Sutthum Setthapisit, chairman of Trang Chamber of Commerce, revealed that despite the government rolling out the Thai Help Plus program to stimulate consumer spending, results after approximately one month show the initiative is underperforming expectations and generating less spending activity than the earlier Khanode Khrang program.

Under Thai Help Plus, the government covers 60 percent of expenses while citizens contribute 40 percent. The government provides 1,000 baht monthly assistance, with citizens required to add roughly 600 baht via a mobile application for total monthly spending of around 1,600 baht.

Key factors limiting the program's economic impact include continuously rising consumer goods prices. Although fuel prices have begun declining, transportation costs and most product prices remain elevated while citizen incomes have not increased proportionally with living expenses, reducing purchasing power. Additionally, some residents lack sufficient funds to add money to the application to fully utilize their allowance within the designated timeframe. This situation reflects a weakened economy and consumer purchasing power that remains in recovery.

Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapunt announced on July 6, 2569 the outcomes of a Civil Service Commission (CSC) meeting. He instructed the CSC to study early retirement options for civil servants to take effect in fiscal year 2570, demonstrating the government's commitment to this initiative.

Regarding recent reports of civil service exam fraud, Nilprapunt noted that while such cases may not directly involve the CSC office, they have created a broadly negative perception severely damaging public confidence in the civil service system. He called on the CSC to work proactively with civil service associations and organizations to rebuild trust and preserve the dignity of the civil service.

The meeting approved five anti-fraud civil service exam measures for submission to the cabinet:

1. Blacklisting and disqualification: Fraudsters will be permanently barred from entering the civil service, with their passing certificates revoked and immediate dismissal if already employed.

2. Maximum disciplinary penalty: Dismissal for serious misconduct, with suspension ordered immediately upon investigation.

3. Central fraud database: A centralized blacklist compiled from all personnel management organizations nationwide to screen applicants.

4. Certificate revocation authority: The CSC secretary-general can revoke passing certificates in all cases except exam fraud, which requires CSC consideration.

5. Three-phase action plan (coordinated with anti-corruption agencies): Short-term (1 year) enforcement of prohibitive standards and penalties; medium-term (3 years) conversion to 100% electronic exams and activation of the fraud database; long-term (5 years) enactment of specific criminal laws with severe penalties and enabling salary and benefit recovery from fraudsters.

The meeting also approved guidelines for appointing permanent secretaries, amended civil service disciplinary procedures including electronic witness testimony provisions, and directed the CSC to present these measures to the cabinet for further consideration.

On July 6, Air Force Commander General Prabhas Saundjai, director of the Thai-Cambodian Situation Information Center (JIC), responded to criticism that soldiers deployed along the border lack adequate bunkers and protective shelters, which has reportedly affected troop morale and raised safety concerns. The military acknowledged public concern for frontline troops and stated that all commanders prioritize soldier safety, welfare, and morale above all else.

General Prabhas said the preparation of protective structures, defensive measures, and strengthening of operational bases are being conducted continuously based on urgency and terrain conditions, with ongoing situation assessments and improvements to personnel, equipment, and base defense systems. "Commanders are not complacent—troop safety is paramount," he stated.

The JIC director said frontline forces continue performing their duties with strength, discipline, and commitment to protecting national sovereignty, while commanders are actively visiting the field, listening to problems, and urgently providing necessary support. General Prabhas noted that details regarding bunker placement, protective measures, and area security are classified as operational information that the military must withhold to avoid compromising national security and soldier safety. The military requested public cooperation in refraining from sharing tactical information that could impact field operations.

The military thanked the public for their support and reaffirmed its commitment to fully caring for troops so they can effectively and safely fulfill their mission to protect the nation's sovereignty.

Rayong Long Beach Festival 2026 @Laem Mae PhimThe Rayong Long Beach Festival 2026 is set to feature a full lineup of artists, offering live music by the beach at Laem Mae Phim.

Dates: July 10–12,...

BANGKOK — 6 July 2026, Thai police have warned both Thai and foreign travellers against smuggling cannabis overseas, saying offenders could face severe penalties, including imprisonment in Thailand and even harsher punishment abroad.

Police issued the warning on Monday following a series of recent international drug trafficking cases involving cannabis allegedly smuggled from Thailand.

Pol. Maj. Gen. Chaturaphat Phiromkaew, Commander of the Foreign Affairs Division and Deputy Spokesperson of the Royal Thai Police, cited three recent cases:

• Hong Kong customs officers seized about 23 kilograms of dried cannabis and arrested two suspects — a Chinese national and a Hong Kong resident — who had arrived from Thailand.

• Indonesia's National Narcotics Board (BNN) dismantled a cannabis trafficking network and seized 3.37 tonnes of high-grade cannabis allegedly originating from Thailand while pursuing Malaysian and Chinese suspects.

• Authorities in Poland seized 1.2 tonnes of cannabis concealed inside construction bricks in a shipping container exported from Thailand and arrested eight suspects.

Police warned both Thai and foreign nationals against carrying, smuggling, or accepting payment to transport cannabis, cannabis flower buds, or cannabis-containing products out of Thailand. Although cannabis has been partially decriminalised for certain medical purposes within Thailand, its export remains strictly regulated, and it remains illegal in many destination countries.

The Royal Thai Police outlined the relevant legal penalties:

• Customs Act B.E. 2560 (2017): Up to 10 years' imprisonment, a fine of up to four times the value of the goods (including duty), or both.

• Protection and Promotion of Traditional Thai Medicine Knowledge Act B.E. 2542 (1999): Up to one year's imprisonment, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both.

• Ministry of Public Health Notification on Controlled Herbs (Cannabis) B.E. 2568 (2025): Up to one year's imprisonment, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both.

• Laws of destination countries: Cannabis remains classified as a narcotic in many jurisdictions, where smuggling offences may carry penalties ranging from lengthy prison terms to life imprisonment or even the death penalty.

Police urged travellers to remain vigilant and avoid becoming unwittingly involved in transnational cannabis trafficking networks.

Authorities advised travellers never to accept luggage, parcels or other items from strangers, or even acquaintances, for transport abroad. If prohibited substances are found, the carrier may be held legally responsible for possession and smuggling offences. Travellers were also urged to thoroughly inspect their own luggage before departure to ensure it does not contain cannabis or cannabis-infused products, including herbal inhalers, tea, confectionery or cosmetics.

Police further advised against working as couriers transporting goods or luggage overseas on behalf of others, warning that travellers have no reliable way of knowing what they may be carrying.

A Thai court on Monday acquitted activist Tantawan Tuatulanon, known as Tawan, and six co-defendants of charges under Article 112, Thailand's royal defamation law, and Article 116, the sedition law, over a public opinion poll asking whether royal motorcades caused inconvenience.

The Thai Lawyers for Human Rights said the South Bangkok Criminal Court ruled that the poll, conducted at a shopping mall on 8 February 2022, merely posed the question, "Do you think royal motorcades cause inconvenience?" The court found that the wording did not refer to any specific individual or mention any member of the royal family by name, and therefore did not meet the legal elements required for an offense under Article 112, which criminalizes defaming, insulting or threatening the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent or the Regent.

The seven defendants had also faced charges under Article 116, which prohibits acts deemed to incite unrest or public disorder, as well as offenses including insulting officials, obstructing officials in the performance of their duties and failing to comply with official orders.

In its ruling, the court said the defendants did not deliver speeches that defamed, insulted or threatened the King. It added that the symbolic three-finger salute by the first and second defendants constituted an expression of individual rights and freedoms, which others may agree or disagree with.

The court also found no evidence that the defendants' actions caused unrest, threatened national security or encouraged people to break the law, and therefore dismissed the charge under Article 116 as well.