The government is accelerating measures to protect creative workers in Thailand's film and entertainment industry by establishing new standards for crew members and freelancers, while upgrading welfare provisions across the sector.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Phatdara Rusmit Thongsalueykron stated on July 5 that the Labor Ministry is pushing forward protections for creative workers in the film and entertainment industry. The move follows discoveries that many workers face issues including prolonged work without contracts, unpaid agreed wages, and inadequate insurance and benefits—particularly affecting independent and freelance workers, whose proportion is increasing as the industry expands.

The spokesman said the Labor Ministry is working with the Thai Film Directors Association, the Thai Actors Association, and the creative media industry sector to upgrade employment standards and comprehensive labor protections.

Immediate measures include skills development programs (upskilling and reskilling) through the Department of Skill Development, with professional certification issued to enhance employment opportunities domestically and internationally, as well as increase workers' income.

The Deputy Spokesperson added that the Labor Ministry is promoting fair employment practices through education on labor rights and applicable laws, particularly regarding written employment contracts, wage protection, fraud prevention, and protection procedures for workplace accidents or injuries, so workers can properly exercise their rights.

Regarding workplace safety, the Labor Ministry is establishing a task force with industry representatives to study appropriate working hour standards. This follows feedback that many crew members work continuously over 16 hours daily, affecting health and safety. The ministry will review and adjust relevant laws and measures to align with current industry practices.

The government is also studying improvements to benefits for independent and freelance workers to provide more comprehensive coverage, including healthcare, unemployment protection, and income security after retirement, ensuring all creative workers receive appropriate protections.

Prime Minister's Spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek announced the Community Solar program, which enables homeowners to install rooftop solar systems to generate their own electricity, reduce bills, and sell excess power to the national grid. The initiative transforms citizens from passive electricity consumers into active clean energy producers while reducing long-term fossil fuel dependence.

Citizens can now apply online through their respective electricity providers. Bangkok, Nonthaburi, and Samut Prakan residents register via the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) My Energy system at https://myenergy.mea.or.th, while those in other provinces use the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) PPIM system at https://ppim.pea.co.th/app/v1/project/solar/detail/6a3df059ee9f0e286c0a1766.

The program will purchase excess electricity at 2.20 baht per unit for 10 years, with a maximum generation capacity of 5 kilowatts per meter. The online portal provides complete eligibility criteria, required documents, and participation terms.

Participation involves clear steps: submitting an online request, qualification verification, results announcement, power purchase agreement, and system inspection before connecting to the grid for safety and standard compliance.

The government has tasked the Interior Ministry, MEA, and PEA with implementing one-stop service to simplify procedures and support citizen convenience. "This program not only reduces electricity costs but gives every household a stake in clean energy production, creates income from surplus power, and collectively builds Thailand's energy security and environmental sustainability," Ratchada stated.

Thailand is accelerating its energy infrastructure restructuring to transition into the clean electricity era, reducing fossil fuels and increasing renewable energy to ensure energy security and create new economic opportunities. Government spokesperson Rachada Thanadirek stated on July 5 that the world is entering a new competitive era where nations compete not just on technology or manufacturing, but on clean electricity production capacity. Clean energy is becoming crucial for attracting investment, exports, and job creation, prompting the government to restructure Thailand's energy sector to compete in the rapidly changing global economy.

According to the latest Statistical Review of World Energy from the Energy Institute, wind and solar energy combined became the largest new electricity source added to global power systems for the first time in 2025. Global electricity demand continues rising, with most new generation capacity coming from low-carbon sources. Wind and solar energy grew 18.3 percent in a single year, clearly demonstrating the world's transition to the clean electricity era.

Rachada emphasized that energy transition is not merely an environmental issue but a matter of national competitiveness. Modern industries—data centers, electronics manufacturing, electric vehicles, food production, and export sectors—all require stable, affordable electricity meeting stricter global carbon reduction standards. If Thailand is unprepared, it risks losing investment and export market opportunities.

The Prime Minister has prioritized energy transition, directing all agencies to implement concrete measures including renewable energy promotion, community solar projects, electric vehicle support, smart grid development, energy storage systems, and dedicated energy loan financing to support projects reducing fossil fuel use with measurable results.

The government is laying the foundation for modern energy infrastructure, including smart transmission systems, energy storage, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and energy management technology to ensure Thailand has a stable, efficient electricity system supporting future industries.

Rachada emphasized that energy transition must involve all sectors—not just government and large businesses. Citizens can install residential solar systems to reduce electricity costs, communities can develop their own energy systems, businesses can reduce costs and improve production standards, while government accelerates essential infrastructure investment. The world is changing now, not in the next decade. Countries preparing clean electricity systems first will attract more investment, create more jobs, and compete better. The government is urgently restructuring Thailand's energy to increase energy security, reduce fossil fuel dependence, mitigate global energy price volatility risks, and create sustainable economic opportunities.

The government is supporting insured workers under sections 33 and 39 of the Social Security Act with three key maternity and child benefits. The first benefit covers prenatal care and checkups, with the Social Security Office reimbursing actual expenses up to 1,500 baht depending on pregnancy stage: 500 baht for pregnancies up to 12 weeks, 300 baht for 12-20 weeks and 20-28 weeks, and 200 baht for pregnancies beyond 28 weeks. The second benefit provides 15,000 baht upon childbirth, with no limit on the number of claims. The third benefit offers 1,000 baht monthly child allowance per child up to three children from birth until age six, for workers who have contributed for at least 12 months in the previous 36 months. To apply, workers must submit medical certificates, health booklets, hospital receipts, and marriage certificates or statutory declarations. Deputy Spokesperson Ploythale Laksameesaengchan stated that the government is committed to providing comprehensive benefits to reduce childcare costs and improve family quality of life while supporting long-term human resource development. Eligible workers can submit applications through the e-Self Service system or contact the Social Security Office nationwide or the 24-hour hotline 1506 for more information.

NCT member Taeyong told Thai fans he loves them and expressed gratitude for their warm welcome, declaring "I want to stay in Thailand for many months." He promised to bring NCT back soon to see everyone.

Fans lined up enthusiastically to greet Taeyong as he participated in the Clear Nose x Taeyong Fan Meet at Fashion Hall, Level 1 of Siam Paragon, where he served as the brand's first brand ambassador. The venue buzzed with energy as NCTzen fans packed the space to welcome him. Throughout the event, Taeyong engaged in various activities that kept everyone smiling, including taking photos and striking pose-perfect shots. He delivered the brand keyword "clear skin with Clear Nose" in three different vocal styles—happy, angry, and playful—sending fans into screams.

The event also featured a special surprise when lucky fans held up a banner displaying the initials "TY" in his honor, which made Taeyong smile without stopping as he thanked the fans.

Toward the end of the event, Taeyong addressed the crowd, saying: "First, I want to thank everyone so much for waiting to see me today. I've been debuting for 10 years now, and every time I come to Thailand, you all leave an impression on me. Many of you are waiting for NCT group activities. We're preparing hard right now, and I promise we'll come back to see you soon."

He continued: "And this time when I came, I got to run in Thailand too, right? Every time I come here, the love and energy you give as fans is so good and warm that I want to stay in Thailand for many months. Thank you for always giving me love and support. Thank you."

When DJ Nui, the event host, invited him to run in Thailand more often, Taeyong responded with words that touched fans' hearts: "I want to come often. I miss it so much that I want to stay here."

The Broadcasting, Television and Telecommunications Research and Development Fund for Public Benefit (BTRC) has partnered with Mahidol University to officially launch the "Youth Digital Skills Development and Motivation Project" at Thammasat University (Tha Prachan campus) on July 4, 2025. The initiative aims to reduce the digital divide and elevate Thai youth from passive technology users to professional media producers capable of creating responsible, legally compliant content and building a safe media ecosystem.

While today's youth have grown up as digital natives, transforming them into responsible content creators who understand media literacy and laws remains a national challenge. The project was designed to provide hands-on experience and learning from industry experts, creating opportunities that can advance participants' education, careers, and community development.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Paschanan Niramitrchai, head of the research project at Mahidol University's Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, stated: "The digital world today needs more than technology users—it needs responsible digital citizens who are media-literate and can use AI as a tool to create value for society. This project gives young people practical experience and expert mentorship to build skills applicable to education, careers, and community development."

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kamonporn Sonsriajarn from Thammasat University's Faculty of Political Science emphasized that while current youth are tech-savvy, they often lack media literacy and ethical awareness. The project aims to develop skills so youth can help their communities and teach digital literacy to elderly residents.

The program will conduct nationwide roadshows across 15 educational institutions in six regions: the North (Chiang Mai University, Naresuan University), Central Region (Silpakorn University, Rangsit University), Northeast (Khon Kaen University, Mahasarakham University), East (Burapha University, Sripatum University), South (Songkhla Nakarin University, Thaksin University), and Bangkok (Chulalongkorn University, Srinakharinwirot University, Thammasat University, Suan Dusit University, and Ramathibodi School of Medicine).

Six hundred youth participants—100 from each region—will receive free admission to an intensive three-day, two-night digital skills camp in their local area. The curriculum covers 21st-century skills including digital mindset development and creative content creation.