Staff and patients at Chumchang Health Promotion Hospital in Chom Phra district, Surin province, were alarmed on August 14 when four green pit vipers slipped into the wound treatment and emergency room on the second floor. Rescue teams from the subdistrict office responded and spent approximately 30 minutes locating and capturing the snakes, which had hidden in corners and crevices throughout the room. Using mosquito repellent spray to drive the snakes from their hiding places, rescue workers successfully caught and removed all four snakes from the building. Inspection confirmed three males and one female, classified as green pit vipers. All snakes were subsequently released into a suitable natural area.

The incident was unprecedented for hospital staff, as they had never encountered multiple snakes in the wound room simultaneously. The fortunate discovery was aided by the hospital's clean, well-organized facilities. Officials believe the snakes likely emerged from the forest area adjacent to the hospital and entered the building seeking shelter in the comfortable indoor environment. The simultaneous presence of both male and female snakes suggests possible mating season behavior.

While the exact cause remains speculative, the incident prompted patients to convert the snake count into lucky numbers—413—to be used for lottery betting. Health authorities have issued a warning to the public about the increased likelihood of encountering reptiles during unpredictable weather patterns, with both rain and heat driving animals from their natural habitats in search of shelter. Residents are urged to increase vigilance, particularly in dark corners, storage areas, bathrooms, and spaces near forests or overgrown land. If an unfamiliar snake or reptile is encountered, the public is advised not to attempt capture but to maintain distance, block the area, and alert trained professionals. This incident serves as a reminder that even well-maintained, enclosed buildings can become refuge for reptiles, warranting regular inspection and constant caution.

BANGKOK — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will make official visits to Australia from 17–20 August and New Zealand from 20–22 August, seeking to expand markets for Thai goods, attract investment and strengthen strategic partnerships.

Government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said the visits, made at the invitation of the two countries' prime ministers, will also seek to link businesses and increase cooperation on security and people-to-people travel.

The Australia trip will be the first official visit by a Thai prime minister in 14 years, ahead of the 75th anniversary of Thai-Australian diplomatic relations in 2027.

Anutin is due to meet Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to advance the Thailand-Australia Strategic Partnership in trade, investment, security, clean energy, science, technology and innovation. They will also seek to implement the 2026–2029 Thailand-Australia Strategic Partnership Action Plan.

The prime minister will be accompanied by Thai private-sector representatives and attend a Thai-Australian business networking event organised by the Board of Investment and Austrade. The government hopes the visit will help Thai businesses build networks, find partners and develop investments.

Thailand will also encourage greater Australian investment, particularly in future industries and clean energy, which the government said could support investment, jobs and technology transfer.

Rachada said Thailand would seek to expand science, technology and innovation cooperation, especially between the National Science and Technology Development Agency and Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, or CSIRO, to help turn research into commercial applications.

The cooperation is also intended to give Thai start-ups and innovators opportunities to learn from Australia's innovation ecosystem and connect with international markets.

The New Zealand visit will be the first by a Thai prime minister in 13 years and coincides with the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Anutin is scheduled to meet New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and sign a joint declaration formally upgrading Thailand-New Zealand relations to a strategic partnership, providing a framework for longer-term cooperation.

Thailand will seek greater access to the New Zealand market for agricultural products, food, consumer goods and retail businesses, while also encouraging New Zealand investment in Thailand.

Anutin is due to meet companies interested in investing in Thailand, including tourism operator Skyline Enterprises and appliance manufacturer Fisher & Paykel. Thai business representatives will also take part in networking and business-matching activities with New Zealand firms.

Thailand and New Zealand will also seek closer cooperation against transnational crime, Rachada said.

The government will additionally push for the resumption of direct flights between Bangkok and Auckland.

SPM Specialty BabyMilk has announced a partnership with Future (Thailand) to expand its Australian infant formula product line in the Thai market. The collaboration introduces three products—Future A2 Protein, Future Organic A2 Protein, and Nutura Organic—supported by a comprehensive supply chain system covering nutrition information, storage, and distribution to build consumer trust and enable long-term growth.

Soe Kammint, Future (Thailand) representative, said the partnership reflects shared business values, including sustainable farmer and consumer care and a commitment to product quality. The products use a single-dried process that preserves protein integrity and nutritional value. SPM Specialty BabyMilk has been appointed as the company's nutrition consultant in Thailand.

Achira Jenphasaa, Head of Regulations at SPM, emphasized that the partnership aligns with the company's focus on scientific evidence, product quality verification, and accurate consumer information. "Nutrition is not fashion—it is about facts and what consumers choose for their families. Accurate information and customer benefit must come first," she said. The company selects brands based on product data, scientific evidence, production standards, and service readiness, establishing partnerships with long-term frameworks exceeding 10 years.

P, Head of Logistics, revealed that SPM has developed warehouse and logistics infrastructure meeting brand standards. The company operates seven warehouses across four distribution centers with temperature-controlled facilities maintaining 22 degrees Celsius around the clock, plus security systems to support all three product groups. The system also enables traceability and product recall processes to manage risk and maintain quality control throughout storage and distribution.

SPM Specialty BabyMilk is also negotiating with another Australian brand for warehouse and nutrition consulting services, with contracts expected by year-end.

Pruksa Holding reported first-half 2025 total revenue of 7.549 billion baht, a 9% increase from the same period last year, with net profit of 197 million baht, up 120%. The company maintains strong financial health with a net debt-to-equity ratio of 0.23x, down from 0.28x at year-end 2024, an average borrowing cost of 2.5%, and liquidity exceeding 3x. A total credit facility of 17.2 billion baht supports future expansion into recurring-income businesses, and the company declared an interim dividend of 0.05 baht per share, to be paid on 11 September 2025.

The company is restructuring its portfolio by leveraging its real estate and construction strengths to expand into recurring-income businesses such as OMEGA Smart Warehouse and iPlern Branded Apartments, alongside its hospital operations, to drive its "Lifetime Well-Living" vision. OMEGA Smart Warehouse at Bang Na comprises approximately 217,000 square metres across three buildings with capacity for over 155,000 pallets of automated storage and is set to open in the fourth quarter of 2025 under a 20-year service contract with minimum revenue guarantees and profit-sharing terms.

The iPlern apartment rental business plans to develop 60 buildings with 4,300 units across six strategic locations, with rents ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 baht per month. Currently, six buildings are open with 100% occupancy, comprising two in Rangsit, three in Lam Luk Ka, and one in Bo Win. An additional 34 buildings are planned for the second half and 20 more in 2026, targeting a net yield of 7–8% using precast technology to accelerate construction and rental income.

Pruksa Real Estate reported first-half revenue of 5.942 billion baht, up 15% year-on-year, driven by a 66% increase in condominium transfers and a 10% rise in townhouse sales. For 2025, the company plans to launch six new projects worth 7.26 billion baht; four projects worth 4.06 billion baht have already opened, with two more worth 3.2 billion baht, including Chapter One Block 19 Ratchada and Chapter One Rise Tha Phra, planned for the second half. The company is running a "PRUKSA D-DAY SUPER SALE" campaign from 20–23 August 2025 and has introduced "PRUKSA PASS", allowing qualified customers to occupy units and pay directly to the project for up to 12 months before applying the payments toward the purchase price upon transfer.

The National Sports Development Fund has opened a forum for provincial sports associations in partnership with the National Sports University under the "Open House for Sports" initiative to provide assistance and streamline budget disbursement systems for 2027. The fund is convening its fourth seminar for applicants seeking financial support from August 13-15 at Healthland Resort and Spa in Chon Buri, with the theme of "Criteria for Grouping Capable Provincial Sports Associations and Approaches to Strategically Allocate Budgets with Clear Goals and Measurable Outcomes for Fiscal Year 2027." The meeting is chaired by Thanukit Jantachum, manager of the National Sports Development Fund, alongside representatives from the Thai Sports Authority, National Sports University, and other officials, with participation from provincial sports association delegates.

The seminar includes presentations and knowledge-sharing sessions on key topics. Thanukit will discuss the fund's operational guidelines for 2027, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Weersakdi Wisallaporn, rector of the National Sports University, will cover strategies for developing Thai athletes and professional sports excellence, and Surasak Goedjuntuk from the Thai Sports Authority will explain the 2027 budget framework and provincial sports development initiatives. Sommai Lakkhananuruksai will present budget preparation guidelines based on Value for Money principles and efficiency improvements, while Prawit Metta will clarify disbursement procedures emphasizing speed, accuracy, and flexibility to ensure effective support delivery to provincial sports associations.

Kasetsart University and the Fine Arts Department have opened the third annual Art Collecting exhibition, promoting a micro-credential curriculum to establish antique collecting as a recognized profession. The event, held August 13–15, 2025, at Kasetsart University in Bangkok, brings together Fine Arts Department Director Phanombut Chanthrachoti, university leaders, scholars, collectors, and students to celebrate Thai artistic heritage. The collaboration aims to preserve and expand knowledge of Thai art heritage, creating economic value and national soft power while developing the first micro-credential curriculum in antique collecting to give people of all ages the opportunity to learn, develop skills, and earn national professional certification.

Director Phanombut emphasized that modern conservation of Thai artistic heritage requires systematic collection, storage, and knowledge transmission, as much expertise remains with older generations at risk of being lost. He noted that collecting can begin as a personal passion—from amulets to various artifacts—but with dedication can develop into a stable profession. "The value collectors find in their acquisitions transcends monetary worth," he said, adding that institutions like Kasetsart University can help turn such passion into recognized careers and new opportunities for people to discover their interests.

Associate Professor Mandol stated that Kasetsart University aims to serve as a lifelong learning hub connecting Thai artistic heritage knowledge to the broader public. The university will integrate expertise from collector networks, specialists, and academics into a credit bank system and the micro-credential curriculum for antique collecting, elevating the practice from personal hobby to professional qualification and future career opportunity.

The event features exhibitions of rare artworks from leading collectors nationwide, including amulets, ancient ceramics, antique textiles, and historically valuable collections. Seminars and workshops offer participants guidance on collecting, valuation, and heritage management as a financial asset—a growing interest in the creative economy. This year's program reflects Kasetsart University's role in connecting knowledge and positioning collecting as a legitimate cultural and economic field.