Deputy National Police Chief Tawee Sodsong stressed at the National Police Bureau's Forward Operating Center in Yala Municipality on August 17 that the investigation into the shooting of Narathiwat MP Kamlasak Leewamueang must proceed transparently without evidence tampering and with clear proof of the weapons involved to restore peace to the southern border region.

Speaking at a meeting with police officers, Tawee noted that while efforts to resolve the southern insurgency aim for peace by 2570, government officials and vulnerable groups remain under attack, requiring officials to exercise caution without compromising public safety. He highlighted the shooting case of Kamlasak Leewamueang as a focal point.

Tawee identified the key mystery in the case as two firearms and called for investigations into their manufacturing history and customs records to trace which agency they were sold to. He noted that one of the guns used in the shooting had previously been found near Narathiwat Rajanagarindra University.

He urged investigators to pursue the facts vigorously, as public perception and the case's impact have led some citizens to believe the killing was a state extrajudicial execution, eroding confidence in the justice system and human rights in the region. Tawee requested that police forward information and handle the case transparently without destroying evidence, and asked for expanded investigations into individuals and personnel involved in surveillance of Kamlasak to establish truth and fairness for all parties. He also expressed support for officials working in the southern border region for peace and security.

Patty Tavatanakit's victory at The Standard Portland Classic last weekend marks another major milestone in the career of the world's second-ranked female golfer, particularly from a statistical standpoint. The championship is her 10th LPGA Tour title, and at 23 years old, Tavatanakit becomes the eighth golfer since 1980 to win 10 LPGA titles before age 24.

As of 2022, only two golfers on the current tour have reached 10 titles: American world No. 1 Nelly Korda and Tavatanakit. The Portland victory is her third championship of the year, following wins at the Honda LPGA Thailand in February and the Mizuho Americas Open in May, making her the second-most successful golfer this season behind Korda's four titles.

Since earning her LPGA Tour card in 2022, Tavatanakit has won at least two tournaments annually, with 2023 as the sole exception. According to Golfweek, her consistency is demonstrated by 63 top-10 finishes in 99 LPGA Tour events to date. Her $300,000 prize from the Portland victory brings her career LPGA earnings to $19.7 million, currently sixth all-time.

When asked about reaching 10 LPGA titles, Tavatanakit said every championship holds special meaning because it represents the culmination of effort and sacrifice. She acknowledged her complex relationship with golf, describing moments of self-doubt, tears, and disappointment, but emphasized how victory reveals that all past sacrifices have borne fruit.

After the third round, trailing the leader by two strokes, Tavatanakit observed that the course rewards aggressive play when the tee shot finds the fairway. She executed this strategy perfectly during the final round, recording six birdies in her first seven holes before a bogey at the par-4 ninth hole. She immediately recovered with an eagle at the tenth hole, shifting momentum.

Tavatanakit expressed particular joy that five Thai golfers who qualified for the tournament all finished in the top 10, creating a supportive environment thousands of kilometers from home. She noted the comfort and pride of competing alongside fellow Thais who speak the same language and share the same culture, making the grueling tour schedule feel more like home.

Industry Minister Weerawuth Silphacha announced the latest developments in an investigation into loud explosions and tremors detected across four districts of Rayong province on August 13. On August 17, the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand, in coordination with Rayong's provincial industrial office, the Department of Basic Industries and Mines, local police, and district administrators, inspected the site at the WHA Eastern Seaboard 5 project in Ban Khai district. The inspection team, which included local representatives and the contractor Baan Khai Concrete Products, found evidence and traces indicating rock destruction using blasting methods while the site was undergoing land preparation. The authority has instructed all evidence be sent for expert verification to determine what occurred and whether operations complied with law. "I have immediately ordered the industrial estate to halt all land-preparation work in areas containing rock, and barred outsiders from the site to preserve evidence," Weerawuth stated. "We will fast-track verification and take decisive legal action if violations are found, while rapidly assessing damage to compensate affected residents." The estate has also ordered the project developer to explain within three business days, covering work procedures, environmental safeguards under the environmental impact assessment, permits, and legal compliance. The investigation will examine daily reports, coordinate site photographs with work sequences, and involve expert analysis to reach firm conclusions. The estate and contractor had previously maintained that excavation and rock extraction followed EIA guidelines using only hydraulic breakers, with no explosives involved, making the newly discovered traces a key point requiring clarification. Citizens experiencing problems can call the 24-hour hotline 1564.

When close friends Vikki Sunisa and Khaoput Smithimanant attended the gala night for the musical "Muang Maraya: The Musical" at Muang Thai Rachadalai Theatre in Esplanade Ratchada shopping center, both granted interviews to media. Vikki spoke about the dedication and commitment of her husband Chai Chatayodm, who rehearses intensively for the stage production every day and had no time to celebrate his 50th birthday with friends.

Meanwhile, Khaoput provided an update on her legal case involving Nana Raybeena, which has been extended to witness examination scheduled for June next year. She expressed her acceptance of the legal process and her decision to focus on her career and enjoying life with her circle of friends.

When asked how she supports her brother during his demanding rehearsals, Vikki said: "I can see he's training very hard, rehearsing intensively. It's something worth looking forward to."

Regarding her brother's birthday celebration, Vikki explained: "My brother barely has time to be with family, but we celebrated at home and with his extended family. He turned 50 this year but couldn't go out to eat with friends because he's rehearsing this every single day. He's very committed. This is another project he's extremely dedicated to."

Asked about his current life, Khaoput said: "Life is good right now. Watching this stage production makes me realize we need to create happiness for ourselves. Last year was tough, so we're focusing on finding joy. In 2016, you'll see me traveling a lot. Everything passes, so if we keep dwelling on the same issues, we won't be happy. Our happiness is our priority."

When asked about friend support, Khaoput responded: "There's plenty of encouragement, sometimes even excessive. We support each other, going out to eat, drink, travel, dance, and exercise together. We create enjoyable experiences and build our life stories. 2026 should be a good year."

On the legal case progress, Khaoput stated: "The next hearing should be around June next year. It's still quite far off before the court appearance. This is the first witness examination."

When asked about the direction of the case, she said: "We need to be confident and happy, thinking positively. Just good vibes. The direction looks good."

Asked if there had been any settlement discussions, Khaoput replied: "No."

Describing what happened on the court day, Khaoput said: "I felt warm because many friends came. I only saw Jensuda, but actually about 10 friends went. I felt supported. Having each other there felt good."

When asked about the opposing party's demeanor during their first court confrontation, Khaoput said: "He showed no particular reaction. He kept his head down. But on my husband's side, as Jensuda mentioned in her interview, he just stared at us."

Justice Minister Rutthapol Naruebet addressed the release of 85-year-old Lao Ta Saen Lee, a prominent drug trafficking convict who had his life sentence reduced to eight years and was granted a royal pardon on August 14, following public criticism. The case prompted the establishment of two separate responses: the Department of Corrections has been asked to clarify the prisoner assessment process and the procedures for submitting royal pardon recommendations, while the Justice Ministry has formed a working group to review pardon criteria.

The Minister acknowledged finding multiple procedural irregularities during the review. When asked whether the case could be reopened, Rutthapol stated that would not be possible because the matter is considered legally concluded. He emphasized that officials followed the regulations in place at the time, but initial findings suggest the regulations themselves contain deficiencies that require improvement.

Regarding the distinction between regulatory fault and procedural error, Rutthapol said the responsibility lies with the regulations that officials were required to follow. When pressed on why Thai prisoners might receive harsher treatment under the same procedures, he cited age as a contributing factor and requested further investigation. The Minister expressed confidence that staff acted without malicious intent and followed established rules, though he acknowledged opposition parties may raise the matter in parliament. He said the government is prepared with detailed explanations of which regulations applied in each year and how the case was initially reviewed.

Suvarnabhumi Auto Gate to open to 31 more nationalitiesLegacySuvarnabhumi Airport plans to open its Auto Gate lanes to travellers from 31 more nationalities by the end of August. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce Suphajee Suthumpun led a site visit and briefing at the airport. Officials from the Tourism and Sports and Transport ministries took part. The airport handles about 190,000 passengers a day in peak season, and 140,000 to 150,000 a day in low season. International arrivals account for roughly 70,000 passengers a day. Immigration is busiest between 1pm and 5pm, when 5,000 to 6,000 passengers an hour pass through. The Immigration Bureau has approved the expansion in principle and is waiting on final signatures. The list was drawn from entry-refusal figures, a country’s ranking on the Henley Passport Index and security assessments. The change is expected to add about 6.5 million potential Suvarnabhumi Auto Gate users, plus 900,000 long-term visa holders. Officials expect the gates to take 53% of arriving passengers once the system is running fully, leaving 47% at a staffed counter. The gates will open in stages, as each part of the system is ready and as biometric records allow. Travellers who have entered Thailand before and are already on file will be able to use them first. Anyone arriving for the first time still has to have their biometrics taken at the counter before the gates are an option for them. Airport authorities also plan immediate steps to thin the queues. They will make use of all three immigration zones, redirect passengers, open a central hall and put more officers on duty at peak times. Deputy government spokesperson Lalida Periswiwatana warned that some tourists file the Thailand Digital Arrival Card through unofficial websites, in remarks reported by Xinhua. Those sites charge fees or carry a fraud risk, she said, while the official system costs nothing. Suphajee said the relevant agencies would handle immediate problems at Suvarnabhumi. Anything needing legislation or long-term investment will go to government level. Related news Suvarnabhumi Airport opens automated channels to foreign travellers Chinese artist fans disrupt Suvarnabhumi, 22 denied boarding Everything to know about living in Thailand as an expat Source:

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