Krungsri Research's weekly economic assessment finds global energy supply disruptions will continue despite Iran and Oman agreeing on shipping protocols through the Strait of Hormuz, with the outcome depending primarily on U.S.-Iran negotiations. High barriers to talks remain after Iran considered legislation banning U.S., Israeli, and hostile nation vessels, keeping energy prices elevated.

The U.S. labor market contracted more than expected in July, with non-farm employment falling 23,000 positions against a forecast of 88,000 gains, while hourly wages slowed to 3.2% year-on-year from 3.4%, below the 3.5% expectation. Despite inflation remaining above the 2.0% target amid high energy prices and trade tariff risks, weakening employment and wage growth are expected to ease demand-side inflation pressure, likely supporting the Federal Reserve in holding policy rates at 3.50-3.75% through year-end.

China's exports drive growth amid weak domestic consumption, with high-tech goods expanding over 50% for a third straight month. The trade war with the U.S. is expected to continue in limited form, with average tariff rates potentially rising but unlikely to exceed previously agreed levels, while controls on advanced technology and military-related goods will remain ongoing policy tools.

Thailand's third-quarter economy benefits from government stimulus measures but faces uncertainty ahead. By end-July, the "Thai Help Thai Plus" program had distributed 86.4 billion baht total—49.6 billion from the government and 36.8 billion from public participation. General inflation eased to 1.95% in July from 2.42% in June due to fuel price adjustments, though processed food prices rose broadly, pushing core inflation to 1.34% from 1.23%.

Despite improved spending and moderating inflation in Q3, Thailand faces economic headwinds ahead: consumption stimulus may fade as Q4's "Thai Travel Thai Plus" carries only 1.75-2 billion baht versus the 120 billion baht in the Help Thai Plus program; medium to long-term measures, particularly the 200 billion baht energy transition investment plan, remain unclear; and cost pressures from high producer prices (PPI at +7.26% in July) may gradually pass through to consumers, squeezing household purchasing power.

As Mother's Day approaches, jasmine flower prices at Chai Nat municipal fresh market have climbed steeply to around 1,000–2,000 baht per kilogram, with other flowers also rising sharply. The market atmosphere is noticeably quiet compared to previous years.

Sunant, a flower vendor at Chai Nat municipal fresh market, explained that jasmine prices this year are significantly higher than last year, ranging from just over 1,000 to nearly 2,000 baht per kilogram. Heavy rains across the region have prevented jasmine plants from flowering, reducing the supply reaching markets. Combined with economic constraints, foot traffic and sales have been slow. Garland arrangements retail from 20 to 200 baht depending on size and quality. However, shops have foregone promotions this year because the cost of fresh flowers, especially jasmine, is prohibitively high.

Normally, jasmine sells for 550–700 baht per kilogram, but during the Mother's Day season it jumps to 1,900–2,000 baht per kilogram.

An assault case involving popular YouTuber U-Zhuon, owner of the U-Zhuon Hi-End channel, continues to advance as Khon Kaen City Police have issued a second summons requiring the suspect to appear on August 15, 2024. The victim initially reported the June 18, 2024 incident, alleging that they were struck in the face and choked multiple times at the studio in Khon Kaen province, and subsequently received medical treatment confirming injuries including cuts and bruising. Police are actively gathering evidence from closed-circuit camera footage and have so far interviewed three witnesses, with seven company employees identified as potential witnesses, of whom two have been questioned and one more is being scheduled.

During the investigation, which remains ongoing, the accused previously received an initial summons and through their legal counsel coordinated with investigators regarding the charges. The second summons was issued after detectives determined they needed additional time to compile evidence and complete witness interviews. Investigators are prioritizing the review of CCTV footage and additional witness statements to build a comprehensive factual record before proceeding with further legal action.

Nakhon Ratchasima's Khao Yai National Park has announced that all foragers must obtain permits before collecting forest products and mushrooms. Large groups of villagers have been continuously entering the park, raising safety concerns about people getting lost or encountering wild animals such as elephants and wild cattle found near village boundaries. The park is establishing proper authorization procedures for collecting mushrooms and forest products to ensure community safety.

Pravatsat Jantheep, director of Khao Yai National Park, explained that the new regulations must carefully address multiple concerns, including understanding terrain, proper forest conduct, sustainable harvesting practices, and limiting the number of foragers. Since collectors come from diverse areas including Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, and Eastern provinces, enforcement is challenging. The park will implement awareness campaigns and develop long-term strategies over 2–3 years, such as promoting tree nurseries and mushroom cultivation in surrounding communities to reduce forest pressure.

Immediate measures include strict prohibitions: no foraging between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., no weapons or loud noises (which disturb wildlife and provoke elephants), no off-road vehicles, and mandatory registration before entry to prevent getting lost and enable rescues. All foragers must obtain a permit card through mandatory training at the park office, with registration opening August 13, 2025.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin expressed his condolences to both families on August 11, 2569, following the death of Nonthaburi Governor Thongchai Yenpraserit, who was shot by former Nonthaburi MP Chalang Riuarang. Suchat stated that he knew both men personally and had worked alongside Chalang since becoming a Member of Parliament in 2554, noting that the two had been close for many years despite political disagreements and past electoral competition.

When asked if he was aware of any serious underlying problems, Suchat said he had no knowledge of financial difficulties or deep-seated grievances between them. He acknowledged that political positions are often singular and competitive, but believed any personal issues were unknown to him. Suchat emphasized that such incidents should not occur between two men who had been involved in politics together for over 30 years and were both now in their seventies.

The minister declined to comment further on the legal case but reiterated his condolences to both families, saying the situation was regrettable and should never have happened. He noted that he was unaware of any debt problems between the two men and that while he knew both as senior figures in Thai politics, the underlying causes of the dispute remained unclear to him.

South African ex-teacher apologises over alleged shooting threatsLegacyA former South African teacher at Hatyaiwittayalai School in Songkhla has apologised after allegedly posting messages threatening to shoot teachers and school administrators alongside an image of a firearm. The apology follows allegations that Pieter Johannes Dreyer posted messages and images of a firearm in a Line group chat after his contract as an English Program teacher at Hatyaiwittayalai School was terminated. The content allegedly included threats against teachers and school administrators.

In his apology video, Dreyer apologised to students, former colleagues, parents, alumni and others affected by his comments. He acknowledged that some of the words he used could have caused fear and concern, particularly at a sensitive time surrounding violence in schools. Dreyer insisted that he did not intend to harm anyone and said he completely rejected violence. He said his comments were intended to raise concerns that he wanted addressed appropriately, but acknowledged that the way he expressed them was wrong. The former English teacher said he regretted making people feel afraid and understood that recent events had heightened concerns surrounding his comments.

Dreyer said he had already apologised in the group chat and wanted to apologise again to all of his Thai students. He added that any conflicts or concerns he had should be dealt with through appropriate procedures and should not be associated with violence or threats. Dreyer said he hoped people would accept his apology and maintained that he respected the safety of students and the wider community. He also pledged to be more careful and take responsibility for his words in the future. Photo via Songkhla News The alleged threats came shortly after a shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School that killed 9 people, adding to heightened concerns over school safety in Thailand. The story South African ex-teacher apologises over alleged shooting threats as seen on Thaiger News.