The Cabinet has approved a 2.854 billion baht budget for the Ban Nong Krathing water reservoir project in Chachoengsao province, running for six years from fiscal 2027 to 2032, according to Deputy Government Spokesperson Patthadarasmi Thongsaloi. The project will add 19 million cubic meters of water storage capacity, benefiting approximately 10,000 rai during the rainy season and 3,000 rai during the dry season, ensuring farmers have adequate water for cultivation and can plan production according to seasonal availability.

The reservoir will also supply approximately 5 million cubic meters annually for consumption in the EEC area of Chachoengsao, while supporting fisheries and aquaculture and helping maintain ecological balance in the Bang Pakong River estuary. Over the project's 50-year lifespan, total benefits are estimated at 6.082 billion baht, comprising 4.048 billion baht from agriculture, 1.892 billion baht from consumption, and 141.5 million baht from fisheries.

The Cabinet has instructed the Royal Irrigation Department to accelerate land acquisition, compensation payments to affected residents, and obtain necessary permits from the provincial land reform office. The Ministry of Agriculture will closely monitor the project to ensure it meets timelines and achieves its goals of securing water supplies for agriculture, consumption, and economic activities in the EEC while protecting the environment and supporting affected communities.

Atthavit Rakjamruen, Chief Executive of the Bus Transport Company (BTC), announced that multiple regions are experiencing heavy, continuous rainfall and flash flooding. The company is implementing contingency measures nationwide, with station managers closely monitoring conditions and coordinating with traffic authorities to assess road safety before and during operations. Staff have been instructed to continuously inspect routes, particularly high-risk areas prone to flooding or heavy rain damage, and are authorized to reroute, avoid dangerous points, or temporarily suspend services as needed. The company is also prioritizing pre-service vehicle and driver inspections, and reminding drivers to exercise extra caution on wet, slippery, or flooded roads to prevent accidents. Passengers are advised to check travel information before departing, especially when traveling through areas at risk of heavy rain or flooding, and to allow extra travel time due to possible route changes or traffic delays. Atthavit emphasized that passenger safety remains the company's top priority, and operations will be adjusted to match conditions so that travelers reach their destinations safely.

The cabinet has approved toll rates for vehicles using Friendship Bridge 5 (Bueng Kan–Bolikhamxai), as proposed by the Ministry of Transport. Deputy Prime Minister Spokesperson Ploytalay Luksmilaengchan announced the approved fee structure, which includes: passenger cars up to 7 seats at 50 baht; small buses over 7 but not exceeding 12 seats at 100 baht; medium buses over 12 but not exceeding 24 seats at 150 baht; large buses over 24 seats at 200 baht; 4-wheel trucks at 50 baht; 6-wheel trucks at 250 baht; 10-wheel trucks at 350 baht; and trucks over 10 wheels at 500 baht. The regulation exempts international scheduled buses operating on the Bueng Kan–Bolikhamxai and Bolikhamxai–Bueng Kan routes, as well as up to 50 official vehicles from Thailand and up to 50 official vehicles from Laos, with exemption cards to be jointly designed by both countries.

On August 18, 2025, the Kalasin Provincial Election Commission, chaired by Thanaphat Na Ranong, distributed ballots to all 18 districts in the province at the provincial election coordination center. The handover was witnessed by officials including Deputy Police Colonel Montri Charulpong, Seksorn Satniweshan, Santi Chatupan, and staff members. The ballots will be used for the provincial administrative organization governor election on Sunday, August 23, 2025. At 11:00 a.m., the election commission held a preparatory meeting to ensure readiness for the election. The commission's campaign preparations began on August 19 with a training workshop for polling unit and vote-counting committee members at Chalong Boutique Hotel. On August 20, a public campaign event was held at the old Kalasin provincial hall to encourage voter participation. Election officials Nongrai Rak Roy and Swaeng Boonmee are scheduled to inspect polling stations on August 22–23 to ensure a smooth election process.

On August 18, Permanent Secretary Raviwarn Phurideach presided over the three-year anniversary event for the Department of Climate Change and Environment and formally opened the Climate Change Information Center (CCIC). Raviwarn stressed that climate change represents a critical global challenge requiring long-term international cooperation. He linked the department's work to government policies, including the Net Zero 2050 target and a proposed Climate Change Law pending cabinet approval, aimed at building business competitiveness and strengthening early-warning and disaster-impact management systems to reduce losses of life and property.

He outlined four key priorities: translating policy into action, preparing for multifaceted risks, accelerating tools for economic transition, and strengthening cross-sector cooperation. According to Dr. Pirun Saiyasittipanich, Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, the agency was established on August 18, 2023, to drive Thailand toward a low-carbon economy and build climate resilience. Over three years, it has evolved into the nation's center for climate management, working to improve disaster response and align initiatives with government policy while pursuing environmental, economic, social, and technological development through a just transition framework under Thailand's Long-Term Low Emission Development Strategy (LT-LEDS).

The Permanent Secretary then opened the Climate Change Information Center on the department's second floor, serving as Thailand's large-scale climate big data hub. It collects, analyzes, and processes spatial data using high-resolution climate models to forecast disasters and support 76 provincial climate coordination centers and Bangkok, enabling efficient public service delivery.

At 1:30 p.m. on August 18, 2025, activist Sandhya Sawasdi filed a complaint at the Central Investigation Police Command against Rukchonok Srinok, known as Ice, a People's Party MP, on charges under Section 112 of the Criminal Code and the Computer Crime Act. Sandhya said the complaint stems from a post by Ice that used a clip and remarks from a subdistrict administrator mentioning "higher-ups," followed by royal language (the word "spoke") that is grammatically reserved for the monarchy, royal family, or Buddha alone. This conduct, Sandhya argued, clearly links and expresses intent toward a specific person.

Sandhya noted the case resembles a 2564 conviction in which Ice posted others' statements on her private account, resulting in a six-year prison sentence under Section 112 and the Computer Crime Act, currently under appeal. He said this shows disregard for the justice process. Beyond filing with the investigating unit, Sandhya said he will petition the Attorney General within one to two weeks to ask the court to revoke Ice's temporary bail, as the post breaches court conditions prohibiting similar conduct. He cautioned the MP that creating additional cases does not build popularity but accumulates legal troubles, and urged caution in speech and social media posts.

When asked whether filing might be seen as boosting Ice's visibility, Sandhya said he is not concerned and accepts being viewed as "losing out." He emphasized his duty under the Constitution Article 50 to protect nation, religion, and monarchy, and denied seeking attention or hidden benefit. He noted he has filed at least 40–50 Section 112 cases previously and views this as fulfilling his legal obligation when encountering clear and flagrant conduct. The investigating officer has recorded his statement and will forward the matter to a superior for further action.