Registration for the government’s “Thais Help Thais Plus 60/40” co-payment scheme closed nearly four million places short of its 30 million target, despite attracting more than 26.04 million applicants in five days.

For a movement that prides itself on being politically innovative, the People’s Party appears confoundingly committed to repeating the same tactics that have consistently hindered its ability to achieve the authority it needs to effect real change.

Thai authorities have raided an unlicensed factory reportedly operated by Chinese nationals that was secretly sorting and processing electronic waste in the heart of Samut Sakhon province. 

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has pledged to investigate leaked Line chat messages allegedly showing the chief of the Department of Provincial Administration (DoPA) instructing a senior Phuket official to “help the blue party” during the recent election campaign.

Thais and other Southeast Asian travellers are continuing to plan travel in the second half of the year, opting for regional destinations even though they might slash their budgets or number of trips, according to online travel agent AirAsia Move.

A storm alert has been issued for the weekend and Monday with rain expected to lower temperatures in the country, which is experiencing unusually hot weather despite it being the rainy season.