Ayutthaya police seize 320kg of crystal meth worth 38 million bahtLegacyOfficers from the Ayutthaya Highway Police, working with the Narcotics Suppression Bureau, seized 320 kilogrammes of crystal methamphetamine worth an estimated 38 million baht on the evening of August 8. The driver of the vehicle escaped on foot before he could be arrested. According to a report from the Highway Police Facebook page, investigators had been monitoring a drug network collecting narcotics from Udon Thani province for transport to Bangkok. A closed-body pickup truck matching the network’s profile was spotted travelling through Wang Noi district in Ayutthaya. Officers moved to stop the vehicle, but the driver noticed and sped towards the Wang Noi power plant before abandoning the truck and fleeing on foot. Photo courtesy of Matichon A search of the refrigerated compartment at the rear of the vehicle turned up 323 bags of crystal methamphetamine, weighing roughly 320 kilogrammes in total. Forensic officers were called to the scene to collect evidence. The Narcotics Suppression Bureau said the investigation is ongoing, with police working to track down the driver and identify other members of the network, reported Matichon. Photo courtesy of Matichon In another separate incident, Narcotics Suppression Police Region 3, with the Pha Muang Task Force and Ranger Regiment 31, seized eight million methamphetamine pills hidden in a Chiang Rai cemetery on August 1. Officers recovered 27 sacks of drugs from Ban Sao Wa cemetery in San Sai Ngam subdistrict, Thoeng district, concealed among gravesites awaiting onward transport. Each pill bore a red ‘999’ stamp linked to a Myanmar-based production network. The shipment crossed from Shan State through Laos and remote Chiang Rai border routes before reaching the cemetery. Police believe a fugitive known as ‘Long’, wanted and hiding in Laos, financed the operation. The story Ayutthaya police seize 320kg of crystal meth worth 38 million baht as seen on Thaiger News.

Parent network representatives Natthapon Saketee and Parisa Silaengchai from Thepsirin Nonthaburi School went to Plaibang Police Station to file a report and clear up rumors that there were two gunmen involved in the school violence. They addressed the media to clarify facts and protect the school's reputation and students' mental wellbeing.

They revealed that messages shared among students and parents had caused panic and concern that multiple perpetrators or a repeat incident might occur. Investigation found the confusion stemmed from a misunderstanding by students. On the day of the incident, when students ran down from the building, they saw a man in black carrying a gun and mistakenly thought there were two perpetrators. In reality, the man in black was an off-duty police officer (a "dab" officer) from Lumpini Station—the first responder to arrive at the scene, who showed his identification before leading students out of the building.

When asked whether the perpetrator had been bullied or showed warning signs, the parent representatives stated the student appeared normal with no indicators of violence. They refuted claims that the school was negligent, lacked discipline, or tolerated bullying that led to the incident.

"This information is not true. The student perpetrator did not show abnormal behavior or warning signs requiring special attention. On the day of the incident, after leaving home, he arrived at school around 06:20, participated in the national flag salute, and attended the first class as usual before the incident occurred," they said.

They confirmed the school has comprehensive CCTV coverage and dedicated teachers, and that bullying would not be tolerated. They urged society to understand the facts and encouraged students to build mental strength.

The school announced it would suspend classes on August 10–12 and 13–14, resuming on Monday, August 17. Mental health support from the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and related agencies has been provided to assess students' psychological well-being. Regular police officers monitor traffic and patrol the school grounds daily. Additional deep-level security measures are under discussion pending formal administrative review.

The parent representatives affirmed 100% confidence in the school.

Thailand's national road cycling and mountain bike championships, held for the King Bhumibol Trophy and the Royal Cup respectively, culminated in their fifth and final round from August 7–9 at Bhumibol Dam in Samngao District, Tak Province. The road race opening ceremony on August 9 at Sirichol Grounds was presided over by district officer Bun Liam Takham, joined by Deputy Governor Sunee Busphan, Dam Director Prasit Upchit, Thailand Tourism Authority director Thamalvarn Charoenvoungpísit, and cycling federation leaders.

Bhumibol Dam director Prasit Upchit explained that the fifth-round course includes routes both inside and outside the dam, with the mountain bike section presenting particular challenges demanding superior skill, physical conditioning, and quality equipment. The external routes benefited from strong cooperation among government agencies, private sector partners, and local administration, with Samngao police managing traffic effectively. Cyclists were encouraged to explore Bhumibol Dam's numerous tourist attractions, including viewpoints and camping areas, while the dam supported local economic development by allowing community members to sell food, beverages, and souvenirs at no cost.

Upchit expressed gratitude to Tak Province Governor Chusakdi Ruying and cycling federation president General Decha Mekkraseree for enabling Bhumibol Dam's participation and voiced hopes for hosting the championships again in 2570 (2027). Tourism Authority director Thamalvarn noted that this marks the second consecutive year of support for the event, which promotes tourism by drawing athletes to major attractions such as Wat Phra Boromthat Tak, the ancient teak houses along the Ping River, and the world's longest petrified wood at Doi Soi Dao National Park in Ban Tak District. The event benefits local economies through increased visitor spending and coordinated community engagement. The championship rounds were broadcast live on Thai PBS (Channel 3) and via Facebook Live and YouTube through the Thailand Cycling Association, attracting over 20,000 viewers in select categories.

Thai Unity Party held a candidate launch event on August 9, 2026, at Wang Prachab Community Hall in Tak Province, introducing Chanida Ohnprom—known locally as 'Dr. Da, the Compassionate Doctor'—as their nominee for District 1 representative in the next nationwide parliamentary election scheduled four years ahead. The event drew large crowds of community members.

Chanida, 39, a professional nurse at Naresuan University Hospital and owner of Chanida Clinic, explained her decision to enter politics stems from genuine commitment rather than ambition for office. She aims to leverage her experience and knowledge to address challenges facing constituents across four districts: Muang Tak, Wang Chao, Sam Ngao, and Ban Tak. She emphasized that many residents struggle with income, employment, living costs, and limited access to education and public services, and that these problems require serious policy solutions, not merely listening.

Chanida pledged to conduct regular community outreach across all four districts to collaborate on problem-solving and development initiatives. Known for her tireless dedication to patients—answering calls at all hours, day and night—she has earned the affectionate nickname 'Dr. Da, the Compassionate Doctor' from local residents.

On August 9, 2025, Nattapong Rueangpanyawuthi, list MP and leader of the Pheu Chon Party, posted on Facebook on the occasion of the party's two-year anniversary, marking the mission to win elections, transform the country, and return power to the people. He noted that August 9, 2023, was the day the Pheu Chon Party was founded to carry on the political mission and ideology following the dissolution of the Move Forward Party. Tracing the journey further back to August 7, 2016, when the 2017 constitution was approved by referendum, Rueangpanyawuthi explained how mechanisms from the 2014 coup were embedded in the constitution to allow the coup faction's political groups to retain power easily.

In 2018, the Future Forward Party emerged with hopes to create new-style politics with the simple but crucial goal of ensuring ultimate sovereignty rests with the people. Though Future Forward was later dissolved and Move Forward subsequently ended, the determination to change the country through democratic processes remained steadfast. In 2023, Move Forward proved it could win elections despite unfair rules, though popular votes were not converted into government formation. Despite not holding executive power, the party has continued its work as an opposition force conducting rigorous oversight and pushing forward important legislation.

Rueangpanyawuthi stated that as the Pheu Chon Party enters its third year, while it may not be in government and the 2025 election results may not have gone as hoped, these circumstances have not changed the party's core objectives. Winning elections and using state power to transform the country remains a crucial goal, but in the interim, the party will leverage every platform, authority, and opportunity the people grant to advance beneficial change.

He noted that as the coup faction's power has waned, mechanisms embedded in the 2017 constitution have become tools exploited by certain political groups, creating what is termed the "blue regime." This phenomenon has shaken the rule of law and justice system, raising new questions about preventing state failure and strengthening democratic capacity. Beyond domestic political challenges, Thailand faces significant geopolitical shifts requiring new strategic approaches to major powers.

Ultimately, Rueangpanyawuthi argued that today's central political question is not merely agreement or disagreement with particular groups or methods, but rather what direction the country should take and what future Thais envision—a choice between politics based on power networks and patronage, or politics grounded in the belief that ultimate power belongs to the people.

Thai farmers are voicing concerns about Chinese vegetables and fruits flooding the Thai market and damaging the agricultural sector across all regions. The leader of the Ruam Jai Thai party is urging people to support locally-grown produce from community farmers to stimulate the local economy. On August 9, Boonruai Yomchinda, party leader and list MP, visited Tak province and inspected Wanghin market to hear concerns from local merchants. Boonruai noted that the main worry among traders is the steady influx of Chinese agricultural products undercutting Thai farmers, which is harming the entire agricultural sector. He emphasized that imports of Chinese fruits, vegetables, and other produce are damaging Thailand's agricultural market and called on the public to support locally-grown vegetables and fruits from household farms and community farmers. Beyond guaranteeing freshness, cleanliness, and safety from harmful chemicals, he said such support would stimulate the local economy. He also mentioned that preliminary discussions have been held with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul regarding Phase 2 of the Thai Help Thai economic stimulus program, which aims to provide equitable assistance and boost grassroots economic activity.