Bangkok Auto Salon 2026 will showcase custom-modified vehicles from Japan's leading tuning shops from August 26-30 at Bitec Bangkok. Varaksorn Lortong, vice president and managing director of Siam Sport Digital Media, explained that Bangkok Auto Salon is Thailand's first major custom car and modification equipment festival and has played a crucial role in building car modification culture in the country. The event has reached its 12th edition through continuous success, supported by San-Ei Corporation, the organizer and licensor of Tokyo Auto Salon, which has backed the event for over a decade.

Ranrit Sueovaja, managing director of Corno and Nash, the official organizer of Bangkok Auto Salon 2026, stated that the previous 11 editions have inspired new car modification events throughout Bangkok, keeping the custom car scene vibrant. Under this year's theme "Celebrate Bangkok Destination," organizers aim to position Bangkok as a gathering point for car enthusiasts across Southeast Asia. Highlights include showcase halls featuring championship-level modified cars from Tokyo Auto Salon, special custom vehicles from major automakers like Toyota, Honda, and Mazda, a premier accessories zone with over 200 international brands, best car awards selected by Japanese and Thai judges, meet-and-greets with legendary Japanese tuning shop owners, and an e-motorsport experience zone showcasing electric vehicle performance.

At 14:00 on August 15, 2025, at Bangkok Railway Station, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Chaiyawongse, speaking as leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, addressed his encounter with former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and former PM Somchai Wongsawat at the funeral of Kriang Kalpitinant, a former deputy interior minister.

"We met at the funeral of someone we respect," Anutin said. "This wasn't a social gathering. Exchanging greetings and showing respect is normal."

When asked if he would meet Thaksin again, Anutin said he has remained in contact with Thaksin, Somchai, and Paetongtarn since knowing them. "Why wouldn't we meet? We're in the same government. There's no reason not to."

On the political adage that there are no permanent allies or enemies, Anutin said that if aligned goals—benefiting the people and strengthening the nation—are shared, personal grievances should take a back seat.

Regarding suggestions to bring new parties into the coalition, Anutin brushed the question aside with "Has that ever happened?"

When pressed on talk that some parties are waiting to switch sides, Anutin noted that all parties naturally want to govern. "But once elections are held and a government is formed, everyone must do their job fully—the opposition must oversee, and the government must work hard."

Asked if he is confident the government will last the full four years, Anutin laughed and replied, "We must stay the course if we can, to benefit the country and people."

He expressed concern that government policies achieve their targets. He noted that the popular 60-40 Thai Help Thai Plus scheme has earned public approval and boosted economic figures, which he hopes will continue improving.

When told that people want Thai Help Thai Plus to continue in phases, Anutin said he hears all feedback but emphasized the need to consider methods, budgets, and maximum benefit. "This isn't welfare populism," he clarified. "It's about giving people a stake in national development and lifting the economy."

The Phuea Luang faction, comprising members of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization Council under the leadership of the late Pol. Col. Thongchai Yen-praserit, held an emergency meeting on August 15, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Hall 5 of Saphan Sung Temple in Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province. Thongchai was killed on August 10 when former three-term Nonthaburi parliamentarian Chalop Rueang-raeng opened fire as the governor was preparing to leave the parking area behind the provincial administration building.

Following discussions among council members of the Phuea Luang faction, the group formally resolved to endorse Naruephan Yen-praserit, grandson of Pol. Col. Thongchai Yen-praserit, to run for the vacant position of provincial administrator. Candidate registration will be held on August 18. The faction believes that Nonthaburi residents, familiar with Pol. Col. Thongchai's accomplishments as former administrator, will support his grandson in honor of the late official, even as the Palang Prachachon Party announces its own candidate for the race.

The team of Suriyun Saengtiannoi, a renowned ONE Championship boxer, has updated his condition following a CT scan after he was struck by a minivan while jogging and sustained injuries. Doctors are monitoring him closely.

Suriyanth Thiennoi, 29, known as Suriyun Saengtiannoi, a famous Muay Thai boxer with ONE Championship, was hit by a minivan while exercising along a roadside on Khlong Prem Road in Chiang Rak Noi subdistrict, Samkok District, Pathum Thani Province, on the morning of August 15.

Latest Update (August 15, 2569): The Sangtiennoi Official page provided an update on Suriyun's condition following the accident that occurred today. Suriyun has completed his CT scan. The scan results show no brain bleeding and no broken or fractured bones.

Suriyun is currently alert and able to communicate normally. He has bruising across his body from the accident but no serious wounds. He remains under close medical supervision and observation for safety. The team thanks all the messages, concerns, and encouragement sent to Suriyun Saengtiannoi, and asks the public to follow official channels for accurate updates to prevent misinformation. Further updates will be provided as they become available.

The Thai Craft Promotion Institute (SACIT), under the Ministry of Commerce, is driving Thai handicrafts toward sustainability through a Sustainable Craft Business Model designed to systematically strengthen Thai artisanal potential across economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions, aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. SACIT has selected Varni Craft from Phatthalung province as a successful model for creating sustainable local handicraft practices under an ESG framework, elevating local wisdom into globally recognized creative business.

Director Anucha Theerakanan of SACIT stated that the institute is advancing Thai handicrafts under the vision "Nurturing Thai Crafts to Global Trends," using the Sustainable Craft Business Model as a framework for integrated development of Thai craft entrepreneurs across the entire value chain.

This encompasses preserving knowledge and cultural capital, upgrading artisan skills, product design and development, responsible production, co-creating value with communities, and building brands to expand markets. The goal is to enable Thai handicrafts to compete in modern markets while preserving local identity and wisdom alongside generating stable community income.

"This model is not merely an environmental practice, but a strategy that transforms Thai crafts into premium lifestyle products, drives sustainable growth in the Thai craft ecosystem, and establishes Thai crafts as a genuine 'planet-conscious brand'," Anucha said.

Varni Craft from Phatthalung, founded in 2014 by Manutphong Senghuad, an heir to traditional palm-weaving craftsmanship under SACIT, represents a concrete application of the Sustainable Craft Business Model. It has transformed the palm-weaving knowledge of the Thale Noi community into contemporary lifestyle products through brand identity development, modern product design, and upgraded production processes aligned with circular economy principles. This has created added value while generating income for producers in the community and expanded business opportunities in both domestic and international markets.

Vice Director Sangravee Singhawibuul noted that Varni Craft's success demonstrates the transformation of the palm plant—traditionally viewed merely as wetland vegetation in the Thale Noi area—into a valued community commodity. Through upcycling and creative innovation, it generates continuous income for the locality.

"The product has also been elevated through geographic indication (GI) registration, recognizing that palm plants from Phatthalung's unique wetland ecosystem possess special properties: resilient, supple fibers and natural beautiful colors. Combined with traditional weaving wisdom, this creates craft products with both cultural storytelling and international quality standards," Sangravee concluded.

Thailand moves ahead with gun law despite sport shooting concernsLegacyThailand’s government is pressing ahead with stricter firearms controls, even as the country’s shooting sport association raises concerns that the new rules are disrupting athlete training and gun transport. The prime minister addressed the pushback after the shooting sport association flagged that tightened gun control measures were making it harder for competitors to move their firearms and continue regular training. He said the Interior Ministry’s Department of Provincial Administration, the Sports Authority of Thailand, and the shooting sport association are now working closely together to resolve the issue. Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed the government will continue pushing additional firearms control legislation. He added that officials would examine the details carefully to ensure the rules are proportionate and don’t create problems for people who legitimately need to use firearms, particularly athletes. One of the main points under discussion is how gun transport should be handled in different situations, including when owners relocate or travel to training sessions and competitions. Anutin said clear guidelines are needed so movements can be properly tracked, without becoming an obstacle for athletes doing their jobs. He said all relevant parties would be given the chance to help shape the new rules. The government’s main goal, he added, is to draft legislation that prioritises public safety and closes loopholes that let firearms fall into the wrong hands, while still striking a balance so the sport shooting community isn’t hit harder than necessary.

In a related development that has driven the government’s push for firearms control, Thailand has recorded six major mass shootings over the past six years, in settings ranging from shopping malls to schools. The story Thailand moves ahead with gun law despite sport shooting concerns as seen on Thaiger News.