The Department of Foreign Trade has organized Thai Tapioca Nexus 2026 to build networks and create long-term business opportunities, expecting foreign orders worth 2.6 billion baht. Arada Fuengtong, director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade, revealed that the event serves as an important platform connecting the government, private sector, SME entrepreneurs, experts, academics, and foreign trading partners to exchange knowledge, technology, innovation, and marketing insights while building cooperative networks and concrete business opportunities.

In today's trade landscape, partners care not just about product quality but also standards, transparency, environmental responsibility, and supply chain reliability—the foundation of long-term trade trust. Thailand has the potential to develop production, processing, technology, and standards systems to deliver high-value tapioca products that meet global market demands and future industries, guided by the Bio-Circular-Green Economy model to use resources efficiently, reduce carbon footprint, and support Net Zero goals sustainably.

"The Department of Foreign Trade is committed to advancing Thailand's tapioca industry under the concept 'Adding Value Toward a Sustainable Future,' through three pillars: quality leadership, confidence support, and innovation acceleration. We will enhance quality and standards, build trust through transparent and efficient verification systems, and strengthen Thailand's tapioca competitiveness in global markets sustainably," Arada said.

The event featured an academic seminar titled "Thai Tapioca on the World Stage: Reinforcing Supply Security, Building Innovation, Opening Trade Opportunities" with speakers including Dusit Pithyadhikun, chairman of the Thai Tapioca Flour Association; Dr. Keokool Piyajomkwan, a tapioca flour expert; Associate Professor Pramod Paengkham, an expert on tapioca use in animal feed industries; and Associate Professor Suphaphorn Kiarti Sin, chair of the International Thai SME Business Promotion and Development Center at the Thai SME Federation. Participants gained insights on upgrading the tapioca industry through innovation and enhancing Thai entrepreneurs' capacity, particularly SMEs, to expand trade opportunities in foreign markets.

More than 300 participants attended, including importers from China, Japan, South Korea, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Hong Kong—all important markets with potential to adopt Thai tapioca products across multiple industries. Approximately 60 business networking sessions were organized, and the event is expected to generate at least 2.6 billion baht in economic value while giving Thai entrepreneurs access to new trading partners, market expansion, and entry into global value chains.

Arada noted that this event continues the Department's proactive market promotion strategy through ongoing negotiations with importers in Fukuoka and Tokyo, Japan; business matching in Chongqing, China; launching high-value products in Germany; and protecting trade interests in the United States, where Thai tapioca flour maintains zero-percent tariff exemption under Section 301.

On August 13, Somchai Lertsawatphan, Phrae Provincial Governor, convened an urgent meeting with all school administrators to enforce comprehensive security upgrades following the online threats. The incident began on the evening of August 12 when students and parents at the prominent Phrae school discovered threatening messages in an open chat group that appeared to warn of violent action at the campus.

On the morning of August 13, the school principal and Dr. Rungarun Pongkern, director of the Phrae Secondary Education Area Office, coordinated with relevant agencies to implement heightened monitoring and protective measures for students, teachers, and staff. They stressed that safety protocols must be systematic and applied across all schools in the jurisdiction. School conditions remained normal while staff increased continuous patrols to reassure students, teachers, and parents as the situation developed.

One female student stated she felt worried and afraid by the messages but continued attending school as usual, believing education was important and with parental permission, though she was advised to be extra cautious.

Meanwhile, Surachai Chanmani, Chief of Muang Phrae Police Station, ordered patrols to monitor the school grounds in coordination with administrative officials, health officers, and education authorities to prevent and watch for any incidents.

Later, Phongdech Khamchaichuk, Phrae Provincial Police Commander, received reports and invited Frank, a 19-year-old from Rong Kwang District who was a former student of the school, for questioning at Muang Phrae Police Station over suspected involvement in sending the threatening messages.

Background checks revealed he is an alumnus of the school and has a history of psychiatric treatment and care at Rong Kwang Hospital and Phrae Hospital. Officers proceeded with standard procedures, documented the information, and referred him for continued care.

The Department of Employment is urging employers to renew work permits for foreign workers from Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam by December 11, 2025. According to a cabinet resolution approved on July 14, 2025, foreign workers whose permits expire on December 11, 2025, can extend their stay and work for one more year until December 11, 2026.

Somchai Morakotsrivarn, director-general of the Department of Employment, explained that the measure applies to foreign workers authorized to work and holding visas valid until December 11, 2025, as well as those already approved to work but unable to obtain or renew their passports by July 31, 2025, or whose passports expire before December 11, 2025.

Employers and foreign workers must follow these steps: First, foreign workers must undergo health screening at state or accredited private hospitals and obtain health insurance. Second, they must submit renewal applications through the electronic system by December 11, 2025, and pay filing fees of 100 baht and work permit fees of 900 baht. Third, once approved by the registrar, workers can continue employment until December 11, 2026, using temporary work permits. Fourth, foreign workers must obtain or renew their passports and complete visa inspection by June 30, 2026, or within 90 days of receiving their passport.

Somchai urged employers, businesses, and foreign workers to prepare required documents and complete the renewal process within the specified timeframe. Further inquiries can be directed to the Bangkok Employment Offices (Areas 1-10) or provincial employment offices nationwide.

Mongfort College in Chiang Mai released a statement through its Facebook page on August 13 regarding leaked chat messages containing mutual threats of violence at the school, which alarmed parents and staff. The school immediately coordinated with Mae Ping Police Station, the Chiang Mai Provincial Education Office, and relevant agencies to investigate the matter. Police questioned four youths along with their parents, and findings showed all four students were victims whose identities and photographs were misused without their knowledge or involvement in posting or distributing the threatening messages. Police have recorded statements as evidence and will pursue legal action against the actual offender. The school reaffirmed that student safety and well-being remain the highest priority and committed to maintaining strict security protocols to create a safe environment for the school community.

On August 13, 2025, the Thai Meteorological Department issued a 24-hour weather forecast warning of heavy rainfall in the North, Upper Northeast, Central, and Eastern regions due to a monsoon trough passing through Myanmar, northern Laos, and northern Vietnam, combined with a strong southwest monsoon affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. Residents are advised to be alert to dangers from heavy rain and accumulated rainfall that may cause sudden flooding and flash floods, particularly in sloping terrain near water channels and low-lying areas, as well as riverbank overflow in the Northeast.

Waves in the upper Andaman Sea are expected to be moderately strong, reaching 2–3 meters, with heights exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. Fishermen are urged to navigate with caution and avoid thunderstorm zones. Small boats in the upper Andaman Sea should remain ashore.

Detailed forecast for 18:00 today to 18:00 tomorrow:

North: Thunderstorms in 60% of the area with heavy rain in some places, particularly in Mae Hong Son, Nan, and Tak provinces. Low 23–27°C, high 32–35°C. Southwest wind 10–20 kph.

Upper Northeast: Thunderstorms in 60% of the area with heavy rain in some places, particularly in Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, and Mukdahan provinces. Low 24–26°C, high 33–35°C. Southwest wind 10–20 kph.

Central: Thunderstorms in 40% of the area with heavy rain in some places, particularly in Saraburi and Kanchanaburi provinces. Low 24–27°C, high 33–35°C. Southwest wind 10–25 kph.

East: Thunderstorms in 60% of the area with heavy rain in some places, particularly in Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chanthaburi, and Trat provinces. Low 24–28°C, high 31–35°C. Southwest wind 20–35 kph. Sea waves approximately 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

South (East Coast): Thunderstorms in 40% of the area, mainly in Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat provinces. Low 23–26°C, high 33–36°C. Southwest wind 20–35 kph. Sea waves 1–2 meters near shore, approximately 2 meters offshore, and exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm zones.

South (West Coast): Thunderstorms in 60% of the area, mainly in Ranong, Phang Nga, and Phuket provinces. Low 23–26°C, high 32–35°C. From Phang Nga northward: southwest wind 20–40 kph, sea waves 2–3 meters, exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. From Phuket southward: southwest wind 15–35 kph, sea waves 1–2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

Bangkok and Vicinity: Thunderstorms in 60% of the area with heavy rain in some places. Low 26–27°C, high 34–35°C. Southwest wind 10–25 kph.