PM Anutin Explains Thaksin Meeting, Rejects New Coalition Partners

PM Anutin dismissed speculation about coalition changes and defended his recent encounter with ex-PM Thaksin at a funeral as routine respect-showing among government allies. He emphasized the government's focus on delivering policies like t

3d ago Khaosod

At 14:00 on August 15, 2025, at Bangkok Railway Station, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Chaiyawongse, speaking as leader of the Bhumjaithai Party, addressed his encounter with former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, his daughter Paetongtarn Shinawatra, and former PM Somchai Wongsawat at the funeral of Kriang Kalpitinant, a former deputy interior minister.

"We met at the funeral of someone we respect," Anutin said. "This wasn't a social gathering. Exchanging greetings and showing respect is normal."

When asked if he would meet Thaksin again, Anutin said he has remained in contact with Thaksin, Somchai, and Paetongtarn since knowing them. "Why wouldn't we meet? We're in the same government. There's no reason not to."

On the political adage that there are no permanent allies or enemies, Anutin said that if aligned goals—benefiting the people and strengthening the nation—are shared, personal grievances should take a back seat.

Regarding suggestions to bring new parties into the coalition, Anutin brushed the question aside with "Has that ever happened?"

When pressed on talk that some parties are waiting to switch sides, Anutin noted that all parties naturally want to govern. "But once elections are held and a government is formed, everyone must do their job fully—the opposition must oversee, and the government must work hard."

Asked if he is confident the government will last the full four years, Anutin laughed and replied, "We must stay the course if we can, to benefit the country and people."

He expressed concern that government policies achieve their targets. He noted that the popular 60-40 Thai Help Thai Plus scheme has earned public approval and boosted economic figures, which he hopes will continue improving.

When told that people want Thai Help Thai Plus to continue in phases, Anutin said he hears all feedback but emphasized the need to consider methods, budgets, and maximum benefit. "This isn't welfare populism," he clarified. "It's about giving people a stake in national development and lifting the economy."

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Police

Authorities Seize Over 40,000 Illegal Cigarette Packs in Chachoengsao

Excise authorities seized 40,500 packs of illegal cigarettes in Chachoengsao worth 3.6 million baht, with projected fines exceeding 38 million baht. The contraband was discovered at a distribution center and forwarded to police for legal ac

3d ago Khaosod

The Excise Department has seized 40,500 packs of illegal cigarettes in Chachoengsao province, with an estimated street value of 3.6 million baht and projected fines exceeding 38 million baht. Excise Director Pornchai Theerawech stressed that the department prioritizes prevention and suppression of illegal goods, especially contraband cigarettes, which damage the economy, reduce state revenue, and distort fair trade. He instructed all subordinate agencies to increase rigor in investigations, monitoring, and enforcement against smuggling and the distribution of tax-evading products, with proactive and strict law enforcement.

Following these directives, multiple excise offices coordinated an inspection of a suspected shipment at a distribution center in Chachoengsao on August 13, 2025. Officers discovered a violation of the Excise Tax Act and seized 40,500 packs of illegal cigarettes held for sale without tax payment. The estimated street value was approximately 3,645,000 baht, with projected excise tax of 2,543,400 baht and estimated fines of 38,151,000 baht. The seized goods have been forwarded to Laem Chabang Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Director Pornchai reaffirmed that the Excise Department will continue strict and sustained efforts to prevent and suppress illegal cigarettes and contraband goods. The department will prioritize active investigation and inspection to intercept smuggling and the distribution of untaxed products, applying the law decisively against offenders to protect state interests, ensure fair trade, and boost confidence among law-abiding businesses.

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National

Ruling Coalition Backs Late Governor's Grandson for Nonthaburi Post

The ruling coalition in Nonthaburi has endorsed the grandson of a late governor who was killed in a shooting last week to run for the provincial administrator position.

3d ago Khaosod

The Phuea Luang faction, comprising members of the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization Council under the leadership of the late Pol. Col. Thongchai Yen-praserit, held an emergency meeting on August 15, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Hall 5 of Saphan Sung Temple in Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi Province. Thongchai was killed on August 10 when former three-term Nonthaburi parliamentarian Chalop Rueang-raeng opened fire as the governor was preparing to leave the parking area behind the provincial administration building.

Following discussions among council members of the Phuea Luang faction, the group formally resolved to endorse Naruephan Yen-praserit, grandson of Pol. Col. Thongchai Yen-praserit, to run for the vacant position of provincial administrator. Candidate registration will be held on August 18. The faction believes that Nonthaburi residents, familiar with Pol. Col. Thongchai's accomplishments as former administrator, will support his grandson in honor of the late official, even as the Palang Prachachon Party announces its own candidate for the race.

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National

Premier Warns Against Easy Money Scams, Easy Cash Does Not Exist

Prime Minister Anutin warned the public to reject scams promising easy wealth, emphasizing that overnight riches don't exist and urging victims to report fraudsters to police immediately. Call center scams have dropped over 50 percent in re

3d ago Khaosod

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul warned the public not to fall victim to scammers promising easy wealth, speaking at Bangkok Railway Station on August 15 after opening the Digital Shield campaign. He emphasized that people should ignore such calls even when threatened or when callers claim to be relatives in debt, and should report immediately to police.

"Tell yourself not to follow their instructions, no matter what threats they make," Anutin said. "If you can file a report and log it with police, the police and the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society will coordinate to rapidly arrest and prosecute these criminals."

Anutin stated that overnight wealth and high returns from one or two phone calls simply do not exist—only deception that causes suffering. He cited statistics showing that call center scams have dropped by more than 50 percent over the past six to seven months, thanks to coordinated work with agencies including the Anti-Money Laundering Office. He noted that while authorities are pursuing perpetrators and seizing cash assets, some may disappear before seizure or be laundered before confiscation.

When asked about the government's targets for reducing fraud cases, Anutin said the goal is set at the highest level and requires a comprehensive campaign so people do not become victims. He cited tragic cases in which government employees and retirees lost four to five million baht in savings from a single scam call promising high returns.

"If people avoid becoming victims of these criminals, they can live normally without debt and retire happily," he said. "In this world, easy money does not exist. Don't do anything and just believe others will make you rich. In reality, that is not how the world works."

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Police

Famous Boxer Suriyun Released After CT Scan Shows No Brain Bleeding

ONE Championship boxer Suriyun Saengtiannoi was hit by a minivan while jogging in Pathum Thani Province on August 15, but a CT scan confirmed no brain bleeding or broken bones. He remains hospitalized under observation with only minor bruis

3d ago Khaosod

The team of Suriyun Saengtiannoi, a renowned ONE Championship boxer, has updated his condition following a CT scan after he was struck by a minivan while jogging and sustained injuries. Doctors are monitoring him closely.

Suriyanth Thiennoi, 29, known as Suriyun Saengtiannoi, a famous Muay Thai boxer with ONE Championship, was hit by a minivan while exercising along a roadside on Khlong Prem Road in Chiang Rak Noi subdistrict, Samkok District, Pathum Thani Province, on the morning of August 15.

Latest Update (August 15, 2569): The Sangtiennoi Official page provided an update on Suriyun's condition following the accident that occurred today. Suriyun has completed his CT scan. The scan results show no brain bleeding and no broken or fractured bones.

Suriyun is currently alert and able to communicate normally. He has bruising across his body from the accident but no serious wounds. He remains under close medical supervision and observation for safety. The team thanks all the messages, concerns, and encouragement sent to Suriyun Saengtiannoi, and asks the public to follow official channels for accurate updates to prevent misinformation. Further updates will be provided as they become available.

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Community

Thai Actress Denis Opens Up on Horror Film Career Path

19-year-old Thai-American actress Denis Jeleelah returns to horror films in "The Confession of a Spirit Doctor," balancing acting with studies while reflecting on her challenging but rewarding journey in the entertainment industry.

3d ago Khaosod

Nineteen-year-old Thai-American actress Denis Jelilchaha Kappun has established herself as a regular in horror films, from the sci-fi thriller The Wailing through her current role in The Confession of a Shaman Doctor, now playing in cinemas. Another horror film, Exchange, is scheduled for release in early November. Denis opened up about her frequent work in the horror genre, life in the entertainment industry, and the goals she hopes to achieve.

On her character in The Confession of a Shaman Doctor, Denis explained: "This isn't just an ordinary ghost film—it's more like a life drama that tells human stories. I play Mali, a factory worker who becomes the girlfriend of Doctor To, played by Alek Theeradej. She brings light into his world, and as a character, she sets many things in motion. I can't really spoil this character, so everyone should watch the film."

When asked how the role challenged her, Denis said: "This is another character I've never played before. I'd only done the three Wailing films where I played the same character for three years. Moving to Mali, who is quite different from that character with a different life story and added complexity—even if there aren't many heavy scenes, there are small details to capture. There are also some cute moments. Beyond Alek's dark storyline, all the characters are dark and dramatic, but my part shows a sweeter side of Doctor To."

On working alongside veteran actor Alek Theeradej, Denis praised his dedication: "Alek committed fully and lost weight very quickly. By the time we started filming, he'd already slimmed down significantly. During our workshop, we had to prepare scenes together because the relationship develops rapidly—from strangers to lovers. We needed to build chemistry before filming those scenes."

Denis also expressed gratitude for working with other accomplished actors, saying she felt fortunate to learn from experienced cast members including Alek, Chakrit, Bam, Ranya, Wai Faulkner, and Am Amporn. "Each person has their own style and technique, and I'm grateful to have worked with them all."

On life at nineteen, Denis reflected: "This year started quite heavy. I've been busy constantly—traveling abroad frequently, flying often for work and filming while studying. I've been growing and learning alongside my age. Life gets busier each year, but that's good. If life were always easy, I might get bored. My life isn't easy at all, but there's plenty to learn and it's actually quite fun."

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National

Thai Craft Institute Elevates Phatthalung Artisans Through Sustainable Model

The Thai Craft Promotion Institute is boosting artisans through a sustainable business model, with Varni Craft in Phatthalung exemplifying how traditional palm-weaving can become premium lifestyle products while generating community income.

3d ago Khaosod

The Thai Craft Promotion Institute (SACIT), under the Ministry of Commerce, is driving Thai handicrafts toward sustainability through a Sustainable Craft Business Model designed to systematically strengthen Thai artisanal potential across economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions, aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. SACIT has selected Varni Craft from Phatthalung province as a successful model for creating sustainable local handicraft practices under an ESG framework, elevating local wisdom into globally recognized creative business.

Director Anucha Theerakanan of SACIT stated that the institute is advancing Thai handicrafts under the vision "Nurturing Thai Crafts to Global Trends," using the Sustainable Craft Business Model as a framework for integrated development of Thai craft entrepreneurs across the entire value chain.

This encompasses preserving knowledge and cultural capital, upgrading artisan skills, product design and development, responsible production, co-creating value with communities, and building brands to expand markets. The goal is to enable Thai handicrafts to compete in modern markets while preserving local identity and wisdom alongside generating stable community income.

"This model is not merely an environmental practice, but a strategy that transforms Thai crafts into premium lifestyle products, drives sustainable growth in the Thai craft ecosystem, and establishes Thai crafts as a genuine 'planet-conscious brand'," Anucha said.

Varni Craft from Phatthalung, founded in 2014 by Manutphong Senghuad, an heir to traditional palm-weaving craftsmanship under SACIT, represents a concrete application of the Sustainable Craft Business Model. It has transformed the palm-weaving knowledge of the Thale Noi community into contemporary lifestyle products through brand identity development, modern product design, and upgraded production processes aligned with circular economy principles. This has created added value while generating income for producers in the community and expanded business opportunities in both domestic and international markets.

Vice Director Sangravee Singhawibuul noted that Varni Craft's success demonstrates the transformation of the palm plant—traditionally viewed merely as wetland vegetation in the Thale Noi area—into a valued community commodity. Through upcycling and creative innovation, it generates continuous income for the locality.

"The product has also been elevated through geographic indication (GI) registration, recognizing that palm plants from Phatthalung's unique wetland ecosystem possess special properties: resilient, supple fibers and natural beautiful colors. Combined with traditional weaving wisdom, this creates craft products with both cultural storytelling and international quality standards," Sangravee concluded.

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National

Mahachulalongkorn University Signs Academic Partnership With Royal Thai Air Force

Mahachulalongkorn University and the Royal Thai Air Force signed a five-year academic partnership to integrate Buddhist teachings with modern education and develop sustainable national initiatives. The agreement includes personnel exchanges

3d ago Khaosod

Mahachulalongkorn University has expanded its academic cooperation network with government agencies by signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Royal Thai Air Force. The five-year agreement aims to integrate Buddhist teachings with humanities, social sciences, and modern management education while promoting sustainable national development.

Phratephvajrasarbandित (Prasarn Chantsaro), Vice President for Planning and Development, signed on behalf of the university, while Air Chief Marshal Saksorn Kantha, Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force, represented the military branch at the ceremony held at Air Force headquarters. Senior military and university officials attended the signing.

University executives involved in the signing included Phrathpanyavajrabandित, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Phramaha Somchai Kittipanyo, Head of the Foreign Language Department; and Kiattisak Sukleung, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs.

The agreement establishes three main areas of cooperation: promoting security activities to support national security, religion, and the monarchy; developing educational, research, and innovation initiatives including personnel and resource exchanges; and supporting staff exchange and knowledge transfer programs.

Vice President Prasarn Chantsaro stated that the partnership represents a significant step in integrating Buddhist scholarship with modern science to create social and national value. The collaboration will serve as a foundation for producing knowledge and innovation responsive to social change while developing personnel with expertise, capability, and moral character to drive sustainable national development.

"This memorandum is another important milestone for Mahachulalongkorn University in expanding cooperation with government agencies to elevate education, research, and academic services to society," Prasarn Chantsaro said.

Air Chief Marshal Saksorn Kantha also signed similar academic cooperation agreements with Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University and North Bangkok University.

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National

Thailand Pushes Stricter Gun Laws Despite Sports Shooting Concerns

Thailand is tightening firearms laws to prevent mass shootings while negotiating with the shooting sports association over rules that restrict athlete training and gun transport. Officials say they'll balance public safety with reasonable a

3d ago The Thaiger Crime

Thailand moves ahead with gun law despite sport shooting concernsLegacyThailand’s government is pressing ahead with stricter firearms controls, even as the country’s shooting sport association raises concerns that the new rules are disrupting athlete training and gun transport. The prime minister addressed the pushback after the shooting sport association flagged that tightened gun control measures were making it harder for competitors to move their firearms and continue regular training. He said the Interior Ministry’s Department of Provincial Administration, the Sports Authority of Thailand, and the shooting sport association are now working closely together to resolve the issue. Anutin Charnvirakul confirmed the government will continue pushing additional firearms control legislation. He added that officials would examine the details carefully to ensure the rules are proportionate and don’t create problems for people who legitimately need to use firearms, particularly athletes. One of the main points under discussion is how gun transport should be handled in different situations, including when owners relocate or travel to training sessions and competitions. Anutin said clear guidelines are needed so movements can be properly tracked, without becoming an obstacle for athletes doing their jobs. He said all relevant parties would be given the chance to help shape the new rules. The government’s main goal, he added, is to draft legislation that prioritises public safety and closes loopholes that let firearms fall into the wrong hands, while still striking a balance so the sport shooting community isn’t hit harder than necessary.

In a related development that has driven the government’s push for firearms control, Thailand has recorded six major mass shootings over the past six years, in settings ranging from shopping malls to schools. The story Thailand moves ahead with gun law despite sport shooting concerns as seen on Thaiger News.

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National

Deputy Interior Minister Orders School Lunch Investigation in Surat Thani

Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liengprasert has ordered an investigation into complaints about meal quality and portions at Wat Pradu 1 Municipal School in Surat Thani following social media criticism.

3d ago Khaosod

Deputy Interior Minister Worasit Liengprasert has ordered a thorough investigation into concerns raised on social media about lunch quality and portions at Wat Pradu 1 Municipal School in Mueang Surat Thani, following online criticism about the appropriateness, quality, and quantity of meals provided to students.

Liengprasert stated that relevant agencies must investigate the facts in detail, as school lunch is a direct benefit for children. Schools must assure parents that their children receive adequate and appropriate meals. He stressed that children's meal concerns cannot be dismissed as mere social media comments and must be seriously investigated, including menu items, portions, quality, procurement processes, and inspections—all of which must comply with standards and nutritional requirements.

The deputy minister instructed provincial and local authorities to check the reported concerns and produce a clear public report to build parent confidence. The investigation aims not merely to determine right or wrong, but to assess whether documented processes match reality.

"Good school meals must pass both the system and the eyes of those who actually eat them—the children," Liengprasert said. "Documents must be correct, processes must be verifiable, and food on the plate must be quality, appropriate, and sufficient. We must examine every dimension because the goal of lunch budgets is not just procurement, but ensuring children eat well and receive proper nutrition for their age."

Local authorities must closely monitor school lunch programs, verifying that meals match planned menus, portions are adequate, and inspections follow proper procedures with transparency. If complaints arise, they must be the starting point for investigation, with schools and local bodies held accountable. The Interior Ministry will follow up on findings and ensure compliance with relevant standards, with student welfare as the priority.

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Community

Shrine Crowds Seek Blessings Before Lottery Draw

Devotees flocked to Rishi Monastery in Ayutthaya on August 15 to seek blessings and divine luck before the lottery draw, with some examining candle wax patterns in blessed water hoping to divine winning numbers.

3d ago Khaosod

On August 15, 2569, reporters documented the bustling atmosphere at Rishi Monastery, Dhatu Buddha Kun in Tambon Po Taeng, Bang Thai District, Ayutthaya Province—a well-known spiritual tourist destination. Throughout the day, locals and visitors continuously paid respects to sacred shrines seeking blessings, spiritual merit, and good fortune. The monastery grounds featured multiple sacred sites for worship, including a nine-faced Phra Vessuwan statue standing 16 meters tall, the shrine of Mae Takhian, Phra Phikhaneswar, Phra Sangkachai, Luang Pho Mi, Chindamani Cave, and the Golden Child statue of Jao Sua Heng. Devotees brought offerings including pumpkins, red water, snacks, toys, bicycles, and rice.

Many visitors also participated in ceremonies led by the monastery's rishi monks, including the ritual of opening the fortune's golden face, anointing the hands, and bathing in blessed water for auspiciousness, prosperity, career advancement, and business success. Former leading actress Mae Duang Kaew, mother of actors Sarama and Nam Petch from the Sarama-Nam Petch ensemble, donated 150 kilograms of rice and drinking water to the monastery, continuing her regular devotional visits.

At the merit pavilion near the grandfather rishi's shrine, many lottery hopefuls examined drops of red candle wax appearing in the blessing water, attempting to discern lottery numbers. Clusters of numbers including 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 8 were observed. These numbers represent only what devotees personally perceived from the candle wax droplets according to individual belief and do not constitute any official lottery result confirmation.

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