PHUKET: Tourists visiting Kathu Waterfall were left bewildered after an elderly woman confronted them and told them to swim elsewhere, reportedly claiming that she owned the waterfall.

The Department of Local Administration (DLA) has opened a centre for local government exam candidates who did not appear on the official candidate list to check their scores directly through government channels between August 13-31, 2026, from 8.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays. Deputy Interior Minister Worasissadej Liang-prasoetyodej said this initiative addresses concerns raised during an earlier audit and the creation of a revised candidate list. He stressed that anyone with doubts must have a channel to verify their information, and every step must be traceable and verifiable. Candidates can file requests at two locations: the first floor of the Suwattana Building at the Department of Local Administration headquarters, or any provincial local administration office nationwide, making the process more accessible without requiring travel to Bangkok. The department has appointed a special committee to receive requests, verify scores, and disclose results according to set criteria, with all findings reported to the director-general to ensure systematic, standardised, and auditable procedures. Worasissadej reiterated that all actions must uphold correctness, transparency, and verifiability, aiming to maintain fairness and public confidence in the local government examination process. Candidates wishing to check their scores may submit requests from August 13-31 during office hours at either location.

Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BEM) is inviting passengers and art lovers to experience the 7th Sketchbook Art Exhibition 2026, titled "Renaissance: The Rebirth of Art," held free of charge on August 15-16, 2026, at Metro Mall in the Sanam Luang MRT station. The exhibition is organized in collaboration with the senior high school art program at Satro 2 School and will present over 65 artworks created by students, alumni, teachers, and guest artists, showcasing diverse perspectives and imagination through various artistic formats. The event also features art workshops, creator meetups, and an art market selling student-made artworks and handicrafts, providing young people with opportunities to develop into creative entrepreneurs and exchange inspiration with visitors. BEM aims to transform Metro Mall into a space for learning and inspiration while serving as a hub of travel enjoyment, making art and cultural activities accessible to the public and supporting the development of Thai youth through platforms for creative expression. Interested visitors are welcome to attend during the specified dates and times.

Gold prices rose again on August 13, 2569, according to an announcement from the Thai Gold Merchants Association updated at 09:03. Ornamental gold (96.5%) is buying at 67,522.64 baht per baht and selling at 69,900 baht per baht, up 50 baht from the previous day's close. Gold bars are buying at 68,900 baht per baht and selling at 69,100 baht per baht. The global gold market (Gold Spot) is trading at 4,409.00 US dollars per ounce. Gold merchants predict the market will open tomorrow with prices potentially rising another 1,000 to 2,000 baht, potentially breaking through the 80,000-baht barrier.

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.