Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education Yossakorn Wongswasdi addressed the ongoing controversy at Prince of Songkla University's Pattani campus during an event at the Surat Thani campus on August 19, 2025. He used the platform to dispel criticism that his ministry intended to interfere with academic freedom, clarifying instead that he only sought to verify procedural compliance regarding activity hour credits.

The dispute arose after the Political Science Faculty invited lawmakers as speakers for an academic seminar, with student participants able to earn activity hours for attendance. This triggered widespread criticism about appropriateness and sparked concerns that the Higher Education Ministry might suppress academic and student freedom of expression.

Yossakorn explained that he became aware of the controversy through news reports and comments, which prompted him to ask the permanent secretary to verify details. He emphasized that the ministry's only concern was whether the activity hour arrangement complied with university regulations, not the content of the lectures. "Freedom of thought cannot be limited," he said, stressing that universities must remain open spaces for learning and exchanging ideas.

He reiterated on stage that there is no problem, no interference, and no restriction of rights. If the university follows proper procedures, it can conduct activities normally, and the Higher Education Ministry stands ready to support all learning initiatives. "The headline was a bit short and knocked me down," Yossakorn remarked, thanking the deputy rector for providing him the platform to clarify the matter that day.

NAN — 19 August 2026, Heavy rain has caused flooding across parts of Nan province, damaging an irrigation weir, washing out a bridge on a key route and prompting authorities to urge residents in at-risk areas to prepare to evacuate.

In Santi Suk district, one side of the Na Lao irrigation weir was washed away by strong currents, damaging the road beside it, the Nan provincial public relations office said. Persistent heavy to very heavy rain has caused waterways in the district to overflow, flooding homes, farmland and some roads. Ban Pang Chang in Pong subdistrict was among the affected areas.

As of 06:00, heavy rain was continuing. Flooding made the Phayaeng–Kiew Muang road, a route into Nan's provincial capital, impassable, officials said.

Authorities used a motorboat from Pa Laeo Luang Subdistrict Administrative Organisation to assist residents stranded near the water at Ban Sri Bun Rueang in Pong subdistrict. Strong currents hampered the operation. Residents were also stranded on a bridge over the Muap stream at Ban Nam Song in Du Phong subdistrict. Santi Suk district later reported that everyone on the bridge had been brought to safety.

Flooding was also reported in Pua, Chiang Klang and Tha Wang Pha districts, particularly around the Nam Pua and Nam Khuang waterways. A bridge on Highway 1256, the Pua–Bo Kluea route, reportedly collapsed, making the road impassable to all vehicles. Authorities advised travellers heading to Bo Kluea to use Highway 1081 via Santi Suk instead.

Nan municipality said more than 200mm of rain had fallen in several areas, particularly Pua, Santi Suk and Mae Charim districts, since midnight, causing flash flooding in northern parts of the province. Water levels in the Yao River and Wa River were rising.

The municipality urged residents in at-risk communities in Nan city, especially areas flooded in 2006 and 2024, to move belongings and vehicles to higher ground and prepare to evacuate vulnerable people. Those who decide to remain at home were advised to prepare at least three days' worth of food, drinking water and medicine, along with lighting, cooking and communication equipment. The municipality warned that electricity supplies could be suspended in some areas.

The Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation also urged authorities to move vulnerable residents, including elderly people and bedridden patients, to safer locations where necessary.

Coach Anurak Srigerd, a former Thailand national team midfielder, was shocked to learn of Ray McDonald's death and reflected that had McDonald chosen football over entertainment, he could have made Thailand's youth national team. Police Lieutenant Colonel Thappol Ampaipipattakul, commander of Prawet Police Station, confirmed that McDonald, a well-known entertainer and presenter, died on a sofa at his home on Pattanakarn 61 Road. His wife reported the death at 06:40 after security footage showed he collapsed at 00:12. The family indicated McDonald had no chronic illness, though officials are awaiting detailed autopsy results.

Beyond his entertainment career, McDonald, half Thai and half Scottish, was born in Roi Et province and played youth football for Thammasat Thai club alongside actor Chakarit Yamnam and Coach Anurak. Anurak recalled they trained together at the Thai Sports Authority field in Huamark, with McDonald about a year and a half younger. Coach Sumeth Kaewthiphyanet, who founded the team, brought McDonald and his equally talented older brother to the squad. Anurak noted that McDonald was a small but agile forward with distinctive flair, capable of playing any position. When Thammasat Thai entered the Thai League, McDonald had the opportunity to pursue entertainment—similar to fellow player Tao Somchai Kemklad—and chose that path, though with his football skills Anurak believed he could have made the national youth team.

Anurak also noted McDonald remained close to renowned footballer Sombun Inon and, according to Sombun's circle, never abandoned football after entering entertainment. McDonald sponsored youth football development in southern Thailand, leveraging his love of the sport to create opportunities for young players. Anurak learned of McDonald's death on the morning of August 19 from a rescue worker friend and initially doubted it, thinking McDonald was a fit, healthy athlete with no reported illness. He expressed condolences to McDonald's family.

The Government Housing Bank (GHB) has introduced seven assistance measures to help flood victims and residents affected by heavy rainfall and flash flooding in Nan Province and the upper northern region. Affected individuals can apply for these measures at GHB branches nationwide starting immediately.

Mahattana Ampornpisit, Managing Director of the Government Housing Bank, stated that the flooding has severely impacted homes, livelihoods, and businesses in the affected areas. As a state financial institution with the mission to provide housing for Thai people, the GHB has launched comprehensive relief and rehabilitation measures under the 2025 Disaster Victim Assistance Program.

Measure 1: For current customers, the GHB offers a one-year payment reduction and interest rate relief, including a three-month payment holiday with 0% interest for the first three months. From months 4-12, the interest rate drops to 2% annually, with monthly installments reduced by 50%. Customers seeking to repair or rebuild their homes can also access repair loans of up to 300,000 baht with repayment periods of up to five years. The first 100,000 baht carries a fixed 1% interest rate for three years, while the next 200,000 baht is charged at 1.99% annually, with no additional mortgage registration required.

Measure 2: For both existing and new customers, the GHB provides loans up to 2 million baht per collateral for home repairs or reconstruction. Interest rates are 0% for months 1-3 with no installment payments required, 2% annually for months 4-24, and declining rates in subsequent years tied to the GHB's Minimum Retail Rate (MRR, currently 6.145% annually). Loans of up to 40 years are available, with a 1 million baht loan requiring only 3,100 baht monthly. Assessment and mortgage registration fees are waived or capped at 1% of the loan amount.

Measure 3: For customers with non-performing loan (NPL) status whose collateral sustained damage, the GHB offers debt restructuring for up to 18 months with 0% interest for the first six months and no payment obligations. From months 7-18, interest is 1% annually with installments covering at least the monthly interest. After the restructuring period, customers return to their original interest rates.

Measure 4: For NPL customers experiencing income loss, the GHB provides debt restructuring for up to one year with 0% interest for the first six months. Monthly payments are reduced to 1,000 baht (applying entirely to principal reduction). From months 7-12, interest rises to 1% annually.

Chao Phraya Express Boat Company has announced a 1-baht increase across all boat types starting Friday, August 21, due to rising diesel prices at 37.59 baht per litre.

Navatri Chareonporn Chareontharam, managing director of Chao Phraya Express Boat Company Limited, which operates passenger boat services on the Chao Phraya River between Pak Kred and Wat Rajsingkhorn piers, stated that following a diesel price increase to 37.59 baht per litre on August 12, the company is raising all boat fares by 1 baht from their original rates, effective Friday, August 21.

Fare increases by boat type and route:

• Orange Flag: Nonthaburi–Wat Rajsingkhorn route, increased from 17 baht to 18 baht (all stops) • Yellow Flag: Nonthaburi–Sathorn route, increased from 22 baht to 23 baht (all stops) • Green-Yellow Flag: – Pak Kred–Nonthaburi route, increased from 15 baht to 16 baht – Nonthaburi–Sathorn route, increased from 22 baht to 23 baht – Pak Kred–Sathorn route, increased from 34 baht to 35 baht • Red Flag (air-conditioned): Nonthaburi–Sathorn route, increased from 31 baht to 32 baht

The company noted that if diesel prices decrease in the future, fares will be adjusted downward accordingly.