The Supreme Court examined evidence in the case against 44 former Move Forward Party lawmakers accused of serious ethical violations related to their signatures on an amendment to Article 112 of the Criminal Code. NACC Secretary-General Surapong Inthatawon attended the August 4, 2025 hearing at the Supreme Court on Ratchadamnoen Road. Both parties acknowledged the preliminary evidence presented, and the court approved a schedule for prosecution witnesses in 4 sessions totaling 9 witnesses, with the first session on August 25, 2025. The defense will present 60 witnesses, with hearings beginning November 3, 2025, and concluding May 18, 2026, before the court delivers its verdict.

Nithi Laiadee, counsel for the defendants, explained the defense strategy and timeline in an interview. The legal team had initially submitted over 80 witness names but reduced the number due to redundancy and at the court's direction. The 60 approved witnesses are divided into three main groups: 1) the 44 former lawmakers themselves, including expected key figures like former Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat and former MP Nattapon Rueangpanya, though their exact schedules require further coordination; 2) academics specializing in law, political science, and public administration to provide broader expert perspectives beyond purely legal arguments; and 3) fact witnesses who can testify about lawmakers' conduct during the relevant period.

When asked whether prominent legal scholars such as former Constitution drafters would testify, Nithi said the team is still coordinating and would reserve names pending further updates, as witness schedules may shift for convenience. Regarding the core legal issue, Nithi stated the main defense argument is that the defendants' actions did not violate ethical standards. He expects the defense witness phase to conclude by May next year, and when asked if the timeline is too long, he responded that given the number of witnesses and case complexity, the schedule is appropriate—neither rushed nor unnecessarily delayed. Nithi emphasized that the large number of witnesses clearly demonstrates this is not a delay tactic, noting that the court approved the full scope because it recognizes the defendants deserve a complete defense while the team must present facts, opinions, and evidence comprehensively.

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More than 100 villagers in northeastern Thailand have revived an ancient rain-making ritual, parading Chi and Doraemon dolls instead of real cats around their community as a prolonged dry spell threatens their rice crops. The traditional "Hae Nang Maew" ceremony was held on 4 August 2026 by residents of Khon Chim subdistrict in Waeng Yai district, Khon Kaen province, after the area went without significant rain for more than two months. The lack of rainfall has caused rice plants to wilt, with large areas at risk of dying. Instead of using a live cat, villagers placed Chi and Doraemon dolls inside a cage and carried them through the village in a procession covering more than 3 kilometres.

As part of the traditional ritual, residents splashed water over the dolls while others joined the procession carrying fishing nets, traps, bamboo baskets containing fish and farming equipment, praying for rain to ease the drought. Chaiwat Dokmaingam, chief executive of the Khon Chim Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, said Waeng Yai district had received almost no rainfall this year, apart from occasional light showers that were insufficient for farming. Some farmers have reportedly replanted their rice fields up to three times, but the seeds failed to germinate because the soil lacked moisture and had become hard, preventing the crops from growing.

Authorities had previously requested assistance from the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department, but operations could not be carried out due to unsuitable weather conditions. The district relies heavily on rainfall and has no irrigation system to support farming. The drought comes as several parts of Thailand are experiencing flooding in August. Residents therefore revived the traditional cat parade while also seeking government assistance, hoping that both modern science and traditional beliefs could bring much-needed rain. Water levels in the Chi River near Ban Chi Tha Wang Wern in Non Thong subdistrict have also fallen significantly, with several sections nearly dry. The situation is affecting Waeng Yai and Waeng Noi districts as well as areas bordering Chaiyaphum province.

Although water management projects have been continuously proposed, they remain under development. The area faces a unique situation, with communities near the Chi River frequently experiencing flooding while areas farther away regularly suffer drought. Several districts in Khon Kaen, including Phon, Waeng Noi, Waeng Yai and Chonnabot, as well as parts of Non Sila, continue to face drought despite rainfall and flooding in other parts of the province. The Hae Nang Maew ceremony is an ancient tradition among northeastern Thai communities. According to local belief, villagers parade and perform traditional dances to pray for rain, hoping their pleas will be answered. This year's use of dolls instead of a live cat reflects how the tradition has adapted to modern times while preserving the cultural beliefs.

The Regional Public Relations Office 3 of the Public Relations Department (PRD) organized the “Lanna Soft Power Music Fest” in Chiang Mai to promote Thailand’s music soft power through the disti...

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul delivered a keynote address at the Indonesia-Thailand Business Forum held this morning at Fairmont Jakarta, titled "Advancing the Indonesia–Thailand Strategic Partnership: Building Integrated Value Chains in Industry, Services, and Halal Economy." The forum was organized by the Thai Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia in partnership with Kadin Indonesia, with participation from Indonesian Commerce Minister Budi Santoso, presidential special envoy Hasim Djojohadikusumo, Thai Chamber of Commerce President Poj Aramwattananont, Bangkok Bank chairman Chatsiri Sophonpanich, and approximately 300 government, private sector, and media representatives.

Anutin proposed elevating Thailand-Indonesia relations from "trading partners" to "co-builders" by linking production, investment, technology, and innovation to create strong value chains and expand economic opportunities across ASEAN. He emphasized that Thailand should serve as a regional manufacturing hub while Indonesia functions as a major market and maritime economic gateway. Following discussions with President Prabowo Subianto, both sides agreed to create concrete opportunities for citizens, business operators, and investors.

With global economic volatility, Anutin stressed that deeper ASEAN economic integration is "not an option but a necessity," with Thailand and Indonesia as key drivers. He noted current bilateral trade reaches nearly $20 billion with a target of $23 billion, and combined populations exceed 350 million. The Prime Minister proposed four strategic cooperation pillars: (1) Food security and halal development of comprehensive halal value chains; (2) Logistics, transport, and digital services including new Bangkok-Jakarta and Phuket-Bali air routes and Thai Lion Air expansion; (3) Finance and digital economy, connecting PromptPay and QRIS payment systems; and (4) Energy and green economy for clean energy and future industries like EV, AI, and data centers.

Anutin concluded that success should be measured not by trade figures alone but by jointly built industries, connected supply chains, and a more competitive ASEAN.