democrat Party has a clear position: disagreement with the government's budget allocation methods, which require substantial improvement. He cautioned that if the majority vote rejects the budget in the first reading, Thailand would face a budget crisis that would intensify existing economic and livelihood problems.

The party chose abstention to demonstrate to the government that budget allocation methods need further refinement at the committee level. Pongsak noted the party has employed similar voting tactics in the past to lead to appropriate budget improvements.

Meanwhile, Democrat Party list representative Karan Chatikvanit posted on social media clarifying that opposition parties typically abstain during first-reading budget reviews. He emphasized that while the country requires budget implementation, the party abstained specifically because it disagreed with the government's budget allocation methods, citing deficiencies highlighted by multiple lawmakers during previous debates.

Renowned film director Madeeya Chuekiatti Saksiveerakul, chair of the Thai Film Directors Association, participated in a forum titled "Know Before You Accept Work" held on July 3rd at the Bangkok Arts and Culture Center. Before the discussion on unpaid wages, he spoke candidly with media about the event.

When asked about the forum, Madeeya said: "I'm honored to organize this event with the Labor Ministry. As chair of the directors association, I've received complaints from countless industry professionals who've been cheated, defrauded, and exploited. Yesterday I testified in court about entertainment industry issues—people accepting work and not getting paid is rampant. The cumulative damages in our entertainment sector have reached into the hundreds of millions of baht. Whether it's outright non-payment or vanishing investments, we need help. The directors association helps mediate disputes, and the Labor Ministry has been invaluable. Often, small-time workers are cheated of their wages, but going to court costs tens of thousands in legal fees. The Labor Ministry operates labor courts and has a worker protection department. What's great is that anyone facing employment problems can walk in to the Labor Ministry directly for mediation or to file a labor court case. This is tremendously helpful—when workers understand their rights and know what protections and benefits they have, they work with much greater peace of mind."

When asked about existing labor laws, Madeeya explained: "The laws already exist, but many don't know their rights. For example, some don't realize whether they're signing an employment contract or a contract for services. Once people attend forums like this, they'll understand what type of arrangement they're in and can properly seek justice if disputes arise."

On urgent priorities, Madeeya said: "The most urgent issue right now is raising awareness about employment contracts. Before starting work, people should communicate via chat or phone calls, which can serve as contractual evidence. We're also developing a platform for contract templates and legal guidance. Most people complain to the association, though they could work directly with the Labor Department—we can't accompany everyone personally (laughs). People need to know their rights upfront. The problems stem from lack of contractual awareness and legal literacy—that's critical. Next is working hours, which we're pushing hard on. Film shoots currently run 14 to 16 hours daily, which still happens. I believe everyone is becoming more aware and pushing for change, but what truly helps is legal backing."

On employer accountability, Madeeya stressed: "We need dialogue first—between workers, the association, production houses, broadcasters, and capital investors. We must reach agreements, like telling employers, 'We can't sustain this workload,' and jointly establishing standards. The Labor Ministry is ready to support these efforts."

On July 4, 2025, Regional Task Force 3 Commander Pol. Lt. Gen. Songprod Sirisukha led a team including Deputy Commanders Pol. Col. Detcho Sosuwannakul, Pol. Col. Prinyah Klinkaset, and Pol. Col. Chinawut Tangwonsaless, along with station officers, to conduct a stakeout at a Thai massage shop in Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province.

International law enforcement agencies had provided intelligence on the suspect, a 45-year-old South Korean national named Kim, who was hiding in the Pattaya area under an international warrant. He is accused of operating an illegal call center gang and managing multiple online gambling websites including Shinseae, LIGHT, Gangnam, Bangatkan, and BLUE that offered services such as baccarat and slots, victimizing numerous users in South Korea.

Investigators determined that Kim frequented the massage shop, so officers conducted a stakeout. When a man matching Kim's description entered the establishment, officers presented the arrest warrant and notified him of temporary revocation of his residence permission. They then escorted him to a nearby residence where they discovered multiple computers.

Initial inspection revealed the backend management system of the gambling website, displaying user account information and agent IDs such as mid777, mia777, and akka1111. Investigators found records of total bets placed, the margin between bets and winnings, and rolling transaction volumes. Evidence suggests Kim generated approximately 124 million baht in annual revenue from managing the gambling websites.

Authorities seized all computers for further investigation and analysis. Kim was transferred to the Criminal Investigation Division for legal proceedings and extradition handling.

Police and forensic officers responded on July 4, 2569 to investigate reports of two bodies found in a gray Honda sedan parked in Soi Bang Waek 15, Bangkok. A male and female were discovered deceased inside the vehicle, shocking local residents. Investigators found condoms in the car, while cause of death and other details remain under investigation. Officers secured the scene and documented evidence.

Based on witness accounts, the sedan arrived around 11 p.m. on July 3 with its engine running. A neighbor who wanted to move his nearby parked vehicle knocked on the door around 3 a.m. on July 4 but got no response. When he returned at 5 a.m., the engine was off but the car remained parked and unattended. He discovered the bodies were inside only later that morning.

Investigators are reviewing closed-circuit camera footage from the alley. Initial findings confirm the vehicle was equipped with an LPG gas system.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has issued a directive establishing measures to control baggage and cargo handled by crew members of certified air operators. The directive aims to strengthen oversight of airlines and crew conduct, preventing misuse of crew status for unauthorized cargo acceptance or transport. The announcement follows the Second Meeting of the Narcotics Prevention and Suppression Committee on July 3, 2025, which established guidelines for enhanced crew supervision and preventing improper use of crew privileges.

CAA Director-General Monnat Chavanapreyur stated that the directive requires all air operators to implement systematic crew baggage control measures with strict inspection protocols, risk management, and disciplinary procedures. Airlines must establish controls specifying types, sizes, weights, and conditions of items crew can carry. The directive prohibits crew from accepting deposits, carrying items, or transporting goods for other individuals without compensation authorization, except when performing duties assigned by the airline.

Airlines must implement risk management systems, random inspections of crew baggage, awareness training, tip-reporting systems, fact investigation procedures, and clear disciplinary measures. These measures must be integrated into safety management systems (SMS), compliance monitoring systems, and airline security plans. When violations are suspected, airlines must assess risks, consider temporary duty suspension, and report to CAAT without delay. CAAT will also enhance training for personnel involved in baggage screening and aviation security, coordinating with airlines, airport operators, and relevant government agencies to align with international standards.

The Viral Hits successfully hosted Jin Xuanyu's first fan meeting and fan sign event in Bangkok 2026 titled "FIRST TOUCH" at Calypso Theatre, Asia Theatre The Riverfront, managed by Max Patravit Duangsanit. The event marked a special moment for Thai fans awaiting a close encounter with Jin Xuanyu under the "FIRST TOUCH" concept, designed to foster warmth, memorable experiences, and closeness between artist and fans through fan meetings, hi-touch sessions, group photos, one-on-one photo opportunities, and fan signing activities executed with meticulous attention to detail.

The venue radiated love and support from fans who traveled to attend the event. From registration through the stage performances, fans cheered enthusiastically and created memorable moments throughout, transforming FIRST TOUCH into a fan meeting brimming with smiles, joy, and lasting impressions from both the artist and attendees.

Jin Xuanyu expressed heartfelt appreciation for the warm reception from Thai fans, thanking them for their energy, love, and cheers throughout the event. The artist noted that the atmosphere in Thailand brought him closer to fans and created a particularly special memory of his visit.

Another highlight was the opening performance by emerging boy group QENRYX under Viral Hits Music Vision, whose energetic showcase added vibrancy to the event and showcased the potential of Thailand's next generation of artists on an Asian-level platform.

Max Patravit Duangsanit, The Viral Hits' executive, revealed that the event's success exceeded expectations. "We wanted FIRST TOUCH to transcend a typical fan meeting and become a space where artists and fans could share intimate, joyful moments and create truly special memories," he said. "The fan response was outstanding, with continuous support and a warm atmosphere. Every cheer and moment fans shared with the artist made this event meaningful. At The Viral Hits, we prioritize event quality, safety, management systems, and fan experience because we want everyone to feel confident and happy attending our events."