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Police

Ex-Activist Released After 11 Years in Prison on Fraud Conviction

Nathi Theerarojpong, a 69-year-old former Chiang Mai activist, has been released after serving 11 years in prison for his involvement in the Ufan share-scheme fraud case, despite the court's original 12,655-year sentence being capped at 20 years. Now wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet and facing an outstanding charge, he plans to establish a foundation to help rehabilitate former inmates and integrate them back into society. He intends to formally launch the "Alliance of Good People Returning to Society" on August 25, marking the 11-year anniversary of his imprisonment.

Ex-Activist Released After 11 Years in Prison on Fraud Conviction
1h ago Khaosod

On August 23, 2025, Nathi Theerarojpong, 69, a former activist who took up complaints from troubled Chiang Mai residents, opened up to reporters after completing his sentence in the "Ufan share-scheme" public fraud case. Wearing an electronic monitoring bracelet, he explained that he was convicted in the Ufan fraud case, for which the court imposed a 12,655-year sentence. However, sentences in such cases are capped at 20 years maximum. He fought through three levels of court over nine years, then received sentence reductions from the Department of Corrections on three separate occasions, ultimately serving nearly 11 years in prison. He was imprisoned starting August 25, 2015, and was released on August 14, 2025.

When released on August 14, an outstanding old case from a different plaintiff emerged, and he was taken to Chiang Rai City Police Station and held for two nights before being brought before Chiang Rai Court. The court granted him an electronic monitoring bracelet and bail of 50,000 baht for the outstanding case. He now reports regularly.

"While imprisoned, I did what I could to benefit the Department and the prison. I taught English and primarily translated English documents for Khlong Prem Prison. After 11 years inside, I have come to believe that inmates are a mix of good and bad people, but I genuinely believe the good ones are far more numerous. I discussed with fellow inmates that when I am released, I will work with full dedication. With perhaps only 10 years of life remaining, I want to dedicate myself to society. I wish to establish the 'Alliance of Good People Returning to Society' group, aligned with the prison motto: 'Care with heart, correct with compassion, to return good people to society.'

"I will bring together former inmates, current inmates preparing for release, their families, and neutral-minded citizens to give us a chance to help develop our nation. We will perform our duties to the best of our ability for the good of our country." On August 25, 2025, he will pay respects at the Khruba Sri Wichai monument at the base of Doi Suthep and establish the group on that auspicious day—marking exactly 11 years since his incarceration began on August 25, 2015. The group, "Alliance of Good People Returning to Society," will be announced across all social media platforms, welcoming current inmates, former inmates, and anyone who believes in supporting their rehabilitation and development efforts.

He also noted the contrast between his case and drug trafficking convictions, where some sentenced to life or death have been released within 7–8 years, whereas he served nearly 11 years despite a maximum 20-year sentence. He views this as a matter of Department of Corrections procedure and trusts that the Department will apply wisdom and justice in balancing societal and individual welfare as circumstances evolve.

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National

Revered Monk at Khao Ta Ngae Temple Passes Away

Luang Pu Chue Phan Muditto, an esteemed abbot and meditation master at Khao Ta Ngae Temple in Chaiyaphum province, has passed away following a fall in his quarters on the morning of August 23, 2026. His remains will be placed at the temple's meeting hall for merit-making ceremonies and devotees to offer their respects. Authorities are coordinating with relevant agencies to arrange appropriate religious rites, with further ceremony details to be announced.

Revered Monk at Khao Ta Ngae Temple Passes Away
1h ago Khaosod

Revered Monk Luang Pu Chue, a respected meditation master at Khao Ta Ngae Udom Phon Temple in Nong Bua Rahet district, Chaiyaphum province, has passed away. His remains will be placed at the temple's meeting hall for merit-making ceremonies and devotees to pay their respects.

On the morning of August 23, 2026, Luang Pu Chue Phan Muditto, the temple's abbot and a respected teacher in the vipassana meditation tradition, passed away in his quarters. According to initial reports from the village headman of Hua Nong, he fell in the bathroom around 4:00 a.m. When his attendants found him, he was lying on his bed and had already passed away. Police from Nong Bua Rahet Station were notified and investigated the scene.

Doctors from Nong Bua Rahet Hospital, accompanied by police, performed an autopsy at the site to determine the cause of death.

Nong Bua Rahet district is currently coordinating with the Chaiyaphum Provincial Cultural Office, his disciples, and related agencies to plan appropriate merit-making ceremonies and religious rites.

His remains will initially be placed at the temple's meeting hall for a merit-making ceremony and to allow his disciples and devotees to pay their respects. Further details regarding the ceremony schedule and procedures will be announced officially after discussions between the relevant authorities and his disciples.

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Police

Deep South Rocked by 51 Overnight Disturbances

Fifty-one disturbances were reported across Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala from 8pm yesterday, August 22, with two people injured in Narathiwat, according to the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Forward Command (ISOC 4 Forward). ISOC 4 Forward issued an update today, August 23, saying that as of midnight yesterday, it had recorded 22 disturbances in … The story Thailand’s Deep South hit by 51 disturbances overnight as seen on Thaiger News.

1h ago The Thaiger South

Thailand’s Deep South hit by 51 disturbances overnightLegacyFifty-one disturbances were reported across Narathiwat, Pattani and Yala from 8pm yesterday, August 22, with two people injured in Narathiwat, according to the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Forward Command (ISOC 4 Forward). ISOC 4 Forward issued an update today, August 23, saying that as of midnight yesterday, it had recorded 22 disturbances in Narathiwat, 11 in Pattani and 18 in Yala. Photo via Army Military Force In Narathiwat, four disturbances were reported in Chanae district, one in Si Sakhon, one in Waeng, three in Bacho, one in Mueang Narathiwat and one in Cho-airong. A further five disturbances were reported in Ra-ngae district, one in Sungai Kolok, two in Tak Bai, one in Yi-ngo, one in Rueso and one in Sungai Padi. Initial reports said two people were injured in the province. Photo via Army Military Force In Pattani, three disturbances were recorded in Yarang district, two in Yaring, three in Nong Chik, one in Sai Buri, one in Thung Yang Daeng and one in Khok Pho. No injuries were initially reported in Pattani. In Yala, 18 disturbances were reported. The breakdown provided by the command listed eight in Than To district, six in Bannang Sata and two in Raman. No injuries were reported. Photo via Army Military Force Security personnel were sent to inspect and secure affected areas, assist residents and collect evidence. The Fourth Army Region commander ordered units to prioritise public safety while working to restore normal conditions as soon as possible. ISOC 4 Forward asked residents to exercise additional caution and avoid locations where disturbances had occurred and areas restricted by security personnel. People who encounter suspicious individuals, objects or vehicles were advised not to approach or touch them and not to take action themselves. Instead, they should immediately contact personnel in their area or call the ISOC 4 Forward 24-hour hotline on 1341. Photo via Army Military Force Related news

Narathiwat imposes curfew after attacks at 11 petrol stations in Deep South Triple bomb attack hits Yala Youth Centre ahead of Buddhist festival Yala tightens security after reports of insurgent group movement

The story Thailand’s Deep South hit by 51 disturbances overnight as seen on Thaiger News.

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Police

Taiwan Tourist's Lost Cat Found Dead After Dog Attack

A Taiwanese tourist's cat was killed by a dog in Chiang Mai on August 19, but scammers later contacted her with AI-generated photos claiming the pet was alive and demanding payment for a fake drone search.

Taiwan Tourist's Lost Cat Found Dead After Dog Attack
1h ago Khaosod

A Taiwanese tourist in Chiang Mai's Mueang District posted on Facebook seeking help to find Tao Tao, her gray male domestic cat, after it went missing on August 17 from a home in Tambon Fa Ham. She offered a 30,000 baht reward for information leading to the cat's safe return, increasing it to 50,000 baht for recovery within a set timeframe. Tao Tao wore a blue collar, had a microchip, and was friendly and trusting of people.

On August 19, the owner learned from neighbors that Tao Tao had jumped into a house with high walls where a fierce dog was kept and had been fatally attacked. The owner confirmed the cat's death on August 22.

The situation worsened when, on August 21, a group claiming to be pet-recovery specialists contacted the owner. They alleged Tao Tao was still alive and offered to conduct a thermal imaging drone search. They sent photos that appeared remarkably realistic, demanding payment for their services. The owner grew suspicious and concluded she was being scammed.

The owner disclosed that the group used AI-generated images that looked genuinely convincing. A contact identifying himself as "Robert" asked detailed questions about Tao Tao—gender, disappearance date, microchip information, and collar description—before requesting 1,000 baht. He promised to deploy a drone team and ground staff to search the area by flying drones, knocking on doors, questioning residents, and setting harmless traps.

The owner publicly warned others: "I am confident this is fraud. They kept demanding more money before proceeding with the search. I just learned my cat died after being attacked by a dog. I need to warn everyone about this. They are scammers." She emphasized that her pet died on Wednesday but the group claimed on Friday that it was still alive, confirming the deception.

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Police

Military Denies Helicopter Fired on Youth in Jannae

Military authorities in Narathiwat deny a helicopter fired on youths near Jannae district, saying the aircraft was conducting surveillance during the August 24 incident while the injured youths' case remains under investigation.

Military Denies Helicopter Fired on Youth in Jannae
1h ago Khaosod

On August 24, the Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Front reported that after social media claims emerged of youths being shot by a helicopter while returning from a camping trip near Gumung village, Chang Phueak subdistrict, Jannae district, Narathiwat province, the command investigated with Narathiwat special forces and found that although a helicopter was operating in the area during the incident, it was conducting aerial patrol, surveillance, and situation monitoring to support ground operations—with no weapons fired from the aircraft.

The command stated that linking the youths' injuries to helicopter fire contradicts the facts from official investigation. The case of the injured youths remains under detailed investigation to establish clear facts. The command asked the public and media to verify information from relevant agencies before publishing, particularly for ongoing investigations, to prevent misinformation that could create misunderstanding and harm local communities.

Authorities said they are investigating the incident thoroughly and will communicate confirmed facts to the public as they emerge. The command affirmed that all operations follow established procedures with public safety as the priority, and pledged transparent fact-checking and accurate public communication. The public is encouraged to report any information or leads about the incident via the hotline 1341 or local special forces units for official investigation and follow-up.

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Breaking

Southern Border Provinces on High Alert After Coordinated Bombings

Authorities in southern Thailand's border provinces heightened security to maximum alert after coordinated bombings struck overnight on August 23, with preliminary reports indicating multiple incidents across Yala and surrounding areas.

Southern Border Provinces on High Alert After Coordinated Bombings
2h ago Khaosod

At 07:40 on August 23, 2025, at Don Mueang Royal Thai Air Force Base, Department of Interior Director Narucha Kosasivali addressed the situation in the three southern border provinces following multiple incidents that occurred overnight on August 22. He stated that authorities were informed yesterday and immediately escalated security measures and coordinated with all forces in the region, particularly in Yala Province, to the highest preparedness level. Ground forces assigned to township protection units were instructed to exercise maximum caution and alert residents not to leave their areas from the previous night.

Narucha emphasized that all measures involve coordination and vigilance regarding security protocols and base protection. The Department of Interior and related agencies have deployed personnel to track those responsible for the attacks and are implementing procedures according to the Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center's (SBPAC) development plan. When asked about potential curfew orders if suspects remain at large, he said such declarations would follow SBPAC plans, with regional military commands taking operational control.

When asked about casualty reports, Narucha said preliminary figures were still being compiled but indicated that the number of incidents across the three provinces was substantial. He noted that authorities had received intelligence suggesting the attacks were coordinated across a wide geographic area. He confirmed that security forces remain vigilant throughout the region and have been operating at maximum alert levels following overnight operations on August 22.

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Tourism

Mud Volleyball Tournament Promotes Sport Tourism in Nan Province

Nan province held its fourth annual Mud Volleyball tournament in Pua district's rice fields on August 15-16, drawing athletes and visitors while generating income for local vendors and communities during the green season.

Mud Volleyball Tournament Promotes Sport Tourism in Nan Province
2h ago Khaosod

Nan province is pioneering a new dimension in rainy-season tourism with the fourth Pua Mud Volleyball tournament, held August 15-16, 2025, in the rice fields. The event merges sports, agricultural heritage, and creative activities to enliven the Pua district while boosting travel and spreading income to local vendors and communities.

Organized by the Nan Provincial Office of Tourism and Sports alongside the Pua Tourism Promotion Association, Pua Facebook groups, the Pua Mud Volleyball Club, private enterprises, and tourism partners, the tournament operates under a competitive development and quality tourism advancement programme for fiscal year 2025. Now in its fourth year, the event reimagines Pua tourism during the green season, showcasing lush rice paddies, agricultural traditions, and local natural beauty through sport tourism and mud volleyball competition.

Throughout the event, the rice field was transformed into a celebration of sport and community spirit, with athletes and supporters bringing colour and energy. Beyond competition, activities included food and drink sales from local vendors, youth cultural performances, and live music, weaving sport into the fabric of tourism and local economy.

Tournament winners were crowned as follows: champions Nan Buri won 50,000 baht, first runners-up Chok Naphaphi won 30,000 baht, second runners-up Teng 1 VC won 10,000 baht, and third runners-up Luang Prabang won 5,000 baht. The fantasy costume competition prize of 5,000 baht went to Teng 1 VC, reflecting the event's philosophy of blending athletic competition with fun, creativity, and inclusive participation.

The fourth Pua Mud Volleyball tournament exemplifies how sport and creativity can drive tourism by building on local resources and identity to create fresh experiences open to all ages. It aims to stimulate off-season travel, distribute revenue across Pua and Nan, and elevate sport and creative tourism to establish the region as a premium destination.

Beyond the field, the event showcased collaboration between government, private sector, young people, communities, athletes, and local partners, who collectively transformed rice fields—central to Pua life—into a tourism story and added value. The tournament is more than muddy athletes; it represents a shared vision for developing the region's tourism economy.

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Police

51 Incidents Reported Across Southern Border Provinces

Fifty-one incidents were reported across Narathiwat, Pattani, and Yala provinces starting August 22, with two civilians injured in Narathiwat. Authorities are investigating the incidents and urge residents to report suspicious activity to e

51 Incidents Reported Across Southern Border Provinces
2h ago Khaosod

The Internal Security Command Region 4 Forward reported multiple incidents across the three southern border provinces beginning at 8 p.m. on August 22, 2569. By midnight, 51 incidents had been recorded: Narathiwat province with 22 events spread across 12 districts, Pattani province with 11 events across 6 districts, and Yala province with 18 events across 3 districts. Two civilians were injured in Narathiwat, while Pattani and Yala reported no injuries.

Authorities are investigating and assessing each incident, securing affected areas, and caring for affected residents. Officials are collecting evidence and data for legal proceedings while prioritizing the prevention of further harm. Regional Command 4 has ordered all units to expedite investigations, restore normalcy, and exercise caution in their operations while ensuring public safety.

The command urged residents to increase vigilance, avoid affected areas, and report any suspicious persons, objects, or vehicles to local authorities or the 24-hour emergency hotline at 1341. The command emphasized that swift public reports help authorities assess situations, manage areas, and reduce risks to lives and property.

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Weather

Thailand Braces for Heavy Rain Across Four Regions

Thailand's Meteorological Department warns of heavy thunderstorms and flash flooding across four regions through August 24 as a monsoon trough and tropical storm Narra combine to bring intense rainfall and rough seas.

Thailand Braces for Heavy Rain Across Four Regions
4h ago Khaosod

On August 23, 2024, the Thai Meteorological Department forecasted thunderstorms and heavy rain over the next 24 hours across the northern, upper northeastern, central, and eastern regions due to a monsoon trough moving across the upper north and northern Laos, combined with the tropical storm Narra in the Tonkin Gulf and a strong southwest monsoon over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the upper Gulf of Thailand. Residents in affected areas should be alert to dangers from heavy and accumulated rainfall, which may cause flash floods, flash runoff, and overflowing banks, particularly in sloped terrain near water channels and low-lying areas. The upper Andaman Sea will experience fairly strong waves of 2-3 meters high, rising above 3 meters in thunderstorm areas, while the upper Gulf of Thailand will see waves around 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm zones. Fishermen in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand are advised to navigate carefully and avoid thunderstorm areas; small boats in the upper Andaman Sea should stay ashore during this period. Tropical storm Narra in the Tonkin Gulf is expected to move ashore in southern Guangxi Province, China, on August 24-25, 2024, and will not enter Thailand, so it will not directly affect Thai weather; travelers to those areas should check conditions before departing. The detailed forecast includes the northern region with 60 percent thunderstorms and heavy rain in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Uthai Thani, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, and Tak provinces, with temperatures of 22-27 degrees Celsius minimum and 32-34 degrees Celsius maximum; the upper northeastern region with 40 percent thunderstorms and heavy rain in Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, and Nakhon Phanom; the central region with 60 percent thunderstorms and heavy rain in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi; and the eastern region with 60 percent thunderstorms and heavy rain in Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Sa Kaew, Chanthaburi, and Trat, with sea waves of 2 meters and exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas. The southern east coast will experience 30 percent thunderstorms mainly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, and Surat Thani provinces, with waves 1-2 meters high offshore, rising above 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

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Police

Armed Gang Firebombs Convenience Store in Pattani

Armed attackers firebombed a convenience store in Pattani's Yang Haeng District on August 22, destroying the shop in a coordinated assault that targeted multiple government and civilian sites across the province.

Armed Gang Firebombs Convenience Store in Pattani
10h ago Khaosod

At approximately 8:45 p.m. on August 22, armed attackers detonated explosives inside a convenience store located on Moo 3 Bang Poo Road in Yang Haeng District, Pattani Province, causing a massive fire that completely destroyed the shop.

Video footage captured by residents shows at least five fully armed attackers entering the storefront. They shouted for customers and staff to evacuate immediately, with some gunmen firing shots into the air to force people out. The assailants then entered the store, placed explosives loaded in containers, and retreated. Approximately thirty minutes later, the bombs detonated, shattering windows and shelving and igniting a fierce fire.

Firefighters from Bang Poo Subdistrict Municipality and nearby areas rushed to contain the blaze. Because the store is located in a densely populated residential area, officials focused on preventing the fire from spreading to neighboring homes. During the firefighting operation, multiple secondary explosions occurred, forcing firefighters to retreat and nearby residents to flee. Some residents climbed walls to escape to safety. After the explosions subsided, firefighters resumed operations and brought the fire under control within approximately one hour. Initial investigation confirmed the convenience store was completely destroyed. Bomb recovery and evidence collection teams will conduct further investigation the following day.

Investigators also report that coordinated attacks occurred simultaneously at multiple sites across Pattani Province. In one incident, six masked gunmen overpowered and restrained security guards at a Wat Subdistrict Municipality office in Ya Rang District before torching a government garbage truck. In another, unknown assailants burned a fire truck belonging to Bang Khao Subdistrict Municipality in Nong Chik District. Additional tire fires and damaged telephone signal towers were reported across the area. Authorities believe the coordinated assault is the work of insurgent groups seeking to reignite violence in the southern border provinces.

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National

Miss Universe Pageant Chief Files Arrest Warrant Against Fatima Bosse

Nawat Itsaragrisil, chief of Miss Universe Thailand, filed an arrest warrant against 2025 Miss Universe Fatima Bosse over defamation allegations amid their dispute over pageant licensing rights in Southeast Asia.

Miss Universe Pageant Chief Files Arrest Warrant Against Fatima Bosse
10h ago Khaosod

On August 22, Nawat Itsaragrisil, president of the Miss Universe Thailand pageant organization and CEO of Miss Universe Eastern, posted an Instagram story in Thai and English stating that he is urgently pursuing an arrest warrant against Fatima Bosse in a defamation, libel, and false information case, with clear supporting evidence. He attached a copy of a case report from Wat Phra Ya Kai Police Station. The two have been in an online dispute over licensing rights to the Miss Universe pageant. Itsaragrisil has previously affirmed in interviews that he holds full 100 percent authority over the Eastern region as CEO of Miss Universe Eastern, managing 95 countries.

Fatima Bosse is the 74th Miss Universe of the world and won the title while competing in Thailand in 2025. The Mexican beauty holds a bachelor's degree in fashion design from Iberoamerican University. She comes from a family of business and political figures; her father, Bernardo Bosch Hernandez, is an accomplished engineer and senior executive at Pemex, Mexico's state-owned oil company.

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