The Board of Investment (BOI) is revising its criteria for promoting data center investments following the cabinet's approval of a new Prime Minister's Office regulation on data center policy on August 5, 2026. The move aims to strengthen project screening to maximize economic returns while managing energy, water, and environmental impacts. BOI Secretary-General Naret Thadsirisak stated that the agency will align its review framework with the new policy committee's guidelines, which establish governance standards for the data center industry. He reaffirmed that Thailand is not closing its doors to investment but will carefully select only projects offering genuine and tangible benefits to the nation.

Data centers are critical infrastructure for Thailand's digital economy and AI development, but rapid expansion has raised concerns about electricity consumption, water usage, and community impacts, necessitating balanced rules that attract investment while ensuring sustainable resource use. The new criteria will focus on four main dimensions: economic benefits through job creation, Thai workforce development, domestic business linkages, technology transfer, and AI ecosystem support; energy readiness to protect other electricity users; efficient water management; and environmental safeguards throughout the project lifecycle.

Between 2024 and 2026, the BOI approved 42 data center projects worth over 750 billion baht, with combined processing capacity of 3,400 megawatts, attracting investors from multiple countries. No new promotion applications have been received since April 2026. Data center investment is driving Thailand's digital industry growth in cloud computing, AI, and skilled workforce development, while also attracting key supply-chain manufacturers such as hard disk, AI server, telecommunications equipment, and cooling system producers to establish operations in Thailand, strengthening the country's long-term economic competitiveness.

The director of Thailand's Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has ordered an investigation into whether the head of Similan Islands National Park violated departmental regulations by allowing MP Veerachai Theeraphatthanon and his group to stay overnight at the park approximately four years ago.

On August 5, Veerachai, serving as a special committee member reviewing the 2570 fiscal budget bill, had spoken in parliament reflecting his personal views and experience from a trip to Similan Islands National Park about four years prior. He described the accommodation and service quality as "very poor" and cited specific limitations such as lights being turned off at 8 p.m., poor bedding conditions, limited water supply, weak internet signals, and recommended considering private-public partnership management models.

Artchpol Jarunchansea, director of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, stated that while the department appreciates the constructive suggestions from the committee member, it must thoroughly verify the facts. He ordered the establishment of a fact-finding committee to investigate whether the Similan Islands National Park director's authorization of the overnight stay violated the departmental announcement of October 4, 2561 (published in the Royal Gazette on October 8, 2561) that closed overnight accommodation at Similan Islands. This closure announcement has been in effect for eight years.

The overnight closure was enacted to address garbage and wastewater problems affecting the environment and to focus on natural resource restoration and sustainable reduction of marine ecosystem impacts. The area was designated for day-trip visits only. The director emphasized that while the department welcomes beneficial suggestions for public interest and is ready to consider them for improving operations and service efficiency, all procedures and conditions must comply with government regulations and relevant legal frameworks properly and carefully.

On August 6, 2025, Rangsiman Rom, a ruling coalition lawmaker and deputy Pheu Thai party leader, chaired a parliamentary committee session examining widespread corruption in local government examinations. He confirmed that roughly 5,900 names linked to the fraud scheme are documented in files now held by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), and emphasized that a coordinated criminal network is clearly involved. Rangsiman stressed the need to accelerate money-laundering investigations and asset seizures before suspects can transfer funds or hide property, warning that without swift enforcement, those convicted may never fully compensate the state for damages. He urged the Anti-Money Laundering Office to deploy its broad legal powers to trace financial flows, including tax returns and spending patterns, and expressed frustration that some implicated officials—particularly those close to Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul—might escape accountability while political figures claim they bear no responsibility. Rangsiman vowed the committee would continue investigating to prevent what he characterized as selective justice or political cover-ups.

BANGKOK — 5 August 2026, A transgender model has spoken out after she said she was turned away from a fashion photoshoot moments before filming because the brand owner objected to her gender identity, prompting calls for clearer hiring requirements in the modelling industry.

Speaking to Khaosod Online, the model, who goes by Owen, said she had been hired for a lifestyle clothing photoshoot through a last-minute booking. During discussions with the production team, no requirement was mentioned that applicants had to be cisgender women or that transgender models would not be accepted.

Owen said she arrived at the set on 4 August, checked in with the crew, ordered refreshments and changed into the wardrobe before staff informed her they needed to verify details with the brand owner.

"They asked me, 'Are you transgender? The brand owner isn't okay with that, so you'll have to go home,'" she recalled.

Shocked by the decision, Owen asked the crew to discuss the matter again with the brand owner, noting that she had already travelled to the location and was ready to begin work. However, the team later returned and confirmed the decision had not changed.

She said the production team initially offered compensation for her wasted time, but the amount was less than half of the agreed modelling fee. After negotiating, one crew member agreed to contribute additional money personally because, according to Owen, the brand owner refused to increase the payment.

Owen explained that she normally posts her modelling profile, including her portfolio, body measurements and social media accounts, in online casting groups. Prospective clients then contact her directly to discuss jobs.

She said this was not the first time she had encountered such a situation, although previous incidents had been resolved through discussion without her being asked to leave.

Owen believes gender should not be an issue for fashion still photography, where voice and dialogue are irrelevant. She added that for video projects requiring speaking roles, she always informs clients in advance that she is transgender so they can decide whether she fits the role.

She urged brands and casting agencies to clearly state any gender-specific requirements in job advertisements.

"If a brand is strict about gender, they should specify it in the casting post. I've seen posts that clearly say 'cisgender women only,' and in those cases I simply don't apply," she said.

Owen added that the incident occurred on her birthday, making the experience especially upsetting. Despite the setback, she said she will continue working as a model and hopes employers will communicate their requirements clearly to prevent similar situations in the future.

Prime Minister Anusit Charnvirakul and Interior Minister welcomed Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing on an official state visit to Thailand at 10:20 a.m. on August 6, 2025, at the Thai Khu Fa Building. Upon arrival, the Prime Minister extended a warm reception and led a formal welcoming ceremony complete with an honor guard inspection. After the ceremony, the President signed the government guestbook and exchanged commemorative gifts in the Elephant Room before proceeding to a small-group discussion with the Prime Minister to exchange views on promoting Thai-Myanmar cooperation, including cross-border management, energy cooperation, trade facilitation, and border peace and stability.

The full delegation discussions were held in the Green Room at Thai Khu Fa Building, with Thai delegates including Deputy Prime Ministers Eknit Nitithumprach (Finance), Sihasak Puangketkaew (Foreign Affairs), and Supachee Suthammapant (Commerce), along with senior military and cabinet officials. Myanmar's delegation included Foreign Minister Tin Maung Swe, Energy Minister Ko Ko Lwin, and Commerce Minister Thun Aung, among other senior officials.

At 12:15 p.m., the Prime Minister and Myanmar President will jointly witness the signing of agreements and exchange of memoranda of understanding, followed by aid presentation ceremonies at the Santitham Building of Government House.

BANGKOK — On 5 August 2026, the Royal Gazette published a Prime Minister's Office announcement granting royal approval to strip three former police officers of their ranks and revoke their royal decorations.

The officers were dismissed from service after being found to have committed serious disciplinary offences.

They are:

Pol. Col. Ratthawee Chaiyana — effective 31 October 2017 Pol. Lt. Col. Yusron Abdulsama — effective 25 November 2021 Pol. Lt. Phuwanai Kaewnoi — effective 26 October 2024

The announcement also ordered the recall of decorations previously awarded to the three men, including honours under the Orders of the White Elephant and the Crown of Thailand, as well as service medals.