Internal divisions at the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), the country's independent media and telecom regulator, are raising questions about a structural crisis. The NBTC board has repeatedly failed to convene due to absent quorum and walkouts by three majority-faction commissioners—Professor Pirongpong Ramsoot, Lieutenant General Thanaphan Railaichairn, and Associate Professor Suphat Supchalasai—who have chosen to abstain from participation.

The core dispute centers on the qualifications of NBTC Chair Professor Sorn Boonyibhaichaiprucks. The NBTC selection committee unanimously ruled that the chair lacks the required qualifications and has grounds for disqualification due to conflicting roles with other state agencies from the outset. The commissioners fear that proceeding under his leadership could render all decisions void and expose them to criminal liability.

Although Prime Minister Anuthiny Charnveerakul submitted a royal petition on August 11, 2025, seeking the chair's removal, the chair continued participating in the August 13 board meeting, insisting he must continue his duties and denying any wrongdoing. He emphasized having acted lawfully and ethically throughout, and filed an appeal to the Administrative Court of Justice. The board collapsed for a fifth consecutive time in over five months due to insufficient quorum.

Commissioner Pirongpong stated readiness to proceed with six remaining commissioners under existing legal provisions, citing numerous urgent agenda items. However, he reiterated that the three cannot participate in meetings chaired by Sorn, citing the selection committee's disqualification ruling and noting that the Administrative Court has already refused to hear the chair's case, making the committee's decision final. Pirongpong warned that allowing Sorn to continue as chair risks rendering all board decisions and actions legally invalid.

Thailand coach Anthony Hudson has praised Singapore as a formidable opponent ahead of their first knockout round match in the 2026 AFF Cup, but remains confident in his team's chances. Hudson held a press conference at the AFF headquarters on August 14, ahead of the semifinal first leg between Singapore (ranked 148th globally) and Thailand (ranked 94th), alongside right-back Waris Suthong.

Hudson emphasized that he does not focus heavily on past head-to-head records, but that winning the match would be meaningful. He stressed the importance of method and team play, noting that the squad has benefited from rotation in earlier rounds and that no players are suspended for this match. The coach expressed pride in his players' performances and their ability to keep a clean sheet throughout the group stage.

"I respect Singapore greatly," Hudson said. "They have developed significantly over the years. They have a good coach and players I am familiar with. Singapore works hard and plays well as a team. Importantly, we do not overlook them. Singapore is a strong opponent that we must be prepared to face."

Hudson acknowledged the tournament's demanding schedule but praised the team's cohesion and work ethic. He noted the squad has trained well and worked hard together every week with high mutual understanding. The coach said he is satisfied with the team's preparation and feels confident they can perform well.

Regarding Singapore's tactical setup, Hudson stated: "Singapore is a strong team. Their head coach has effectively communicated tactical ideas to the players in both attack and defense. We respect them highly because I faced them in November and we understand them well, but they are different now. As coaching staff, we are well prepared. We know our strengths and are ready."

SURAT THANI — Israel's ambassador to Thailand has asked Surat Thani authorities to help ensure the safety and well-being of Israeli tourists, long-term residents and business operators in the province.

Ambassador Alona Fisher-Kamm made the request during a meeting with Surat Thani Governor Jumphot Wannachatsiri and provincial officials at the provincial hall on 13 August.

Fisher-Kamm said most Israelis were law-abiding and well-behaved, while acknowledging that some individuals could commit offences. She said Israel, like other countries, has both good and bad individuals, adding that social media can sometimes create misunderstandings and make people feel unsafe.

The ambassador asked provincial authorities to contact the Israeli Embassy directly if problems involving Israeli nationals arise so that the two sides can work together to resolve them. She said Israeli authorities had already provided visitors with basic guidance on Thai customs, culture and local laws, including prohibited activities.

Israel currently has five projects aimed at promoting cooperation in Thailand, including a high-value agricultural development project in Koh Samui, she said. Fisher-Kamm also said she planned to invite the Surat Thani governor to attend a meeting in Israel in November.

Governor Jumphot said Surat Thani treats tourists from all countries equally and takes legal action against anyone who violates Thai law regardless of nationality. He said provincial authorities were committed to providing transparent and equal treatment to visitors of all nationalities to ensure they feel safe and have a positive experience in the province.

Jumphot also welcomed potential cooperation with Israel on high-value agriculture, saying Israeli projects could provide useful examples for Surat Thani to study. He said provincial agencies were ready to coordinate with Israeli businesses and visitors, directing business-related matters to the provincial commerce office, tourism issues to the provincial tourism and sports office, and security concerns to provincial police and immigration authorities.

The two officials exchanged souvenirs before concluding the meeting. Fisher-Kamm was making her fourth visit to Surat Thani. During the visit, she was scheduled to preside over the opening of Khuan La School in Tha Chang district and meet with the Surat Thani provincial police chief later in the day.

CHONBURI — 14 August 2026, A local fisherman in Chonburi was shocked after hauling up about 200 kilogrammes of blackchin tilapia in his fishing net off the coast of Rong Po in Bang Lamung district, raising concerns among local fishermen about possible impacts on marine ecosystems and mussel farms.

The incident occurred in the sea off Ban Bang Lamung, also known locally as Rong Po Bay, near the mouth of Bang Lamung Canal in Moo 4, Bang Lamung subdistrict.

A video posted on Facebook showed the fisherman pulling up his net, which was filled with blackchin tilapia (Sarotherodon melanotheron). The man wrote: "I went out to catch fish for dinner… but look what I found."

The footage attracted attention among local residents.

At 10:00 on 14 August, reporters visited Ban Rong Po beach, a local fishing community, and spoke with the fisherman who posted the video, 27-year-old Natthakorn Suea-iam, known locally as "Tai Nut".

He said the incident happened on 12 August, when he took his boat out to set nets for grey mullet, intending to bring the fish home to prepare a meal for his family.

When he hauled in the nets, however, he found that almost the entire catch consisted of blackchin tilapia. The fish filled the boat, with the total catch estimated at about 200kg.

Natthakorn said he was shocked because he had spent his life around the sea and had never encountered such a large number of blackchin tilapia in the area.

He said he had previously heard about problems involving the invasive fish species in other parts of Thailand, but had never experienced the problem himself until now.

After bringing the fish ashore, Natthakorn posted a video inviting local residents who needed food to take some of the fish. Many residents subsequently came to collect them.

He also kept some of the fish to experiment with cooking, including frying them and making sun-dried blackchin tilapia. He said the fish tasted similar to Nile tilapia but had fattier meat.

Natthakorn said he was now concerned about whether the fish could affect the local ecosystem. While he acknowledged that he did not have sufficient scientific information to confirm any impact, he was particularly concerned that not a single other species was caught in the net during the fishing trip.

He speculated that the blackchin tilapia may have moved from Bang Lamung Canal into the sea following heavy rainfall. However, he stressed that this was only a local fisherman's assumption and that authorities would need to investigate the source and establish the facts.

Local fishermen in Rong Po, many of whom also operate mussel farms alongside their coastal fishing activities, have expressed concern over the large number of blackchin tilapia found in the area.

They fear the species could affect local aquatic resources and coastal ecosystems, as well as mussel-farming areas.

The fishermen are calling on fisheries officials and relevant agencies to urgently survey the area, assess the fish population and distribution, and investigate further.

Many people believe that drinking about two liters of water daily is enough to keep the urinary system healthy, but kidney damage often progresses silently, gradually destroying the organ's ability to filter blood with minimal early warning signs. The case of a 40-year-old Taiwanese factory worker serves as an important cautionary tale about underestimating kidney health. Dr. Liu Yianzhu from Taiwan reported that the man came in complaining of chronic fatigue, and testing revealed severe kidney failure requiring kidney replacement therapy, with blood creatinine levels at 2.2 mg/dL compared to the normal range below 1.2 mg/dL. Despite his rigorous work ethic, regular morning exercise, and constant water intake, the man struggled to accept the diagnosis until his family pointed out that his nighttime habits—late-night overwork, irregular meals, and frequent self-medication with painkillers and supplements—were likely the culprits.

Dr. Liu explains that this case is not unique but common in modern society. While people understand that drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol helps prevent kidney disease, many overlook harmful bedtime behaviors that can overburden the kidneys. Nighttime is when the body should rest and recover, but certain habits performed before sleep can damage kidney function.

Dr. Liu recommends avoiding or changing three key behaviors:

1. Holding urine before bed: Many people delay urination during the night to avoid disrupting sleep or walking to the bathroom. Holding urine for extended periods can cause the bladder to expand and increase the risk of urinary tract infections. Bacteria such as E. coli can multiply and spread upward through the urinary tract, potentially leading to kidney and renal pelvis infections. Dr. Liu shared that she herself once needed antibiotics for two months due to the habit of holding urine during work.

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Nephrologist Dr. Hong Yongxiang notes that nighttime is when organs should rest and recover, and overworking the kidneys or exposing them to substances that must be eliminated near bedtime can harm kidney function.

Check yourself against five common traits of people who age well: quality sleep, mobility, good appetite, mental clarity, and consistent health care. Many people want to live long, but what matters just as much is staying healthy and independent as you grow older. After age 60, the body changes noticeably—some struggle with insomnia, fatigue, back pain, digestive issues, or stress. Yet many seniors remain spry, eat well, sleep soundly, and keep a clear mind. While no single trait guarantees longevity, people with good health in their later years tend to share similar behaviors and characteristics. Do you have all five of these traits?

1. Sleep Well and Wake Refreshed Sleep is when your body and mind fully rest and recover. As you age, sleep patterns may shift—many wake frequently at night, fall asleep with difficulty, or wake too early. If this happens regularly and leaves you tired or drowsy during the day, don't assume it's a normal part of aging. If you can still sleep fairly consistently, wake rested, and stay alert throughout the day, that's a good sign of overall health.

2. Move With Ease and Maintain Muscle Strength Mobility reflects quality of life in older age. If you can still walk, stand from a chair, climb stairs, do housework, or go out on your own at 60 and beyond, that's something to celebrate. Regular walking, muscle-strengthening exercises, and balance training help preserve strength and independence. Back pain, knee pain, numbness in hands or feet, or difficulty walking need proper attention—these don't have to be accepted as inevitable with age.

3. Eat Well and Digest Food Normally As you age, appetite and digestion may change. Some feel full quickly, bloat easily, or have constipation or frequent stomach upset. Seniors who eat a varied diet and get adequate nutrients maintain better muscle, immunity, and strength. The key is not eating as little as possible, but eating well and mindfully—focus on vegetables, fruits, whole grains, legumes, fish, eggs, and good protein sources while reducing processed foods, sugar, and salt. If you lose your appetite, lose weight unintentionally, have ongoing stomach pain, or notice a major change in bowel habits, see a doctor.

4. Have Peace of Mind and Learn to Let Go Good health includes mental wellbeing. Some older people dwell on the past, compare themselves to others, or stay angry and anxious about things beyond their control. Those who adapt well to aging accept change, focus on what they can do now, and don't let negativity dominate. Hobbies, friendships, time with family, activities you enjoy, and time in nature all add meaning and happiness to life.

5. Maintain Consistent Health Care, Not Just After You Fall Ill Healthy older people aren't necessarily never ill, but they value prevention and regular care over waiting until problems arise.