Speaking at Parliament on July 8, 2025, Nathapong Ruengpanya, a list-system MP and Pheu Thai party leader, criticized the government's cannabis deregulation policy, stating that Thailand is now becoming a global cannabis export hub and is viewed by international governments as a base for transnational criminal gangs and drug traffickers. Customs data from October 2024 to May 2025 document nearly 3,000 cannabis smuggling cases involving over 300,000 kilograms worth approximately 4 billion baht, with many additional cases escaping detection overseas—including recent seizures of 23 kilograms in Hong Kong, over 1.2 tons in Poland and Germany hidden in shipping containers valued at 450 million baht, and 3.37 tons of high-quality cannabis flowers seized in Indonesia.

Ruengpanya attributed this deterioration to 2022, when Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, then Public Health Minister, removed cannabis from the drug list—a move at odds with destination countries that maintain cannabis as an illegal narcotic. The impact on Thai citizens is stark: psychiatric cases from cannabis use surged from approximately 6,500 in 2019 to over 20,000 in 2023—a threefold jump—following deregulation.

The MP argued that deregulating cannabis without sufficient legal safeguards has failed to address critical gaps. There is no minimum age requirement for purchasing cannabis products, unlike strict regulations governing alcohol, tobacco, and lottery tickets. Producers operate under only three license types—sales and processing, export, and research—but notably lack a manufacturing license. This gap means authorities cannot track total cannabis stocks or production volume, making oversight impossible.

Ruengpanya called for immediate government action, urging the Prime Minister to directly oversee relevant agencies, including the Narcotics Control Board, to establish comprehensive short-term solutions. While Pheu Thai supports medical cannabis use, the party insists that proper legal controls—which have been neglected for four years under Anutin and the Bhumjaithai party—are essential to prevent the current spiral of problems.

GMMTV, Thailand's leading content provider, invites fans to experience the thriller "Mr. Kill: Manga Execution Order" starring Dew Jirawat Sutthiwanit and Tee Theeradej Witipanichaya at "Mr. Kill: Manga Execution Order The First Page" event. The dark manga artwork comes to life on screen with exceptional chemistry between the two leads.

Both actors revealed their intensive preparation for the series. Dew plays a cartoonist and has contributed his real drawing skills to create manga artwork for nearly the entire production. Tee plays a tough detective and, aside from fitness training, has taken martial arts classes and studied action films sent by the director as homework. Dew actively supports his co-star by sending detective and investigation films for Tee to watch.

The two explained that working together as friends on a series makes the job easier and creates mutual understanding that extends beyond their on-screen performances. Dew has offered character guidance and film recommendations. Their collaboration also includes music, with "True Colors" serving as their debut duet.

Dew shared that he enjoys singing and has taken additional vocal lessons from a singing teacher friend. Future musical contributions are planned but remain unannounced.

"Mr. Kill: Manga Execution Order" airs every Tuesday at 8:30 PM on GMM 25, with episodes available on the oneD app. Both actors emphasized the full commitment and intensity of their work, with an unpredictable ending.

A biohazard waste truck collided with the rear of a disabled vehicle parked on the roadside, injuring two foreign nationals. Rescue workers were initially obstructed while attempting to assist.

On July 8, 2025, an accident occurred near kilometer marker 90-91 in Kraesabhan subdistrict, Kaeng district, Rayong province. Three African nationals traveling from Bangkok to Chanthaburi experienced vehicle trouble and pulled over to the shoulder to inspect their car. During this time, 50-year-old Patchphon, a biohazard waste truck driver en route from Samut Prakan to Chanthaburi, was driving at excessive speed. The truck lost control and struck the rear of the disabled vehicle with considerable force. The impact propelled the truck into all three foreigners, resulting in two injuries, with one victim suffering a crushed right leg.

When Kaeng district rescue personnel from the Buddhist Community Relief Association arrived to help the victim trapped under the vehicle, the victim's companions became panicked and blocked rescue efforts, refusing to let officials near the injured person. Despite rescue workers' attempts to communicate using sign language, their efforts were unsuccessful. The officials eventually withdrew to allow the companions to attempt their own rescue. After realizing they were unable to help, the companions finally permitted rescue personnel to proceed. Using a hydraulic jack to lift the truck, rescue workers extracted the victim and transported him urgently to Kaeng Hospital for emergency medical treatment.

Prime Minister Anuwit Chanyaweerakul and Interior Minister addressed concerns about PM advisor Wan Muhammadnoor Matha's proposal to dissolve the Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) on July 8. The PM emphasized that ISOC will not be disbanded as it is a critical mechanism enabling the government to implement security policies efficiently. While the military focuses on national defense, ISOC oversees security, public welfare, and infrastructure.

The PM acknowledged that ISOC's role extends beyond security to encompassing citizens' daily lives and public services. He expressed understanding of Matha's concerns, noting that working in the southern border provinces may subject officials to local pressures. The PM stated he plans to meet with Matha to clarify these misunderstandings, emphasizing that ISOC remains a fundamental institution for security operations.

When asked about progress in the shooting case of Naratip Leewamuen, a Narathiwat MP, the PM stated all matters must follow legal procedures and that the government will not interfere with investigators' work. He reiterated that the state must respect the rule of law and that all offenders will be prosecuted without exception.

At 09:40 on July 8, 2569 at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapart announced the results of the committee's first meeting to investigate fraud in the 2568 civil service and local government recruitment examinations. The 30-minute meeting focused on setting timelines and accelerating proceedings. The committee, which has a 30-day working period, will submit its first report before July 15 to present to the Prime Minister, with a second report completed by July 27.

The meeting established a working team led by police, involving the Central Investigation Bureau, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the Civil Service Commission, and other agencies. Pakorn emphasized that the priority is identifying systemic loopholes that need to be closed and examining ethical misconduct by officials and local employees involved in the recruitment process. "We must remove people lacking integrity from the system and prevent corrupt individuals from entering it," he stated.

When asked if this committee would function similarly to the fact-finding panel investigating the police officer's death, Pakorn confirmed the approach would be comparable—examining all procedural weaknesses to prevent recurrence and proposing necessary legislative amendments. The committee's conclusions will be reported to the Prime Minister for directives to relevant agencies.

Regarding ethics enforcement, Pakorn stressed its critical importance, noting that officials cannot serve if they lack ethical standards or engage in political manipulation. He ordered the Secretary to the Prime Minister to consult with the local government decentralization committee, as effective power-sharing requires honest officials. The Civil Service Commission Secretary was tasked with reviewing ethics standards legislation to determine enforcement options.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul toured the Thai Defense Industry Exhibition 2026 on July 8, 2025, at the Ministry of Defense headquarters in Nonthaburi and invited the public to visit the THAIDEF-EX 2026 showcase. He expressed satisfaction with Thailand's defense capabilities, stating the country can effectively counter threats and invasions while reducing dependence on foreign weapons systems. The PM highlighted Thai entrepreneurs' readiness and capability, announcing that the government will push military and defense agencies to support and subsidize Thai manufacturers' products to strengthen domestic defense industry development. During discussions with Deputy PM Supachee Suthawanphand and Defense Minister, he noted that while many Thai defense contractors can export internationally, some lack domestic sales opportunities—a situation he says the government should remedy by supporting local industry both for national security and fiscal responsibility. The PM emphasized that his presence among military personnel reinforced his confidence in Thailand's preparedness to handle any situation, adding that the country has filled gaps from the past and is ready for all scenarios. He stressed that while peace is hoped for, military readiness is essential, and asked the public to trust the government's commitment to protecting sovereignty and national territory. On research support, he noted that the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation already allocates budgets for defense innovation and welcomed continued development. He also emphasized that Thai defense products can generate export revenue, making government support for research and development alongside security agencies crucial for improving product quality and building Thailand's global reputation.