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National

Deputy PM Inspires Thousands of Thammasat Freshmen at Orientation

Deputy PM Yasuthorn Wangsawat urged over 3,500 Thammasat freshmen to embrace change and adaptability, warning that failing to evolve in a rapidly changing world leads to obsolescence. Drawing on his career pivot from electrical engineering

Deputy PM Inspires Thousands of Thammasat Freshmen at Orientation
2 Aug Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yasuthorn Wangsawat, an alumnus of Thammasat's Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT), delivered a keynote address at the 2569 academic year freshman orientation on August 2. He spoke to over 3,500 new students about the importance of adaptability and meaningful living. "Your life must not become extinct," he told them. "If you don't change, you'll be crushed."

Wangsawat began by praising Thammasat's culture of equality, reflecting that whenever he feels he has gone far in his career, he returns to memories of his university days where everyone was treated fairly. He then walked students through his own life lessons—fear, failure, and survival—emphasizing that meaningful living requires staying current with a changing world.

He recounted a pivotal moment after graduating with an electrical engineering degree in 2001, when Motorola—the company that had inspired his field of study—began shutting down operations. What seemed like a secure career path suddenly crumbled. An older mentor recommended a book on the emerging health technology trend, and Wangsawat realized his assumptions were completely wrong. "I had to learn and change, or I would be crushed," he said.

He turned that crisis into innovation, adapting his knowledge of radio signals to develop brain-signal technology to help disabled people regain mobility. He illustrated the lesson with two case studies: Kodak and Fujifilm both faced the digital camera revolution, but their fates diverged. Fujifilm understood its true identity—it was not merely a film company but a materials and nanotechnology leader—and survived. Kodak did not grasp this insight and failed. The message was clear: find your core essence and adapt it to change.

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Community

Ranong Communities Rally to Protect Natural Resources and Coastal Ways

Ranong communities mobilized 80 residents across eight subdistricts to protect coastal and marine resources from development projects, holding a conservation event at Ao Khai Beach that included nature workshops and a declaration to safegua

Ranong Communities Rally to Protect Natural Resources and Coastal Ways
2 Aug Khaosod

Communities from eight subdistricts in Mueang and Kapoe districts of Ranong province organized a protection campaign, monitoring the area from mountains to sea on August 1, 2569. Around 80 residents participated in the "Protecting Quan Had Le: United Ranong-Chumphon Safeguarding Natural Resources and Community Ways" activity at Ao Khai Beach in Kapoe district. Participants came from multiple villages across both districts.

The event was a continuation of a previous campaign held in Ranong on July 18, 2569, opposing a land bridge project and Special Economic Zone (SEC) development. Activities included nature art workshops, tributes to Sunday the dolphin that died in the area, messages of love for the sea, garbage collection, sports, singing, and a declaration of intent to protect marine and coastal resources.

Phachainyasak Chiakajon of the Phu Sai Le conservation group stated that Kapoe district possesses abundant natural resources from watershed to sea, with Ao Khai serving as a crucial seafood source. He emphasized the group's ongoing conservation work protecting coral reefs and marine ecosystems.

Tatharmon Sangsee, a local resident, expressed concern that coastal development projects like the land bridge could harm fishing communities and nursery grounds. She called on communities to collectively preserve forests, mountains, and seas for future generations.

Jakrapong Chusri of the creative community group noted that protecting resources is critical, warning that state projects could cause irreversible environmental damage. He urged the government to recognize the importance of young people who will inherit these resources.

Thanavirut Ploirum, a youth from Bang Hin subdistrict, stressed that marine conservation affects food security, tourism, and future generations. He called for building awareness to use resources sustainably, leaving them preserved for those who come after.

Fa-ai Klae-seuk, a youth representative from stateless communities on Sin Hai Island, added her voice to the conservation effort, connecting environmental protection to her community's connection with the sea.

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Tourism

Mini Millennium Auto Partners With Camp Studio for Urban Escape Campaign

Mini Millennium Auto partners with CAMP STUDIO to launch an urban escape campaign at its Ekamai showroom this August, blending premium outdoor camping gear with the new MINI Countryman S ALL4 for city dwellers seeking nature-connected exper

Mini Millennium Auto Partners With Camp Studio for Urban Escape Campaign
2 Aug Khaosod

Mini Millennium Auto has partnered with CAMP STUDIO, a leader in premium outdoor lifestyle experiences, to unveil the special campaign 'The Ultimate Urban Escape – A Life of Freedom.' The initiative conveys premium travel tailored to distinctive younger generations who seamlessly connect city life and nature. New experiences will be offered through CAMP STUDIO product displays, including camping table-and-chair sets and drive-through coffee stations, to inspire travel adventures and transform the Mini Ekamai showroom into a gathering place for camping enthusiasts throughout August 2025.

Somprachai Bosuwon, deputy managing director of Millennium Auto Group Company Limited, stated: "The 'Ultimate Urban Escape' campaign stems from blending Mini and CAMP STUDIO's shared passion for travel and stylish living. Our goal is to create new experiences for customers of both brands and spark inspiration under the concept 'You don't need to wait for a holiday to travel' – letting you experience freedom daily."

The Mini Ekamai showroom will showcase glamping vibes throughout August, featuring the MINI Countryman S ALL4, a four-wheel-drive vehicle ready for any terrain. The collaboration with CAMP STUDIO brings premium outdoor camping equipment with refined design and perfect harmony with nature. Special promotions include 1.59% interest rates, installments starting at 15,999 baht per month, complimentary first-class insurance, a free complete camping tent and equipment set from the 'Snow Peak' brand by CAMP STUDIO, and free vouchers from Sight Car Rental Thailand.

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National

Why Airplane Seats Are Blue: It's More Than Just Cleanliness

Airlines worldwide choose blue seat upholstery primarily for psychological benefits—the color reduces passenger anxiety by evoking calmness and safety while also concealing wear and dirt effectively over time.

Why Airplane Seats Are Blue: It's More Than Just Cleanliness
2 Aug Khaosod

It's no accident that airlines worldwide favor blue seat upholstery—the choice serves multiple purposes beyond hiding dirt, including passenger psychology, design principles, and brand identity. When you observe the cabins of various airlines, you'll notice that most seat upholstery uses blue tones, whether budget carriers or full-service operators. Many assume this color choice is simply because it masks dirt well, but there are deeper psychological and design reasons behind the selection.

Color influences passenger emotions and comfort, especially in confined spaces like aircraft cabins. Boeing, the world's largest aircraft manufacturer, identifies blue and green as colors associated with calmness, relaxation, and safety, while darker blues and purple tones convey luxury and trustworthiness. This matters significantly because, despite flying being one of the safest forms of travel, many passengers still experience flight anxiety. Using calming color tones helps reduce stress during flights.

Each airline tailors its shade of blue to reflect its brand identity. Budget carriers typically choose bright or bold blues to stand out and be easily remembered, while full-service airlines prefer softer, muted blue tones to create a warm, relaxed, premium atmosphere.

Beyond psychology, blue also communicates reliability, stability, and safety—key qualities airlines want to convey to passengers. Designers from Teague, which has collaborated on aircraft interiors for numerous airlines, explain that humans subconsciously perceive temperature, cleanliness, and atmosphere through color. Blue typically evokes feelings of coolness, freshness, and cleanliness; when combined with green tones, it makes cabins appear more spacious and comfortable. Warm tones like orange or red, by contrast, can feel stuffy or cramped, making them unsuitable for confined spaces like aircraft cabins.

Another practical reason airlines choose blue is its longevity. Since seats endure heavy daily use, darker tones effectively conceal stains, wear marks, and dirt, keeping seats looking clean throughout their service life. Though seemingly a small detail, the choice of seat color reflects how carefully every aircraft element is designed—to enhance passenger experience, reduce anxiety, and reinforce the airline's brand image simultaneously.

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National

Chiang Mai Buddhist Office Denies Monk Donation Claims

The Chiang Mai Buddhist Office denied allegations that monks are demanding payments for sangha positions, with representatives from both major Buddhist sects confirming no such incidents occurred in the province.

Chiang Mai Buddhist Office Denies Monk Donation Claims
2 Aug Khaosod

The Chiang Mai Buddhist Office has issued a statement rejecting reports of monks demanding payments to secure positions within the sangha. On August 2, 2024, the office clarified that representatives from both major Buddhist sects in Chiang Mai—the Mahanikaya and Dhammayuttika orders—have confirmed that no such incidents have occurred in the province. To ensure accuracy, clarity, and fairness to all parties, the office called for anyone with evidence, information, or leads to submit them directly to the director of the Chiang Mai Buddhist Office for follow-up action. The office provided contact information: phone 08-1951-4434, and a mailing address at the Chiang Mai Provincial Hall, 4th floor, Choetana Road, Chang Phueak Subdistrict, Mueang District, Chiang Mai Province, 50300.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Sends 282 Para Athletes to Asian Games

Thailand will send 282 para athletes to the Asian Games in Japan this October, aiming for 24 gold medals across 18 sports including wheelchair basketball, athletics, and table tennis.

Thailand Sends 282 Para Athletes to Asian Games
2 Aug Khaosod

Thailand will send 282 athletes to compete at the 5th Asian Para Games in Japan this October, with officials setting a target of 24 gold medals. The Games will be held in Nagoya and Aichi Prefecture from 18-24 October 2026.

Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) Governor Kongsak Yodmanee said the SAT, the Paralympic Committee of Thailand and four national disability sports associations have finalized preparations for the Games. Thailand will compete in 18 sports, including archery, athletics, badminton, boccia, cycling, football, goalball, judo, powerlifting, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing, wheelchair rugby and wheelchair tennis.

"Our para athletes are well prepared in terms of training camps, athlete support and sports science," Kongsak said. Thailand's gold medal target of 24 was jointly set by the participating sports associations. The largest contribution is expected from the Sports Association for the Disabled of Thailand, which is targeting 17 gold medals, including six from wheelchair racing and five from table tennis.

The Cerebral Palsy Sports Association is aiming for five golds, mainly in boccia, while the Thailand Association of the Blind is targeting two gold medals in athletics. Kongsak said athletes were selected based on international qualification standards and world rankings, expressing confidence that the Thai team could achieve its target.

At the 2022 Asian Para Games, held in Hangzhou in 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Thailand finished seventh in the medal table with 27 gold, 26 silver and 55 bronze medals. Host China topped the standings with 214 gold medals.

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Police

Two Bangkok Residents Seek Help After Norwegian Man's Assault

Two Bangkok residents sought legal help after a Norwegian man allegedly assaulted them, damaged a phone and threatened to kill them on a Bang Na skywalk Saturday morning.

Two Bangkok Residents Seek Help After Norwegian Man's Assault
2 Aug Khaosod

BANGKOK — Two Bangkok residents have sought assistance from the Sai Mai Must Survive organisation after alleging that a Norwegian man assaulted them, damaged a mobile phone and threatened to kill them near Bang Na intersection.

The incident allegedly occurred at about 08:30 on Saturday on the skywalk above Bang Na intersection, near Sanphawut Road in Bang Na district.

The complainants, identified by the pseudonyms T, 29, and Y, 28, approached the organisation on Sunday to request legal assistance and raise concerns for their safety.

T said he had been walking across the skywalk on his usual route to work when he heard a foreign man shouting behind him. He alleged that the man suddenly kicked him in the right arm, causing his mobile phone to fall from his hand. According to T, the man picked up the phone, removed its case and threw it forcefully onto the ground, cracking the screen.

T said the man then began behaving aggressively towards other people in the area. He claimed the man appeared to be under the influence of a substance, although this has not been independently confirmed.

T ran towards the road to seek help and encountered Y, a close friend, nearby. Y said she approached the man and asked why he had attacked her friend. She alleged that he responded by saying he was exercising and that, had he intended to hurt T, he would have cut his throat with a knife. She also claimed that he threatened her in English, saying: "I will kill you."

When Y attempted to record the incident on her phone, the man allegedly ran towards her and knocked her to the ground. The pair said they fled towards a group of motorcycle taxi drivers as the man chased them. He reportedly stopped pursuing them after seeing the group and crossed the road, where he allegedly caused further disturbances at nearby shops.

Both complainants said they had never met the man before and had no previous dispute with him. T said he regularly used the skywalk to travel to work and now feared encountering the man again. He has temporarily begun taking a motorcycle taxi instead of walking.

The suspect was later identified by the complainants as a Norwegian national known as Erling. Ekkaphop Luangprasert, founder of the Sai Mai Must Survive Facebook page, said the organisation had contacted Bang Na Police Station and asked investigators to locate the man. He urged authorities to act quickly, expressing concern that the suspect could leave Thailand before legal proceedings were completed.

Police had not publicly announced any arrest or charges as of Sunday afternoon.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Bank of Thailand Reports Economy Weakened in Q2

Thailand's economy slowed across most sectors in the second quarter, hit by Middle East conflict ripple effects, surging energy prices, and declining tourist arrivals from key markets. Private consumption contracted as living costs rose, pr

Bank of Thailand Reports Economy Weakened in Q2
2 Aug Khaosod

The Bank of Thailand has revealed that Thailand's economy remained stable in June 2025, though the second quarter showed slowdown across nearly all sectors compared to the first quarter. The primary causes stem from the ripple effects of the Middle East conflict, which has heavily impacted the global economy, particularly through rising energy prices. Additionally, foreign tourist travel has been constrained, with visitor numbers declining sharply from Middle Eastern and European markets, while airlines have reduced flights due to elevated fuel costs. This has severely dampened Thailand's service sector, especially hotels, accommodations, and restaurants, with popular tourist destinations showing clear signs of weakness. Private consumption has also contracted significantly due to rising living costs, and despite some government support measures in June, spending has fallen across nearly all categories, particularly in hotels and dining. Consumer goods and fuel consumption have declined following advance purchases in the previous quarter, and electric vehicle sales have dipped slightly following the end of the EV 3.0 incentive scheme. Although exports and private investment have continued to improve—particularly in technology products aligned with the global electronics upswing and data center investment demand—imports have surged significantly, especially crude oil for domestic reserves and electronic components and appliances matching the rise in technology exports. For the third quarter, Thailand's economic growth is expected to remain concentrated, with household consumption also constrained despite government stimulus, as overall living costs remain elevated. The government must monitor the Middle East conflict's progress, U.S. trade policy, tourism sector recovery, and rising living cost impacts, along with increased business costs and potential stronger-than-forecast El Niño effects. Going forward, the government must adopt a forward-thinking approach to implement relief and remedial measures that address emerging challenges across immediate response, recovery, and long-term sustainable restoration phases.

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Police

Chinese Man Arrested for Beating Wife to Death in Chiang Mai

A 45-year-old Chinese man was arrested in Chiang Mai after allegedly beating his 38-year-old wife to death following an argument over claims of infidelity; their child witnessed the incident.

2 Aug The Thaiger Crime

Chinese man beats wife to death over alleged affair in Chiang MaiLegacyA Chinese man was arrested today, August 2, after allegedly beating his wife to death at their rented home in Chiang Mai following an argument over claims she was having an affair. Police were called to the home in a housing estate in Chang Phueak, Mueang district, at around 12.10am. Rescue workers found the 38 year old Chinese woman unconscious in an upstairs bedroom and attempted CPR, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. According to police, the suspect and his wife had moved into the house about a month ago so they could care for their child, who is studying at an international school in Thailand. Investigators said the 45 year old husband told them he had received a phone call from a friend in China claiming his wife was having an affair. The phone call reportedly led to an argument that escalated into the fatal assault. DailyNews reported that the couple’s child witnessed the incident. Photo via Amarin TV The husband was taken into custody and charged with assault causing death. Police said he admitted assaulting his wife, claiming he acted out of jealousy and had not intended to kill her. Officers said questioning has been delayed because the man speaks only Chinese and they are arranging an interpreter to assist with the investigation. Elsewhere, a police inspector filed divorce lawsuits after allegedly discovering his wife was having an affair. However, the dispute later ended in tragedy when he shot his wife before turning the gun on himself in a murder-suicide at their home in Nonthaburi. In another similar case, a Thai man stabbed his wife to death at their shared home in Rayong after suspecting her of having an affair with a man she met on TikTok. The story Chinese man beats wife to death over alleged affair in Chiang Mai as seen on Thaiger News.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Election Commission to Rule on Senate Vote-Rigging Case

The Election Commission will decide by August whether to prosecute 229 senators and supporters accused of orchestrating a large-scale vote-rigging scheme, with observers skeptical the panel will take decisive action given its current compos

Election Commission to Rule on Senate Vote-Rigging Case
2 Aug Khaosod

The Senate vote-rigging case is reaching its conclusion. The Election Commission has scheduled 12 meetings to examine the allegations, with a decision expected by August. The outcome will reveal whether the commission follows the 26th Investigation Committee's recommendation to prosecute 229 accused individuals—138 current senators and 91 supporters—or the 36th Arbitration Subcommittee's finding of no misconduct. A third possibility involves finding scapegoats, though observers watch closely for what may amount to political sacrifice to preserve broader interests. A recent Supreme Court ruling on August 5, 2025, provides instructive precedent: the court convicted two Chachoengsao Senate candidates of vote-rigging based solely on Line chat messages showing vote-swap agreements. The defendants had argued that vote-swapping was not illegal and that the Election Commission itself lacked proper authority to regulate candidate introductions. However, the Supreme Court ruled that candidate matching and vote-swapping are distinct activities, and that election fraud extends beyond monetary gain to include dishonest vote-seeking that undermines fair and genuine elections. The court barred both candidates from voting for ten years. By contrast, the current Senate rigging case presents far more extensive evidence: coordinated organization, divided responsibilities, hotel meetings, matching attire, intercepted vote-buying operatives, and voting patterns mathematically impossible to occur by chance. The real test is how the Election Commission will rule. Given the commission's current composition, observers hold little hope for decisive action. If the commission finds guilt, the case goes to court; if not, vote-rigging tactics will become the accepted standard for the next three years until this Senate term expires and another election occurs.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Singer Dies in Motorcycle Crash at Drainage Ditch in Songkhla

Freelance singer Aan Wai Thaya died in Songkhla after his motorcycle fell into an unmarked drainage ditch during roadside construction, with his sister inviting mourners to a farewell gathering at the accident site.

Singer Dies in Motorcycle Crash at Drainage Ditch in Songkhla
2 Aug Khaosod

Free-lance singer and music video lead actor Aan Wai Thaya has died suddenly in a road accident after his motorcycle fell into a large drainage ditch during a pipeline installation project along a roadside. The incident occurred opposite Baan Tha Thon Temple in Tha Chang subdistrict, Bang Klam district, Songkhla province. The accident site lacked warning signs and adequate lighting.

His sister, Cream, has posted an invitation on Facebook for friends and family to join a farewell gathering at the accident site. She wrote: "Hello, I'm Cream, Aan's sister. I would like to invite everyone—friends, family, and acquaintances—to join us in bidding farewell to our Aan Wai Thaya. You are welcome to bring flowers or food as offerings. The family will provide free soft drinks. Please come and join us in saying goodbye to Aan one last time at the accident site in front of the CALTEX petrol station today, August 2, 2026, from 5:30 PM onward. #WithCondolences #LoveAndMissing #AanWaiThaya"

Shortly before the accident, Aan had posted expressing shock and sadness over the death of popular YouTuber Hlun, writing: "My condolences to his family. I am truly shocked. I really enjoyed watching his videos. He was a grateful and talented person. May he rest in peace." Many people have commented on that post expressing their own shock at Aan's sudden death, not expecting that he would pass away so soon after mourning Hlun.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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