On August 13, news outlets reported from Phatthalung Province that Region 9 Provincial Police Office conducted a training program for police officers at the platoon commander and deputy supervisor level on August 10. A total of 259 officers from Region 9 Provincial Police participated via Zoom or VTV online system.

During the training session, a police officer stationed in Phatthalung Province was observed using drugs on camera while a trainer was delivering a lecture. Multiple officers attending the online session witnessed the incident and could not tolerate the behavior. They took screenshots and reported the matter to their commanders and requested media investigation.

Reporters visited Thale Noi Police Station in Phatthalung Province to interview Police Major Ransit Munjit, the station commander, but he was not available as he was attending a senior management training program.

Police Colonel Chaowalit Liangsuphong, Phatthalung Provincial Police Commander, disclosed that upon learning of the incident through online media, he ordered the Thale Noi commander to expedite the investigation and fact-finding. If evidence is confirmed, decisive disciplinary action will be taken.

Reporters also noted that the officer in question previously worked in Trang Province and had been transferred to Thale Noi Police Station in Phatthalung for two years. He has a history of drug-related behavior and had previously mortgaged government firearms and a government vehicle. However, he reportedly received continued assistance from his superiors and was never subjected to disciplinary proceedings.

The Royal Irrigation Department is closely tracking water conditions nationwide and standing ready to assist residents immediately if flooding occurs. Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit stated that Thailand continues to experience ongoing and heavy rainfall, especially in the North and Northeast, and has ordered heightened alert for 12 flood-prone provinces. He emphasized that machinery, tools, and personnel are prepared for immediate deployment to help residents if needed.

The Smart Water Operations Centre reported conditions as of August 11, 2026, with heavy rain continuing due to a monsoon trough crossing the upper North and northern Laos, combined with strong southwest monsoon winds affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. The public must remain vigilant against severe rainfall and accumulated precipitation that could cause flash floods, flash flows, and riverbank overflow, particularly in foothill areas, near waterways, and in low-lying zones. The highest rainfall accumulation in the past 24 hours was 111.2 millimetres in Nan Mueang District, followed by 96 millimetres in Phayao Province and 86 millimetres in Nan Province.

Large and medium-sized reservoirs nationwide currently hold approximately 44,836 million cubic metres, or 58 percent of total capacity, with additional capacity of over 31,830 million cubic metres available. Many reservoirs can still absorb the heavy, continuous rain. The Chao Phraya River basin at Nakhon Sawan's C.2 station had a flow rate of 850 cubic metres per second, with water levels 6.45 metres below the bank, while the Chao Phraya Dam had a flow rate of 400 cubic metres per second.

The 12 provinces under special flood alert are Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Mae Hong Son, Nan, Mukdahan, Saraburi, Roi Et, Yasothon, Nakhon Phanom, Udon Thani, Phitsanulok, and Amnat Charoen. Local authorities have been ordered to closely monitor conditions, assess impacts, and prepare pumping equipment and tools for emergency response.

The Meteorological Department forecasts that from August 10–16, the North and Northeast will experience thunderstorms in 60–70 percent of areas with heavy rainfall at times, while the Central Region will see thunderstorms in 40–60 percent of areas with occasional heavy rain. The East will see 60–70 percent thunderstorm coverage on August 10–11, decreasing to 40–60 percent from August 12–16. The western South will continue to experience heavy rain in upper areas. Flash floods, flash flows, and riverbank overflow are possible, particularly in foothill and low-lying areas. The upper Andaman Sea will see waves 2–3 metres high, with thunderstorm areas experiencing waves exceeding 3 metres; small vessels are advised to remain ashore during warning periods.

Deputy Interior Minister Vorasit Liangprasit vowed to take action if wrongdoing is found in allegations that a civil servant in Satun province acted as a broker for local government examination fraud. Speaking at Impact Muang Thong Thani on August 13, Vorasit commented on posts by the STRONG Anti-Corruption Club of Thailand, which published alleged chat messages from agents or brokers facilitating exam cheating. The deputy minister said the matter can be verified and that those found guilty must be dealt with. He noted that multiple fraud networks are believed to exist and spread across the country, and stated that the government will pursue the matter according to the facts.

Thailand is reinforcing its position as a regional hub for Data Center investment by highlighting the strengths of its electricity system, which is built on three key pillars: clean energy, ...

At 10:15 a.m. on August 13, 2025, at Impact Muang Thong Thani, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister responded to questions about a shooting incident at the Chim Shop Use event in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The PM appeared shocked and remarked "Again?" while shaking his head. When asked whether firearm licensing should include psychological evaluation, he said the regulatory framework needed reform and was already under review. Regarding an event in Ko Phangan, Surat Thani, where shotguns were raffled off at a 134th-anniversary celebration for a village headman, the PM ordered the Interior Ministry's permanent secretary to immediately cancel that policy and substitute other prizes instead.

On August 13, obstetrician and gynecologist Nopmesat Sricharusitthikul, known as Doctor Yeen, posted on Facebook through the page "Birth with Doctor Yeen" asking: "Rainwater doesn't contain cold viruses... so why do children always get sick when they get rained on?"

Doctor Nopmesat clarified: "Mothers, raindrops don't contain cold viruses and raindrops don't harm your child." He notes this is one of the biggest misconceptions in Thai society, passed down through generations, making many parents feel guilty when their children get wet in rain.

Medically, rainwater is pure H₂O falling from the sky, though it may contain dust particles, but it contains no "cold or flu viruses." The reason children often become ill after getting rained on is not the water itself, but what happens to the body when exposed to cold. When raindrops hit a child's skin and head, surface temperature drops rapidly, triggering the body's automatic response: vasoconstriction of blood vessels. Blood vessels in the respiratory tract, nasal mucosa, and throat constrict, reducing the circulation of white blood cells and immune defense. In simple terms, the child's respiratory defense weakens temporarily.

Conciding with rainy season, the air has high humidity and cooler temperatures—ideal conditions for rhinovirus and RSV to thrive and spread. When children's immune defenses weaken, they breathe in virus-laden air, allowing viruses to establish and multiply easily.

In summary, rainwater doesn't cause colds, but the cold from rain weakens the child's first line of immune defense, giving viruses an opportunity to attack.

The doctor does not recommend letting children play in heavy rain, as they risk hypothermia and rainwater in cities may contain irritants that affect eyes and skin.

If your child accidentally gets caught in the rain, parents should not scold or feel guilty. Instead, take these three immediate steps:

1. Dry the body and hair thoroughly: This restores warmth to the head and body, allowing blood vessels to expand and resume normal circulation of white blood cells. 2. Change into dry, warm clothes: Avoid letting wet clothes cling to the skin for long periods. 3. Give warm water to drink: This helps regulate temperature in the throat area and moisturize the respiratory tract lining.

Modern parenting requires understanding the science behind illness. If your child develops high fever, lethargy, difficulty breathing, or refuses to feed, seek medical attention promptly, as it may be more than a common cold.