PHUKET: Local authorities are stepping up firearms controls, checkpoints and security at schools following the school shooting in Nonthaburi last Friday (Aug 7).
PHUKET: Local authorities are stepping up firearms controls, checkpoints and security at schools following the school shooting in Nonthaburi last Friday (Aug 7).
Thai horror film 'Ta Khon' premieres at São Paulo's Thai Film Festival in August, with the director and cast attending to meet fans.
The film 'Ta Khon (Ta Khon: The Cursed Mask)' by Star Hunter Entertainment has been selected for its world premiere at the Thai Film Festival in São Paulo, Brazil, on August 14–16 at Espaço Petrobras de Cinema. The director and cast, including Moss Phanumat Sophpradt, Bank Montoop Hematroon, and Mi Phuwadon Nao Sopa, will travel to meet fans at the event.
The KNOT series on Channel One31 continues to gain traction, with its theme song 'Bonding' (Bonding) equally popular. Singer Bot Yongyuth shared his excitement: 'I felt thrilled because this is a rare opportunity. I was nervous in the recording studio, but the producer guided me through vocal delivery, rhythm, and emotional expression, helping me relax and enjoy the work more. The challenge was that this song isn't just a track—it's another chapter telling the character's story, so listeners connect with the series and feel what the character feels. I hope when people hear this song alongside the series, they'll connect even more with the character's emotions and story.'
Channel 3 has partnered with TV Scene to launch 'Rasa Kaal,' a mysterious period drama featuring Kao Nopkao Dechapattakul and Pai Rinrada Kaewbuasai. The plot blends suspense and romance, following Kram, a young chef who owns the mysterious restaurant Rasa Kaal, which bridges past and present. The arrival of Mayra, a woman holding a crucial secret, transforms his quiet world and will air soon on Channel 3.
After successful performances in Taipei, Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Singapore, South Korean indie rock band JANNABI will bring their 'JANNABI 1st Asia Tour: Sweat & Stardust in Bangkok' to Thai fans on Sunday, August 16, 2026, at Siam Paragon Hall. Ticket prices range from 3,500 to 5,600 baht and are available through storebnjent.com.
Thailand's cabinet will hold its first off-site meeting in Hat Yai on August 31–September 1 to address economic development and outdated urban planning in five southern provinces, with the private sector presenting proposals to revitalize s
At 9:40 a.m. on August 11, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phipat Ratchakitprakarn announced that the Prime Minister has approved the first off-site cabinet meeting in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, scheduled for August 31–September 1. The meeting on August 31 will include field visits, and the cabinet session will focus on tackling problems in five southern provinces—Songkhla, Satun, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat—to address livelihood issues and outdated urban planning frameworks.
Phipat noted that he met with the five provincial governors and private-sector representatives on August 9 to prepare for the session. A summary meeting will be held at the Government House on August 25, where all five provinces will present projects aimed at stimulating the economy and propose changes, particularly to zoning and urban planning regulations that have been in use for a long time.
He stressed that budget-framework discussions are not the focus; rather, the private sector will present their needs and proposals. Initial proposals will center on vocational promotion and economic revitalization, especially in the three southern border provinces, which have the nation's lowest average incomes. As the Prime Minister has tasked him with overseeing 14 southern provinces, he seized the opportunity to bring issues of five provinces to the cabinet agenda.
Regarding flooding, Phipat clarified that it is a separate matter. A disaster-management meeting for the 14 southern provinces was already held on August 7, with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation handling flood prevention. He asked provinces to submit their proposals through the provincial governors.
On the Missing Link project, Phipat stated that the Prime Minister assigned Deputy PM Anutin Charnvirakul to review the land bridge proposal, which has now been shelved or cancelled. The Port Authority of Ranong requires further study. He directed the Transport Ministry's Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) to assess whether Ranong Port is suitable for development and public investment, or whether an alternative location should be surveyed.
Phipat added that he would discuss the land bridge with protesters, noting that an memorandum of understanding was signed committing that the term "land bridge" would not be revived. With Anutin's cancellation, the matter is closed. However, developing an Andaman-coast port remains strategically important and an opportunity for Thailand. The choice of port location along the Andaman coast—among Satun, Krabi, Phuket, Phang Nga, and Ranong—depends on feasibility, though Phuket is unlikely to be selected.
Thailand's national football team is preparing for the ASEAN Cup 2026 semifinal against Singapore, with striker Theerasak Phaymaai expressing confidence despite acknowledging their opponents' strong organization and system. The first leg ki
On August 11 at the BGTC 3 training facility in Pathum Thani province, Thailand's men's national football team continued preparations for the ASEAN Cup 2026 semifinal, where they will face Singapore in their opening match. The team shifted training to morning sessions, focusing on reviewing tactics and ensuring players are in peak physical condition.
Strike Theerasak Phaymaai expressed confidence despite acknowledging Singapore's strength, saying: "We're reviewing our tactics and training to build momentum before facing Singapore. I've scored against them before in the ASEAN Cup, so I'm confident, but Singapore is a strong team with an excellent system. Many of their players have been playing together at their clubs for a long time and their team organization is very good, so we need to be very careful. Our goal in the first match is to give our all and bring home a victory. I ask for support from all Thai football fans—we will do our best."
Phaymaai added that the arrival of striker Pommy Patrick Gustafsson has given the team more attacking options. The ASEAN Cup 2026 semifinal will be played on a home-and-away basis, with Thailand traveling to Singapore's Jalan Besar Stadium on August 11 at 8 p.m., before returning to Rajamangala Stadium for the second leg on August 18 at 8 p.m.
Thailand's economy improved in Q3 thanks to government stimulus, but faces headwinds as spending programs shrink and energy costs threaten to squeeze household budgets despite easing overall inflation.
Krungsri Research's weekly economic assessment finds global energy supply disruptions will continue despite Iran and Oman agreeing on shipping protocols through the Strait of Hormuz, with the outcome depending primarily on U.S.-Iran negotiations. High barriers to talks remain after Iran considered legislation banning U.S., Israeli, and hostile nation vessels, keeping energy prices elevated.
The U.S. labor market contracted more than expected in July, with non-farm employment falling 23,000 positions against a forecast of 88,000 gains, while hourly wages slowed to 3.2% year-on-year from 3.4%, below the 3.5% expectation. Despite inflation remaining above the 2.0% target amid high energy prices and trade tariff risks, weakening employment and wage growth are expected to ease demand-side inflation pressure, likely supporting the Federal Reserve in holding policy rates at 3.50-3.75% through year-end.
China's exports drive growth amid weak domestic consumption, with high-tech goods expanding over 50% for a third straight month. The trade war with the U.S. is expected to continue in limited form, with average tariff rates potentially rising but unlikely to exceed previously agreed levels, while controls on advanced technology and military-related goods will remain ongoing policy tools.
Thailand's third-quarter economy benefits from government stimulus measures but faces uncertainty ahead. By end-July, the "Thai Help Thai Plus" program had distributed 86.4 billion baht total—49.6 billion from the government and 36.8 billion from public participation. General inflation eased to 1.95% in July from 2.42% in June due to fuel price adjustments, though processed food prices rose broadly, pushing core inflation to 1.34% from 1.23%.
Despite improved spending and moderating inflation in Q3, Thailand faces economic headwinds ahead: consumption stimulus may fade as Q4's "Thai Travel Thai Plus" carries only 1.75-2 billion baht versus the 120 billion baht in the Help Thai Plus program; medium to long-term measures, particularly the 200 billion baht energy transition investment plan, remain unclear; and cost pressures from high producer prices (PPI at +7.26% in July) may gradually pass through to consumers, squeezing household purchasing power.
Former legislator Chaloeng Riao-raeng was denied bail after being charged with fatally shooting Nonthaburi Governor Thongchai Yenpraserit on August 11. The court cited the severity of charges including premeditated murder and concerns the s
On August 11, 2025, at Nonthaburi Provincial Court, ex-legislator Chaloeng Riao-raeng faced charges for armed assault on Governor Thongchai Yenpraserit, who sustained severe injuries and died shortly after. Investigators from Rattanakosin Police Station filed charges including premeditated murder, attempted murder, illegal firearms possession in public without authorization, and unlawful discharge of explosives under the Criminal Code sections 32, 33, 80, 91, 288, 371, 376, and the Firearms, Ammunition, Explosives and Imitation Weapons Act of 1947, sections 4, 7, 8, and 72. After the remand hearing, Chaloeng requested temporary release. Nonthaburi Provincial Court denied bail, citing the grave and violent nature of the charges, severe penalties, investigator opposition, and concerns he may flee or commit further crimes. The court upheld the remand order. Authorities deployed 20 special task force officers to guard Chaloeng in custody, fearing retribution. Police discovered over 50 bullets and nine firearms at his residence.
Jasmine flower prices have tripled ahead of Mother's Day, reaching up to 2,000 baht per kilogram at Chai Nat market due to heavy rains that have reduced supply across the region.
As Mother's Day approaches, jasmine flower prices at Chai Nat municipal fresh market have climbed steeply to around 1,000–2,000 baht per kilogram, with other flowers also rising sharply. The market atmosphere is noticeably quiet compared to previous years.
Sunant, a flower vendor at Chai Nat municipal fresh market, explained that jasmine prices this year are significantly higher than last year, ranging from just over 1,000 to nearly 2,000 baht per kilogram. Heavy rains across the region have prevented jasmine plants from flowering, reducing the supply reaching markets. Combined with economic constraints, foot traffic and sales have been slow. Garland arrangements retail from 20 to 200 baht depending on size and quality. However, shops have foregone promotions this year because the cost of fresh flowers, especially jasmine, is prohibitively high.
Normally, jasmine sells for 550–700 baht per kilogram, but during the Mother's Day season it jumps to 1,900–2,000 baht per kilogram.
A food vendor was injured when her van struck a wild elephant crossing a Rayong highway before dawn, with the animal escaping into forest after the collision near Pa Yup Nai on August 10.
RAYONG — A food vendor was injured when her van crashed into a large wild elephant crossing Route 344 (Ban Bueng–Klaeng) in Rayong province at approximately 03:15 on August 10, 2026, near the Pa Yup Nai Subdistrict Administrative Organisation at kilometre marker 71+100.
Rescue workers found the van with severe front-end damage, shattered windscreen, and a collapsed roof and bonnet. The driver, who had been travelling with her son, sustained cuts to her head and face and was transported to a private hospital in Chon Buri for treatment.
According to her son Thanadon Khamdee, they were driving with goods for morning food sales when a large shape suddenly appeared crossing the road. In the darkness, they initially mistook it for a tree shadow. By the time they realised it was an elephant, they could not stop, and the van collided heavily with the animal.
The elephant cried out after impact and walked away into a nearby canal before disappearing into the forest toward a reservoir. Its injuries and current condition are unknown.
Wild elephant tracking teams have been deployed to search for the animal to assess injuries and arrange treatment if needed. Officials have urged motorists using Route 344, especially at night, to exercise caution and reduce speed in areas where wild elephants frequently cross. Drivers are advised not to sound horns or rev engines, but instead to stop at a safe distance if they encounter elephants.
Police issued a second summons for YouTuber U-Zhuon in an assault case, requiring appearance on August 15 after the suspect allegedly struck and choked a victim at a Khon Kaen studio in June. Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage and wit
An assault case involving popular YouTuber U-Zhuon, owner of the U-Zhuon Hi-End channel, continues to advance as Khon Kaen City Police have issued a second summons requiring the suspect to appear on August 15, 2024. The victim initially reported the June 18, 2024 incident, alleging that they were struck in the face and choked multiple times at the studio in Khon Kaen province, and subsequently received medical treatment confirming injuries including cuts and bruising. Police are actively gathering evidence from closed-circuit camera footage and have so far interviewed three witnesses, with seven company employees identified as potential witnesses, of whom two have been questioned and one more is being scheduled.
During the investigation, which remains ongoing, the accused previously received an initial summons and through their legal counsel coordinated with investigators regarding the charges. The second summons was issued after detectives determined they needed additional time to compile evidence and complete witness interviews. Investigators are prioritizing the review of CCTV footage and additional witness statements to build a comprehensive factual record before proceeding with further legal action.
A 30-year-old German tourist went missing while swimming at Freedom Beach in Phuket on August 10 despite red flag warnings for dangerous waves; rescue teams suspended the initial search due to poor visibility and rough conditions.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chamklieng ordered the Forestry Department to mobilize forces for search operations following a water incident at Freedom Beach recreation area in Phuket on August 11, 2569. Officials received the initial report on August 10, prompting coordination with the Forestry Department and relevant agencies to launch comprehensive rescue efforts. At approximately 3:49 p.m., Freedom Beach staff notified emergency services after a German male tourist went missing while swimming. Police, the Phuket rescue unit, provincial administration, disaster prevention officials, and Patong Beach rescue teams were immediately alerted and coordinated a search operation with a command center established at Freedom Beach. The missing man was identified as 30-year-old Jannik Juergen Knobel. Despite red flag warnings issued due to strong waves and hazardous conditions, the incident occurred after he entered the water. All agencies launched immediate search and rescue operations. At 6:00 p.m., rescue teams temporarily suspended the search due to insufficient light and continuing rough seas, which posed risks to personnel safety. The search is planned to resume the following day when conditions improve and safer circumstances prevail. At 7:00 p.m., the Freedom Beach recreation area chief coordinated with the missing man's family to notify the German Embassy in Thailand and assisted with filing a police report at Karon Police Station, while arranging coordination for continued search efforts. Minister Suchart stated that the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment has directed the Forestry Department and local agencies to integrate cooperation from all sectors in the search and rescue operation while prioritizing staff safety and providing appropriate assistance to the missing man's family. The public and tourists are urged to follow official warnings and guidance, particularly during strong wave conditions or red flag alerts, to ensure everyone's safety.
Khao Yai National Park now requires permits and training for all forest foragers due to safety risks from wildlife encounters and people getting lost in the vast terrain. The new rules ban nighttime foraging and mandate registration to prev
Nakhon Ratchasima's Khao Yai National Park has announced that all foragers must obtain permits before collecting forest products and mushrooms. Large groups of villagers have been continuously entering the park, raising safety concerns about people getting lost or encountering wild animals such as elephants and wild cattle found near village boundaries. The park is establishing proper authorization procedures for collecting mushrooms and forest products to ensure community safety.
Pravatsat Jantheep, director of Khao Yai National Park, explained that the new regulations must carefully address multiple concerns, including understanding terrain, proper forest conduct, sustainable harvesting practices, and limiting the number of foragers. Since collectors come from diverse areas including Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, and Eastern provinces, enforcement is challenging. The park will implement awareness campaigns and develop long-term strategies over 2–3 years, such as promoting tree nurseries and mushroom cultivation in surrounding communities to reduce forest pressure.
Immediate measures include strict prohibitions: no foraging between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m., no weapons or loud noises (which disturb wildlife and provoke elephants), no off-road vehicles, and mandatory registration before entry to prevent getting lost and enable rescues. All foragers must obtain a permit card through mandatory training at the park office, with registration opening August 13, 2025.