Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BEM) is inviting passengers and art lovers to experience the 7th Sketchbook Art Exhibition 2026, titled "Renaissance: The Rebirth of Art," held free of charge on August 15-16, 2026, at Metro Mall in the Sanam Luang MRT station. The exhibition is organized in collaboration with the senior high school art program at Satro 2 School and will present over 65 artworks created by students, alumni, teachers, and guest artists, showcasing diverse perspectives and imagination through various artistic formats. The event also features art workshops, creator meetups, and an art market selling student-made artworks and handicrafts, providing young people with opportunities to develop into creative entrepreneurs and exchange inspiration with visitors. BEM aims to transform Metro Mall into a space for learning and inspiration while serving as a hub of travel enjoyment, making art and cultural activities accessible to the public and supporting the development of Thai youth through platforms for creative expression. Interested visitors are welcome to attend during the specified dates and times.

Gold prices rose again on August 13, 2569, according to an announcement from the Thai Gold Merchants Association updated at 09:03. Ornamental gold (96.5%) is buying at 67,522.64 baht per baht and selling at 69,900 baht per baht, up 50 baht from the previous day's close. Gold bars are buying at 68,900 baht per baht and selling at 69,100 baht per baht. The global gold market (Gold Spot) is trading at 4,409.00 US dollars per ounce. Gold merchants predict the market will open tomorrow with prices potentially rising another 1,000 to 2,000 baht, potentially breaking through the 80,000-baht barrier.

Deputy government spokesman Ploythalae Laksameesuangchan revealed that the government has stepped up strict prevention and suppression of illegal excise goods nationwide, particularly targeting smuggled cigarette imports and sales, which are the most commonly detected illegal goods and cause significant damage to state revenue and unfair competition for legitimate businesses. The Excise Department, Ministry of Finance, has enhanced coordination with security and relevant agencies to strengthen investigations, intelligence, and proactive operations to intercept smuggling networks under government policy and Prime Minister Anuthine Charnweerakul's directives. During the 10-month fiscal period from October 1, 2568 to July 31, 2569, enforcement resulted in 32,812 total cases with 901.82 million baht in imposed fines and an estimated 4.51 billion baht in total penalties. Tobacco cases represent the largest violation category at 20,160 cases, or 61 percent of all cases, with 609.39 million baht in imposed fines and estimated 4.38 billion baht in total penalties, along with the seizure of 4,862,367 cigarette packs. Deputy spokesman Laksameesuangchan stated that integrated agency operations have improved enforcement efficiency, enabling the seizure of significant illegal goods across multiple regions nationwide covering all excise product categories. The government is committed to enhancing state revenue collection efficiency while seriously suppressing illegal tax-evading trade to ensure fairness for law-abiding businesses and protect national interests.

A touching birthday surprise: Khanomm Sashikarn was moved to tears when her boyfriend, Dr. Book, presented her with 500,000 baht as a birthday gift to help cover her father's surgery costs. Besides receiving various gifts thoughtfully chosen by Dr. Book, the birthday celebration featured an emotional moment when the final gift was opened to reveal a large sum of 500,000 baht in cash, leaving Khanomm shocked and tearful. Dr. Book then embraced her, explaining his change of plans: "I originally planned to buy something else, but when your father became ill and needed surgery, I decided to give money instead."

Khanomm's father, known as Akong, is facing surgery and requires substantial medical expenses. For this year's birthday, Dr. Book chose to give his girlfriend a birthday gift in the form of financial assistance for her father's medical treatment. While Khanomm was overwhelmed by the surprise, Akong was equally moved to tears, never expecting Dr. Book would do something so generous. The moment was captured with Akong embracing both Dr. Book and Khanomm amid tears of gratitude.

Akong shared his emotions while tears streamed down his face and his hands pressed together in thanks: "This money is for my surgery. I couldn't sleep at night, constantly asking my daughter if she had enough money. I didn't know where she would find it. I truly thank the doctor. I thank my child. This money is like buying a new life. I didn't ask for it, but I wanted to follow the doctor's wishes. The doctor started everything, took me to see specialists, negotiated with the hospital. He was there during my most difficult time. I truly thank him." Source: Khanomm Sashikarn

A critical lead from a year ago has emerged following the discovery of human skeletal remains scattered on Red Cliff near Koke Suang village in Nangam subdistrict, Mueang Khon Kaen district. Forest foragers provided information that matches one of the bone fragments found, indicating the person was likely aged 20–30. Authorities are now working urgently to trace the victim's relatives.

On the evening of August 12, Deputy Superintendent Theerathatch Pongsuwon of Mueang Khon Kaen Police Station was notified of the discovery at 5 p.m. and immediately led an investigation team, rescue personnel, and a duty doctor from Mueang Khon Kaen Hospital to the rocky cliff site. Nearly complete skeletal remains were found scattered among rock crevices, including skull fragments, scalp tissue with hair bearing blonde highlights, lower molars, arm bones, leg bones, and spine bones. The pelvis was not recovered.

Clothing found at the scene included a brown blanket with cartoon bear patterns and a black shirt with the English word "DRIVE" screened on the chest. No pants, skirt, or shoes were discovered. Without additional identifying information, authorities could not initially determine the person's identity, sex, or exact age.

During fieldwork, officers questioned forest foragers, particularly a man known as Tao who reported seeing a young man aged 20–30 with blonde highlights approximately a year earlier. The man was said to be from Kaeng Krachan subdistrict in Chaiyaphum province. The teeth fragments recovered matched the estimated age range of a young adult. All skeletal remains have been sent to the forensic science laboratory at Srinakharinwirot Hospital for examination.

Mueang Khon Kaen Police Station has issued a public appeal for anyone with information about the deceased to contact the station or Mueang Khon Kaen Hospital, so the remains can be returned to relatives for proper religious rites.

The Board of Investment is driving Thailand's industrial transformation toward Smart & Green industries to enhance global competitiveness. Since implementing the Smart and Sustainable Industry upgrade measures in 2023 through mid-2025, both Thai and foreign businesses have filed 1,397 investment promotion applications totaling over 146 billion baht.

Key areas of Smart Industry adoption include deploying automation and robots in production processes, upgrading factory management with digital technology to boost productivity, improve precision and flexibility, reduce errors, and enhance product quality. Businesses are also pursuing energy efficiency, environmental compliance, and international sustainability certifications such as GAP, FSC, PEFC, and ISO 22000 to strengthen market access and long-term competitiveness.

Board of Investment Secretary-General Narudom Terdthirasakkdi emphasized that modern business competitiveness depends not just on production costs but on manufacturing efficiency, resource utilization, adaptability to change, and alignment with global market standards. He cited examples including Thai Beverage Can, which automated its aluminum cap production line; Panasonic Energy Thailand, which installed automation in packaging and factory transport; and Thai Toshiba Industry, which deployed automation and robots across metal stamping, welding, painting, assembly, inspection, and packaging. Companies are also investing in digital management systems like enterprise resource planning software to integrate operations, optimize production planning, manage supply chains, and enable data-driven decision-making.