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Community

Celebrity Man Kaarin Leads 100 Fans on Merit-Making Temple Visit

Celebrity Man Kaarin led over 100 fans on a merit-making pilgrimage at Wat Saraket temple in Bangkok, where they made offerings, draped cloth over the golden chedi, and donated to monks. The event promoted Buddhist practices and simple ever

Celebrity Man Kaarin Leads 100 Fans on Merit-Making Temple Visit
11 Aug Khaosod

Celebrity Man Kaarin has served as a bridge for merit-making, leading over 100 fans on a pilgrimage to make offerings, present candles, drape cloth over the golden chedi at Wat Saraket, and pay respects to the Earth Goddess shrine. Man shared the concept of practicing the three pillars of Buddhist merit—precepts, giving, and meditation—while revealing simple everyday tricks anyone can use to accumulate merit as a spiritual reserve for times of hardship during this economically uncertain era.

Man arrived alongside fellow celebrities and amulet organizers, with the group meeting at the base of the golden chedi before proceeding to donate to monks and present candles at the pavilion for auspiciousness. The group then climbed to the main chedi to drape cloth around it.

Man explained the significance of this location as a "gateway of merit," noting that historically this area witnessed considerable death and rebirth cycles, particularly during plague outbreaks when bodies were placed near the spirit gate. He recommended this for those facing obstacles in real estate or business, suggesting devotees donate 21 baht while making wishes to the chedi and relic. The group later processed to honor the Earth Goddess shrine on Ratchadamnoen Road, where over 100 devotees recited prayers together and presented a garland over 6 meters long.

Man revealed, "Today we brought over 100 compassionate people to pay respects, drape cloth over the chedi at Wat Saraket, focusing on practicing all three pillars of merit while dedicating the merit to the Earth Goddess to help draw upon past merit to support our lives during these economically and externally challenging times."

Accumulating "merit points" works like collecting reward points to redeem during life's difficulties. Man emphasized doing merit gradually within one's means without burden, noting that giving can be as simple as daily donations or acts of kindness. Doing good before making wishes increases the likelihood of success. Future merit-making activities can be followed via Facebook, with another major event planned for August with no participation costs.

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Police

Muang Thong, Police Tero Stage Charity Match for Thai Special Olympics

Thai League clubs Muang Thong United and Police Tero FC will host a charity football match on August 29 to raise funds for the Thai Special Olympics, marking their fifth year supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities.

Muang Thong, Police Tero Stage Charity Match for Thai Special Olympics
11 Aug Khaosod

Muang Thong United and Police Tero FC are joining forces to organize the 2026 Charity Football Match supporting Thai Special Olympics. The two Thai League powerhouses will field squads of prominent national and international players in a friendly match on August 29 at Thunder Dome Stadium in Muang Thong Thani at 6:30 p.m. This marks the fifth consecutive year of fundraising for the Thai Special Olympics Association, which uses sports to develop intellectually disabled athletes—a population exceeding 2 million in Thailand and among the most socially vulnerable. Dr. Narit Chaisut, president of the Thai Special Olympics Association, praised the clubs' commitment, noting that Thailand's unified women's football team recently achieved third place at the Special Olympics Unified Football World Cup in Paris in July, becoming the only Southeast Asian representative in the final three. Vasuwat Loatthong, manager of Muang Thong United, stated the club is proud to continue supporting the initiative and inspire Special Olympics athletes to develop their potential. Vorapop Pongsuwarn, manager of Police Tero FC, expressed honor at participating for the first time and commitment to helping intellectually disabled Thai athletes develop skills and pursue international competition.

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National

Dragon 5 Member's Mother Pays Tribute at Funeral

Thamon Tae Taephan, a former Dragon 5 boy band member, was honored at his funeral in Nonthaburi province with family, friends, and fans gathering to pay respects. His mother praised his kindness and caring nature, attributing the large turn

Dragon 5 Member's Mother Pays Tribute at Funeral
11 Aug Khaosod

The merit-making ceremony and funeral of Thamon Tae Taephan, known as Dragon 5, a former member of a famous boy band aged 46, took place at Wat Bua Khwan Royal Temple in Nonthaburi province, filled with the sorrow of family, entertainment industry colleagues, and fans who traveled to pay their final respects. His mother and girlfriend Nam Kaeng shared beautiful memories and expressed their love for the beloved former artist.

His mother revealed: "I saw so many relatives, close family, dear friends, my friends, and my son's friends—so many people came today. I'm from the North, and there's something I want to say. Northern people believe in 'mee tae gae suh hai kham' [the bond between true friends]. Everyone here today is truly that kind of friend to Tae.

I also believe in 'karma and fate.' When I see all these people gathered here for Tae, it shows that he must have done good deeds and created good karma with many, many people. I'm grateful to the elders, the media, friends, and fans. Speaking of Tae's fans, one young fan just flew in from Taiwan, which shows how much Tae was loved. Thank you all, thank you so much."

When asked what made her proud of her son over the years, she said: "To me, Tae was my angel. Since childhood, he was caring and attentive, never talked back, never raised his voice, and barely hurt my heart. As I grew older and had many friends and loved to travel, whenever I told him about a trip, he'd be happy for me. He'd prepare clothes, pack bags—if it was cold, he'd prepare warm clothing; if it was hot, he'd prepare accordingly.

He was very happy with Nam Kaeng—with her mother and sister too. They're a warm, caring family. Tae was very happy. Sometimes when he couldn't visit me, he'd call often. When we finished talking, he'd say, 'Mom, I love you.' If I mentioned my shoes were uncomfortable, he'd take me shopping, let me sit, and try different pairs on me, asking, 'Mom, how about this one? Try walking. Is it comfortable?' That's how he was."

When asked about days without her son, she said: "On the first day without him, I couldn't focus..."

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National

Anusit Warns Party MPs: Don't Carry Guns Outside Home

Prime Minister Anusit warned Pheu Thai party MPs against carrying firearms outside their homes, cautioning that violations could end their political careers and result in legal penalties.

Anusit Warns Party MPs: Don't Carry Guns Outside Home
11 Aug Khaosod

On August 11, 2025, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anusit Charnvirakul, as leader of the Pheu Thai Party, chaired a meeting with party MPs to prepare for the opening of the parliamentary session and review the work of party members across regions and government ministers. During the meeting, Anusit warned party members about carrying firearms, explicitly prohibiting gun carrying in all cases. He noted that while individuals might face legal consequences such as fines or imprisonment, politicians must also adhere to ethical standards of conduct. Violating these standards means political figures will be unable to hold any public office and will have their political careers ended.

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National

Bangkok Airways Profits Rise 16% in First Half

Bangkok Airways posted a 16.3% increase in first-half net profit to 2.43 billion baht, driven by higher revenues and controlled cost growth despite global economic challenges.

Bangkok Airways Profits Rise 16% in First Half
11 Aug Khaosod

Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited announced its second-quarter and first-half 2025 financial results on August 11, 2025, posting net profit of 2,431.8 million baht for the first half, a 16.3 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Chief Executive Officer Phutiphong Prasattongosot revealed that in Q2 2025, the airline reported total revenue of 6,052.5 million baht, up 5.5 percent, with total expenses of 5,533.1 million baht, up 11.7 percent, resulting in net profit of 332.6 million baht for the quarter. For the first half of 2025, the company generated total revenue of 13,934.7 million baht, up 3.0 percent, with total expenses of 10,622.5 million baht, up 2.3 percent, yielding net profit of 2,431.8 million baht, up 16.3 percent year-on-year. This performance reflects the airline's strong capability in revenue generation and efficient cost management despite economic volatility and Middle East tensions.

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Police

German Tourist Found Dead After Drowning at Freedom Beach Phuket

A 30-year-old German tourist drowned at Freedom Beach National Park in Phuket on August 10; his body was recovered the following day after an intensive search operation.

German Tourist Found Dead After Drowning at Freedom Beach Phuket
11 Aug Khaosod

On August 11, 2026, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin expressed his condolences regarding a German male tourist who drowned and went missing at Freedom Beach National Park in Phuket, and instructed officials to monitor the situation and closely coordinate with relevant agencies. According to a report from Nikorn Sirorjannanth, Director-General of the Forestry Department, officials have now located the missing person's body.

The incident occurred on August 10, 2026, at approximately 3:45 p.m., when 30-year-old German tourist Jannik Juergen Knobel drowned and went missing in the area of Freedom Beach National Park in Phuket.

On August 11, 2026, staff from Freedom Beach National Park, working with relevant agencies, conducted an intensive search operation. At 3:10 p.m., they located the tourist's body floating on the right side of Freedom Beach.

Minister Suchart stated that he wished to express his deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of the deceased, and thanked all officials from every agency who participated in the search and rescue efforts. After the body was found, officers coordinated with Karon Police Station investigators to conduct an examination and carry out all relevant procedures.

The Forestry Department has been tasked with contacting the German Embassy in Thailand to inform them of the incident and coordinate matters relating to the deceased, as well as to notify the victim's family.

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National

School Staff Member Honored at Royal Cremation Ceremony

A Thepsirin School administrator killed in a shooting attack received royal honors at her cremation ceremony in Bangkok on August 11, as education officials and colleagues mourned the loss of a dedicated educator.

School Staff Member Honored at Royal Cremation Ceremony
11 Aug Khaosod

Ms. Saifun Sirikitjaakhorn, a school administrator at Thepsirin School in Nonthaburi who was killed in a shooting attack at the school, received a royal cremation ceremony on August 11, 2025, at Suwan Temple in Klong San. The atmosphere was filled with sorrow and mourning as colleagues, students, educators, school leaders, and senior officials from the Ministry of Education gathered to pay final respects.

Saifun's family recalled her life through tears, describing her deep family ties and unwavering commitment to her duties. They remembered her as a devoted family person who enjoyed cooking and was fully dedicated to teaching and caring for her students. Despite her absence, the family pledged to support one another and to cherish her memory always.

Education Minister Praesert Chanruangthong chaired the ceremony and presented one million baht in assistance to the bereaved family from the Disaster Relief Fund under the Office of the Prime Minister. The Teachers Council also awarded Saifun a plaque recognizing her as an exemplary educator who embodied moral integrity and self-sacrifice.

The honor acknowledged her courage, virtue, and dedication to the teaching profession, underscoring the critical role educators play in protecting students during emergencies. The King graciously accepted Saifun into royal patronage and granted a royal cremation, with flower wreaths from His Majesty and the Queen placed before her casket.

At approximately 4:00 p.m., the cremation ceremony reached its solemn climax as mourners bade farewell to Saifun for the last time.

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Police

Authorities Raid Hua Hin Firms Over Foreign Investor Nominee Scheme

Authorities raided 15 Hua Hin companies on August 10 investigating a scheme where foreign investors used Thai nationals as nominee shareholders to illegally operate property businesses, with suspected losses exceeding 300 million baht.

Authorities Raid Hua Hin Firms Over Foreign Investor Nominee Scheme
11 Aug Khaosod

BANGKOK — Authorities searched 15 locations in Hua Hin on August 10 as part of an investigation into property companies suspected of using Thai nationals as nominee shareholders for foreign investors, with alleged losses exceeding 300 million baht.

The Department of Business Development (DBD) said the operation involved police, immigration officers, tourist police, the Department of Special Investigation, the Internal Security Operations Command and other agencies.

According to DBD director-general Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, several target companies were initially registered as Thai entities with Thai nationals listed as directors holding 100% of shares. Within six months, however, they changed their shareholder structures to add foreign directors alongside Thai directors.

The arrangements allegedly kept foreign shareholdings below 50%, while Thai shareholders — suspected of acting as nominees — retained 51%. This allowed the firms to remain legally classified as Thai entities while operating property-holding and rental businesses.

Investigators said the Thai and foreign shareholders had not previously known one another or had any prior connection, which authorities described as highly unusual in normal business dealings.

Police have issued arrest warrants for 45 foreign nationals and summonses for 39 Thai nationals. Thirteen suspects have so far been arrested in connection with 33 cases.

The DBD said the suspected scheme exploited loopholes allowing foreigners to use Thai nominees to evade restrictions under the Foreign Business Act and acquire or operate property businesses unlawfully.

Since August 1, the department has tightened scrutiny of company registrations and amendments to make nominee arrangements more difficult. It said registrations involving Thai and foreign shareholders where foreign ownership remained below 50% had fallen significantly, with only five such cases recorded since the measures took effect.

"Using Thai nationals as concealed nominees and assisting such offences under the Foreign Business Act carries a penalty of up to three years' imprisonment, a fine of 100,000 to 1 million baht, or both," Poonpong said. "The court may also order the business to cease operating or end an unlawful shareholding arrangement."

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Police

Pickup Driver Falls Asleep, Crashes Into Power Poles, Six Injured

A pickup truck driver fell asleep at the wheel in Nakhon Ratchasima Province on August 11, crashing into two power poles and injuring six passengers, including a young child.

Pickup Driver Falls Asleep, Crashes Into Power Poles, Six Injured
11 Aug Khaosod

At 12:30 p.m. on August 11, police from Moo Si Station in Nakhon Ratchasima Province received reports of a four-door black pickup truck that had struck and toppled two concrete power poles with six injured passengers in the Samran Nam Sai village, Pong Thalong Subdistrict, Pak Chong District. Officers led by Lt. Chuchai Kaew-atchang found the vehicle damaged in the front after hitting the poles, which now blocked the roadway. The driver, Chitti, sustained minor injuries, while six passengers including a four-year-old boy were injured. All victims were rushed to Makkutkiri Hospital. At the scene, electrical lines had fallen on a parked car in front of a nearby house and damaged its roof. According to Chitti's statement, he was driving toward Pak Chong Market with relatives as passengers when he dozed off at the wheel, causing the vehicle to swerve off the road and crash forcefully into the power poles.

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Police

Phuket Makes First Arrest in Nationwide Gun Crackdown

Phuket police arrested a suspect in the first move of a nationwide crackdown on illegal firearms ordered by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, with authorities stepping up checkpoints across the country since early August.

Phuket Makes First Arrest in Nationwide Gun Crackdown
11 Aug The Phuket Express

Phuket – Authorities in Phuket have made the first arrest under a sweeping nationwide operation aimed at curbing illegal firearms, following orders from Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary Arsit Sumpuntharat announced that since August 7, provincial officials and police have intensified checkpoints and patrols across the country to prevent […]

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National

Thousands Gather for Funeral Rites of Nonthaburi Province Administrator

Thousands of government officials and residents attended water-sprinkling funeral rites for Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization chairman Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenprasoet on August 11 at Saphan Sung Temple in Pak Kret.

Thousands Gather for Funeral Rites of Nonthaburi Province Administrator
11 Aug Khaosod

Thousands of government officials, police, and residents gathered on August 11 at Saphan Sung Temple in Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi province, for the water-sprinkling funeral ceremony of Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenprasoet, chairman of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization. The ceremony drew between 3,000 and 4,000 attendees, including members of parliament, senators, municipal mayors, subdistrict leaders, provincial administrators, teachers, civil servants, police, village heads, and community members who paid their respects. The event featured closed-circuit cameras that broadcast the ceremony on large screens for attendees, though media were not permitted to record the body during the ritual. At 5:00 p.m., Provincial Governor Chetsada Mosikrattana presided over a royal water blessing ceremony for the deceased at the same temple.

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