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No. 01 · ENDLESS
Police

Actress Min Requests Closed Trial in DigiCon Case

Actress Min's lawyer requested a closed trial in the DigiCon fraud case at Bangkok's Criminal Court, allowing her to resume normal work while witness examinations continue through late 2027.

Actress Min Requests Closed Trial in DigiCon Case
4 Aug Khaosod

On August 4, 2025, at the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road, Min's lawyer Tanakorn Waekwari attended a scheduled witness examination for the DigiCon case. Min did not appear in person, exercising her right to request a closed hearing to allow her to continue her normal life.

Waekwari explained that Min is not stressed by the proceedings and wishes to return to normal work and entertainment projects. He stated that Min understands the case details and cooperates fully with her legal team, but the current phase involves the court's witness examination process, with 100 prior hearings scheduled and expected completion by late 2570 (2027). The defendant is calm and simply awaits the process to conclude.

Regarding Min's defense, Waekwari maintained that she consistently testified she acted only as a presenter for DigiCon company for just over a year. He emphasized that the facts cannot be altered and can only be proven through evidence presented to the court. Both Min and co-defendant Sam-Yuranun Pommontri requested closed hearings; Sam was not present but had her legal team attend. Waekwari stated that Min sends her regards to the media and hopes to resume her normal entertainment career. Witness examination continues with the next hearing on August 21 and additional sessions expected into 2570, with approximately 90 more hearings scheduled to conclude by late 2570.

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National

Toyota Unveils Refreshed Alphard and Vellfire for 2025

Toyota Thailand launches refreshed 2025 Alphard and Vellfire luxury minivans with a new hybrid engine, advanced safety features, and an inclusive maintenance program under the "Seamless Serenity" concept.

Toyota Unveils Refreshed Alphard and Vellfire for 2025
4 Aug Khaosod

Toyota Motor Thailand has unveiled the refreshed 2025 Alphard and Vellfire luxury seven-seater minivans under the "Seamless Serenity" concept, featuring an exclusive Ultimate Inclusive maintenance program that provides peace of mind throughout vehicle ownership.

The vehicles are powered by a new 2.5-liter hybrid engine combining a 2.5-liter dual VVT-i gasoline engine with dual electric motors, delivering smooth and powerful performance with fuel efficiency up to 17.9 km/liter. Both models feature a new four-wheel drive E-Four system and TNGA platform architecture for superior stability and grip, along with the latest Toyota Safety Sense technology and six airbags.

New variant highlights include:

Alphard HEV Smart (3.59 million baht): Features 19-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights with sequential turn signals, 14-inch touchscreen audio system with navigation and T-Connect, premium Nappa leather seats with power adjustment and heating/ventilation on front rows, massage and smart comfort functions on second-row seats, detachable tablet control for seat and cabin functions, privacy glass, motorized window shades for rear passengers, automatic dimming mirror, and quad-zone automatic air conditioning with nanoe X.

Alphard HEV Premium (4.29 million baht): Adds new automatic retractable side steps, dual moon roof with motorized shade for rear passengers, color HUD display, digital mirror, 14-inch rear passenger display, and 4K front and rear dash cameras.

Vellfire HEV Premium (4.29 million baht): Offers sport-luxury styling with Vellfire-specific LED lights with sequential indicators and distinctive front and rear bumpers.

Alphard HEV Premium Luxury (4.59 million baht): Top-tier model providing first-class riding experience with new automatic retractable side steps and premium styling.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
Community

Beauty Pageant Director Presses On Despite Serious Illness

Dr. Sirikarn Unsongkran, director of Miss Earth Thailand, is pressing ahead with this year's pageant despite recovering from a critical illness requiring ongoing injections and medication. She removed her IV line to hold the press conferenc

Beauty Pageant Director Presses On Despite Serious Illness
4 Aug Khaosod

Dr. Sirikarn Unsongkran, president and rights holder of Miss Earth Thailand and Mister Earth Thailand, held a press conference for this year's pageant and acknowledged that she had to remove her IV line to attend. She recently recovered from a critical illness that pushed her into a coma-like state and requires ongoing treatment with up to 20 injections. Despite these challenges, she affirmed her determination to proceed, saying her heart remains fully committed to giving the current title holders an honorable farewell.

When asked about the extent of her preparation despite her illness, she replied: "I've removed my IV line to hold this pageant. Once it's finished, I'll go back and have the IV reinserted—that's fine. My duty is to ensure there are no more patients added to this world. I want to be the last patient on Earth. Everything stems from food, air, eating habits, and lifestyle. We must use our free time productively and exercise, but things aren't balanced. There are problems in agriculture, industry, and our environment has suffered. What I can do is ensure our future generations have good health, which is why we must hold the Miss Earth pageant. We need to find people to help save our world."

When pressed on whether her illness would affect the pageant, she acknowledged it might have some impact, as she must continue receiving medication and further injections. However, she expressed her strong desire to win the major crown for Thailand, as the pageant has produced Fire crowns for three years now and it's time to bring home the Earth crown.

She noted that while juggling work and illness is difficult, sponsors—both loyal ones and new ones—continue to support the mission. She expressed gratitude that they understand her core objective: to find beautiful women and men who possess good physical and mental health and who are givers rather than takers.

When asked if she had considered not holding the pageant this year due to her illness, she revealed that she originally planned to simply select delegates to send abroad instead. However, the current title holders—five men and five women—needed a proper and dignified farewell ceremony, especially since the men's group was the first-ever cohort and the women performed their duties excellently the previous year. She felt obligated to organize the event so they could step down with honor.

Asked if she had ever felt discouraged, she admitted she had grown disheartened, particularly in the early stages of her illness when her body wasn't responding well to treatment. She suffered from drug allergies, rashes, jaundice, poor appetite, and insomnia—a severe decline in quality of life. She struggled with the idea of asking others to dedicate themselves to the pageant while she couldn't fully commit in return.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

EGAT Expands Hybrid Solar-Hydro Power Projects

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is continuing to develop hydro-floating solar hybrid power projects that combine floating solar farms with existing hydropower plants ...

4 Aug Thailand.go.th Issues

The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is continuing to develop hydro-floating solar hybrid power projects that combine floating solar farms with existing hydropower plants ...

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand's NSTDA Joins China-BRICS Innovation Network

The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) has officially joined the China-BRICS Strategic Innovation Incubation Platform (SIIP) network, aiming to strengthen innovation ...

4 Aug Thailand.go.th Issues

The National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) has officially joined the China-BRICS Strategic Innovation Incubation Platform (SIIP) network, aiming to strengthen innovation ...

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Tourism

Thailand Launches Sustainable Tourism in Ban Pak Pra

The National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), together with Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Lampang, Maejo University–Chumphon, Prince of Songkla Unive...

4 Aug Thailand.go.th Issues

The National Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), together with Rajamangala University of Technology Lanna Lampang, Maejo University–Chumphon, Prince of Songkla Unive...

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Partners With Russia on Smart Transport Technology

Thailand and Russia signed a transportation cooperation agreement to modernize Thai infrastructure through knowledge sharing in smart transport, rail systems, and autonomous technology.

Thailand Partners With Russia on Smart Transport Technology
4 Aug Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn led senior officials from Thailand's Transport Ministry to Moscow on August 3, 2025, to sign a transportation cooperation memorandum with Russian Transport Minister Andrey Sergeevich Nikitin. The agreement establishes a framework for bilateral transport cooperation and grants Thailand access to Russian knowledge, technology, and international transportation standards.

Ratchakitprakarn stated that the signing represents part of Thailand's long-standing relationship with Russia, building on Prime Minister Anuthit Charnvirakul's June 2025 visit. The goal is to modernize Thailand's transportation infrastructure, particularly rail systems, smart transport, autonomous technology, water transport, and aviation, while developing skilled personnel to meet future mobility demands.

The cooperation covers seven key areas: transport infrastructure development; multimodal transport connectivity; personnel training and professional development; academic and research collaboration; satellite technology for transport; and transport security and safety standards. By embracing international best practices and adapting them to Thailand's context, the initiative aims to enhance passenger and freight transport efficiency, reduce logistics costs, and strengthen Thailand's competitive position in regional transportation.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Egg Prices Poised to Hit 4 Baht as Feed Costs Soar

Egg prices are set to jump to 4 baht per unit as feed costs surge and poultry disease cuts output by 20 percent, with pork prices also expected to climb sharply as farmers face mounting production costs.

Egg Prices Poised to Hit 4 Baht as Feed Costs Soar
4 Aug Khaosod

Egg and pork farmers are preparing to raise farm-gate prices in response to surging animal feed costs. Mixed-grade eggs are expected to climb to 4 baht per unit, while pork is projected to reach 70–78 baht per kilogram.

Phayyao Arikun, chairwoman of the Central Small-Scale Egg Farmers' Association, revealed that farms are currently battling poultry disease, which has slashed egg output by 20 percent. Last week, animal feed prices rose by 6 baht per 30-kilogram sack, jumping from 440 to 446 baht. This has driven up production costs while egg yields fall and shortages emerge in some areas. Although current farm-gate prices for mixed eggs stand at 3.80 baht per unit, traders have already maxed out sales at that ceiling. A further increase of 20 satang per unit—bringing prices to 4 baht per egg—is expected soon. Farmers, however, are hoping to delay price hikes as long as possible to support consumers.

Sittipan Tanakiartiphiyo, chairman of the National Swine Farmers' Association, indicated that on August 5 the association and its partners will discuss pork prices again. There is a strong likelihood that live-pig prices will rise another 2 baht per kilogram, pushing farm-gate pork to 70–78 baht per kilogram, with any adjustment taking effect on August 6.

The cost pressures stem mainly from soaring feed-ingredient prices. Corn, a primary feed input, has climbed from 9 baht to 13 baht per kilogram. Soybean meal, another crucial ingredient, has jumped from 13 to 17 baht per kilogram. Wheat and rice prices have also risen. At the same time, pork supplies are tightening relative to consumer demand.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

Former District Officer Found Dead in Rental Room

A 43-year-old former deputy district chief was found dead in a sealed rental room in Phayao Province, with police suspecting suicide linked to charges he faced for forging 467 government identity documents.

Former District Officer Found Dead in Rental Room
4 Aug Khaosod

At 11:00 a.m. on August 4, police received a report of a death in a rental room in Chiang Kham District, Phayao Province. Officers, rescue workers, and a duty physician responded to the scene and found the room locked from the inside. After breaking down the door, they discovered the body of Sitthichai, age 43, a former deputy district chief of Chiang Khong District in Chiang Rai Province, who had faced charges for forging 467 government identity documents.

The deceased was found lying on the floor beside a bed with his feet resting on the bed edge. Tape was discovered sealing the entrance and kitchen door. Officers also found three telephone numbers written and placed on a table near a stove. No signs of physical assault were found in the surrounding area.

According to investigating officer Pol. Maj. Thanad Chumamanao, the room showed no signs of a struggle, and both entry and exit doors were sealed with tape. The room owner reported that the deceased had spoken by phone with his mother before his voice changed, and later when the mother called back and received no answer, she contacted the landlord, who discovered the body. Police believe the stress stemming from the forgery case involving over 467 forged identity documents, combined with his dismissal from civil service, may have been the cause. Further investigation with relevant parties is planned.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Pak Mool Residents Plan Bangkok Protest Over Dam

Pak Mool residents plan a Bangkok march demanding year-round dam gate openings to restore fish populations and ecosystems, citing minimal power generation benefits against significant tourism and livelihood losses.

Pak Mool Residents Plan Bangkok Protest Over Dam
4 Aug Khaosod

Residents from Pak Mool are preparing to march to Bangkok to demand government action on ecosystem restoration and year-round dam gate opening. Following the Pak Mool fish festival on August 8, 2568, villagers representing the Poor Assembly movement will present demands including compensation for dam impacts and expansion of the dam's operating period to align with fish migration seasons, beginning in April. A coordinator revealed that the dam's 36-year history shows minimal economic benefit from power generation, while opening gates in April alone generated nearly 300 million baht in tourism revenue at Kaeng Saphan rapids, suggesting year-round operation could create substantial economic value. Residents want government agencies to honor a cabinet resolution mandating assistance for Pak Mool residents through timely dam gate openings during fish spawning periods, with clearer implementation guidelines. Health Ministry data showing lower IQ levels among Ubon children may be linked to fish scarcity caused by the dam, the coordinator suggested. A Mahasarakham University scholar noted that even with gate openings, fish don't immediately return to dam-front areas, as fish migration spans approximately 11 months yearly while current management allows only 4 months of operation, disrupting natural reproduction cycles and biodiversity. The academic proposed dismantling the Pak Mool Dam, arguing that government, politicians, dam promoters, and the World Bank should have respected community rights and livelihoods from the outset.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Tak Province Ready for National Cycling Championship Final

Tak Province and Bhumibol Dam will host the final round of Thailand's national cycling championships August 7–9, 2026, with over 2,000 cyclists competing for the national title and royal trophy. The event will also serve as a test for Thail

Tak Province Ready for National Cycling Championship Final
4 Aug Khaosod

General Decha Mekarasri, vice president of the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC), president of the ASEAN Cycling Confederation (ACF), and chairman of the Thai Cycling Sports Association under royal patronage, announced that the association, together with Tak Province and Bhumibol Dam, will host the final round (Round 5) of Thailand's national road cycling and mountain bike championships on August 7–9, 2026, at Bhumibol Dam. Road cyclists will race on routes within the dam and parts of Samesngao District, while mountain bikers will compete entirely within the dam.

Decha confirmed that Governor Chusak Ruying has ordered all relevant agencies—police, public health officials, civil defense personnel, and rescue volunteers—to prepare fully for traffic management alongside police officers. Tak Province and Bhumibol Dam are now 100 percent ready to welcome cyclists from across the country. Over 2,000 cyclists and supporters are expected to attend, stimulating the local economy and promoting tourism. Cyclists without accommodation are urged to book immediately, as lodging in and around Bhumibol Dam and Samesngao District is limited.

"This final round will determine which cyclist becomes Thailand's national champion and wins the royal trophy," Decha said. Outstanding male and female cyclists in both road and mountain bike categories will receive the Prida Chunlamon Honor Trophy, while the best coach will receive the Seree Trirat Honor Trophy, named after the father of Thai cycling. Mountain bike champions in each age group will also be presented to the King to receive their trophies—a tremendous honor. Representatives from all five host provinces will later receive a Royal Commendation Shield.

Decha added that the final round will also serve as a test event for Thailand's national cycling team preparing for the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. On Saturday, August 8, at 3 p.m., the association, the Health Promotion Foundation, and Bhumibol Dam will jointly host a green cycling event, "Bike for Life—TCA Green Cycling," covering 6 kilometers and promoting environmental conservation. The event will also campaign against e-cigarettes, which are spreading among youth and pose health and cancer risks, and promote the "Don't Smoke, Don't Drink" initiative encouraging Thais to quit smoking and alcohol consumption.

Members of the public can watch the competition live on Thai television.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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