Thailand – Education Minister Prasert Chandraruangthong has said he plans to seek Cabinet approval for tougher school safety rules that would allow designated teachers to inspect for and confiscate weapons following the recent violence at a school in Nonthaburi. Prasert is expected to submit the proposed Ministry of Education rules to the Cabinet today (Aug […]

At 12:45 p.m. on August 11, 2025, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul announced strict firearms control measures at the Government House. He ordered Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilprapath to urgently draft a new firearms law and instructed the Interior Ministry and National Police Office to suspend all permit renewals in categories 3, 4, and 12 until a new cabinet resolution is issued.

Anutin emphasized that enforcement guidelines and penalties must be toughened significantly, with authorities conducting random checkpoints targeting guns and narcotics. He stated that no bail will be allowed for firearm violations, and those caught will be detained. He stressed that civilians should not believe claims that carrying firearms for self-protection is acceptable, warning that most gun-carriers end up harming themselves.

When asked about online firearms sales, Anutin declared a blanket prohibition: without a license, possession means prison—no middle ground. He said the government will consult with prosecutors and courts to ensure swift prosecution and opposition to bail.

On registered legal firearms, Anutin clarified they must remain stored at home only and cannot be carried outside. Illegal guns must be surrendered within a timeframe set by law. Inherited guns in unsuitable condition will receive an exemption from prosecution if returned on time.

Concerning legally owned firearms, Anutin confirmed a complete ban on carrying them outside the home for non-state officials not on duty. Even athletes training at shooting ranges must leave their guns at the facility, purchase ammunition there, and account for all rounds. He noted that other countries enforce such bans strictly, with some imposing capital punishment.

When asked if authorities will confiscate guns from individuals with threatening or violent behavior, Anutin indicated that with no carry permits in place, such people should not possess firearms at all.

Geely Riddara Thailand continues to make waves in Thailand's new-energy pickup market after achieving 409 registrations in July and climbing to the fourth-ranked position in the four-door pickup segment for the second straight month. The brand maintains its leading position in Thailand's new-energy pickup market overall, demonstrating sustained sales growth and reinforcing consumer trust in electric pickups as a reliable, affordable solution that meets both practical and value-conscious needs across commercial and everyday use.

This success comes amid a shift in Thailand's pickup market, where consumers and business operators are increasingly prioritizing operating costs, efficiency, and long-term value. As a result, new-energy pickups are gaining wider appeal—not just as alternative vehicles, but as essential tools for both commercial and personal use, including family and lifestyle applications. The Riddara RD6 exemplifies this trend with its "Function as a Pickup, Drive as an SUV" philosophy.

A key growth driver for Geely Riddara is its comprehensive product strategy targeting two main customer groups. The Riddara Econ Series is designed for commercial and hauling use, appealing to business operators seeking cost-effective, high-torque performance. The Riddara RD6 Series addresses dual-purpose buyers wanting versatility, technology, and a smooth driving experience. The brand currently offers five variants priced between 739,000 and 1,149,000 baht—one Econ model (63 kWh 2WD) and four RD6 options with varying battery and drivetrain configurations.

Beyond product strength, Geely Riddara has built consumer confidence through test drives, product communications, targeted promotions, and an expanded dealer and service network now comprising 29 showrooms and service centers nationwide. The brand continues to elevate after-sales service with genuine parts availability and trained technicians to ensure high-quality customer satisfaction.

A durian orchard owner in Phatthalung province has filed a complaint with police after a fire destroyed over 70 trees and other fruit plants valued at more than 300,000 baht on August 10, 2024. Theeratep and Naiyana, the owners, suspect the fire was intentionally set, as the blaze occurred in an area near a neighbor's property with whom they have had an ongoing conflict. The dispute began when the neighbor objected to the owners' land improvements and constructed an unauthorized structure on public land. After the Quanmaphrao subdistrict municipality ordered the structure removed within 30 days, tensions escalated, leading to verbal abuse and the neighbor throwing guava fruit at Theeratep, causing injury. When the orchard caught fire at midday, locals and municipal firefighters extinguished it, but Theeratep believes it was deliberately set due to the fire's proximity to the neighbor's house. He has filed a report with Muang Phatthalung police for investigation.

UBON RATCHATHANI — An unlicensed taxi driver has admitted charging a Lao passenger 4,500 baht for a 94-kilometre journey and agreed to refund the 3,600 baht he received. The driver was also fined 2,000 baht by the provincial transport office for using a vehicle for an unauthorised type of service and had his private driving licence temporarily suspended.

The case came to light after a Lao passenger posted a video of his conversation with the driver, who had allegedly charged 4,500 baht for a trip from the Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Transport Office to the Chong Mek border checkpoint in Sirindhorn district, approximately 94 kilometres away. The fare was eventually negotiated down to 3,600 baht.

Following the incident, transport officials summoned the driver to meet investigators at Mueang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station. Sajja Sarawit, 32, appeared before Pol Col Saksri Krairat, chief of Mueang Ubon Ratchathani Police Station, to give a statement.

Sajja admitted charging the Lao passenger 4,500 baht, explaining that the fare was eventually negotiated down to 3,600 baht. He said the passenger had arrived at the bus station, where he approached and offered a ride. He initially quoted a rate of 50 baht per kilometre before picking up the passenger and luggage and driving them to the Chong Mek border checkpoint. Upon arrival, he calculated the fare at 4,500 baht. The passenger offered 1,500 baht instead. Sajja said he told the passenger that he had no other customers and suggested going to the police, leading to further negotiations that resulted in the final fare of 3,600 baht.

Sajja apologised to the Lao passenger and offered to return the full 3,600 baht. He deposited the money with transport officials for the passenger to collect. The Ubon Ratchathani Provincial Transport Office also fined him 2,000 baht for using the vehicle for an unauthorised type of service and temporarily suspended his private driving licence.

Pol Col Saksri advised Sajja that if he wanted to work as a black-plate taxi driver, he should apply for proper registration with the transport office. He also said Sajja could register to work as a ride-hailing driver. After giving his statement, arranging the refund, and being fined under transport regulations, Sajja left the police station.