Singer and host Andy Khemapimuk hosted a press conference for the concert "Pong Rock Legacy: From the First Memory to Never Forgetting" on August 17 at Hard Rock Cafe Bangkok in the Rachaprasong area. After the event, Andy opened up about his family's decision to hold a memorial ceremony for his friend Tae Thamman (also known as Tae Dragonfire) at sea in Sattahip on August 16, since Tae loved the ocean.

Andy recounted a mysterious moment at a Ford concert on Saturday. While enjoying drinks and socializing with entertainment industry friends, he felt a strong sensation like someone nudging him intensely. When he turned around, no one was there. He interpreted this as Tae warning him not to drink too much because he had to drive to Sattahip the next morning for the memorial ceremony. He said his friends witnessed this experience. Andy explained that the family and relatives confirmed Tae had visited them too.

Regarding Tae's presence, Andy shared that the family's spirits have improved. Tae's mother is doing much better and has been supported constantly by relatives and friends. Andy praised Tae's friends for their loyalty, describing Tae as more than a friend—someone who always kept him in check. During phone calls, Tae would encourage him saying things like "Stay strong, keep your cool." Andy expressed his love for Tae, often telling him to take care of himself.

When asked if Tae had visited him in dreams or sent signs, Andy said Tae doesn't visit him much initially, though Andy usually smells incense around him but not with Tae. However, something surprising happened: at Saturday's Ford concert, while Andy was having fun and drinking, he felt the strong nudge. At Sunday's memorial ceremony in Sattahip, Andy told Tae: "You don't need to go back to Rama 7 because your brother Mongkhalkitti is already there." Andy jokingly suggested Tae stay at the sea and forget about everything, since Tae worked hard during his life, constantly worried about his mother and loved his wife deeply. Andy encouraged him to let go and move forward, promising to meet halfway.

When asked what Tae was trying to communicate with that nudge, Andy said: "He was warning me not to get too drunk because I had to leave home at 6 a.m. and drive there on time." Andy noted that Tae was a drinker but never drank much; he was very health-conscious, unlike Andy who goes all out. Andy emphasized that Tae still cares consistently, both when he was alive and now. Tae's voice still echoes in his ears, especially with a song written by Vespa called "You're Still Here." The bicycle theft case remains unsolved, and the family is awaiting police and family consideration before releasing additional CCTV footage.

Two more victims from the Ladprao beer hall fire have died in hospital as of August 18, bringing the total death toll to 41. The fire occurred in the early morning hours of July 12 at the entertainment venue near Ladprao Soi 1, Chompol subdistrict, Chatuchak district, Bangkok, resulting in numerous injuries and deaths.

The two most recent deaths in hospital on August 18 are: Khem Miechai at Rajvithi Hospital and Tatsanai Manprapan at Taksin Hospital. This brings the total hospital deaths to 14 from this incident.

Actress Daraneenanuch paid her respects to Erwin, affectionately known as "Uncle Win" among her family, at his funeral. She reflected on the deep bonds between the two families spanning generations—from her father's time through her own. Daraneenanuch shared childhood memories of visiting Uncle Win's beautiful home on Chaiyot Lane, describing his orderly household, his elegant wife Khun Na Bunlom, and the discipline and warmth that defined their time together. "Uncle Win was called by that name at our house," she explained. "Our family and Uncle Win's family were friends from my father's generation right through to ours. My older sister was friends with his eldest daughter Jill, I was friends with his middle daughter Jan, and my father was friends with Uncle Win from way back." She recalled attending school together at Wathanawittayalai and later Triam Udom Suksa, how Uncle Win would sometimes pick her up when her father was busy, and the orderly rules at his home that taught respect and discipline. As they grew older, the families remained close, even traveling together to the Netherlands and Amsterdam. In his later years, Uncle Win moved in with Jan's family, where his great-grandson Punch created the popular Mumi Memories Facebook page that brought him widespread affection and made him an inspiration to many for his close family bonds. Daraneenanuch came to say goodbye with deep love and gratitude for Uncle Win's lifelong kindness to her family. The family announced that Erwin passed away peacefully on August 15, 2026, surrounded by grandchildren who came to say their final farewells.

UBON RATCHATHANI: A Thai soldier lost his leg when he stepped on a landmine during mine clearance yesterday (Aug 17) in Ubon Ratchathani province bordering Cambodia.

Pimpichaya Kokram, Thailand's star spiker, believes the women's volleyball team is in peak form after extended preparation together. She is focused on winning match by match to reach the Asian Championship and secure an Olympic ticket.

The team will compete in the 2026 Asian Women's Volleyball Championship from August 21–30 in Tianjin, China.

"Beam" Pimpichaya Kokram said this is one of the year's most important competitions. Everyone is nearly 100 percent ready and has been playing together for a while, with excellent chemistry. The Nations League taught the team valuable lessons. She stressed her personal preference to focus on one match at a time rather than feeling pressure to win the title and reach the Olympics. "I want to focus match by match, win match by match, without feeling we need to go all out against every team."

She also reflected on past disappointments, saying the team must focus on new goals rather than dwell on painful memories. "We need to look at what we're doing now and who we want to do it for."

Thai women's volleyball team schedule (Pool B): August 21, 2 p.m.: Thailand vs Australia August 24, 3 p.m.: Thailand vs Indonesia August 25, 10 a.m.: Thailand vs Kazakhstan

Samut Prakan police have arrested two suspected gunmen, including a 16-year-old, after two youths were seriously injured in a motorcycle shooting on Srinakarin Road early Sunday. The suspects said the modified, unlicensed firearms used in the attack had been purchased online.

The shooting occurred at about 02:00 in Muang district, Samut Prakan. The two victims were struck in the abdomen and other parts of their bodies, police said.

Police said CCTV footage helped officers identify the alleged gunmen within hours. The suspects were 16 and 19 years old. They were arrested at homes in Bang Bo district.

A search of the premises reportedly uncovered several modified, unlicensed firearms, including magazine-fed guns, pen guns and a long automatic firearm with a folding stock. The two were taken to Muang Samut Prakan Police Station for questioning.

Provincial police commander Pol Maj Gen Phumin Singhasut later praised officers for making the arrests quickly.

The two suspects have initially been charged with attempted murder and firearms-related offences. Police said about seven other suspects, aged 16 to 19, remain at large.

Investigators said the two suspects claimed the firearms had been purchased online. Police are expanding the investigation to trace the alleged sellers.