2 Thai, 2 foreigners arrested for illegally operating international schools in PhuketLegacyPolice arrested two foreigners and two Thai nationals for illegally operating international schools in Phuket through nominee arrangements. The arrests followed a wider crackdown by Phuket Provincial Police and Chalong Police Station on foreign-owned businesses suspected of violating Thai law in the Chalong and Rawai areas. During the investigation, officers identified three international schools that police allege were operating in breach of the Foreign Business Act. According to investigators, two foreign nationals controlled the businesses while two Thai nationals assisted with the establishment and registration of the companies, allowing the schools to operate through nominee arrangements. Photo via Facebook/ Nbt Phuket Thailand After gathering evidence, police obtained arrest warrants for four suspects, comprising two foreign nationals and two Thai nationals. Authorities did not disclose the identities or nationalities of the foreign suspects. On Tuesday, August 5, officers raided schools and suspects’ accommodations and arrested all four suspects before transferring them to investigators for legal proceedings under the Foreign Business Act. Police said the investigation is continuing to identify any additional suspects or companies that may have been involved. Chalong Police Station also reminded foreign business operators to comply with Thai law and warned Thai nationals not to allow their names to be used as nominees, saying those involved could face the same legal penalties as foreign business operators found to have violated the law. Photo via Facebook/ Nbt Phuket Thailand Authorities added they will continue enforcing the Foreign Business Act against illegal business operations and those who facilitate nominee schemes. Anyone with information about similar activities is encouraged to contact police by calling 191 or Chalong Police Station on 076-381247. The operation follows new measures introduced by the Department of Business Development (DBD) under the Ministry of Commerce on August 1 to tighten scrutiny of nominee arrangements. Under the new regulations, companies with foreign investors must provide evidence showing the source of investment funds used by Thai shareholders. Applicants are also required to submit a written explanation of the investment together with three months of bank statements from the Thai investor or the legal entity providing the funds. Photo via Facebook/ Nbt Phuket Thailand The story 2 Thai, 2 foreigners arrested for illegally operating international schools in Phuket as seen on Thaiger News.

The premiere of the year's Thai film 'LAAM: The Thai Interpreter' opened at EmQuartier CineArt on the fourth floor of EmQuartier shopping center. The film, created from the true story of Khru Oey – Benjamín Phumisuean, a Thai interpreter who transformed lives through the power of language, was organized by FLXFE Co., Ltd. alongside THE UNBOUND VOICE Co., Ltd., Film Works TUV Co., Ltd., and partner networks.

The film draws inspiration from a woman's real-life experiences bridging understanding and assisting Thai people abroad through her work in the United States. 'LAAM: The Thai Interpreter' tells the story of an ordinary woman who uses language as more than communication—as a bridge connecting hope, justice, and human dignity during life's crucial moments. The film addresses issues of Thai labor rights, human rights, and the value of mutual understanding between people of different languages and cultures.

Arun Sakdi Onglao, founder of FLXFE Co., Ltd. and chairman of the Thai Independent Film Makers Association, spoke about the intention to bring this film to Thai audiences and officially unveiled the film trailer. He invited Benjamín Phumisuean (Khru Oey) along with the creative team and director to share behind-the-scenes stories and the film's inspiration.

The event was honored with Weerasak Kovsuratna presiding over the opening ceremony, alongside creators, distinguished guests, and supporters. They formally launched 'LAAM: The Thai Interpreter' with ceremonial enthusiasm before inviting guests to the premiere screening.

The film 'LAAM: The Thai Interpreter' is scheduled for nationwide theatrical release on August 12, 2025, under the campaign 'Invite Mom to the Movies,' to share stories of love, understanding, and solidarity at a time when people need encouragement most.

Prime Minister Anuchin Chanhweerakul addressed accusations by Rungsiman Romp, a Pheu Thai list MP and chair of the parliamentary committee on law, justice, and human rights, who alleged the PM was involved in local government exam fraud by selecting the test oversight committee and influencing Burapha University to withdraw from administering the exam. Anuchin questioned how many times Romp has made such claims and whether they were accurate, remarking that Romp speaks based on speculation without factual evidence and dismisses the allegations entirely.

The PM confirmed that the matter is now under investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), police, and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), and that he has no involvement in the controversy. He stressed that his only role is to ensure no corruption occurs and that he bears no responsibility for overseeing the test administration process—that is not the PM's or Interior Minister's duty. Anuchin stated that the government's policy requires all actions by agencies under government supervision to comply with law, be transparent, and be verifiable.

On August 6, Deputy Interior Minister Apisit Sampatharatana attended a meeting of the central civil service committee and reviewed results from the local government civil service exam committee. The committee ultimately voted to annul the appointments of over 5,000 officials found to have engaged in fraudulent conduct during the exam. The decision will be forwarded to local authorities and provincial governors for implementation, and no further hiring will occur for these positions due to procedural irregularities.

Anuchin rejected calls for him to take greater personal responsibility, stating that he already fulfills his duties with integrity and that responsibility means identifying and punishing wrongdoers. He criticized Romp for repeatedly making unsubstantiated claims and said that none of Romp's previous allegations have proven accurate, adding that the MP merely speculates based on his own assumptions without solid evidence.

The Department of Highways is moving forward with the Quick-Win policy by opening a trial of the M6 motorway segment between Bang Pa-In and Pak Chong, covering 110 kilometers, for free public use every weekend beginning August 21, 2025, from noon Friday through midnight Sunday. The initiative aims to enable continuous travel from Bang Pa-In to Nakhon Ratchasima province and eventually provide round-the-clock free access to the entire route.

On August 7, 2025, Piyapong Jiwattanakul, Director-General of the Department of Highways, announced that the move follows Deputy Prime Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn's Quick-Win policy directive to accelerate completion of ongoing construction projects for public use. The M6 Bang Pa-In–Nakhon Ratchasima route has been prioritized for expanded trial service between Bang Pa-In and Pak Chong to ensure seamless connectivity.

The department is now ready to open the 110-kilometer Bang Pa-In–Pak Chong segment toll-free every Friday from noon through Sunday midnight, beginning August 21, 2025, and continuing weekly through the New Year 2570 holiday period. The temporary entrance and exit at kilometer 65 near the animal shelter in Nakhon Chai Buri will close, redirecting traffic to the Pak Chong toll plaza.

For travelers departing Bangkok, the M6 can be accessed from the Bang Pa-In toll plaza and driven either to the Pak Chong exit on Thanarat Road or continued through to the Nakhon Ratchasima bypass. For return trips to Bangkok, travelers from Pak Chong must use Thanarat Road and Mitra Phap Road to the Muak Lek toll plaza to re-enter the M6 toward the capital.

Active entry and exit points include Bang Pa-In, Hin Khong, Kaeng Khoi, Muak Lek, and Pak Chong toll plazas. Two rest areas operate at the Thab Kwang location (kilometer 65) on both directions, offering restrooms and beverages but no fuel or electric vehicle charging. The trial section remains under construction with speed limited to 80 kilometers per hour for four-wheeled vehicles only, and users are asked to follow all traffic signs and staff instructions.

On August 7, 2025, authorities reported an update on the case of a Grade 9 student who carried out a shooting attack at Thepsirin School in the Bang Kruai district of Nonthaburi province, resulting in deaths and injuries among teachers and students. The gunman's grandfather and grandmother were shot dead at their home on Lad Wat Pla Duk Alley, as previously reported.

Now, Ms. Thananyaporn (surname withheld), age 60, the grandmother of the gunman and sister of the deceased grandfather, explained that the boy normally lived with his grandparents, who both loved him very much because his parents had separated and the grandparents raised him. Ordinarily, the boy would not go anywhere—his grandfather drove him to school in the morning and picked him up in the evening. He had no friend groups and did not engage in typical childhood play; instead, he stayed home and played video games.

The family does not believe family problems were involved, as all three of them loved each other deeply. The grandmother is a teacher, and the grandfather was formerly a bank manager with whom the boy communicated regularly. The boy himself was well-behaved and polite, so the family never expected an incident like this to occur.