PHUKET: Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation held one of its annual ‘Te Krajard’ merit-making ceremonies yesterday (Aug 17) to dedicate merit to the spirits of unclaimed and homeless dead.
PHUKET: Kusoldharm Phuket Foundation held one of its annual ‘Te Krajard’ merit-making ceremonies yesterday (Aug 17) to dedicate merit to the spirits of unclaimed and homeless dead.
Thailand's Department of Land Transport is accepting applications through September 30, 2026, for assistive equipment grants for road accident victims with disabilities, continuing a 16-year-old program funded by auspicious license plate au
The Department of Land Transport is accepting applications for assistive equipment grants for people with disabilities injured in road accidents. Applications and supporting documents may be submitted from today until September 30, 2026. Department Director Sarawong Paitoon Phong said the Road Safety Fund has allocated revenue from the auction of auspicious license plates to help accident victims. This marks the 16th consecutive year of the program, which provides prosthetic limbs, standard and electric wheelchairs, beds, oxygen generators, and similar equipment. From 2009 to 2026, the program has assisted 21,800 people with disabilities. Each province holds ceremonies to distribute equipment, with license plate auctioneers participating in this charitable effort to reduce road accident losses and improve quality of life for disabled persons.
For fiscal year 2027, the department is allocating funds from auspicious license plate auctions for assistive equipment. Applicants must be Thai nationals who have not previously received assistance from the Road Safety Fund or other government agencies, or whose last assistance was more than three years ago (two years for prosthetic limbs or arms, unless the new equipment is a different type).
Applicants must not have violated the department's conditions for equipment grants. Applications with supporting documents may be submitted between July 15 and September 30, 2026, during government working hours at the Department of Land Transport Building 2, Floor 5, provincial transport offices nationwide, or online at https://web.dlt.go.th/rssf/.
Required documents include: national identity card or other government-issued identification; disability card (if available); photographs (at least 3x5 inches) showing the disability from at least three different angles, no more than three months old; photographs of current assistive equipment if available; photographs of the living environment (required for electric wheelchair applicants); medical treatment records from OPD cards or government documents; and evidence of insurance claims or compensation from insurance companies or victim compensation funds confirming the disability resulted from road accidents. Applications may be submitted in person or online using the provided QR code. For more information, call the department hotline at 1584 or 0-2271-8888 extensions 2511-2512.
Thailand's top officials say the forecasted 2.2% economic growth this year falls short of potential, with the PM questioning why the economy can't expand at 3-6% as the country grapples with energy, inflation, and purchasing power crises.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas are not satisfied with Thailand's forecasted economic growth of 2.2% this year, saying the economy could grow much faster. Speaking to reporters on August 17 Australian time, Anutin stated that while current economic figures are acceptable, there is no such thing as satisfaction with growth figures. "Why not 3 percent? Why not 4, 5, or 6 percent?" he asked, emphasizing that there is always room for stronger expansion.
When asked if he was satisfied, Anutin replied: "More than satisfied." Deputy PM Ekniti also expressed dissatisfaction, citing the need to drive additional investment as Thailand undergoes economic transition. The second-quarter GDP growth of 1.9% exceeded market expectations of around 1.7%, confirming the government's decision to authorize the Finance Ministry to borrow 400 billion baht through a royal decree. This borrowing was used to fund the "Thai Helping Thai Plus" programme launched in June, which helped prevent sharper economic contraction by reducing living costs and boosting consumer spending.
Ekniti outlined three concurrent crises facing Thailand: an energy crisis driven by rising oil and gas prices due to global conflict, with the current account swinging to a deficit of 600 billion baht in the second quarter; a cost-of-living crisis reflected in inflation jumping from negative in the first quarter to 2.7% positive in the second quarter, while producer price index reached nearly 9 percent; and a purchasing power crisis shown by private consumption growth slowing from 3.3% to 1.9% between the first and second quarters. He stressed that without rapid action on these three fronts, economic damage would be worse, and Thailand must urgently transition its energy structure as geopolitical tensions persist and the current account deficit reflects the economy's vulnerability to oil and gas imports.
Chanthanon Wannakheched, a former agriculture official and current Prime Minister's advisor, takes over as Permanent Secretary of the Energy Ministry starting August 18, 2025.
The Cabinet has approved the appointment of Chanthanon Wannakheched, a special advisor to the Prime Minister's Office, as the new Permanent Secretary of the Energy Ministry, effective August 18, 2025. Chanthanon, 55, brings extensive government experience spanning agriculture, economics, and public administration. His notable career positions include serving as Agricultural Advisor at the Thai Embassy in Tokyo from 2010 to 2014, Deputy Secretary-General of the Agricultural Economics Office from 2017 to 2019, Inspector-General of the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry from 2019 to 2020, and Spokesman for the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry from 2020 to 2025. He has also served as a Special Advisor to the Prime Minister's Office and as Chairman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Water Authority.
Police in Nakhon Ratchasima are searching for a man who allegedly disrespected a shrine at Bamrung Tham Temple and stole a brass statue on August 15. The incident sparked outrage after video of the intoxicated suspect removing offerings and
Investigators are pursuing a man suspected of disrespecting a sacred shrine in front of Bamrung Tham Temple in Nakhon Ratchasima's Mueang district on August 15 around 8:51 p.m. The man, appearing intoxicated, rode his bicycle into the shrine area and removed cloth and flower offerings that worshippers had placed, then drank ritual red water and attempted to move the main shrine statue. Unable to move the larger statue, he instead grabbed a smaller brass image and fled on his bicycle. Video of the incident was shared over 1,000 times on social media, angering residents and devotees who respect the shrine deeply and demanding swift police action. Deputy Police Commissioner Siwapak Phuang Jun confirmed today that investigation teams have been ordered to immediately locate and question the suspect, with units searching surrounding areas and routes. Officers are treating the case with priority because it involves a sacred object deeply revered by the local community. Community leaders are calling for the stolen brass statue to be returned and asking the suspect to take responsibility and apologize to the shrine to prevent such incidents in the future.
A passenger van carrying 14 Laotian nationals overturned and caught fire on a Khon Kaen highway early August 18, killing two people; survivors said the drowsy driver was speeding at 140 km/h despite warnings.
A passenger van with Bangkok licence plates carrying 14 Laotian nationals, including the driver, overturned and burst into flames on the Kalasin-Mukdahan highway near Ban Khok Lam village in Khon Kaen province at approximately 5:20 a.m. on August 18, 2025. The van had departed Bangkok the previous evening, headed for Mukdahan province for passenger visa renewal and return home. Emergency responders from three rescue units rushed to the scene, evacuating twelve injured passengers to nearby hospitals including Supphadej Prakayuprach Hospital in Kuchinrai, while two passengers died in the blaze.
Survivors recounted that two young passengers seated near the front had warned the driver about excessive speed—approximately 140 km/h—but after briefly slowing, he resumed the same dangerous pace. A passenger who was injured described observing the driver exhibiting clear signs of drowsiness and abnormal behaviour, including nodding off at the wheel and steering with only one hand. Although the van had stopped for rest earlier in the journey, the driver did not take sufficient sleep before the crash occurred.
The passenger stated he was preparing to warn the driver again about speed when the vehicle suddenly veered off the road and overturned. Authorities from Pong Thong Police Station are conducting a detailed investigation into the exact cause of the accident. The names and identities of the deceased and injured remain under verification.
Digital Economy Minister Chaiyachon Chidchob denies knowing a Nong Khai official linked to his party in a Senate fraud case, following Pheu Thai allegations connecting the subdistrict mayor to Phum Jai Thai.
Chaiyachon Chidchob, Digital Economy and Society Minister and secretary general of the Phum Jai Thai Party, said he does not know Withaya Kumphuang, the subdistrict mayor of Ponsai in Tha Bo district, Nong Khai province, after the Pheu Thai Party produced evidence linking Withaya to a Senate fraud case involving Phum Jai Thai. At Government House on August 18, 2569 (2026) at 10:00 a.m., Chaiyachon addressed allegations made by Pariset Wattrachansindu, a Pheu Thai Party list MP, who had released documents connecting Withaya to the Senate fraud case and the Phum Jai Thai Party. Chaiyachon stated he had no details about the matter and personally does not know who Withaya is, before excusing himself to attend a cabinet meeting.
The government will support local officials in revoking credentials from civil servants who cheated on exams, with an August 31 deadline for provinces to act on lists of affected individuals distributed nationwide.
Deputy Interior Minister Vorasit Liangpraseuth confirmed that the Department of Local Government Promotion will back local administrators moving forward with revoking credentials of civil servants found to have cheated on local government exams, rejecting any suggestion the central government is dodging responsibility.
Speaking at Government House on August 18, 2025, before a cabinet meeting, Liangpraseuth said lists of affected individuals have been distributed to all provinces and will next be shared with local administrative organizations following provincial-level meetings. When asked how local administrators who refuse to sign off on removals will be handled, he explained that local governments are not acting arbitrarily but following data and evidence gathered by investigation teams. The Department of Local Government Promotion has instructed that all information must be accompanied by supporting documentation so officials and the public understand what occurred and can have peace of mind. The department director will continue coordinating discussions for mutual understanding.
When pressed on consequences if local authorities fail to act despite central assurances, Liangpraseuth stressed this is a matter of legal authority and responsibility—not burden-shifting. While the central government wants to resolve the issue completely, different actors have different legal powers and jurisdiction, so implementation must proceed accordingly. He set a deadline of August 31 but said this should pose no problem as many provincial councils are meeting within one to two days.
Addressing concerns raised by the Lamphun provincial governor about the revocation process, Liangpraseuth said he understands the hesitation but action must follow when facts emerge. He emphasized that individuals involved show anomalous exam scores now proven to be incorrect, with documentation showing original versus announced scores. He urged focus on facts rather than other considerations and said that while local administrators must act, the department will provide backing and legal support. All actions will be based on documented fact, with names and signatures already on exam answer sheets. Members of the public have been allowed to review scores without complaint, and the Local Government Association has scheduled a statement on the issue.
Thailand plans a no-penalty gun amnesty program while overhauling its licensing system and implementing stricter mental health checks for firearm buyers. The government aims to control an estimated 10 million existing firearms through techn
Deputy Prime Minister Pokkrong Niltaprabhand gave an interview on August 18, 2025, at Government House regarding gun control measures ordered by the Prime Minister. He said the Interior Ministry had requested consultation on August 17 and will coordinate with the Secretariat of the Legislation Drafting Commission. When asked whether controls should cover possession, carrying, and all related aspects, Pokkrong said oversight must extend from import, sales, and ownership to licensing and use. Control must also cover ammunition and facilities where firearms are stored to prevent leakage. The licensing system needs complete overhaul, as the current manual system has issued duplicate permits with no tracking. A technology-based system would speed approvals, improve control, and identify vulnerabilities.
When asked whether the estimated 10 million firearms currently in Thailand will not increase, Pokkrong said no new approvals will be issued. He divided responsibility into three parts: gun shops must be accountable for sales controls like in other countries; employees must help the state enforce rules, including assessing buyers' mental health—an area previously neglected; and officials must be monitored more strictly. However, he acknowledged the difficulty given that many firearms have already leaked into the black market, so the public must be urged not to act emotionally.
Pokkrong said the Interior Ministry's proposal to allow firearm returns without penalty—similar to an unregistered gun being surrendered for amnesty under Section 4 of the law—is part of current efforts. He cited Australia's experience after the Port Arthur massacre, where the federal government implemented a buyback program, though some states rejected it and buyback prices were often lower than purchase prices. He noted that gun violence is not unique to Thailand and depends on whether users exercise judgment rather than impulse. When asked if a properly registered system would prevent firearms from being pawned, Pokkrong said firearms cannot legally be pawned in the first place.
Deputy PM Peeraphan Ratchakij criticized opposition parties and NGOs for reflexively opposing government projects without proper analysis, urging Thais to evaluate initiatives based on national benefit rather than ideology.
Deputy Prime Minister Peeraphan Ratchakij criticized opposition parties on August 18 at Government House for opposing every government initiative without proper justification. He called on all Thais to evaluate proposed projects based on whether they benefit the country, rather than opposing everything reflexively. Peeraphan argued that poorly researched opposition ultimately harms the very causes protesters claim to champion.
Peeraphan noted that resistance to government projects comes from both opposition parties and NGOs, observing that Thailand faces an NGO trap where nearly any government action is challenged, even past cancelled projects like the land bridge. He urged Thais to think carefully about national interest rather than simply opposing or protesting everything.
Regarding the Jao Noi industrial estate revival and the second deep-sea port project in Songkhla, Peeraphan explained these are not new initiatives but were approved by the previous Prayut Chan-o-cha administration. He questioned whether protesters understood the reasoning behind moving the port, citing that the existing Laem Chabang facility has reached capacity and cannot accommodate deeper-draft vessels.
When asked about social media calls for protests at Government House, Peeraphan said demonstrators are welcome to come. He noted that the land bridge project has been cancelled and the Southern Economic Corridor programme suspended, adding that those wishing to sit in the Bangkok sun are free to do so. He acknowledged using strong language but said it was necessary given the circumstances.
Nirapon Yenprasert filed his candidacy for Nonthaburi Provincial Administration Organization governor on August 18, seeking to continue his late grandfather's legacy with focus on education, health, and environment.
On the morning of August 18, 2025, at 08:30, Nirapon Yenprasert, a candidate for Nonthaburi Provincial Administration Organization governor from the Royal Bees group, submitted his candidacy. Provincial councillors from various districts came to present flowers and offer encouragement in support of Nirapon. After filing and receiving approval from the Election Commission, Nirapon was assigned candidate number 1.
Nirapon revealed that he is running to continue the legacy of his late grandfather, Pol. Maj. Gen. Thongchai Yenprasert, a former provincial governor. He aims to advance policies in education, public health, and environmental protection, with further details to be announced at a later policy forum. He expressed confidence in his team's unity and readiness despite the short campaign timeframe, emphasizing that he is serious about serving Nonthaburi residents and will implement the former governor's plans.
Nirapon stressed that he is a native of Nonthaburi, educated there, and feels a responsibility to carry on his grandfather's vision. His sister, Pattharaporn Yenprasert, noted that the family remains in mourning but believes her brother is well-qualified to lead. She explained that allowing him to run will help fulfill their late father's plans for education and other initiatives already established by the former governor.