Minister to the Prime Minister's Office Supamas Isarabhakdi has instructed the Government Public Relations Department and MCOT Public Company Limited to strengthen public communication following the r...
Minister to the Prime Minister's Office Supamas Isarabhakdi has instructed the Government Public Relations Department and MCOT Public Company Limited to strengthen public communication following the r...
Producer Boy Jetinutt launched "Jong Dang – The Urban Khon," a new series blending classical Thai dance with K-pop elements to introduce khon performance art to younger generations. The production officially began with a ceremony at Salaya
Boy Jetinutt Saisingha, producer and director of Wayupatth Productions, marked an auspicious moment at 09.09 a.m. to launch the camera for "Jong Dang – The Urban Khon," a series dedicated to preserving Thai cultural heritage through a contemporary perspective. This marks an important milestone for Thai entertainment in bringing valued cultural arts to younger generations. The ceremony was held at the courtyard in front of Ganesha at Salaya College of Dramatic Arts, surrounded by a sacred atmosphere and the essence of Thai khon performance art.
The event was honored by prominent figures in the dance and khon world, including National Artist Noprat Supakarn (2022), Lieutenant Colonel Pattrakrit Poompipat (Teacher Tae), Vice President of Dusit Thani College of Dramatic Arts and assistant director of the Foundation for Promoting Khon Performance, as well as Mai Thao Mingmongkol and the cast and crew ready to convey the elegance of khon through this series.
The ceremony began with a pi-phat ensemble performing auspicious Thai music, followed by an offering ceremony conducted by Brahmins. Female dancers then performed a hand-raising dance for auspiciousness, followed by a khon performance showcasing full royal regalia—princes, princesses, giants, and monkeys—displaying the grace of Thai dance beautifully.
The event also featured an energetic dance showcase led by Buoy Amnuay Khawphan, Thaer Phonsak Taphaw, Temptae Worawat Peungsomboon, Pangpang Akrawin Khositnon, and many other talented performers, drawing roaring applause equal to the khon performance. Additional acclaimed actors including Tai Saiyadhon, Tum Prasit, and many others joined the series to deliver compelling storytelling.
"Jong Dang – The Urban Khon" is not merely a series presenting the beauty of khon performance art; it is a work aimed at preserving and conserving khon, Thailand's invaluable cultural and intellectual heritage, through contemporary storytelling to reach audiences of all ages and genders, especially younger generations.
The uniqueness of this series lies in blending the charm of khon with modern pop culture by incorporating K-POP elements—dance, music, performance rhythm, and the energy of young artists—creatively fused with Thai classical dance under the concept "preserving roots while moving forward with the modern world." This creates a new dimension for khon while fully respecting traditional forms and values.
The "Jong Dang" series also demonstrates that khon is not merely performance art confined to stages or textbooks, but can evolve, adapt, and connect seamlessly with contemporary culture. This approach aims to inspire youth to take interest in, study, and take pride in Thai cultural arts, and to participate in preserving the nation's heritage for generations to come.
The "Jong Dang" series is currently undergoing actor workshops and preparing for principal photography.
Thailand is sending 282 para-athletes to compete in the 5th Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan next October, targeting 24 gold medals across 18 sports. The Sports Authority of Thailand says the team's preparation is in excellent condition wi
Thailand is fielding 282 para-athletes for the 5th Asian Para Games, with the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) preparing the team in coordination with the Thai Paralympic Committee and four sports associations to pursue a target of 24 gold medals.
The Thai para-sports delegation will compete in the 5th Asian Para Games scheduled for October 18–24, 2026, in Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.
Dr. Kong Sak Yodmanee, director-general of the SAT, revealed that SAT is collaborating with the Thai Paralympic Committee and four sports associations—the Thai Association of the Disabled, the Thai Association for the Blind, the Thai Cerebral Palsy Association, and the Thai Intellectual Disability Sports Association—to prepare 282 athletes for competition across 18 sports: archery, athletics (wheelchair racing), badminton, boccia, cycling, football, goalball, judo, weightlifting, shooting, sitting volleyball, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair fencing, wheelchair rugby football, and wheelchair tennis.
"The preparation of Thailand's para sports team is in excellent condition, covering athlete training camps, allowance disbursements, and sports science," said the SAT director-general.
Regarding expectations for Thailand's para-sports team at the 5th Asian Para Games, Dr. Kong Sak stated that the sports associations have set a joint target of 24 gold medals: 17 from the Thai Association of the Disabled (comprising 1 in athletics, 6 in wheelchair racing, 2 in shooting, 1 in taekwondo, 2 in wheelchair fencing, and 5 in table tennis), 5 from the Thai Cerebral Palsy Association (1 in wheelchair racing and 4 in boccia), and 2 from the Thai Association for the Blind (2 in athletics).
"The selection criteria this time follow federation qualifications and athletes' world rankings. Given the excellent preparation work by all sports associations, we are confident that Thailand's para team will achieve results in line with our targets at this Asian Para Games," the SAT director-general concluded.
At the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China, in 2023, Thailand's para-sports team earned 27 gold medals, 26 silver medals, and 55 bronze medals, finishing 7th in the overall medal count. China, as host, topped the standings with 214 gold medals, 167 silver medals, and 140 bronze medals.
The Thai Jiu-Jitsu Association president won an unopposed election to the Thai Sports Authority board on August 2, securing 44 of 52 valid votes cast by sports association representatives.
Assoc. Prof. Chanchhai Suksuwat, president of the Thai Jiu-Jitsu Association, has been elected unopposed to the Thai Sports Authority board as a representative of sports associations designated "of Thailand" on August 2. Dr. Kongsakdi Yodmalee, director-general of the Thai Sports Authority, and Dr. Meechai Inwoud, deputy director-general for administration, chaired the election at the 25th-floor meeting room of the King Bhumibol Memorial Building at Authority headquarters in Huamark.
The Authority had announced two candidates for the position: Surachet Junduan, president of the Thai Amateur Wrestling Association, and Assoc. Prof. Chanchhai Suksuwat. Of 84 eligible voters, 54 cast ballots (52 valid, 1 spoiled, and 1 abstention). Surachet received 8 votes while Assoc. Prof. Chanchhai secured 44, earning him a seat on the Authority's second board. Eligible parties have three days from the election date to file objections; if none are filed, the committee will recommend the results to the Minister of Tourism and Sports for final announcement.
Following the election, Assoc. Prof. Chanchhai expressed gratitude to all sports association presidents for their time and participation, and to those who voted for him. He said he awaits formal approval and is ready to serve as the representative voice for sports associations, particularly in coordinating with the National Sports Development Fund and the Thai Sports Authority.
A 59-year-old tambon council member studying as an undergraduate was found dead in a coconut plantation drainage ditch in Samut Songkhram after disappearing en route to class on August 1; authorities suspect a medical emergency caused him t
On August 2, 2025, police sergeant Pisit Noopinithorn from Bang Khun police station responded to a report of a body and motorcycle in a coconut plantation drainage ditch at Soi 1, Moo 6, Ban Bang Yi Long, Samut Songkhram province. Officers arrived with Dr. Naphatthorn Tanstirrapong from Naphaly Hospital and rescue workers from the Sahaparachen Samut Songkhram Foundation.
At the scene—a road within the plantation with a water channel running alongside—they found the body of 59-year-old Sompresoeng (surname withheld), a tambon subdistrict council member for Sector 2, lying face-down in a student uniform. The body showed signs of decomposition, suggesting death occurred at least 20 hours earlier. Nearby lay an overturned Yamaha motorcycle bearing a Ratchaburi license plate, and a black bag containing school materials—books, notebooks, and pens—were recovered as evidence.
According to witness Bunpong (surname withheld), age 63, also a council member and the man who discovered the scene, Sompresoeng had departed that morning of August 1 to attend an undergraduate program at Maha Chulalongkorn Buddhist University's Faculty of Social Sciences campus at Wat Intaram in Samut Songkhram, approximately 10 kilometers away. However, he never arrived at class.
When fellow students realized he was missing and unreachable, they organized a search along his route without success. This morning, they found his motorcycle and body in the plantation ditch.
Sompresoeng's wife, Pikul, age 62, disclosed that her husband suffered from chronic conditions including high blood pressure, an enlarged heart, and irregular heartbeat before he dressed in his student uniform and left home as usual. After learning he had not attended class and could not be reached, the family and friends became concerned and began searching.
Initially, authorities suspect that while riding his motorcycle to class, Sompresoeng experienced a medical collapse triggered by his chronic illness, causing him to lose control and plunge into the drainage ditch. Officers will conduct a preliminary autopsy and further investigation to determine the exact cause of death.
Two police officers were killed in a gunfight with an armed suspect at a palm plantation in Tak Bai district, Narathiwat province on August 2, with the shooter still at large despite roadblocks and a coordinated manhunt.
At 11:48 a.m. on August 2, 2025, a gunfight erupted between officers from the Tak Bai Police investigative unit and a suspect in a palm plantation behind Prai Wan Subdistrict Administrative Organization in Prai Wan subdistrict, Tak Bai district, Narathiwat province, as officers moved in to apprehend and pursue their target. The incident resulted in two police officers being killed and another injured. The suspect, identified as a shirtless male wearing only jogging pants and armed with a long rifle, managed to escape by exploiting his familiarity with the local terrain, with his exact direction of flight still unknown. Following the incident, Kritsada Suksabai, Tak Bai District Officer and director of the Tak Bai District Operations Center, immediately ordered a coordinated response involving civilian administration, police, and military forces to block off the area and establish checkpoints in all directions to pursue and apprehend the suspect. All surrounding roads have been closed to ensure public safety and allow authorities to conduct full operations until the situation is resolved.
Actress Gluay recovered from stage 3 colorectal cancer after a harrowing collapse during chemotherapy left her unconscious in the ICU, crediting medical care and mental strength for her survival.
Senior twin actresses Gluay Prartana and Goy Parichar revealed their latest video titled "Life Changed After Learning I Have Cancer" on their YouTube channel, discussing Gluay's stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis and near-fatal experience. Gluay, who underwent nearly a year of treatment, described a terrifying moment during chemotherapy when she lost consciousness, walked into a bathroom door, and was admitted to the ICU with five doctors attending to her. She emphasized that mental strength and willpower were as important as medical treatment in her recovery.
Gluay recounted the frightening incident where after her second chemotherapy session, the medication was adjusted and she became disoriented, eventually losing consciousness. Her niece noticed her walking into the bathroom door repeatedly. Her husband Ron, who had been caring for her and was already dealing with his own health concerns, was shocked and devastated by her condition. Goy explained that if the emergency had occurred at home rather than at the hospital, the outcome could have been fatal. Ron, who rarely called his sister despite their close family bond, was so distressed that he called to check on Gluay's condition, with her only able to repeat her name in response.
Gluay credits being near medical professionals at the time of her collapse as lifesaving. She spent time in the ICU under the care of five doctors and eventually recovered. The video aims to provide encouragement to others battling illness and difficult times, with Gluay emphasizing the importance of maintaining one's spirit and determination to fight, and urging viewers to take care of their health.
Typhoon Dolphin will spare Thailand by tracking toward Japan and China, though it may intensify monsoon rains over northern and northeastern regions August 7–9.
The Meteorological Department reported on August 2 that Typhoon Dolphin will not enter Thailand, as it remains far out in the Pacific Ocean and is tracking toward Japan and China instead of directly toward Thailand. Between August 7–9, the storm may have an indirect effect by strengthening the existing monsoon system over Thailand, causing heavier rainfall in some areas, particularly in the northern and northeastern regions. A tropical depression east of the Philippines may briefly intensify into a tropical storm but is expected to weaken and be absorbed by a larger storm system, and therefore poses no direct threat to Thailand. Current rainfall across Thailand is driven primarily by the monsoon trough and monsoon winds, not by Typhoon Dolphin. The public should not be alarmed by rumors, as the latest data shows no indication of the typhoon moving into Thailand, and residents are advised to follow regular updates from the Meteorological Department.
Over 4,500 runners competed in the Scenic Half Marathon Rayong on August 2, with winners Nathavut Innoom and Oranong Wongsorn crossing the finish line on a scenic coastal route that maintained World Athletics certification.
The 2026 Scenic Half Marathon Rayong proved hugely popular, with over 4,500 runners from across Thailand participating in a race showcasing Rayong's beautiful coastal views. Nathavut Innoom and Oranong Wongsorn won the 21.1-kilometer half-marathon championship.
RaceUp Work Co., Ltd. organized the fifth edition of the Scenic ½ Marathon Rayong 2026 under the theme "Run, Play, Eat, Explore Rayong Beach" on Sunday, August 2, 2026, at Laem Charoen Public Park in Pak Nam, Muang Rayong District. The scenic route hugged one of the Eastern region's most beautiful coastlines, passing three major beaches: Laem Charoen, Saengchan, and Suchart. The race maintained its World Athletics Road Race Label certification for a second consecutive year.
An Expo Day was held on Saturday, August 1, 2026, from 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at PASSiONE Hall on the third floor of PASSiONE Shopping Destination, where runners collected race packets and browsed merchandise from over 30 sports retailers and partner vendors. Special activities included a trivia contest offering approximately 40 prizes, building excitement leading into race day.
The race was graced by Salarivwan Thabtavee, Deputy Governor of Rayong Province, as ceremony chairman; Thanasorn Dokduea, director of tourism and sports for Rayong; and Dr. Satthit Pitutetcha, honorary advisor to the organizing committee and chairman of Rayong FC. Several Rayong FC players, including Anon Amornchotsakdi, Thanpisit Hemapantan, Kittipat Kulpa, Theerapol Saengdech, Honggyu Yeo, Stefan Cebara, and Cristian Magerusan, joined the 10-kilometer race.
The 2026 edition featured two distance categories: the 21.1-kilometer half-marathon and 10-kilometer race, both starting and finishing at Laem Charoen Public Park. Runners enjoyed stunning sea views and were entertained by costumed participants in an "Under The Sea" theme throughout the event. The race also gave back to the community by donating 40,000 baht to Rayong Municipality for education and 12,000 baht to Chulalongkorn Hospital for community development and public health initiatives.
PM Anutin posted a casual family photo in shorts, appearing to defend the outfit choice after Deputy PM Praphat faced criticism for wearing shorts to a religious ceremony in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
On August 2, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister posted a family photo on Facebook with the message "Wearing shorts is fine…feels good" and the hashtag #the wind is cool. The post appears to be a lighthearted response to recent controversy when Newin Chidchob, chairman of Buriram United Football Club, and Deputy Prime Minister Praphat Ratchakitprakarn attended a ceremony at the City Pillar Shrine in Nakhon Si Thammarat on July 31 wearing shorts in their capacity as southern leaders of the Bhumjaithai Party. Chidchob's attire drew public criticism for being inappropriate for the religious ceremony.
Police are intensifying interrogation of 'Fluke,' one of four suspects arrested in a five-body murder case involving two Russian nationals and a Thai family discovered in a mass grave in Chachoengsao Province. Investigators are exploring po
Police are holding 'Fluke' (Chaianan) and continuing intensive questioning in the murder case involving five concealed bodies—two Russian nationals and a Thai family of three. Four suspects have been arrested: Thana 'Pong,' Thongchai 'Thong,' Attapang 'Ball,' and Chaianan 'Fluke.' Deputy Police Region Commissioner Prasakorn Paichitr personally interrogated Fluke for over three hours after the suspect previously suggested there could be more than two violent incidents with possibly more than five victims. During the latest interrogation, Fluke denied these claims and was returned to Na Jomtien Police Station for safekeeping.
At Na Jomtien Police Station, security measures have been tightened with restricted access to the detention area. Investigators are preparing further questioning of Fluke to explore multiple angles, including loan sources, debt collection networks, and possible motives linked to the Thai family murders. Meanwhile, at Huay Yai Police Station in Chachoengsao Province, media gathered as the three victims' relatives met with political figure Kan Jompluang seeking assistance and updates. They plan to meet with the police superintendent to raise concerns about the handling of the initial missing persons case, noting they had reported the disappearances early but felt the search was not thorough enough.
The victims' relatives stated they had filed missing persons reports beforehand but believed the investigation could have been faster, potentially preventing the tragedy. Police clarified that the case began with a report of missing Russian siblings, and after gathering evidence and expanding the investigation, they discovered a mass grave in a forested area of Huay Yai Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chachoengsao Province, where all five bodies were found. Investigators continue collecting evidence, conducting further inquiries, and determining whether additional suspects or links to other crimes exist, pledging to pursue the case based on evidence and fairness to all parties.