PHUKET: Authorities have expanded their crackdown on illegal hookah bars, arresting two people and seizing more than B500,000 worth of prohibited equipment during a raid at a venue in Rawai.
PHUKET: Authorities have expanded their crackdown on illegal hookah bars, arresting two people and seizing more than B500,000 worth of prohibited equipment during a raid at a venue in Rawai.
Bangkok's city council chief will investigate a vote-rigging ethics complaint filed by the Thai Patriots Network leader, with a formal fact-finding committee set to determine whether misconduct occurred.
Bangkok—On August 4, Pattaraphon Kengrungruangchai, Bangkok city councilor from Bang Sue District representing the Thai Phakam Party and president of Bangkok's city council, discussed the vote-rigging case. She confirmed receiving a letter from Srisuwan Janya, leader of the Thai Patriots Network, which she deemed significant. Representatives from the Thai Democrats and Pheu Thai Life parties indicated they would also submit documents but said they could not specify their channel yet, as they had not reviewed the materials. However, Srisuwan's submission clearly concerns ethics and falls under Bangkok council conduct codes.
The next step involves the council secretariat verifying that the complaint meets procedural requirements before forwarding it to the council for a formal fact-finding committee vote. The committee will comprise 13 council members and must reach one of two conclusions: founded or unfounded. Should the committee find the complaint founded, it will be escalated to establish an ethics committee of 13–14 members, chaired by a deputy council president.
The ethics committee will issue one of two findings: serious or minor misconduct. Minor violations result in a warning, while serious violations trigger a removal recommendation requiring a simple majority vote to initiate removal proceedings, followed by a two-thirds majority to formally expel the member. When asked whether findings must go to the Interior Ministry or if the ministry will investigate separately, Pattaraphon expressed uncertainty but noted that the Democrats had indicated sending their complaint through the ministry, potentially delaying their submission compared to Srisuwan's direct filing. She said legal clarification is needed on whether multiple complaints about the same matter require one or separate investigations. Regarding timeline, she confirmed the fact-finding committee has 30 days to report findings but did not specify an overall deadline.
IconSiam and ICS Lifestyle Complex launch Mother's Day shopping campaigns with special rewards for members spending at partner stores through mid-August 2025. Shoppers can earn gift items, dining vouchers, and wellness program credits while
IconSiam is reinforcing its position as a family destination during Mother's Day with a complete experience spanning shopping, dining, and riverside lifestyle along the Chao Phraya. The campaign 'ICONSIAM HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY: THE BEST MUM DESERVES THE BEST' caters to Thai customers and tourists seeking a place to celebrate this important occasion with family. Whether selecting a special gift for mother, enjoying a favorite meal, or spending quality family time in the impressive Chao Phraya riverside atmosphere, the destination offers a complete experience in one location from July 31 to August 16, 2025.
ONESIAM members with spending at IconSiam and Siam Takashimaya receive special privileges: • Spend 2,500 baht or more: receive free SENKA Aqua Bright Glow Gel Cream (50 ml, valued at 499 baht), limited to 1,600 rewards throughout the campaign • Spend 40,000 baht or more: receive a 500-baht dining voucher from participating restaurants and cafes (minimum spend 1,000 baht, limited 50 rewards per day, 850 total throughout campaign) • Spend 100,000 baht or more: receive a voucher from APEX Hospital & Clinics for the Advanced Body Contouring Program valued at 7,000 baht (limited 100 rewards)
ICS Lifestyle Complex complements the celebration through the campaign 'THE BEST MOM DESERVES EVERYDAY HAPPINESS' running July 31 to August 31, 2025, offering: • Spend 1,000 baht or more: receive a 100-baht food court voucher (excluding Lotus's Eatery), limited 600 rewards • Spend 8,000 baht or more: receive a 500-baht PTT fuel card, limited 320 rewards • Spend 15,000 baht or more: receive a 600-baht Siam Gift Card (minimum spend 1,200 baht) plus a 100-baht food court voucher, limited 50 rewards total
IconSiam and ICS Lifestyle Complex are delivering complete experiences for all generations, combined with numerous benefits and rewards, to make this Mother's Day a memorable occasion for loved ones throughout August.
Kla Tham party leader Thammanat Prommapan distributed aid to 58 families displaced by a fire near Rama VI in Bangkok, pledging sustained support through his foundation and party rather than waiting for government bureaucracy.
On August 4 at the Nang Hong Canal community in Bangkok, Thammanat Prommapan, leader of the Kla Tham party, and colleagues including Thanakarit Jitrareyratna, director of the party's complaint center, visited fire-affected residents near Rama VI to distribute aid and update them on reconstruction plans, housing assistance measures, and temporary accommodation options for all 58 affected families.
Thammanat said he has been deeply concerned since learning of the families' hardship, as most victims are low-income Bangkok residents. He noted from past experience that early disaster attention often fades over time, leaving affected people forgotten even as problems remain unresolved. He learned that many families have scattered—some staying with relatives, others returning to their hometowns—making it harder for them to coordinate aid requests. He assigned Thanakarit to track the situation and provide sustained assistance in the party's name.
Thammanat explained that before entering politics, he had continuously supported disaster victims through his Thammanat Prommapan Foundation. He stressed that when crises occur, all sectors must participate in solutions, not just the state. Civil society, the private sector, and charities can accelerate relief and support those in urgent need. He cited his experience in Haad Yai, Songkhla, during floods, where he spent two nights and helped over 600 people with support from volunteers and businesses working without expectation of reward, demonstrating the power of public and private sector solidarity.
Although not in government now, Thammanat said his experience in administration and relief work teaches him that bureaucratic procedures take time. He instructed Thanakarit to expedite aid through either the party or foundation without waiting for official channels. He particularly wants to prevent all 58 families from scattering to relatives' homes or their hometowns, as dispersal weakens their collective voice in negotiations with authorities.
Thailand has recalled star volleyball player Chatchachon Moksoree to the national team after recovering from injury, ahead of the SEA V Cup leg two tournament set for August 7-9 in Chiang Mai.
Chiang Mai Governor Ratthapol Naradit, Chiang Mai Provincial Administration Organization chairman Pichay Loetpongadisorn, and Thai Volleyball Association president Sompon Chaibangyang jointly announced the women's volleyball tournament BYD DMI 6th SEA V CUP 2026 leg two, scheduled for August 7–9, 2026 at Chiang Mai's 700 Year Sports Stadium.
The volleyball association has recalled star player Chatchachon Moksoree (Boom Bim), a top spiker for the national team, back to competition after she recovered from injuries incurred during the 2026 Nations League.
Competition schedule: August 7 at 1:00 p.m., Indonesia vs. Vietnam; 4:30 p.m., Philippines vs. Thailand. August 8 at 1:00 p.m., Vietnam vs. Philippines; 4:30 p.m., Thailand vs. Indonesia. August 9 at 1:00 p.m., Philippines vs. Indonesia; 4:30 p.m., Vietnam vs. Thailand.
Ticket sales begin Monday, August 3, 2026 at 10:00 a.m. via The Concert application and website theconcert (one person may purchase up to two one-day tickets). Offline ticket sales will be held only on Thursday, August 6, 2026 starting at 9:00 a.m. at the 80th Anniversary Assembly Hall, Chiang Mai Provincial Administration Organization. Live broadcasts will air on ONE31 and the oneD application.
Governor Ratthapol stated that Chiang Mai is honored to host this Southeast Asian volleyball championship alongside the Thai Volleyball Association and the provincial administration. The tournament is a significant platform for developing volleyball talent across ASEAN, while also showcasing Chiang Mai's capability to host international sports competitions across venue management, facilities, safety, transportation, and hospitality.
Pichay emphasized the provincial administration's commitment to ensuring smooth operations, meeting international standards, and impressing all visitors. The event is expected to boost the local economy through tourism, hotels, restaurants, transportation, and related services, generating circulation revenue and benefiting residents broadly.
Sompon thanked all organizations supporting the tournament, particularly Chiang Mai Province and the provincial administration.
Thailand is accelerating its transition from a medical service provider to a creator of medical innovation through a new collaboration between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and I...
Thailand is accelerating its transition from a medical service provider to a creator of medical innovation through a new collaboration between the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and I...
Thailand will host a major international PCB and advanced electronics expo in August 2026 at Bangkok's BITEC, bringing together over 300 companies and 7,000 visitors to showcase innovations across the electronics supply chain.
The Board of Investment (BOI), the Thai Printed Circuit Board Association (THPCA), and the Hong Kong Printed Circuit Board Association (HKPCA) have announced their readiness to organize Thailand Electronics Circuit Asia 2026 (THECA 2026), a major international trade and technology exhibition. Held under the theme "Innovating PCB and Advanced Electronics with Next-Gen Packaging," the event will run August 26–28, 2026, at BITEC in Bangkok.
BOI Secretary-General Narudom Therdsirichakdi stated that THECA 2026 will be a significant international collaboration platform connecting manufacturers, technology developers, investors, and buyers worldwide. The event will bring together over 300 leading companies from around the globe, presenting technologies covering the complete electronics industry supply chain—from raw materials and PCB and PCBA production to manufacturing machinery, smart manufacturing systems, AI technology, and electronic devices. The organizers expect more than 7,000 visitors from around the world to network and explore investment opportunities.
Key highlights of THECA 2026 include:
• Over 50 international seminars and workshops: Exploring future technologies across PCB, Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS), Semiconductor, and Photonics industries
• BOI Forum: A special seminar titled "The Edge AI–Future Mobility Strategic: Synchronizing Thailand's Intelligent Electronics Ecosystem" presenting investment opportunities and industrial ecosystem development, featuring global industry leaders and experts
• Local Supply Chain Pavilion: A strategic zone gathering Thai PCB and advanced electronics manufacturers and suppliers to build business networks and integrate Thai companies into global supply chains, reducing import dependency and strengthening the domestic industry
• Workforce Pavilion (Human Resource Development Zone): Launched for the first time to address rising labor demand. The BOI and the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council will coordinate with leading educational institutions to organize job matching events, career counseling, and direct employment and internship opportunities with global companies, aligning with Thailand's goal to develop 84,000 skilled workers in this sector within five years.
THECA 2026 transcends a traditional trade show, reinforcing Thailand's image as a "gateway to Asia" and a key regional manufacturing hub. Over the past three years, BOI has received 880 investment promotion applications in this sector, valued at over 900 billion baht.
Pithan Ongkhosit, President of the Thai Printed Circuit Board Association and organizer of THECA 2026, noted that Thailand's advanced electronics industry market value in 2026 is projected at approximately 48,000–52,000 million U.S. dollars. The Semiconductor and Advanced Packaging segments are expected to grow at an average rate of 15–20% annually, while AI Server and Data Center Electronics are projected to grow at 18–22% annually, reflecting the industry's strong momentum.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in collaboration with the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Fukuoka, the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP)—Thai Trade Center Hiroshima, Thai Airway...
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) in collaboration with the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Fukuoka, the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP)—Thai Trade Center Hiroshima, Thai Airway...
Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission is seeking public input on allowing Government Housing Bank bonds as investment assets for mutual funds and provident funds, aiming to expand portfolio options while managing risk concentration.
Thailand's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced on August 4 that it is accepting public comments on a draft announcement regarding the addition of Government Housing Bank savings bonds (Government Housing Bank bonds) as an eligible investment asset for mutual funds and provident funds. The proposal seeks to broaden investment options, enhance portfolio management flexibility, and align savings bond investment criteria across state-owned financial institutions while maintaining appropriate controls against concentrated investment risk.
Following the Capital Market Supervisory Board's approval in principle in June 2569, the SEC previously held a comment period from June 18 to July 18, 2569, during which all respondents supported the proposal. The current draft regulation adds Government Housing Bank bonds as an asset under the definition of "deposits or deposit-like instruments" to ensure consistent investment criteria across state financial institutions and increase fund portfolio flexibility.
Fund managers will remain subject to risk management requirements including limits on investment concentration with single issuers and restrictions on exposure to affiliated groups. The proposed regulation applies to retail mutual funds, institutional investor funds, and provident funds. Public comments are being accepted online at the SEC website and the central legal system portal, with a deadline of September 2, 2569. Interested parties can submit feedback via email to tonyada@sec.or.th or pattarav@sec.or.th.
The Supreme Court set witness schedules in the ethics case against 44 former Move Forward MPs accused of breaching parliamentary conduct rules over an amendment signature campaign, with prosecution witnesses testifying in four sessions star
The Supreme Court examined evidence in the case against 44 former Move Forward Party lawmakers accused of serious ethical violations related to their signatures on an amendment to Article 112 of the Criminal Code. NACC Secretary-General Surapong Inthatawon attended the August 4, 2025 hearing at the Supreme Court on Ratchadamnoen Road. Both parties acknowledged the preliminary evidence presented, and the court approved a schedule for prosecution witnesses in 4 sessions totaling 9 witnesses, with the first session on August 25, 2025. The defense will present 60 witnesses, with hearings beginning November 3, 2025, and concluding May 18, 2026, before the court delivers its verdict.
Nithi Laiadee, counsel for the defendants, explained the defense strategy and timeline in an interview. The legal team had initially submitted over 80 witness names but reduced the number due to redundancy and at the court's direction. The 60 approved witnesses are divided into three main groups: 1) the 44 former lawmakers themselves, including expected key figures like former Move Forward leader Pita Limjaroenrat and former MP Nattapon Rueangpanya, though their exact schedules require further coordination; 2) academics specializing in law, political science, and public administration to provide broader expert perspectives beyond purely legal arguments; and 3) fact witnesses who can testify about lawmakers' conduct during the relevant period.
When asked whether prominent legal scholars such as former Constitution drafters would testify, Nithi said the team is still coordinating and would reserve names pending further updates, as witness schedules may shift for convenience. Regarding the core legal issue, Nithi stated the main defense argument is that the defendants' actions did not violate ethical standards. He expects the defense witness phase to conclude by May next year, and when asked if the timeline is too long, he responded that given the number of witnesses and case complexity, the schedule is appropriate—neither rushed nor unnecessarily delayed. Nithi emphasized that the large number of witnesses clearly demonstrates this is not a delay tactic, noting that the court approved the full scope because it recognizes the defendants deserve a complete defense while the team must present facts, opinions, and evidence comprehensively.
PHUKET: Widespread criticism has spread online after a Phuket van driver was filmed closely following an ambulance and running a red light while the ambulance was transporting a patient to hospital in Phuket.
PHUKET: Widespread criticism has spread online after a Phuket van driver was filmed closely following an ambulance and running a red light while the ambulance was transporting a patient to hospital in Phuket.