Gulf Development Public Company Limited is expanding its Green Energy Green Network for Thais programme to bring renewable energy expertise to remote communities. The second project site for 2025 is located at the Pong Nam Ron-Wung Ka Sang Early Childhood Development Centre in Kamphaeng Phet province, where solar panels have been installed to improve child welfare, safety, and educational opportunities.

The clean electricity also powers the village assembly hall and sports field, allowing residents to benefit jointly and spurring economic development, job creation, and improved livelihoods. Wararat Pootuer, the centre's director, said the solar installation has been transformative: adequate lighting and power now enable teachers to produce modern educational materials, proper ventilation to control insects, and security cameras to reassure parents. She added that clean energy has become a gateway for children in remote areas to receive quality education on equal terms.

Duang Jumongkol, village headman, noted that residents use the community facilities day and night for meetings and activities, and can charge communication devices and farm equipment at the solar-powered charging station. Over three years, Gulf has delivered clean solar energy under this programme to 13 sites across Thailand, covering highland, island, and border areas, improving the quality of life for over 8,000 people.

A woman driving a Mercedes became an overnight sensation after being rear-ended on an expressway. The other driver bowed apologetically, and she immediately decided not to pursue the matter. She confirmed she had no intention of creating viral buzz for "The Tom Thailand 2026," Thailand's first tom pageant. She explained that she understood the situation—it was raining, the road was slippery, and the driver was apologetic.

When her name was revealed as Rain Pornpan Thongthanee, an executive at Snoopy Thailand and one of dozens of sponsors backing "The Tom Thailand 2026," the story took on new dimensions. Pageant license holder Lek Bunnadat and director Nan Wailak, working with Bob Pattaya and New Sumana, opened a luxury home in the Rama Intra area for an exclusive workshop featuring audition finalists.

A reporter had the chance to speak with Rain about the viral incident. She explained: "Honestly, I didn't plan for this to become such a big clip. I was driving back from work when my colleagues called asking what happened. The accident had just occurred, so I got out and talked to the other driver. It was raining, so I understood—the road was slippery. I could see the driver's car hit mine, and I know about insurance and procedures. I didn't want to make trouble for them. The driver was so sweet, getting out and asking if there was anything they could do to help. I just told them it was fine. The driver was very polite and apologized.

I didn't see why I should be angry. The world is already so stressful these days, with nothing but heavy news. A smile between us seemed better. I got my happiness back from that moment, and later we met again. I even joked with the driver about taking a photo together. I wasn't angry at all. The damage was minimal, and because it's a Mercedes, it's pretty sturdy—I could barely see the damage."

When asked why she wasn't upset—most people would be frustrated by a rear-end collision—she said: "Well, it was raining. I'm not the type to get angry easily anyway. The driver was so sweet. Honestly, when someone bows, apologizes, and you don't even know them, everything changes."

When asked if a good conversation softened the moment further, she nodded: "Yes. The driver apologized and was genuinely kind. If everyone had that reaction, no one would be angry. I never got upset with them. I just told them to be more careful driving next time. They said their brakes failed, which I understand. When it rains, roads are slippery."

She never expected it to go viral: "Not at all. I'm still confused, honestly. A close friend sent me a line saying 'You're famous now, Rain.' I asked what happened. Apparently someone recorded me from across the street. With the music and everything added, it made me smile watching it. It made me feel like when the world sees something like this, it heals the heart. Everyone commented saying 'I'm glad you're so kind-hearted' and things like that. It gave me positive energy."

As for her new nickname: "Now I have a new nickname—kind-hearted Mercedes, kind-hearted Rain, Mercedes angel—things like that."

When some social media users suggested she might have deliberately staged it: "No, no, no. (Laughing) Oh no, it wasn't deliberate. This is real. It really happened."

KRABI: Ten tourists, a guide and a boat skipper were all safely rescued after a longtail boat capsized off Laem Hang Nak in Krabi province yesterday (Aug 15).

Volleyball 7HD – The 7HD Sports Championship 2026 student volleyball finals were held on August 15 at Nimibutr Sports Building, National Sports Complex. In the boys championship final, the Red Eagles Bangkok team from Assumption College Bangkok defeated Kham Tha Sae Suwittaya School in Nakhon Ratchasima 3-2 sets with scores of 25-20, 26-28, 28-26, 26-28, and 15-12, claiming their first-ever boys championship title and 150,000 baht in prize money.

In the third-place boys match, Baan Samleuk Municipality School in Khon Kaen defeated Ta Khram Phitak School in Chon Buri 3-2 sets with scores of 27-25, 17-25, 21-25, 25-21, and 15-13.

In the girls championship final, Kanjanapisek College Krabi defeated defending champion Nakonnon Sports Academy 6-3 with scores of 30-28, 25-22, and 25-22, successfully claiming the girls title and 150,000 baht in prize money.

The third-place girls match saw Thapmongkol Rangsit School in Kanchanaburi defeat Suranaree University School in Nakhon Ratchasima 3-1 sets with scores of 20-25, 25-18, 25-12, and 25-21.

There were also three special awards for both boys and girls. The Best Scorer award went to Thunwa Thabpromrach from Kham Tha Sae Suwittaya School and Natchaya Daphaeng from Kanjanapisek College Krabi, who each received an educational fund of 10,000 baht, a health check-up package worth 20,000 baht, and a trophy, presented by Dr. Theerawasit Chatsirimit, Deputy Director of Bangkok Hospital 1.

The Best Setter award went to Natthakon Juekwoen from Assumption College Bangkok and Tithaya Yingyong from Kanjanapisek College Krabi, who each received an educational fund of 15,000 baht, presented by Pramont Thoopboocha, representing Thai Wiwat Insurance Company.

The MVP award went to number 5 Natthakon Juekwoen from Assumption College Bangkok and number 7 Sudaratna Lewarn from Kanjanapisek College Krabi, who each received a Yamaha Fascio Hybrid Light motorcycle worth 49,900 baht, presented by Ukrit Phakwiworn, Senior Vice President of Sales Planning and Marketing at Thai Yamaha Motor, and Patthanpong Nupun, Managing Director of Channel 7HD, who also presented MVP Jackets from Varix Sport Company and volleyballs from Mikasa, along with trophies.

The 7HD Sports Championship 2026 student volleyball competition was supported by Chulalongkorn University, Varix Sport Company, Thai Sports Authority, National Sports Development Fund, Department of Physical Education at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thai Volleyball Association, and various beverage, sports equipment, and business partners.

The excitement of the 7HD Sports Championship 2026 continues! Preparation is underway for the 7HD Sports Championship 2026 Sepak Takraw student competition, which for the first time this year will include a girls team category. School registration opens from August 17-19. Details are available at https://www.ch7.com/champ7hd/sepaktakraw2026. The preliminary round will be held September 21-23 at Island Hall, Level 3, Fashion Island Shopping Center. Sports fans can follow competition details, news, and tournament updates on Channel 7HD.

Surat Thani Immigration Police have expanded an investigation into a French businessman suspected of using Thai nominees to operate businesses on Koh Samui, uncovering an allegedly unlicensed hotel and possible links to a 26.4 million baht cannabis farm investment scam.

The operation, dubbed "Crackdown on Foreign Nominee Networks, Phase 7," was launched in response to a policy by National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet and Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma, deputy national police chief and director of the Center for the Suppression of Transnational Crime and Illegal Immigration.

On 16 August 2026, Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumas Boonyalak, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, through Pol. Maj. Gen. Chuthares Yingyongdamrongsakul, commissioner of Immigration Division 6, ordered officers to investigate foreigners suspected of conducting businesses through concealed shareholding arrangements, including using Thai nationals as nominees to hold land through Thai-registered companies.

Pol. Col. Naruet Phutthawiro, superintendent of Surat Thani Immigration, said officers had expanded their investigation into foreign investors operating businesses on Koh Samui after finding suspicious shareholding arrangements involving Thai nationals.

One person under investigation is Stephane Thierry Bastok, 74, a French national, who is also facing legal proceedings over allegations that he persuaded eight fellow French nationals to invest about 3.3 million baht each, totaling more than 26.4 million baht (about €900,000), in a cannabis farm project.

The farm was allegedly never established. Investigators at Bo Phut and Koh Samui police stations have completed their case files and submitted them to prosecutors for consideration.

Based on the information, Surat Thani Immigration examined Bastok's business activities and asset holdings and found links to Ida B Co Ltd and IDA B Domain Co Ltd, which were involved in land ownership and accommodation businesses in Moo 5, Lipanoi subdistrict, Koh Samui district.

Investigators found that Ida B Co Ltd owned about 7 rai, 3 ngan and 80 square wah of land. In 2021, a three-story building was constructed on the property and later operated as an accommodation business under the name "IDA B DOMAIN" by IDA B Domain Co Ltd.

The property had 12 rooms and a restaurant and advertised daily room bookings through online accommodation platforms. The company also operated its own website to attract tourists.

However, officers found no hotel business license issued by the Koh Samui district hotel registrar.

Immigration records filed under Section 38 of the Immigration Act showed that guests generally stayed for short periods, consistent with daily accommodation services. Officers also found an application for a health-hazardous business license describing the operation as a 12-room rental business.

An examination of the companies' shareholding structures and financial statements raised further suspicions.

Luang Pho Adul returned to Wat Pa Adul Yaram temple after an overnight hospital visit, remaining in good spirits and reassuring supporters not to worry. He says he is accustomed to the situation and it has caused no psychological distress, and he has appealed for people not to blame the temple.

On August 16, 2025, community members, devotees, and those aware of the temple's land dispute continued to visit and offer support to Phra Khru Adul Samnit, the temple's abbot, and the monastic community. The abbot was rushed to hospital in the early morning after experiencing weakness that resulted in low blood pressure, attributed to dialysis, insufficient rest, and stress from ongoing events. After hospital treatment, he returned to the temple as normal.

Devotees continued to bring alms, the four requisites, and morning meals to the abbot and monks, while others helped clean the temple grounds, including the preaching hall, monastic quarters, and central areas, to accommodate the steady stream of visitors. Police, military, and local officials maintained strict security around and inside the temple.

Abbot Phra Khru Adul Samnit explained that he went to the hospital because of low oxygen levels. After seeing a doctor and receiving oxygen, his condition improved, and he returned to the temple at 12:30 a.m. The doctor instructed him to return to Sri Nakharin Hospital if symptoms recur.

"My condition is not the fault of devotees or media visitors who have come in large numbers," the abbot said. "It is because today is my dialysis day. I used to have dialysis on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, but I switched to Saturday, which takes about four hours. The body simply undergoes changes as a result. I ask devotees not to worry. The abbot is well and has grown accustomed to this—it has no psychological impact whatsoever."

Regarding donations, the abbot requested that supporters donate directly to the temple's bank account rather than through intermediaries. "The temple has no intermediaries and no donation box," he said. "Please donate only through the bank, as I am concerned that unethical people might exploit such channels. Those who wish to make merit should come and help directly."

The abbot appealed for peace among disputing parties: "Last night, one side may claim the other is already ill or not yet ill. I ask both sides not to blame the abbot and not to come insulting or criticizing the monks. If you want to do something, please help each other instead."