BANGKOK: A French family spent more than 16 hours floating at sea after their jet ski capsized off Thailand’s Koh Samui island before being rescued, a local official told AFP on Saturday (Aug 15).
BANGKOK: A French family spent more than 16 hours floating at sea after their jet ski capsized off Thailand’s Koh Samui island before being rescued, a local official told AFP on Saturday (Aug 15).
An investigation into alleged Senate vote-buying has uncovered evidence of organized operations and ballot irregularities, while an Election Commission official received 860,000 baht in suspicious payments from a politician's associate, rai
The investigation into alleged vote-buying in the Senate election has ballooned, with evidence mounting steadily. Documentation includes organized vote-buying operations, video recordings of the incidents, and ballot irregularities so obvious they would be visible from Mars. The question now is whether Election Commission board members will recognize these anomalies and refer the matter to the Supreme Court to ensure transparency, fairness, and justice according to the Commission's own motto—or whether they will ignore mathematical impossibilities and dismiss everything by rejecting complaints, allowing it all to pass through. We will soon see which path they choose.
The widening scope stems from investigators discovering that an Election Commission official received 860,000 baht from an associate of a prominent Amnat Charoen politician through 13 separate money transfers. This naturally raised questions about whether the payments connect to Senate vote-buying. The Commission's explanation, however, proved even more startling: they claimed the payments are unrelated to the Senate election but instead occurred during the 2566 House election, and the official has since been dismissed with the matter referred to the National Anti-Corruption Commission.
Yet examining the timeline reveals something striking: those transfers occurred precisely when the Election Commission was filing fraud complaints against Amnat Charoen House candidates. This suggests the two matters are clearly connected. The source of the money from 13 transfers is evident, so why has there been no investigation into whether it relates to House election fraud or official bribery?
Moreover, Election Commission member Sitthichote Intharawiseth stated the Commission has not yet re-examined Amnat Charoen's House ballots because the evidence does not sufficiently connect to them. This raises a troubling question: if money transfers from a politician's associate through 13 transactions are insufficient evidence, what level of proof does the Commission require to perform its duties?
This matter will not end easily, despite criticism that the Commission is attempting to limit accountability to the official who was dismissed. If this nation cannot trust the institution governing electoral rules and screening electoral integrity, society will lose faith and face inevitable collapse. If the Election Commission wishes to avoid being remembered in history for failings of conscience, it must provide answers now. Do not let this fade into silence with the wind.
A luxury hybrid car worth over 1 million baht caught fire while charging overnight at a Pathum Thani townhouse, with firefighters containing the blaze within an hour and preventing it from spreading to nearby structures.
PATHUM THANI — A luxury hybrid car worth more than 1 million baht caught fire after being left charging overnight at a townhouse in Pathum Thani province. The incident was reported to the disaster prevention and mitigation unit of Khlong Sam Subdistrict Administrative Organisation in Khlong Luang district at a housing estate in Khlong Sam subdistrict.
Dr. Wirasak Hadda, chief executive of the Khlong Sam Subdistrict Administrative Organisation, arrived at the scene with two fire engines. The property was a two-storey townhouse. Firefighters found a white sedan parked in front of the house with flames rapidly spreading inside the passenger compartment. Firefighters immediately sprayed water to prevent the flames from spreading to the house and neighbouring properties. The blaze was brought under control within about one hour. The driver's compartment was severely damaged by the fire.
The 36-year-old owner said he returned home at around 22:00 on Aug. 15 and plugged the car in to charge before going to bed. At around 08:00 the following morning, a security guard rang the doorbell. When he went downstairs, he noticed smoke coming from the car, although it was not yet heavy. He immediately unplugged the charger, grabbed the car keys and opened the vehicle's door. A large amount of smoke then poured out, as seen in footage of the incident.
The owner initially suspected that excessive heat from the hybrid battery may have caused the fire, but said the exact cause remained unknown. It was unclear whether the incident was caused by a deteriorating battery or a system malfunction. The vehicle's dashboard had displayed no warning signs or error messages before the incident.
The owner said the situation could have been much worse if the fire had spread to the house. He credited his quick response and the firefighters' arrival for limiting the damage to the vehicle. The second-hand car was purchased for slightly more than 1 million baht and had been used by him for about two years. Including its previous owner's use, the vehicle was estimated to be about four years old.
The owner said he had already notified his insurer, as the vehicle was covered by comprehensive insurance. The insurance company had contacted him and begun handling the case. As the incident occurred on a Sunday, he had not yet been able to contact the vehicle's service centre to arrange an inspection and determine the cause of the fire and extent of the damage.
He said he was unlikely to feel comfortable driving the car again, even if it was deemed repairable. He would wait for an assessment to determine whether the vehicle could safely be repaired and returned to service. The owner said he had maintained the vehicle normally, taking it to a service centre for annual inspections and regular scheduled maintenance. He also understood that the vehicle was equipped with warning systems that should display an error message if a problem occurred with the hybrid system.
A Nakhon Ratchasima lottery player won 54 million baht across nine first-prize tickets in the August 16 draw, crediting his regular charitable donations to his unexpected fortune.
A Lottery Plus customer won the first prize across nine tickets totaling 54 million baht, and the lucky winner said he never expected such a win but remained hopeful because he regularly donates to charity. At 4 p.m. on August 16, 2025, the Government Lottery Office announced the draw results: first prize number 004615, three-digit front prizes of 731 and 429, three-digit back prizes of 937 and 094, and a two-digit back prize of 53. After the announcement, Lottery Plus staff quickly retrieved the actual winning tickets from the safe and displayed them live, taking only about two minutes to do so.
Among the winners and those who did not win this round, Nott Phanthawat Nakvisut from Lottery Plus called to congratulate the lucky winner. Lottery Plus also invited celebrity Chompoo Araya to join the prize announcement, and a cute mascot character danced to celebrate the occasion. Nine first-prize winners from Nakhon Ratchasima shared the 54 million baht jackpot in total. BJ, a winner from Nakhon Ratchasima, won all nine first-prize tickets worth 54 million baht. When Nott called, BJ recognized him but did not know why he was calling and was driving at the time, so Nott asked him to pull over.
BJ asked Nott if he was well before Nott asked about his own status. BJ then revealed that he never thought he would win the first prize, but he is someone who enjoys helping others and regularly donates to charity. He hoped he might get lucky someday, and when he learned he had won the first prize, BJ eagerly thanked Nott with joy. Today Nott will travel to Nakhon Ratchasima to deliver the prize money to BJ in person.
EGAT showcases energy innovations and interactive workshops at Thailand's 69th National Science and Technology Fair through August 23, featuring eight exhibition groups focused on clean energy, electric vehicles, and smart grid technology.
The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) is inviting youth to enjoy interactive workshops at the 69th National Science and Technology Fair running through August 23 at Impact Muang Thong Thani, Building 11. Suphachai Kunsaetthi, EGAT's assistant governor for research, innovation, and business development, officially opened the EGAT exhibition under the theme "Innovate Power Solutions for a Better Life." The event runs from August 15–23, 2025, with Peeranuch Kanhadilok, director of the Natural Science Academy and Museum, attending the ceremony.
EGAT is sharing knowledge about science, technology, and energy innovation with youth and the public through eight exhibition groups featuring diverse research and innovations: clean energy technology including small modular reactors and floating solar hydro systems; the Energy Savings Label Level 5 program; electric vehicles and charging stations; grid modernization; second-life battery ecosystems; LANDMOS, a real-time landslide monitoring system for Mae Mao Mine; EGAT Ash Nova, which converts coal fly ash into alternative construction materials; and EGAT SCADA X, a digital-era power system control and monitoring innovation.
Inside the EGAT booth, nearly 10 interactive activities and workshops allow children and young people to learn about energy and discover EGAT through play. These include energy bingo, EGAT trivia games, and "Mini Popsicle Flashlight," a hands-on activity teaching electrical circuit principles with the chance to win souvenirs from the ENGY Shop. EGAT's energy exhibition serves not merely as a display space but as a learning and inspiration hub, demonstrating how science, technology, and innovation can build a better energy future and spark young people's curiosity to invent and develop innovations further.
A magnitude 6.8 earthquake in northern Sumatra was felt across southern Thai provinces including Krabi, where cracks appeared in hillside homes that authorities are investigating.
A magnitude 6.8 earthquake in northern Sumatra, Indonesia, was felt across several southern Thai provinces, including Krabi, where cracks were found in several concrete houses built on hillsides. Authorities are investigating whether the cracks were caused by the earthquake, with no damage officially reported so far.
On 16 August, Krabi Provincial Public Relations Office chief Pathompong Kaewbandit said the Meteorological Department had reported an earthquake in northern Sumatra, Indonesia, at 17:54 on 15 August.
The 6.8-magnitude quake was reportedly felt by residents in Songkhla, Trang, Krabi, Phuket and Satun provinces. The tremor did not meet the criteria for a Cell Broadcast alert, officials said.
In Krabi, the shaking was felt mainly in high-rise buildings, including Krabi Hospital and hotels in Ao Nang and Nong Thale subdistricts in Mueang Krabi district. No damage had been reported at the time of the statement.
Somsak Teppabut, village headman of Moo 3, Koh Kwang-Laem Pong in Nong Thale subdistrict, said he had begun inspecting homes in the area. Several concrete houses built on elevated ground in Laem Pong were found to have cracks in multiple locations. Officials are now examining the buildings to determine whether the cracks were caused by the latest earthquake.
Meanwhile, Thirasak Thongmat, head of the Krabi Office of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, said the National Disaster Warning Center had ordered authorities to closely monitor earthquake activity around the clock.
Provincial authorities are coordinating with local administrative organizations and relevant agencies to inspect areas and high-rise buildings where residents reported feeling the tremors, while ensuring public safety and reassuring residents.
The National Sports Development Fund visited training facilities in Chachoengsao and Rayong to assess three Thai teams preparing for the Asian Games in Nagoya, including beach volleyball, rowing, and windsurfing athletes.
The National Sports Development Fund, directed by General Suphmanit Parbpob, visited Chachoengsao and Rayong provinces to monitor training for three Thai sports teams preparing for the Asian Games. General Suphmanit Parbpob, fund director and chair of the project oversight committee, accompanied by General Somkwer Tongnark and General Worchati Fongchol, visited the two provinces to assess readiness and encourage the athletes in beach volleyball, men's division, rowing, and windsurfing ahead of the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.
The delegation first visited Satahib District in Chachoengsao to monitor the men's beach volleyball team at R1 Life Fitness Center, where they reviewed training plans, fitness development, athlete allowances, and support factors. They then traveled to the Royal Thai Navy Rowing Training Center in Rayong, where the rowing team reported approximately 90 percent readiness and plans to train in China before the Games. The visit concluded at Jomtien Water Service Center in Chachoengsao, where the windsurfing team—consisting of four athletes with two youth and two open division competitors—was preparing, including experienced athlete Siriporn Kaeodungnuam.
General Suphmanit stated that the field visit aimed to assess athlete readiness, hear concerns from sports associations and staff directly regarding training, allowances, welfare, equipment, and health care, and provide targeted support. He thanked athletes and personnel for their dedication and encouraged them to maintain health, prevent injury, and follow their coaches' plans to compete at full capacity in the Asian Games. The fund will continue close monitoring to ensure appropriate and effective support for athletes and sports associations.
A large tree collapsed at Ayutthaya's historic Wat Phra Si Sanphet temple on Sunday, injuring four tourists during peak visiting hours. Authorities are investigating the cause while inspecting the temple grounds for safety hazards.
AYUTTHAYA — Four tourists were injured after a tree broke and fell within the grounds of Wat Phra Si Sanphet in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province on Sunday, 16 August 2026. The incident was reported at around 12:30, with the historic temple, a major tourist attraction, crowded with visitors at the time. JS100 Radio reported that a tree inside the temple grounds broke and fell, hitting tourists in the area and leaving several people injured. Volunteer responders rushed to the scene to assess the situation and provide first aid before transporting four injured tourists to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Hospital for urgent medical treatment. Authorities were investigating what caused the tree to break, including whether weather conditions or other factors were involved. Officials were also inspecting the surrounding area to assess safety and prevent a similar incident from happening again.
A Thai buyer paid nearly 50,000 baht for an iPhone 17 Pro Max online only to receive an Android phone instead, with the seller ignoring refund requests.
A Thai consumer has issued a warning after ordering an iPhone 17 Pro Max for nearly 50,000 Baht through a popular shopping app, only to receive a phone running on Android. The incident was shared by a member of the We Are Consumers Facebook group, who posted photos of the product and described the experience as a case of receiving an item that did not match the advertised product.
According to the post, the customer believed they had ordered an Apple iPhone but discovered after turning on the device that it was running the Android operating system. The customer said the amount paid was nearly 50,000 baht and that they had already submitted a request for a refund and returned the product.
The customer contacted the seller saying "What did you send me?", "I ordered Apple but got Android", and "I'm losing it", but received only automated replies from an AI system saying "Hello, we are glad to serve you." The seller has reportedly not responded to the refund request.
The consumer shared the incident as a warning to others to exercise caution when purchasing expensive electronic devices through online platforms.
A pickup truck and sedan collided at a Chumphon intersection on August 16, killing one woman and injuring four others; police are investigating conflicting driver accounts to determine fault.
On August 16, Chumphon Provincial Police responded to a collision at the Don Thai Ngam red-light intersection on New Cut Road, Moo 6, Bang Mak Subdistrict, Mueang Chumphon District. A pickup truck driven by Sak, 52, from Phato District was heading toward Chumphon town to take his wife Na, 44, and two female relatives to visit a patient at Chumphon Hospital. At the intersection, his truck collided with a Honda sedan driven by Phinyo, 46, from Mueang Chumphon, who was returning home with his family of three. The impact caused both vehicles to sustain severe damage. Na died at the scene, while four others—two women and two men—were injured and transported to hospital. The pickup truck's rear axle was dislodged from the impact.
Initial police investigation found that both drivers gave conflicting accounts of the accident, making it difficult to determine which party was at fault. Officers are collecting evidence and conducting witness interviews to establish the true cause. Investigators attempted to review security camera footage from Bang Mak Subdistrict Municipality to aid the investigation but found that two cameras in the area had been damaged by lightning and were non-operational.
Police are continuing their inquiry to determine whether either driver violated the traffic signal or acted negligently. The investigation will be forwarded for prosecution once evidence and witness statements are fully compiled.
Opposition may raise the Senate freeze in a no-confidence motion, but must present concrete evidence linking it to the current government rather than making vague political accusations, says a Democratic Party coalition coordinator.
Kraiwir Prishnanantakul, Democratic Party MP for Ang Thong and chairman of the government coalition coordination committee, said that while the opposition has the right to debate the Senate freeze issue in a no-confidence motion, any discussion must be clearly linked to the government and supported by concrete evidence rather than mere political allegations. He noted that although the freeze occurred before the current government took office, the incumbent administration must still address the problem, but the matter remains under review by the Election Commission, an independent body the government cannot interfere with.
"I believe if the opposition raises this issue, it is their right to do so, but they must present evidence and show how it relates to the government," Kraiwir said. "This is not a platform for vague accusations or political attacks. It requires substantive points linking to the prime minister or cabinet members, with facts not mere claims. If evidence exists, the government has a duty to clarify and respond clearly."
Regarding other topics the opposition plans to raise, Kraiwir said he agrees they should be fully investigated with evidence presented and questions answered. However, he emphasized that such scrutiny should be constructive and evidence-based, not a platform for floating charges. He stressed that the government welcomes accountability but that the most critical bills are those affecting ordinary citizens' costs—the government should focus on reducing public expenses and demonstrating tangible results for the people, not just responding to opposition questions.