Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dismissed reports of anti-government protests as fake news on August 17, saying the public should verify information before consuming such media. When asked whether the government was concerned about escalating unrest, he stated that the government is performing its duties with full commitment, honesty, and integrity.

Regarding the opposition's plan to file a no-confidence motion, Anutin said all cabinet ministers are prepared to address opposition concerns and provide clarity to the public, not just parliament members. He emphasized that each minister mentioned in opposition criticism must be ready to respond.

When pressed on whether the opposition's no-confidence motion focuses on the Senate charter controversy, Anutin clarified that the government has no connection to the Senate, as that is a separate institution. The government began operations in 2569 while the Senate started in 2567, he noted.

Anuthin stated that the government will only address questions related to its actual performance. When asked about recent disclosures of Senate charter discussions by opposition lawmakers, he said the issue cannot be directed at him as he is in the executive branch, and he viewed it as an attempt to undermine government credibility.

"This is a game by people not in government who want to be in government. Don't overthink it. Everything comes down to the election results. They lost the election, so they must accept the rules," Anutin said, calling on critics not to remain outside the political game.

Prime Minister Anuthun Charnweerakul stressed that the Thai Help Thai Plus Phase 2 program must address what truly improves quality of life for citizens—a daily consideration, not a single-issue program. He rejected comparisons to welfare or populist policies, saying the approach must be collaborative and well-timed.

Addressing balance between economic activity, public cost reduction, and government budget management, the Prime Minister noted that multiple factors must work together. While government has a duty to care for public welfare, the method cannot rely on welfare-state or populist models; it must be a shared effort at the right moment.

When asked whether Thai Help Thai Plus Phase 2 will proceed, he replied that improving quality of life demands continuous thought and planning across many areas, not just one program. Regarding treasury capacity, he confirmed that funding has not been depleted in the past.

Content creator Trai Scott has filed a report after experiencing this serious social violation of being secretly filmed in a public bathroom and having the footage shared online. Previously, Scott had screenshotted a post on X (Twitter) showing someone had secretly recorded him entering a public restroom and then posted the video to a group chat. Scott responded with an angry post condemning the act as a serious social threat: "What the hell, someone secretly recorded me in the bathroom and posted it on X... Why would you do this? What right do you have to violate someone else? Sexual coercion and harassment - people like this are a real danger to society." Scott has now filed an official police report. In a heated follow-up post, Scott wrote: "I've filed a report. Pack your bags! You're about to take pictures and record videos in prison. Let's see if the inmates will like you." Source: psiscott

PHUKET: The Department of Mineral Resources has designated Karon as a model area for landslide and flash-flood prevention, more than two years after a landslide in the same area killed 13 people and an official investigation identified development at the Big Buddha viewpoint as a contributing factor.

The Po Tek Tung Foundation launched its annual Kin Kaew tradition distribution ceremony at the foundation's cemetery in Ban Phaew district, Samut Sakhon province. Led by Dr. Suthat Techawiboon, Vice-Chairman, alongside board members Sirikul Ophaswong, Charurutt Kunattanan, and Wisit Limpraana, the foundation distributed 6,000 packages of essentials and 200 baht in transport allowances to impoverished residents in neighboring areas. This year's distribution was expanded compared to previous years to meet increased demand and rising living costs, with items including rice, instant noodles, canned fish, fish sauce, cooking oil, snacks, and clothing packed in foundation bags.

During the ceremony, foundation staff and volunteers, led by honorary volunteers Siriporn Ophaswong and Sirivarn Ophaswong, provided food and beverages to recipients. Celebrity volunteers including Tuang Tung Kamani, Than Jirruchai, Piyawat Ratthanroowijit, Patcharamay Boonlertkul, Thanakrit Praamyen, Khwanchai Yenpayap, and Jutnirath Chaicharoemphol added entertainment to the event, creating an atmosphere of joy for both donors and recipients.

The foundation has decided to increase package quantities this year to address growing demand and rising household expenses for the poor. Beyond the main event, additional distributions are scheduled for August 25 at a Chinese medicine clinic in Sri Racha, Chonburi, and September 9 at the foundation's Bangkok branch. On August 21, the foundation will dispatch a caravan of supplies from the Jade White Guan Yu Shrine in Sathorn district to reach poor residents across six Bangkok districts and three provincial areas, with a total value of 15.8 million baht. Donors can continue contributing care packages and make merit dedications for the deceased through the foundation.

Toyota Gazoo Racing Thailand, supported by Toyota Motor Thailand and collaborating with Thai engineering teams from Toyota Motor Asia (Thailand) and TCD Asia, delivered an excellent performance at the Asia Cross Country Rally 2026 (AXCR 2026), piloting the Hilux TRAVO to second place in both the T1D class and overall standings while also claiming the team championship runner-up award. The team successfully navigated a brutal 2,000-kilometer course from Pattaya to Phitsanulok over six days and six stages.

The AXCR 2026 is one of Asia's most challenging cross-country rally events. This year's route ran from Pattaya in Chachoengsao Province through Prachuap Khiri Khan, Nakhon Sawan, and Kamphaeng Phet before finishing in Phitsanulok. Competitors faced high-speed dust trails, gravel roads, water crossings, muddy tracks from monsoon rains, steep inclines, and technical off-road sections that tested driving skills, navigation, and vehicle performance comprehensively.

Throughout the six-day, six-stage competition, Toyota Gazoo Racing Thailand stayed close to the front runners. The Hilux TRAVO demonstrated speed, durability, and reliability under extreme racing conditions while the engineering and service teams worked tirelessly to maintain three race vehicles. Car number 102, driven by One-Mana Phonsiricharaind with co-driver Ton-Kitsak Klinjanchon, achieved the best performance in stage four and led that day before finishing second in both the T1D class and overall standings with a combined time of 13 hours and 45 seconds. Car number 107, driven by Joob-Nathpol Angrithanont with co-driver Tam-Thanypat Meenul, finished 11th in the T1D class and 20th overall with a time of 16 hours, 40 minutes, and 39 seconds. Car number 130 in the T2A-D class, driven by Kaeng-Phurimasai Thinjanchon with co-driver Lek-Prakay Namjai Thahan, secured seventh in class and 16th overall with a time of 15 hours, 13 minutes, and 35 seconds.

Team director Suthipong Smitchat said after the competition: "AXCR is a challenging event for cars, drivers, and teams in every dimension. This year everyone worked at full capacity—drivers, co-drivers, engineers, and service crews. This success is not only a proud competitive result but another test of both the vehicles and drivers. We thank everyone for their support and cheering throughout the event."

Beyond the competition success, the AXCR 2026 served as an important testing ground for gathering data from real-world operating conditions under the harshest circumstances, evaluating performance, durability, vehicle control, and component reliability. This data will feed back into vehicle development under the vision of "Making Ever-Better Motorsports-Bred Cars," evolving racing-proven vehicles into better automobiles for everyday use.