Deputy government spokesman Ploythalae Laksameesuangchan revealed that the government has stepped up strict prevention and suppression of illegal excise goods nationwide, particularly targeting smuggled cigarette imports and sales, which are the most commonly detected illegal goods and cause significant damage to state revenue and unfair competition for legitimate businesses. The Excise Department, Ministry of Finance, has enhanced coordination with security and relevant agencies to strengthen investigations, intelligence, and proactive operations to intercept smuggling networks under government policy and Prime Minister Anuthine Charnweerakul's directives. During the 10-month fiscal period from October 1, 2568 to July 31, 2569, enforcement resulted in 32,812 total cases with 901.82 million baht in imposed fines and an estimated 4.51 billion baht in total penalties. Tobacco cases represent the largest violation category at 20,160 cases, or 61 percent of all cases, with 609.39 million baht in imposed fines and estimated 4.38 billion baht in total penalties, along with the seizure of 4,862,367 cigarette packs. Deputy spokesman Laksameesuangchan stated that integrated agency operations have improved enforcement efficiency, enabling the seizure of significant illegal goods across multiple regions nationwide covering all excise product categories. The government is committed to enhancing state revenue collection efficiency while seriously suppressing illegal tax-evading trade to ensure fairness for law-abiding businesses and protect national interests.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), invites visitors to experience “Koh Kerd: The Living Legacy of Thai Craftsmanship,” a cultural tour...

On August 13, 2026, the Meteorological Department issued a 24-hour weather forecast predicting continued heavy rainfall in parts of the North, Upper Northeast, Central, and Eastern regions due to a monsoon trough and southwest monsoon system. Residents are warned of dangers from heavy accumulation that may trigger flash floods and flash runoff, especially in foothill and low-lying areas. Waves in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand are expected to reach 2–3 meters, exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorm zones, prompting mariners to exercise caution and small boats to avoid leaving shore.

Regional forecasts show thunderstorms in 60 percent of the North (with heavy falls in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, and Tak); 60 percent of the Upper Northeast (Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom); 40 percent of the Central region (Uthai Thani, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi); and 60 percent of the East (Nakhon Nayok, Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Trat) with seas reaching 2–3 meters. The South faces 40 percent thunderstorms on the east coast and 60 percent on the west coast (Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Satun), with waves of 2–3 meters in the upper Andaman and 1–2 meters in the lower south, both exceeding those heights in storms. Bangkok and vicinity expect 60 percent thunderstorms with localized heavy rain, minimum 25–27°C, maximum 33–35°C, southwest winds 10–25 km/h.

The National Digital Committee for Economy and Society (BDE), led by Secretary-General Wetang Phuangthrap, forecasts that Thailand's digital economy will expand 5.6% in 2025—roughly 2.2 times faster than the overall GDP growth of 2.5% predicted by the Office of Fiscal Policy. "These figures reflect the digital economy's role as a high-potential sector supporting national growth, even as global and Thai economies face challenges from energy costs, geopolitical uncertainty, and volatile world trade," Wetang said.

Digital goods exports are driving much of this expansion, fueled by rising demand for artificial intelligence-related technologies and global business digitalization. Sales of digital exports surged 45% in the first half of 2025, with companies accelerating shipments to the US market ahead of tariff uncertainty. The International Monetary Fund recently named Thailand one of the world's four largest exporters of AI-related hardware.

For 2026, BDE projects digital economy growth of 6.3%, tracking broader global economic forecasts. The IMF expects world GDP to expand 3.4% next year (up from 3.0% in 2025), while the World Trade Organization forecasts global trade growth of 2.6% (up from 1.9% in 2025), assuming Middle East tensions remain contained.

At 12:10 a.m. on August 13, 2025, Bang Pa-in Police Sub-division was alerted to a shooting incident on Rojana Road near a used car sales tent in Bang Pa-in district, Ayutthaya. Deputy Commander Kajapol Fuengkachon and Commander Piphop Napudera led officers including investigation teams and forensic specialists to the scene.

Victim Ballan, 33 (surname withheld), was found with a gunshot wound to the forehead, bleeding heavily and unconscious along the roadside. Officers administered first aid and CPR, coordinating an ambulance to Rajdhani Hospital.

A witness reported seeing two teenagers on motorcycles with similar clothing moments before hearing a gunshot, then finding the victim on the ground as both motorcycles sped away.

Volunteer Ployphirin Kornjanaratt, on duty nearby, heard a gunshot and a shout but could not make out words. She spotted the unconscious victim and called for medical assistance.

CCTV footage revealed two men: one in a red shirt riding a motorcycle with an injured passenger wearing a factory uniform and yellow sling, and another in a dark blue factory uniform on a second motorcycle. When they reached the incident location, the injured man dismounted and the uniformed man drew a firearm and shot him. The red-shirted driver then turned the motorcycle around heading toward Uthai district, while the gunman fled on the same route.

Footage also captured suspicious behavior suggesting the shooter may have handed the weapon to the red-shirted rider before both fled together. Police suspect the red-shirted man may be more involved than simply being a driver, though it remains unclear whether this was a planned ambush. Police have not ruled out any possibility, including the likelihood that both individuals knew the victim. Officers are currently analyzing surrounding CCTV footage, interviewing witnesses, and investigating connections between the two suspects and their relationship to the victim.

At 8:50 p.m. on August 12, 2569, Deputy Superintendent Sathit Toemtodwattanaskul of Udon Thani City Police was notified by security at a major shopping mall that they had detained a man who pulled a young woman off a motorcycle, injuring her in the parking lot. Police rushed to the scene and found the 32-year-old man from Ban Phue District, Udon Thani, sitting on the ground crying and resisting arrest. The 32-year-old woman, his ex-wife, pointed him out to police and explained they separated one month ago, but he continues to pursue and threaten her, prompting her to file a report at Udon Thani City Police on August 11.

She stated: "At first we got along fine, but later he became addicted to online gambling and methamphetamine. Whenever we argued, he beat me regularly, so I decided to leave. He stalks me, threatens me, and demands I move back to his place. I feel unsafe. Yesterday I filed a report with police. Today he did the same thing again. When I got off work, he followed me to the parking lot asking to reconcile and move back with him. When I refused, he grabbed my throat and pulled me off the motorcycle. I've had enough and want him out of my life."

The man tearfully claimed he had pursued the woman since their high school days. After graduation, he married someone else and had two children, but his wife went abroad to work. He reconnected with his ex and they lived together for about a year. He works at a construction supply store and gave her all his salary. They argued occasionally, mostly about money—she sometimes spent everything and left nothing for his children. He also asked her to finalize her divorce from her former husband, which she refused to do. "A month ago she wanted to separate and moved to a new apartment. I came to ask for reconciliation, but she refused. I followed her for two or three days just wanting to talk and resolve things. I didn't hurt her. Today she wouldn't talk and tried to ride away, so I grabbed her neck—but I didn't harm her physically. I admit I used methamphetamine before coming to see her, just one pill. I never thought things would turn out this way when we moved to Udon Thani together."

Police conducted a urine test and detected methamphetamine. He was charged with drug possession under Category 1 (methamphetamine) and detained for further legal proceedings.