Cabinet Minister Challenges iLaw Over Personal Data Disclosure

A senior Thai government minister disputed allegations that he received a prohibited phone call during parliamentary vote counting in 2024, challenging an online watchdog organization to verify whether the phone records they released as evidence are authentic. Paradorn Prissananantakul questioned how private telecommunications data could be obtained and released publicly, and argued that those making accusations must provide verified proof rather than rely on unconfirmed records.

59 min ago Khaosod

On 24 August 2025 at Government House, Paradorn Prissananantakul, minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, addressed allegations from iLaw that an Ang Thong parliamentary candidate had called him and Ravee Prissananantakul during vote counting, which is prohibited by law. Paradorn reiterated that he, Ravee, and the Bhumjaithai Party had no involvement in obtaining the parliamentary seat won in the 2024 election.

Regarding iLaw's release of phone records showing incoming and outgoing calls as personal data to the public, Paradorn questioned how ordinary citizens could access such private information. He challenged whether the disclosed data was genuine or fabricated, noting that such information is classified private data that even he cannot access without contacting the telecommunications provider.

When asked about the source of the data, Paradorn said the organization releasing it must prove whether the evidence is real, as it is easy to create fake records today using Excel and AI. He rejected the allegations, arguing that after two years it would be impossible for him to accurately recall whether a call occurred, and that those presenting evidence bear the burden of proof.

Paradorn referenced the classic novel "The Verdict" by Nat Kob Jidit, comparing society's tendency to judge based on accusations without knowing the facts. He stated he welcomed scrutiny as a politician but insisted that allegations must be backed by verified evidence, not unconfirmed data.

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Police

Outstanding Community Health Volunteer Dies in Van Crash With Husband

A respected 59-year-old community health volunteer and her 70-year-old husband were killed in a collision with a van on a Buriram highway on August 23, 2024. The woman was on her way to sit her final high school exams at Satuek Secondary School. Teachers described her as a hardworking, dedicated student who was pursuing education to better serve her community.

1h ago Khaosod

A prominent community health volunteer and her husband, both from Sanam Chai subdistrict in Satuek district, Buriram province, were killed when a Bangkok-registered Toyota van struck them at midday on August 23 on the Buriram-Satuek highway opposite Satuek Secondary School. The van was operated by an aviation-related company. The couple—a 70-year-old farmer and his 59-year-old wife, a village health volunteer—were well-respected by neighbors for their diligence and commitment to their community.

The wife was enrolled at the Satuek District Learning Promotion Center and was scheduled to sit her final Grade 12 exams that day—her last semester before graduation. Her husband had ridden his motorcycle to drop her off at school when the accident occurred. A teacher at the learning center, 49, confirmed the woman was a dedicated student who had enrolled in order to further her education and contribute more effectively to village development.

The teacher expressed profound sadness, noting the woman had not arrived for her exam despite being a conscientious learner. When staff tried to contact her, she did not answer, and they later learned she had been struck by the van in front of the school. Both she and her husband died at the hospital.

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National

Thai Industry Chamber Pushes Buy Thai Campaign to Boost GDP

Thailand's Federation of Thai Industries says the economy is recovering unevenly in a K-shaped pattern, with large manufacturers and electronics sectors doing well while smaller businesses and chemicals lag far behind. The federation is pushing a Buy Thai campaign and production deregulation to boost industrial capacity utilization and drive GDP growth, targeting labour-intensive sectors like textiles and furniture that currently operate at just 37–50% capacity. The measures aim to stimulate domestic demand while unlocking constraints in sectors like oil refining and construction materials.

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The Federation of Thai Industries says Thailand's economy is recovering in a K-shaped pattern and is accelerating a Buy Thai campaign while removing production bottlenecks to increase capacity utilization and drive industrial GDP to 1.4 trillion baht. Pimpjai Leeissaranukul, chair of the Federation of Thai Industries, commented on Thailand's second-quarter 2025 economy, which grew 1.9% compared to the same period last year, saying the figures show Thailand's economy is holding up despite geopolitical tensions and energy cost pressures. However, the recovery remains patchy and shows a clear K-shaped character.

July's industrial confidence index (TISI) shows large enterprises at 105.5 while small businesses scored only 75.3. By sector, electrical and electronics industries stood at 109.0, while chemicals fell to just 59.7, making it the only group in continuous decline—evidence of a true two-speed economy affecting both firm sizes and individual sectors. Private consumption in the second quarter expanded 1.9%, slowing from 3.3% in the previous quarter, while the average capacity utilization rate dropped to 57.47%, down 3.2% year-on-year. The July-September TISI averaged 86.1.

Analysts identified three distinct causes of low capacity utilization requiring different remedies: first, sectors facing structural pressures from energy and raw material costs plus excess foreign production capacity—such as chemicals, petrochemicals, steel, and construction materials—compounded by Middle East tensions affecting raw material imports; second, production-constrained sectors like oil refineries, which previously ran near full capacity but must now match sluggish domestic demand as exports are restricted and fuel storage reaches saturation; and third, sectors where new investment capacity is expanding faster than production—including electronics and printed circuit boards—a positive sign of fresh investment gradually coming online.

Exports in the first half have clustered heavily in electronics, while other product groups showed limited overall growth, aligning with limited manufacturing sector recovery. The Federation of Thai Industries proposes two parallel approaches to drive the economy forward. First is stimulating domestic demand through the Buy Thai campaign, targeting finished goods with high employment and large spare capacity—textiles, apparel, footwear, furniture, and household goods currently using only 37–50% of production capacity and therefore ready to ramp up immediately when orders arrive. These labour-intensive sectors align with the bottom of the K, with promotion through distribution channels and campaigns to buy Thai goods, coupled with controls on dumped imports, ensuring money flows back to Thai manufacturers. Second is unlocking production constraints: conditionally opening oil exports beyond domestic demand and reserves while managing retail prices through existing refining mechanisms; accelerating public construction projects and promoting Made in Thailand (MiT) standards to directly revive steel and construction material orders; and securing raw material supply chains and energy price structures for the sector.

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National

PM Convenes Urgent Security Meeting on Southern Border Unrest

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul convened an emergency security meeting on August 24 to address more than 50 incidents of civil unrest across three southern border provinces. The meeting brought together top security and diplomatic officials, including the deputy prime minister and national intelligence director, to assess the situation and discuss information management strategies. The discussion is part of ongoing efforts to address security challenges in Thailand's southern border region.

1h ago Khaosod

The Prime Minister has convened security officials for urgent discussions on civil unrest in three southern border provinces, with information management as a key agenda item. On August 24, 2026, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister proceeded to Government House and called security agencies to a meeting at the Thai-Kool building following more than 50 disturbance incidents across the three southern border provinces. Anutin convened Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeaw as chairman of the government's special committee for southern border resolution, National Intelligence Agency Director Thanat Suwannanan as head of peace dialogue for the southern border, and National Security Council Secretary-General Chatthai Bangchod. Also present were Deputy Secretary-General of the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) Nanthapon Suwannarut, commander of Joint Task Force Area 5, and the director of the Southern Border Provinces Security and Ethnic Diversity Division. The meeting is expected to assess conditions in the region, particularly focusing on information management strategy.

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National

Opposition to Present New Evidence in Senate Fraud Case

Opposition leaders plan to present new evidence in the Senate fraud case at a Bangkok forum on August 29, challenging the Election Commission's investigation into what they describe as an incomplete probe involving a broader network of poli

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On August 29, opposition leaders in the House will hold a final forum on the Senate fraud case at Pullman King Power Hotel in Bangkok, potentially presenting evidence that goes beyond what has already been disclosed. Phandith Nhuamchaimman, a Bangkok representative from the Pheu Thai Party, announced the forum on August 24 at Parliament, noting that it may reveal compelling evidence.

On August 28, a separate seminar will be held by parliamentary committees, independent agencies, prosecutors, state enterprises, and government organizations, with participation from Abhisit Vejjajiva, head of the Democrat Party, and former Deputy Prime Minister Bawornsakdi Uwanno. Phandith criticized the Election Commission for limiting charges to only eight individuals, questioning who made the real decisions and who controlled the money trail. He called the investigation incomplete, suggesting it only identified one visible point of contact while ignoring the broader network involving political operatives, vote-buying coordinators, and money brokers.

Anusorn Kaewvichian, a Nonthaburi representative from Pheu Thai, called for the Election Commission itself—not merely its secretary—to hold a press conference and explain the investigation's progress. He noted that the secretary has been making statements in the commission's stead, creating confusion about who speaks with authority and on what basis decisions are being made.

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National

Southern Border Unrest Linked to Three Key Factors

Intelligence officials link recent southern border violence to three factors: leverage-building ahead of peace talks, exploitation of military command transitions, and rainy season cover for attacks. The incidents, concentrated in Yala prov

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At 9 a.m. on August 24, 2025, at Government House, Thanat Suwannanan, director of the National Intelligence Agency and head of the Southern Border Peace Dialogue, assessed the causes of incidents across multiple flashpoints in the southern border provinces during the past weekend. He identified three main factors: First, the peace talks are set to resume, expected in late October, suggesting the current violence may be an attempt to build leverage for negotiations; rushing to the table would disadvantage Thailand and force hasty acceptance of unfavorable terms. Second, the period coincides with military command transitions, which perpetrators may view as a window to probe the strengths and weaknesses of security forces. The incidents in Yala province are largely disruptive in nature with multiple dimensions, including symbolic attacks targeting local administrative organizations through arson of government facilities and vehicles. Third, the rainy season provides cover, as damaged equipment can be blamed on weather rather than military failures.

"There is always a question of why the state doesn't know there are so many perpetrators," Thanat said. "I want to explain that sometimes they don't need to coordinate in advance; when an incident happens, it becomes known immediately. That doesn't mean they plan every detail together at a specific time."

When asked if the incidents matched the military's claim that they stem from lost criminal profits due to government crackdowns, Thanat said it is partly true. In Yala, most incidents are disruptive rather than criminal in nature, with no drug-related arrests reported there. However, Narathiwat and Pattani have seen major narcotics seizures, including methamphetamine busts. Officials must distinguish between groups and their connections and locations; categorizing these would reveal patterns, but intelligence cannot yet pinpoint specific groups as field officers are still gathering evidence.

When pressed on whether authorities know the perpetrators' identities, the intelligence chief confirmed they do but cannot disclose details due to security concerns. In criminal investigations, authorities can identify gunmen by their operational patterns and signatures, which become known. When asked if intelligence units in the area lack awareness, Thanat said this falls under the responsibility of field officers and the Fourth Army Region, the primary source of information.

Regarding future countermeasures if incidents increase, Thanat noted two considerations: whether the military must reposition forces and adopt new strategies, and whether these matters should be taken to the negotiating table. Options include establishing safe zones and discussing operational approaches with military commanders in the field.

On Malaysian cooperation, Thanat said Malaysia already facilitates dialogue but must strengthen border control and monitoring efforts as well.

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National

Thailand Pushes SMEs Toward Green Business Growth

Thailand's Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion Office is training local entrepreneurs in green business practices and connecting them with global markets through trade events, generating an estimated 69 million baht in economic value. The

1h ago Khaosod

Thailand's Small and Medium Enterprise Promotion Office is expanding green business initiatives and connecting local entrepreneurs with global markets through the Grand Halal and Thailand Tourism Thailand events, generating an estimated 69 million baht in economic value. Deputy director Panita Shinwatt said the office is pushing forward with a fiscal 2026 program to develop SME potential according to green business guidelines, preparing Thai entrepreneurs for international trade rules that increasingly emphasize environmental standards and sustainability. The program conducted seven nationwide training seminars with 246 participants—exceeding targets—and is now advancing participants to product exhibitions and business negotiations to create real market and income opportunities.

The global business environment is placing greater emphasis on environmental standards, particularly carbon measures and combating exaggerated environmental claims. Adapting to green business is therefore not merely a corporate social responsibility matter but a key strategy for building "green competitive advantage" and improving access to modern customers and supply chains. The office is supporting entrepreneurs through free services including Green SME Index assessments, in-depth consulting, and environmental standard verification (such as CFO, CFP, Green Hotel, and Green Production certifications) to help reduce costs, boost efficiency, and build product and service credibility.

On the marketing side, the office has brought trained entrepreneurs to real market events, covering booth expenses to test markets and create business opportunities. At the Grand Halal Bangkok 2026 event, the office brought seven green manufacturing, agricultural processing, food and beverage businesses to display products and conduct business-to-business negotiations with international halal market partners, attracting strong buyer interest, especially for products featuring low-carbon standards and sustainability. For the domestic market, the office is preparing 15 green service, tourism, hotel and accommodation, restaurant, and wellness businesses to participate in Thailand Tourism Thailand 79 (August 20–23, 2026) at Sirikit Convention Center, offering eco-tourism packages and services to environmentally conscious consumers to boost sales and create direct income.

The two events have already generated approximately 1.5 million baht in sales for participating entrepreneurs. The office is also preparing a Business Matching event on August 26, 2026, at Rama Gardens Hotel in Bangkok to connect SMEs with standard-certifying bodies, financial institutions for access to green finance, and clean energy technology and low-carbon logistics service providers. The entire program is expected to create not less than 69 million baht in economic value while elevating Thai SMEs to adapt to global trade rules and grow sustainably on a green business foundation.

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National

Interior Ministry Streamlines Flood Relief to Cut Red Tape

Thailand's Interior Ministry is streamlining flood relief procedures to eliminate bureaucratic delays, allowing local governments to serve as a single point of contact for disaster aid without forcing residents to gather documents the state

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On August 24, Deputy Interior Minister Vorasit Leeangpraseert, overseeing the Department of Local Administration, said lessons from Nan's flooding show that the civil service must reduce burdens on citizens during times of distress, not add them. Local government organizations play a crucial role in receiving requests, assessing damage, and delivering aid to affected communities.

When floods strike, residents lose homes and property while families scramble for shelter. The state's responsibility is to deliver help quickly, not force citizens to make multiple trips collecting documents that government agencies already possess.

Vorasit said his department is reviewing local government procedures, particularly those involving disaster relief and victim rehabilitation, to identify which steps are essential, which are redundant, and which data can be shared across agencies. All changes must comply with legal and budgetary standards. Streamlining does not mean reducing checks, and convenience does not mean loosening controls. The system must be shorter but remain fully verifiable.

Regarding the Nan floods, the government allocated an additional 100 million baht in emergency funds and permitted certain procedures outside normal guidelines to accelerate aid delivery.

Vorasit outlined four key reforms: first, do not request information the state already holds; second, local governments must be the public's first point of contact during disasters, handling requests and coordinating help without citizens running between agencies; third, reduce steps while maintaining transparency and auditability so officials work confidently and citizens receive fair treatment; and fourth, convert temporary fixes into systemic reforms that all local governments nationwide can adopt rather than solving problems case by case.

"I want people to see local government as their true refuge during floods, fires, or disasters," Vorasit said. "They should know that walking into the local office means someone receives them, someone surveys the damage, and someone follows up—not going home with forms to collect elsewhere. During floods, people need help, not paperwork. Whatever data the state holds must be useful, unnecessary steps must be cut, and every baht must remain traceable."

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Community

Young Girl Gives First Paycheck to Grandparents

Taengmo, daughter of actor Jess Chunachoen, gifted her grandparents 10,000 baht each from her first earnings, moving them to tears in a heartwarming family moment shared online.

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A warm and touching family moment features Punnasa Promyos, wife of actor Jess Chunachoen, posting a sweet video of her daughter Taengmo presenting her first earnings from work to her grandparents—10,000 baht each. In the clip, the grandmother hugs her granddaughter with affection, saying "Grandmother is so happy with your work earnings. You came to pay respect to grandmother, and I'm delighted to hug you again and give you a kiss. I wish you continued success." Not to be left out, Taengmo also gives money to her other grandmother, who hugs her granddaughter multiple times, clearly thrilled. The moment delighted Jess Chunachoen, who joked with his mother about it. Grandmother said: "This is my granddaughter! I raised her well—she's turned out great." Punnasa replied: "She earned money, right?" (laughing) Grandmother: "Oh, this is real!" Jess: "I've been waiting for this day. When my turn comes, I'll get some from him too—he'll complain less if I don't take more than he gave away!" (laughing)

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Police

Police Arrest Two Men Over Chinese Woman Abduction

Police arrested two men in Kamphaeng Phet after a Chinese woman escaped from a moving car while being transported from Bangkok toward the Thai-Myanmar border; two other suspects remain at large.

2h ago The Thaiger Crime

2 Thai men arrested for assaulting and abducting Chinese womanLegacyPolice chased and arrested two Thai men in Kamphaeng Phet yesterday, August 23, for assaulting and abducting a Chinese woman from Bangkok, trying to take her towards the Thai–Myanmar border. Two other suspects remain at large. At about midnight yesterday, Mueang Kamphaeng Phet Police Station officers received a report that a foreign woman, later identified as a Chinese national, was assaulted on Ratchadamnoen Road in Nai Mueang subdistrict, Mueang district, Kamphaeng Phet. Police went to the scene and found the injured Chinese woman. She was taken to Kamphaeng Phet Hospital for treatment and a medical examination. The foreign woman told officers that a group of four men had taken her from a hotel in Bangkok and forced her into a car heading towards a border area. Photo via Matichon She said her hands were tied throughout the journey. When the vehicle reached Kamphaeng Phet, she escaped by jumping out of the moving car before running to ask people in the area for help. Police then issued a radio alert to patrol officers to intercept the suspects’ vehicle. Officers later spotted a black Nissan Teana with Bangkok licence plates, which was connected to the incident, passing through a checkpoint at the Chula Intersection on the bypass road. Police attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver refused to pull over and accelerated away. Officers pursued the vehicle until it reached Lan Dok Mai district, where one of its tyres reportedly burst. Two suspects were arrested, identified as 41 year old Somkiat and 24 year old Kittiporn. Two other suspects managed to flee from the vehicle and escaped from officers. Police said they had identified one of the two fugitives and were searching for him. Photo via Matichon During initial questioning, the two arrested suspects told police that they had picked up the Chinese woman, who was carrying a passport, from a hotel in Bangkok. They said they attempted to take her to Mae Sot district in Tak province, a border between Thailand and Myanmar. However, the purpose of the journey remains under investigation. Investigators are coordinating with relevant agencies to provide assistance and protection to the Chinese woman. Police have not yet confirmed the exact charges against the suspects. Related news

Chinese nationals kidnap and rob woman in Bangkok before fleeing Thailand 3 police arrested for kidnapping Chinese man and Thai woman Chinese woman stages her own kidnapping to extort money from father

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National

Thailand Courts NZAero to Build Aircraft Plant and Repair Hub

Thailand is courting New Zealand aircraft manufacturer NZAero to build a manufacturing plant and maintenance hub in the Eastern Economic Corridor, with the Thai air force also considering purchasing additional training aircraft from the com

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Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanpraphas revealed that Thailand has invited NZAero, a leading New Zealand small aircraft and aerospace manufacturer, to invest in advanced aviation technology and aircraft maintenance services in Thailand. Ekniti stated that Thailand plans to establish an aircraft maintenance and repair center (MRO) in the Eastern Economic Corridor and is prepared to streamline investment approvals through a fast-track channel to remove obstacles for investors.

"Thailand has been a long-standing customer of NZAero, and we have invited the company to establish both a manufacturing plant and maintenance center here because we already have an MRO project underway in the EEC," Ekniti said. During the Prime Minister's official New Zealand visit on August 21-22, the delegation toured NZAero's hangar and cockpit of the CT4E training aircraft at Ardmore Airport near Auckland. Prime Minister Anuthon announced that Thailand's air force would consider purchasing additional training aircraft from NZAero for pilot training operations.

NZAero is a leading New Zealand commercial aircraft manufacturer with over 70 years of history and has maintained strong ties with the Royal Thai Air Force, particularly through its CT4 training aircraft—nicknamed "The Chicken"—which has served Thai aviation for 54 years and trained over 3,500 pilots since 1973. Approximately 70 aircraft have been delivered to Thailand, and the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej personally received the second aircraft off the production line.

During the visit, both prime ministers witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Top Flying Limited and NZAero to provide comprehensive support for Thailand's CT4 fleet, including maintenance, engineering upgrades, spare parts management, knowledge exchange, training, and future capability development. The partnership aims to ensure the Thai CT4 fleet operates safely, reliably, and with maximum efficiency.

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