Local residents expressed disapproval after a Chinese female tourist was spotted sitting and dangling her legs on Sri Phumi Gate while taking photos at the ancient city walls of Chiang Mai, in an incident reported at 2 p.m. on August 13. The behavior drew public criticism for being disrespectful at this historically significant location. While the tourist was posing on the gate, thunder and heavy rain broke out, forcing her to quickly climb down from the structure. The old city walls and moat of Chiang Mai are surrounded by several important gates and bastions, including Sri Phumi Gate, Hua Lin Gate, Kha Tam Gate, Ku Hueng Gate, Chiang Mai Gate, Chang Phueak Gate, Suan Dok Gate, and Tha Pae Gate, all considered significant historical monuments of the province.

At 9:00 a.m. on August 13, 2025, the Criminal Court on Ratchadaphisek Road delivered its verdict in the Forex 3D fraud case (case number 853/2564). The court heard charges against Aphirak Kotthit, a scheme operator, actress Savika Chaiyadech (Plinky), her mother Sarinya Chaiyadech, her older brother Kittichase (Sarayut) Chaiyadech, and 20 other defendants accused of operating a fraudulent loan and investment scam under the Computer Crime Act.

Prosecutors alleged that between November 24, 2015, and September 8, 2020, the defendants deceived the public by advertising an online foreign currency trading investment scheme through the website www.Forex-3D.com and a Facebook page called "Forex 30." Defendants falsely claimed to operate a professional investment team and promised guaranteed principal protection with no losses. Initial investments started at 500 US dollars (15,000 baht) before being raised to 2,000 US dollars (50,000 baht). A total of 9,842 victims deposited approximately 2.489 billion baht, but the defendants never actually conducted any legitimate foreign currency trading operations.

Prosecutors sought to convict the defendants and require them to repay the 2.489 billion baht to victims. Most defendants remained detained, except Savika Chaiyadech, who was released on a 5 million baht bail bond. In the latest development, the court dismissed charges against defendant Kittichase (Sarayut) Chaiyadech (Plinky's older brother), Savika Chaiyadech, and her mother Sarinya Chaiyadech.

On August 13, 2025, at 2 p.m., Panutsada Vongphudit, chairman of the Do Good Foundation, assigned lawyer Sirikhwan Nilkarn to accompany actress and influencer Neen Chatchaya Samreng Raj to file a complaint with Wiroj Suchart, an investigator at Bueng Kum Police Station. The complaint targets a 35-year-old former police officer named Chatchawal (surname withheld) on charges of sexual harassment and breaking and entering.

Neen stated that over the past five years, the ex-officer claiming to be a fan has sent her sexually suggestive messages via social media inbox and made numerous unauthorized visits to her home, often asking her family members about her whereabouts. Despite never meeting her in person, he has monitored her movements, followed her to her private yogurt business, and caused her severe anxiety and panic. She disclosed that she has reported the incidents to police three times previously, filing detailed daily logs as evidence. On January 15, 2025, she reported the breaking and entering, and most recently on August 11, 2025, CCTV footage clearly captured him entering her home late at night.

Neen explained that despite providing the security team with the suspect's photograph and a ban on his entry, he circumvents security by disguising himself—posing as a food delivery rider, using ride-sharing apps, or driving his own vehicle and claiming he was not visiting that address.

Lawyer Sirikhwan Nilkarn noted that investigation revealed the suspect was formerly a police officer but the reason for his departure from service is unknown. She emphasized that such cases previously lacked legal protection, but the new Sexual Harassment Act now covers these actions. The foundation aims to pursue the case as a landmark example to warn society.

Neen has appeared in several television dramas and series including "Lai Kin Naree," "Sart Seua," and "Duang Tah Sawon," mostly in supporting roles.

Panutsada Vongphudit stated via telephone that if the harasser suffers from a mental condition or psychiatric disorder, his family should seek treatment rather than allow him to disturb others. She volunteered to pursue legal action beyond simply filing a complaint, noting that Neen's brother will meet with her and prosecutors to advance the case. She emphasized that once the matter reaches her, it must be pursued to its fullest extent, especially given the recent change in law protecting victims of sexual harassment.

Investigator Wiroj Suchart confirmed receipt of the complaint and stated that evidence is being compiled to forward to his superiors for legal proceedings.

Nakhon Ratchasima shooting follows motorcycle theft accusationLegacyA shooting and knife attack at a “Chim Shop Chai” community fair near a monument in Dan Khun Thot, Nakhon Ratchasima, left six people injured at around 10.30pm on August 12, police said. Vendors were closing their stalls for the night when the attack began, and at least one victim was left in critical condition and required surgery. The accused, named in Thai media as 32 year old Nattakit, reportedly admitted to police that he fired a homemade gun loaded with pellet-dispersing rounds, and that a companion also used a knife during the attack. Police said the dispute began after Nattakit was accused of trying to steal a motorcycle at the event; when he was confronted and an associate was detained by the organiser and the motorcycle’s owner, he fled the scene before returning with at least one armed companion to open fire. Suspect at the police station | Photo via Dailynews Among the injured named in local reports were a man who suffered a knife wound to the back, and others struck by gunfire to the back, arm and ankle. Police investigation continues, with officers questioning suspects, witnesses and the injured while examining forensic evidence, CCTV footage and possible escape routes. Camera coverage of the exact moment of the attack was reported to be limited. At least two other suspects who fled the scene remain at large, and police say the search for them is ongoing. The arrested suspect faces a preliminary charge of jointly attempting to murder others using a firearm, with further charges under consideration as the investigation continues. In a separate shooting elsewhere in the country, former Nonthaburi MP Chalong shot and killed Thongchai Yenprasert, chairman of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation, at the PAO office on August 10 following a dispute reportedly linked to an 11 million baht debt. Chalong is reported to have contacted a news presenter to say he had shot Yenprasert before surrendering his firearm to police. He remains in custody as the investigation continues. The story Nakhon Ratchasima shooting follows motorcycle theft accusation as seen on Thaiger News.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Paaniruang outlined new industrial policies aimed at strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity and developing emerging industries known as the New S-Curve. The National Industrial Committee meeting, the first in four years, will integrate budgets and industrial strategy while identifying growth sectors such as biotechnology, digital technology and AI, modern vehicles, medical devices, and defence manufacturing.

The government will use state procurement to support Made in Thailand products in three strategic areas: defence manufacturing, public health and medical devices, and rail systems. All products must meet international standards. The Ministry of Industry will connect research, production, markets, and investment through upgraded small and medium enterprise programmes aligned with Made in Thailand standards set by the Federation of Thai Industries.

Deputy PM Supachee also announced support for bioenergy including biodiesel and ethanol, coordinating with the Finance Ministry to restructure excise tax structures for market balance and farmer benefit. On US trade negotiations under tariff provisions, approximately 72 percent of Thai goods have already secured exemptions, with ongoing talks for the remainder. Thailand will leverage over 20 billion dollars in private sector investment in the United States, plus planned additional investment of 5 billion dollars, as negotiating leverage to achieve trade balance. Further negotiations are scheduled for late August.

Industry Minister Weerawut Sil­pacharya said the ministry is updating the Manufacturing Production Index and capacity utilization rate from 2021 to 2024 to better reflect current Thai industrial structure and potential, particularly the rapid growth of advanced technology sectors including semiconductors and photonics technology.

Rangsimant Rom, an opposition list MP and deputy leader of the Pheu Thai Party, called on Prime Minister Anuthon Chanyawiriyakul to provide clear gun control measures and conduct mental health assessments of gun owners. Speaking at Parliament on August 13, 2025, following recent mass shooting incidents—most recently in Nakhon Ratchasima province—Rom said he believes everyone is concerned, given that Thailand ranks among the world's highest in civilian firearms per capita.

Rom acknowledged that gun-related regulations have been problematic since firearm shops opened, and the recent tragic incidents underscore the need for urgent action. He stressed that measures must ensure public safety, especially in schools and public spaces, so people no longer live in fear. To date, he said, the government has offered only vague reassurances, with the Prime Minister and Interior Minister simply telling people not to carry weapons—which Rom argued misses the real point.

When solving the gun problem, Rom said the state must first clarify its policy: does it want citizens to own firearms or not? Even though illegal guns exist, legally owned firearms have been used in shocking incidents, so authorities must examine the loopholes in vetting procedures for gun owners. He questioned whether background checks are rigorous enough and called for improvements to the screening process.

Rom proposed that if the state wants to reduce firearms, it should drastically cut the number of legal guns and clearly identify who truly needs them—even police officers should be included in this scrutiny. He noted that police currently lack state-issued service weapons and must buy their own, making oversight difficult. Government officials, police, and soldiers have faced stress and substance abuse issues in the past; without proper controls, tragedies will keep recurring, he warned.

When asked about the Prime Minister's response, Rom said society has already formed its judgment, but the key question remains: what is today's problem? If it is too many firearms, the PM must spell out which groups are allowed to own them. If civilians cannot own guns, how will the state ensure their safety and protect their property? If the government cannot solve those problems, people will resort to self-defense, creating an endless cycle. Any exemptions for civil servants, police, and soldiers must have clear conditions.

Rom stressed that mental health screening of gun owners cannot be overlooked. Although owners may have been healthy when licensed, their mental state may have deteriorated since. Without ongoing psychological checks, incidents like these will continue. When asked if the criticism targets politicians with large personal gun collections, Rom said the issue involves politicians, police, soldiers, and administrators alike, all of whom own firearms. The real question is whether firearms are truly necessary and, if ownership is allowed, how the government can then ensure public safety.