The Real Estate Information Center (REIC) at the Government Housing Bank has released second-quarter 2025 price data for residential properties in Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC), showing the residential property price index at 126.4 points, up 0.5% year-on-year from 125.8 points but unchanged from the first quarter. The flat quarterly movement reflects how EEC housing prices are entering a plateau phase as consumer purchasing power weakens and the market remains oversupplied, prompting developers to accelerate stock clearance through promotional measures.

By province, Chachoengsao posted the highest residential property price index at 130.5 points, up 0.9% year-on-year, while Rayong stood at 122.1 points, down 0.1%, and Chon Buri at 122.3 points, up 0.1%. By property type, single-detached houses saw the strongest price growth at 150.3 points, up 1.1% year-on-year and 0.2% quarter-on-quarter, with increases of 1.7% in Chachoengsao, 0.7% in Rayong, and 0.5% in Chon Buri. Townhouses were the only segment posting year-on-year declines, with an index of 113.8 points, down 0.3% from last year.

In marketing tactics, developers increasingly offered bundled gifts such as air conditioners, curtains, furniture, and water pumps—accounting for 45.0% of promotions, down from 50.0% the previous quarter. Free transfer fees rose to 41.6% from 34.3%, reflecting a shift toward reducing buyer transaction costs, while cash discounts dropped to 13.4% from 15.7%. The REIC compiles data on new residential projects in Chachoengsao, Rayong, and Chon Buri with at least six units remaining for sale, excluding resales, with 2022 set as the base year.

On August 17, Dr Pinsak Surasawat, director of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, announced that the Save Our Dugong initiative is being elevated in response to the ministry's conservation priorities. The programme targets 12 high-risk areas where dugongs face danger from human activities, particularly boat accidents and fishing equipment entanglement.

Measure One organises shipping lanes and enforces speed limits in six zones at risk of boat strikes: Rasada Port in Phuket, Bang Rong Port in Phuket, Khao Yao Noi–Khao Yao Yai channel in Phang Nga, Haad Noppharat Thara–Ao Nang in Krabi, Pak Meng–Ko Muk in Trang, and Ko Libong–Haad Yao in Trang. Buoys and markers will define vessel routes with speed restrictions: 5 knots within 1 kilometre of shore, 10 knots within 2 kilometres, 20 knots within 3 kilometres, 5 knots in seagrass beds, and 3 knots in protected seagrass areas.

Measure Two redesigns fishing gear in six zones at risk of entanglement: Ko Chang–Ko Phayam in Ranong, Ko Ra–Ko Phra Thong in Phang Nga, Pa Khlok–Tung Khen in Phuket, Haad Noppharat Thara in Krabi, Ko Sri Boya in Krabi, and Ko Muk–Ko Libong in Trang. Changes include single crab pots (one pot per buoy) kept out of seagrass beds, 5-millimetre sisal rope to reduce entanglement, weak links at connection points to aid escape, and appropriate line lengths. For multi-pot strings, weighted lines keep ropes straight. Crab nets are banned from seagrass beds; monitored nets in permitted zones reduce risk. Large fishing nets such as grouper drift nets are prohibited in seagrass beds and must stay at least 1 kilometre away.

The department aims to reduce dugong deaths from human activity to zero without restricting fishermen's livelihoods, instead creating safe shared use of marine resources. Both measures are expected to be implemented within six months. Over the past decade, 209 dugongs have been found stranded, with causes unknown in 78 cases.

Local government bodies in Songkhla province have confirmed they received a report from the Department of Local Administration identifying 68 individuals with abnormal exam scores who were recruited as civil servants across 40 sub-district and municipal administrative organizations in the province. Suphasan Nusawat, former chairman of the central local government personnel management committee, stated that the central office set an August 31 deadline for completion, prompting the province to convene provincial-level committees to establish uniform guidelines for all local bodies. The province is preparing to support candidates seeking score reviews and those affected by exam cancellations or dismissal orders. The central office has also requested local authorities not to rehire dismissed employees in other positions. Currently, investigations are ongoing into the 68 individuals to determine their level of involvement in exam fraud and whether legal action is warranted, with fair and consistent procedures to be applied across all local bodies.

Former ONE Championship Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon has posted a video of himself sparring in boxing with his brother-in-law Sangadsit Luktraigongdin, a former WBA Asia champion, and asked fans whether the pair have potential to represent Thailand for the country.

Previously, ONE Championship partnered with the Thai Amateur Muay Thai Association and the Thai Olympic Committee under royal patronage to announce their support for former ONE bantamweight world champion Nabil Anane as he pursues selection to represent Thailand in amateur boxing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

Most recently, former ONE Championship Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon posted a video of himself sparring in boxing with his brother-in-law Sangadsit Luktraigongdin, a former WBA Asia champion, with the caption asking whether the pair have the potential to represent Thailand.

Rodtang has recently renewed his contract with ONE Championship after resolving previous legal disputes. He is now preparing to return to major competition later this year with the goal of reclaiming the world championship title.

A woman accused of deceiving a local administration officer into borrowing 300,000 baht under the promise of marriage is now facing fraud allegations. The victim's sister came forward on August 17 with chat logs and financial documents to seek justice, explaining that her brother met the teacher through a dating app and gradually developed a relationship. During their courtship, the woman pressured him to arrange a wedding and demanded he prepare bride-price money, convincing him of her sincerity. He then took out loans and transferred over 300,000 baht, believing it would secure their engagement and wedding plans.

The victim's family contends this is not a simple romantic transaction but calculated fraud. The woman concealed critical facts, particularly her marital status—she remained legally married to an active-duty sailor throughout June and July while accepting money from the victim and posting online that she was single. The sailor himself claims he was similarly defrauded and paid 100,000 baht just to secure a divorce signature. Officials plan to present evidence to investigators and pursue fraud charges against the woman.

While health is a priority, medical costs can strain finances when illness strikes. Comprehensive health insurance offers peace of mind, but many wonder whether this type of coverage is worth it and how much it actually covers. This article explains the benefits and limitations to help you choose confidently.

What is Comprehensive Health Insurance?

Comprehensive health insurance sets a single large annual or per-admission limit for medical expenses rather than itemizing separate limits for each service. It covers actual costs for surgery, medical equipment, and medication without breaking down the pool by category, allowing policyholders to manage medical expenses fully and reducing worry about co-payments when treating high-cost illnesses.

Comprehensive vs. Itemized Coverage: What's the Difference?

Itemized coverage sets clear limits for each service—such as surgical costs up to a certain amount and doctor visits up to another. If actual costs exceed the limit, the policyholder pays the difference. This suits mild illnesses with lower costs.

Comprehensive coverage pools nearly all medical expenses into one large sum (though room rates may have separate daily limits). It better covers actual medical expenses, especially serious illnesses or surgeries requiring advanced technology.

Benefits of Comprehensive Health Insurance

High coverage limits: Most start at one million baht or more, sufficient for serious or long-term illness. Reduces excess costs: No worry about surgery or medication costs exceeding the set limit, since the large pool covers actual expenses. Supports new medical technology: Advanced medical innovations are expensive, and comprehensive plans allow full access to modern, effective treatment options.

Limitations to Know Before Buying

Higher premiums: Comprehensive plans cost more than itemized coverage due to broader protection. Room rates may be capped: Even though other medical costs are covered comprehensively, most policies limit daily room charges. Choosing a room exceeding this amount means paying the difference yourself.

Who Should Choose Comprehensive Health Insurance?

Freelancers and self-employed workers: Those without employer healthcare benefits gain security from million-baht coverage. Those seeking private hospital care: Private hospitals charge high rates; comprehensive plans cover these costs well. Those with family health histories: Those at higher risk of serious illness benefit from broad protection.