The Ministry of Commerce has discovered irregularities in company registrations across four districts in Sakon Nakhon Province, with companies registered under 100-percent Chinese ownership. Puenpong Nayanaprakan, director-general of the Department of Business Development, reported that the Sakon Nakhon Provincial Commerce Office found 35 companies with Chinese shareholders—33 in Kok Sri Suphan District, one in Mueang District, and one in Phu Phan District. Additionally, 14 companies with 100-percent Thai shareholders were identified in Suwannadan District.

Investigations revealed that a local woman in Kok Sri Suphan District served as an intermediary, collecting copies of household registrations and national ID cards from residents at 500–1,000 baht per document and passing them to Chinese investors, who compensated her at 1,500 baht per item—collecting more than 35 sets of documents in the process. Residents reported they were deceived, told the documents would be used for online business on major platforms, and that most document owners were tenants unaware they were being used. Homeowners claimed they never knew their properties were being registered as limited companies and never consented to their documents being used.

Field inspections by provincial, district, and subdistrict authorities, the provincial commerce office, local police, and the Anti-Money Laundering Office found that registered business addresses showed no business activity whatsoever, no office setup, and no operational activity. All properties remained ordinary residential homes in normal use. Homeowners confirmed they were never informed their properties had been registered as companies and had not authorized anyone to use their household registration documents or ID numbers.

Administrative and commerce officials advised homeowners to file complaints against those involved in misusing their documents, though some homeowners have been reluctant to pursue legal action, possibly suspecting that family members received compensation for providing the documents without their knowledge. Some cases have already resulted in fraud complaints and charges of misappropriating government documents for unlawful benefit.

The Commerce Ministry will conduct deeper investigations to determine whether Thai nationals were used as nominees or shell representatives, with strict enforcement of relevant laws and a comprehensive audit of irregularities in company registrations throughout the province. The department has offered free consultation to affected residents through the Sakon Nakhon Provincial Commerce Office or the Department of Business Development's call center at 1570.

Residents of Buriram province have flocked to venerate an ancient Buddha image believed to be nearly 250 years old after a social media post sparked public interest on August 16. The image is housed at Sirisukaram Temple in Nong Prueah village, Thawarawadi district, which locals say has a long history. The ordination hall containing the Buddha image had been closed and unused for many years until villagers recently decided to clean and restore the surrounding area. Upon entering, they discovered the ancient Buddha image inside, which surprised many due to its age and condition. Local residents believe it may be a bronze Buddha dating to the late Ayutthaya period. Some villagers recall seeing the temple and image since childhood, with grandparents and parents having known it since birth, though the exact age cannot be determined. All residents hold deep reverence for the image, which they believe has been part of their community for a very long time. Local resident Srinual Jongkrajom, 44, explained that the temple once had a single monk, with villagers helping maintain it. When a new temple was built nearby, people began worshipping elsewhere, and when the original monk passed away, only an elderly monk remains. The ancient ordination hall was sealed for many years until residents collaborated to open it for cleaning, discovering the old Buddha image and attracting increased visitors. Preliminary assessment suggests the Buddha image may reflect late Ayutthaya artistic style, dating to Buddhist centuries 23-24 or approximately 2172-2310 BE, and if confirmed would represent a historically and culturally valuable artifact. However, the age and era remain speculative based on oral accounts and general appearance, and formal verification from archaeology experts and the Fine Arts Department is needed. Meanwhile, local residents continue caring for the ordination hall and Buddha image, welcoming visitors to pay respects and view this ancient work, hoping it will be preserved as a cultural heritage asset for the community.

A large tree suddenly collapsed onto a group of Spanish tourists at Wat Phra Si Sanphet in Ayutthaya Historical Park on August 16 at 12:30 p.m., injuring four people. One male tourist, identified as Javier de Esteban Lucea, 55, suffered serious injuries including a fractured right rib and two broken left leg bones, while three female tourists sustained minor injuries. All victims are Spanish nationals who were part of a group of about 15 tourists visiting the ancient site when the tree fell without warning.

Authorities from the Ayutthaya Community Foundation and Ayutthaya Hospital immediately responded, clearing debris from the victims and transporting them for medical care. Initial investigation suggests the tree may have been old and suffered internal decay or hollow areas at the base, preventing it from supporting its own weight. There was no rain or strong wind at the time of the incident, so structural deterioration is the suspected cause, pending confirmation from relevant authorities.

Following the incident, officials used chainsaws to remove branches and relocate the fallen tree to clear the area and improve safety for visitors. Ayutthaya Provincial Governor Chawanin Wongsakdichirakan visited the injured tourists at the hospital and directed related agencies to provide close care and support. He instructed the provincial tourism and sports office to coordinate with tourist police and ordered the hospital director to provide full medical treatment. To prevent similar incidents, he also ordered the Ayutthaya Historical Park and the provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office to deploy arborists to inspect and assess the structural integrity of all large trees throughout archaeological sites across Ayutthaya Province.

On August 16, Chiang Mai Governor Ratphol Naradisorn assigned Deputy Governor Sivakorn Buapong to inspect flash flood conditions at key tourism sites in Mae Rim District, particularly at Mae Sa and Tad Mok waterfalls. Relevant agencies were instructed to prepare for emergency situations and strengthen safety measures for residents and visitors during the rainy season.

The inspection was conducted with District Administrator Prasertsakdi Butsa, Doi Suthep-Pui National Park Assistant Director Kantthorn Songrueks, and other concerned officials who monitored and reported on field conditions.

The deputy governor directed staff to prioritize tourist safety while continuously tracking water and weather conditions. Personnel, equipment, and rescue forces are on standby to respond promptly to any flash flooding or emergencies affecting the public and visitors.

Authorities also stressed the need to verify that warning systems, alert devices, and rescue equipment are fully operational and effective. Staff have been instructed to work with caution and conduct close situation assessments, particularly during heavy rain or rapid water level increases.

Doi Suthep-Pui National Park continues to maintain the temporary closure of Mae Sa Waterfall in the interest of visitor safety until flood conditions and site conditions return to normal. The public and visitors are urged to monitor official announcements closely and strictly follow staff instructions.

On August 16, Kritssakorn Sanitsaktdi, inspector of the National Buddhism Office, along with Netthitip Charoenjai, director of the Khon Kaen Provincial Buddhism Office, visited Phra Kru Adulya Sannithet, abbot of Wat Pa Adulyaram on Kalprathet Road in Kangsadal community, Khon Kaen Municipality. The meeting was held privately with only the temple's monks and national Buddhism office staff present, with no media or relatives allowed to attend.

The abbot expressed concern about fraudsters using the temple's land transfer case to solicit money from the public. He stated that the temple does not have donation boxes and only accepts contributions through bank QR codes. "Some people have told me that transferring the 21 acres from an individual to the temple's name requires millions of baht, which is completely false," the abbot said. "I have never authorized anyone to collect money on behalf of the temple for land transfer costs. If anyone approaches you demanding such payment, please report them to police immediately. The temple has no involvement in any money collection scheme."

The abbot confirmed that the temple will proceed with the land transfer through proper legal channels and court processes. He asked the public to be patient, as land transfers can take many years to complete, and urged people not to pressure government officials, as they are already working diligently on the matter.

Nakhon Ratchasima — A 52-year-old man clearing weeds in a rice field collapsed from heat stroke in extreme weather, lost consciousness, fell backward, and died in an irrigation canal. His body showed no signs of injury or assault.

On August 16, Huai Hook 31 rescue unit in Kham Sakae Kaeng received a report from Investigator Tiwakorn Chaemglang of Kham Sakae Kaeng Police Station that a person had been found dead in a rice field in Nong Durian village, Non Muang subdistrict, Kham Sakae Kaeng district, Nakhon Ratchasima. Rescue teams were dispatched to investigate, and since the scene was in the middle of a rice field, they parked their vehicle on the roadside and carried rescue equipment and a stretcher on foot.

Upon arrival, rescue workers found the body of a man wearing black long pants and a blue long-sleeved shirt lying submerged in an irrigation canal, with a waist bag nearby. Police retrieved the body from the water for examination, with police officers, local officials, and residents present to observe.

When police searched the waist bag, they found a mobile phone and an identity card belonging to the deceased, identified as Boon, 52 years old, from Moo 3, Lung Takian subdistrict, Huai Thalaeng district, Nakhon Ratchasima. The body bore no wounds or marks of assault.

Family members said the deceased had gone out in the morning to clear weeds in the rice field but failed to return home. Relatives went to search for him and found him dead at the scene, then immediately informed the village headman, who contacted police and rescue units.

Initial investigation suggests the man died from heat stroke brought on by extreme heat and humid weather conditions, which caused him to lose consciousness and fall into the irrigation canal. Unable to help himself and with no one passing by to assist, he died. His body has been sent to a forensic pathologist at Kham Sakae Kaeng Hospital for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death before his family is notified to collect the body for funeral rites.