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.

Chao Phraya Express Boat announced on August 14 that it will adjust service schedules for Monday, August 17, 2025, starting from noon due to a ceremonial waterway procession drill. The Port Authority has issued an order prohibiting all vessel traffic between Krung Thon Bridge (Sang Hi) and Phra Phut Bridge during this period.

Morning services from 6:00 a.m. to noon will operate normally, including orange-flag boats from Nonthaburi (6:00–7:45 a.m.) and Wat Ratchasingh (6:15–7:40 a.m.), yellow-flag boats from Nonthaburi (6:00–8:15 a.m.), green-yellow-flag boats from Pak Kret (6:00–7:50 a.m.), and red-flag boats from Nonthaburi (6:50, 7:10, and 7:25 a.m.).

From noon onwards, service modifications will apply across all routes. The yellow-flag midday boat will run from Nonthaburi to Payap and Wat Ratchasingh to Ratchawong (12:00–4:00 p.m.), followed by orange-flag service (4:00–6:30 p.m.). The green-yellow-flag boat will serve Payap–Pak Kret (4:40–6:20 p.m.), and the yellow-flag boat will operate the Sathorn–Nonthaburi route at 7:05 p.m.). Tourist boats on the Sunrise–Sathorn route and cross-river ferries at Phra Nang, Maha Nag, and Chiang piers will suspend service from noon onwards. The company urges passengers to plan ahead and allow extra time. Updated schedules for August 20 and 27 will be announced separately via the Chao Phraya Express Boat Facebook page and LINE Official Account @cpxcare.

At 10:00 a.m. on August 14, 2025, Democratic Party spokesman Pongsagon Khuanmuang announced that while evidence clearly shows over 5,925 people involved in fraudulent local civil service recruitment exams, only a handful have faced prosecution. Pithakdet Detdecho, a Nakhon Si Thammarat MP and chairman of Parliament's anti-money-laundering and narcotics committee, emphasized the case's importance, believing more than 10 people are definitely involved—brokers, facilitators, and others—and that the Anti-Money Laundering Office has confirmed the cases involve fundamental criminal charges allowing financial trail investigation. The party therefore insists on maximum financial scrutiny of all 5,925 individuals and prosecution of those responsible.

Spokesman Pongsagon further noted a critical transparency issue: the 5,925 cases involve self-investigation by authorities, raising concerns that investigators themselves may be implicated—both civil servants and politicians who ordered the probe. This risks selective prosecution, leaving politicians unpunished while subordinates face penalties. "The party is therefore seeking ways to bring this matter to independent bodies or courts to establish a truly independent investigative committee, not a self-review, so that everyone involved—including implicated politicians—faces justice. This is what the party and the anti-money-laundering committee chairman will pursue," the spokesman said.

Bangkok International Film Festival 2026 (BKKIFF 2026) has been officially launched with support from the Department of Cultural Promotion, Ministry of Culture. The festival represents a major step in establishing a permanent, recognizable international film festival for Thailand on the global film calendar. Rather than simply screening films, BKKIFF 2026 aims to serve as a key platform connecting Thai creators, works, professionals, and industry networks to the international level while fostering future business collaborations and integrating Thailand into the global film industry network.

The festival will create a space for exchange, collaboration, and business opportunities among film industry professionals and entrepreneurs worldwide, running from September 13–27, 2026. Sarasnunt Annanopporn, Secretary to the Minister of Culture, stated that Thai film professionals and the industry are internationally competitive and that BKKIFF 2026 will serve as a platform to showcase capability and build global confidence. The festival aims to position Bangkok as a key destination on the international film calendar that industry professionals worldwide must consider for connecting with the region.

A major long-term goal is to establish Thailand as a strong, internationally recognized hub for Southeast Asian film industry development. Drs. Saran Govitvanichcha, Festival Director, noted that BKKIFF 2026 aims to lay the foundation for the festival's role in the global film industry and establish Bangkok as an annual hub for connecting and advancing opportunities for film professionals. The festival is working toward FIAPF A-List status; if successful, Thailand would become the first ASEAN nation with an A-List film festival, elevating it to world-leading standards and expanding international cooperation networks.

The festival also prioritizes connecting people in the film industry, not only fostering collaboration between festivals or linking films to markets but also creating opportunities for rising stars and emerging talent from across Asia to meet with creators, producers, and industry professionals from around the world. This aims to build networks, advance career opportunities, and open pathways to the international stage while positioning Bangkok as a key venue for showcasing the potential of the next generation of Asian film industry professionals. Ananda Matthew Everingham, Festival Ambassador, emphasized that consistency is crucial—holding the festival annually will build recognition, confidence, and lasting relationships, serving as a key to creating networks and new opportunities for Thailand's film industry.