Residents from Pak Mool are preparing to march to Bangkok to demand government action on ecosystem restoration and year-round dam gate opening. Following the Pak Mool fish festival on August 8, 2568, villagers representing the Poor Assembly movement will present demands including compensation for dam impacts and expansion of the dam's operating period to align with fish migration seasons, beginning in April. A coordinator revealed that the dam's 36-year history shows minimal economic benefit from power generation, while opening gates in April alone generated nearly 300 million baht in tourism revenue at Kaeng Saphan rapids, suggesting year-round operation could create substantial economic value. Residents want government agencies to honor a cabinet resolution mandating assistance for Pak Mool residents through timely dam gate openings during fish spawning periods, with clearer implementation guidelines. Health Ministry data showing lower IQ levels among Ubon children may be linked to fish scarcity caused by the dam, the coordinator suggested. A Mahasarakham University scholar noted that even with gate openings, fish don't immediately return to dam-front areas, as fish migration spans approximately 11 months yearly while current management allows only 4 months of operation, disrupting natural reproduction cycles and biodiversity. The academic proposed dismantling the Pak Mool Dam, arguing that government, politicians, dam promoters, and the World Bank should have respected community rights and livelihoods from the outset.

A grieving family collected the bodies of three relatives—a mother, father, and child—murdered and buried by a suspect known as "Por" in Huai Yai subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chachoengsao province. On August 4, 2025, Kritsada, a family member of the three deceased victims, received the remains at the Police Hospital's Institute of Forensic Medicine to transport them for religious ceremonies at Khao Bunyamee Dararama Temple (also known as Thung Kha Temple) in Chachoengsao.

Kritsada explained that Chantana, one of the deceased, was his aunt. He had been assigned by the family to collect the bodies and arrange a Buddhist merit-making ceremony at the temple, with chanting scheduled for three to four nights and a funeral service set for August 8. Kritsada said the family has been unable to accept what happened and finds it impossible to forgive the perpetrators due to their inhumane brutality. He emphasized that Por, who had been released from prison only two months prior, went on to commit murders of five people total and deserves capital punishment.

When asked if he knew the suspect from the community, Kritsada acknowledged knowing Por as a local resident, though they were not close. He noted that Por was known as a troublemaker who carried a gun and threatened people in the village, though he was unsure if police were aware of his behavior or whether Por was an informant. Locals recognized that despite sometimes wearing police-like clothing, he was not a genuine officer.

Kritsada revealed that during a detention hearing, he confronted Por, looked him in the eye, and said, "You will definitely be executed." At that moment, Por lowered his head and raised his hands in apology. Kritsada also criticized the local police response, noting that when he filed a missing persons report on July 7, officers at Huai Yai station were negligent and failed to conduct a serious investigation, which allowed the tragedy to unfold. However, he acknowledged that he is no longer upset about this and has already spoken with the police.

Before taking his aunt's body and the family's remains home, Kritsada said with resolve, "Today I came with the intention of bringing them home." The bodies were then loaded into a vehicle for transport to Chachoengsao province for the religious services.

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.