Book Nopphruej and Mindrpg Thamm, two prominent Thai esports fighters, have secured their quota spots for the international Esports Championship 2026 in Ayutthaya as expected.

The international esports championship qualifying round was held at The Hall Convention Center in Ayutthaya City Park on August 14, selecting Thai representatives for Street Fighter 6 and eFootball Mobile. The Thai Esports Association, together with the Sports Development Division of the Sports Authority of Thailand, hosted the competition. The tournament aimed to select six players per game to compete against invited international players on August 15-16.

The results of the Thai national team selection round showed that Book Nopphruej and Mindrpg Thamm, both seasoned players with experience at numerous domestic and international tournaments, secured their tickets as expected after sweeping the upper bracket in Street Fighter 6.

The other four Street Fighter 6 representatives for Thailand's national team are Phasiht Buddima, Sittha Chantsriworarojn, Porntep Achasathanat, and Pongpol Chimtes.

The six eFootball Mobile representatives selected are Worathit Dampitaksorn, Nattawut Sukkhim, Puraset Promsurin, Chamornpong Yooprapattana, Theerat Limprapattana, and Nattathawaj Satake.

Four former prime ministers—Thaksin Shinawatra, Yingluck Shinawatra, Somchai Wongsawat, and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul—gathered to pay respects to Kriang Kalpitananth, the late former Interior Minister, at Pheu Thai Party headquarters in Ubon Ratchathani on August 14, 2569. The Thai Crown granted royal patronage for the three-day merit-making ceremony held from August 13-15. Prime Minister Anutin and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over the August 14 ceremony, which drew cabinet members, Pheu Thai party leaders, and members of parliament from Northeast constituencies representing both Pheu Thai and Bhumjaithai parties. Notable attendees included Education Minister Preserath Chantarawong, former Deputy Prime Minister and Interior Minister Bhumtham Veerapathaychai, Agriculture Minister Wachareepol Kaowkham, Education Minister Akkanat Kankittinanth, and Digital Economy and Society Minister Nanantida Samchai, along with large numbers of local residents from Ubon Ratchathani and surrounding provinces. Reporters noted that this marked the first meeting between Thaksin and Anutin since Thaksin's recent release, with the two exchanging warm greetings and friendly conversation.

SA KAEO — Police and soldiers raided a house in Sa Kaeo province following a report of a drug party, arresting 10 people, including four Thais and six Cambodian nationals.

The raid was carried out at a house in Khlong Nam Sai subdistrict, Aranyaprathet district, by officers from the Sa Kaeo provincial police investigative unit, Khlong Nam Sai police and military personnel.

Authorities said they found 26.79 grams of ketamine, a Category 2 psychotropic substance, packed into 123 plastic bags. Two digital scales were also seized.

Some of the seized ketamine was found arranged on a tray in a way that officers said appeared to indicate it had been prepared for distribution or use at a party.

The suspects face charges depending on the evidence against each individual, including unlawful possession of ketamine and methamphetamine use. The Cambodian suspects may also face charges under Thailand's immigration laws.

Police said the charges remain subject to evidence and the investigation by officers.

The 10 suspects and seized items were handed over to investigators at Khlong Nam Sai Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Sa Kaeo police said they would continue to crack down on drugs, illegal gatherings and other offences in the province to maintain public safety and order.

Amulet dealer Pont Thaprajan issued another clarification on his Facebook page in an attempt to close the drama surrounding his recent controversy. He faced scrutiny after a 60-year-old woman brought 14 Buddhist amulets valued at approximately 2.5 million baht for appraisal. When the items were sent for secondary expert evaluation, questions arose about eight Luang Pu Tim coins that were labeled as gold, sparking widespread criticism.

Pont denied any fraudulent intent and called on all parties to provide complete factual information. He acknowledged that some information became inaccurate due to communication errors from his team and apologized to the amulet owner. As business owner, Pont disclosed that he had terminated one staff member to demonstrate accountability and prevent similar issues. He emphasized that from the beginning he has worked to resolve the matter honestly and take full responsibility.

Pont thanked the amulet owner and others involved for helping clarify the facts, and committed to improving his operations and organizational development to restore customer and collector confidence. He stressed that his issues involved only himself and not his family, and appealed to media and the public to verify information from both sides before reporting, requesting fair treatment for all involved. He stated: "I am ready to take responsibility for what happened and fix everything as best I can. I have never intended to commit fraud. I want everyone to hear information from all sides, and let facts be the judge."

The seventh Maharaj Chakri Royal Award selection workshop was held on August 8, 2569, at TK Palace and Convention Hotel in Bangkok, organized by the Maharaj Chakri Royal Award Foundation and the Education Equity Fund Office. Selection committee representatives from throughout Thailand participated in the working session.

The meeting was opened by Krittapong Kirtikorn, Chairman of the Maharaj Chakri Royal Award Foundation, and Benjlakshana Namfah, Board Member and Director. For Kanchanaburi Province, Provincial Education Officer Patma Duang Gaew assigned Associate Professor Wilaiwan Santhavakormol, a committee expert, to lead profile compilation work, with support from Chatkul Trongkhomali of the provincial Teachers Council.

During the session, Buppha Pongphibool, a selection committee expert from Kanchanaburi, shared experience on the topic "Stories That Inspire" to guide participants in documenting narratives of teachers who create positive change in their students.

Buppha, who compiled the analysis that led to Praiwan Yapun from Kanchanaburi winning the Maharaj Chakri Award in 2568, explained her writing approach: "Writing must paint a clear picture of the teacher's distinctive qualities and how they surpass others according to the criteria. The narrative should flow like a story worth reading aloud, without citing abstract theories. Instead, show clearly how the teacher's actions impact students, because readers cannot experience this firsthand but only through your words."

Buppha concluded: "As the Maharaj Chakri Royal Award coordination center for Kanchanaburi Province, we are committed to identifying teachers who have made meaningful contributions to students and education, so we may honor and celebrate their impact on society."

Staff and patients at Chumchang Health Promotion Hospital in Chom Phra district, Surin province, were alarmed on August 14 when four green pit vipers slipped into the wound treatment and emergency room on the second floor. Rescue teams from the subdistrict office responded and spent approximately 30 minutes locating and capturing the snakes, which had hidden in corners and crevices throughout the room. Using mosquito repellent spray to drive the snakes from their hiding places, rescue workers successfully caught and removed all four snakes from the building. Inspection confirmed three males and one female, classified as green pit vipers. All snakes were subsequently released into a suitable natural area.

The incident was unprecedented for hospital staff, as they had never encountered multiple snakes in the wound room simultaneously. The fortunate discovery was aided by the hospital's clean, well-organized facilities. Officials believe the snakes likely emerged from the forest area adjacent to the hospital and entered the building seeking shelter in the comfortable indoor environment. The simultaneous presence of both male and female snakes suggests possible mating season behavior.

While the exact cause remains speculative, the incident prompted patients to convert the snake count into lucky numbers—413—to be used for lottery betting. Health authorities have issued a warning to the public about the increased likelihood of encountering reptiles during unpredictable weather patterns, with both rain and heat driving animals from their natural habitats in search of shelter. Residents are urged to increase vigilance, particularly in dark corners, storage areas, bathrooms, and spaces near forests or overgrown land. If an unfamiliar snake or reptile is encountered, the public is advised not to attempt capture but to maintain distance, block the area, and alert trained professionals. This incident serves as a reminder that even well-maintained, enclosed buildings can become refuge for reptiles, warranting regular inspection and constant caution.