The 'Koh Kret Arts, Land of Siam' project is a new cultural and arts tourism route connecting the Grand Palace in Bangkok to Koh Kret in Ayutthaya Province. The project is run by the Ministry of Tourism and Sports through the Tourism Authority of Thailand in partnership with the Sirikit Foundation. It opens to the public and tourists from August 12 to December 26, 2025, with free shuttle buses operating Wednesday through Sunday, one trip per day.

Tourism Minister Surasak Phancharoenwrakul led an inaugural tour group by bus from the Grand Palace to Koh Kret, visiting key sites including the Khon Learning Building, the Arts of the Land Museum, and the Bhumibol Adulyadej Memorial House, which house exceptional Thai artwork and craftsmanship knowledge.

According to the minister, Koh Kret is not simply a venue for displaying art, but a space reflecting the royal vision of the late Queen Sirikit through the work and skill of Thai artisans. The route opening offers Thais and tourists worldwide the opportunity to see the heart, wisdom, and value behind Thailand's finest art.

The 'Koh Kret Arts, Land of Siam' route is designed to let travelers experience not just the beauty of finished works, but learn the creative process behind them—from training and craftsmanship to knowledge passed down across generations—connecting tourism with genuine conservation and preservation of Thai heritage.

The route launch marks the beginning of broader long-term development plans. The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the Sirikit Foundation, and working teams are planning to develop Koh Kret into a 'national cultural landmark' despite its significant cultural assets remaining relatively unknown.

Development will include designing new tourism experiences, organizing activities reflecting the site's identity, and bringing the stories and processes of craftwork to life. Private businesses will be invited to develop shops, services, and activity spaces appropriately, extending visitor spending and encouraging repeat visits.

The key aim is to make Koh Kret a place where people can spend time, learn deeply about master Thai craftsmanship, and transform cultural assets into economic opportunity that creates jobs and income for artisans and communities while preserving this superior knowledge.

'This project will not happen just one day and end,' the minister said. 'We will make Koh Kret a living, active place with new reasons for people to return. Our goal is to make this location a cultural landmark that Thai people take pride in, and another must-visit destination for tourists worldwide.'

On August 23, 2569, Prime Minister Anuthlin Charnveerakul and the Interior Minister directed security operations in response to violence in the southern border provinces and ordered continued care for affected residents. The Southern Border Provinces Administrative Center (SBPAC) has been tasked with accelerating relief and compensation efforts to ensure citizens quickly access their legal rights. Support covers direct victims, families, vulnerable groups, and those facing economic losses.

The SBPAC has established a communications and legal aid operations center using a case management system with dedicated case managers working at both the regional and individual case levels. Rapid Response teams from all three southern border provinces are already deployed in the field to identify affected persons, verify their eligibility, and track access to assistance while identifying obstacles and responsible parties with clear timelines for resolution.

A hotline 1880 has been opened for affected residents and families to call with questions about their rights and to request immediate assistance. Each case is entered into the case management system for ongoing tracking. The center will maintain a real-time dashboard categorizing cases by color—green for resolved, yellow for in-progress, orange for incomplete documentation, and red for unreached—so officials can instantly see which cases are delayed and where action is needed. Progress updates will be communicated publicly.

The Prime Minister emphasized that struggling residents should not have to seek out government offices; the state must reach out to the people. Support must clarify how each family was affected, what compensation they are entitled to, where their case stands, what obstacles exist, who is responsible, and when resolution will occur. Care will cover medical treatment and rehabilitation for the injured, family and mental health support especially for elderly, children, women, and vulnerable groups, as well as compensation for damaged homes, property, businesses, and lost livelihoods.

Fatima Al-Mansouri, Miss Universe 2025, has broken her silence over a dispute with Nawat Anucha Irkskairayisil, who previously announced plans to press charges against her for defamation and spreading false statements. The Miss Universe Organization subsequently issued a statement of support for Fatima, emphasizing principles of dignity, safety, and women's rights. The two have continued to exchange messages on social media.

Fatima posted on social media saying it is time to tell her story from her own perspective. "I hope that tomorrow, no woman will have to face what I have faced. It is deeply concerning that in the 21st century, women still face intimidation simply for expressing their views, setting boundaries, and demanding to be treated with dignity and respect," she wrote.

"I do not regret defending my space that day. Although the impact of this incident continues months later, if there is one thing I want other women to learn from my story, it is this: standing up for your own dignity should not be a reason to live in fear or threats. Let no threat silence women from fighting for a society where women can speak freely without worrying about punishment for using their voice. The whole world saw what happened that day. Everything has been recorded. There is nothing more to say."

"Today I break my silence so that tomorrow, no woman will have to choose between dignity and her own safety."

Meanwhile, Nawat Anucha posted on Instagram Stories: "No one is above the law. Stop taking advantage of others and creating false narratives. Let the truth and the law be the judge."

Nawat Anucha, currently processing a warrant for Fatima's arrest, has continued posting on Stories. The Miss Universe Organization has issued statements supporting Fatima, emphasizing that women should not remain silent to protect their position.

At 8:30 p.m. on August 22, Thoen Police Station in Lampang Province received a report of a motorcycle crash with a fatality at Nong Chiang Ran, Moo 12, Lom Rad Subdistrict, Thoen District, Lampang. Thoen Hospital's duty doctor and rescue units from Thoen Municipality and the Highway Rescue Division responded to the scene on Phahon Yothin Road.

Police found the body of Witchakorn, a 20-year-old vocational student from Thoen Buri Subdistrict, lying dead on the roadside. His helmet was severely damaged. A black Honda Wave 125i motorcycle with a Lampang license plate was found overturned and damaged nearby.

A witness told police that while driving past the scene, he noticed a blinking hazard light and stopped to investigate, discovering the victim on the roadside and alerting authorities.

Witchakorn was an intern at an automotive service center. He had left work around 7 p.m. on his motorcycle and was returning to his residence when the accident occurred. Police conducted an initial examination with the on-duty medical examiner before releasing the body to relatives for religious rites. The investigation into the exact cause of the accident is ongoing, with police gathering evidence and examining the crash site.

American arrested after allegedly slashing Bangkok officer’s neckLegacyAn American man was arrested in Bangkok yesterday, August 22, after allegedly stealing from a 7-Eleven and slashing a police officer in the neck with a utility knife. The injured officer was taken to hospital and is now in a stable condition. According to investigators, the incident began in the Sua Pa area in the morning when 29 year old Alexander Troy Lopez allegedly stole items from a 7-Eleven. A traffic police officer patrolling the area on a motorcycle attempted to intervene. Lopez then slashed the officer across the neck with a utility knife before running towards Sua Pa Plaza. Photo via Nation TV People at the scene and other officers assisted the injured officer before he was taken to Bangkok Metropolitan Administration General Hospital for treatment. A search for Lopez was then launched. Investigators later received information that a man matching the description was walking towards Suan Mali Roundabout. Officers searched the surrounding area and found the suspect hiding near a temporary shelter beside the roundabout. Lopez was arrested less than 30 minutes after the incident. Police also seized a yellow utility knife believed to have been used in the attack. Photo via Matichon Police said Lopez was initially incoherent, appeared intoxicated and was not fully cooperative. An interpreter was called to assist officers in communicating with him in English and Spanish. Lopez was then taken to Police General Hospital for a physical examination and drug testing. Investigators initially charged Lopez with attempted murder of an officer performing his duties and an offence related to robbery. A preliminary urine test detected methamphetamine. Officers said any additional drug-related charge would depend on confirmation from medical tests, with blood testing and further testing planned. Photo via Siamrath Police are also checking Lopez’s background and immigration status in Thailand and collecting evidence as part of the investigation. The injured officer remains under medical care but is now reported to be in a stable condition. Lopez remains in custody while legal proceedings continue. Related news

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On August 23, Prof. Dr. Suphachai Pathumnaakul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, clarified that the ministry has not yet submitted a proposal for royal endorsement to appoint a Chiang Mai University staff member to the rank of professor. This is because the ministry is still investigating facts and allegations related to complaints, particularly regarding research ethics and how the academic work was obtained. Clear and complete data is required before proceeding to the next stage.

The Permanent Secretary stated that in May, the ministry's office had written to Chiang Mai University requesting additional information and evidence for fact-checking in the complaint case. However, as of now, the ministry's office has not yet received the additional information and documents from Chiang Mai University.

Fact-checking, determining whether research ethics violations occurred, and any disciplinary action remain the responsibility of Chiang Mai University as the employing institution. The ministry will act only within its legal authority and mandate.

Prof. Dr. Suphachai added that the ministry places high importance on research ethics as it is fundamental to building knowledge and academic work. If research and academic outputs lack accuracy or do not follow ethical principles, it undermines the credibility of Thailand's higher education, science, research and innovation system.

He confirmed that the ministry will handle the matter carefully, fairly, and in accordance with academic standards and law. The ministry will not submit a proposal for royal endorsement until there is clear and sufficient verification data.