Bangkok Mass Transit System PLC (BEM) has delivered strong second-quarter 2025 results with net profit of 1.012 billion baht, up 19 million baht year-on-year and the highest quarterly profit in BEM's 10-year history. Total service revenue reached 3.982 billion baht, with over 50% derived from expressway toll operations serving more than one million vehicles daily, while the remainder comes from rail operations including Blue Line fares, which continue to grow annually. Rail business revenue for the quarter was 1.672 billion baht, up 3% from the prior year.

BEM has also demonstrated strong cost management by cutting financial costs by 9% through proactive debt management, helping maintain robust profitability margins. For the first six months of 2025, the company achieved net profit attributable to shareholders of 1.887 billion baht, reinforcing its status as a premium defensive stock with stable cash flows.

On major projects, the first Orange Line East train has completed manufacturing and testing in Turkey and is undergoing trials in Germany before shipment to Thailand. The second train, currently being tested in Turkey, is expected to arrive in Thailand by late November 2025, with trial operations beginning by year-end and full service launch planned for early 2027. The Orange Line West segment is 37% complete, while procurement of additional Blue Line trains is 43% advanced. Upon opening, the Orange Line East is expected to handle 100,000 trips daily, increasing to 300,000 daily trips when the full Orange Line network opens in 2030, driving BEM toward significant growth.

A temple abbot in Khon Kaen displayed the original land deed but cannot yet transfer ownership to the temple due to legal requirements. The abbot revealed that he has never discussed the matter with the other party to find a solution. On August 14, 2025, Khon Kaen Provincial Police escorted a delegation from Wat Pa Adulyaram, led by Abbot Phrakhru Adulasarnithesa Dr. Prayut Pratetsena, along with government officials, to Khon Kaen Land Office to present documentation for transferring the land deed into the temple's name.

The abbot presented the original land deed from his bag to reporters before the Khon Kaen Land Official examined and confirmed it as authentic. The deed, number 61945 covering more than 21 rai, is currently registered under the name of Heiang Pimsri. The official explained that although a court has already ruled the land belongs to the temple, the transfer cannot be finalized today because it must follow Land Code Section 84 procedures in full, which require the provincial governor to oversee the process.

Under Section 84, the governor has delegated authority to the Land Department to conduct detailed inspections including verification of the temple's documents, layout plans, and property details, followed by checks with local district authorities to assess community impact and suitability. All documents will then be compiled and sent to the Khon Kaen Provincial Governor for final approval. The abbot stated that since the dispute began and the court ruling, the plaintiff's side has never communicated directly with him or allowed followers to discuss finding a resolution, despite his willingness to talk and find a fair way forward.

At 10:00 on August 14, 2569, Superintendent Prut Jamrungsart of Ratanathibeth Police Station in Nonthaburi and investigators questioned Yot, driver of Colonel Thongchai Yenprasertsai, chairman of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization. Thongchai was shot on the morning of August 10 at the parking lot of the Provincial Administrative Organization office by Chaloeng Reueang, a former prominent Nonthaburi politician. Thongchai died during transport to hospital, while Yot was shot in the right wrist.

Yot testified that when the incident occurred, he had walked down from the building to the parking lot to prepare the vehicle for the chairman to travel to another engagement. He had walked ahead of both men when the chairman began getting into the car and Yot was preparing to drive. Chaloeng suddenly approached and tapped on the car window. The chairman rolled it down, and Chaloeng immediately drew a gun and aimed it at him. The chairman raised his hand and told Chaloeng not to do this, but Chaloeng fired at once, hitting Yot in the wrist. Startled, Yot opened the car door and fled behind the vehicle. Chaloeng walked around looking for him, shouting "Where are you, Yot?" Yot then seized the opportunity to run for help from officials in front of the government office.

Yot further testified that before the incident, Chaloeng had waited at the office door because the chairman was occupied with a guest. Chaloeng waited about 20 minutes before entering the office to meet with the chairman. After a brief meeting, the chairman walked out of the office to go to another engagement. The incident was completely unexpected, as both men had known each other for decades and no one foresaw such an attack, especially since no one knew Chaloeng was carrying a gun as if he had prepared for this beforehand.

Yot stated that regarding the cause of Chaloeng's attack, he was uncertain what dispute existed between them. He only knew that the chairman had always helped Chaloeng, as Chaloeng would frequently visit to seek assistance.

Regarding the matter of 11 million baht, Yot had heard that when the chairman was developing a housing project and ran short of funds, he borrowed 11 million baht from Chaloeng. However, he repaid it with interest, totaling nearly 15 million baht. That debt matter was settled. The chairman even joked that he would never finish repaying his debt of gratitude to Chaloeng, who kept bothering him about it. Additionally, the chairman had helped the housing project owner assist Chaloeng in purchasing land and a house that Chaloeng's wife had secretly mortgaged and sold, nearly losing it. The chairman never took any commission and gave all the proceeds to Chaloeng because he saw his friend was in difficulty. Yot therefore could not understand why Chaloeng would resort to shooting his benefactor. After recovering, Yot wishes to attend the chairman's funeral.

Phon Tha Phra Chan, a prominent Buddha amulet vendor, has defended himself in the controversy surrounding a 9 million baht gold-coin amulet case, confirming his team made the swap but maintaining his own innocence. The dispute began when an allegation emerged that a gold-coin amulet had been switched for a copper-coin version. Phon subsequently held a live broadcast admitting his team had accidentally left a gold-coin amulet in the testing machine, then negotiated a settlement with the amulet owner at 9 million baht. The owner, understanding the mistake, did not pursue further action.

Recently, renowned amulet expert Pong Suphun raised additional concerns, noting photographic evidence that one of 14 amulets had been changed from gold to copper coin, and questioned why a gold-coin amulet in the original photos had become copper when returned. In response, Phon released a video of his conversation with the amulet owner, in which the owner confirmed they witnessed the entire incident and are confident Phon had no involvement in the swap.

Phon reiterated that he never lied and, after investigation, confirmed his team was responsible for the substitution. He accepted full responsibility, apologized for the misinformation that his staff had distorted, and announced the dismissal of the staff member involved. Phon emphasized his lack of intent to commit fraud, stating that the amulet owner and those present at the incident can attest to the facts. He pledged to improve his organization's operations moving forward and thanked all involved for clarifying the matter to the public.

Pakin Kumwilaisak, known as Tonno, has taken on a 50 percent stake and the presidency of Roi Et PB United Football Club. At the Bangkok International Film Festival 2026 press conference at SCBX NEXT in Siam Paragon, he discussed whether he would abandon his acting career. "I have film offers coming in, but I'm not yet certain when we can start shooting," Tonno said, adding that his focus is currently entirely on football with the season starting soon. He acknowledged receiving interesting acting roles but emphasized the need to wait for the entire production team, director, and cast schedules to align.

Describing his ownership role, Tonno expressed pride in turning a childhood dream into reality. "As a child, I never imagined I would become a club owner, but now that I have the opportunity, it's both exhausting and fulfilling," he explained. He highlighted improvements for the team including hiring a team doctor and improving nutrition for players and academy members, recognizing that many earn modest salaries. Tonno emphasized that the team's true owners are the Roi Et fans and community, not himself. "I'm just someone who happens to be here legally. The team's survival depends on whether the people of Roi Et come to support it and truly love the team," he said.

When asked about challenges, Tonno acknowledged the difficulty of making everyone happy, as team members face various personal and family problems daily. His focus is on helping each person find a common goal and purpose. He described his relationship with Roi Et as mutually beneficial, noting that the city and its fans have shown him tremendous love and support. Merchandise sales have been strong, and he has worked to provide comprehensive support to players and academy members, believing that good nutrition will help young athletes develop the strength to compete internationally.

On August 14, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin announced the temporary closure of Freedom Beach in Phuket's Muang district following a German tourist's water incident and disappearance on August 10. He has directed the Department of National Parks to strengthen safety protocols and suspend both beach access and water activities to prevent similar accidents and reduce risks to visitors and the public.

Chomklin stressed that "public safety must come first," particularly during monsoon season when the Andaman coast experiences strong waves that can reach 2–3 metres or more in thunderstorm areas. He received a report from Nikorn Silarojananont, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, that Prasorn Kundlsuragan, head of Phuket Forest Centre and Freedom Beach Recreation Area within the Nakha Khao Range National Reserve, has implemented safety measures.

A proclamation dated August 11 formalizes the closure as a preventive measure to allow staff to monitor and assess conditions closely during volatile weather and sea states. Officials will track the situation carefully and consider reopening once weather, sea conditions, and other safety factors are deemed appropriate for tourism.

The minister emphasized that the closure is temporary, not permanent, and is strictly a safety precaution during the high-risk period. The public and tourists are urged to follow official advisories closely and avoid water activities during severe weather and high-wave warnings.