Four Chinese men caught with alleged scam gear in Nong KhaiLegacyNong Khai immigration officers detained four Chinese men and a Thai driver yesterday, August 18, after the group allegedly crossed the Mekong River from Laos into Thailand without passports. Nong Khai immigration, along with relevant officers, intercepted a car at an intersection in Nong Khai as it was heading towards Tha Bo district. The car was driven by a 40 year old Thai man from Phrae province, with four Chinese men aged between 22 and 26 travelling as passengers. Photo via MGR Online Officers found seven backpacks in the boot, with mud stains visible on the outside. Inside were laptop computers, Internet signal transmitters and a large number of mobile phones. The five men were taken to Nong Khai Immigration for questioning. Speaking through an interpreter, the four Chinese men reportedly said they did not know who owned the equipment. Photo via MGR Online The Thai driver admitted that he had picked up the four men near the Mekong River in Phon Phisai district, Nong Khai. He said they had crossed the river from a neighbouring country in a small boat. The driver said he was supposed to take the group to Phitsanulok, where another person would collect them and continue the journey to Myanmar. He was reportedly promised 6,000 baht for each person he transported. Officers said they found no passports among the Chinese nationals. Photo via MGR Online Investigators had received information that eight Chinese nationals were expected to enter Thailand illegally. They suspect the group had fled a crackdown in Vientiane, Laos, and planned to travel through Thailand to Myanmar. According to investigators, the group was carrying equipment that allowed them to maintain Internet connectivity while travelling. Police believe the journey may have been linked to the relocation of an online scam operation to Myanmar and said the case would proceed according to law. Elsewhere, Thai rangers in Sa Kaeo arrested three Chinese men after they were found illegally crossing into Thailand from Cambodia through a natural path in Aranyaprathet district, intending to seek business opportunities in Bangkok. The story Four Chinese men caught with alleged scam gear in Nong Khai as seen on Thaiger News.

The Department of Highways reported traffic conditions in Nan and nearby provinces on August 19, 2026, identifying seven locations where highways have been flooded or damaged due to heavy rainfall and flash flooding. The public is asked to avoid these routes and use caution while traveling.

In Nan Province (six locations): 1. Highway 101 km 429+750 in Ban Rong area, Pua District – road surface flooded, traffic cannot pass 2. Highway 101 km 430+000 at Ban Saan intersection, Pua District – underpass flooded, traffic can use the upper road 3. Highway 1256 km 5+975 at Ban Mon bridge area, Wonakorn Subdistrict, Pua District – bridge damaged, traffic cannot pass 4. Highway 1371 km 0+500 at Ban Fai bridge area, Silalang Subdistrict, Pua District – bridge damaged, traffic cannot pass 5. Highway 1371 km 3+700 at Huay Tad bridge area, Wonakorn Subdistrict, Pua District – bridge damaged, traffic cannot pass 6. Highway 1081 km 9+600 in front of Nan Nirand Hotel, Silalang Subdistrict, Pua District – erosion around the Boxculvert pipe, water flooding the road, traffic cannot pass

In Phayao Province (one location): 1. Highway 1092 km 17+200–17+300 in Ban San Klang area, Nim Subdistrict, Pong District – water flowing across the road, small vehicles cannot pass

The Pua to Chiang Klang route has no alternate roads available. Highway 1256 (Pua–Doi Pha Kha National Park–Bo Kaeo) users should use Highway 1081 (Pua–Bo Kaeo) instead.

The Department of Highways has deployed staff to manage traffic and monitor conditions 24 hours daily. The public is urged to drive carefully, follow warning signs, and contact the hotline at 1586 (toll-free, 24 hours), Nan Highway Division 2 at 0-5471-8040, or visit the Disaster Management System website at https://hdms.doh.go.th/ for assistance.

Deputy Police Commissioner Trairuang Phiwphairn has posted on Facebook about colleagues being considered for police commander-level promotions at the end of August. He wrote as a fellow officer who has worked alongside them on major investigations, without endorsing who should or shouldn't be promoted.

Regarding Tinakorn Rangmathai, known as "Rong O," Phiwphairn recalled their collaboration on cases ranging from transnational crime and intellectual property violations to drug trafficking and cybercrime. He described Rong O as an imaginative investigator—someone who can see what others miss in the same set of data. Phiwphairn noted Rong O's inseparable bond with his iPad during meetings, always documenting ideas and coordinating tasks, but emphasized this masked someone who thinks and acts fast and follows cases to completion.

During drug suppression operations under the "Every Pill" initiative, Rong O was instrumental in tackling drug networks. When crime shifted online, he adapted quickly. Phiwphairn praised his approach to cybercrime cases, emphasizing not just catching criminals but recovering stolen money for victims. For victims, that money may represent their life savings. Phiwphairn also recalled an instance when Rong O personally went to court to request a search warrant for a critical case—a task requiring him to explain evidence and answer judicial questions, showing his willingness to stand accountable.

Phiwphairn characterized Rong O as a police officer ready to challenge wrongdoing and corruption. While circumstances, criminals, and technology change, his investigative mindset and courage to act remain constant. For a commanding officer needing someone to hand off an important mission and walk away without looking back, Rong O is that person.

Phiwphairn also mentioned working with Charunyakiat Pankaew, known as "Pee Tao," on a major investigation by the Royal Thai Police. The post was cut off but highlighted his contributions to significant cases.

Tidlor Holdings has launched its first yen-denominated bond offering worth 16.5 billion yen with a three-year maturity, aimed at expanding access to foreign capital markets and increasing flexibility in managing the group's financial structure.

The senior unsecured bonds carry an A- credit rating from Japan Credit Rating Agency, Ltd. and were offered to qualified institutional investors in Japan, receiving positive investor response. Maturity is set for August 2029. This successful entry into the Japanese capital market represents a major milestone for Tidlor Holdings in broadening its funding base internationally, demonstrating the company's ability to access increasingly diverse funding sources and strengthening its capital structure to support long-term business operations and growth.

Earlier, Tidlor Holdings also successfully issued bonds in Thailand valued at 3.5 billion baht, which received strong institutional investor response with subscription reaching twice the offering amount. This reflected investor confidence in the company's fundamentals and growth potential. Atidarya Poonvatthu, Chief Executive Officer of Tidlor Holdings, stated that building strong and diversified funding sources is a critical element of prudent and sustainable business management. She added that accessing the Japanese capital market provides additional financial flexibility for the group and reflects investor confidence in Tidlor Holdings' business foundation and operational capabilities.

The company remains committed to managing its capital structure efficiently while managing risks to support quality long-term growth, under the leadership of an experienced professional management team dedicated to creating financial opportunities and expanding insurance access for Thai citizens.

The chairman of the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations said the Thai stock market has rebounded strongly from 1,250 points to above 1,600 points earlier this year, but the uptrend is far from over, citing five factors that could drive another 10% or greater gains over the next 12 months.

Paiboon Nalinthrangkurn, chief executive of Tisco Securities and chairman of the Federation of Thai Capital Market Organizations, shared his positive outlook on Facebook, noting that the SET index has climbed nearly 30% since the start of the year and is now outperforming global and emerging markets.

The five supporting factors are: First, the global economy is stronger than expected. Despite geopolitical tensions and trade friction, the International Monetary Fund forecasts global growth of 3.0% in 2026 and 3.4% in 2027, with corporate profits continuing to grow worldwide, driven significantly by investment in the AI ecosystem.

Second, global inflation remains controlled. Although energy prices have risen due to Middle East tensions, inflationary pressure is not as severe as in 2022–2023, allowing major central banks to avoid aggressive interest rate hikes—a supportive environment for equities.

Third, Thailand stands to benefit from manufacturing relocation and global supply chain restructuring. Thailand's geographic position, political neutrality, and infrastructure give it a competitive edge in attracting foreign direct investment in emerging industries. Foreign direct investment in AI, data centers, semiconductors, and electric vehicles has increased significantly, with FDI promotion applications in the first half of 2025 nearly matching the entire 2024 total of 1.36 trillion baht. If this translates into sustained real investment, it will provide a new growth engine and lift Thailand's long-term economic potential.

Fourth, the Thai economy is laying the foundation for a new growth cycle. Though structural challenges remain—high household debt, an aging society, weak competitiveness, and low productivity—the government is taking action to address these issues and create new growth drivers, particularly in AI infrastructure, the digital economy, and future industries. The International Monetary Fund forecasts Thai GDP growth of 1.9% in 2026 and 2.2% in 2027. While not high, if sustained new investment materializes, the economy could return to 3% or higher growth sustainably.

Fifth, corporate earnings and market fundamentals are recovering. Bloomberg Consensus forecasts SET earnings per share will rise from 80.8 baht in 2024 to 106 baht in 2025 and 114 baht in 2026. The SET is trading at approximately 14.8 times forward price-to-earnings, or 12.6 times excluding Delta, which is not expensive compared to other regional markets. Additionally, 61% of Thai listed companies are still trading below book value, indicating that market recovery has not spread across all companies. Foreign investors are beginning to return as net buyers after selling Thai stocks for several years, suggesting that fund flows could return to the market.

Paiboon noted that in the long term, the Jump+ program and Corporate Value Up Program will help improve the quality and value of Thai listed companies. However, the market must still navigate volatility from geopolitical risks, trade wars, inflation, and U.S. interest rate direction. Domestic risks remain centered on politics; if investors lose confidence in government stability, it could shock the Thai stock market.

Seven lead actors from the Duang With You Series transformed Impact Arena Muang Thong Thani into a venue filled with smiles, brightness, and happiness. Titi Wanpichit, Po Suphakar, North Chatchapol, Otto Saranun, Thir Therati, Wave Thanaphut, and Hugh Phuwichaya brought their on-screen chemistry and success to the stage at the Duang Go Round concert presented by True5G on August 15-16, 2025.

The two-night concert kicked off with Titi and Po making a dramatic entrance on a carousel descending from above the hall, performing the song Baby with dazzling light shows and full-circle 360-degree staging that brought them close to fans throughout the venue. Their mascot Bokbear joined the opening rap segment, followed by all seven actors performing the series soundtrack including the hit song "Jib Mai Job (Someday, Say Yes)." Surprise guest appearances added extra excitement, with Jinwook and Phutatchai of BUS joining on night one and Copper and Marckris of BUS on night two.

The concert showcased individual talents through solo stages, with Thir delivering a heart-melting performance in "Thee Rak (You)," Hugh bringing smooth energy with "Where Did You Come From," Wave performing the catchy "Move Around," North commanding the stage with "Nakorn Dara," Otto stunning with sharp dance moves in "Pinky Up," and North and Otto teaming up for a sleek duet on "Baddie." Titi closed out the performances with a high-energy solo featuring both singing and dancing in "Just Right" followed by the explosive "Guilty" with flame effects on stage, while special guests Orn Sripan and Nunew Chawarin appeared on respective nights to create memorable moments with the cast.