Bangkok CCTV Budget Bloated at 727 Million Baht

A Bangkok councilor questioned whether the city's 727.6 million baht CCTV expansion budget contains inflated costs, alleging fiber optic cables and installation labor are quoted at roughly double market rates while the procurement avoids us

3 Aug Khaosod

The Dusit district councilor Akkarachai Kanthamala raised concerns at a Bangkok Metropolitan Assembly meeting on August 3, 2026, over the city's CCTV budget totaling 727.6 million baht, which covers maintenance, procurement, and installation across 922 new cameras. Kanthamala alleged that fiber optic cable prices were quoted at 39 baht per meter when retail prices for standard brands are only 20 baht, and installation labor was priced at 58 baht per meter when standard rates suggest 30 baht per meter—roughly double the fair market rate.

The councilor also flagged the procurement of 4,138 bare CCTV cameras in two price categories (2,200 units at 22,000 baht and 1,938 units at 5,700 baht each) without installation services, totaling 66.3 million baht. He noted that the winning bidding company offers full installation services but the city chose not to use them, and questioned why an AI video analysis system was being reprocured when a similar 9.37 million baht detection system was already funded in the previous year's budget.

Kanthamala expressed concern that in the 2025 budget round, only four companies bid, and one that had failed qualification criteria in the prior year reappeared in 2026—a company with three consecutive years of losses operating in engineering consulting rather than CCTV retail. He emphasized that security depends on transparency, and that public tax money must be spent fairly so citizens can trust the system and public confidence in CCTV surveillance is upheld.

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National

Military Bunkers on Thailand-Cambodia Border Accused of Shoddy Construction

Military officials in Chanthaburi and Trat provinces face scrutiny over shoddily constructed border bunkers made from thin prefabricated concrete and wooden poles that critics say cannot withstand heavy rain or combat. A parliamentary commi

3 Aug Khaosod

Deputy Chair of the House Military Affairs Committee Chatchai Supattavanich presented complaints about defective bunker construction in Chanthaburi and Trat provinces on August 3, 2569 (2026) in Parliament. According to photos provided by complainants, the bunkers are built only from thin prefabricated concrete sheets laid as walls, with natural wooden poles as support beams and wood combined with plastic to hold soil on the roof.

Chatchai outlined three concerns: first, safety risks because the structure could easily collapse, especially during rainy season when soil weight increases, and cannot provide proper protection from bullets or shrapnel; second, poor quality and lack of value for money compared to military engineering standards; and third, suspected budget misuse, as the complaints indicate 90 bunkers were budgeted at 50,000 baht each, yet actual construction costs appear to be only a few tens of thousands of baht.

Chatchai remarked that the bunkers are so thin and unstable that soldiers jokingly say a sneeze could cause collapse without waiting for combat. He stated he will submit evidence and documentation to the chair of the Military Affairs Committee to investigate the facts, protect soldier safety, and ensure taxpayer money is properly spent. He emphasized concerns about whether these bunkers can withstand heavy rain, explosions, or actual conflict given their obviously inadequate construction.

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National

Sports Ministry Launches Fitness Assessment Program For Students

Thailand's Sports Ministry launched a nationwide fitness assessment program for students, starting August 3 at four schools across the country to promote healthy habits and physical wellness through sports science education.

3 Aug Khaosod

On August 3, 2025, at Wat Pa Pradu School in Muang district, Rayong province, Dr. Atcharat Yongtaweekul, director of the Sports Science Office under the Department of Physical Education, opened the "Thai Children Body Fit" physical fitness assessment initiative. Joining him were Sumalee Suksarn, principal of Wat Pa Pradu School, and Nattavee Saeng-Arun, director of sports medicine, along with administrative staff from the Sports Science Office.

The Sports Science Office organized the "Thai Children Body Fit" program to educate students about the importance of physical health and fitness through applied sports science knowledge. The initiative develops physical fitness to meet national standards, promotes age-appropriate exercise, and fosters long-term wellness and quality of life. The program operates in four schools across four regions: Mathayom Tessaban 6 in Udon Thani, Pa Phayom Pittayakom School in Phatthalung, Wat Pa Pradu School in Rayong, and Wat Muang Wan School in Ayutthaya.

The event featured activity booths, workshops, and physical fitness assessments including body composition analysis, basic movement skills, body coordination, sports safety, and performance testing. Additional activities included Thai boxing demonstrations and inspirational talks. About 785 participants attended.

Dr. Atcharat stated that the program promotes children's understanding of health and fitness by applying sports science to physical assessments, appropriate exercise, and systematic health promotion. He emphasized that developing proper exercise habits from childhood is a valuable investment in building Thailand's human resources and future national development.

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National

Thailand Deploys Drug-Sniffing Dogs at Suvarnabhumi Airport

Thailand has deployed drug-sniffing dogs at Suvarnabhumi Airport as part of the "Scent Enforcer" operation to intercept narcotics being smuggled by international passengers. The multi-agency initiative aims to prevent the country from being

3 Aug Khaosod

Thai Customs, the Border Patrol Police, and Airports of Thailand have launched the "Scent Enforcer" operation, deploying K-9 drug-detection units to screen international departing passengers' baggage at Suvarnabhumi Airport. The initiative aims to enhance interception of cross-border drug trafficking and prevent Thailand from being used as a transit corridor by international criminal organizations.

Customs Director-General Panthong Loikul explained that the program responds to government policy prioritizing drug suppression by integrating multi-agency cooperation to monitor drug smuggling through all channels—airports, border posts, and postal systems—with strict law enforcement. Drug smuggling via air passengers remains a persistent problem, with narcotics hidden in various ways including inside the body, luggage, and carry-on items, damaging Thailand's image and public confidence. The national drug prevention committee approved the K-9 integration on July 3, 2025, to enhance screening efficiency and identify suspicious baggage.

The "Scent Enforcer" operation is a collaboration between Thai Customs, the Border Patrol Police, the AITF task force, Suvarnabhumi Airport police station, and Airports of Thailand to strengthen drug interception measures and protect the country from transnational criminal networks. The program integrates personnel, intelligence, technology, and government expertise to systematically enhance drug control. Border Patrol Police Commander Rungrojn Takun affirmed that K-9 units will boost drug interception to international standards while serving as a knowledge-sharing forum among agencies. Suvarnabhumi Airport Director Kittiphong Kittikhajon confirmed the airport's support for all security operations, providing facilities and coordination to ensure efficient and safe passenger and baggage screening aligned with international aviation standards.

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Police

Cyber Police Freeze Scammers' Accounts, Return 3.1M Baht to Five Victims

Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau officers froze scammers' accounts and recovered 3.1 million baht for five victims who lost over 23 million combined to investment and impersonation scams across Thailand.

3 Aug Khaosod

On August 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., senior officers from the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau announced the results of their financial tracing operation against a scammer gang. They recovered funds for five victims totaling over 3.1 million baht.

Deputy Commander Pol. Lt. Col. Thinkorn Rangmatei explained that the first case originated on April 4 when a Nakhon Pathom resident discovered a Facebook page called "Book House" offering free financial books. When the victim expressed interest, she was directed to a Line contact named "Grace" from the shipping department and instructed to add them as a friend. The scammers then persuaded her to participate in various activities, including completing transactions on platforms and purchasing products, promising high returns. The victim transferred money 17 times totaling 2,495,636 baht before realizing she had been defrauded.

Investigators traced the victim's transfers to a bank account belonging to a 36-year-old man named Phitthak (surname withheld), who opened the account to receive stolen funds from victims. Police successfully froze 1,164,660 baht in his account and issued a summons.

Four additional victims fell prey to similar scams, with perpetrators impersonating telecom employees, claiming the victims' phone numbers were used for illegal activities, or soliciting investment in stock and gold trading. The total damages across all five cases reached 23,849,121 baht. Police froze 3,184,840 baht across all mule accounts and have begun returning recovered funds to victims under the "Money Cash Back" program.

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Police

Major Smuggled Cigarette Warehouse Busted in Nakhon Ratchasima

Police raided an illegal cigarette warehouse in Nakhon Ratchasima on August 3, seizing 1.5 million smuggled cigarettes valued at 6.75 million baht from a 73-year-old woman operating a front grocery store.

3 Aug Khaosod

On August 3, 2024, police and excise officials led by Deputy Police Commissioner General Nirandr Luemsubree announced the dismantling of a major illegal cigarette operation in Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The investigation, conducted between July 1-15 as part of a government crackdown on illegal tobacco smuggling, resulted in the seizure of 150 cartons containing 1.5 million cigarettes (75,000 packs) valued at approximately 6.75 million baht, causing the state to lose over 4 million baht in tax revenue.

Investigators discovered that a 73-year-old woman named Pimphon (nickname Tiu) was operating an unlicensed residential address as a front grocery store in Tambon Nai Muang to distribute both retail and wholesale quantities of smuggled foreign cigarettes. After obtaining a court-issued search warrant, officers found various untaxed foreign cigarette brands hidden throughout the premises.

During interrogation, the suspect admitted the cigarettes were hers and intended for sale to regular customers. She claimed to have purchased them from an unknown Thai supplier who smuggled the goods through natural border crossings at Chom Bueng in Surin Province before delivering them via pickup truck. However, investigators remain skeptical and plan to expand the investigation to identify smuggling networks and upstream importers.

The suspect faces charges of concealing, distributing, purchasing, and possessing smuggled goods that bypassed customs procedures and tax payment. She faces potential fines up to 60 million baht. Authorities emphasized that smuggled cigarettes lack quality and safety inspections and may contain harmful molds and dangerous substances that pose serious health risks to consumers.

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National

Thai Weightlifter Goes Viral With Graceful Victory Dance

Thai weightlifter Watcharin Sophontchowkul went viral after completing a lift at a student sports competition, celebrating with a graceful theatrical bow that charmed over 2 million viewers online.

3 Aug Khaosod

A young Thai weightlifter has gone viral online with his exuberant and theatrical celebration after successfully completing a lift. The video from a Thai student sports competition is gaining worldwide attention thanks to the graceful and animated style of Watcharin Sophontchowkul, a Thai weightlifter, whose joyful reaction has sparked widespread sharing and smiling across the internet.

The incident occurred during Thailand's student and youth sports competition, where Watcharin Sophontchowkul, competing in the 156-pound weight class (approximately 70.7 kilograms), performed a clean and jerk with a weight of 272.8 pounds (approximately 123.7 kilograms). The clip begins with tension and excitement as he successfully pulls the barbell to his chest, followed by nail-biting suspense as he hoists the weight overhead. After completing the lift successfully, relief and joy flood the moment, but the standout finale comes when he caps it off with an elegant, theatrical bow. The video on platform X (Twitter) has surpassed 2.2 million views and garnered over 27,000 likes.

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Tourism

National Parks Confirms Passport Stamp Program Continues

Thailand's national parks confirm the popular passport stamp collection program will continue under new guidelines, with stamping limited to designated visitor centers to reduce congestion and maintain program integrity.

3 Aug Khaosod

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has clarified its approach to national park passport stamps, firmly denying rumors that the popular collection program is being discontinued. In response to misinformation spreading on social media, the department confirmed the activity will proceed normally with standardized guidelines applied nationwide, effective from a June 11, 2026 departmental directive.

Stamping will now occur only at designated visitor service centers or locations specified by individual parks, with stamping prohibited at toll booths and during park closure hours to maintain order and reduce congestion. The department clarified there are no bans on visitor signatures accompanying stamps or restrictions on owning multiple passport booklets. However, officials may decline stamps if they observe an unusually large number of booklets without clear fellow travelers, to preserve the program's spirit of encouraging independent park tourism.

Director Saysudjai Chunehaworawut stated the stamp-collection initiative remains popular and inspires nature tourism. The parks will continue supporting collectors while improving service points to ensure proper staff oversight and signature verification. Thailand currently operates 156 national parks. Visitors collecting stamps from all 156 parks with complete staff signatures and dates can claim a souvenir at the parks management tourism division. The public is encouraged to continue touring Thailand's national parks while complying with local procedures. During the transition to new service locations, some areas are still communicating with staff, and the department will expedite uniform implementation nationwide. For more information, contact the Tourism and Recreation Management Division at 02 561 0777 extension 1742 during business hours.

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National

Bangkok Health Checkup Guide: Comparing Packages and Hospitals

Vichaiyut Hospital offers comprehensive preventive health screening packages in Bangkok ranging from basic to specialized programs, with modern technology and specialist physicians to help patients catch disease risks early.

3 Aug Khaosod

Annual health checkups are crucial for catching disease risks early before they become difficult to treat, particularly in a large city like Bangkok with many hospitals and clinics to choose from. The common question is: "Where should I get a health checkup in Bangkok?" and which package offers genuine value and suits your health needs best. Vichaiyut Hospital stands out as one of the most trusted options—a private hospital renowned for preventive health screening and comprehensive healthcare management.

Vichaiyut Hospital (Vichaiyut) is a long-established facility with a screening center designed to serve both Thai and international patients. Its strengths lie in the completeness of its screening programs and prompt service delivery. Key advantages include diverse package options ranging from basic to individually tailored in-depth screening; modern medical technology with precision instruments for efficient disease screening and specialized testing; specialist physician care with expert teams providing consultation and careful result interpretation; efficient, standardized service with good queue management to reduce wait times; and programs suited to all age groups from working adults to seniors.

Bangkok health screening packages typically fall into three main categories: Basic Health Check-up packages suit younger people or those without existing conditions, focusing on routine checks like blood pressure, basic blood work, liver and kidney function, and blood sugar levels. Standard Health Check-up packages suit working-age people wanting deeper assessment, including lipid levels, EKG testing, and chest X-rays. Comprehensive Check-up packages suit seniors or those seeking detailed screening for specific disease risks, including CT scans, abdominal ultrasounds, and early cancer risk screening.

Vichaiyut Hospital offers these packages with clear options and physician recommendations tailored to each individual. If you're asking "Where should I get a health checkup in Bangkok," choosing a high-standard hospital like Vichaiyut is a compelling option. With comprehensive screening packages, specialist physicians, and internationally standardized service, whether you choose a basic or in-depth package, a health checkup represents a worthwhile long-term health investment and helps you plan your healthcare with greater confidence at every life stage.

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National

Singer Damrong Clears His Name in Marital Rumor Mix-up

Singer Damrong Wongthong denies involvement in a marital scandal after internet users mistakenly linked him to a pre-1990s country music artist's divorce case. He confirmed his own marriage is loving and stable, and declined to intervene wh

3 Aug Khaosod

Singer Damrong Wongthong has firmly denied being implicated in a scandal involving a well-known pre-1990s country music artist who filed for divorce after allegedly having a relationship with a foreign woman, which his wife discovered at a resort. Internet users mistakenly linked multiple singers with similar names to the story, including Damrong Wongthong.

Damrong gave an interview confirming he is not the person in the news and stated his marriage remains loving and understanding. He acknowledged that the person at the center of the scandal once came to him seeking emotional support about their relationship troubles, putting him in an awkward position. However, he declined to judge anyone, noting that personal matters between two people are complex and no outsider knows the full details spanning decades.

When asked about being mistakenly named, Damrong said he was surprised but not worried. "I heard the news like everyone else, but honestly, who?" he replied. He confirmed his wife and he love and understand each other well. Fans did reach out with questions, but Damrong said he has no fear of being misunderstood because he has done nothing wrong.

Regarding whether he had spoken to the person involved, Damrong said there had been some conversation on one side but less on the other. When the person came to him seeking support, they described their long relationship and expressed pain over how their partner had changed. "They seemed to want me to talk to the other person on their behalf," Damrong explained. However, he refused to intervene, saying he does not know the full details of their 20 to 30 years together and cannot judge. He acknowledged feeling awkward being caught in the middle but prefers to stay out of others' personal matters and maintain normal conversation. When asked how long he and his wife have been together and what keeps their marriage strong, Damrong said the key is doing good things and staying on the right path. He firmly reiterated: "It's definitely not us."

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National

Bangkok Approves 93.9 Billion Baht Budget for 2570

Bangkok's Metropolitan Council approved a 93.9 billion baht budget for fiscal year 2570, with over 6.6 billion baht earmarked for grassroots infrastructure improvements across all 50 districts.

3 Aug Khaosod

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt presented the city's fiscal year 2570 budget of 93,918.92 million baht to the Bangkok Metropolitan Council at its third ordinary session of the year on August 3, 2026. The budget is divided into 93 billion baht for Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and 918.92 million baht for commercial operations, adhering to balanced budget principles and strict fiscal discipline.

Governor Chadchart emphasized that the budget aims to improve residents' lives across all 50 districts, with over 6.6 billion baht allocated for grassroots infrastructure including roads, alleys, sidewalks, sports fields, parks, street lighting, drainage systems, and schools. Although agencies had requested 144.24 billion baht in total, the governor explained that the approved amount reflects Bangkok's legal requirement not to exceed recurring expenditures against recurring revenue, while prioritizing efficiency and value.

The budget supports nine development strategies spanning transportation (15.7 billion baht), environment (5.4 billion baht), safety (4.1 billion baht), health (2.5 billion baht), education (2.5 billion baht), and other sectors. The governor acknowledged that 6 billion baht is committed to green line extension train operations and interest payments, leaving 86.96 billion baht for actual city management and public problem-solving. As of July 6, 2026, Bangkok's bank deposits total over 62.1 billion baht, maintaining financial stability.

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