Thailand and Cambodia keep all major land border checkpoints shut as political distrust and military posturing deepen. Foreign Minister Don Pramudwinai confirmed talks have stalled with no reopening timeline. Exporters and cross-border traders face continued disruption into August.

• Checkpoint status: All four primary crossings closed since last year; minor gates also restricted.
• Trade impact: ฿12 billion monthly border trade halted, hitting fresh produce and consumer goods hardest.
• Diplomatic angle: ASEAN mediation floated but Cambodia pushes UN arbitration instead.

Massive irregularities in this year's civil service exams trigger a full halt to recruitment across ministries. Prime Minister Anutin orders an immediate review and new exam protocols. Thousands of applicants now in limbo.

• Scale: Over 180,000 candidates affected by the suspended process.
• Timeline: New round expected only after independent audit completes in September.
• Political fallout: Opposition MPs demand full transparency on leaked papers.

Headline inflation fell to 2.42% year-on-year in June, the third straight month inside the 1-3% target band. Core inflation rose to 1.23%, its fastest pace since mid-2023. BOT sees no immediate policy response needed.

• Energy driver: Global crude softening after Hormuz tensions eased shaved 0.4 points off the print.
• Q3 outlook: Ministry expects average 2.79% through September before Q4 acceleration.
• Baht note: 5-6% depreciation since April supports exporters offsetting the softer CPI.

Thailand recorded 16.7 million foreign visitors year-to-date to July 11, down 3.09% from 2025. Per-head spend rose, keeping total revenue near prior-year levels. TAT shifts focus to Chinese and European summer push.

• Top markets: China, Malaysia and India lead declines; Europeans offset slightly.
• Revenue: ฿782 billion in visitor spending through early July.
• TAT target: Still holds 33 million full-year arrivals despite the slip.

Thai Cabinet cleared the final details replacing the prior 60-day exemption with a tiered system: 30 days for the majority, 15 days for some, and Visa on Arrival for others. Five Ministry of Interior announcements await Royal Gazette publication and take effect 15 days later.

• Added countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, India, Malta and Maldives now on the 30-day list.
• Rationale: Better screening and reduced abuse of long-stay privileges.
• Impact on DTV/LTR: No direct change, but renewal queues may lengthen as travellers adjust plans.

Transport Ministry now requires police clearance certificates from home countries for all foreigners applying for or renewing Thai driving licences. Rule starts August 1. Existing holders get a 90-day grace period.

• Processing time: Adds 4-6 weeks to applications for most nationalities.
• Expat impact: Hits roughly 180,000 foreign licence holders renewing in H2 2026.
• Enforcement: Random checks at traffic stops already underway in Bangkok and Phuket.

St. Regis Bar Bangkok — July 22-26 — Weekly aperitivo series with new Spanish-inspired small plates and signature cocktails at ฿450 per person.

Anantara Siam Bangkok — opens July 25 for early registration — Star chefs from Europe and Asia confirmed for the September main event; early-bird packages available now.

Thai Meteorological Department issues alerts for 40+ provinces through July 28. Bangkok and central plains face afternoon storms and possible flash floods Tuesday-Thursday. No public holidays; markets open normally.

Constitutional Court green-lights the borrowing decree; government starts project screening this week. First tranche approvals expected by early August.

Bangkok condo rental inquiries rose 22% month-on-month while purchase enquiries fell 8%. Foreign buyers cite higher mortgage rates and the new 30-day visa limits as key factors. Landlords in Sukhumvit and Sathorn report occupancy above 85% for the first time since 2023.