BANGKOK: The Bank of Thailand is planning to require banks to scrutinise customers who buy high-value property with cash as part of efforts to prevent illicit financial activities.
BANGKOK: The Bank of Thailand is planning to require banks to scrutinise customers who buy high-value property with cash as part of efforts to prevent illicit financial activities.
AA Waranyou won the Mister International Thailand 2026 crown at the finals in Bangkok, earning the right to represent the country at the international competition in Thailand this September.
The Mister International Thailand 2026 finals concluded in grand style at MCC Hall, The Mall Lifestyle Store, Bangkapi, with a packed crowd cheering enthusiastically as 30 contestants demonstrated their full potential in personality, skills, communication, and charm. AA Waranyoo Tharasirivathanakul emerged victorious from the competition, earning the crown and the honor of representing Thailand at Mister International 2026, which will be held in Thailand this September. Other top finishers included Top Sithichok Panichlertsereewa as 1st Runner-Up, and Thanya Thanpisit Sukroong, Yoyo Theenruppakorn Muangmai, Lot Chaiyut Paenchuekiat, and Fook Panuphong Paybuolthanasarn as 3rd Runners-Up. Waranyoo's journey now moves beyond the national stage as he prepares to compete against representatives from around the world, with Thai fans expected to rally behind him in the quest to bring international glory to Thailand on the Mister International stage in the coming weeks.
Thailand's Ministry of Culture launches a program blending traditional Thai music with contemporary styles, offering workshops, mentorship, and performance opportunities for musicians nationwide through August 31, 2026.
The Ministry of Culture's Department of Cultural Promotion invites musicians and performance groups from across Thailand to apply for the "Traditional Thai Music to Contemporary Music" program, which aims to preserve traditional Thai musical heritage and develop contemporary works. Participants will enhance their skills, learn from experts, and access creative platforms that can lead to professional opportunities and cultural economic benefits. The program blends traditional knowledge with modern musical concepts and techniques, enabling artists to create works that maintain Thai identity while adapting to current social and creative industry contexts, ultimately building sustainable cultural and economic value for the nation. Participants will attend practical workshops led by national experts in traditional, international, and contemporary music, covering harmony arrangement, ensemble performance, artist branding, sound and stage management, and other techniques. This training enables musicians to develop careers and generate income while networking with artists from diverse regions across the country. The program also includes regional field assessments by specialists to select performers from the North, Central, South, and Northeast for a showcase concert in Bangkok alongside the band ASIA 7, which is known for seamlessly blending traditional Thai instruments with international pop and world music sounds. This offers artists valuable opportunities to exchange experience with successful professionals and present Thai traditional music to the public, strengthening professional networks and opening pathways to the music and creative industries. The Department of Cultural Promotion welcomes applications from traditional and contemporary musicians nationwide who are passionate about music and wish to develop creative skills based on Thai wisdom, while contributing to the cultural industry through music, creativity, and Thailand's unique cultural capital. Applications are open from August 10-31, 2026. Interested participants can find details and apply via the Facebook page "Activities Promoting Traditional Thai Music to Contemporary Music" or contact the Department of Cultural Promotion's Arts Learning Promotion Group at 0-2247-0013, extensions 4121-4122.
LiVE Platform hosts a free SME survival summit on August 22 featuring 22 business leaders, investors, and workshops across five stages covering economic trends, fundraising, AI applications, and pitching opportunities. The event at the Stoc
LiVE Platform, under the Stock Exchange of Thailand, is hosting the annual seminar "SME Survival 2026: Unlock New Possibilities," bringing together 22 business leaders, executives, investors, and partner organizations to share strategies, experiences, and essential tools to help SMEs unlock new growth opportunities across all dimensions of business expansion.
The event features five stages designed to advance your business: NEXT STAGE covers economic trends, business direction, and consumer behavior insights from industry leaders and seasoned entrepreneurs. GROW STAGE addresses fundraising strategies, business expansion, and sustainable scaling opportunities. BUILD STAGE provides deep dives into business management, finance, marketing, brand building, and practical workshops. AI STAGE focuses on applying artificial intelligence to real-world operations to boost sales, reduce costs, and gain competitive advantages. PITCHING STAGE allows promising businesses to pitch their plans with investment and networking opportunities.
The event also includes SME Business Clinic consultations from Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, and the Stock Exchange to analyze challenges and develop targeted strategies, plus a Service Provider Zone featuring business service providers commonly used by SMEs. The seminar is designed for business owners, SME startups, executives, and organizational development teams seeking to unlock new opportunities and build sustainable growth.
The event takes place Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Free registration is available at https://set-event-registration.setgroup.or.th/e/SME-Event-2026. For more information, call 0 2009 9999.
The daughter of deceased Nonthaburi Governor Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenpraseert defended his legacy amid an alleged 11 million baht debt dispute, saying he devoted his life to serving the province during his four to five terms in office.
At 9:30 a.m. on August 11, 2025, family members and associates of Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenpraseert, former Nonthaburi Provincial Administrator, arrived at the Police Medical Institute to claim his body for religious rites. The family brought white clothing to dress him for the ceremony. His youngest daughter, Nanthasai Yenpraseert, 37, addressed the controversy over an alleged 11 million baht debt, saying "the truth is one and only. All residents of Nonthaburi know and understand well what kind of person my father was. My father only gave and helped Nonthaburi people throughout his working life. If my father were not a good person, he would not have served as provincial administrator for four to five consecutive terms. He was fully capable and ready to make sacrifices for the people of Nonthaburi." Regarding claims from the other party that they were friends, she said the matter should be resolved through the legal system and left to police investigators. When asked whether the other party could pay respects at the funeral, the family did not answer any further questions and entered the reception room.
A 37-year-old driver was arrested in Phuket after police found a loaded CZ firearm with 28 bullets hidden under his car seat during a checkpoint operation. He had no authorization documents and faces charges for illegal weapons possession.
Permanent Secretary Arthit Samphanratana disclosed that Phuket's administrative forces conducted a checkpoint operation in central Phuket and discovered a CZ-brand firearm with a loaded magazine containing 28 rounds hidden beneath the driver's seat of a BMW. The driver, identified as 37-year-old Nat (surname withheld), could not produce authorization documents for possessing or carrying the weapon. Officers arrested him and filed charges for illegally transporting a firearm in a public place and possessing an unauthorized weapon. The suspect and evidence were transferred to Phuket City Police Station for prosecution under maximum legal penalties.
Samphanratana warned anyone carrying illegal firearms in vehicles or public spaces that the Prime Minister has temporarily suspended all new permits for carrying concealed weapons for one year effective February 20. All provincial administrative forces will continue checkpoint operations to intercept illegal, unregistered firearms. Those found in possession face maximum legal penalties, though individuals may voluntarily surrender unregistered weapons at any district office. The public is urged to report suspected illegal firearms by calling the Damrongdhamma Center at 1567 for authorities to take legal action.
Thailand will host its third Talent Summit in 2026 to connect researchers and innovators across sectors, aiming to transform research into practical solutions for national development.
The Office of the Commission on Science, Research and Innovation (OSRI) has announced it will host the 3rd Thailand Talent Summit 2026 in partnership with the Office of the Permanent Secretary for Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, the National Research Council of Thailand, fund management units, and network partners in the science, research and innovation ecosystem. Director Professor Sompoang Khlaihongsawang of OSRI unveiled the conference at a press briefing held at the Eastin Grand Hotel Bangkok, themed "Fostering Thailand Future; Advancing Innovation and National Impact."
The event will serve as a central forum connecting junior researchers, senior researchers, experts, and both public and private sector organizations to exchange knowledge and experience across generations and disciplines, strengthening collaborative networks and transforming research into practical applications. The summit will feature research presentations, knowledge exchanges with leading researchers, skill-development activities, policy updates, and networking opportunities, with an expected attendance of over 2,500 participants from government, private sector, policy agencies, fund managers, and media.
Professor Sompoang emphasized the importance of young researchers selecting projects that address significant public problems, working with patience and academic integrity, developing continuous expertise, maintaining ethics, and collaborating across disciplines. He called for comprehensive support including research funding, infrastructure, mentorship systems, and clear career advancement pathways, and envisioned the summit evolving into a year-round network with mechanisms to track collaborative outcomes and drive concrete research impact through shared resources.
Modern IF furnace steel technology with secondary refining produces cleaner, safer materials for Thai construction while reducing air pollution by up to six times and lowering production costs compared to alternative methods.
Dr. Sakkachai Thanabodee, chairman of the Induction Furnace (IF) Metal Casting Operators Association, says that amid public and consumer concerns about construction material safety standards, steel production technology—particularly IF furnace steel—has come under broad scrutiny for its perceived past limitations. However, modern metallurgical engineering has advanced significantly. Clean steel production using IF furnaces combined with secondary refining processes overcomes former impurity removal constraints and strengthens building structure safety, reduces air pollution by up to six times, and serves as a critical key to sustainable Thai construction industry development.
1. Automatic Steel Stirring Innovation for Uniform Steel Quality A common misconception is that IF furnaces cannot produce clean steel. In reality, IF melting relies on electromagnetic induction to generate eddy currents, which create automatic electromagnetic stirring of the molten steel. The steel circulates from the edges to the center and continuously moves upward, ensuring uniform chemical composition and temperature distribution throughout the furnace (homogeneity). The magnetic field stirring also helps lift lighter inclusions and impurities to the surface, allowing producers to efficiently add slag-forming agents and remove them from the furnace.
2. Quality Enhancement Through Secondary Refining—Overcoming Chemical Limitations Modern high-standard IF steel mills now employ secondary steel refining technology. When molten steel from the IF furnace is transferred to a refining furnace (such as LF or AOD), argon gas is blown and chemical composition is carefully adjusted. Using secondary refining furnaces with basic refractory materials can reduce sulfur (S) content to minimal levels of 0.002%, which improves ductility and toughness, preventing brittleness and enabling excellent performance in earthquake-resistant applications.
3. Eliminating Brittle Steel from Nitrogen Contamination A significant metallurgical advantage of IF furnaces compared to electric arc furnaces (EAF) is nitrogen contamination. EAF requires high-temperature electric arcs that ionize atmospheric nitrogen molecules, absorbing up to 80–100 ppm into the molten steel, causing hardness and brittleness. In contrast, IF furnaces lack such high-temperature arcs, resulting in minimal nitrogen pickup and completely reducing the risk of brittle steel.
4. Environmentally and Economically Friendly In terms of sustainability, IF furnace technology produces far lower air pollution, with only 1–2 kilograms of dust per ton compared to EAF furnaces that emit 6–12 kilograms per ton (a sixfold difference). Operating noise is also lower at 82–86 decibels, and importantly, operating costs are 20–25% cheaper, helping prevent monopolistic pricing of structural steel in the country.
A 15-year-old boy was arrested in Bangkok's Watthana District with a homemade sawed-off shotgun after police responded to reports of armed teenagers brawling in the area. He admitted to buying the weapon online for 5,500 baht in July.
On August 11, 2569, officers from Thonglor Police Station, acting on orders from their commander, arrested a 15-year-old boy identified as A and seized a homemade sawed-off shotgun and one round of ammunition at a Thonglor intersection in Watthana District, Bangkok.
The arrest followed a report on August 10 of multiple teenagers armed and brawling in the area. When officers arrived to disperse the group, it scattered. Upon a subsequent search, police found the suspect carrying the shotgun tucked into his waistband with one round loaded in the chamber.
During questioning, the boy stated he had purchased the weapon from an unknown Thai seller through Line messaging for 5,500 baht in mid-July 2568, saying he kept it for personal protection. He was charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition, and carrying a firearm in public without authorization.
According to Deputy Superintendent Natthakitti Jokkokogsuan, the crackdown aligns with government orders to intensify arrests related to illegal firearms use, following a recent incident in Nonthaburi Province where a teenager fatally shot family members and a teacher. The operation aims to prevent similar incidents in the area.
Industry Ministry permanent secretary Natthapon Rangsitphol is transferring to lead the Energy Ministry following a request from its minister, with a replacement to be selected from within the department.
Industry Minister Varawuth Silpaarcha announced on August 11, 2025, at Government House that permanent secretary Natthapon Rangsitphol will be transferred from the Industry Ministry to become permanent secretary of the Energy Ministry. Silpaarcha acknowledged that Energy Minister Ekniyom Phromphao had requested the transfer, noting that Natthapon has completed four years of service and possesses strong qualifications. Since the Energy Ministry was formerly part of the Industry Ministry, the move was deemed feasible. The new Industry Ministry permanent secretary will be selected from candidates within the ministry, pending cabinet approval and documentation review.
Former MP Chalong Riewraeng was charged with premeditated murder after fatally shooting Nonthaburi PAO chairman Police Colonel Thongchai Yenprasert; the governor denied claims the suspect received preferential treatment in custody.
Nonthaburi governor denies special treatment for former MPLegacyNonthaburi governor Chetsada Mosigrat has rejected claims that former MP Chalong Riewraeng received preferential treatment in police custody after images showed him smoking following the Nonthaburi provincial official shooting. Chetsada visited Rattanathibet Police Station in Nonthaburi at 7pm yesterday, August 10, to follow developments in the case. Photo via Thairath Former MP Chalong is accused of shooting Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation (PAO) chairman Police Colonel Thongchai Yenprasert at the PAO office earlier that morning. Thongchai died, and a driver was injured in the incident. Following Thongchai’s death, police charged Chalong with premeditated murder, attempted murder, carrying a firearm in a public place without reasonable cause, and firing a gun in a public place without reasonable cause. Photo via MGR Online Police have applied for a court warrant to search Chalong’s home for firearms, illegal items and other physical evidence that could be used in the case. Officers are continuing to gather evidence and are preparing to take him to court for detention. Chetsada said investigators have CCTV footage and that Chalong admitted several aspects of the case during questioning. The former MP initially cited a personal dispute as the reason for the incident. Police will continue gathering evidence before submitting the case file to prosecutors for consideration. The governor also addressed images circulating of Chalong smoking while near police officers during his detention. He said Chalong asked for permission to smoke while in custody because he was under considerable stress. Photo via Thaicrime Online He said police followed normal procedures and denied that the former MP had received special treatment. Chalong was handcuffed during questioning and while being held in custody in accordance with police procedures, according to the governor. Police have also opposed bail, although Chalong has a lawyer acting on his behalf as part of his legal rights. The matter will now proceed through the justice process. Chetsada said officials are also considering revoking licences for several firearms. Licences could be revoked if checks find that legally registered firearms belong to someone whose conduct provides grounds for action under the law. Photo via Thaicrime Online The Nonthaburi PAO must meanwhile prepare for an election following the vacancy left by Thongchai’s death. The Election Commission is discussing the timetable with the provincial organisation and will announce further details later. Chetsada also outlined increased security measures following the recent shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School. The prime minister has ordered tighter security at educational institutions and other locations nationwide, alongside stricter controls on firearms in public places. The story Nonthaburi governor denies special treatment for former MP as seen on Thaiger News.