Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over a ceremony at Government House on August 7, 2025, to award outstanding village headmen and local administrators in recognition of their dedicated service to their communities.

Anutin addressed the tragic school shooting in Nonthaburi province that morning, in which teachers and students were shot, resulting in deaths and injuries. He emphasized that such incidents cannot be allowed to happen again, as they devastate families, cause severe psychological trauma to survivors, and undermine society itself.

Anutin stated that his Interior Ministry has consistently refused to permit ordinary civilians to carry firearms since he took office three years ago. He explained that gun ownership among the general public serves no legitimate purpose and only increases the risk of tragedy when people lose rational control. "We must eliminate the tools that enable such violence," he said, noting that despite past criticism from weapons dealers, he prioritizes social safety over commercial interests.

Anutin acknowledged that previous governments lacked the parliamentary majority to amend weapons laws, but his current administration will now work to strengthen legislation for maximum public safety. He announced that the government has issued a directive—signed by both the Prime Minister and the Interior Minister—prohibiting firearm possession except for authorized government officials performing official duties.

Anutin called on village headmen and local administrators to enforce this directive strictly. "Even government officials cannot carry firearms off-duty," he stated, urging community leaders to identify and prosecute anyone illegally carrying guns in their areas without exception. He warned that allowing illegal gun ownership is like closing the barn door after the cattle have escaped, and noted that even untrained gun owners pose a greater danger than skilled ones because they may shoot indiscriminately.

Anutin expressed deep sorrow for the families of victims and all students and teachers affected by the day's shooting. He announced that his government will urgently deploy mental health teams to provide counseling and support to affected students and families. He also stated he would visit the shooting site later that day.

The Teochew Association of Thailand is inviting the public to view an exhibition of historical photographs and Teochew culture paired with a special screening of the film "A Letter to Mom," creating an emotional cinematic experience. The event has become one of the year's major cultural gatherings that film enthusiasts and art lovers should not miss. Chairman Somchai Wetchakorn of the Teochew Association of Thailand and world-renowned photographer David Lao have transformed a downtown cinema into a place of valued memory through the "Historical and Cultural Exhibition of the Teochew Community," featuring exclusive historical photographs and a 10-minute short film documenting the journeys, love, bonds, and contributions of Teochew Chinese who settled in Thailand over the past 200 years, accompanied by a special screening of "A Letter to Mom" at SF World Cinema, 7th floor of CentralWorld shopping mall.

The event atmosphere was warm, with Somchai Wetchakorn welcoming distinguished guests and national leaders from both government and business sectors, including Culture Minister Sabidah Taiyaset, Chinese Ambassador Zhang Jianwei, and other prominent figures who gave speeches expressing their joy. The exhibition's highlight is the display of 103 carefully selected historical photographs sourced from century-old photographs and documents, allowing attendees to experience the perspectives and lifestyles of the Teochew community of the past, including traditional tea culture, ancient teahouses, elegant traditions, and exquisite Teochew cuisine that has become part of modern Thai life.

Beyond the valuable photographs on display, there is also a special 10-minute short film created by David Lao that chronicles the history of Chinese diaspora and Teochew immigrants who came to settle in Thailand over 200 years ago, showing their struggles, perseverance, and contributions to Thailand's economy, society, and culture, as well as the long-standing relationship between Teochew Chinese and the Thai monarchy during the reign of King Taksin. The special screening of "A Letter to Mom," a heartwarming story of the year that tells of a Teochew family and transmits language, culture, and intergenerational memories, serves as the event's other major highlight.

Actor Faye Aksorngkul, co-owner of LouLou.BKK, has launched an eco-conscious café at The New SC Experience Space on the 5th floor of Siam Paragon's Nextopia zone. The project presents a new dimension of the "Feel the New SC" concept, blending design, art, scent, sound, and flavor in a single space, with LouLou.BKK enhancing the food and beverage experience.

The café features three exclusive dessert menus developed with MasterChef The Professionals Thailand champion Chef Tay Sathirat Tangthaiying: Truffle Raspberry Cake, Pistachio Caramel Banana Cake, and Orange Carrot Cake. Faye expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, saying the café aims to create special moments for visitors through quality atmosphere and delicious offerings.

LouLou.BKK will operate at the venue for one season, running through approximately November.

PHUKET: A civil society group campaigning against foreign workers has called for tougher action over foreigners allegedly working in jobs reserved for Thais, as Phuket authorities review work permits, visas and company ownership structures across the province.

NONTHABURI — 7 August 2026, A student suspected of carrying out a school shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School, has died according to preliminary police reports.

The shooting prompted a large-scale emergency response, with police, rescue workers and emergency medical teams rushing to the school in Bang Kruai district to secure the area and evacuate students, teachers and staff.

Authorities said the attack left seven people dead, including three teachers, three students and the suspected student gunman, while 15 others were injured. Police initially searched the school for the suspected gunman while reports indicated intermittent exchanges of gunfire during the operation.

According to preliminary investigators, the suspect was a juvenile and a student at the school. Officers later reported finding the student dead inside a classroom from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police have secured the scene and are continuing to investigate the motive and circumstances surrounding the attack. This is a developing story. Casualty figures and other details may be updated as authorities release further information.

BANGKOK — Thailand has hosted its first forum under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), bringing together representatives from 13 creative cities in Thailand and overseas to promote sustainable urban development through culture, creativity and tourism.

The Thailand Creative Cities Network (TCCN) Forum 2026 was launched at Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) by the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and the Designated Areas for Sustainable Tourism Administration (DASTA), together with five partner organisations.

Held under the theme "Creative Cities Connect: Connecting People • Culture • Creativity • Sustainability," the forum aims to strengthen cooperation among creative cities, showcase best practices and encourage knowledge-sharing on sustainable urban development.

Siripakorn Cheawsamoot, Director-General of DASTA, said the event brought together creative city representatives from Thailand and abroad to exchange ideas on how cultural assets and creativity can strengthen local economies, improve quality of life and support sustainable tourism.

The forum welcomed representatives from 13 UNESCO Creative Cities, including nine cities from Thailand:

City of Gastronomy: Phuket, Phetchaburi and Songkhla City of Crafts and Folk Art: Chiang Mai, Sukhothai and Nan City of Design: Bangkok and Chiang Rai City of Music: Suphan Buri

Among them, DASTA has supported the development of six UNESCO Creative Cities: Sukhothai, Nan, Songkhla, Chiang Rai, Suphan Buri and Phetchaburi.

International participants included:

Berlin, Germany (City of Design) Cebu, Philippines (City of Design) Jakarta, Indonesia (City of Literature) Echizen, Japan (City of Crafts and Folk Art)

The event also featured exhibitions highlighting each city's cultural identity, performances and creative economy activities, as well as networking sessions aimed at expanding regional and international cooperation.

DASTAS also organised two technical tours for delegates. The Bangkok tour included visits to Talat Noi Museum, River City Bangkok and the Thailand Creative & Design Center (TCDC), while the Pattaya tour showcased the city's preparations to seek UNESCO recognition as a City of Film.

Established in 2004, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network promotes cities that place creativity and culture at the heart of sustainable urban development. The network currently includes more than 408 cities worldwide.

Thailand currently has nine UNESCO Creative Cities, with Nan and Songkhla becoming the newest members in 2025.

Looking ahead, DASTA said it will continue working with local authorities and partners to expand Thailand's creative city network, with Pattaya targeting UNESCO's City of Film designation in 2027.