Natural Resources Minister Mobilizes Aid for Nan Flood Victims

Thailand's Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has ordered a rapid deployment of staff and resources to assist residents in Nan Province following flash floods and flooding triggered by heavy rains on August 19. Heavy rainfall caused extensive damage to homes, property, and agricultural land, particularly in Pua District. The government is prioritizing rescue operations and public safety while preparing for immediate recovery efforts once water levels recede.

59 min ago Khaosod

On August 20, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin issued urgent orders to departments under his ministry—including the National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Department, the Forestry Department, and the Nan Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office—to rapidly mobilize staff and resources to assist and relieve residents affected by heavy rains, flash flooding, and flash floods in Nan Province. The minister emphasized close monitoring of the situation, ongoing coordination with local agencies, and prioritizing public safety and welfare.

Suchart explained that heavy rains in the early morning of August 19 triggered flash floods and flash floods across many areas of Nan Province, especially Pua District, damaging homes, property, and farmland. The government and ministry expressed concern for residents and ordered affiliated agencies to deploy full support for relief efforts while closely monitoring water levels to prepare for any ongoing developments.

"I have instructed all agencies under the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry to deploy immediately to assist residents fully, with public safety as the priority," Suchart said. "This includes helping move belongings, providing convenience to affected people, and preparing for immediate recovery operations once water levels drop and conditions are safe, so residents can return to normal life as soon as possible."

The Forestry Department, under Sukaith's orders, mobilized 50 staff members, 10 vehicles, and necessary equipment to support relief and area rehabilitation. Initial operations include helping residents move belongings, providing convenience to affected people, and supporting other tasks as needed. The National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Department also prepared to mobilize staff and local units to assist affected residents, closely monitoring water levels and conditions to enable swift assistance, with personnel, vehicles, and equipment ready as appropriate.

The Nan Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office serves as the area coordinator, working with local government, local administrative organizations, and relevant agencies to assess the situation and community needs, then coordinating resources from Natural Resources and Environment Ministry departments to reach affected areas and residents quickly and comprehensively.

In the next phase, once water levels drop and conditions are safe, all Natural Resources and Environment Ministry agencies will coordinate with local government and agencies to support recovery operations.

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Police

Woman Found Wandering Naked Through Udon Thani Streets

A 26-year-old woman was found walking naked through Udon Thani city streets on August 19, alarming residents and motorists. When questioned, she told police she was searching for her boyfriend. A school friend disclosed that Beer, once from a wealthy family, had worked at a bar in Pattaya and her behavior changed dramatically after her return, suggesting possible drug use and resulting in episodes of erratic conduct.

1h ago Khaosod

On the evening of August 19, authorities in Nong Na Kham Subdistrict, Udon Thani received reports of a naked woman walking through streets, causing alarm among residents and drivers. Police and locals assisted her by providing clothes and speaking calmly to her before taking her home to prevent harm while she displayed abnormal behavior.

When questioned, the woman, identified as Beer, age 26, said she was looking for her boyfriend named Keng Noi and asked officers to help her find him. Her condition appeared serious. After being clothed, officers took her back to her residence. Initial reports indicate her relatives may be unwilling to take her in.

A close school friend, who requested anonymity as Joe, revealed that Beer previously came from a financially comfortable family. She had worked at a bar in Pattaya with decent income and was known to wear gold jewelry as a sign of her status. In recent months after returning from Pattaya, her behavior changed noticeably, suggesting possible drug use, which resulted in behavioral abnormalities and occasional episodes of apparent unconsciousness followed by public indecency.

Police have taken her home pending close family supervision while investigations into the cause of her condition continue.

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National

Thai PM Pushes Economic Ties in New Zealand Visit

Thai PM Anutin travels to New Zealand from August 20-22 to strengthen economic and trade partnerships, meeting with major companies and counterpart officials as both nations mark 70 years of diplomatic relations.

2h ago Khaosod

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will travel to New Zealand from August 20-22 following his official visit to Australia, seeking to deepen economic, trade, and investment partnerships. This marks his second consecutive international mission. The delegation will depart Fairbairn military airbase in Canberra on Thursday, August 20 at 09:30 local time, arriving in Auckland at 14:45 local time (five hours ahead of Thailand), before settling into accommodation for preliminary meetings.

On his first day, the Prime Minister will focus on business engagement, meeting with executives from Skyline Enterprises and T&G Global, a major New Zealand private company involved in investment, tourism, agriculture, and distribution opportunities. Investment data shows that between 2564-June 2569, New Zealand submitted nine investment promotion applications worth 1.085 billion baht, with tourism accounting for 1.8 billion baht or 80 percent of total investment. Skyline Enterprises alone plans a 871 million baht amusement park project in 2569. Thailand and New Zealand cooperate under three free trade agreements: TNZCEP, AANZFTA, and RCEP, with Thailand serving as New Zealand's second-largest apple export market after China and a potential distribution hub for ASEAN.

On Friday, August 21, the Prime Minister will attend a formal reception before full bilateral talks with the New Zealand Prime Minister to expand cooperation in economics, investment, business connectivity, and people-to-people exchange. The visit coincides with the 70th anniversary of Thai-New Zealand diplomatic relations and efforts to upgrade ties to a strategic partnership, as Thailand pursues economic diplomacy to open new Pacific markets and boost Thai business opportunities in the region.

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Police

Three Laotians Caught Smuggling Six Tons of Avocados Across Mekong

Three Laotian nationals were arrested with six tons of avocados while attempting to smuggle the fruit across the Mekong River into Thailand near Mukdahan in Nakhon Phanom province.

1h ago Khaosod

At approximately 02:30 on August 20, 2025, Lieutenant Oros Buddhako, head of Mukdahan River Station under the Mekong River peacekeeping unit in Nakhon Phanom province, received a tip that smugglers would attempt to illegally transport duty-free goods from Savannakhet province in Laos across the Mekong River into Thailand, targeting the area behind Indochinese Market in Mukdahan municipality. Following the alert, Lieutenant Oros coordinated with Mukdahan River Police and other relevant agencies to inspect the riverbank area behind Indochinese Market in Sri Sumang community. The incident was discovered approximately 1.2 kilometers from Mukdahan River Station.

During the inspection, officers found three Laotian nationals with one steel-hulled boat equipped with an outboard motor. Authorities seized approximately 250 crates of avocados weighing about six tons that had not cleared customs procedures. All three individuals were taken into custody and the goods were confiscated for investigation and legal proceedings.

The seized items include approximately 250 crates of avocados weighing about six tons and one steel boat with an outboard motor. The suspects and all evidence were brought to Mukdahan River Station for processing under relevant laws, particularly customs regulations, and for further investigation into the cross-border goods smuggling operation.

This operation represents an integrated effort by security agencies and law enforcement units in the border area to monitor and intercept illegal goods smuggling that bypasses customs procedures, particularly along the Mekong River, which is a critical border area of Mukdahan province.

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National

Government Bank Launches Seven-Point Flood Relief Package

The Government Housing Bank launched a seven-point relief package for flood victims in northern Thailand, offering debt restructuring, zero-interest loans, and potential debt forgiveness for borrowers whose homes were destroyed by severe fl

1h ago Khaosod

On August 20, Deputy Government Spokesman Lalida Perischvivat revealed that the government is concerned about residents in Nan province and the upper northern region affected by severe flooding from heavy rains and flash floods. The Government Housing Bank has implemented seven relief measures for 2025 to reduce financial burden and support housing reconstruction, covering debt relief, payment suspension, and loans for repairs or new housing for both regular account holders and non-performing loan borrowers.

For NPL borrowers whose collateral was damaged, debt restructuring is available for up to 18 months with zero interest for the first six months and no payment installments required. NPL borrowers affected by income loss can restructure debt for up to one year with zero interest for the first six months and minimum monthly payments of 1,000 baht, applied entirely to principal reduction.

The government emphasized that if a home is completely destroyed and cannot be repaired, the Government Housing Bank will consider forgiving the structure portion of the debt on a case-by-case basis for both regular and NPL borrowers. Borrowers will only repay the land value portion, relieving them of debt for the uninhabitable structure.

For borrowers with home insurance policies covering natural disasters through the bank's partner insurers, an expedited Fast Track claims process is available. Policyholders can file claims using damage photos and receive compensation up to 20,000 baht without additional documentation requirements. The government recommends affected residents photograph their homes and damaged property before cleanup begins to support rapid claim processing.

The government stressed that home loss extends beyond property damage to include living expenses during recovery, and assistance measures are available even for NPL borrowers. Affected residents can apply at all Government Housing Bank branches nationwide immediately, or contact the G H BANK Call Center at 0-2645-9000 for more information.

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National

Young Artist Quits Scholarship Dentistry for Personal Pursuits

Young dentist Mark Thanat resigned from his government-funded position after ten years of non-stop work and study to pursue personal interests and travel documentation. The actor and artist, who maintained his dental license, launched a You

1h ago Khaosod

Young artist and actor Mark Thanat, also known as Mark Kamikazeee or Dr. Mark, has resigned from his government-funded dentistry position after ten years of uninterrupted study and work. Mark announced his resignation on August 7, 2026, in a video explaining that he had never taken a break since age thirteen, when many knew him as a singer. He was accepted to Mahidol's dental program at eighteen, completed his degree, worked one year as a dentist, and continues to hold his dental license despite resigning from his position.

Mark explained his decision: "I felt like I was someone who worked non-stop for ten years without ever taking a rest. Everything was forced upon me—I had to work according to a set schedule, attend classes and exams, and work regardless." He said he simply wanted a brief moment to do something for himself without a clear plan for what comes next.

One regret has stayed with him throughout the decade: despite traveling extensively, he rarely recorded videos or captured memories from his trips. Mark has launched a YouTube channel called Thanat Rattanasiriphan to document his journeys, so he can look back and remember where he has traveled. He clarified the channel is primarily for himself, but welcomed others to follow along if interested. His resignation announcement video has garnered over 170,000 views, with commenters offering encouragement and support for his decision to live life on his own terms and take time to recharge.

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National

Gold Prices Surge Over 1,500 Baht, Ornamental Gold Breaks 70,000

Gold prices jumped over 1,550 baht on August 20, with ornamental gold breaking through 70,000 baht per baht as traders expect prices to climb another 1,000-2,000 baht when markets reopen.

1h ago Khaosod

Gold prices on August 20, 2026, surged by 1,550 baht compared to the previous trading day, according to the Gold Traders Association. Ornamental gold selling prices have broken through 70,000 baht per baht, reaching 70,650 baht per baht. Gold bars are currently trading at 69,650 baht per baht for buying and 69,850 baht per baht for selling. Ornamental gold (96.5%) is being bought at 68,250.32 baht per baht and sold at 70,650 baht per baht. Global gold spot prices are at 4,495.00 US dollars per ounce. Trade association leaders predict that gold prices may rise another 1,000 to 2,000 baht per baht when markets open tomorrow, potentially pushing ornamental gold past 80,000 baht per baht.

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Breaking

Floodwaters Breach Nan City, Economic Zone Submerged 1.5 Meters

Floodwaters have inundated Nan city's economic zone with water levels reaching 1.5 meters in low-lying areas, though authorities expect conditions less severe than the 2568 typhoon-driven disaster if no heavy rain occurs in the next 24 hour

1h ago Khaosod

Floodwaters from upstream areas have breached into Nan city, with water levels in the economic zone reaching 1.5 meters. The provincial governor has issued orders for continuous 24-hour monitoring, with early assessments suggesting the current situation will not be as severe as the 2568 flood disaster.

On August 20, reporters documented the ongoing flood situation in Nan province. Water flowing down from the north entered the Nan River before breaching the municipal administrative area, affecting critical economic zones including homes, shops, hotels, and important religious structures such as Phumin Temple. Water levels in most areas are around 50 centimeters, but in low-lying areas near the river—including Tha Chang, Don Kaew, Suan Tanlang, and Don Si Serem villages, as well as Puang Payom and Tha Li—water levels have reached 1.5 meters. Water continues to rise as backflow through drainage pipes persists, causing levels to increase in multiple locations.

As of 7:00 a.m., measurement station N.1 at the Mueang Nan Forestry Office recorded water levels at 8.53 meters, 7 meters above normal bank level and exceeding the municipal barrier level of 8.50 meters. Station N.64 at Pha Khwang measured 9.57 meters, while station N.13A at Pai Ngam in Wiang Sa district recorded 8.14 meters against a normal level of 6.50 meters.

Nan Municipality continues operating three large-capacity pumps at Khlong Chaofah around the clock, each capable of pumping approximately 180 cubic meters per minute, to fight the overflow from the Nan River and rapidly drain water from economic zones and residential areas to minimize impact and damage.

Nan Province Governor Chaiyarong Wongchai stated that the province continues closely monitoring the situation and preparing comprehensive response measures. Although the current event is not expected to be as severe as the 2568 flood, which was influenced by Typhoon Nipa, authorities remain vigilant given the sustained high water levels in the Nan River and continued inflow from upstream areas.

However, if no heavy rainfall occurs over the next 24 hours in upstream areas and Nan province, the situation is expected to gradually ease and water levels will begin to recede. The next 24 hours remain a critical monitoring period. The provincial government urges residents in at-risk areas, particularly in Mueang Nan and Phu Phiang and Wiang Sa districts—the downstream water-receiving zones—to closely monitor official announcements and be prepared to immediately move belongings, vehicles, and vulnerable persons to safe areas if evacuation orders are issued.

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Police

Police Arrest Six Teenagers, Seize Guns and Explosives

Six teenagers were arrested in Bangkok's Bang Khen area after police seized firearms, explosives, and jungle knives during an early-morning sweep operation on August 20.

2h ago Khaosod

Bang Khen Police Station, working with the Metropolitan Police Bureau Special Weapons and Tactics Division, arrested six male teenagers and seized firearms, explosives, and jungle knives, with cases referred for immediate legal prosecution.

At 2:00 a.m. on August 20, 2025, Metropolitan Police Bureau Region 2 Commander Kiatsul Suntinaen, along with Deputy Commander Seksin Supauan, ordered units under Bang Khen Police Station to conduct an illegal-activity sweep. Officers from the Metropolitan Police Bureau Special Weapons and Tactics Division, numbering six personnel, carried out a search operation in the Bang Khen Police Station area.

During the operation, police checked 29 motorcycles and 49 individuals before apprehending six male teenagers. Seized items included two firearms, eight .38-caliber bullets, one explosive device, four jungle knives, and one suspected motorcycle. The suspects and evidence were handed to the investigation team at Bang Khen Police Station for further legal proceedings.

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Regional

Neighbors Complain as Woman Keeps Over 20 Barking Dogs

A 72-year-old resident in Pattaya's Jomtien Beach area filed a complaint after a neighbor kept over 20 barking dogs, disrupting the community. Pattaya officials mediated and secured an agreement to relocate the dogs to a new property once i

2h ago Khaosod

On August 20, 2026, a 72-year-old resident named Rewat filed a complaint through the media about a neighbor keeping over 20 dogs in the Jomtien Beach area of Pattaya. The barking disrupts the entire community, causing significant disturbance and annoyance. Officials from Pattaya City, led by Assistant Administrative Officer Anukit Bunching, immediately visited the scene.

Rewat explained that he had approached the neighboring homeowner politely as a neighbor, but was cursed at in return. The woman, claiming to have lived in the community first, refused to cooperate. He was forced to contact the media and file a formal complaint with Pattaya officials.

When reporters interviewed the dog owner, a 60-year-old woman known as "Pa Chum," she expressed displeasure at being reported to the media and having officials visit. She insisted that newcomers to the community must accept her presence there first. "It's just over 20 dogs—how loud can they really bark?" she said. She claimed to have already built a new home for all the dogs but has not yet moved them.

During the conversation, Pa Chum became angry and rushed toward Rewat, shouting at him, forcing other neighbors to intervene and separate them.

Officals then invited Pa Chum's husband to mediate, as they believed he would be more cooperative. He explained that his wife has bipolar-like tendencies, becoming easily angered and emotional, especially when dogs are mentioned. He said his wife has an irrational love for dogs and frequently brings stray dogs home from the streets.

The husband clarified that he has rented two acres of land and built a house for the dogs. It is awaiting electrical connection and budget approval. In the meantime, he plans to gradually move the alpha dogs—those that bark the most—to the new location to reduce the noise problem.

Once the new house is completed, all dogs will be relocated. Pattaya officials recorded an agreement between both parties. The complainant thanked the husband, preferring to resolve the issue amicably as neighbors. The community association acknowledged that many residents had complained and hoped the matter would be resolved quickly, as the woman was uncooperative. They commended Pattaya officials for intervening and helping reach an understanding that would restore peace to the neighborhood.

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National

Doctor Warns of Premature Dementia Risk From Popular Drinks

A Thai doctor warns that plant-based milk drinks with added oils consumed in large quantities daily significantly increase dementia and early-stroke risks, especially among Thais with existing metabolic conditions.

2h ago Khaosod

While occasional consumption may be harmless, many Thais drink several glasses daily. Doctor Oak warns that certain beverages pose risks of cognitive decline, early-onset stroke, and Alzheimer's disease—yet many Thais consume them heavily. Doctor Oak, or Dr. Suparuk Vicharanya, owner of the Doctor Oak DoctorSixpack Facebook page, posted a video titled "Quick Check: Drinking These Beverages Risks Dementia and Early Stroke." He warns against plant-based milk drinks with added oils. Doctor Oak cautioned against consuming milk-based drinks with added oils, advising people to avoid plant-based milk with oil as an ingredient. He stated: "Three drinks you shouldn't consume because of risks of Alzheimer's, thickened blood, and early-onset stroke—yet many Thais drink them regularly. Doctor Oak revealed that frequent consumption of such beverages increases dementia risk. 'My patients drink them, and some of my students I had to tell to stop because they already have high blood sugar, high blood pressure, high uric acid, and fatty liver—all of which increase dementia risk.' 'Plant-based milk with added oils—try checking these. Drinking small amounts might be okay, but many people drink one, two, or three glasses daily. This is excess energy that shouldn't be consumed at all. If you want a healthy brain, to avoid weight gain, diabetes, and fatty liver, avoid plant-based milk with added oils and sugar.'"

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