Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin expressed his condolences to both families on August 11, 2569, following the death of Nonthaburi Governor Thongchai Yenpraserit, who was shot by former Nonthaburi MP Chalang Riuarang. Suchat stated that he knew both men personally and had worked alongside Chalang since becoming a Member of Parliament in 2554, noting that the two had been close for many years despite political disagreements and past electoral competition.

When asked if he was aware of any serious underlying problems, Suchat said he had no knowledge of financial difficulties or deep-seated grievances between them. He acknowledged that political positions are often singular and competitive, but believed any personal issues were unknown to him. Suchat emphasized that such incidents should not occur between two men who had been involved in politics together for over 30 years and were both now in their seventies.

The minister declined to comment further on the legal case but reiterated his condolences to both families, saying the situation was regrettable and should never have happened. He noted that he was unaware of any debt problems between the two men and that while he knew both as senior figures in Thai politics, the underlying causes of the dispute remained unclear to him.

South African ex-teacher apologises over alleged shooting threatsLegacyA former South African teacher at Hatyaiwittayalai School in Songkhla has apologised after allegedly posting messages threatening to shoot teachers and school administrators alongside an image of a firearm. The apology follows allegations that Pieter Johannes Dreyer posted messages and images of a firearm in a Line group chat after his contract as an English Program teacher at Hatyaiwittayalai School was terminated. The content allegedly included threats against teachers and school administrators.

In his apology video, Dreyer apologised to students, former colleagues, parents, alumni and others affected by his comments. He acknowledged that some of the words he used could have caused fear and concern, particularly at a sensitive time surrounding violence in schools. Dreyer insisted that he did not intend to harm anyone and said he completely rejected violence. He said his comments were intended to raise concerns that he wanted addressed appropriately, but acknowledged that the way he expressed them was wrong. The former English teacher said he regretted making people feel afraid and understood that recent events had heightened concerns surrounding his comments.

Dreyer said he had already apologised in the group chat and wanted to apologise again to all of his Thai students. He added that any conflicts or concerns he had should be dealt with through appropriate procedures and should not be associated with violence or threats. Dreyer said he hoped people would accept his apology and maintained that he respected the safety of students and the wider community. He also pledged to be more careful and take responsibility for his words in the future. Photo via Songkhla News The alleged threats came shortly after a shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School that killed 9 people, adding to heightened concerns over school safety in Thailand. The story South African ex-teacher apologises over alleged shooting threats as seen on Thaiger News.

On August 11, 2024, police arrested Thanaphat (surname withheld), age 20, at Suksawat Road in Lat Lum Sub-district, Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan. He is charged with abduction of minors aged 15 to 18 for sexual purposes without consent and rape using violence. The arrest followed a report on August 8 from the mother of a 15-year-old student who said her daughter was picked up through a ride-hailing app, but the driver changed route and took her to his home instead, where he physically assaulted and sexually abused her before dropping her off with threats.

Police investigation revealed at least two additional victims with similar experiences. The suspect operated by cruising near schools and offering below-standard fares through the app to attract young passengers, particularly female students. He would then divert routes to his residence to commit the assaults. Investigators believe there may be significantly more victims and have coordinated with relevant agencies to expand the investigation and identify further cases.

The Mister International Thailand 2026 finals concluded in grand style at MCC Hall, The Mall Lifestyle Store, Bangkapi, with a packed crowd cheering enthusiastically as 30 contestants demonstrated their full potential in personality, skills, communication, and charm. AA Waranyoo Tharasirivathanakul emerged victorious from the competition, earning the crown and the honor of representing Thailand at Mister International 2026, which will be held in Thailand this September. Other top finishers included Top Sithichok Panichlertsereewa as 1st Runner-Up, and Thanya Thanpisit Sukroong, Yoyo Theenruppakorn Muangmai, Lot Chaiyut Paenchuekiat, and Fook Panuphong Paybuolthanasarn as 3rd Runners-Up. Waranyoo's journey now moves beyond the national stage as he prepares to compete against representatives from around the world, with Thai fans expected to rally behind him in the quest to bring international glory to Thailand on the Mister International stage in the coming weeks.

LiVE Platform, under the Stock Exchange of Thailand, is hosting the annual seminar "SME Survival 2026: Unlock New Possibilities," bringing together 22 business leaders, executives, investors, and partner organizations to share strategies, experiences, and essential tools to help SMEs unlock new growth opportunities across all dimensions of business expansion.

The event features five stages designed to advance your business: NEXT STAGE covers economic trends, business direction, and consumer behavior insights from industry leaders and seasoned entrepreneurs. GROW STAGE addresses fundraising strategies, business expansion, and sustainable scaling opportunities. BUILD STAGE provides deep dives into business management, finance, marketing, brand building, and practical workshops. AI STAGE focuses on applying artificial intelligence to real-world operations to boost sales, reduce costs, and gain competitive advantages. PITCHING STAGE allows promising businesses to pitch their plans with investment and networking opportunities.

The event also includes SME Business Clinic consultations from Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC, and the Stock Exchange to analyze challenges and develop targeted strategies, plus a Service Provider Zone featuring business service providers commonly used by SMEs. The seminar is designed for business owners, SME startups, executives, and organizational development teams seeking to unlock new opportunities and build sustainable growth.

The event takes place Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Free registration is available at https://set-event-registration.setgroup.or.th/e/SME-Event-2026. For more information, call 0 2009 9999.

Permanent Secretary Arthit Samphanratana disclosed that Phuket's administrative forces conducted a checkpoint operation in central Phuket and discovered a CZ-brand firearm with a loaded magazine containing 28 rounds hidden beneath the driver's seat of a BMW. The driver, identified as 37-year-old Nat (surname withheld), could not produce authorization documents for possessing or carrying the weapon. Officers arrested him and filed charges for illegally transporting a firearm in a public place and possessing an unauthorized weapon. The suspect and evidence were transferred to Phuket City Police Station for prosecution under maximum legal penalties.

Samphanratana warned anyone carrying illegal firearms in vehicles or public spaces that the Prime Minister has temporarily suspended all new permits for carrying concealed weapons for one year effective February 20. All provincial administrative forces will continue checkpoint operations to intercept illegal, unregistered firearms. Those found in possession face maximum legal penalties, though individuals may voluntarily surrender unregistered weapons at any district office. The public is urged to report suspected illegal firearms by calling the Damrongdhamma Center at 1567 for authorities to take legal action.