The Thai Red Cross Eye Bank presented a plaque of gratitude to the CP-True group for supporting and promoting eye donation through the "Let Them See Love" programme, now in its 20th consecutive year.

On August 16, 2026, Tetch Bunnag, secretary-general of the Thai Red Cross Society, opened the 2026 Eye Bank Day event and presented the plaque to Charoen Pokphand Group and True Corporation for their role in supporting the eye donation campaign through the "Let Them See Love" initiative, now marking its 20th year. Rungfa Kiartiphon, special projects executive and senior assistant vice president of Charoen Pokphand Group, accepted the award at the Medical Development Building of Chulalongkorn Hospital, Thai Red Cross Society.

The support operates through the "Let Them See Love" programme, which CP and True have run continuously for 20 years to raise awareness about the importance of eye and organ donation and provide new life opportunities for patients awaiting transplants. The campaign operates under the concept of "Give Life... Continue Life" and invites customers and the public to contribute funds year-round to support the eye and organ donation process.

Members of the public can participate in "Give Life... Continue Life" through several channels: donating via the True Money Wallet application with as little as one baht; transferring funds directly to the Eye Bank's savings account ("Eye Bank Thai Red Cross Society", account number 045-231390-2 at Siam Commercial Bank, Thai Red Cross branch); transferring to the Organ Donation Centre's savings account ("Organ Donation Centre Thai Red Cross Society", account number 023-1-25888-7 at Krung Thai Bank, Surawong branch); or using the e-Donation system, which provides double tax deduction benefits by scanning a QR code through mobile banking applications.

TTB Analytics forecasts that Thailand's building material production costs will rise approximately 20% in 2025 compared to the previous year, driven by higher energy costs, transportation fees, and raw material prices amid ongoing uncertainty from the Middle East conflict. Plastic manufacturers are expected to face the most severe impact, while small and medium-sized producers—already vulnerable with low profit margins and limited cost-absorption capacity—face compounded pressure. The economic think tank recommends businesses accelerate cost management, strengthen supply chain flexibility, and adjust business models to maintain profitability amid volatility.

Thailand's construction materials industry has struggled for years due to sluggish private sector investment, particularly in residential real estate weakened by consumer purchasing power, high household debt, and strict credit policies. With limited ability to pass cost increases to customers compared to periods of strong demand, producers face mounting pressure from the sector.

In 2025, the US-Iran conflict escalating into a regional crisis, with threats to close the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global shipping route for crude oil and petroleum products—will disrupt not only global energy supply chains but also building material production that relies on petroleum-derived raw materials and upstream commodity supplies from the Middle East. The prolonged uncertainty in the Middle East makes it unlikely that global crude oil and petroleum supplies will normalize in the short term, creating unavoidable pressure on construction material production costs.

TTB Analytics estimates 2025 production cost increases of around 20% year-on-year, based on three main components: energy costs, transportation costs, and raw material prices, broken down by producer type.

Metal products manufacturers generate approximately 770 billion baht in revenue, or 56.7% of total construction materials industry revenue. Although they face no direct supply chain disruption from petroleum products, Thai producers import primary and intermediate steel from China as raw material, with prices rising an average of just 8% from March to June. However, transportation costs surged, reflected in the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index rising 39% over the same period. TTB Analytics forecasts metal products manufacturers will see average cost increases of 25% in 2025.

Concrete and concrete products manufacturers generate approximately 310 billion baht, or 23.2% of total construction materials industry revenue. Costs are expected to rise an average of 11% in 2025, primarily from domestic transportation costs, as the concrete industry relies heavily on local supply.

At 3 p.m. on August 17, 2025, at the Malinon Building Channel 3, Phadaa Chommani Noi Chan revealed details of a land dispute involving Wat Pa Adulyaram in Khon Kaen province. She stated that her family has no intention to cause trouble or assault monks at any temple, as has been alleged, but rather seeks to establish the truth and vindicate the family. Phadaa emphasized that both sides have evidence and all documentation must be examined to verify whether the temple obtained rightful ownership of the land according to proper legal procedures. She noted that land deed number 61945 still shows the name Ta Hiang as the registered owner, and when family heirs entered the area, they faced legal charges including summonses and arrest warrants. She called for a full investigation into the land's ownership history and the legality of its current use by the temple. If the temple's acquisition was lawful, the family is willing to accept it; if not, further investigation into the property's legal status is necessary. Phadaa also raised concerns about criminal cases filed against her family by Phra Khanong Police Station, alleging eight attempted murder charges without sufficient evidence, and claimed her riverside property was confiscated. She questioned procedural irregularities, such as the absence of fingerprints being taken despite court convictions. She appealed to the new police commander to investigate misconduct within the force and urged Prime Minister Anuthon to address public suffering rather than pursuing entertainment, noting that he came to power through the people and should serve them accordingly.

The Department of Land Transport has clarified that vehicles bearing TC and QC registration plates are authorized test vehicles undergoing performance and quality checks. Director Thitipat Thaijongrak of the Automotive Engineering Division explained that these plates are issued by the department to permit vehicles to be tested for completeness, performance, system readiness, and compliance with standards before production or sale, ensuring quality and safety.

The TC plate, standing for "Test before Construction," is used for prototype vehicles that are newly manufactured, assembled, imported, or modified in their control systems or equipment. Manufacturers must test these vehicles under real operating conditions before full production. The authorization permit is valid for 180 days from issue. For cars, TC plates are white reflective metal sheets measuring 15 centimeters wide by 34 centimeters long, with "TC" on the first line followed by up to four digits, and the province name Bangkok on the second line, with the Department of Land Transport emblem stamped in the bottom right corner. Motorcycles use smaller TC plates measuring 17.20 by 22 centimeters, arranged across three lines with "TC," the province, and up to four digits, plus the department emblem in the top right corner.

The QC plate, meaning "Quality Control," is used for vehicles already produced, assembled, or imported that have been randomly selected for quality testing before sale. QC plates measure 15 by 34 centimeters for cars, with "QC" on the first line followed by up to four digits, Bangkok province on the second line, and the department emblem in the bottom right corner. Authorization permits for QC vehicles are valid for 90 days from issue.

Thitipat stated that those operating TC or QC test vehicles on roads must carry a copy of their authorization permit at all times, maintain required insurance coverage, and have drivers holding appropriate licenses. Unauthorized or non-compliant use of TC or QC plates violates Section 6/1 paragraph three of the Automotive Act and is subject to fines up to 2,000 baht under Section 60 of the act.

TC and QC plates represent legally issued vehicle identification marks and are part of Thailand's framework for promoting vehicle research, development, and testing while ensuring road safety compliance. Members of the public with questions may contact the Vehicle and Engine Registration Control Section, Registry and Tax Standards Division, Department of Land Transport, at 0-2271-8888 extension 2408.

BANGKOK — 17 August 2026, The Royal Gazette has published royal commands promoting and conferring ecclesiastical titles on 14 senior Buddhist monks.

The first announcement said His Majesty the King had elevated Phra Thamma Wachira Dilok of Wat Suthat Thepwararam Ratchaworamahawihan in Bangkok to the rank of deputy supreme ecclesiastical dignitary, with the new title Phra Phrom Wachira Muni.

The promotion took effect on 16 August and allows him to appoint eight monks to positions within his ecclesiastical entourage.

In a separate royal command, 13 other monks were granted new ecclesiastical ranks and titles:

Phra Thep Wachira Khunathan of Wat Ban Plueai Yai in Roi Et was promoted to Phra Thamma Wachira Khunathan.

Phra Ratcha Wachira Methi of Wat Traimit Witthayaram Worawihan was promoted to Phra Thep Pariyat Wachira Methi.

Phra Yan Wilat of Wat Pa Song Tham in Roi Et was promoted to Phra Ratcha Yan Wachirophas.

Phra Phimon Phawana Phithan of Wat Rakhang Khositaram Woramahawihan was promoted to Phra Ratcha Wachira Phawana Phithan.

Phra Si Thiraphong of Wat Thong Nopphakhun was promoted to Phra Ratcha Wachira Saramethi.

Phra Khru Pariyat Woraphirak of Wat Nong I But in Kalasin was appointed Phra Pariyat Wachirathon.

Phra Khru Si Wisut Wat of Wat That in Khon Kaen was appointed Phra Pariyat Wachira Sunthon.

Phra Khru Santi Kitjanukan of Wat Bang Samak in Chachoengsao was appointed Phra Phawana Wachira Wisit.

Phra Khru Si Wachirawong of Wat Suthat Thepwararam was appointed Phra Pariyat Wachira Wethi.

Phra Khru Chotithammaprakat of Wat Kasemsap Phatthanaram in Roi Et was appointed Phra Wachira Thamma Chot.

Phra Khru Sitthi Phawananusak of Wat Si Song Mueang in Chiang Mai was appointed Phra Phawana Wachira Thada.

Phra Khru Si Kitti Warodom of Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram was appointed Phra Kitti Wachirodom.

Phra Maha Adirek Techawanno of Wat Bang Tanai in Pathum Thani was appointed Phra Udom Wachira Suthi.

The appointments took effect on 16 August, according to the Royal Gazette announcements published on 17 August.

Actor Somchai Khemkla has proven himself a true 'supportive dad.' He recently attended a film blessing ceremony for "Pobla Khai Lai Krajoing" at One Shot Studio in the Ladprao area, where he opened up about his new home, which is currently being decorated. His family had lived in their previous house for 17 years, but as his children grew older—Somjai is now 16 and Sukjai is 15—they expressed a wish to have their own rooms with their choice of wallpaper and furniture. Previously, all four family members slept in one small room. Somchai decided to build a three-storey house with high ceilings and a carport with reinforced pillars for future expansion, all within his set budget.

When asked about his daughters' special requests, Somchai explained that the second floor has separate bedrooms for each daughter plus a guest room for relatives, while the third floor serves as a penthouse for him and his wife. His Gen-Z children have specific design preferences—Somjai favours an artistic style and initially wanted 1980s vintage furniture, though he eventually chose something more comfortable. He is now designing his own room, buying posters of his favourite BL artists to decorate the walls. Somchai advised him to use frames so the posters can be moved easily without damage, and his son collects pillows and photos of his favourite artists to cuddle while sleeping.

Regarding his daughters' celebrity crushes, Somchai said Somjai initially liked Yin Wor and still does, while recently also becoming a fan of William S. He expressed how happy he is to support whatever makes his children happy, comparing it to how fans supported him 30 years ago. He praised his son for being considerate—when inviting Somchai to concerts, he would say, "Dad, you're not into BL, so can you just drop me off?" His son buys his own ticket and enters alone, and his daughters have jokingly posted Somchai online as the ultimate supportive dad. "I've had to act quite a bit because I need the money to buy tickets, which are more expensive than my own concerts," he laughed.

When asked if his children save for these expenses themselves, Somchai explained that they save money from gifts received during New Year and Chinese New Year from grandparents. His wife also deposits part of their savings into a bank account for their future use. However, concert tickets are expensive, so his son negotiated with him, saying, "Dad, if the ticket is cheap I can just take a photo, but if it's this expensive, can I hold your hand?" They eventually agreed to split the cost—a 6,900 baht ticket, with Somchai paying half, though he doesn't attend the concerts himself.

When asked if his children ever use the privilege of being Somchai Khemkla's children, he answered definitively: "Never."