The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), invites visitors to experience “Koh Kerd: The Living Legacy of Thai Craftsmanship,” a cultural tour...
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), invites visitors to experience “Koh Kerd: The Living Legacy of Thai Craftsmanship,” a cultural tour...
A boyfriend surprised his girlfriend with 500,000 baht for her father's surgery instead of a traditional birthday gift, leaving both her and her father in tears of gratitude in Ko Lanta.
A touching birthday surprise: Khanomm Sashikarn was moved to tears when her boyfriend, Dr. Book, presented her with 500,000 baht as a birthday gift to help cover her father's surgery costs. Besides receiving various gifts thoughtfully chosen by Dr. Book, the birthday celebration featured an emotional moment when the final gift was opened to reveal a large sum of 500,000 baht in cash, leaving Khanomm shocked and tearful. Dr. Book then embraced her, explaining his change of plans: "I originally planned to buy something else, but when your father became ill and needed surgery, I decided to give money instead."
Khanomm's father, known as Akong, is facing surgery and requires substantial medical expenses. For this year's birthday, Dr. Book chose to give his girlfriend a birthday gift in the form of financial assistance for her father's medical treatment. While Khanomm was overwhelmed by the surprise, Akong was equally moved to tears, never expecting Dr. Book would do something so generous. The moment was captured with Akong embracing both Dr. Book and Khanomm amid tears of gratitude.
Akong shared his emotions while tears streamed down his face and his hands pressed together in thanks: "This money is for my surgery. I couldn't sleep at night, constantly asking my daughter if she had enough money. I didn't know where she would find it. I truly thank the doctor. I thank my child. This money is like buying a new life. I didn't ask for it, but I wanted to follow the doctor's wishes. The doctor started everything, took me to see specialists, negotiated with the hospital. He was there during my most difficult time. I truly thank him." Source: Khanomm Sashikarn
Heavy monsoon rains across 29 Thai provinces through August 14 threaten flash floods in foothill areas and rough seas up to 3 meters, prompting warnings for residents and mariners nationwide.
On August 13, 2026, the Meteorological Department issued a 24-hour weather forecast predicting continued heavy rainfall in parts of the North, Upper Northeast, Central, and Eastern regions due to a monsoon trough and southwest monsoon system. Residents are warned of dangers from heavy accumulation that may trigger flash floods and flash runoff, especially in foothill and low-lying areas. Waves in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand are expected to reach 2–3 meters, exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorm zones, prompting mariners to exercise caution and small boats to avoid leaving shore.
Regional forecasts show thunderstorms in 60 percent of the North (with heavy falls in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, and Tak); 60 percent of the Upper Northeast (Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom); 40 percent of the Central region (Uthai Thani, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi); and 60 percent of the East (Nakhon Nayok, Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, Trat) with seas reaching 2–3 meters. The South faces 40 percent thunderstorms on the east coast and 60 percent on the west coast (Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, Satun), with waves of 2–3 meters in the upper Andaman and 1–2 meters in the lower south, both exceeding those heights in storms. Bangkok and vicinity expect 60 percent thunderstorms with localized heavy rain, minimum 25–27°C, maximum 33–35°C, southwest winds 10–25 km/h.
Human remains discovered on a cliff near Khon Kaen have reignited a year-old lead after forest workers identified the victim as a blonde-haired man aged 20–30 from Chaiyaphum province. Authorities are conducting DNA tests to confirm identit
A critical lead from a year ago has emerged following the discovery of human skeletal remains scattered on Red Cliff near Koke Suang village in Nangam subdistrict, Mueang Khon Kaen district. Forest foragers provided information that matches one of the bone fragments found, indicating the person was likely aged 20–30. Authorities are now working urgently to trace the victim's relatives.
On the evening of August 12, Deputy Superintendent Theerathatch Pongsuwon of Mueang Khon Kaen Police Station was notified of the discovery at 5 p.m. and immediately led an investigation team, rescue personnel, and a duty doctor from Mueang Khon Kaen Hospital to the rocky cliff site. Nearly complete skeletal remains were found scattered among rock crevices, including skull fragments, scalp tissue with hair bearing blonde highlights, lower molars, arm bones, leg bones, and spine bones. The pelvis was not recovered.
Clothing found at the scene included a brown blanket with cartoon bear patterns and a black shirt with the English word "DRIVE" screened on the chest. No pants, skirt, or shoes were discovered. Without additional identifying information, authorities could not initially determine the person's identity, sex, or exact age.
During fieldwork, officers questioned forest foragers, particularly a man known as Tao who reported seeing a young man aged 20–30 with blonde highlights approximately a year earlier. The man was said to be from Kaeng Krachan subdistrict in Chaiyaphum province. The teeth fragments recovered matched the estimated age range of a young adult. All skeletal remains have been sent to the forensic science laboratory at Srinakharinwirot Hospital for examination.
Mueang Khon Kaen Police Station has issued a public appeal for anyone with information about the deceased to contact the station or Mueang Khon Kaen Hospital, so the remains can be returned to relatives for proper religious rites.
Thailand's digital economy is forecast to grow 5.6% in 2025, more than double the overall GDP growth rate, driven by surging exports of AI-related technologies and digital goods.
The National Digital Committee for Economy and Society (BDE), led by Secretary-General Wetang Phuangthrap, forecasts that Thailand's digital economy will expand 5.6% in 2025—roughly 2.2 times faster than the overall GDP growth of 2.5% predicted by the Office of Fiscal Policy. "These figures reflect the digital economy's role as a high-potential sector supporting national growth, even as global and Thai economies face challenges from energy costs, geopolitical uncertainty, and volatile world trade," Wetang said.
Digital goods exports are driving much of this expansion, fueled by rising demand for artificial intelligence-related technologies and global business digitalization. Sales of digital exports surged 45% in the first half of 2025, with companies accelerating shipments to the US market ahead of tariff uncertainty. The International Monetary Fund recently named Thailand one of the world's four largest exporters of AI-related hardware.
For 2026, BDE projects digital economy growth of 6.3%, tracking broader global economic forecasts. The IMF expects world GDP to expand 3.4% next year (up from 3.0% in 2025), while the World Trade Organization forecasts global trade growth of 2.6% (up from 1.9% in 2025), assuming Middle East tensions remain contained.
Thailand's Board of Investment has received 1,397 investment applications totaling 146 billion baht since 2023 as businesses pivot toward Smart & Green manufacturing with automation, digital systems, and sustainability certifications.
The Board of Investment is driving Thailand's industrial transformation toward Smart & Green industries to enhance global competitiveness. Since implementing the Smart and Sustainable Industry upgrade measures in 2023 through mid-2025, both Thai and foreign businesses have filed 1,397 investment promotion applications totaling over 146 billion baht.
Key areas of Smart Industry adoption include deploying automation and robots in production processes, upgrading factory management with digital technology to boost productivity, improve precision and flexibility, reduce errors, and enhance product quality. Businesses are also pursuing energy efficiency, environmental compliance, and international sustainability certifications such as GAP, FSC, PEFC, and ISO 22000 to strengthen market access and long-term competitiveness.
Board of Investment Secretary-General Narudom Terdthirasakkdi emphasized that modern business competitiveness depends not just on production costs but on manufacturing efficiency, resource utilization, adaptability to change, and alignment with global market standards. He cited examples including Thai Beverage Can, which automated its aluminum cap production line; Panasonic Energy Thailand, which installed automation in packaging and factory transport; and Thai Toshiba Industry, which deployed automation and robots across metal stamping, welding, painting, assembly, inspection, and packaging. Companies are also investing in digital management systems like enterprise resource planning software to integrate operations, optimize production planning, manage supply chains, and enable data-driven decision-making.
Two gunmen on motorcycles shot a 33-year-old man outside a used car lot in Ayutthaya's Bang Pa-in district early August 13, with CCTV footage showing the shooter may have handed the weapon to his accomplice before both fled toward Uthai dis
At 12:10 a.m. on August 13, 2025, Bang Pa-in Police Sub-division was alerted to a shooting incident on Rojana Road near a used car sales tent in Bang Pa-in district, Ayutthaya. Deputy Commander Kajapol Fuengkachon and Commander Piphop Napudera led officers including investigation teams and forensic specialists to the scene.
Victim Ballan, 33 (surname withheld), was found with a gunshot wound to the forehead, bleeding heavily and unconscious along the roadside. Officers administered first aid and CPR, coordinating an ambulance to Rajdhani Hospital.
A witness reported seeing two teenagers on motorcycles with similar clothing moments before hearing a gunshot, then finding the victim on the ground as both motorcycles sped away.
Volunteer Ployphirin Kornjanaratt, on duty nearby, heard a gunshot and a shout but could not make out words. She spotted the unconscious victim and called for medical assistance.
CCTV footage revealed two men: one in a red shirt riding a motorcycle with an injured passenger wearing a factory uniform and yellow sling, and another in a dark blue factory uniform on a second motorcycle. When they reached the incident location, the injured man dismounted and the uniformed man drew a firearm and shot him. The red-shirted driver then turned the motorcycle around heading toward Uthai district, while the gunman fled on the same route.
Footage also captured suspicious behavior suggesting the shooter may have handed the weapon to the red-shirted rider before both fled together. Police suspect the red-shirted man may be more involved than simply being a driver, though it remains unclear whether this was a planned ambush. Police have not ruled out any possibility, including the likelihood that both individuals knew the victim. Officers are currently analyzing surrounding CCTV footage, interviewing witnesses, and investigating connections between the two suspects and their relationship to the victim.
An armed gang opened fire at a market event in Nakhon Ratchasima late August 12, injuring six people during what police say began as a failed motorcycle theft that escalated into a violent confrontation.
A shooting erupted around 10:30 p.m. on August 12 at the "Taste Shop Use" market event near the Pho Khun Thod Monument in Dan Khun Thod District, Nakhon Ratchasima, leaving six people injured. Police from Dan Khun Thod Station contained the situation and arrested one suspect, while rescue units rushed the injured to Luang Pho Khun Parisutthodo Dan Khun Thod Hospital, with several severe cases transferred to Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital.
Event organizer Prakop Patithan said the attackers used knives and an improvised shotgun that dispersed pellets across a wide area. The shooting occurred as the market was closing, while vendors were packing up. The six injured included Prakop (stabbed on the back and hand), Suton (right arm shot), Virawut (shot 13 times across the body and arm, severe injury), Suphawanee (shot twice in the leg and struck by pellets on the back), Panadda (left arm shot), and Tae (shot nine times on the back).
Dan Khun Thod Police, led by Deputy Superintendent Akkhom Chud Khun Thod, arrested one suspect and are investigating. Preliminary investigation revealed the suspect was attempting to steal a parked motorcycle when the owner arrived. The confrontation escalated, and the suspect's companion fled and returned with weapons and a gang to attack. Police are pursuing the remaining suspects to file charges.
A man was arrested at a Udon Thani shopping mall after dragging his ex-wife off her motorcycle in the parking lot; he tested positive for methamphetamine and faces drug charges.
At 8:50 p.m. on August 12, 2569, Deputy Superintendent Sathit Toemtodwattanaskul of Udon Thani City Police was notified by security at a major shopping mall that they had detained a man who pulled a young woman off a motorcycle, injuring her in the parking lot. Police rushed to the scene and found the 32-year-old man from Ban Phue District, Udon Thani, sitting on the ground crying and resisting arrest. The 32-year-old woman, his ex-wife, pointed him out to police and explained they separated one month ago, but he continues to pursue and threaten her, prompting her to file a report at Udon Thani City Police on August 11.
She stated: "At first we got along fine, but later he became addicted to online gambling and methamphetamine. Whenever we argued, he beat me regularly, so I decided to leave. He stalks me, threatens me, and demands I move back to his place. I feel unsafe. Yesterday I filed a report with police. Today he did the same thing again. When I got off work, he followed me to the parking lot asking to reconcile and move back with him. When I refused, he grabbed my throat and pulled me off the motorcycle. I've had enough and want him out of my life."
The man tearfully claimed he had pursued the woman since their high school days. After graduation, he married someone else and had two children, but his wife went abroad to work. He reconnected with his ex and they lived together for about a year. He works at a construction supply store and gave her all his salary. They argued occasionally, mostly about money—she sometimes spent everything and left nothing for his children. He also asked her to finalize her divorce from her former husband, which she refused to do. "A month ago she wanted to separate and moved to a new apartment. I came to ask for reconciliation, but she refused. I followed her for two or three days just wanting to talk and resolve things. I didn't hurt her. Today she wouldn't talk and tried to ride away, so I grabbed her neck—but I didn't harm her physically. I admit I used methamphetamine before coming to see her, just one pill. I never thought things would turn out this way when we moved to Udon Thani together."
Police conducted a urine test and detected methamphetamine. He was charged with drug possession under Category 1 (methamphetamine) and detained for further legal proceedings.
Police arrested a 27-year-old man from Sisaket province after a six-month manhunt for a fatal shooting that occurred in October 2024. The suspect confessed to shooting and killing a rival during a quarrel and had been hiding in his hometown
Officers from the Provincial Police Bureau's investigation unit arrested a 27-year-old man from Phu Sing district, Sisaket province, who was wanted for a fatal shooting. The suspect, whose name is being withheld, had been listed as priority case number 74 on the police warrant calendar and had returned to his hometown to hide.
On August 12, 2025, Provincial Police Bureau Commander Theerapat Theerapatthammrung ordered the arrest operation. A court warrant was issued by Sisaket Provincial Court on October 19, 2024, under case number 458/2567. The suspect faces charges of joint murder, illegal firearm possession, ammunition possession, and unlicensed weapons transportation. He was arrested at a rented room in Soi 5, Prai Phattana subdistrict, Phu Sing district, Sisaket province.
The case began on October 18, 2024, when the suspect allegedly quarreled with a rival from a nearby village before using a firearm to shoot and kill him in the Sisaket area. He then fled and moved between several hiding places to evade capture. Police detectives pursued the case continuously for more than six months until they discovered the suspect had returned to hide in Phu Sing district, leading to his arrest.
During preliminary questioning, the suspect confessed to all charges. He has been transferred to Phu Sing Police Station for further legal proceedings.
A man armed with a knife broke into a home in Chachoengsao province on August 12, threatening the resident and later vowing to return with a gun, terrifying neighbors who say he has a pattern of violent intimidation.
A 32-year-old man armed with a knife broke into a home in Huai Yai Mook community, Soi 2/2, Moo 6, Pong subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chachoengsao province, on the afternoon of August 12, 2569. At around 3 p.m., the man rode his motorcycle to the front of a neighbor's house, shouted challenges, and demanded the homeowner come outside. When the resident refused, he forced open the gate, entered the property with a knife drawn, and chased the homeowner, who fled to escape harm. Security cameras recorded the entire incident.
After police from Nong Prue station and village officials inspected the scene and took statements, the same man returned to the lane and shouted threats that he would bring back a gun and shoot everyone. Residents are now terrified of a violent escalation. This is not the first time: in late March 2569, the man exhibited similar threatening behavior, after which he disappeared from the area for two months before returning. Since his return, he has been seen frequently riding his motorcycle through the lane at high speed with the engine revving loudly, cursing and challenging neighbors, and occasionally carrying a knife.