On August 19, 2025, Deputy Minister Chanok Chantathong chaired the press conference for the Job and Market Fair, a collaborative initiative of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, working through the Department for Promotion and Development of Quality of Life for Persons with Disabilities, alongside associations representing all categories of persons with disabilities in Thailand and partner networks from all sectors. The event operates under the concept 'Creative Skills, Unlimited Opportunities' to advance the quality of life for people with disabilities by shifting from a welfare state model to a supportive state model, creating a society of equal opportunity where all can access education, skill development, employment, and income generation on equal terms.

The event was attended by Department Director Sandhya Bunyabhusit and other Ministry officials, network representatives, disability organization leaders, and networks of persons with disabilities at Star Hall, Level 5, Siam Paragon shopping center.

Chantathong noted that Thailand currently has more than 2.3 million registered persons with disabilities (as of July 31, 2025) and over 800,000 of working age, yet only approximately 25 percent are employed. This reflects a large pool of untapped potential, as many persons with disabilities lack adequate access to job opportunities, financing, vocational skill development, and marketing channels.

'The nation's key challenge is not simply how to care for persons with disabilities, but how to ensure they have equal access to jobs, careers, and the labor market, because employment means income, security, dignity, and the ability to determine one's own future. When persons with disabilities become self-reliant and participate in the economic system, it is not merely a success for disability policy but a vital force for driving the country forward. This requires moving from fragmented opportunity creation to a connected system spanning vocational skill development, job matching, support for self-employment, product development, and market access, particularly through partnerships with employers to make Sections 33 and 35 of the disability employment law yield concrete results.

We want the private sector to move beyond legal compliance in hiring persons with disabilities and recognize the value of investing in their potential and the diversity of human resources. Meanwhile, technology and digital platforms will be crucial tools in removing distance barriers and enabling persons with disabilities to reach customers, generate income, and advance in their careers from anywhere in the country,' Chantathong said.

Teen shoots 15 year old in Sakon Nakhon over romantic rivalryLegacyPolice arrested a 17 year old boy after a 15 year old student was shot and seriously injured at a roadside restaurant in Sakon Nakhon today, August 19. Police said the shooting stemmed from jealousy after the two teenagers pursued the same girl. Akat Amnuai Police Station received a report of the shooting at around 9.20am. The 15 year old student was shot in the arm, with the bullet grazing his abdomen. Rescue workers took him to hospital for treatment. Police later said his condition was stable and he was able to provide information to investigators. According to the investigation, the student was sitting inside the restaurant when the 17 year old arrived on a motorcycle and parked outside. Police said the teenager entered the restaurant, fired one shot at the student and fled on the motorcycle. Photo via ONE31 Investigators arrested the teenager shortly afterwards and seized a homemade gun. Police said questioning of both teenagers indicated that the dispute involved jealousy because they were pursuing the same girl. The 17 year old was initially charged with attempted murder and firearms offences, including possessing a firearm, carrying one in a town, village or public place without reasonable cause, and firing a gun in a town or village without justification. Photo via Amarin TV The student’s school later issued a statement clarifying that the shooting occurred outside the school at around 9am and did not take place on school grounds. The school described the motive as a personal dispute and said the alleged shooter was not a student at the school. The school said student and staff safety remained its highest priority and that it was closely coordinating with relevant officials. Classes were continuing as normal, with the school saying further updates would be provided if new information became available. In similar news, a Thai university student repeatedly stabbed his friend in an attack at a condominium in Pathum Thani. The suspect accused the victim of having an affair with his girlfriend. The story Teen shoots 15 year old in Sakon Nakhon over romantic rivalry as seen on Thaiger News.

August 19, 2025 — Education Minister Prasert Chantharavungthong announced following a meeting of senior education ministry officials that he has ordered all educational agencies under the ministry—including the Office of the Basic Education Commission, the Office of the Vocational Education Commission, the Department of Learning Promotion, and the Office of Educational Broadcasting—to survey damage and assess the impact of the flooding in Pua District, Nan Province.

The ministry will mobilize resources to immediately assist students, teachers, education personnel, and residents in affected areas. Regional agencies have been instructed to closely monitor the situation and prioritize the safety of students and staff. Education facilities are to be prepared as shelters or assistance points as appropriate, with urgent needs and situation reports sent to the central ministry to ensure rapid and comprehensive support.

The Vocational Education Commission has been assigned to establish Fix It Centers where teachers and vocational students will provide repair services for damaged equipment, electrical appliances, and vehicles. Vocational kitchens will also be set up to prepare food and drinking water for disaster victims.

Education administrators and personnel in the area have been directed to work alongside Deputy Prime Minister Yuthasak Wongasaisuwan and Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister to survey problems, listen to community needs, and accelerate relief efforts with full force.

All agencies must act immediately to ensure safety and provide maximum relief to students, teachers, education personnel, and the public. The Education Ministry will deploy all available resources and capacity to stand alongside the people during this crisis, Prasert said.

BKS announced that over 338,000 state welfare card holders used their benefits to purchase bus tickets during a 10-month period in fiscal year 2025, totalling 172.4 million baht and helping reduce travel expenses. BKS Chief Executive Arthawit Rakjamroon stated that under the government's welfare card scheme, cardholders can spend up to 750 baht per month on BKS fares for travel home and tourism. From October 2024 to July 2025, the company recorded 338,198 cardholders using their benefits on BKS buses, accounting for 172,376,519 baht in transactions and providing relief from travel costs.

The company pledged to support the government's policy of enhancing quality of life and reducing living costs while improving transport services to ensure convenient, safe, and standard-compliant access across all areas. Conditions for using the welfare card on BKS buses include presenting an ID at purchase, staying within the 750-baht monthly limit (with cash payment for overages), travelling on any BKS route and standard, combining with other discounts where permitted, and understanding that tickets are non-refundable but can be rescheduled under company terms. Travellers can book tickets via the BKS website (https://tcl99web.transport.co.th), the BKS E-ticket app, Facebook (BKS), Line (BKS, ID @BKS99), BKS ticket counters nationwide, or by calling 02-936-2841-48.

On August 19, 2024, at 2:30 p.m., Sopon Saramun, President of Parliament and President of the House of Representatives, accompanied by Mongkol Suratsodjaya, President of the Senate and Vice President of Parliament, inspected the parliamentary building following the expiration of its warranty period. The inspection revealed numerous unused rooms and the Glass Pavilion at the front of the building, which has never been put into service and is now in deteriorating condition.

During the inspection, Sopon noted that significant improvements are needed and many rooms remain empty and unused. He emphasized that facilities like the Glass Pavilion should serve a practical purpose rather than exist merely as a symbol, observing that the wooden structure is difficult to maintain and offers no clear utility.

When asked about funding for repairs after the warranty expired, Sopon said there is currently no budget allocated. He indicated that administrators will need to take personal responsibility for maintenance and organize monthly large-scale cleanups with civil servants. He stressed that leadership should solve problems rather than ignore them.

Regarding the Glass Pavilion, Sopon said it should be used to receive visiting dignitaries or host exhibitions to attract visitors. He is currently considering improvements and requested time, noting that completion will not happen in a single day but that significant progress is being made.

Sopon also mentioned efforts to invite other government agencies to use the facilities and is exploring whether a childcare center for staff members' children could be established. He has discussed possibilities with the Bangkok Governor, who has a budget that could support education and personnel-related initiatives.

When asked about renting seminar rooms to the public for additional revenue, Sopon said regulations would need to be reviewed first. He believes it is better to keep the facilities active rather than let them deteriorate over time. The government already provides services to both opposition and government members who hold events every Saturday and Sunday.

At the front of the parliamentary building, Sopon proposed creating a pedestrian walking street, pending completion of the electric train line. He called for public support for parliamentary initiatives and emphasized his commitment to action rather than empty promises, stating that his administration will focus on delivering practical benefits to the public.

On August 19, Chommani Noi Jan, 62, known as Aunt Dah, traveled to the Malinont building with her team to meet with well-known TV personality Karchai. This followed the arrest of Khong, a member of her team, by Phra Khanong police while he was eating. He was charged with trespassing on land in the Phra Khanong area and taken to a police station for questioning.

During the meeting with Karchai, Aunt Dah presented documents and photographs to explain her position and assert that the land deed belonging to Abbas still exists and that her group did not trespass as alleged. She claimed that three adjoining land deeds had been used to accuse her group of trespassing.

Aunt Dah spoke with Karchai for approximately 20 minutes before departing immediately without granting any interviews.