On August 19, Parliament President Sophon Saramun presided over the awards ceremony for the Model Parliament competition, organized by the House of Representatives Secretariat in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. The initiative aims to teach youth about parliamentary systems and democratic skills through simulated legislative sessions.

Sophon expressed delight at the students' performances and praised the quality of this year's competition. He suggested sharing competition footage with members of parliament to showcase the young participants' potential. This year marks a pilot phase; in 2027, a nationwide championship will be held with a prize pool of 500,000 baht. Candidates will be selected intensively from provincial level across all regions to identify talented youth and uncover hidden gems nationwide. The programme's true goal extends beyond prize money—it aims to cultivate a deep spirit of democracy among Thai youth.

Sophon stressed the importance of instilling ideals of patriotism and democracy centred on the monarchy, using the metaphor that one reaps what one sows. Today's event, he said, nurtures quality seedlings to form a solid foundation for the nation, since the next generation will shoulder the responsibility of caring for the country. "I entrust this nation to our youth," he said, "hoping they will inspire others to join the 2027 Model Parliament competition and use prize money for education. I hope to see new parliamentary stars of quality emerge from this platform and take active roles in the nation's politics and democracy."

The competition winners were: Triam Udom Suksa Suvintwongse School (champion, 50,000 baht and certificate), Saint Gabriel School (first runner-up, 30,000 baht), Satri Witthaya School (second runner-up, 20,000 baht), and Learn Satit Phattana School (consolation prize, 10,000 baht and certificate).

The Model Parliament format involves role-playing or simulating parliamentary sessions on bill proposals, which schools select according to interest. Each team receives 20–30 minutes to present, practising debate, reasoning, considering diverse viewpoints, and understanding democratic parliamentary processes.

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suryea Jurungruangkit has cancelled all ministry duties to travel to Nan province and assess flooding after severe rainfall caused upper Nan River water levels to surge. Heavy rain fell across multiple areas in Nan province over the past 24 hours, including Pana Sawang School in Pha Ka subdistrict, Ban Rong Ngaeng community in Wornakhorn subdistrict, and the Kun Canal in Silalaeng subdistrict, Pua district.

The minister stated he would coordinate with relevant ministry officials to implement immediate assistance including cargo and livestock relocation, agricultural damage reduction, and veterinary supplies. The ministry urged residents in low-lying and riverside areas to monitor water conditions and government warnings closely. Irrigation authorities have been instructed to maintain full water management readiness and monitor conditions 24 hours daily, coordinating with provincial administrators and disaster management agencies to maximize efficiency and minimize public impact.

The Irrigation Department has already deployed a 24-inch water pump in Muang Nan district and eleven 8-inch pumps in Wiang Sa district. Seven heavy machines including backhoes and dump trucks have been mobilized to remove water obstacles and clear bridge approaches. Authorities continue monitoring and coordinating with provincial leadership, disaster prevention agencies, and local authorities.

The Election Commission (ECT) is launching a creative competition inviting secondary and university students to produce vertical-format video clips opposing election fraud, with total prizes exceeding 124,000 baht and certificates of honor. Submissions close on September 13, 2026.

The Election Commission is building new citizen engagement through a short-video competition for social good under the concept of "White Democracy," part of a project to improve access to election laws, regulations, and information. The initiative aims to give students and university students a platform to showcase creative ideas and promote values of honest, transparent, and fair elections while combating vote-buying fraud through social media.

The competition accepts both individual and team submissions across two categories: secondary education and vocational education, and higher education (university students).

Theme: "White Democracy" promotes values of integrity, transparency, and social responsibility.

Format: Vertical video (9:16), 2–3 minutes long, Full HD (1080p) or better (MP4 file). AI technology may be used to create submissions, but creators must disclose all AI-assisted portions and provide documentation confirming proper copyright ownership.

Total prizes exceed 124,000 baht with certificates and honors.

Higher Education Category (73,000 baht total): - Grand Prize: 30,000 baht with honor certificate - First Runner-Up: 20,000 baht with honor certificate - Second Runner-Up: 15,000 baht with honor certificate - Consolation Prize (2 awards): 4,000 baht each with honor certificate

Secondary and Vocational Education Category (51,000 baht total): - Grand Prize: 20,000 baht with honor certificate - First Runner-Up: 15,000 baht with honor certificate - Second Runner-Up: 10,000 baht with honor certificate - Consolation Prize (2 awards): 3,000 baht each with honor certificate

Participants scoring 60 or above receive certificates of honor.

Submission period: August 19 to September 13, 2026 (closes at 11:59 PM). Submit applications and video files to: Commu.prect@gmail.com

Results announced and prizes awarded by September 2026. Interested parties can download the application form and full rules at www.ect.go.th, the Election Commission Facebook page, or through ECT's other communication channels.

A dramatic scene unfolded on August 19, 2025, when a bronze-gray pickup truck attempted to drive through a raging floodwater current that had cut off a road in the Bang Thung Chai area of Pua District, Nan Province, only to be swept away by the force of the water in front of local residents. The flooding in Nan Province has created a critical crisis as severe flash floods and wild floodwaters have surged following 24 hours of heavy rainfall. Rescue and emergency response units from multiple sectors have mobilized to help evacuate residents from affected areas.

The provincial authorities declared Pua District a disaster zone affecting 12 subdistricts and 107 villages. Lower watershed areas, including Mueang Nan District, remain under the highest alert level, with floodwaters expected to reach the area within approximately 7–8 hours. A social media user shared video footage documenting the moment when the pickup truck lost its battle against the powerful current and was swept downstream in full view of onlookers.

The Department of Special Investigation is investigating allegations that a People's Party member of parliament held shares on behalf of a foreign national. The agency plans to summon the individual to provide information, submit documents, and clarify whether they engaged in illegal nominee shareholding in Phuket. On August 19, 2025, Brigadier Warrant Officer Voranun Srilum, head of the Consumer Protection Division and DSI spokesman, revealed that financial writer Manthanee Tantisuk had shared media clips referring to the People's Party MP whom DSI planned to summon for factual clarification. The investigation stems from allegations that a People's Party member may have violated nominee shareholding laws in connection with a company registered in Phuket. DSI will summon all related parties to provide facts and documents clarifying whether the individual held shares for a foreigner; case details cannot be disclosed at this stage. Srilum explained that the DSI process has two phases: first, investigation of complaints or allegations potentially constituting special offences; the DSI does not wait for formal complaints but must follow criteria set by the Special Cases Investigation Act of 2004 before accepting a case as a special matter. Currently in the investigation phase, if findings show the case meets legal criteria, it will be accepted as a special case for further investigation. If criminal elements are found but criteria are not met, DSI will refer the matter to relevant agencies such as police or the National Anti-Corruption Commission.

A mother has visited the temple to demand justice and clarify facts, firmly denying that her son committed the sacrilege. An incident at Saraket Temple in Muang district, Songkhla, involved someone placing underwear on a Buddha statue, urinating on a principal Buddha image in the main chapel, and destroying religious items including altars and flower arrangements. Investigators believe the perpetrator is a recently released convict seeking to announce his return and exact revenge on a monk who had reported him to police, resulting in his arrest.

On August 19, Monk Aortchai from Saraket Temple revealed that the temple has not filed charges against anyone because the abbot chose to treat the matter as forgiveness. The temple lacks CCTV footage, making it impossible to identify the perpetrator. Monks and villagers cleaned the area, though odors remain, necessitating temporary closure of the affected section.

On the same day, the mother of the suspect visited the temple to seek justice and refute accusations, firmly asserting her son remains imprisoned and under court detention orders, having not been released. She stated she recently visited him in prison, making it impossible for him to have committed the act. She declared that if her son is genuinely guilty, she accepts legal proceedings and punishment, but emphasized that spreading false information has damaged her family's reputation, and she is prepared to pursue legal action against those spreading falsehoods.

The family is willing to provide information, cooperate with police and district officials, and submit documentation proving the son remains in custody to establish the truth and restore justice.