PHUKET: A traffic police officer was injured after his motorcycle crashed into a pickup truck that had stopped in a traffic lane in Wichit on yesterday (Aug 5).
PHUKET: A traffic police officer was injured after his motorcycle crashed into a pickup truck that had stopped in a traffic lane in Wichit on yesterday (Aug 5).
Education Minister Prasert Chantarwangtong denied claims of a data breach affecting 2.5 million vocational students, insisting the OVEC database uses three-layer security despite reports that student records were protected only by the passw
Education Minister Prasert Chantarwangtong has dismissed claims of a data breach involving 2.5 million vocational students, stating that the Office of the Vocational Education Commission (OVEC) database operates under three-layer security protocols that are extremely difficult to hack or breach. Following reports by software experts that the system protecting student records—containing names, national ID numbers, phone numbers, gender, birth dates, nationalities, addresses, and affiliated educational institutions—was secured only with the password "123456," the minister held consultations with OVEC officials and reported no evidence of data leakage.
Prasert emphasized that the system's multi-layered security makes unauthorized access and data extraction extremely difficult. He urged educators, students, and parents to remain confident in the system's integrity and assured the public that no data has been compromised. The minister added that OVEC will issue further clarification and confirmed that the breach allegations will not affect the rollout of the digital student and teacher ID card systems, which remain priority initiatives for the Education Ministry alongside enhanced security protocols.
Buriram United has partnered with Japan's Gamba Osaka to boost youth development and business growth across Asia, with plans for academy cooperation, joint training programs, and marketing initiatives in both countries.
Buriram United has successfully signed a partnership agreement with Gamba Osaka, one of Japan's leading J-League clubs. The partnership seeks to drive Asian football development, with a focus on strengthening player development through academy cooperation and business growth via joint marketing activities in both countries.
The collaboration encompasses overseas training tours and academy competition participation, shared football schools and training clinics, joint marketing initiatives, and combined efforts to expand fan bases and promote both brands.
Naoto Mizutani, chairman and representative director of Gamba Osaka, stated that the partnership represents a strategic alliance with a Thai League powerhouse recognized since their 2015 AFC Champions League encounter. He praised Buriram United as a strong club that has produced numerous Thai national team players through its academy and expressed commitment to leveraging both clubs' strengths for mutual growth in football and business.
Channchon Chidchob, Buriram United's vice president and football director, emphasized that this is more than a cooperation announcement—it marks the beginning of a long-term strategic alliance. Both clubs share a common goal: success in Asian competitions like the AFC Champions League Elite. The partnership will facilitate knowledge and experience exchange in youth development, club management, marketing, fan relations, and sustainable brand building, ultimately strengthening both clubs and advancing football in Thailand and Asia.
Thailand is hosting two major 2026 wellness events—a Thai massage expo in Bangkok in August and the Global Wellness Summit in Phuket in November—to establish itself as a high-value health and wellness hub on the international stage.
The Ministry of Public Health, through the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, is positioning Thai wellness expertise and health innovation on the global stage through two landmark 2026 events.
Event 1: National NUAD Thai and Wellness Expo 2026 (August 20–22, 2026) Held at Hall 8 of the Sirikit Convention Centre, this expo will establish the complete Thai massage and wellness value chain under the theme "NUAD Thai Heritage and Wellness to Global Future." It will showcase Thailand's four regional massage identities—Bodhi-Lanna (North), Bodhi-Thosawayon (Central), Bodhi-Onsorn (Northeast), and Bodhi-Taksinah (South)—across nine health zones: NUAD Thai Heritage and Academy, Mind & Spirit Sanctuary, Wellness & Medical Hub Gold Standard Investment, Scent & Essential of Siam, Living Wellness & Workplace, Thai Food Good Health, Innovation Technology & Thai Longevity Lab, Hydro-Heritage & Active Life, and a Central Academic & Experience Sharing Stage featuring global experts.
Event 2: Global Wellness Summit 2026 (November 10–13, 2026) Thailand will serve as co-host with the Global Wellness Summit at Angsana Laguna Phuket, marking a significant milestone for Thai wellness on the global stage. The summit's core concept—"The Science, Art & Soul of Wellness"—will showcase Thailand's medical wellness potential, cultural soft power translated into economic value, and holistic health identity balancing body, mind, and lifestyle. This positioning will attract high-quality investment, international partnerships, and business networks in medical wellness, spas, longevity medicine, and Thai herbal products, while elevating Phuket and the Andaman region as world-class wellness destinations through the Thai Wellness Therapist Program.
Thailand's Constitutional Court upheld a 20-year election ban for candidates lacking required qualifications, rejecting a legal challenge that the penalty violates constitutional rights to political participation.
On August 5, 2025, the Constitutional Court convened to hear a constitutional challenge from defendant Kiattikhun Suknet regarding two criminal cases referred by the Court of Appeal Region 2. The challenge questioned whether Section 120 of the Local Administration Election Act of 2019—specifically the provision imposing a 20-year electoral disqualification—violates Article 26, Paragraph 1 of the Constitution.
The Constitutional Court ruled by a 7-1 majority that Section 120 of the Local Administration Election Act does not violate or contradict Article 26, Paragraph 1 of the Constitution. The seven judges in the majority were Udom Sittiwiratchdharm, Chiraniti Hawanon, Naphadol Theppithaak, Banjong Sak Wongprachai, Udom Ratchamrit, Sumet Roikul Charoen, and Sarawut Songsilawai.
Judge Wirun Saengthian dissented, arguing that the 20-year disqualification provision does conflict with Article 26, Paragraph 1 of the Constitution.
Section 120 of the Act stipulates that candidates who knowingly lack required qualifications or possess disqualifying characteristics face imprisonment of 1 to 20 years and fines of 20,000 to 200,000 baht, with electoral rights disqualified for 20 years. The court noted that Article 26 of the 2560 Constitution requires that laws limiting individual rights and freedoms comply with constitutional conditions, follow the rule of law, impose proportionate restrictions, preserve human dignity, and provide clear justification for any limitations.
PHUKET: Seventeen people, including four crew members, were injured after an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe turbulence during its journey on Tuesday (Aug 4).
PHUKET: Seventeen people, including four crew members, were injured after an Air India flight from Phuket to Delhi encountered severe turbulence during its journey on Tuesday (Aug 4).
Thailand's Election Commission expects to finalize its investigation into a contested Senate appointment by end of August, with a formal vote to follow.
The Election Commission of Thailand (ECT) announced on August 5, 2569 that it is confident of resolving the Senate appointment case by the end of August, followed by a vote. The ECT has conducted eight meetings to examine the facts, evidence, and applicable legal issues in the case. In each meeting, the commission has carefully reviewed all details to ensure its ruling is grounded in complete and comprehensive evidence, with emphasis on accuracy, fairness, and the rights of all parties involved. The detailed review is expected to conclude within August 2569, after which the ECT will convene to vote according to its legal authority and procedures. The results will then be made public. The ECT reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring the investigation proceeds independently, without influence or interference from any individual or faction, adhering strictly to facts, evidence, and the law.
Bangkok ordered 50 high-rise condominiums to clear fire access routes after gardens and structures were found blocking emergency vehicles, with most violations corrected or underway as of the latest inspection report.
Bangkok has ordered 50 high-rise buildings in the capital to remove gardens, trees, and structures blocking emergency fire truck access. Deputy Bangkok Governor Vishnu Srupsompool revealed the directive on August 5 after a consumer advocacy organization highlighted that the buildings may violate building control laws regarding clearance zones around structures designated for fire vehicle access. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has been inspecting and monitoring compliance continuously. When the consumer organization raised concerns, the city immediately conducted follow-up inspections to verify facts and track correction progress. Inspections of the 50 buildings found that most violations stem from unauthorized use of surrounding areas—including tree planting, landscaping, parking, and unauthorized construction—that obstruct fire truck entry during emergencies. Building owners have been ordered to expedite corrections to meet standards. As of the latest report, all 50 buildings have been inspected: 12 have been corrected, 34 are undergoing corrections, and 4 are still under construction. The list includes prominent condominiums such as 28 Chidlom, Ashton Asoke, Chapter Chula-Samyan, Ideo Mix Sukhumvit 103, Life Asoke-Rama 9, Noble Around Ari, Reference Ekkamai, The Strand Thonglor, and Whizdom On The River, among others.
The mother of two Russian siblings killed in Chachoengsao's Huai Yai area is holding a memorial service Thursday, inviting the public to pay respects to the victims alongside three deceased Thai family members in the same case.
The mother of Diana and Roman, two Russian siblings killed in a murder case involving concealed bodies in the Huai Yai area of Chachoengsao Province, has announced a memorial ceremony for tomorrow. She released a video on Threads showing cherished memories of her two children in happier times, moving many online followers. The public ceremony will take place on Thursday, August 6, 2025, starting at 10:00 a.m., at the scene of the incident, allowing attendees to lay flowers and observe a moment of silence to remember the victims—both the Russian siblings and the three Thai family members who died in the same case.
Online rumors claimed that two police officers had been removed from the roster at Huai Yai Police Station for alleged involvement with "Pong," the main suspect. However, reporters on the ground found that only two photos had been removed, and station officials clarified these officers had been transferred to other units before the removals, following standard procedure and unrelated to the online allegations.
Investigation progress shows that police and foundation officials have begun clearing grass and preparing the burial site area for the next phase of examination. According to sources, scanning equipment will be deployed tomorrow after investigators discovered discrepancies in the points identified by suspects "Pong" and "Thong"—two locations did not match. During site preparation, officers found a T-shirt, a water bottle, and a food container in the nearby forest, currently being examined for any connection to the case.
A 24-year-old footballer died and nine others were hospitalized after lightning struck a soccer match at Santiphap Stadium in Narathiwat on August 4 during a heavy thunderstorm. The injured players remain under observation at Sukhirin Golok
A lightning strike during the Golok FA Cup 2026 semifinal match at Santiphap Stadium in Sukhirin Golok district, Narathiwat, claimed the life of 24-year-old defender Sofwan Awae on the evening of August 4. Nine other footballers were injured in the incident. As of August 5, all nine injured players remain hospitalized at Sukhirin Golok Hospital under close medical observation for potential complications from electrical shock, though most are showing gradual improvement.
Witnesses reported that the incident occurred during a timeout in the semifinal match between Abu x Nong Searin and Sam Colt. Heavy rain, strong wind gusts, and a thunderstorm were ongoing when lightning suddenly struck the field, causing Sofwan to collapse unconscious. Teammates and bystanders immediately attempted CPR, but no vital signs were detected. The other injured players were rushed to hospital with injuries from the electrical current.
Sofwan, from Waeng district in Narathiwat, was formerly a Pattani FC player and had recently joined Yala FC. His sudden death has deeply grieved his family, teammates, and the southern border football community. The nine hospitalized players—Sakhariya Kh Ang, Sakireen Tikasom, Fadhel Baka, Hameerul Che Aseh, Somchai Longmina, Moaisarun Kaso, Soranun Satavorn, Suhaimi Rohman, and Chalodan Samaang—reported feeling a severe impact to their backs before collapsing with numbness throughout their bodies. Though improving, they remain under medical evaluation before discharge. Authorities urged the public to avoid outdoor activities during rain and thunderstorms and to never shelter under large trees.
Thailand's border and cross-border trade surged 16.3% in June 2025 to nearly 220 billion baht, driven by strong growth with Malaysia and Vietnam and boosted by exports of fresh durian and computer equipment.
Border and cross-border trade in June 2025 totaled 219.96 billion baht, expanding 16.3% compared to the same month last year, with exports at 124.92 billion baht (up 8.1%) and imports at 95.03 billion baht (up 29.0%), generating a trade surplus of 29.89 billion baht. For the first half of 2025, border and cross-border trade reached 1.13 trillion baht, growing 10.4%, comprising exports of 635.7 billion baht (up 6.6%) and imports of 493.8 billion baht (up 15.8%), with a cumulative trade surplus of 141.9 billion baht.
Border trade with four neighboring countries in June 2025 totaled 79.48 billion baht, growing 3.9%, with exports of 43.85 billion baht (down 7.3%) and imports of 35.63 billion baht (up 22.0%). Malaysia led bilateral border trade at 38.2 billion baht (up 48.4%), followed by Laos at 25.48 billion baht (up 12.8%) and Myanmar at 15.8 billion baht (down 8.5%), while Cambodia border trade remained at zero due to closure of all 18 border checkpoints. Key June exports included diesel at 4.11 billion baht, computer equipment at 1.78 billion baht, and refined oil products at 1.72 billion baht, while first-half border trade reached 431.03 billion baht (down 14.9%), with exports of 246.24 billion baht (down 20.2%) and imports of 184.79 billion baht (down 6.6%).
Cross-border trade with third countries in June 2025 reached 140.48 billion baht, expanding 24.7%, with exports of 81.08 billion baht (up 18.8%) and imports of 59.4 billion baht (up 33.6%). China dominated cross-border trade at 73.37 billion baht (up 6.3%), followed by Singapore and Vietnam at 30.16 billion baht (up 123.2%) and 12.4 billion baht (up 61.5%) respectively. Major export items included fresh durian at 18.34 billion baht, telecommunications equipment at 14.62 billion baht, and computer equipment at 8.88 billion baht, bringing first-half cross-border trade to 698.46 billion baht (up 35.3%), with exports of 389.46 billion baht (up 35.2%) and imports of 309 billion baht (up 35.3%).
Director-General Arada noted that June 2025 border and cross-border trade continued expanding at 16.3%, with border trade returning to growth of 3.9% for the first time in 13 months, driven by increased trade with Malaysia and Laos. Thailand-Malaysia trade surged 48.4% to 38.2 billion baht, with exports at 19 billion baht (up 26.2%) featuring computer equipment and notebooks at 1.62 billion baht (up 80.5%), circuit boards at 1.31 billion baht (up 35.6%), and concentrated rubber at 1.30 billion baht (up 34.1%), while imports reached 19.2 billion baht (up 79.8%) led by computer processors at 2.53 billion baht (up 360.7%), magnetic tapes and disks at 1.98 billion baht (up 61.9%), and electrical circuit protection devices at 1.31 billion baht (up 86.0%).