Death Toll from Bangkok Bar Fire Climbs to 38

A victim has died in hospital, raising the death toll from a Bangkok bar fire to 38, with 77 people injured and 13 still hospitalized as of mid-August.

6d ago Khaosod

The death toll from the Rong Beer Na Lad Phrao bar fire has risen to 38 after another victim died while receiving medical treatment, according to the Erawan Centre of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Medical Services Department.

As of 12 August 2026, a total of 77 people injured in the fire had been taken to hospital. Of these, 53 have been discharged, while 13 remain hospitalised, including seven patients in intensive care and six in general wards.

The Erawan Centre said the latest fatality was Sai Mai Singchom, who had been transferred from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital to Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital. She died at 18:30 on 11 August 2026.

The latest death brings the total number of fatalities from the fire to 38.

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Community

Revered Monk's Sacred Image Receives Water Blessing

A water-blessing amulet cast in 1984 honoring Luang Por Nueng Kovito, a revered scholar-monk of Chula Mani Temple in Samut Songkhram, has become highly sought after by devotees for its sacred significance.

6d ago Khaosod

Luang Por Nueng Kovito, an esteemed scholar-monk of the Mae Klong lineage at Chula Mani Temple in Ampawa District, Samut Songkhram Province, was a principal disciple of several celebrated masters including Luang Por Kong of Bang Kaphom Temple, Luang Por Chaem of Chula Mani Temple, and Luang Pu Chai of Sedet Temple. Born as Nueng Thao Suwanno on February 14, 1909, he was ordained at age 23 on July 29, 1932, at Bang Kaphom Temple under Luang Por Kong as preceptor. He earned the highest rank in Buddhist scriptural studies in 1936 and became renowned for his expertise in meditation and esoteric Buddhist disciplines. He studied under the great masters of Samut Songkhram, most notably Luang Por Kong, who was credited with creating the popular amulet series known as the "Five Sets of Coins." He gained ecclesiastical rank as Phra Kru Sanyabat Third Class in 1933 and was promoted to Second Class in 1974. Chula Mani Temple, originally called Wat Mae Jao Thip, was believed to have been built between 1629–1647 during the reign of King Prasat Thong and holds historical significance related to the Chakri Dynasty. The temple fell into disrepair over time until Luang Por Nueng oversaw its restoration, including the construction of a magnificent four-sided marble ordination hall measuring 40 by 80 meters at a cost of tens of millions of baht. The cornerstone was laid on August 15, 1968, by the Supreme Patriarch. Luang Por Nueng passed away peacefully on November 27, 1987, at age 78 and 56 years into his monastic life. His amulets and sacred objects, including a notable casting created in 1984 called the "water-blessing amulet," became highly sought after by devotees. This particular image was cast in 1984 by master craftsman Hong Mani at a foundry in the Tha Phra Thonburi area of Bangkok, standing approximately 6.8 to 7.8 kilograms and assembled from three separate pieces.

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National

Bunyawee Backs Phase 2 Thai Help Thai Program

MP Bunyawee Yamchinda visited Tak Province to support the Thai Help Thai Phase 2 program and address concerns about Chinese agricultural products undermining local farmers and market competition.

6d ago Khaosod

MP Bunyawee Yamchinda, a list-based representative and leader of the United Thai Hearts Party, disclosed his remarks after visiting Wang Hin Market near Tak City Municipality in Tak Province. He met with residents and surveyed local vendors to gather their concerns and suggestions. A major worry raised was the encroachment of Chinese agricultural products into Thai markets, which is severely affecting farmers across all sectors. Chinese agricultural industries have also set up factories in the area and export high-quality Thai agricultural goods, potentially depriving the state of tax revenue.

"Tak residents consistently pointed out that this stems from neglect by previous governments, but the current administration under Prime Minister Anuthong Chanyaveerakul is paying close attention and has policies to accelerate corrective and preventive measures in multiple ways," Bunyawee said. He added that Chinese agricultural imports, whether fruits or vegetables, are creating problems affecting both production and marketing. He therefore urged residents to support Thai vegetables and homegrown fruits, whether from household gardens or farmer producers.

Bunyawee also discussed the Thai Help Thai Phase 2 program, noting that initial discussions with the prime minister and relevant officials showed support for continuing Phase 2 to help manage living costs and stimulate grassroots economic activity. During this visit, Anurak Phuang-in, a representative from Wang Prajob Subdistrict farmers in Tak City, presented a request for budget support of 50 million baht in fiscal year 2569 for the Khao Chik Krabbin water reservoir and distribution system project in Moo 4, Ban Lan So, Wang Prajob Subdistrict, proposed by Wang Prajob Subdistrict Administrative Organization.

"This project will improve water storage capacity, support consumption and agriculture, and help solve recurring drought problems for 230 households totaling 1,050 people across 1,500 rai of beneficiary land. I will push this forward fully according to the next steps," Bunyawee said.

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Community

Cavity Bee Farming Brings Steady Income for Trang Farmer

A 65-year-old Trang farmer overcame her fear of bees to build a thriving honey business, now harvesting 500–700 bottles monthly during peak season from 140 hive boxes of native cavity bees. Her premium May honey and fresh honeycomb generate

6d ago Khaosod

After years of fearing bees following multiple stings, 65-year-old Pathumchat Damkong—known locally as Pa Thum—from Ban Ta Chin Nuea in Muang District, Trang Province, has turned cavity bee keeping into a thriving supplementary livelihood. She now sells honey in bottles and fresh honeycomb, generating tens of thousands of baht weekly during peak season.

The cavity bees she raises, called "min to" in the South, are native Thai bees smaller than giant honey bees that produce high-quality honey with distinctive aroma and flavor.

Pa Thum began keeping cavity bees in 2009, overcoming her deep fear of them after witnessing another farmer's success. She recalled her turning point: "I wanted to try, but bees still stung me just walking past them. I had to be brave and do it myself, because I realized that if no one helps me, I have to manage on my own." Starting with just three wooden hive boxes, she harvested honey from only one. Undeterred, she studied continuously—learning from other beekeepers, local extension workers, and agricultural organizations. After 17 years, she expanded to a maximum of 140 hive boxes placed around her home, in palm oil groves, and on relatives' land.

Yield varies by hive. Some produce only half a bottle due to less industrious colonies or missed timing, while others yield old combs she doesn't catch in time. Overall, during April alone she collects 3-13 bottles per hive, totaling 500-700 bottles, which mature into May honey—her farm's premium product and signature offering.

April's dry conditions concentrate forest flower pollen, creating honey with low moisture, thick sweet taste, attractive golden color, and strong floral fragrance ideal for traditional throat lozenges and herbal medicine blends. After training with community development programs, she created a brand and bottled in multiple sizes: 200-milliliter bottles for 180 baht and 750-milliliter bottles for 500 baht.

She expanded beyond bottled honey to fresh honeycomb with larvae, mature bees, or pure honeycomb without larvae, cut into pieces and boxed at 100–500 baht depending on weight. Fresh honeycomb became her bestseller because some customers want the richness of larvae while others seek the assurance of 100 percent authentic comb, and fresh comb outsells bottled honey significantly while offering identical medicinal benefits.

May honey carries the highest therapeutic value: antioxidants, skin nourishment, energy boosting, cough and sore throat relief, wound healing, improved sleep through gentle sedative compounds, stress relief, and a reputation as a top anti-aging remedy. Pa Thum's customers—both online and regular repeat buyers—order bottles and fresh comb whenever she announces harvest, selling out daily. Since she harvests only once yearly, May's harvest week generates tens of thousands of baht in income.

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National

Chememan Posts 7.6% Profit Growth on Tech Investment Drive

Chememan reported first-half 2025 net profit of 256 million baht, up 7.6% year-on-year, despite a 4.6% sales decline, thanks to improved margins and cost efficiency. The chemical producer is pursuing expansion in India and Indonesia while a

6d ago Khaosod

Chememan Limited, a global producer of lime and chemical products operating under the Chememan brand, reported first-half 2025 earnings of 256 million baht in net profit attributable to shareholders, a 7.6% increase compared to the same period last year. Sales and service revenue totaled 1.88 billion baht, down 4.6%, but the company improved its gross profit margin to 40.1% from 36.6% in the prior-year period, demonstrating effective management amid global economic uncertainty.

Second-quarter 2025 results showed sales revenue of 907 million baht and net profit of 84 million baht, declining 4.5% and 21.9% respectively year-on-year, weighed by geopolitical tensions that drove energy and transportation costs higher. Nevertheless, the company maintained a gross margin of 38.2% in the quarter, up from 37.2% a year earlier, through disciplined cost control and production efficiency improvements.

Moving forward, Chememan is pursuing aggressive growth strategies including anticipated contributions from its acquisition of Lime Master starting in the third quarter. Short-term plans emphasize advanced technology and digital investments to enhance operations, stringent cost oversight, and accelerating electric vehicle adoption to exceed 90% of its fleet by year-end 2025. The company is confident 2025 will deliver record-breaking performance.

Over the next two to three years, Chememan plans to expand operations in India and Indonesia to boost production capacity and customer reach. Sustainability initiatives include expanding solar power generation to 8.7 MW across Thai facilities and abroad, and trialling biomass fuels to reduce long-term CO2 emissions. Leadership expressed confidence that strong regional networks, proven business resilience, and strategic market position position the company for significant growth and strengthened market leadership in the Indo-Pacific region.

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Community

Youth Lead Waste Management Overhaul in Remote Phetchaburi Area

Youth at a remote Phetchaburi school are spearheading a waste management overhaul in an isolated mountain community where garbage trucks cannot reach, replacing open burning with a digital sorting system and community education program.

6d ago Khaosod

Pa Deng Subdistrict in Kaeng Krachan District, Phetchaburi Province, is a remote rural area facing environmental management challenges because basic infrastructure such as garbage trucks cannot reach it due to mountainous terrain and its location within Kaeng Krachan National Park. Residents must manage household waste independently, with community waste averaging about 2 tons per day. Historically, residents burned waste in open-air systems within the community, causing environmental and health damage.

A major turning point came when Suphanimit Foundation of Thailand systematically supported waste management under a pilot project for waste management systems and carbon footprint tracking in the Kaeng Krachan area. The initiative focused on upgrading waste management to a digital system in three pilot locations: Pa Deng Subdistrict Administration Organization, Naresuan Border Patrol School at Ban Hui Sok, and Ban Hui Kwang Chiang School.

After the foundation provided systematic support, Pa Deng Witthaya School became a model area for promoting behavioral change among youth. Beyond supporting source separation through student activities, the school integrated waste management content into various subjects and developed specialized curricula to build awareness and understanding of proper waste separation and disposal.

Students then share their knowledge with families and communities, creating household-level momentum for waste separation to minimize the amount of waste that must be burned.

Dr. Wimlarat Siisan, Field Mission Management Director for the Northern and Central Regions at Suphanimit Foundation of Thailand, stated that the foundation aims to drive a Zero Waste–Zero Landfill concept in partnership with communities to address air pollution from open burning. The foundation provides knowledge and budget support, starting with students and promoting youth, family, and community participation.

"Our highest goal is for children to develop awareness and for everyone in the community to feel they own this project and are helping improve the environment through waste disposal and reduction," Dr. Wimlarat said. "We plan to expand this model to other areas including Phetchaburi, Ratchaburi, Uthai Thani, and the Eastern region."

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National

Thailand Cracks Down on Citizenship Fraud Rings

Thai authorities arrested 32 suspects in a major crackdown on citizenship fraud rings that used hired Thai men and falsified documents to illegally obtain Thai nationality for foreign children, with investigations expanding to include asset

6d ago Khaosod

Government spokesman Ratchada Thanadirek said the government is committed to cracking down on corruption at all levels, particularly issues of public concern, by coordinating with relevant agencies and strictly enforcing laws to protect national interests and public security.

Regarding efforts to dismantle networks involving hired Thai men who falsely registered marriages and filed fraudulent birth declarations to illegally obtain Thai nationality for foreign children, the Department of Local Administration, together with the National Police and other agencies, has launched three anti-corruption operations targeting transnational criminal networks involved in civil registry fraud and illegal Thai citizenship applications.

The first operation, called "Demolish Kumar Thip," resulted in four arrests. The local registration office in Huai Kwang district has revoked two false birth registrations of foreign children and is investigating further. The second operation, "Reverse Dragon Scales," arrested six suspects on April 29, including two Chinese nationals, three Thai men hired to register false marriages and paternity, and one district office official. Investigations expanded, resulting in arrest warrants for 35 additional suspects on July 7.

The third operation, "Remove Dragon Scales," targeted networks falsifying marriage registrations and civil registry fraud to illegally obtain Thai nationality. Between July 9-11, the court approved 35 arrest warrants, with 32 suspects apprehended. One Chinese mother fled the country and two others disappeared. Courts denied bail for 27 suspects, citing serious criminal organization activity and national security concerns. The Department of Local Administration has ordered cancellation of all fraudulently registered births.

The Anti-Money Laundering Office will investigate financial flows and seize assets of those involved. Regarding the discovery of approximately 57 million liters of oil worth over 2.3 billion baht showing irregularities, multiple agencies including the Special Cases Investigation Department, Energy Department, National Police, Revenue Department, Customs Department, and Naval Operations Command are coordinating investigations. Three cases have been filed in Ang Thong province and the southern region, with accused parties already informed of charges. Investigations continue into oil storage facilities and traders elsewhere to expand cases against all involved.

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National

Thailand Cuts Electricity Rates to 3.89 Baht per Unit

Thailand's Energy Regulatory Commission cuts average household electricity rates to 3.89 baht per unit from September 2025, with the first 200 units capped at 3 baht for all residential customers.

6d ago Khaosod

Poolpat Leesombat, secretary-general of the Energy Regulatory Commission, announced the final rates and new tiered residential electricity pricing after public consultation. From September 2025, the average rate will be 3.89 baht per unit, down from 3.95 baht, following the removal of public lighting costs from household bills. The base rate will drop from 3.78 baht to 3.72 baht per unit; when combined with automatic fuel adjustment charges, the September rate reaches 3.89 baht per unit.

The new tiered system sets the first 200 units at no more than 3 baht per unit for all residential customers, including those in rented homes, dormitories, and apartments. Usage from 201 to 400 units and beyond 401 units retains existing rates. This policy aligns with the National Energy Policy Committee's directive to cap the first 200 units at 3 baht or less for all residential users.

Leesombat explained that separating public lighting costs reduces household electricity burden and establishes a dedicated rate. The Energy Regulatory Commission will revise energy fund regulations to collect money from new sources—data centers, direct power purchase agreements, reductions in renewable energy adders, and community solar projects—to subsidize public lighting costs and residential rates. The three state power authorities will implement the new rates.

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Community

Actress's Manager Shuts Down Toxic Comments Over Comedy Content

Bella Ranee's manager Ploy announced a zero-tolerance policy for toxic comments on their comedy channel after a viral dance video sparked harsh backlash, vowing to block abusive users and keep the space positive.

6d ago Khaosod

Bella Ranee's personal manager Ploy has responded to harsh criticism of the actress's comedic content, announcing a zero-tolerance policy for abusive comments. The "Ploy and Bella" channel, which features light-hearted comedy clips from the actress and her manager, recently posted a viral dance video but received harsh and vulgar backlash from some viewers who disapproved of the content. Ploy posted a statement declaring that any future toxic or vulgar comments would be blocked, asking fans not to engage with haters and to keep the page a positive space. The statement read: "From now on, anyone commenting with vulgar language and toxic energy will be blocked. There's no point in it harming anyone. I don't want our lovely fans to have to defend us from this type of person. It's a waste of energy and time." Fans have rallied behind the decision, supporting the move to maintain a constructive online environment.

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National

Study Shows Dogs Can Recognize Human Emotions

University of Vienna researchers used brain scans to confirm that dogs can recognize human emotions, with specific brain regions activating when dogs see happy faces but not angry or sad ones.

6d ago Khaosod

Research from University of Vienna scientists reveals that dogs can distinguish emotions displayed on human faces, marking the first evidence to confirm this ability. In the study, researchers used machine learning technology to analyze brain scans of 12 dogs as they viewed images of human faces expressing different emotions. According to a University of Vienna statement on August 11, the findings showed that brain regions associated with higher-level cognition and reward processing—specifically the temporal cortex and caudate nucleus—activated only when dogs saw unfamiliar faces displaying smiles and happiness.

In contrast, images showing anger, fear, and sadness did not trigger activity in these brain areas. The study was published in the journal iScience by Cell Press. However, when examining overall brain activity, researchers found distinct patterns of brain activity between faces expressing fear, anger, and sadness, providing the first evidence that dogs can distinguish between different types of negative emotions on human faces.

Laura Guay, the study's senior researcher, noted that dogs have evolved alongside humans for a long time and can now understand facial expressions and collaborate with people. Recognizing this ability may help change how humans communicate with and care for dogs.

Researchers plan to investigate how dogs integrate information from other signals—including body language, tone of voice, and scent—in interpreting humans around them, and will compare how dog and human brains process emotional signals similarly. The study included only dogs from loving, attentive families, and researchers cautioned that dogs raised in different environments may respond differently to human emotional signals.

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National

Thai Textiles Trend Book Launched for Spring/Summer 2027

Thailand's Community Development Department launched the seventh Thai Textiles Trend Book for Spring/Summer 2027 at ICONSIAM, featuring four design concepts that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion under the royal patr

6d ago Khaosod

On August 11, 2026, the Community Development Department under the Ministry of Interior unveiled the Thai Textiles Trend Book Spring/Summer 2027, the seventh edition of a knowledge-development publication for advancing Thai products internationally. The launch was held at Suralai Hall, Level 7 of ICONSIAM shopping mall, with Sayam Sirimongkhon, director of the Community Development Department, as chair.

The book received royal patronage from Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, who serves as editor-in-chief. It builds on the royal initiative Thai Wear Made Fun to advance Thai textile knowledge and promote Thai fashion and product development aligned with modern global contexts.

A panel discussion explored the direction of Thai textiles and contemporary fashion, featuring leading experts and designers: Kulwit Lao-Sukonsri, executive editor of Vogue Thailand; Thanunrat Thanasetkrung, Thai textile expert and advisor to the Thai Wear Made Fun project; Palpat Asvaraparp, designer and founder of ASAVA brand; and Jensuda Pan-to Sirisuwan, designer and founder of JANESUDA brand.

The Thai Textiles Trend Book Spring/Summer 2027 presents the core concept "Reimagine," inviting viewers to consider culture, craftsmanship, and fashion from a fresh perspective. It employs the "Cultural Diplomats" framework to communicate and connect people through the power of culture while reinterpreting traditional wisdom through contemporary creativity.

The book features four key concepts: The Exquisite Movement, conveying beauty through motion via structure, patterns, and weaving techniques; The Masterpiece Muse, blending art with fashion and reinterpreting traditional methods as wearable art; The Clarity of Immortality, presenting quality living through natural tones, soft textures, and wellness concepts; and The Sanctuary Within, reflecting peace and mental refuge inspired by architecture, design, and textile surfaces.

These four concepts reflect Thai fashion's direction of reimagining, reinterpreting, and reinventing cultural roots as contemporary works that can evolve into future products and lifestyles while elevating Thai textiles on the global stage sustainably.

Interested visitors can view the Thai Textiles Trend Book Spring/Summer 2027 exhibition and experience the appeal of Thai textiles and contemporary fashion direction from August 11–14, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Suralai Hall, Level 7 of ICONSIAM shopping mall.

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