Agricultural Economics Office Launches Data Release Calendar

The Office of Agricultural Economics launched a data release calendar showing when agricultural statistics will be published, helping farmers, businesses, and officials plan production and policy decisions more effectively.

18h ago Khaosod

Deputy Secretary-General Chonwat Sitthithurn of the Office of Agricultural Economics announced that under Secretary-General Peeraphan Korthong's policy to improve agricultural economics data services, the office has developed and upgraded its website and launched an agricultural economics data release calendar. This tool allows users to know in advance when agricultural data will be published and through which channels, ensuring they do not miss critical information. Agricultural economics data is vital for decision-making across all sectors, especially as farming faces changes in production, marketing, and international trade.

A clear, accessible release calendar enables farmers to use price, production, and market data for production and sales planning; businesses to assess raw material trends and supply chains; and analysts, academics, media, and the public to track the sector. Government officials and partners can use the data to formulate and implement policies efficiently.

The calendar presents information in an easy-to-use table format showing data type, release frequency, timing, and contact details, organized into ten main categories: forecasts, agricultural production data, agricultural prices, weekly production and market conditions, agricultural economic indices, imports and exports, agricultural economic conditions, production factors, household and agricultural labour economics, and cost calculations. This metadata helps users understand data characteristics and decide what to follow and how to use it. Systematic cataloging of data reduces search time and duplication while enabling direct contact with responsible parties—part of data governance that makes public data management transparent and beneficial.

A key feature is the clear display of release cycles—daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and yearly—allowing users to select and track relevant data conveniently for advance planning. The website also includes a cost calculation tool to help farmers estimate production costs.

The release calendar reflects the Office of Agricultural Economics' role as a leading organization for agricultural development and the national agricultural information centre, committed to raising standards in government data services through transparency, accessibility, and practical utility. The calendar displays contact persons by data category and communication channels.

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Police

Land Official Files Fraud Complaint Against Estate Manager

Khon Kaen land officials filed fraud charges against an estate manager who falsely claimed a property deed was lost when seeking a replacement, though the original document was held by a local temple. The applicant obtained a certified copy

18h ago Khaosod

Khon Kaen land officials have filed charges against Buakhai Sarasamuth, the estate manager for the late Hiang Pimmsri, owner of title deed number 61945, for falsely claiming the deed was lost when requesting a replacement—while the original document was held by Wat Pa Adulyaram. On August 18, provincial land officer Pongsuwan Chaitonteuk and related staff filed the complaint at Muang Khon Kaen Police Station. The officer disclosed that the filing concerns providing false information to officials to proceed with legal action. Since it emerged that the original deed still exists and is held by the temple abbot, authorities must investigate whether the applicant knew in advance that the deed had not been lost. If confirmed, criminal liability may apply.

In this case, the applicant obtained a certified copy from the land office on July 13 before submitting the replacement request on July 27. However, during processing, the temple abbot produced the original deed to officials, causing the land office to verify and confirm the deed had not been lost. Consequently, the replacement application was cancelled. The provincial land officer explained that the cancellation order is an administrative decision and the applicant has been notified of the right to appeal within 15 days; a notice was sent on August 17, and no appeal has been filed to date.

Furthermore, land office investigations confirm that the criminal complaint filed today will not affect the process of transferring the title deed to the temple's name, which must proceed according to Section 84 procedures. The case status summary notes: (1) the replacement application has been cancelled after confirming the deed was not lost; (2) the applicant has been notified of appeal rights within 15 days with no appeal filed so far; (3) the false information complaint has been filed for police investigation regarding the false claim that the deed was lost; (4) land rights will be handled according to the final judgment unless a new ruling changes it; (5) the title transfer to the temple is proceeding under Section 84 of the Land Code, a separate process from the false complaint case; (6) heirs cannot directly contest the temple's rights under Section 84, but if the estate manager consents to the transfer, the process will be faster; otherwise, the land office must follow legal procedures; (7) the target timeline is approximately one month, though no firm timeframe can be guaranteed due to multiple agencies involved; (8) the provincial land office is consulting the Department of Lands to establish clear and legally correct guidelines before proceeding with the next critical steps.

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National

Thai Bank Card Company Teaches Seniors to Spot Online Scams

Thai Credit Card Company launched a senior fraud awareness program teaching elderly people to recognize common online scams, which cost victims over 961 million baht in losses last month alone.

18h ago Khaosod

Online fraud continues to cause significant financial damage. The Anti-Online Fraud Center (ACSC) reported more than 25,000 cases in July 2026 resulting in losses exceeding 961 million baht. Although most cases involve product and service fraud, identity impersonation scams cause the highest financial losses at over 263 million baht.

In response to increasingly complex fraud schemes, Thai Credit Card Company (KTC) launched the "Savvy Seniors for Today's World" program at Rung Manee Phattana Community in Bangkok. The initiative provides financial literacy and fraud prevention training to help elderly people manage savings, plan retirement spending, and recognize common scams.

Scammers typically exploit urgency and fear—demanding immediate transfers, forbidding victims to tell family members, or threatening legal consequences. A key warning sign is pressure to act quickly. The program teaches seniors simple rules: "Don't rush to believe, don't rush to share information, and don't rush to transfer money." If fraud occurs, victims should gather evidence and call the Online Crime Hotline (AOC) 1441 immediately.

KTC emphasizes that building financial immunity is not about making seniors afraid of technology, but teaching them to pause and verify when something seems unusual. While scam methods evolve, fraudsters rely on creating trust and pushing victims to decide before they can check. KTC continues providing financial education and fraud prevention training to communities to help elderly people make safer financial decisions.

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Police

Man Arrested With Modified Blank-Fire Guns Converted to Live Ammunition

A man was arrested in Pathum Thani province after police found three illegally modified blank-fire guns converted to fire live ammunition in his condominium. He had purchased the gun parts online and sold modified weapons to friends to fina

18h ago Khaosod

On August 18, Cyber Police Bureau investigators executed a search warrant at a condominium on Phaholyothin Road Soi 72 in Lam Luka district, Pathum Thani province, and arrested a 30-year-old man identified as Nathapol. Officers seized three illegally modified blank-fire guns—two in 9mm caliber and one in .380 caliber—along with 10 rounds of live ammunition.

The investigation began after police discovered that Nathapol had been purchasing ammunition from an underground weapons trafficking group on Facebook. After gathering evidence and obtaining a court-approved search warrant, officers arrested him and confiscated the firearms.

During questioning, Nathapol admitted to collecting firearms and possessing knowledge of gun assembly. He said he had purchased blank-fire gun receivers and barrels online for about 12,000 baht each, then modified them to fire live ammunition. He acknowledged that he had become bored with some of his collection and sold several modified guns to friends at 20,000 baht each to fund purchases of new models to add to his collection.

Police have charged him with unlawfully possessing firearms and ammunition without authorization. He remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.

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National

Thailand Courts Canva for Regional AI Design Hub

Thailand's Prime Minister visited Sydney to court Canva, seeking to establish a regional AI design hub in Thailand and develop 1,000 local designers by 2026 to boost the creative economy.

18h ago Khaosod

Prime Minister leads Thai delegation to Australia to attract Canva, establish regional AI design center and develop Thai designers for global markets to boost creative economy. Board of Investment Secretary General Narirat Thetsathirasak disclosed that on August 18, 2025, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Thai public and private sector representatives traveled to Sydney, Australia to expand cooperation in economics, trade, and investment. They met with executives from Canva, a leading Australian technology company, to discuss expanding the company's business in Thailand.

Canva currently has over 265 million monthly users across more than 190 countries, while Thailand has around 7 million monthly users and over 30 million cumulative accounts, demonstrating Thailand's potential both as a market and as a base for design and creative talent. The Prime Minister invited Canva to consider establishing a regional office and AI-Design Research Center in Thailand to enhance the creative economy, develop design and AI skills, and help Thai SMEs develop competitive products for the global market.

Canva plans to increase Thai designers, or Canva Creators, from 190 to 1,000 within 2026, and will collaborate with the Department of Business Development and the Digital Economy Promotion Agency to train 40,000 Thai SMEs in product visual identity and packaging design. In education, Canva is partnering with the Education Ministry and the Office of the Education Council to provide free access to Canva Education to over 3.3 million teachers and students, with a target of expanding to 6.6 million by 2026.

Thailand and Australia advance technology and innovation cooperation.

The Prime Minister chaired the Thailand-Australia Investment & Business Partnership Reception at Crown Towers Sydney, organized by the Board of Investment, attended by around 70 executives from Australian companies in advanced manufacturing, agriculture and food, digital technology, medical, mining, renewable energy, and service industries. Thai private sector participants on the delegation included CPF, Thai Beverage, Central Group, PTT, PTT Exploration and Production, B.Grimm Power, Gulf, Supalai, Frasers Property, SCG International, Thai Union, and Baan Poo to match businesses and expand cooperation with Australian companies.

The Prime Minister noted that 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of Thai-Australian diplomatic relations, and both countries have complementary strengths. Thailand has a strong food production and processing base, while Australia has capabilities in AgriTech, renewable energy, energy storage systems, digital technology, creative industries, and advanced manufacturing.

Australian investment in Thailand has room to grow further.

Narirat stated that Australian investment in Thailand still has expansion potential, particularly in technology-driven, innovation-based businesses linked to Thailand's industrial base. Between 2021 and June 2025, 93 Australian investment and joint venture projects totaling 33.425 billion baht applied for investment promotion, with digital leading at 13.833 billion baht, followed by chemicals at 6.936 billion baht, and agriculture and food processing at 3.810 billion baht. Currently, several Australian companies invest in Thailand across various sectors, including ANCA in machinery and automation systems, ARB in automotive parts, Ridley Corporation in animal feed research and production, and Ansell in medical glove manufacturing.

"Australia has potential in technology and innovation, while Thailand has a strong industrial base and serves as a gateway to ASEAN. This visit is an opportunity to connect the strengths of both countries to launch new technology-driven businesses that create higher added value," Narirat said.

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National

Track Asia Cup 2026 Draws 21 Nations, 38 Teams

Record 38 teams from 21 Asian nations will compete at Track Asia Cup 2026 in Bangkok on August 28–30, earning world ranking points toward Olympic qualifying while supporting Thailand's preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

18h ago Khaosod

Track Asia Cup 2026, an elite international track cycling championship, will feature a record number of competing teams as cyclists from across Asia prepare to compete for world ranking points toward qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in the United States. The tournament will take place August 28–30 at the Huamark Velodrome at the Sports Authority of Thailand, with General Decha Mekarachree, president of the Cycling Association of Thailand, leading the press conference on August 18 alongside board members, sponsors, and media.

The Cycling Association of Thailand has registered the event with the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) as a Class 1 competition on the UCI calendar, earning world ranking points for Olympic qualifying purposes and eligibility for Nations Cup and World Championships events. A total of 38 teams from 21 countries will compete—both national squads and club teams. National teams will include representatives from Thailand, Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Australia, Malaysia, Macau, Indonesia, the Philippines, India, Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Bahrain, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan.

Club-level entrants number 23 teams: six from South Korea (Sangju Cycling, Samyang Cycling, KSPO Cycling, KNSU, Yonchon Cycling, and Yongdeungpo Technical High School); three from China (Yunnan Cycling, Guangsu Cycling, and Shenzhen Cycling); two from Taiwan (Xinche High School and Fulcrum Gaosong 0715); two from Hong Kong (HKSI and CAHK); two from Malaysia (Selangor Cycling Federation and Cahaya Mata); plus Standard Insurance from the Philippines, QLD from Australia, Jakarta Pro Cycling from Indonesia, and club teams from Sweden, the United States, Cuba, Slovakia, and Velodrome Thailand.

General Decha noted that the 38 teams and over 1,000 athletes and officials from 21 countries mark a historic turnout, bringing significant economic benefit to surrounding businesses and supporting tourism promotion. The opening ceremony on August 28 at 2:00 p.m. will be presided over by Datuk Amaejit Singh Gill, president of the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC), and will feature cultural performances including Khon dance from Ramkhamhaeng University and traditional pipe music from Vachirawut College.

General Decha announced that Thailand's national team—preparing for the 20th Asian Games in Tianjin, China—will return to compete in this championship. Athletes including Lieutenant Colonel Chutathip Manee-Phun (Bee), Jay Ang-Suthasawit (TJ), Lieutenant Colonel Noraserdsathan Boonma (Naew), and Senior Sergeant Major Yuenyong Phetrat (Makham) will compete alongside other Thai cyclists for testing and international competition experience before returning to final training in Tianjin prior to competing at the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan in September.

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National

Phichit Set to Dismiss 65 Officials Over Local Exam Fraud

About 65 Phichit civil servants face dismissal after being caught cheating on local government exams, with provincial officials to issue formal resolutions this week.

18h ago Khaosod

Phichit Deputy Governor Kittipol Wetchkul announced on August 18 that approximately 65 civil servants in Phichit Province are under investigation for cheating on local government examinations. The Department of Local Administration has issued guidelines for action, with provincial administrative organizations, municipalities, and subdistrict administrative organizations scheduled to hold meetings to issue resolutions and forward recommendations to their respective local government bodies.

The central Department of Local Administration has sent a list of names and instructions to cancel previous entries where score alterations were discovered, requiring the publication of a revised roster. Kittipol said that while the exact details of all 65 cases are still being reviewed, another meeting is expected within the next week before the matter is referred to local government organizations for consideration. As of now, no officials in Phichit have formally submitted resignation letters, though the situation is expected to become clearer after next week's meeting.

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National

Thailand Investigates Nok Air Overbooking, Mandates Passenger Compensation

Thailand's aviation regulator is investigating Nok Air for denying a passenger boarding on an August flight from Trang due to overbooking, reviewing whether the airline provided required compensation including meals, accommodation, and 1,50

18h ago Khaosod

Thailand's Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) is investigating a passenger denied boarding on Nok Air flight DD593 from Trang to Bangkok due to overbooking on August 16, 2025. The authority is reviewing whether the airline complied fully with passenger protection rights under Civil Aviation Commission Regulation 101.

Overbooking is a standard seat management practice where airlines sell more tickets than available seats based on historical no-show data. However, when all passengers show up, some must be denied boarding.

Under Regulation 101, airlines must first request volunteers to give up their seats in exchange for agreed benefits. If no volunteers come forward and the airline denies boarding, affected passengers are entitled to meals and refreshments, communication assistance, accommodation, and ground transportation if an overnight stay is necessary. The airline must then offer the passenger either a full ticket refund, credit voucher, rebooking on another flight at no cost, or alternative transport such as bus or train service. Domestic flight passengers are also entitled to 1,500 baht in compensation.

CAAT emphasized that these are minimum standards and do not prevent passengers from pursuing additional claims under other applicable laws. The authority will check whether Nok Air followed all required procedures in the DD593 case and will take appropriate action. CAAT advises passengers to check in on time as specified by airlines to ensure their travel rights, and to file complaints if they are denied boarding due to overbooking without receiving proper care or compensation.

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National

Village Security Chief Wields Giant Cleaver at Concert

An assistant village headman in Udon Thani went viral after patrolling a concert stage armed with a giant cleaver instead of a firearm, following a no-guns policy.

18h ago Khaosod

An assistant village headman in Udon Thani drew widespread online attention after a video showed him patrolling the area in front of a concert stage while carrying a giant cleaver. The clip was posted by the Chief Sam Achisawat Udon Thani Facebook page with the caption: "Following the government policy, no guns allowed." Social media users joked that the official resembled a Soul Reaper captain from the anime and manga Bleach, wielding a soul-cutter sword to protect the stage area. The humorous video quickly went viral, with viewers praising his unconventional but creative approach to security.

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National

Parliament Chief Enforces ID Cards, Weapons Ban, Vehicle Inspections

Parliament enforces new security protocols requiring all visitors, including lawmakers, to carry ID badges, surrender weapons, and pass through X-ray screening without exception starting immediately.

19h ago Khaosod

At 2 p.m. on August 18, Parliament President Sopon Saramyu outlined enhanced security protocols for the National Assembly building. The measures exceed existing regulations and apply uniformly to all visitors. This morning, Saramyu said he personally attempted to bypass the X-ray machine out of habit, but parliament security officers stopped him and directed him through the checkpoint—a decision he praised. "From now on, anyone entering parliament must comply with weapons prohibitions. Vehicles must have windows rolled down for officer inspection without complaint," Saramyu stated. "Everyone must wear ID badges. Previously I sometimes wore one and sometimes didn't, but now it is mandatory even for leadership. Anyone without a badge who cannot answer security questions will be asked to leave." When asked if these rules apply equally to lawmakers and senators, Saramyu confirmed they do, citing his own experience this morning as proof that security officers show no favoritism. He also urged officers to enforce a strict no-tips policy and prevent unauthorized visitors from entering private offices or restricted meeting rooms. "There are no exceptions. I've asked the media to help spread this message so people know in advance," he said. "Weapons must be stored or surrendered—we provide secure storage." Saramyu stressed that parliament staff conduct regular safety drills including fire procedures and crowd control to ensure readiness. He guaranteed 100 percent security for next week's session, emphasizing that these measures are preventive, not reactive. "I didn't stage this morning's inspection. Security officers genuinely required me to pass through the X-ray machine. Even with multiple entrances to parliament, every access point will be secure," Saramyu concluded.

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National

Bangkok's New City Plan Reshapes Housing Market Competition

Bangkok's relaxed zoning rules are allowing developers to build cheaper housing in the capital, pulling buyer demand away from expensive suburban markets in nearby provinces like Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani.

19h ago Khaosod

Kiatnakin Bank's commercial lending division has released an analysis of the real estate market's response to Bangkok's new comprehensive city plan, predicting a game-changing shift in residential competition between the capital and its suburbs. Historically, strict zoning rules drove up development costs in Bangkok, forcing budget-conscious buyers to the outlying provinces of Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi, and Nakhon Pathom. The revised plan relaxes multiple regulations, including reduced minimum plot sizes—unlocking the ability to build 50-square-wah townhouses and single-family homes—and expanded building height ceilings on many streets, where some condominiums can now rise from 4,000 to 10,000 square meters.

These relaxations allow developers to lower per-unit costs and price competitively with suburban projects, triggering what analysts call the Pull-Back Effect, where buyer demand shifts back into Bangkok and away from fringe areas. The bank has identified five strategic zones facing direct pressure: the North-West zone (Nonthaburi-Nakhon Pathom), valued at approximately 16,000 million baht annually in horizontal home sales at 8–15 million baht per unit in areas like Bang Bua Thong and Salaya, is now competing directly with newly unlocked areas like Talad Ling and Tawi Wattana, where developers can now build flexible 50-square-wah townhouses and premium townhomes at comparable prices. Consumers are factoring in travel time, willing to sacrifice some land size to live closer to Petchburi Road and avoid morning traffic on the outer ring road. The result will be new supply emerging in Tawi Wattana to capture buyers before they head to Nonthaburi and Nakhon Pathom. The Lam Lukka-Rangsit zone (Pathum Thani), worth roughly 12,000 million baht annually, faces similar restructuring as the new plan zones Don Muang and Lak Si for Airport City development, while relaxing standards on Hathairat and Khlong Sam Wa.

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