Amulet dealer Pont Thaprajan issued another clarification on his Facebook page in an attempt to close the drama surrounding his recent controversy. He faced scrutiny after a 60-year-old woman brought 14 Buddhist amulets valued at approximately 2.5 million baht for appraisal. When the items were sent for secondary expert evaluation, questions arose about eight Luang Pu Tim coins that were labeled as gold, sparking widespread criticism.

Pont denied any fraudulent intent and called on all parties to provide complete factual information. He acknowledged that some information became inaccurate due to communication errors from his team and apologized to the amulet owner. As business owner, Pont disclosed that he had terminated one staff member to demonstrate accountability and prevent similar issues. He emphasized that from the beginning he has worked to resolve the matter honestly and take full responsibility.

Pont thanked the amulet owner and others involved for helping clarify the facts, and committed to improving his operations and organizational development to restore customer and collector confidence. He stressed that his issues involved only himself and not his family, and appealed to media and the public to verify information from both sides before reporting, requesting fair treatment for all involved. He stated: "I am ready to take responsibility for what happened and fix everything as best I can. I have never intended to commit fraud. I want everyone to hear information from all sides, and let facts be the judge."

The seventh Maharaj Chakri Royal Award selection workshop was held on August 8, 2569, at TK Palace and Convention Hotel in Bangkok, organized by the Maharaj Chakri Royal Award Foundation and the Education Equity Fund Office. Selection committee representatives from throughout Thailand participated in the working session.

The meeting was opened by Krittapong Kirtikorn, Chairman of the Maharaj Chakri Royal Award Foundation, and Benjlakshana Namfah, Board Member and Director. For Kanchanaburi Province, Provincial Education Officer Patma Duang Gaew assigned Associate Professor Wilaiwan Santhavakormol, a committee expert, to lead profile compilation work, with support from Chatkul Trongkhomali of the provincial Teachers Council.

During the session, Buppha Pongphibool, a selection committee expert from Kanchanaburi, shared experience on the topic "Stories That Inspire" to guide participants in documenting narratives of teachers who create positive change in their students.

Buppha, who compiled the analysis that led to Praiwan Yapun from Kanchanaburi winning the Maharaj Chakri Award in 2568, explained her writing approach: "Writing must paint a clear picture of the teacher's distinctive qualities and how they surpass others according to the criteria. The narrative should flow like a story worth reading aloud, without citing abstract theories. Instead, show clearly how the teacher's actions impact students, because readers cannot experience this firsthand but only through your words."

Buppha concluded: "As the Maharaj Chakri Royal Award coordination center for Kanchanaburi Province, we are committed to identifying teachers who have made meaningful contributions to students and education, so we may honor and celebrate their impact on society."

Staff and patients at Chumchang Health Promotion Hospital in Chom Phra district, Surin province, were alarmed on August 14 when four green pit vipers slipped into the wound treatment and emergency room on the second floor. Rescue teams from the subdistrict office responded and spent approximately 30 minutes locating and capturing the snakes, which had hidden in corners and crevices throughout the room. Using mosquito repellent spray to drive the snakes from their hiding places, rescue workers successfully caught and removed all four snakes from the building. Inspection confirmed three males and one female, classified as green pit vipers. All snakes were subsequently released into a suitable natural area.

The incident was unprecedented for hospital staff, as they had never encountered multiple snakes in the wound room simultaneously. The fortunate discovery was aided by the hospital's clean, well-organized facilities. Officials believe the snakes likely emerged from the forest area adjacent to the hospital and entered the building seeking shelter in the comfortable indoor environment. The simultaneous presence of both male and female snakes suggests possible mating season behavior.

While the exact cause remains speculative, the incident prompted patients to convert the snake count into lucky numbers—413—to be used for lottery betting. Health authorities have issued a warning to the public about the increased likelihood of encountering reptiles during unpredictable weather patterns, with both rain and heat driving animals from their natural habitats in search of shelter. Residents are urged to increase vigilance, particularly in dark corners, storage areas, bathrooms, and spaces near forests or overgrown land. If an unfamiliar snake or reptile is encountered, the public is advised not to attempt capture but to maintain distance, block the area, and alert trained professionals. This incident serves as a reminder that even well-maintained, enclosed buildings can become refuge for reptiles, warranting regular inspection and constant caution.

BANGKOK — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will make official visits to Australia from 17–20 August and New Zealand from 20–22 August, seeking to expand markets for Thai goods, attract investment and strengthen strategic partnerships.

Government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said the visits, made at the invitation of the two countries' prime ministers, will also seek to link businesses and increase cooperation on security and people-to-people travel.

The Australia trip will be the first official visit by a Thai prime minister in 14 years, ahead of the 75th anniversary of Thai-Australian diplomatic relations in 2027.

Anutin is due to meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to advance the Thailand-Australia Strategic Partnership in trade, investment, security, clean energy, science, technology and innovation. They will also seek to implement the 2026–2029 Thailand-Australia Strategic Partnership Action Plan.

The prime minister will be accompanied by Thai private-sector representatives and attend a Thai-Australian business networking event organised by the Board of Investment and Austrade. The government hopes the visit will help Thai businesses build networks, find partners and develop investments.

Thailand will also encourage greater Australian investment, particularly in future industries and clean energy, which the government said could support investment, jobs and technology transfer.

Rachada said Thailand would seek to expand science, technology and innovation cooperation, especially between the National Science and Technology Development Agency and Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, or CSIRO, to help turn research into commercial applications.

The cooperation is also intended to give Thai start-ups and innovators opportunities to learn from Australia's innovation ecosystem and connect with international markets.

The New Zealand visit will be the first by a Thai prime minister in 13 years and coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Anutin is scheduled to meet New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and sign a joint declaration formally upgrading Thailand-New Zealand relations to a strategic partnership, providing a framework for longer-term cooperation.

Thailand will seek greater access to the New Zealand market for agricultural products, food, consumer goods and retail businesses, while also encouraging New Zealand investment in Thailand.

Anutin is due to meet companies interested in investing in Thailand, including tourism operator Skyline Enterprises and appliance manufacturer Fisher & Paykel. Thai business representatives will also take part in networking and business-matching activities with New Zealand firms.

Thailand and New Zealand will also seek closer cooperation against transnational crime, Rachada said.

The government will additionally push for the resumption of direct flights between Bangkok and Auckland.

SPM Specialty BabyMilk has announced a partnership with Future (Thailand) to expand its Australian infant formula product line in the Thai market. The collaboration introduces three products—Future A2 Protein, Future Organic A2 Protein, and Nutura Organic—supported by a comprehensive supply chain system covering nutrition information, storage, and distribution to build consumer trust and enable long-term growth.

Soe Kammint, Future (Thailand) representative, said the partnership reflects shared business values, including sustainable farmer and consumer care and a commitment to product quality. The products use a single-dried process that preserves protein integrity and nutritional value. SPM Specialty BabyMilk has been appointed as the company's nutrition consultant in Thailand.

Achira Jenphasaa, Head of Regulations at SPM, emphasized that the partnership aligns with the company's focus on scientific evidence, product quality verification, and accurate consumer information. "Nutrition is not fashion—it is about facts and what consumers choose for their families. Accurate information and customer benefit must come first," she said. The company selects brands based on product data, scientific evidence, production standards, and service readiness, establishing partnerships with long-term frameworks exceeding 10 years.

P, Head of Logistics, revealed that SPM has developed warehouse and logistics infrastructure meeting brand standards. The company operates seven warehouses across four distribution centers with temperature-controlled facilities maintaining 22 degrees Celsius around the clock, plus security systems to support all three product groups. The system also enables traceability and product recall processes to manage risk and maintain quality control throughout storage and distribution.

SPM Specialty BabyMilk is also negotiating with another Australian brand for warehouse and nutrition consulting services, with contracts expected by year-end.

Pruksa Holding reported first-half 2025 total revenue of 7.549 billion baht, a 9% increase from the same period last year, with net profit of 197 million baht, up 120%. The company maintains strong financial health with a net debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23x, down from 0.28x at year-end 2024, an average borrowing cost of 2.5%, and liquidity exceeding 3x. A total credit facility of 17.2 billion baht supports future expansion into recurring-income businesses, and the company declared an interim dividend of 0.05 baht per share, to be paid on 11 September 2025.

The company is restructuring its portfolio by leveraging its real estate and construction strengths to expand into recurring-income businesses such as OMEGA Smart Warehouse and iPlern Branded Apartments, alongside its hospital operations, to drive its "Lifetime Well-Living" vision. OMEGA Smart Warehouse at Bang Na comprises approximately 217,000 square metres across three buildings with capacity for over 155,000 pallets of automated storage and is set to open in the fourth quarter of 2025 under a 20-year service contract with minimum revenue guarantees and profit-sharing terms.

The iPlern apartment rental business plans to develop 60 buildings with 4,300 units across six strategic locations, with rents ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 baht per month. Currently, six buildings are open with 100% occupancy, comprising two in Rangsit, three in Lam Luk Ka, and one in Bo Win. An additional 34 buildings are planned for the second half and 20 more in 2026, targeting a net yield of 7–8% using precast technology to accelerate construction and rental income.

Pruksa Real Estate reported first-half revenue of 5.942 billion baht, up 15% year-on-year, driven by a 66% increase in condominium transfers and a 10% rise in townhouse sales. For 2025, the company plans to launch six new projects worth 7.26 billion baht; four projects worth 4.06 billion baht have already opened, with two more worth 3.2 billion baht, including Chapter One Block 19 Ratchada and Chapter One Rise Tha Phra, planned for the second half. The company is running a "PRUKSA D-DAY SUPER SALE" campaign from 20–23 August 2025 and has introduced "PRUKSA PASS", allowing qualified customers to occupy units and pay directly to the project for up to 12 months before applying the payments toward the purchase price upon transfer.