The Science Research and Innovation Fund (SRIF), administered by the Office of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), in partnership with the Department of Intellectual Property under the Commerce Ministry, has opened the "IP x Venture Rise Thailand 2026: Intellectual Property Forum Driving Thai Business into the Future" to integrate research and innovation through SRIF funding while connecting intellectual property assets, increasing research output value, and creating business and investment opportunities. The event will match businesses with researchers across more than 100 partnerships, upgrade products, expand ventures, and address changes in technology, innovation, and environmental sustainability to help Thailand compete in the global economy.

On August 6, 2026, Professor Dr. Sompoong Khlai Nong Saruang, director of NRCT, announced that the "Intellectual Property Forum Driving Thai Business into the Future IP x Venture Rise Thailand 2026" scheduled for August 27–29, 2026, represents a major collaboration between SRIF, NRCT, and the Department of Intellectual Property to create a complete Thai innovation system and develop it as an "Opportunity Platform" based on research, innovation, and intellectual property outputs, bridging research, technology, and real domestic innovations.

"This is another important step in creating added value in intellectual property for Thai research and innovation, ensuring that research and innovation outputs receive true rights and benefits. Following the government's enforcement of the Research and Innovation Utilization Promotion Act of 2021 (TRIUP Act), a law for economic reform that unlocks ownership of research and innovation to enable commercial and broad public benefit development, Thailand can escape the middle-income trap and reduce inequality while addressing economic, social, environmental, and geopolitical changes," he said.

In previous years, Venture Rise Thailand focused on promoting utilization and investment; this year, NRCT aims to expand opportunities and build on VR Thailand by integrating intellectual property knowledge more deeply into SRIF networks. The initiative receives support from fund management units, regional science park networks, the business sector, and investors to create an innovation ecosystem linking knowledge creation, intellectual property protection, prototype development, business matching, access to funding, and market expansion, thereby narrowing the gap between research and commercial use and strengthening national competitiveness.

The event will showcase over 200 research and innovation projects nationwide and include a Business Matching zone where innovators meet users and investors directly, targeting at least 100 partnerships and attracting over 5,000 participants who will learn concepts and case studies across nine activity zones, including research and innovation showcases and business partner zones.

JAS and Monomax are organizing the "JAS FAN CONNECT THAILAND VOLLEYBALL STARS" event following the positive reception from Thai volleyball fans watching live broadcasts. The event aims to transition fans' viewing experience from screen to an offline activity where they can meet athletes in person, create memories, and encourage the national women's volleyball team before their departure to compete in the AVC tournament in China in late August. Designed under the concept of "More Than Meet & Greet," the event will feature on-stage discussions, games, and special interactive moments between athletes and fans, along with exclusive prize draws including signed team jerseys and volleyballs. JAS and Monomax are expanding their role from broadcast rights holders to creators of comprehensive sports experiences that connect fans with athletes and promote Thai sports both on and off the competition field. Interested fans can follow JAS and Monomax's official channels for event details and special privileges before the event date.

BANGKOK: Authorities in Thailand will be able to open air travellers’ checked baggage for security reasons without an owner’s consent starting on Oct 16, but the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has affirmed that checks will follow strict guidelines.

On August 6, Thanarat Kuvattanapan, CEO of Dome Cloud, presented information to Cyber Crime Police Division 1 at the Government Center regarding the discovery of widespread personal data leakage affecting ID photos, vehicle registrations, and information belonging to prime ministers, cabinet ministers, and hundreds of thousands of ordinary citizens. Officers from the division, including Deputy Police General Sirivat Deepho and other senior investigators, conducted the questioning.

Thanarat revealed that he had previously provided phone-based information and expressed surprise at being summoned, fearing it might lead to legal action. However, he emphasized that the data disclosure stemmed from repeated unsuccessful attempts to alert relevant authorities over more than two months, including filing complaints through digital committees and government agencies. Frustrated by the lack of response, he decided to release information about high-ranking officials to raise awareness, denying any political intent.

The data breach spans 19 ministries and the Prime Minister's Office, with particular vulnerability in the Interior Ministry and Education Ministry affecting 20 agencies. Thanarat disclosed that over 500,000 Thai citizens' data has been compromised, primarily due to leaked employee passwords from malware-infected computers rather than direct system hacking. Leaked credentials were collected and sold; buyers then attempted system access and, upon finding valuable data, created APIs to extract and resell information.

Data accessible from the health database includes national ID numbers, house registration details, parents' ID numbers enabling family mapping, vehicle registration, and facial photographs. Thanarat questioned government agencies' data protection standards, noting that problems extend beyond weak passwords to unnecessary data retention, with some information stored over five years before leaking. High-ranking officials' data is often used as premium samples to increase resale value.

Addressing Digital Economy Minister Chaichanok Chidchob's suggestion of political motivation, Thanarat acknowledged understanding such concerns given that disclosed personnel worked under agencies overseen by the Bhumjaithai Party, but firmly denied political intent. He stated readiness to face legal action from the Department of Local Administration and acknowledged previous complaints regarding voter data leaks. The investigation began with security checks of the ballot card system after receiving information about voter registry sales, which prompted broader investigation revealing the extensive data breach.

Deputy Prime Minister Pokarnn Nilprapadohn presided over the first meeting of the Multi-Stakeholder Forum (MSF) for open government administration on August 6, 2569 at Government House. Relevant agencies participated to select important policy issues for drafting Thailand's National Action Plan (NAP) and to prepare for an official visit by representatives from the Open Government Partnership (OGP) between August 5–7. The committee approved four priority policy areas: (1) Anti-corruption, focusing on budget transparency, procurement disclosure, and digital technology to prevent corruption; (2) Climate and environment, addressing PM2.5 pollution and disasters through real-time environmental data sharing and community-led management; (3) Justice, aiming to improve efficiency and equity in judicial processes through open justice data; and (4) Public participation, creating mechanisms for the private sector and citizens to engage in policy design and public service delivery. OGP representatives will provide technical guidance and work with the MSF committee to finalize Thailand's commitment in alignment with international standards. The full NAP will be submitted to OGP Secretariat by December. Thailand officially joined OGP on January 27 and established a 25-member MSF committee representing government, civil society, private sector, media, and political groups to drive open government reform.

Pattaya held a meeting on August 6, 2569 to discuss plans for the "One Flag One Nation One World Record" project, with Mayor Pramesuan Ngamphiched presiding. Associate Professor Dr. Thanabhorn Sirikoonakul, the project creator, presented details of the event and requested support for using Pattaya's beaches and municipal media resources for promotion and training exercises.

The project, organized by Sirikoonakul in partnership with Thai Sky Adventure Company, aims to set a Guinness World Record by conducting a large-scale parachute jump carrying Thailand's national flag over Pattaya skies, landing on Pattaya beaches on December 5, 2569—a significant national holiday. Beyond the record attempt, the project seeks to promote patriotism and national unity, including a mass singing of the national anthem involving Thais nationwide, while boosting Thailand's international image in sports, tourism, and event hosting.

Organizers selected Pattaya after considering multiple locations, citing the city's infrastructure, tourism readiness, and proven experience hosting international events. Pattaya will serve as strategic host city and partner. Training jumps are scheduled for Tuesdays and Wednesdays from early September through early December 2569, between 8:00–11:00 a.m., to assess safety, wind conditions, and operational procedures before the main event on December 5, 2569. Pattaya authorities have committed support for safety, area management, and ensuring the event benefits residents and tourism while enhancing the city and Thailand's global image.