On August 4, 2025, the Phanom Phrai District security office, under District Chief Ratchakrit Pyakkhraphon, received a complaint from residents about inappropriate behavior by a monk at a local temple in the district. Villagers reported that during chanting sessions, the monk exhibited strange behavior—trembling and convulsing as if possessed—which frightened the community. The district chief ordered an immediate investigation.

District Deputy Commander Naresh Nutong led a team to the temple, where the abbot cooperated fully. Ten monks were summoned for drug screening in the presence of temple officials, village elders, and residents. Testing revealed one monk, identified as Phra Boy (alias), age 42, with abnormal urine results showing a purplish discoloration. His test came back positive for three substances: methamphetamine, ketamine, and heroin. Officers then searched his quarters and discovered a white powder substance in small bags. Authorities seized a mobile phone and 0.29 grams of ketamine as evidence. The abbot immediately defrocked the monk, who was taken to Phanom Phrai Police Station for further questioning and legal proceedings.

BANGKOK — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul is scheduled to fly in a Royal Thai Air Force F-16 fighter jet during a visit to Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima on 14 August, where he will receive briefings on border security, inspect military equipment and address air force personnel.

The Royal Thai Air Force has invited Anutin, who also serves as chairman of the National Security Council (NSC), to fly aboard a two-seat F-16 fighter aircraft based at Wing 1. The prime minister will travel from Wing 6 in Bangkok to Wing 1 by Royal Thai Air Force aircraft before receiving operational briefings on the air force's missions, the security situation along the border, ongoing operations related to border unrest, and key research and development projects.

Anutin will don a G-suit before boarding the F-16 for a sortie departing from and returning to Wing 1 airbase in Nakhon Ratchasima. After the flight, the air force will hold a ceremony marking the successful completion of the mission, followed by a group photograph. In his capacity as NSC chairman, Anutin is also scheduled to deliver remarks to personnel at Wing 1 and inspect military equipment.

If the visit proceeds as planned, Anutin will become Thailand's second prime minister to fly in a two-seat F-16. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was the first Thai premier to take part in such a flight, occupying the rear seat as a passenger.

Thammanat Prombanchao, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party, firmly denied rumors of a Monaco deal and said he has never discussed or made any arrangement with members of the red or orange factions. Speaking on August 4, 2025, he explained that although his party is not in government, he wants the administration to work fully to address economic and social welfare problems. He said he has spent most of his time with family and rarely involved himself in politics beyond party management and opposition duties.

Regarding his recent foreign travel, Thammanat denied all Monaco deal rumors, stating he traveled only with family and met no one abroad. When asked about possible negotiations with Sirikanya Tansakul, a Pheu Thai list MP who said she was ready to join hands with red and green factions, Thammanat denied any such talks or deals.

On political realignment speculation, Thammanat said such analysis is academic rather than factual. He clarified that no formal discussions have occurred with opposition members about a no-confidence debate. When asked if he has information from his previous oversight of the Agriculture Ministry that could be used in debate, he said he must give credit to the current minister and noted most current projects are continuations of his own work.

Asked whether the party would declare itself in full opposition or leave the door open for political shifts, Thammanat said the Palang Pracharath Party differs from others and must first discuss matters internally. He emphasized the party is giving the government time to demonstrate its competence before considering any changes. On potential realignment with green, red, or orange factions, he said there have been no negotiations—only speculation and analysis.

Prachuap Khiri Khan — A heartwarming story has emerged on the eve of Mother's Day. A 10-year-old first-grade student named Thanjay, who attends Ban Khlong Chaering School under the Prachuap Khiri Khan Primary Education District Office 2, has captured hearts with his extraordinary gratitude and determination. The boy spends his spare time walking and cycling to collect garbage with his 60-year-old grandfather, selling the recyclables for 100–200 baht per day to help support the family. Thanjay lives with his mother Porn, 33, who works casual jobs, and his grandfather Nop, who relies on an elderly allowance and garbage collection. Their home is a ramshackle wooden shelter with a rusty metal roof and plywood walls that offers little protection from the elements.

Some days, poverty forces Thanjay to skip school to help his grandfather collect waste. Yet when asked why he helps, the boy smiles genuinely and says, "I want to collect garbage with grandfather because he is at the landfill. I want to help him." He then embraces and kisses his mother with heartfelt affection. School Principal Theeraphut Saengkaew has praised Thanjay as a well-behaved student, noting that the school provides him with two uniforms—one kept at school and one at home—to ensure he can attend class like other children. He has received educational support and materials since his kindergarten years.

Village headman Sakorn Chantasuk and community leaders have surveyed nearly 90 square meters of land and begun planning to construct a new home for Thanjay and his grandfather, offering them greater stability and safety. Those wishing to donate or support Thanjay's education may contact School Principal Theeraphut Saengkaew at 065-242-6949.

Actor Kong Phiya expressed his grief after the sudden death of young performer Joejee Phumirun, who was part of the Boys Vibe reality show project that Kong, fellow actor King Somjit, and producer Chuda worked on together. Joejee was the youngest of the 10 cast members, approximately 18 years old, and was known for his cheerful, likable personality and ability to get along with everyone in the group.

Kong revealed that he had just shared a meal with Joejee and the other Boys Vibe members on Saturday morning, unaware it would be their last time together. "We all felt like he seemed quieter than usual, but when we asked if something was wrong, he said nothing was the matter," Kong told NineEntertain. He learned of Joejee's death around 10 a.m. that morning when his management agency informed him.

The entire Boys Vibe cast was devastated by the loss. Kong said they had all agreed to attend Joejee's funeral together on Tuesday. "We were all concerned about him during filming. We tried to take care of him and look after his wellbeing," Kong explained. Despite Joejee's illness, he had continued working and seemed to be improving.

Kong expressed regret at losing such a talented young performer with a bright future ahead. "He was naturally gifted as an actor and had a radiant personality," Kong said. Joejee had a film called "Rinrada" scheduled for release on August 20, and was also set to appear in a drama produced by King Somjit. Kong asked fans to support Joejee's final works and to offer prayers for his peaceful passing. He deferred questions about the cause of Joejee's illness to his family.

On August 4, Deputy Prime Minister Yossakon Wongsuwan chaired a regional coordination meeting on flood and drought management for northern Thailand, bringing together representatives from the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Department, Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Agriculture, National Water Resources Office, Royal Irrigation Department, Meteorological Department, and the Water Resources Information Institute. Governors from 17 northern provinces including Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Nan presented their preparedness plans for managing flash flood risks and groundwater contingencies.

Following the briefing, Yossakon issued directives to expedite solutions: removing budgetary bottlenecks by fast-tracking emergency funding allocations to provinces with critical disaster prevention projects; establishing a 24-hour Command and Control center to monitor water levels and immediately escalate warnings; integrating university partnerships to deploy shelter facilities and technology such as drones, telemetry systems, and alert applications; and accelerating major river-dredging projects on waterways including the Nan River, which has 18 vulnerable points.

Yossakon emphasized the approach draws on lessons from previous years and prioritizes close engagement with local administrative organizations to ensure communication and aid reach communities quickly and effectively.