In Nakhon Pathom province, a 60-year-old coconut tree standing 20 metres tall was snapped by strong winds and heavy rain, striking a 74-year-old woman with a fractured skull as she lay face-up on the ground. She died at the scene while gathering bird droppings fruit in an orchid garden on August 18. Samphran Police investigator Ransiman Senakham received the report of a fallen coconut tree killing a person in Village 4, Samphran subdistrict, Samphran district, Nakhon Pathom province.

After receiving the report, the investigator notified his superior and travelled to the scene along with the Poh Teck Tung Foundation. The incident occurred in an orchid garden. The body of Ms. So, 74 years old from Samphran subdistrict and owner of the garden, was found near the garden's edge. She wore a long-sleeved blue shirt and black three-quarter-length trousers, lying face-up with a fractured skull and scattered brain matter nearby.

Investigators found approximately 5 metres of the coconut tree's top lying beside the body. The tree's base section stood another 15 metres high, totalling 20 metres, with an estimated age of 60 years. The trunk showed signs of being fractured and broken.

When questioned, 78-year-old Somsak Prosombon, the deceased's brother, stated that before the incident the victim had gone out to collect bird droppings fruit growing beneath the coconut tree. At that time strong winds and rain had begun, causing the tree to break and fall. After the rain stopped he went to check and found the coconut tree had crushed his sister, who was already dead.

Police collected evidence from the scene and sent the body to Siriraj Hospital for further examination.

Khon Kaen Municipality has firmly denied allegations that it collected land taxes from Heiang Phimsiree, owner of title deed number 61945, who donated the land to build Pa Adulyaram temple. The municipality insists it has never sent any documents or taken action to collect taxes on the plot, as the land qualifies as public property exempt from taxation.

Mayor Prasit Thongtaangthai stated that according to the property deed number 61945 registered under Heiang Phimsiree's name, the land comprises approximately 21 rai, 3 ngan, and 61 square wah. Since 1990, its use has been designated as Pa Adulyaram temple for religious purposes, placing it outside the scope of local land tax collection.

Even after the Land and Building Tax Law changed in 2019, the municipality has not collected taxes from the landowner, as temple land is classified as public property exempt from such levies, despite the deed still bearing Heiang Phimsiree's name.

The mayor reiterated that the municipality has never sent letters or taken any action to collect taxes from Heiang Phimsiree's heirs. Only one separate plot under title deed number 10955—houses numbered 45/84 and 45/88—which is private property belonging to Phimsiree, Heiang's wife, had taxes collected.

When the municipality collects taxes and a property owner pays, a receipt must be issued. The mayor confirmed that allegations of tax collection from Heiang's heirs are false and invited anyone with doubts to present a tax payment receipt as evidence to dispute the claim.

The Thai national team made six player substitutions from the previous match for the second leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 semifinal against Singapore at Suphachalasai Stadium. Under coach Anthony Hudson, Thailand won the opening leg 3-1 away in Singapore, and goalkeeper Kaew Kamphol Padamworrakul continues as the team's number one. The Thai starting eleven for the second leg consists of Kaew Kamphol Padamworrakul, Phansa Meawibul, Manuel Tom Biehr, Seksan Ratri, Sarach Yooyean (captain), Worrawit Kanitsiribamphen, Teerasak Phayaphimai, Narubedin Veerwatnodom, Picha Uttra, Wanchai Jarunkgraen, and Patrick Gustafsson.

The National Anti-Corruption Commission has tasked the Police Enforcement Division with joining a special investigation committee into fraud connected with civil service and local government recruitment exams. Deputy Commander-in-Chief Natthasak Chaowasiday stated that the anti-corruption agency has sent back some documents for police to conduct further investigation on multiple issues. The police will therefore accelerate action based on evidence provided by the commission and compile work results to send back for the agency's consideration, requesting time for investigators to conduct additional inquiries. The deputy commander also indicated that clear case progress is expected by late August to early September 2026, particularly regarding intermediaries and those behind the scenes. The anti-corruption office previously reported that from compiled information and evidence, there was credible basis to believe a former director-general of the Department of Local Government Promotion and associates were involved, having altered test scores and solicited money from exam candidates to help them pass. Sufficient evidence exists to prosecute those involved in the corruption. The matter is of national significance, draws public interest, and has widespread impact, warranting classification as a special case. The anti-corruption committee was asked to accept it as a special investigation case. Evidence gathered by the enforcement division has led to charges against the former director-general and associates—13 people total—with further pursuit of intermediaries and masterminds underway. The Interior Ministry's review of those who passed found 5,925 answer sheets had been altered, resulting in invalidation and dismissal from government service, with criminal proceedings being prepared. This local government corruption scandal is a significant civil service controversy believed to involve a large-scale national network. The anti-corruption commission has elevated it to special case status and drawn the police enforcement division into the special investigation committee. Public hopes that beyond the initial 13 suspects, higher-level masterminds will be identified.

Teepor and Por wrapped up the Duang Go Round Concert held on August 15-16 with an impressive finale. On August 18, the duo, appearing as Friends of Brand Benutra, attended the Benutra x Teepor: 1st Event-Sing Boxset at Sphere Gallery 1 at EmSphere, where they discussed the recently concluded show.

Both expressed delight at fan enthusiasm while admitting they had faced considerable worry and pressure beforehand. Once the concert ended, they felt relief and joy at the positive feedback received. They accepted criticism as constructive and pledged to use it for personal growth. Por spoke proudly of achieving his dream of performing at Impact, while Teepor expressed gratitude for Por's support throughout their shared journey to success.

When asked about their recovery after the show, Teepor joked he slept through the entire next day. During rehearsals for the show's centerpiece—a spinning carousel rig suspended above the Impact arena floor—both performers faced challenges. Por, who fears heights, was anxious about the two-rope suspension work with no foothold, though he managed it during rehearsals. Teepor's legs shook badly at height, and Por had to hold him steady throughout, with Teepor humorously comparing the experience to being led like a puppy.

The concert lasted approximately five hours and proved highly emotional for both performers. Teepor described it as a journey summary of their careers, packed with moments that brought tears. Por, who typically finds crying difficult, shed tears during the show—something that surprised Teepor and moved him deeply. During their duet, Por's voice wavered and tears flowed, and though Teepor is usually quick to cry, he held back to finish the song before comforting his partner afterward.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on August 18, 2025, defended the cabinet's decision to appoint Chantanan Wankaichon as the new permanent secretary of the Energy Ministry, stating the selection was based on knowledge, ability, experience, and suitability rather than political considerations. The appointment is intended to drive the government's new energy policy initiatives effectively, with particular focus on restructuring Thailand's energy framework to reduce reliance on imported oil and fossil fuels through the promotion of bioenergy, which requires close integration of energy expertise with agricultural production systems.

Anutin noted that Chantanan, who comes from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, brings expertise in crop production systems, agricultural supply chains, and market mechanisms directly relevant to elevating agricultural commodities such as palm, sugarcane, and cassava into energy crops. Expanding bioenergy use would reduce oil imports and energy deficits while increasing domestic demand for agricultural raw materials, providing farmers with sustained market support and improved product prices.

The prime minister pointed to biodiesel as a successful example of bioenergy reducing imported oil dependence, and highlighted the aviation industry's growing demand for sustainable bio-jet fuel under global carbon-reduction standards. He characterized the appointment as placing the right person in the right position based on merit rather than politics, as the modern Energy Ministry requires leaders who understand both conventional duties and the government's new challenge of linking clean energy with agriculture, industry, and people's livelihoods. Anutin concluded that with proper policy design, bioenergy development in farmlands and plantations could reduce oil imports, generate farmer income, and strengthen national energy security.