On August 13, officials from Chumphae District, Khon Kaen province—including District Officer Oeuaijai Khambunruang, Chumphae Police Station Commander Rathapol Laoprrom, Deputy Commander Laksan Duanglamphan, and Security Affairs Officer Somkit Chamnaikul—announced the arrest of 58-year-old Chanyawit for traveling around posing as an electricity and water utility official to collect outstanding bills from residents. He was captured in Phu Khiao district, Chaiyaphum, while attempting to flee on a motorcycle.

The investigation began on August 11 when 23-year-old Rungtawan reported being scammed. Chanyawit posed as a utility official, arrived at her home on a motorcycle wearing an official-style shirt, and demanded 1,570 baht in overdue electricity charges, threatening to cut her power if she did not pay. She believed him and handed over the cash. After discovering she had been defrauded, she filed a complaint with police. Multiple Facebook users had already shared images of the suspect's behavior across the area, revealing many victims.

During questioning, Chanyawit confessed that he works as a security guard, was fired for heavy drinking, and was thrown out of his home by his father-in-law. He began traveling on his motorcycle, purchased counterfeit utility company uniforms and fake bills from local shops, and would drink alcohol to gather courage before approaching residents, shopkeepers, and homeowners claiming to collect deposits and settle outstanding bills. Some believed him and paid; others refused. He spent the collected money immediately. He had previously targeted Udon Thani province, was arrested and convicted, served three months in prison, and upon release resumed his scams in Chumphae district, Khon Kaen.

The Ommsin Youth Sports Festival 2026, a Government Savings Bank-sponsored nationwide youth sports championship, continued its momentum with the fourth regional competition in Ubon Ratchathani. Young athletes from across the region competed fiercely across three sports—women's volleyball, men's basketball, and men's football—vying for qualification to the national championship finals in Bangkok.

In women's volleyball, Warin Chamrab School from Ubon Ratchathani advanced to the championship match against Sakon Kaen Pittayakom School from Maha Sarakham. The match proved intensely competitive, going to a deciding fifth set before Warin Chamrab's players displayed greater composure in the crucial moments, securing a 3–2 set victory to claim the regional title. Both teams earned berths to the national finals.

In men's basketball, Udon Pittayanukhul School from Udon Thani demonstrated dominant form in the championship final, defeating Nang Rong School from Buriram 54–41 to capture the regional crown. Nang Rong School finished as runner-up and also qualified for nationals.

The men's football final featured Kantharom School from Sisaket facing Si Khom Phumi Pisai School from Surin. Kantharom's players showed superior sharpness, securing a decisive 5–0 victory to win the regional title, with Si Khom Phumi Pisai advancing as runners-up to the national finals.

The Ubon Ratchathani regional round produced six teams advancing to the national championship: Warin Chamrab School, Sakon Kaen Pittayakom School, Udon Pittayanukhul School, Nang Rong School, Kantharom School, and Si Khom Phumi Pisai School. These teams will compete for the Royal Trophy of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn and prize money exceeding 4.6 million baht in the national finals scheduled for November 2026 in Bangkok.

The competition continues with the fifth regional round in Nakhon Sawan province from August 17–21. Fans can follow live results, schedules, news, and coverage on the Ommsin Youth Sports Festival's Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube pages.

The Department of Disease Control has warned people who are ill not to force themselves to work, and instead to rest and wear masks to reduce the spread of influenza and COVID-19 to vulnerable groups at risk of severe illness. Dr. Montetarn Konasawat, director-general of the Department of Disease Control under the Ministry of Public Health, said that influenza and COVID-19 remain respiratory infections that require public attention, especially in crowded settings such as schools, workplaces, elderly care facilities, prisons, hospitals, and public spaces. Close contact for extended periods or in poorly ventilated areas increases the risk of transmission. Respiratory infection prevention is not complicated. Anyone with symptoms should wear a surgical mask, avoid close contact with others, and get adequate rest. In crowded areas, proper ventilation and air circulation are important. People should monitor their own symptoms and, if ill, avoid crowded places and close contact with elderly people, small children, or those with chronic illnesses to prevent transmission to vulnerable groups at high risk of severe illness. Dr. Direk Kham-phen, deputy director-general of the Department of Disease Control, added that sick people should avoid close contact with others, wear a surgical mask whenever leaving home, and seek prompt medical diagnosis and treatment, especially those in high-risk groups, to receive timely care and reduce the risk of complications and death. Those in high-risk groups should consider receiving the influenza vaccine as recommended by medical professionals.

On August 13, Dr. Panida Vongphudit, chairwoman of the Organization for Good foundation, traveled to Bueng Kum Police Station to follow up on actress Neen Chatchaya's complaint after she was harassed and had her private space violated by an individual over a five-year period, through both chat messages and letters. The foundation has stepped in to assist with the case.

Boonma revealed that the actress had previously only recorded incidents and filed a trespassing complaint but no decisive legal action had been taken. The perpetrator's behavior has escalated, with him fantasizing that they are in a relationship and even that they have a child together. The harassment has intensified to include explicit content, house intrusions, and impersonation attempts through food delivery riders and fake identities, leaving Neen extremely anxious and afraid to go anywhere.

Boonma pledged to push the case to the fullest extent of the law and ensure it reaches court. The complaint filed invokes the new sexual harassment law, marking Bueng Kum Police Station's first case under this statute. The new law increases penalties from the standard one year imprisonment for general harassment to three years for repeated acts, and even higher sentences for online harassment.

Investigators have indicated they will expedite summoning the accused for questioning and proceed quickly with prosecution. Boonma warned sternly that if action is not swift, she will pursue the matter herself and track down the perpetrator.

When asked why Neen endured five years of harassment, Boonma explained the actress was taught from entering the entertainment industry to avoid problems, so she tolerated it. However, this case marks a shift in mindset—she no longer needs to suffer in silence.

Regarding the fact that the perpetrator is a former government official, Boonma stressed she has no concerns, noting that whether military or police, the law applies equally. Government officials especially should protect citizens, not harm them. She declared that the nation now knows of the wrongdoing, and warned him to either resolve it directly with her or face consequences.

Boonma assured Neen that her house is nearby and Neen can run there if anything happens, as she will handle the defendant. Neen expressed profound relief and gratitude, saying that over five years of harassment exhausted her emotionally and she felt lost without legal recourse under the old law. Now she sees a path forward and hopes her case will encourage all women to speak up rather than stay silent about harassment.

Police have arrested Bangrim, a 34-year-old psychiatric patient, for riding a motorcycle recklessly into Prachasat Bamrung School, a preschool and primary school in Nonthaburi's Bang Bua Thong subdistrict. The incident occurred on August 11 at 2:30 p.m., after which he evaded police by riding against traffic. Officers from Bang Bua Thong and Pak Khlong Rangsan police stations apprehended him on August 13 at 7:30 p.m. at a hotel in Pathum Thani, recovering a gray and black Honda Wave motorcycle with no license plate.

During interrogation, Bangrim denied wrongdoing, claiming he merely rode through the school grounds without causing damage or disturbance. He asserted he had the right to pass through and questioned why the school was alarmed. Regarding an earlier confrontation with a sedan driver, he alleged the driver struck him first and used a wooden stick to hit him, injuries he said were visible on video. He demanded evidence or video proof of his alleged violations.

Bangrim further explained that he regularly rides his motorcycle to turn off streetlights along roads as part of a personal campaign to reduce global warming, stating the world is heating dangerously. His family visited the police station to check on him. Officers conducted a urine test, which showed purple coloration, and Bangrim admitted to using methamphetamine daily. He is being held for further legal proceedings.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin visited Cha-am District in Phetchaburi Province on August 13 to monitor drought conditions and water shortages, and to review progress on groundwater development and long-distance water distribution system projects in Huai Sai Noi Subdistrict. He emphasized that comprehensive water solutions are essential—not merely developing water sources, but ensuring water actually reaches communities. Accompanying the minister were Deputy Governor Phakpas Sonwattanayuth, provincial administrators, and three parliamentary representatives for Phetchaburi to assess conditions and discuss local water management approaches.

Suchart stated that drought and water scarcity directly impact residents' livelihoods, agriculture, and economic activity, making urgent action necessary to ensure adequate water supply and establish long-term water security systems. Two major projects are underway in Cha-am District: a large groundwater development scheme at Ban Hub Kaphong in Khao Yai Subdistrict serving at least 1,000 households and supporting 7,000 agricultural rai; and a groundwater water supply and long-distance distribution system in Huai Sai Noi Subdistrict producing 4,300 cubic meters daily—approximately 1.57 million cubic meters annually—covering over 2,000 households and 9,000 people across three areas.

The minister directed the Department of Groundwater Resources and relevant agencies to complete projects on schedule, maintain quality standards for borehole drilling and water systems, and coordinate with the Water Resources Department, Phetchaburi Province, and local administrations to integrate water sources, distribution networks, and delivery systems. He ordered groundwater potential data to guide expansion to other water-stressed areas in Phetchaburi and the lower Central Region, while ensuring economic viability and environmental protection. The ministry committed full support to help residents access adequate water, reduce drought impacts, and achieve long-term water security.