Thailand Risks Second Lost Decade, Economists Warn

Here is why I think Thailand might be entering a second consecutive lost decade. The first lost decade, between May 2014 and August 2023 was largely brought about by coup leader Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha, who ushered in a period of relative economic stagnation and uncertainty. He basically, and illegitimately, ruled for nine years. Fast-forward to […]

20 min ago Khaosod

Thailand faces the risk of entering a second consecutive lost decade, according to economic analysis. The first lost decade, from May 2014 to August 2023, was largely caused by coup leader General Prayut Chan-o-cha, who ruled for nine years and created a period of economic stagnation and uncertainty.

Current warning signs include: Thailand has registered the lowest economic growth among major ASEAN economies, with just 1.9 percent year-on-year growth in the second quarter of 2026 and no improvement expected in coming months. Tourist arrivals have declined nearly 3 percent this year while Vietnam and Japan see tourism growth. The automotive sector faces pressure as Indonesia actively recruits Japanese car manufacturers with incentive offers, while Toyota urges Thailand to create fair and competitive tax policies. Indonesia's Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated Jakarta is prepared to offer significant incentives to make the country a more competitive production base, questioning why Thailand remains the regional automotive hub despite Indonesia being Southeast Asia's largest and most populous economy.

Toyota executives met Thai Industry Ministry officials to discuss the automotive sector's future and tax structure overhaul. The company currently has no plans to relocate but is pushing for fair tax treatment compared to Chinese electric vehicles, which enjoy a 30 to 40 percent cost advantage over Thai-made vehicles. Thailand has long subsidized Chinese EV imports with taxpayer money dating back to the Prayut dictatorship, raising questions about what the country has gained from such policies.

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Police

Thailand and Taiwan Bust Transnational Call-Center Scam Ring

BANGKOK — 20 August 2026, Thailand and Taiwan launched a joint operation targeting a transnational call-center scam network allegedly run by a Taiwanese mafia group, arresting more than 20 Taiwanese suspects in Cambodia and uncovering losses of more than 200 million New Taiwan dollars. The operation was led by the Anti-Online Scam Center (ACSC), under […]

28 min ago Khaosod

Thailand and Taiwan launched a joint operation targeting a transnational call-center scam network allegedly run by a Taiwanese mafia group, arresting more than 20 Taiwanese suspects in Cambodia and uncovering losses of more than 200 million New Taiwan dollars. The operation was led by the Anti-Online Scam Center under the direction of Pol Gen Thana Chuwong, deputy national police chief and director of the center, and Pol Lt Gen Jiraphop Phuridet, assistant national police chief and deputy director. The Central Investigation Bureau, headed by Pol Lt Gen Natsak Chaochanasai, also joined forces with Taiwan's Criminal Investigation Bureau in the crackdown.

The case began after Taiwan's Criminal Investigation Bureau investigated a Taiwanese transnational call-center network operating from Cambodia. The group allegedly posed as police officers and called victims to deceive them. At least 46 victims have been identified, with total losses exceeding 200 million New Taiwan dollars, equivalent to several hundred million baht.

Investigators found that the network recruited Taiwanese nationals through online job advertisements, claiming to offer well-paid Chinese-language typing jobs with accommodation and meals provided. More than 100 Taiwanese nationals were allegedly lured to Cambodia to work as call-center operators. The network also allegedly worked with Thai travel companies to disguise members' travel arrangements and evade scrutiny by authorities. Fake travel documents, return flight tickets and accommodation bookings were prepared, while Thai credit cards were used to pay for airline tickets to make the gang members' movements less suspicious.

Following the investigation, Thai authorities and the Central Investigation Bureau coordinated intelligence with Taiwan's Criminal Investigation Bureau and tracked down 20 suspects. Those arrested allegedly included the financial backers of the operation, operational leaders and a Taiwanese travel company owner who arranged travel for call-center gang members. Authorities also seized key evidence, including cash, digital assets, bank accounts, ATM cards, electronic devices and vehicles. The evidence will be used in legal proceedings on charges of public fraud and money laundering.

Thai police said they would continue investigating and expanding the case against anyone in Thailand who was involved in the criminal network.

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National

G'nite Launches 'Rest Without Guilt' Campaign

G'nite, a pre-sleep supplement brand, has launched the "Rest Without Guilt" campaign to reshape Thai attitudes toward sleep as essential self-care rather than something to feel guilty about. The brand, which has achieved over 300 million cumulative unit sales, will promote the message through brand ambassadors and roadshow events across Bangkok in August. G'nite Gummy is available at 7-Eleven stores nationwide and online platforms.

33 min ago Khaosod

G'nite, a dietary supplement brand for pre-sleep routines, has launched the "Rest Without Guilt" campaign to encourage Thais to view quality sleep as essential self-care rather than a luxury. The initiative invites Thai society to recognize that sleep is self-care everyone deserves each night without guilt, and will be promoted through brand ambassadors and roadshow activities across Bangkok throughout August.

Brand Philosophy: Transforming Guilt into Self-Care

Many people habitually delay rest by telling themselves "just a bit more" or "I'll rest later," leading to late nights, early mornings, and postponed sleep becoming the norm. Yet rest is fundamental to self-care. G'nite seeks to change this mindset, believing that quality sleep is the best form of rest and making quality sleep accessible to everyone. The brand has achieved cumulative sales exceeding 300 million units and established itself as a leading sleep-care brand among urban consumers.

"G'nite started with a simple question: why do many people feel guilty when they choose to rest?" said Jirachcha Sutthanuruk, Chief Executive Officer of G'nite supplements. "We want to change the perspective that rest is not stopping self-development, but preparing yourself for tomorrow. Because a good day doesn't start in the morning—it starts with good quality sleep. Being kind to yourself is not selfishness."

To spread the "Rest Without Guilt" message widely, G'nite has partnered with Khuean Pattaradanai Sestsuwan as a campaign ambassador, a mental health advocate and sleep-routine expert. Khuean stated: "Stopping is not giving up, but taking care of yourself to be ready for tomorrow. The best rest starts with sleep."

G'nite is also bringing the concept offline through roadshow activities distributing product samples from August 8–21, 2025 at over 10 locations across Bangkok, including Siam, Silom, Rajdamri, and Phayathai, from 5:00–8:00 p.m. These events invite attendees to hear the brand's philosophy, try G'nite Gummy, and embrace the belief that "tonight you can rest—rest without guilt." Find all event locations on Facebook: We Love G'nite.

G'nite Gummy: Starting Your Nightly Routine Every Night

G'nite believes sustainable change begins with actions that are easy to repeat nightly. The brand has developed G'nite Gummy with an exclusive MagniNite formula combining three natural ingredients: magnesium bisglycinate, reishi mushroom extract, and chamomile extract in an easy-to-chew gummy form. Simply chew two pieces 20–30 minutes before bed to make pre-sleep a practical part of your daily routine.

G'nite Gummy is available at all 7-Eleven outlets nationwide and online through Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop.

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National

Thailand Warns At-Risk Groups As COVID-19 Continues Spreading

Thailand's Department of Disease Control has warned that COVID-19 continues to spread and urged at-risk groups including the elderly, people with chronic conditions, and pregnant women to seek immediate medical attention if they develop symptoms. Officials advised the general public to maintain hygiene measures, isolate if ill, and avoid close contact with vulnerable populations. Anyone with severe symptoms should consult a doctor for proper assessment and treatment.

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The Department of Disease Control has announced that COVID-19 cases continue to appear regularly and urges the public to prioritize personal hygiene, especially those showing respiratory symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, headache, or fatigue. Anyone with symptoms or a confirmed infection should isolate at home, avoid close contact with others, and refrain from attending school or work while ill.

If necessary to leave home, people should wear masks, wash hands frequently, avoid crowded or poorly ventilated areas, and stay away from elderly people, those with chronic conditions, or immunocompromised individuals. Rest not only aids recovery but also reduces transmission to others.

Direk Khampan, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, noted that although COVID-19 is now treatable, severe illness remains possible, particularly in high-risk groups including the elderly, people with chronic diseases, those with weakened immunity, and pregnant women. These individuals should monitor their symptoms carefully, isolate immediately if ill, undergo rapid screening, and follow medical advice strictly to reduce the risk of serious complications.

The Department recommends the public maintain good hygiene by washing hands regularly, avoiding crowded or poorly ventilated spaces, and staying home to rest if symptomatic. Those with illness should limit close contact with others and wear masks at all times, especially around vulnerable groups. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms or concerns should see a doctor for proper evaluation and treatment. For questions, the public can call the Department of Disease Control hotline at 1422.

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National

Mew Advances to World Championship Semifinals

Thai badminton stars shone at the 2026 BWF World Championships in New Delhi, with world number 10 Mew Prapawee defeating fourth-ranked Chen Wei Fei of China 2-1 to reach the women's singles semifinals. In other results, second-ranked View Kulwutti also advanced to the men's singles semifinals with a dominant victory, while Thailand's mixed doubles pair also progressed to the next round.

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At the 2026 BWF World Championships in New Delhi, India on August 20, the round of 16 women's singles match saw Thailand's Mew Prapawee Choksuchuwong, ranked 10th, face China's fourth-ranked Chen Wei Fei. After a hard-fought battle, Mew staged a comeback to win 2-1 with set scores of 15-21, 25-23, and 21-17, advancing to the semifinals to meet Japan's Nozomi Okuhara.

In the men's singles, Thailand's second-ranked View Kulwutti Vitidsanth easily defeated America's Garrett Tan, ranked 92nd, 21-10 in both sets to reach the semifinals against France's Alex Lanier.

In mixed doubles, Thailand's fourth-ranked pair Bass Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Fame Supissara Pewsuamphran defeated Japan's 16th-ranked Yuichi Shimokami and Sayaka Hobara 2-1 with scores of 17-21, 21-12, and 21-17, advancing to face France's fifth-ranked Tom Gicquel and Delphine Delrue.

Thailand's 15th-ranked pair Omo Parkpol Theeraphatskulk and Poppo Truepsiree Taerattanajai fell short against China's second-ranked Jiang Zheng Pang and Wei Ya Xin, losing 2-0 with set scores of 12-21 and 17-21, ending their tournament run.

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Regional

Sixth Resort Owner Agrees to Demolish Illegal Structures in Thab Larn

A resort owner in Thab Larn National Park in Krabi province has voluntarily agreed to demolish 12 illegal structures, becoming the sixth case of its kind under a government crackdown on encroachment. Demolition work is already 70 percent complete and is expected to finish within 10 days. The enforcement operation is part of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry's policy to resolve land-use disputes fairly and transparently in the protected forest area.

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Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin announced on August 20, 2026, that a resort owner has become the sixth capitalist to face legal enforcement in Thab Larn National Park after voluntarily agreeing to demolish illegal structures. The owner submitted a formal request to Thab Larn National Park officials to remove 12 structures: six residential buildings, two worker houses, one storage room, one restroom unit, four pavilions, and two water tanks.

Task force leader Tewin Meisap and Thab Larn National Park Chief Prawatsart Chantheap reported that demolition work is approximately 70 percent complete, with heavy machinery now on site. The entire removal is expected to finish within 10 days, well before the end of August 2026.

This enforcement operation follows Minister Suchat's policy to transparently and fairly resolve land-use disputes in Thab Larn National Park in line with cabinet resolutions from November 22, 2022, March 14, 2023, and the National Parks Committee resolution of June 15, 2026. The process distinguishes between legitimate residents who occupied land before and after the park's boundaries were established, and those illegally encroaching for profit, while allowing affected parties to present evidence and prove their land rights under the rule of law and individual circumstances.

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Police

Brother Updates on Hlun Solo Death Investigation in Georgia

The brother of Hlun Solo provided an update on the ongoing death investigation in Georgia, revealing that the case remains under investigation with no formal conclusions yet. According to Georgia's Foreign Ministry, Hlun Solo visited a hospital on his first day in the country on July 11 and received medication whose type remains undisclosed. The family has requested a transparent and thorough investigation based on facts rather than a hasty conclusion.

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On August 20, 2025, Klose Mos, the brother of Hlun Solo, posted a Facebook update on the death investigation. He stated that on August 18, the Thai Embassy received a progress report from Georgia's Foreign Ministry dated August 17, detailing the investigation status.

Key findings include: The case remains under active investigation with no formal conclusions or autopsy results yet released. Georgian authorities indicated additional time is needed to thoroughly review all evidence and information. On July 11, the day Hlun Solo arrived in Georgia, he visited American Hospital Network in Tbilisi where he received medication, though the specific type and name have not been disclosed in available information. Officials examined Hlun Solo's personal belongings including toiletries, electronics, documents, clothing, and personal medications, finding no traces of poison, narcotics, or psychoactive substances. However, these items remain in official custody for continued investigation and have not been returned to the family.

The family emphasized they are not pressuring authorities and understand the investigation requires time. They do not seek speed but clarity based on facts, and asked that all processes remain correct, transparent, and verifiable. The family expressed gratitude to the Thai Foreign Ministry, the Thai Embassy, Georgian authorities, and supporters who have stood with them throughout this difficult process, requesting only that justice be served fairly.

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Breaking

Woman Dies After 11-Hour Flight; Doctors Warn of Blood Clot Risk

A 30-year-old Chinese woman died of acute pulmonary embolism shortly after disembarking from an 11-hour flight from New Zealand. Doctors warn that prolonged immobility—whether on planes, trains, in cars, or at office desks—significantly increases the risk of fatal blood clots, with research showing that just 3 hours of continuous sitting can increase risk fourfold.

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A 30-year-old Chinese woman died suddenly after a 11-hour flight. Doctors identified the cause as acute pulmonary embolism (PE) and warned of the dangers of prolonged immobility, medically known as economy class syndrome. This condition can occur not only during air travel but also with long-distance driving, train travel, or extended office work.

According to reports, a 30-year-old woman named Li, living in China, was returning from New Zealand on an 11-hour flight. The aircraft landed at Guangzhou Airport in China. However, less than 10 minutes after disembarking, she collapsed and lost consciousness. Emergency responders rushed to help and transported her to the hospital.

Doctors found she had ventricular fibrillation before her heart stopped. Although the medical team attempted full resuscitation, the young woman could not be saved.

Dr. Peng Yin, head of the intensive care unit at the hospital, stated that the primary cause of death was acute pulmonary embolism, a severe cardiovascular emergency.

Upon reviewing her medical history and risk factors, doctors found that she had old blood clots in her lower leg area. Her body mass index (BMI) was above 28, classifying her as overweight to obese, and she was physically inactive. The need to remain seated for 11 hours in a confined space became a critical factor in triggering this serious event.

Doctors explained that her case falls under venous thromboembolism (VTE). When the body remains immobile for extended periods, blood circulation slows, causing blood to stagnate and increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), particularly in the legs. When passengers stand up and begin moving after travel, blood clots can break loose from veins, return to the heart, travel through arteries to the lungs, and cause pulmonary embolism (PE), which can be life-threatening.

This condition is known in the medical field as economy class syndrome because it commonly occurs from prolonged immobility during travel. However, Dr. Hua Cui, a cardiovascular specialist from an air force hospital in eastern China, noted that the risk is not limited to aircraft alone. Long-distance driving, train travel, or even prolonged office work can increase the risk of pulmonary embolism.

Research indicates that sitting continuously for 3 hours may increase the risk of blood clots by approximately 4 times, and sitting for 5 hours can increase the risk up to 10 times.

Experts warn of 4 high-risk groups for whom prolonged sitting may lead to serious complications. Pulmonary embolism can have a mortality rate exceeding 50% in high-risk groups. Doctors Peng and Hua identified these 4 risk categories.

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National

Rangsit University Wins Division 1 at Chang Golf U-Champions Cup 2026

Rangsit University's golf team won the Division 1 championship at the Chang Golf U-Champions Cup 2026, held in Phetchaburi province, while King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi claimed Division 2. The tournament, sponsored by Chang Natural Mineral Water, aims to develop university-level golfers and prepare them for professional competitions. Individual champions were Komkrit Mitsaman from Assumption University (men) and Nattanicha Prajwobhemoae from Rangsit University (women).

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Rangsit University's golf team delivered outstanding results to claim the Division 1 team championship at the Chang Golf U-Champions Cup 2026 finals, held at Lakeview Resort and Golf Club in Phetchaburi province. King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi won Division 2, defeating Mahidol University in the final.

The tournament, sponsored by Chang Natural Mineral Water, is designed to create a standard competitive platform for university-level golfers and serves as a stepping stone for athletes before they advance to amateur and professional tournaments. The event also promotes essential skills including discipline, responsibility, leadership, teamwork, and athletic spirit. The awards ceremony was presided over by Daw Pakorn Ratanasuwarn, executive chairman of The Jenz Company.

In individual competition, Komkrit Mitsaman from Assumption University won the men's title with a score of 7 over par, 223 (79-69-75). Nattanicha Prajwobhemoae from Rangsit University claimed the women's championship with 5 over par, 221 (76-73-72).

Tournament results and prize money for Chang Golf U-Champions Cup 2026:

Division I Team Category: Champion—Rangsit University (trophy plus 80,000 baht scholarship); Runner-up—Sripatum University (40,000 baht); Third—Assumption University (30,000 baht); Fourth—Chulalongkorn University (20,000 baht).

Division II Team Category: Champion—King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi (trophy plus 15,000 baht scholarship); Runner-up—Mahidol University (10,000 baht); Third—Kasetsart University (5,000 baht); Fourth—Thammasat University (3,000 baht).

Individual Category: Men's Champion—Komkrit Mitsaman, Assumption University, score 223 (79-69-75, 7 over par; trophy plus 5,000 baht scholarship). Women's Champion—Nattanicha Prajwobhemoae, Rangsit University, score 221 (76-73-72, 5 over par; trophy plus 5,000 baht scholarship).

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National

Tops Registers Sticker Campaign Trademark as Sole Owner

Tops has registered the intellectual property rights for its "Stick and Save" sticker campaign, which achieved a 15% increase in average basket size and 16% rise in repeat visits. The retail chain is launching an upgraded version called "Stick and Save Plus" featuring over 200 brand partners and discounts up to 30% as part of its 58th anniversary celebration, targeting 30% campaign sales growth.

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Tops, part of Central Retail, has announced exclusive intellectual property rights for its "Stick and Save" sticker campaign after achieving record results in March and April 2026, including a 15% boost in average basket size, 13% increase in new customers, and 16% rise in repeat purchase frequency. The campaign's success stems from its "Customer Empowerment" strategy, which shifts control from the brand to customers, allowing them to choose which discounts apply to products they want, creating personalized value.

To celebrate 58 years in business, Tops is launching "Stick and Save Plus," running from now through September 30, 2026, with over 200 partner brands offering discounts up to 30%. The campaign uses gamification elements to boost customer participation and spending during the second half of the year, aiming for a 30% sales increase. According to Jakkarit Chatupanyachotigun, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Central Food Retail, the strategy reflects findings from the Thai Smartsumer 2026 study showing that 90–97% of Thai consumers plan purchases carefully and 71% use AI to compare prices, indicating a shift from promotion-seeking to strategic spending based on personalized value.

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Regional

Irrigation Department Repairs Drainage Canal Ahead of Monsoon

The Irrigation Department is conducting urgent repairs on a critical drainage canal in Songkhla province ahead of the monsoon season to prevent flooding in Hat Yai and nearby areas. Officials expect the work to be completed on schedule, with the Cabinet having approved funding to restore irrigation infrastructure across five southern provinces damaged by last year's major floods. The project is a key government priority aimed at minimizing disaster risk and public hardship.

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Songkhla — The Irrigation Department has launched emergency repairs on the main drainage canal (Route 1) to handle the incoming monsoon and prevent flooding in Hat Yai district. Officials expect the work to finish on schedule and avoid repeating the devastating 2568 floods.

On August 20, 2569, Suriyapol Nuchonong, inspector-general of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, visited Songkhla to oversee and accelerate repairs to the Route 1 drainage canal—a critical infrastructure for managing and rapidly draining water from Hat Yai district and nearby areas. Joining him were Thitikorn Srinitivravong, director of Irrigation Office 16, Taweevat Seubsukmansakul, director of the Machinery Division, and other officials who briefed him on repairs to damage sites caused by the previous floods.

Suriyapol stressed that the Songkhla Irrigation Project and Irrigation Office 16 must complete repairs on schedule to improve drainage efficiency and minimize hardship to local residents. The Cabinet has approved central-budget funding for the Irrigation Department to repair and rehabilitate irrigation infrastructure across five southern provinces—Songkhla, Satun, Yala, Pattani, and Narathiwat—damaged by the 2568 floods. Flood prevention in these five southern border provinces is a key government priority and urgent policy of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives.

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