A Facebook user asked in a homemaking group whether a plug-in device her husband bought actually saves electricity after he claimed it cuts bills. Later, Associate Professor Jetsada Denboriband, a biology lecturer at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Science, shared the post and expressed surprise that fake electricity-saving boxes are still being sold in 2026.

Investigation shows that electricity-saving plugs or outlet adapters marketed online as capable of reducing bills by 30–90% do not work as advertised and are pure consumer fraud. They typically contain only a small capacitor or a single LED bulb, leaving buyers out of pocket and at risk of electrical fires.

Fact-checking website Cofact reports that these scam products continue to flood online sales platforms despite warnings from the Provincial Electricity Authority and experts. When asked, Dr. Suppan Tiptipakorn, head of the electrical engineering department at Mahidol University, confirmed there is no credible academic evidence or test results from trusted agencies showing such products can reduce home electricity consumption as claimed. Consumer protection organizations in multiple countries have tested these devices and found they do not reduce energy use as advertised, warning that non-standard products may pose safety hazards.

EGCO Group reported first-half 2025 results showing total revenue of 19.179 billion baht, operating profit of 1.016 billion baht, and net profit of 1.538 billion baht, reflecting the strength of its financial position and diversified investment portfolio. Thatthachai Samranyawanit, chief executive of Electricity Generation Company (EGCO Group), said the second quarter alone generated 9.67 billion baht in revenue with 1.625 billion baht in profit share recognition. As of June 30, 2025, the company held total assets of 224.391 billion baht, shareholder equity of 101.381 billion baht, and cash reserves of 31.811 billion baht.

Performance in the first half demonstrated "strategic resilience" and financial discipline amid economic and geopolitical volatility, with the company managing risk across countries, fuels, technology, and related energy businesses. Four key factors supported the results: efficient cost management at Thai independent power plants, with BLCP benefiting from lower fuel costs and Kaeng Khoi increasing sales volume; favorable water levels in Laos enabling higher output from Noen Muang Thae 2 and Xayaburi plants; expansion of data centers and AI in the United States boosting Linden Cogen's revenue and sales, plus increased shareholding in Pinnacle II wind and solar operations; and growing rental income providing stable cash flow.

Management said the company will continue seeking investment opportunities while maintaining disciplined asset selection aligned with strategy, actively managing the portfolio through asset recycling to strengthen capital readiness and sustain long-term growth despite intense competition for investments.

At 9:30 a.m. on August 17 at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister Yosthanan Wongsotsadit, who also serves as Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, addressed the opposition's plans to file a no-confidence motion. He stated that the ministry has followed proper procedures and confirmed that everything is proceeding according to protocol.

When asked if he was confident he could explain the situation, Yosthanan said it is not a matter of confidence or lack thereof, but rather that the ministry has adhered to proper procedures throughout and there is nothing to worry about.

When asked whether he would need preparation or coaching from Pheu Thai party members before a potential debate—as this would be his first time giving such an explanation—Yosthanan responded that as deputy prime minister, he bears full responsibility for the matter, which comes from a mandate given to him by the country. He emphasized that he has done everything thoroughly and the information prepared allows him to answer questions immediately, making additional preparation unnecessary and eliminating any need to separate politics from ministerial work.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dismissed reports of anti-government protests as fake news on August 17, saying the public should verify information before consuming such media. When asked whether the government was concerned about escalating unrest, he stated that the government is performing its duties with full commitment, honesty, and integrity.

Regarding the opposition's plan to file a no-confidence motion, Anutin said all cabinet ministers are prepared to address opposition concerns and provide clarity to the public, not just parliament members. He emphasized that each minister mentioned in opposition criticism must be ready to respond.

When pressed on whether the opposition's no-confidence motion focuses on the Senate charter controversy, Anutin clarified that the government has no connection to the Senate, as that is a separate institution. The government began operations in 2569 while the Senate started in 2567, he noted.

Anuthin stated that the government will only address questions related to its actual performance. When asked about recent disclosures of Senate charter discussions by opposition lawmakers, he said the issue cannot be directed at him as he is in the executive branch, and he viewed it as an attempt to undermine government credibility.

"This is a game by people not in government who want to be in government. Don't overthink it. Everything comes down to the election results. They lost the election, so they must accept the rules," Anutin said, calling on critics not to remain outside the political game.

Prime Minister Anuthun Charnweerakul stressed that the Thai Help Thai Plus Phase 2 program must address what truly improves quality of life for citizens—a daily consideration, not a single-issue program. He rejected comparisons to welfare or populist policies, saying the approach must be collaborative and well-timed.

Addressing balance between economic activity, public cost reduction, and government budget management, the Prime Minister noted that multiple factors must work together. While government has a duty to care for public welfare, the method cannot rely on welfare-state or populist models; it must be a shared effort at the right moment.

When asked whether Thai Help Thai Plus Phase 2 will proceed, he replied that improving quality of life demands continuous thought and planning across many areas, not just one program. Regarding treasury capacity, he confirmed that funding has not been depleted in the past.

Content creator Trai Scott has filed a report after experiencing this serious social violation of being secretly filmed in a public bathroom and having the footage shared online. Previously, Scott had screenshotted a post on X (Twitter) showing someone had secretly recorded him entering a public restroom and then posted the video to a group chat. Scott responded with an angry post condemning the act as a serious social threat: "What the hell, someone secretly recorded me in the bathroom and posted it on X... Why would you do this? What right do you have to violate someone else? Sexual coercion and harassment - people like this are a real danger to society." Scott has now filed an official police report. In a heated follow-up post, Scott wrote: "I've filed a report. Pack your bags! You're about to take pictures and record videos in prison. Let's see if the inmates will like you." Source: psiscott