Thai Public Broadcasting Service (MCOT) has launched a tender for long-term leasing rights on a 50-rai plot in the Ratchada–Rama IX district valued at approximately 9 billion baht, with bidding documents available from July 10 to August 26, 2025. Speaking at the launch, MCOT acting chief executive Yada Kasayapananth said the broadcaster is restructuring its business under the MCOT Next strategy, focusing on asset monetization to generate cash flow for operations and investment in new media ventures. Several large real estate companies listed on the stock exchange have already purchased bid documents, though MCOT declined to reveal their identities at this stage.

The 50-rai site is among MCOT's core assets, appraised at approximately 400,000 baht per square wah and valued overall at over 9 billion baht. Rather than selling the land outright, MCOT will lease it long-term to preserve the asset while generating stable future revenue. The location is a major strength—situated in Bangkok's prime business and residential district near Ratchadamri Road, adjacent to the Thailand Cultural Centre and Ministry of Culture to the north, with connections to both the Orange and Blue BTS Skytrain lines. MCOT has signed a memorandum of understanding with Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) to request use of BTS land for two 20-meter access points, plus additional access via an easement from the Ministry of Culture.

MCOT is inviting private developers to propose varied uses of the site without restricting to a single business type—options include large-scale projects, office buildings, shopping centers, hotels, or mixed-use developments suited to the location. The surrounding area supports diverse user groups including office workers, residents, tourists, and cultural event attendees, creating strong demand potential for multiple development models.

Researchers have developed a bioengineered chewing gum that can eliminate three microorganisms linked to oral cancer, including HPV (Human Papillomavirus), the most common sexually transmitted infection. Laboratory tests showed the gum reduced HPV levels in saliva samples by up to 93%.

The research team is led by Henry Daniell, a professor at the School of Dental Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. The team aims to find antiviral proteins capable of targeting and destroying multiple virus types. Researchers discovered that hyacinth beans contain a protein called FRIL, which causes viruses to cluster together, preventing them from entering cells. The protein also inhibits viruses already inside cells and prevents further infection.

"We've identified at least five viruses in the mouth that we can inactivate," Daniell told The Post. He noted that the gum formula contains sufficient bean powder to effectively eliminate these viruses and has very low development costs. "That's probably the biggest advantage, because this product will have low production costs," he said.

The research team is currently awaiting FDA approval to proceed with the next phase of clinical trials, during which human participants will chew the gum directly. The trial will last four weeks, with participants chewing the gum three times daily. During this phase, the gum will be used as a complementary treatment alongside standard cancer treatments such as radiation therapy and surgery.

Daniell noted that in the future, this type of gum may be sold over-the-counter to the public without requiring a doctor's prescription.

Bangkok — 17 August 2026, Thailand's Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) has stepped up efforts to protect dugongs after 10 years of data showed 209 strandings, warning that the species faces an increasing risk of extinction.

DMCR Director-General Pinsak Suraswadi said the department had launched the "Save Our Dugong" campaign in line with Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin's policy to conserve and restore marine and coastal resources, particularly rare and endangered marine animals.

The campaign focuses on reducing threats from human activities in 12 high-risk areas along Thailand's Andaman coast, with two urgent measures targeting boat accidents and fishing gear.

The first measure is to regulate shipping routes and boat speeds in six areas considered at risk of dugongs being struck by vessels: Ratsada Pier and Bang Rong Pier in Phuket; the Ko Yao Noi–Ko Yao Yai waterway in Phang Nga; Hat Noppharat Thara–Ao Nam Mao in Krabi; Pak Meng Pier–Ko Muk and Ko Libong Pier–Hat Yao in Trang.

Buoys and navigation markers will be installed to clearly define routes, while speed limits will be imposed according to distance from shore.

Boats will be limited to 5 knots within 1 kilometre of the coast, 10 knots within 2 kilometres and 20 knots within 3 kilometres. The speed limit will be 5 knots in seagrass areas and 3 knots in seagrass areas located within national parks.

The second measure involves modifying fishing gear to make it safer for dugongs in six high-risk areas: Ko Chang–Ko Phayam in Ranong; Ko Ra–Ko Phra Thong in Phang Nga; Pa Khlok–Tang Khen in Phuket; Hat Noppharat Thara in Krabi; Ko Siboya in Krabi; and Ko Muk–Ko Libong in Trang.

The measures aim to reduce the risk of dugongs becoming trapped or injured by fishing equipment.

For single crab traps, one trap per buoy will be allowed, but traps will be prohibited in seagrass beds. Buoy ropes will be replaced with 5-millimetre high-strength fibre rope to reduce the risk of entanglement and deep cuts to dugong muscles.

Weak links will also be modified at connection points to give dugongs a better chance of escaping if they become entangled. Excess rope will be shortened, particularly around the water surface and along areas commonly used by dugongs.

For linked crab traps, with 15–20 traps connected to one buoy, stones or lead weights will be used to keep the rope running vertically.

Bottom-set crab nets will be prohibited in seagrass beds. In areas where they are permitted, fishermen will be required to monitor the nets after deployment to reduce the risk of dugongs becoming trapped.

Large-mesh drifting fish nets, such as nets used to catch sea bass, will also be prohibited in seagrass beds and must be placed at least 1 kilometre away from the edge of seagrass areas.

"The department's goal is to reduce dugong deaths caused by human activities to zero," Pinsak said.

He stressed that the measures were not intended to restrict the livelihoods of fishermen or maritime communities.

Parit Awaits EC and DSI Clarification on Withaya's Election Fraud Response

On August 17, 2026, Parit Wacharasindhu, a People's Party list MP and spokesperson, posted through his social media account stating: Questions for the Election Commission and DSI following the statement by local leader Withaya Kampuang regarding senator election fraud allegations.

This morning many people saw the statement by local leader Withaya Kampuang in various media outlets regarding video evidence that I presented about an organized senator election fraud scheme.

The most significant part of his statement was Withaya's admission that he is the person in the video (an incident at the B2 Rangsit Hotel before the nationwide senator election), and his explanation of various statements from the clip that many people questioned, such as: – "It's unbelievable that we got the most senators" – "Our network is longer than this" – "We're doing this for those above" – "Don't be afraid because those above [...] – otherwise the EC would already announce it null and void" – "Military-affiliated senior figures also came in" (Those interested can hear Withaya's full statement via the link in comments)

Whether such an explanation is reasonable or convincing is for the public to judge themselves.

However, I see there are two other factual matters that Withaya denied but I still have doubts about:

1. What relationship does Withaya have with the Bhumjaithai Party? – Withaya stated in an interview that he has no special relationship or involvement with Bhumjaithai Party (though he appreciates the party's "half-per-person-plus" policy), and photos appearing with Bhumjaithai ministers such as Songsakdi Thongthri are merely him performing his duty as a local leader on area-based projects. – However, I discovered that Withaya wore a Bhumjaithai Party shirt and appeared at a press conference with Songsakdi Thongthri during the launch of Bhumjaithai Party parliamentary candidates for Nong Khai-Chaiyaphum-Sakon Nakhon on November 11, 2025 (which is believed to be at Bhumjaithai Party headquarters: https://bhumjaithai.com/news/110566)

2. Did Withaya pay for accommodation at the B2 Rangsit Hotel (2 booking numbers / total 7,520 baht)? – Withaya confirmed that he was not the person who booked or paid for such accommodation as alleged. – In fact, I never accused Withaya of being the person who "booked" the room, but the information I received indicates that the account used to "transfer money" to the hotel's account to "pay for accommodation" is registered under the name Withaya Kampuang. – Therefore, the main issue is not who booked, but who paid / or if Withaya insists he did not know he was the one who paid, is it possible that someone used Withaya's account to pay for the accommodation on his behalf?

Regardless, since Withaya has given such a statement, I believe it is now the responsibility of relevant state agencies who (presumably) have information in hand to come forward and provide clear clarification to resolve these doubts.

Toward the DSI, I urge the DSI to clearly explain:

1. Has the DSI ever investigated or examined the B2 Rangsit Hotel regarding who booked, stayed, or paid for accommodation during that period (June 25-26, 2023)?

2. If so: Can the DSI confirm whether accommodation payment at the B2 Rangsit Hotel was indeed transferred from an account registered under the name Withaya Kampuang?

Toward the Election Commission (most importantly), I urge the EC to clearly explain:

1. Are events involving local leader Withaya at the B2 Rangsit Hotel on June 25, 2023 included in the EC's investigation record or witness testimony to the EC (such as in the 26th investigation committee level)?

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On August 17, Ratsasat Chidchoo, governor of Songkhla Province, announced the arrest of four suspects in a major cross-border ice drug trafficking case. Officers seized 205 kilograms of methamphetamine valued at around 43 million baht, along with three vehicles.

The Haad Yai task force, working with Region 9 police and provincial narcotics officers, had been monitoring a network that transported drugs from Bangkok via a private transport company. Officers spotted a white Isuzu pickup truck carrying parcels of ice worth an estimated 43 million baht—potentially worth hundreds of millions if sold abroad.

From the initial arrest, investigators expanded the operation and apprehended two additional suspects, Ann and Rung, who were driving a black Honda City to escort the shipment. A third arrest followed at a petrol station when officers stopped Asdannee, 62, driving a black four-door Ford pickup truck.

Interrogation revealed the drugs were destined for a port in Tak Bai District, Narathiwat Province, for export to Malaysia. All four suspects were charged with Class 1 drug trafficking offenses involving possession with intent to distribute. They have been handed to Thung Lung Police Station for legal proceedings.

Police in Samut Prakan have made progress in the case of a group of teenagers who conducted a drive-by motorcycle shooting, leaving two youths critically injured from gunshot wounds to the face, abdomen, and body. The incident occurred on Srinakarin Road in Muang District, Samut Prakan, at around 2:00 a.m. Following the attack, Deputy Inspector Chakkarit Srirojnakul, commander of Muang Samut Prakan Police Station, immediately launched a pursuit operation. Within hours, surveillance footage led officers to identify two shooters: a 16-year-old and a 19-year-old. Both were arrested at a residence in Bang Bo District. A search of their home uncovered multiple illegally modified firearms, including magazine-fed weapons and improvised guns, as well as one folding-stock automatic rifle. Both suspects were brought in for questioning at Muang Samut Prakan Police Station. At 3:00 p.m., Phumin Singhsut, commander of Samut Prakan Provincial Police, visited the suspects and later commended the police station's swift apprehension. Police reported that approximately seven additional suspects remain at large—all youths aged 16 to 19. Regarding the firearms, the suspects stated they purchased them online; investigators are now pursuing online sellers to crack down decisively on illegal weapons trafficking.