At an event on August 13, 2025, at Impact Muang Thong Thani, Nuracha Kosasrivilai, Director-General of the Department of Interior, addressed a controversy surrounding a ceremony for Ko Pangan village leaders where five rifles were distributed as raffle prizes. He confirmed that under current government policy, firearms will no longer be awarded to village chiefs and headmen; instead, equivalent-value alternatives such as cash or ceremonial decorations will be provided. The urgent policy requires suspending or freezing such distributions, though regulations allow for other valuable compensation.

Regarding the prizes already distributed in Ko Pangan last week, Nuracha stated that annual reviews and recipient checks would proceed, and the issuance of gun permits has been halted nationwide using a centralized database. When asked about a recent administrative order suspending the welfare firearms program, which has prompted concern from police about their ability to respond to emergencies, Nuracha explained that the welfare guns were meant for officers performing public order duties.

He said the suspension reflects the government's priority to control weapon circulation while maintaining fairness between officials and the general public. Regarding police concerns, Nuracha clarified that officers assigned to maintain security can carry firearms when authorized in writing by their commanding officer. All police stations and government agencies must issue such directives to enable officers to carry weapons while performing their official duties.

The search for two missing villagers in Chiang Muang district, Phayao province, has entered its sixth day with renewed hope after rescue teams discovered a campfire and heard voices resembling human calls. The missing men are Nak Kamlue, 74, and Ramesorn Jandaeng, 20, both from Ban Pin village, who were last in contact several days ago and are believed to have become lost in the forest.

District chief Pichai Khueanchoeechon and township mayor Sumethi Kamlue are overseeing the coordinated search operation involving five teams of officials and volunteers from multiple agencies including provincial administration, township government, police, the military, Rangers, Doi Phunak National Park, rescue units, motorcycle enduro teams, village leaders, and community security forces. Search teams have been divided into multiple zones, with teams covering areas including Huay Ja Tem, Huay Chok Ngu, Wang Khee Khuay, and Huay Hai. One team reported finding a campfire in the Huay Chok Ngu area and hearing voice-like sounds, prompting intensive searches in the vicinity, though no person was located. Water-based search teams are investigating the Num Pie River north of the Num Pie Reservoir after reports of a foul smell in the northern forest area. As of now, both men remain missing, but all agencies continue systematic search efforts with every lead being thoroughly investigated.

At 9:40 a.m. on 13 August 2025 at Parliament, Rukchonok Srinok, chair of the House Budget Committee, announced that the committee plans to scrutinize the TH-AI Passport project extensively, as registration is expected to begin shortly. The committee will question progress on contract amendments between the Digital Economy and Society Ministry and its partners, review project proposals, and examine outstanding document submissions that the ministry has not yet provided.

Rukchonok said the committee has a particular focus on the marketing component of the bid, concerned that vague requirements might lock in specifications unfairly. The terms require bidders to use top-five offline media in the country, but the committee found that competing firms have not specified which media company screens they will use—yet the ministry and its fund have scored them anyway. The committee also lacks scoring rubrics for AI, marketing, training, and call centre operations, and does not have meeting notes from the ministry fund related to the passport project.

When asked about Minister Chaiyachonok's absence, Rukchonok confirmed that word arrived this morning that he would not attend, citing unspecified duties, and that the Permanent Secretary would appear in his place. Rukchonok stressed that the minister has now declined four invitations to brief the committee in person, adding that if he fails to appear again and documents remain incomplete, she will discuss with the committee the need to invoke statutory power to compel his attendance.

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