The Cabinet has approved the appointment of Chanthanon Wannakheched, a special advisor to the Prime Minister's Office, as the new Permanent Secretary of the Energy Ministry, effective August 18, 2025. Chanthanon, 55, brings extensive government experience spanning agriculture, economics, and public administration. His notable career positions include serving as Agricultural Advisor at the Thai Embassy in Tokyo from 2010 to 2014, Deputy Secretary-General of the Agricultural Economics Office from 2017 to 2019, Inspector-General of the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry from 2019 to 2020, and Spokesman for the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry from 2020 to 2025. He has also served as a Special Advisor to the Prime Minister's Office and as Chairman of the Bangkok Metropolitan Water Authority.

A passenger van with Bangkok licence plates carrying 14 Laotian nationals, including the driver, overturned and burst into flames on the Kalasin-Mukdahan highway near Ban Khok Lam village in Khon Kaen province at approximately 5:20 a.m. on August 18, 2025. The van had departed Bangkok the previous evening, headed for Mukdahan province for passenger visa renewal and return home. Emergency responders from three rescue units rushed to the scene, evacuating twelve injured passengers to nearby hospitals including Supphadej Prakayuprach Hospital in Kuchinrai, while two passengers died in the blaze.

Survivors recounted that two young passengers seated near the front had warned the driver about excessive speed—approximately 140 km/h—but after briefly slowing, he resumed the same dangerous pace. A passenger who was injured described observing the driver exhibiting clear signs of drowsiness and abnormal behaviour, including nodding off at the wheel and steering with only one hand. Although the van had stopped for rest earlier in the journey, the driver did not take sufficient sleep before the crash occurred.

The passenger stated he was preparing to warn the driver again about speed when the vehicle suddenly veered off the road and overturned. Authorities from Pong Thong Police Station are conducting a detailed investigation into the exact cause of the accident. The names and identities of the deceased and injured remain under verification.

Deputy Interior Minister Vorasit Liangpraseuth confirmed that the Department of Local Government Promotion will back local administrators moving forward with revoking credentials of civil servants found to have cheated on local government exams, rejecting any suggestion the central government is dodging responsibility.

Speaking at Government House on August 18, 2025, before a cabinet meeting, Liangpraseuth said lists of affected individuals have been distributed to all provinces and will next be shared with local administrative organizations following provincial-level meetings. When asked how local administrators who refuse to sign off on removals will be handled, he explained that local governments are not acting arbitrarily but following data and evidence gathered by investigation teams. The Department of Local Government Promotion has instructed that all information must be accompanied by supporting documentation so officials and the public understand what occurred and can have peace of mind. The department director will continue coordinating discussions for mutual understanding.

When pressed on consequences if local authorities fail to act despite central assurances, Liangpraseuth stressed this is a matter of legal authority and responsibility—not burden-shifting. While the central government wants to resolve the issue completely, different actors have different legal powers and jurisdiction, so implementation must proceed accordingly. He set a deadline of August 31 but said this should pose no problem as many provincial councils are meeting within one to two days.

Addressing concerns raised by the Lamphun provincial governor about the revocation process, Liangpraseuth said he understands the hesitation but action must follow when facts emerge. He emphasized that individuals involved show anomalous exam scores now proven to be incorrect, with documentation showing original versus announced scores. He urged focus on facts rather than other considerations and said that while local administrators must act, the department will provide backing and legal support. All actions will be based on documented fact, with names and signatures already on exam answer sheets. Members of the public have been allowed to review scores without complaint, and the Local Government Association has scheduled a statement on the issue.

Deputy Prime Minister Peeraphan Ratchakij criticized opposition parties on August 18 at Government House for opposing every government initiative without proper justification. He called on all Thais to evaluate proposed projects based on whether they benefit the country, rather than opposing everything reflexively. Peeraphan argued that poorly researched opposition ultimately harms the very causes protesters claim to champion.

Peeraphan noted that resistance to government projects comes from both opposition parties and NGOs, observing that Thailand faces an NGO trap where nearly any government action is challenged, even past cancelled projects like the land bridge. He urged Thais to think carefully about national interest rather than simply opposing or protesting everything.

Regarding the Jao Noi industrial estate revival and the second deep-sea port project in Songkhla, Peeraphan explained these are not new initiatives but were approved by the previous Prayut Chan-o-cha administration. He questioned whether protesters understood the reasoning behind moving the port, citing that the existing Laem Chabang facility has reached capacity and cannot accommodate deeper-draft vessels.

When asked about social media calls for protests at Government House, Peeraphan said demonstrators are welcome to come. He noted that the land bridge project has been cancelled and the Southern Economic Corridor programme suspended, adding that those wishing to sit in the Bangkok sun are free to do so. He acknowledged using strong language but said it was necessary given the circumstances.

On August 18, Industry Minister Warawuth Silpa-archa said this week's cabinet meeting would not include a proposal for a new permanent secretary at the Ministry of Industry. The appointment must wait for Prime Minister Anuthine Charnveerakul and Interior Minister to return from their official visit to Australia and New Zealand before further discussions can be held.

When asked whether current Permanent Secretary Nathpol Rangsitpol, whose four-year term is expiring, will remain in his position, Warawuth explained that under civil service law, senior officials serve four-year terms before being transferred. Special cases allowing officials to stay longer require the minister to request cabinet approval, with a maximum of two one-year extensions allowed.

Regarding reports that the outgoing permanent secretary may transfer to the Energy Ministry, Warawuth said the matter requires discussion with the prime minister and other stakeholders. He noted that last week's cabinet submission encountered incomplete documentation issues, forcing postponement of the agenda item.

Asked whether he wants the current permanent secretary to continue or relocate, Warawuth praised the official's competence and knowledge in automotive and industrial matters, but said any decision requires consultation with the prime minister first. He personally believes the secretary deserves advancement after completing four years, and welcomed reports of a potential transfer to the Energy Ministry, which he described as an important portfolio.

Warawuth confirmed he has discussed the matter with the permanent secretary since taking office and sees no objection. He noted that the Energy Ministry was historically part of the Industry Ministry, so the work would remain continuous.

Asked about reports that Energy Minister Eknaht Promphan does not want and will push for an internal candidate for the new permanent secretary position, Warawuth reiterated that cabinet approval is required. He emphasized that as minister, it is his responsibility to nominate a suitable candidate to the cabinet for approval.

When asked whether the new permanent secretary will be an insider or outsider, Warawuth said the decision is still under consideration. He noted that any candidate would technically be an insider, as they would come from within the Industry Ministry. He joked that there are many capable candidates to choose from within the ministry.