A major fire erupted at a mattress manufacturing plant in Khlong Mue Thai, Thatueng subdistrict, Bao Thong district, Chachoengsao province at 6 p.m. on August 3, featuring repeated explosions and a structural roof collapse. Police from Bao Thong station responded with more than 20 fire trucks from Thatueng subdistrict municipality and neighboring local authorities.

When firefighters arrived, intense flames were already engulfing the warehouse storage area at the back of the plant, an area used to stock highly flammable materials. Large plumes of black smoke filled the sky, and periodic explosions startled workers and nearby residents who fled the factory to save their lives. Firefighters worked at full capacity to control the situation.

The fire rapidly spread to the office building in front of the plant. Despite continuous water spraying by firefighters, the accumulated heat caused the rear warehouse structure to collapse before their eyes, requiring additional safety precautions during operations. Sub-district assistant chief Jantharam Poonswat, living nearby, reported hearing two loud explosions in succession before witnessing flames and black smoke rising into the sky. She immediately notified relevant agencies and requested fire trucks to respond, and observed workers being urgently evacuated from the warehouse.

Chachoengsao Subdistrict Mayor Damrong Decharoen revealed that after receiving the alert, he coordinated over 20 fire trucks from all units in Bao Thong district to immediately engage in fire suppression operations. Initial efforts contained the fire to a limited area, though gas cylinder explosions continued to sound periodically, prompting authorities to establish a danger zone and order the evacuation of all nearby residents and workers to safe areas to prevent injury from explosions and potential building collapses.

Authorities have not yet determined the cause of the fire and are awaiting for the flames to fully subside before forensic investigators conduct a detailed examination, including interviewing the factory operator and employees present during the incident. As of the latest report, no injuries or deaths have been recorded, and damage assessment is ongoing.

The sister of an 18-year-old injured teenager has defended him against allegations of provoking police, stating he had only finished work minutes before the incident near Nong Khoet Pond in Ban Phed Subdistrict, Khon Kaen. A viral video shows a traffic police officer striking the teenager twice—once on the face and again on the chin—causing him to bleed heavily, while saying "Are you messing with me?" The family confirmed the teenager tested negative for drugs and alcohol and did not provoke the officer, contrary to claims in social media posts.

According to the sister's account on August 3, the teenager works at a hotpot restaurant and was heading home around 1 a.m. when a friend called him over near the pond, only 50 meters from his lodging. Within three minutes of arriving, police approached. When the teenager told them he was about to go home and had just arrived, an officer responded harshly and struck him without provocation. After the first blow left him dazed, the same officer hit him again on the chin, causing him to bleed.

The family is proceeding with criminal charges against the officer and says the accused has not directly apologized, only sending word through the teenager's boss. Though the officer's station has launched an investigation and temporarily suspended all officers on duty that night, the family feels the station's statement unfairly blamed the teenager for provoking the officer. The family is not seeking excessive compensation but believes the officer should take responsibility and provide proper restitution, especially as the teenager and his entire family have faced intense social media attacks.

A black Toyota pickup truck loaded with durians lost control on a curve of the M6 expressway at kilometer 196 on the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima route near Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima, at 6:15 p.m. on August 3, 2025. The vehicle, with an overextended steel cargo bed covered with netting and tarps, plunged approximately 4–5 meters from the elevated roadway and struck a utility pole below. The metal cage broke apart and durians scattered across the road surface.

Rescue teams assisted the driver, Amnaj, age 53, who suffered significant injuries from the fall and could not move. He was transported to Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital. Upon questioning, his wife Kanokwan, age 44, explained that the three family members—herself, her husband, and their 13-year-old son—were transporting durians from central Thailand to deliver to customers in Muang District. As the truck descended from the elevated roadway and entered a sharp curve, the vehicle suddenly tilted and flipped, plunging to the road below.

Kanokwan and her son sustained only minor injuries. Preliminary investigation suggests the accident was caused by cargo overload, which reduced the truck's performance and impaired its steering control during the emergency maneuver.

The Ministry of Interior, through the Department of Community Development, is preparing to hold the "Artisan Prestige Thailand OTOP—United by Royal Grace" event in 2025, featuring OTOP products from over 2,000 retailers nationwide. Deputy Minister Polpeer Suwannachawi said the event will generate at least 800 million baht in economic circulation, benefiting families, raw material suppliers, craftspeople, and community networks across Thailand. The public will also be able to use the "Thai Helps Thai Plus 60/40" discount program when purchasing goods.

The event runs from August 8–16 at the Challenger Building 1–3, Impact Muang Thong Thani. The Ministry views OTOP as a critical tool for driving grassroots economic development and creating a new generation of Thai entrepreneurs capable of competing in the modern trading landscape. The government has elevated the service through the "OTOP One Stop Service" center, offering comprehensive support including fast-track certification, packaging design, access to special-rate financing, and expanded online and offline marketing channels.

The event will showcase OTOP products across five categories and feature new zones including OTOP MuTelu—highlighting local beliefs, talismans, auspicious objects, and Moo art—and OTOP Craft & Design, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design and lifestyle concepts. The event also honors the late King Bhumibol's legacy of preserving and promoting Thai wisdom and handicrafts, while featuring live-streaming studios for online shoppers.

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Here is a look at the top NATIONAL Thailand stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, Monday, July 27th to Sunday, August 2nd. They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication. July 28th, 2026, the Kingdom of Thailand marks the […] Top National Thailand Stories From the Past Week: Bodies of Missing Two Russians and Three Thais Found in Pattaya, and More -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

MP Phawut Phongwittayapanu appeared at the DSI on August 3 evening to answer charges of unauthorized forex trading, bringing all supporting documents to clarify his position. He categorically denied all allegations, stating he had explained everything transparently and could answer any additional questions investigators might have. Phawut confirmed that investigators did not mention the alleged 800 million baht financial trail during today's interrogation, and he provided full documentation of all money flows, insisting none came from scams or fraud but were legally obtained through gold trading and other legitimate sources.

Regarding the 28 million baht linked to him, Phawut said he could explain it but requested to keep some details confidential, noting he was not overly concerned as it was fully explainable. He expressed slight worry about the severity of the charges but remained confident in his clarifications and pledged full cooperation. On criticism that he abandoned the TH-AI Passport investigation after the forex case emerged, Phawut explained he had become heavily involved in committee work and as committee chair, and other MPs are now handling the project directly. He indicated he may reduce his role going forward due to other pressing parliamentary work on foreign platforms and legal reform, though his stepping back was not abandonment but a natural shift to allow colleagues to lead.