The Ministry of Interior, through the Department of Community Development, is preparing to hold the "Artisan Prestige Thailand OTOP—United by Royal Grace" event in 2025, featuring OTOP products from over 2,000 retailers nationwide. Deputy Minister Polpeer Suwannachawi said the event will generate at least 800 million baht in economic circulation, benefiting families, raw material suppliers, craftspeople, and community networks across Thailand. The public will also be able to use the "Thai Helps Thai Plus 60/40" discount program when purchasing goods.

The event runs from August 8–16 at the Challenger Building 1–3, Impact Muang Thong Thani. The Ministry views OTOP as a critical tool for driving grassroots economic development and creating a new generation of Thai entrepreneurs capable of competing in the modern trading landscape. The government has elevated the service through the "OTOP One Stop Service" center, offering comprehensive support including fast-track certification, packaging design, access to special-rate financing, and expanded online and offline marketing channels.

The event will showcase OTOP products across five categories and feature new zones including OTOP MuTelu—highlighting local beliefs, talismans, auspicious objects, and Moo art—and OTOP Craft & Design, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design and lifestyle concepts. The event also honors the late King Bhumibol's legacy of preserving and promoting Thai wisdom and handicrafts, while featuring live-streaming studios for online shoppers.

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Here is a look at the top NATIONAL Thailand stories, chosen by our Pattaya News/TPN National team, from last week, Monday, July 27th to Sunday, August 2nd. They are not in any particular level of importance but are listed in the order of date of publication. July 28th, 2026, the Kingdom of Thailand marks the […] Top National Thailand Stories From the Past Week: Bodies of Missing Two Russians and Three Thais Found in Pattaya, and More -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

MP Phawut Phongwittayapanu appeared at the DSI on August 3 evening to answer charges of unauthorized forex trading, bringing all supporting documents to clarify his position. He categorically denied all allegations, stating he had explained everything transparently and could answer any additional questions investigators might have. Phawut confirmed that investigators did not mention the alleged 800 million baht financial trail during today's interrogation, and he provided full documentation of all money flows, insisting none came from scams or fraud but were legally obtained through gold trading and other legitimate sources.

Regarding the 28 million baht linked to him, Phawut said he could explain it but requested to keep some details confidential, noting he was not overly concerned as it was fully explainable. He expressed slight worry about the severity of the charges but remained confident in his clarifications and pledged full cooperation. On criticism that he abandoned the TH-AI Passport investigation after the forex case emerged, Phawut explained he had become heavily involved in committee work and as committee chair, and other MPs are now handling the project directly. He indicated he may reduce his role going forward due to other pressing parliamentary work on foreign platforms and legal reform, though his stepping back was not abandonment but a natural shift to allow colleagues to lead.

Thailand's National Blood Service is inviting all citizens to participate in the "United Thailand" blood donation campaign during August to honor Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, and receive a special commemorative stamp marking her 80th birthday. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Dujjai Chaiyawanitsiri, director of the National Blood Service under the Thai Red Cross Society, explained that August 12 is both Mother's Day and the birthday of Queen Sirikit, who has served as patron of the Thai Red Cross for 70 years since 1956. Under her royal patronage, the Thai Red Cross has advanced humanitarian work according to international Red Cross principles, bringing welfare to people and the nation. The Queen's consistent support for blood donation services, including her tradition of presenting commemorative pins to donors, has encouraged continuous and sustainable blood donations motivated by deep gratitude for her patronage. Donors participating between August 10–14 at the National Blood Service on Henri Dunant Road or at 12 regional blood centers nationwide—in Lopburi, Chachoengsao, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Sawan, Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Si Thammarat (Thung Song), Songkhla, and Phuket—will receive a commemorative stamp honoring Queen Sirikit as Thai Red Cross patron. To qualify for the commemorative stamp at the National Blood Service headquarters, donors must pre-register online via the National Blood Service Facebook page and follow the service's LINE Official Account (@nbctrc).

Benz Racing and his mother Helen, a former lawyer who allegedly defrauded clients of 3 million baht, have been arrested and sentenced to three years imprisonment without awaiting appeal finality. On August 3, 2026, the Criminal Court on Ratchdamri Road scheduled the reading of the Supreme Court's verdict in case number Aor. 3452/2562, filed by plaintiff Suparpen Vorojarajarajadet against former lawyer Siwawit Samredsophon on charges of filing false lawsuits and making false statements in court proceedings.

According to the plaintiff's complaint, on November 15, 2017, the defendant filed false charges against the plaintiff in criminal case Aor. 3534/2560, alleging obstruction of justice and defamation. The plaintiff claims the defendant falsely alleged she had unlawfully taken a service contract document. However, on October 6, 2017, the plaintiff presented the same contract as evidence in a civil case—evidence the plaintiff denies ever using falsely. The defendant, a lawyer at the time, was later disbarred by the Bar Association on February 8, 2018.

The trial court found the defendant guilty of multiple offenses: one year imprisonment for filing false charges and two years for making false statements in criminal proceedings, totaling three years. The Appeals Court reduced the sentence to eight months. When the Supreme Court scheduled the verdict reading on July 7, 2026, the defendant failed to appear, leading the court to issue an arrest warrant and forfeit bail.

On the date of this report, Muang Pathumthani police arrested the defendant and presented him to the court per the arrest warrant. The Supreme Court examined the case and found that the trial court had dismissed charges against the plaintiff's son regarding drug offenses, convicting the defendant only on money laundering charges. The court determined that because the plaintiff had removed the defendant from the legal profession and used documents in litigation until the suit was dismissed—documents the defendant never actually used—the defendant had legitimate grounds to demand the return of his service contract.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin expressed condolences for the death of a 13-year-old boy from box jellyfish poisoning while swimming at Ban Fai Tha beach in Sichon district, Nakhon Si Thammarat on August 1, 2025. He ordered the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources to coordinate with relevant agencies to closely monitor the situation and intensify public awareness about jellyfish prevention and first aid to prevent recurring incidents and reduce potential harm.

Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi, director of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, stated that local agencies are coordinating with provincial health officials, local government organizations, and beach operators to continuously monitor conditions and alert the public and tourists, especially in high-risk areas. Water activities should be suspended if venomous jellyfish are spotted or authorities issue warnings, and people are urged not to touch jellyfish directly and to strictly follow official instructions.

Correct first-aid procedures include: immediately remove the victim from water to prevent drowning, have them lie still, and call emergency medical services at 1669. Pour vinegar continuously on the affected area for at least 30 seconds to inhibit toxin release, then use tweezers to remove any tentacle fragments. If the victim stops breathing or their heart stops, perform CPR immediately while awaiting hospital transport.

Using fresh water, plain water, alcohol, or rubbing, massaging, and scrubbing the wound is strictly prohibited as it triggers the stinging cells to release more toxin, which can be life-threatening. Vinegar inhibits the stinging cells' function but does not relieve pain. The Department has installed vinegar stations with first-aid instructions at public beaches in high-risk areas and educated tourism operators ahead of jellyfish season. The public can access situation updates and jellyfish information through the Marine Warning system at warning.dmcr.go.th and the Marine Warning mobile application.