MP Ice Denies Charges as Lawyer Argues Posts Are Not Genuine Criticism

MP Ice denies defamation charges filed by businessman Suchat Chomklin over social media posts accusing him of corruption, arguing that public officials must accept criticism.

1d ago Khaosod

Lawmaker Rakchonok Srinork, known as Ice from the Pheu Thai Party, arrived at Thonglor Police Station at 5 p.m. on August 17 in response to a summons. The case was filed by Suchat Chomklin, who accused her of spreading false information via computer systems that could cause public alarm and defamation through advertisements.

Suchat's legal team appeared at the station and stated they would not negotiate or mediate, and would pursue the case through full legal proceedings. They argued that Ice's social media posts accusing Suchat of corruption and bribery do not constitute legitimate criticism but rather constitute accusations and defamation. The legal team also indicated they would file a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission alleging serious violations of ethical standards.

After meeting with investigators for approximately 30 minutes, Ice underwent fingerprinting before the assembled media. She denied all charges and stressed that politicians and state officials must allow the public and media to criticize them directly or indirectly. She stated that if officials cannot tolerate criticism, they should resign and pursue other careers. Ice confirmed she is prepared to fight the case through the justice system and will submit a written statement.

Ice also discussed the investigation into the Thai Digital Passport project, noting that the Digital Economy and Society Ministry's Permanent Secretary and Inspector-General had not appeared in person before the committee but instead delegated representatives who could not answer questions. She criticized this lack of accountability from senior officials and stated she would file complaints with the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the Central Investigation Bureau if and when the project launches for public registration.

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National

Thai PM Arrives in Sydney to Deepen Strategic Partnership

Thai PM Anutin Charnvirakul arrived in Sydney for a four-day official visit aimed at deepening the Thailand-Australia strategic partnership through discussions on trade, technology, and regional cooperation.

1d ago Khaosod

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul arrived in Sydney on August 17 at 10 p.m. local time (3 hours ahead of Thailand) for an official visit to Australia between August 17-20, at the invitation of Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. The visit aims to advance the Thailand-Australia strategic partnership into concrete results and promote comprehensive bilateral cooperation.

Upon arrival, the Prime Minister was welcomed by Michael John Daley, the New South Wales Attorney-General representing the state Governor, Laura Thomson, Acting Deputy Secretary of the Diplomatic Protocol Division of the Prime Minister's Office, and other Australian federal and state officials. A formal reception is scheduled for Wednesday, August 19, at the Australian Government House.

On August 18, the Prime Minister has a full schedule in Sydney. In the morning, he will pay respects to the New South Wales Governor at Government House, then deliver a speech at the Lowy Institute, an influential Australian international policy research organization, presenting Thailand's vision for Thailand-Australia relations and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

Afterward, the Prime Minister will meet with the Thai community and visit Thai Town to hear their views and reconnect with Thai nationals in Australia. He will then meet with executives at Canva Pty Ltd., a leading Australian technology company, and tour their offices to discuss digital technology, innovation, and opportunities for digital economic cooperation between the two countries.

In the afternoon, the Prime Minister will attend a business networking reception at Crown Sydney hotel to strengthen business links and create trade and investment opportunities between Thai and Australian private sectors. He will have dinner with the Thai business community before traveling to Canberra, arriving at Fairbairn Airport at 9:30 p.m.

"This visit to Australia is an important opportunity to strengthen Thailand-Australia relations across all dimensions," the government spokesperson said. "The government is committed to translating the strategic partnership into concrete cooperation in economics, security, clean energy, technology, and innovation, while creating benefits and new opportunities for businesses and people of both countries."

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National

Suvarnabhumi Expands Auto Gates to 31 New Nationalities

Suvarnabhumi Airport will expand its automated passport gates to 31 more nationalities by late August, potentially allowing 53% of arriving passengers to bypass immigration counters and reduce congestion at Thailand's busiest international

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Suvarnabhumi Airport plans to expand its automated passport control, or Auto Gate, system to travelers from 31 additional nationalities by the end of August, as the government moves to ease congestion at Thailand's main international gateway.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun and officials from the Tourism and Sports and Transport ministries inspected Suvarnabhumi Airport on Monday to discuss measures to improve the arrival experience and tackle overcrowding.

The airport sees around 190,000 passengers a day during the peak travel season and 140,000-150,000 during the low season. International arrivals account for about 70,000 passengers a day.

The busiest period is between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., when as many as 5,000-6,000 passengers per hour can enter immigration areas, putting pressure on immigration counters, staff and available space.

As an immediate measure, Suvarnabhumi and the Immigration Bureau will improve the use of all three immigration zones by directing passengers toward less crowded areas, opening a central hall to help disperse crowds and deploying additional officers during peak flight periods.

The Immigration Bureau has approved in principle an expansion of Auto Gate eligibility to 31 additional nationalities. The measure is currently awaiting final signatures and is expected to take effect by the end of August.

The nationalities were selected based on immigration rejection statistics, the Henley Passport Index and national security considerations.

The expansion is expected to add around 6.5 million potential Auto Gate users, along with another 900,000 long-term visa holders.

Once the system is operating at full capacity, officials expect 53% of arriving passengers to be able to use Auto Gates, while the remaining 47% will go through immigration officers.

The rollout will be phased according to system readiness and the availability of biometric data. Travelers who have previously entered Thailand and already have biometric information in the system will be able to use the gates first, while first-time visitors will still need to have their biometric data collected.

The government said improving the immigration process is part of a broader effort to strengthen Thailand's tourism infrastructure, with the arrival experience at the airport seen as the first link in a wider tourism chain covering airlines, transport, hotels, restaurants, retail and other services.

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Local

Woman Denies Attempting to Seize Temple Land, Promises to Accept Court Finding

A woman claiming inheritance rights to disputed temple land says she'll accept court findings if investigation proves the property belongs to the temple, though she argues her family has legitimate claims based on a 1990 land donation that

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On August 17, 2025 at 4:30 p.m., Pa Da clarified her position regarding her appointment as estate administrator for the disputed land title deed, stating that if investigation confirms the land belongs to the temple, the family is ready to accept this outcome. She emphasized: "If it turns out to be the temple's property, we accept the rules." Regarding the land title deed, Pa Da said she will proceed with verification and that senior officials under the monastic hierarchy will also conduct an inspection. She noted that a previous investigation conducted 2-3 years ago found that Wat Pa Adulayaram was not listed in the temple register, which prompted the family to pursue further investigation. Pa Da stressed that the family does not wish to seize temple land, as they are not in such dire circumstances, but merely wish to exercise their own rights. She questioned: "If your ancestors left you a title deed like this, wouldn't you follow up? If a donation was made but remains under your grandfather's name, would you just abandon it?"

Regarding the source of the land donation, Pa Da stated that a man named Hiang donated the land on August 17, 1990, before Hiang passed away on December 15, 1991. At that time, "it was not yet a temple and had not been constructed." Therefore, the matter must be reconsidered from the perspective of land law and property rights. Since the land was originally owned by Hiang's ancestors, property rights and the executed agreement must be verified. The agreement contained conditional terms, and Hiang died before the temple was even completed.

Pa Da views this as a land law matter requiring application of relevant land laws and ministerial regulations. However, if the investigation confirms the land rightfully belongs to the temple, Pa Da affirmed that the family has no objection and is prepared to accept. She stated: "If investigation proves it correct, the temple has no problem, it is a perfect temple, the heirs have no problem and will not object."

She reiterated her position: "I have no problem, but the property rights belong to our family and our ancestors, so we must pursue this. Whatever the outcome, we must wait." She also appealed to public opinion criticizing the family, saying: "The family is not a ghost or spirit coming to seize property," and counter-questioned: "If your ancestors came to tour, had a title deed like this, would you agree to give it up?"

Pa Da also noted that since this is a dispute between the temple and heirs, she does not understand why the heirs were not called to participate in the investigation. Regarding the family's earlier investigation that found "the name was not in the temple register, so we thought it was not a temple, but the temple's condition was not okay." When asked if she orchestrated the disruption inside the temple, she simply stated: "I am in Bangkok."

When questioned whether Pa Da was a hired debt collector, land broker, or agent, she declined to answer directly but stated that she would not engage in anything improper. Similarly, regarding allegations that women were hired to find monks in the temple to fabricate evidence, Pa Da said she does not know about this and suggested asking local residents who would know the facts. She remarked: "The most unacceptable behavior is a monk having a wife."

Furthermore, Pa Da addressed allegations that she wore a hijab and brought valuables.

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Police

Hat Yai Police Defend Traffic Stops Against Malaysian Biker Boycott Call

Hat Yai police defended traffic stops of Malaysian motorcyclists in August, issuing nine citations for illegal modifications, after viral social media complaints sparked a boycott campaign claiming unfair treatment.

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Hat Yai police have defended their enforcement actions against a group of Malaysian motorcyclists whose social media complaints sparked a viral controversy and boycott campaign. Deputy Superintendent Virasak Pansak explained that officers observed approximately 17 motorcycles from Malaysia on August 17 with modifications including flickering tail lights and loud exhausts, prompting a traffic check at Sai Yai intersection for safety and regulatory compliance.

Police found nine of the 17 motorcycles in violation of traffic laws and issued nine citations totalling 12,000 baht, contradicting online claims of fifteen citations worth 15,000 baht. Fines ranged from 1,000 to 3,000 baht depending on the specific offense. Virasak confirmed officers used calibrated sound-measurement equipment strictly according to legal standards, explaining noise limits clearly to the riders—95 decibels for vehicles registered before 2567, or 90 decibels for those registered from January 1, 2567 onwards.

Virasak stated the viral video distorted facts and that officers treated all tourists, foreign and Thai alike, with equal courtesy and respect without targeting or harassment. He acknowledged concerns about tourism impact but emphasized that enforcing traffic laws fairly upholds the rule of law. After paying their fines, the Malaysian group reportedly posed for photos with police and asked officers to post footage on social media, suggesting relations ended positively.

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Tourism

Bangkok's Giant Copper Buddha Stands 69 Meters Tall

Bangkok's largest Buddha statue, standing 69 meters tall at Wat Paknam temple, is made entirely from pure copper—a world first for giant Buddha sculptures completed in 2019.

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Rising 69 meters above Bangkok, the Phra Buddha Dhammakaya Thep Mongkol is the largest Buddha statue in Bangkok and the third-tallest statue in Thailand. The monumental Buddha statue stands at Wat Paknam Bhasicharoen in Bangkok and has become one of the temple's most prominent landmarks.

The idea to build the statue was initiated in 2016 by Somdet Phra Maha Ratchamangkalachan, the ninth abbot of Wat Paknam, as an offering to the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha, as well as a royal merit-making dedication to members of the Thai royal family. Construction began on March 4, 2017, and was completed in 2019. The statue was named Phra Buddha Dhammakaya Thep Mongkol by Somdet Phra Maha Ratchamangkalachan.

Depicting the Buddha in the meditation posture, the statue faces north and measures 69 meters from its base to the top of its head. Its lap spans 40 meters. One of its most remarkable features is its material. The entire statue was cast from 99.99% pure copper, making it the first giant Buddha statue in the world to be constructed entirely from this material, according to the temple.

The statue's immense scale and distinctive copper surface make it particularly striking against Bangkok's urban landscape. Visitors to Wat Paknam can see the Buddha towering above the temple grounds and surrounding neighborhoods. Today, Phra Buddha Dhammakaya Thep Mongkol is not only a place of Buddhist devotion but also one of Bangkok's most recognizable monumental works of religious art.

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Police

Bangkok Visa Agency Raided Over Forged Bank Documents

Immigration police raided a Bangkok visa agency in Sai Mai district after European embassies reported multiple applicants submitting forged bank statements and documents. The operation uncovered over 400 potentially affected customers and a

1d ago Khaosod

Immigration police raided a visa consultancy office in Sai Mai district, Bangkok, on 17 August 2026 after discovering evidence of forged bank statements and other fraudulent documents used in European visa applications. The investigation began when a European embassy notified Thai police that multiple Thai applicants had submitted suspicious documents, particularly falsified bank statements. Immigration Bureau deputy chief Pol. Maj. Gen. Phanthana Nuchanart ordered officers from Immigration Division 3 to execute a search warrant issued by Min Buri Criminal Court.

Officers seized counterfeit bank stamps, agency stamps, more than 20 suspected fake financial documents, four desktop computers, and numerous forged salary certificates and bank statements. Investigators determined the office was producing fraudulent documents for Thai clients applying for overseas travel visas. When the seized documents were compared with bank records, five cases showed significant irregularities, including mismatched applicant names and actual bank account holders, altered transaction records, and information that contradicted official bank confirmations.

Investigators also discovered that all five applicants' travel expenses were paid using the same foreign bank credit card number. Immigration Division 3 chief Pol. Maj. Gen. Songprod Sirisukha stated that preliminary investigations suggest more than 400 customers may have been affected. The company reportedly charged each client 40,000 baht, totalling over 16 million baht in suspected fraudulent transactions.

The suspects face potential charges under Sections 264, 265, and 268 of the Criminal Code for jointly forging and using forged documents, as well as Sections 251 and 252 for forging official seals. Final charges will be determined after forensic examination of the seized evidence and completion of the investigation.

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National

Prachin Buri Residents Demand Halt to EEC Expansion

Residents of Prachin Buri rallied at the provincial government complex demanding the Prime Minister halt plans to include the province in the Eastern Economic Corridor, citing concerns over Chinese investment and environmental impacts on lo

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Residents and environmental rights advocates rallied outside the Prachin Buri Provincial Government Complex on Monday to oppose plans to bring the province into the Eastern Economic Corridor, saying they would remain at the site until Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul formally signed an order halting the move.

Sumet Rianphongnam and Sunthorn Khomkhai, environmental human rights defenders from the Prachin Strong Network, joined local residents at the government complex in Mai Khet subdistrict, Mueang Prachin Buri district.

Protesters displayed banners calling on authorities to reconsider development plans they fear could affect local communities, livelihoods, natural resources and the environment. Signs read "Prachin Buri does not want the EEC" and "Stop giving Prachin Buri away to Chinese investors."

The group said the gathering was peaceful and called for genuine public consultation before any projects with potentially significant local impacts were allowed to proceed. Authorities were deployed around the government complex to maintain order and facilitate traffic, with no major disruption reported.

Protesters also called on the Prachin Buri governor to sign a letter opposing the province's inclusion in the EEC. One demonstrator wore a mask resembling the provincial governor with the word "China" written across his stomach and fake 1,000-baht banknotes hung around his neck. He scattered the imitation notes in what organisers described as a symbolic protest against concerns over Chinese-funded factories and the handling of industrial development by local authorities.

Chalermchai Klahan read out a statement saying the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee had agreed in principle on 20 May to include Prachin Buri in the EEC. The network said residents had repeatedly submitted objections and supporting information but believed their concerns had not received meaningful consideration.

The protesters said they were also following up on talks with the government on 30 June, when Deputy Prime Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn, acting as a government representative, pledged to raise their demands with Anutin, who chairs the EEC Policy Committee. More than 45 days had passed without a clear response or visible progress, the group said.

The network said it had submitted the names of 11,207 supporters to the government and listed six main reasons for opposing Prachin Buri's inclusion in the EEC, including the province's strengths in organic agriculture, wellness tourism, upstream forests and natural attractions near Khao Yai and Thap Lan national parks. The group also cited existing industrial impacts, noting that Prachin Buri has faced problems involving waste-processing plants, smelters and industrial facilities since regulatory changes introduced after 2016.

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National

AIS Offers Free AI Training at Academy Event

AIS Academy hosts a free two-day AI training event September 11-12, 2026 in Bangkok, featuring workshops and masterclasses with global tech experts aimed at building practical AI skills across Thailand's workforce and businesses.

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AIS Academy is preparing a major AI seminar and exhibition called AIS Academy For THAIs 2026, running September 11–12, 2026 at Samyan Mitrtown Hall under the theme "Mastering AI Beyond Borders." The event brings together speakers and experts from leading global technology partners and organizations to share knowledge and experience, with hands-on workshops and masterclasses focused on practical learning through real-world use cases. Participants will have the opportunity to experience cutting-edge technology firsthand, supported by collaborations between government, education, the private sector, and partners including the National Innovation Agency and the Knowledge Management and Development Office to connect learning with implementation and innovation.

Kantima Lueluert Yuttitham, AIS Executive Vice President for Corporate Business, stated that AIS Academy is ready to adjust its development programs to match Thailand's challenges at each stage, from the COVID period through the aging society and now as AI rapidly transforms the economy, work, and daily life. Rather than just learning AI tools, the focus is on building AI capability so people can learn, adapt, ask questions, collaborate with AI, and create productivity, business growth, innovation, and opportunities responsibly and knowledgeably. AIS Academy For THAIs aims to help Thais understand, use, comprehend, apply, and create value from AI to make it a force for strengthening the nation's competitiveness without limits to knowledge, skills, profession, age, location, or access to information.

The two-day event features diverse AI activities including learning from global experts such as those from AWS, BytePlus, Canva, Google, Huawei, Meta, Microsoft, NVIDIA, Pearson, Samsung, and ZTE, plus over 30 industry specialists; hands-on workshops and masterclasses covering more than 20 sessions with real use cases; AI Interactive Experience booths allowing participants to see and experience cutting-edge technology; and three main content pillars—AI Ready Thailand for national and industry readiness, AI Ready Business for Thai business sector readiness, and AI Ready Skills for Thai workforce development—covering Thailand's AI future, organizational adaptation, and workplace preparation.

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National

Kasetsart University Appoints New 16th President

Assistant Professor Dr. Khongsakdi Thiengthum became Kasetsart University's 16th rector in a formal ceremony on August 17, 2026, pledging to advance the institution through collaboration and shared leadership.

1d ago Khaosod

Kasetsart University held a ceremony on August 17, 2026, to formally receive a royal decree appointing Assistant Professor Dr. Khongsakdi Thiengthum as the university's 16th rector. University Council Chairman Dr. Krit Kiratikorn presided, joined by council members, administrators, faculty, and staff.

After the ceremonial lighting of candles and incense, Dr. Thiengthum accepted his appointment and expressed profound gratitude. He pledged to perform his duties with full responsibility, integrity, and ethics to advance Kasetsart University and create benefits for education, society, and the nation.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Thiengthum outlined his management philosophy, emphasizing collaboration and unity. He stressed the importance of shared leadership, breaking down organizational silos, and adopting a university-wide and national perspective. He highlighted three core principles: Syntegration (collaborative work), shared resource use, and Glocalization (thinking globally while understanding local context).

Dr. Thiengthum noted that the university possesses excellent resources, particularly its talented personnel. He called on all administrators and staff to work together to overcome challenges and fulfill Kasetsart's role in shaping Thailand's future, especially in agriculture and related fields. The new rector emphasized that success requires genuine cooperation, shared ownership of goals, and a commitment to addressing both global issues and Thailand's specific needs.

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National

Khon Kaen Hospital Clarifies Nursing Controversy

A 50-year-old woman admitted to Khon Kaen Hospital with fever died from sudden brain bleeding; the hospital clarified that staff members who posted harsh online comments about the patient were not employees.

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Khon Kaen Hospital has clarified that the nurse and nursing aide who posted inappropriate comments online are not staff members of Khon Kaen Hospital. The hospital expressed condolences to the family of the deceased patient.

Following online criticism of medical staff at a Khon Kaen hospital after a woman posted that she had been waiting so long for treatment she was dying, a nurse replied with a curse telling the patient to go home and die. The woman later lost consciousness in a bathroom and subsequently died.

Dr. Thanasit Pairapong, director of Khon Kaen Hospital, revealed that a 50-year-old female patient was admitted to the emergency room with fever, chills, body aches, and a rash that had lasted three days. Doctors ordered blood and urine tests and admitted her as an inpatient. While hospitalized, the patient remained conscious but her fever did not subside. Doctors conducted blood cultures to identify bloodstream infection and administered continuous antibiotics along with X-rays.

On August 16 at approximately 4:00 a.m., staff found the patient unconscious in the bathroom. Doctors and nurses immediately provided care and detected abnormal vital signs. They intubated her and performed an emergency CT scan, which revealed brain bleeding with a large subdural hemorrhage causing brain stem compression and deterioration of her condition.

Doctors planned surgical intervention, but the patient had low blood pressure and high surgical mortality risk, making surgery impossible. Doctors informed the family of the cause and provided palliative care in the neurosurgical intensive care unit. The family later requested to take the patient home to die.

Regarding the online controversy about inappropriate comments from nursing staff, the hospital investigated and found that both the nurse and nursing aide involved were not employees of Khon Kaen Hospital.

The hospital expressed its condolences to the deceased's family and stated it continues to review and improve its service systems for the wellbeing of the public.

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