PHUKET: Patong Municipality will stage an emergency exercise this afternoon (Aug 14) simulating floods, storms and landslides, with motorists warned to avoid parts of Pisitkoranee Rd during the drill.
PHUKET: Patong Municipality will stage an emergency exercise this afternoon (Aug 14) simulating floods, storms and landslides, with motorists warned to avoid parts of Pisitkoranee Rd during the drill.
Chiang Mai University donated dust-free classrooms equipped with air purification systems to two early development centers in San Kamphaeng District, creating PM 2.5-safe learning environments for young children amid regional air pollution
Chiang Mai University has donated dust-free classrooms to early childhood development centers to establish clean air free from dust particles and provide a healthy environment for children, creating PM 2.5-safe zones.
Professor Surakiat Satyathai, president of Chiang Mai University Council and acting chair of the Volunteer Foundation for the Times of Hardship under the Thai Red Cross Society, along with foundation representatives, presented dust-free classrooms to two early development centers: On Tai Subdistrict Municipality Early Development Center and Buk Khang Subdistrict Municipality Early Development Center in San Kamphaeng District, Chiang Mai Province.
Associate Professor Praserit Reekgeraigrai, vice rector of Chiang Mai University, led the handover ceremony alongside Chiang Mai University administrators, foundation development officials, officials from the Phrae Energy Research and Development Institute, local government leaders, teachers, students, and community members on Thursday, August 13, 2025.
The Volunteer Foundation for the Times of Hardship under the Thai Red Cross Society and the Surakiat-Sudawan Satyathai Foundation made donations to support Chiang Mai University's Development Foundation and the Phrae Energy Research and Development Institute in operating the Dust-Free Classroom Project. The initiative involves installing air purification equipment and air filtration systems in early development centers across Chiang Mai Province that face haze and PM 2.5 dust pollution, creating clean air environments and safe zones to protect children's health.
A 61-year-old former hospital chief crashed his pickup truck near a sharp bend in Phatthalung late Wednesday, refusing rescue workers' help while showing signs of intoxication before finally accepting hospital transport.
Police received notification at midnight on August 14, 2025, of a pickup truck rollover on Baan Khuan Thob Road near a sharp bend in Moo 4, Phaya Khan Subdistrict, Muang District, Phatthalung. Investigators and rescue workers found a heavily damaged Isuzu pickup with Phatthalung registration flipped on its side. Inside was Sukhawit, 61, a former director of a subdistrict health promotion hospital in Phatthalung, suffering facial injuries and lacerations from broken windshield glass.
When officers attempted to assist and remove him from the vehicle for hospitalization, he refused to exit and displayed obvious signs of intoxication. He remained inside the cab, using his phone and berating the officials. Officers spent several minutes talking and persuading him before he finally agreed to leave the vehicle and accept transport to the hospital for treatment of his injuries.
Initial investigation revealed that the force of the rollover also caused damage to nearby property, including a government direction sign and civilian vehicles parked in front of nearby homes. Police documented all damage as evidence for subsequent claims resolution between the parties. Authorities will conduct alcohol breath or blood testing according to procedure before determining whether to proceed with legal charges.
A 65-year-old man died at a Southern Thailand hospital after waiting two hours without receiving promised pain relief or a CT scan for severe abdominal pain; the scan eventually revealed a ruptured abdominal aorta requiring emergency surger
On August 14, 2025, a family filed a complaint after their 65-year-old relative, referred to as Cham, died at a hospital. His wife, 54-year-old On-see, brought him to the emergency room around 7 p.m. on August 12 when he developed severe abdominal pain and described feeling a hard mass in his abdomen. After an initial ultrasound, doctors told him they would give him a painkiller and he could go home. However, the family says Cham waited about two hours without receiving the promised injection or a CT scan, and his pain continued to worsen.
Around 10 p.m., Cham's condition deteriorated sharply. His daughter asked staff how much longer they would have to wait, expressing concern he was going into shock. Shortly after, he began seizing, vomiting, turned pale, sweated profusely, and lost consciousness. Staff then rushed him to resuscitation, gave him oxygen, and his blood pressure measured around 200 mmHg. An urgent CT scan was ordered and revealed an abnormality in his abdominal blood vessels requiring immediate surgery. Despite doctors' efforts and assistance from a vascular specialist, Cham's pulse weakened and his heart stopped. Resuscitation attempts failed and he died.
The CT scan showed his abdominal aorta was enlarged and ruptured. His wife and 28-year-old daughter posted on Facebook asking why the CT scan was not done earlier when he was conscious and could describe his symptoms, and why the diagnostic and treatment process took so long. They do not seek compensation but want the hospital to explain the delays and review the case to prevent similar losses in other families. They believe faster and more thorough initial examination might have saved his life.
Thailand faces heavy rain across 21 provinces through August 15 due to monsoon troughs and strong southwest winds, with flash flooding risks in low-lying areas and dangerous sea conditions in the Andaman Sea.
The Thai Meteorological Department issued an August 14, 2025 forecast for the next 24 hours, warning that Thailand will continue experiencing heavy rain in some areas, particularly in the eastern region due to monsoon troughs from Myanmar, northern Laos, and northern Vietnam combined with a strong southwest monsoon across the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand. Residents are urged to beware of dangers from heavy rainfall and accumulated rain that may cause flash flooding and flash floods, especially in foothill areas near water channels and low-lying zones, including potential overflow in the northeastern region. The upper Andaman Sea has moderate to strong winds with waves of 2-3 meters, exceeding 3 meters during thunderstorms; fishermen should navigate with caution and avoid thunderstorm areas, while small boats in the upper Andaman should not leave shore. Regional forecasts include: the North with 60 percent thunderstorms and scattered heavy rain, lows 22-28°C, highs 32-35°C, southwest winds 10-20 km/h; the Northeast with 60 percent thunderstorms and scattered heavy rain, lows 24-26°C, highs 32-35°C, southwest winds 10-20 km/h; the Central region with 40 percent thunderstorms and scattered heavy rain, lows 24-27°C, highs 34-36°C, southwest winds 10-25 km/h; the East with 60 percent thunderstorms and scattered heavy rain, heavier in some areas, lows 24-28°C, highs 30-34°C, southwest winds 20-35 km/h, sea waves around 2 meters with over 2 meters during storms; the South (east coast) with 40 percent thunderstorms, lows 23-26°C, highs 31-36°C, southwest winds 20-35 km/h, sea waves 1-2 meters, 2 meters offshore, over 2 meters during storms; the South (west coast) with 60 percent thunderstorms and scattered heavy rain, lows 23-27°C, highs 31-36°C, from Phang Nga northward southwest winds 20-40 km/h with waves 2-3 meters exceeding 3 meters during storms, from Phuket southward winds 15-35 km/h with waves 1-2 meters exceeding 2 meters during storms; and Bangkok with 60 percent thunderstorms and scattered heavy rain, lows 26-27°C, highs 32-34°C, southwest winds 10-25 km/h.
Actor Tono acquired a 50% stake and became co-chairman of Roi Et PB United football club, shifting his focus from entertainment to sports management while maintaining some film projects on hold.
Actor Phakin Khamwilaisikhd, known as Tono, opened up after acquiring a 50% stake and taking on the role of chairman of Roi Et PB United football club. He recently appeared at the Bangkok International Film Festival 2026 press conference at Siam Paragon mall, where he discussed his new venture.
When asked about film work this year, Tono said several film projects have come in, but he remains unsure when production will start. He emphasized that his current focus is entirely on football, though he laughed as he acknowledged he has not abandoned entertainment work entirely.
Tono explained that as a child, owning a football club seemed like a distant dream, but now that he has the opportunity, he finds it both exhausting and rewarding. He faces daily challenges but feels fortunate that Roi Et has only one professional team in the province, with warm fan support. He noted that the club's merchandise sells well and they have recently added a team doctor and improved nutrition for players across the senior and academy levels.
When asked about the challenges he faces, Tono admitted there are quite a few different problems each day, from family and personal issues to keeping everyone aligned toward common goals. However, he said he feels gratified seeing young Isan players receive better salaries, proper sport science support, and fitness coaching.
Regarding stress and pressure, Tono acknowledged it is stressful with daily problems arising, but he loves the work and finds it enjoyable. He noted that the real test will come next month when competition begins, and only then will they see whether fans and everyone remain supportive through wins and losses.
When asked if he bought the team outright, Tono clarified that he took a shareholding as co-owner with another person named Book. He emphasized this is different from his involvement with two previous clubs, where he only helped manage. This time, he is a full owner and managing chairman.
Madame Kaeng hired two attorneys to negotiate with creditors and defendants in multiple overlapping cases, including a 65-million-baht amulet fraud involving three dealers and a document theft case currently under appeal.
On August 13, 2025, Dron Tienthawornwong, known as Madame Kaeng, accompanied by amulet expert Wachrapon Radomsitphattana (Uk Krung Siam) and two attorneys, Chirapun Yanareung and Chetsathon Govitwanich, met with Crime Suppression Division investigators to sign case documents and introduce their legal team. The meeting lasted over one hour. Madame Kaeng stated that her purpose was to sign documents in a fraud case involving three amulet dealers who allegedly cheated her of 65 million baht, and to follow up on other cases in which she is both complainant and defendant. She explained that because she frequently travels abroad and is not familiar with legal matters, she has assigned the two attorneys as primary representatives to coordinate with creditors and defendants, and she is prepared to negotiate whenever contact is made through her legal team.
Uk Krung Siam noted that Madame Kaeng's cases are interconnected and complex, making it necessary to have attorneys coordinate to ensure proper and orderly negotiations. Regarding the 53 amulets valued at 65 million baht that have been traded, their current location is unknown, but he confirmed they are definitely not with Madame Kaeng.
Madame Kaeng further acknowledged that she currently has multiple overlapping cases, including the 65-million-baht fraud case and a document theft case filed by two amulet dealers in civil court, which is now under appeal court review. She has also filed a police complaint with the Crime Suppression Division. She hopes all cases will be resolved soon and firmly reiterated that none of the 53 amulets are in her possession. Those wishing to contact Madame Kaeng to negotiate may reach attorney Chirapun Yanareung at 085-565-6111 or attorney Chetsathon Govitwanich directly.
Sarayuth Chaiyadet, brother of Pinky, was released from Bangkok prison after fraud charges were dismissed in the Forex 3D case. He maintained his innocence, saying he was merely an investor, after spending four years in detention.
Sarayuth, also known as Kittichest Chaiyadet and brother of Pinky, was released from Bangkok Special Prison on August 13 after the court dismissed fraud charges against him. Speaking to media at the prison gate, he said he had always maintained confidence in his innocence, stating he was simply an investor with no involvement in fraud. He thanked the court for its fairness, acknowledged that four years of lost freedom was a long and difficult experience, and noted that all investments carry inherent risk. Regarding any potential counterclaim, he said that was a matter for the future and that he now wishes to reunite with his family.
Police arrested four members of an international call center scam gang that defrauded a 22-year-old university student of over 12 million baht by posing as telecom and police officials. Additional arrest warrants have been issued for nine m
August 13, 2026 — Deputy Police Colonel Aratchwasit Sriboonmanannont, superintendent of Anti-Money Laundering Division 3, led officers from the division's Anti-Money Laundering Bureau in cooperation with Regional Police Unit 6 and Bang Rak Police Station in the arrest of four call center scam gang members: Nattapong, 33; Huynh (Vietnamese national), 38; Tang (Chinese national), 38; and So Mo Thaw (Myanmar national), 29. The first three were arrested in Bangkok, while the fourth was apprehended in Mae Sot district, Tak province.
The case began on August 6 when Bang Rak Police received a complaint from a 22-year-old university student who reported that on August 2, he received a call from a scammer posing as an AIS telecommunications officer, claiming a phone number registered in his name was being used for online gambling. The caller then transferred him to someone claiming to be a Ranong Provincial Police officer.
The fake officer told the victim that his bank account was linked to money laundering and that he needed to transfer funds for investigation. The victim made 10 bank transfers and handed over cash on 3 occasions in person to a masked individual, totaling 12,356,609 baht. The gang instructed him to delete all chat records and photos, then told him to visit a nearby police station to retrieve a check from officers. When the victim went to Yannawa Police Station, he discovered the fraud and filed a report.
Investigators traced the operation to Nattapong, who has a history of drug-related offenses and had been hiding in the Lat Krabang area. Following his arrest, police tracked down and arrested the three other suspects. Authorities have issued arrest warrants for nine additional gang members and seized approximately 1 million baht in cash during the operation. An additional 12 million baht in suspect accounts has been frozen, which may be linked to fraud cases involving other victims.
A 58-year-old man arrested in Chaiyaphum was impersonating a utility official to collect fake bills from residents across northeastern Thailand. The suspect, a fired security guard who drank before scamming victims, had previously served pr
On August 13, officials from Chumphae District, Khon Kaen province—including District Officer Oeuaijai Khambunruang, Chumphae Police Station Commander Rathapol Laoprrom, Deputy Commander Laksan Duanglamphan, and Security Affairs Officer Somkit Chamnaikul—announced the arrest of 58-year-old Chanyawit for traveling around posing as an electricity and water utility official to collect outstanding bills from residents. He was captured in Phu Khiao district, Chaiyaphum, while attempting to flee on a motorcycle.
The investigation began on August 11 when 23-year-old Rungtawan reported being scammed. Chanyawit posed as a utility official, arrived at her home on a motorcycle wearing an official-style shirt, and demanded 1,570 baht in overdue electricity charges, threatening to cut her power if she did not pay. She believed him and handed over the cash. After discovering she had been defrauded, she filed a complaint with police. Multiple Facebook users had already shared images of the suspect's behavior across the area, revealing many victims.
During questioning, Chanyawit confessed that he works as a security guard, was fired for heavy drinking, and was thrown out of his home by his father-in-law. He began traveling on his motorcycle, purchased counterfeit utility company uniforms and fake bills from local shops, and would drink alcohol to gather courage before approaching residents, shopkeepers, and homeowners claiming to collect deposits and settle outstanding bills. Some believed him and paid; others refused. He spent the collected money immediately. He had previously targeted Udon Thani province, was arrested and convicted, served three months in prison, and upon release resumed his scams in Chumphae district, Khon Kaen.
A Buddhist abbot in Khon Kaen province is taking precautions after a woman visited his door at 4 a.m., expressing concern about potential blackmail rather than physical harm. Luang Pho Odul says police are monitoring the situation and he is
Luang Pho Odul has expressed concern about being blackmailed rather than physically harmed, after a mysterious woman came to his door calling at 4 a.m. He reassured family members and lay disciples that he is taking precautions, avoiding receiving visitors alone and refusing to attend external engagements unaccompanied.
On August 13, 2025, at Wat Pa Odulyaram temple in Khon Kaen province, Phra Kru Odul Sarnnithet, the abbot, returned from a scheduled dialysis treatment at Srinakarin Hospital in Khon Kaen. Upon arriving at the temple, relatives helped him walk to his quarters. His sister Naddha then entered with family members and press. Luang Pho Odul assured his sister about his health, noting that police are monitoring the situation and that lay attendants are keeping watch. He emphasized that he takes personal precautions: when relatives visit, temple staff are present; when he has outside engagements, he never travels alone.
Luang Pho Odul also revealed that a woman of ill intent previously came to his door at 4 a.m., but he did not answer. He is not fearful of physical harm but rather of blackmail and reputational damage. He also called for government officials to act neutrally and not be swayed by orders from any particular faction. He noted that his heir has reported him for drug testing four times, and authorities have complied each time, appearing to follow the heir's directives. Despite these concerns, he affirmed that he is not afraid and will not relocate. His sister Naddha spent a short time with him before returning home.