BANGKOK — Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya presided over the 2026 Symposium on "Developing Knowledge for Product Development Towards International Standards" at ICONSIAM Hall in Bangkok on August 13.

The event featured the launch of the Thai Textiles Trend Book Spring/Summer 2027, the seventh edition of the annual publication for which Princess Sirivannavari serves as executive editor.

The publication applies her vision under the "Thai textiles: Wearing with Fun" project to promote Thai fabrics and designs on the international stage. The latest edition is centered on the theme "Reimagination," reflecting global changes and emphasizing culture as a tool for communication and connecting people in the modern world.

Princess Sirivannavari later delivered a lecture on "Promoting and Developing the Image of Thai Textiles Towards International Standards 2026."

Bangkok — Thailand's Ministry of Digital Economy and Society is in talks with Roblox over stronger safety and child protection measures on the gaming platform, including the possible use of Thailand's National Digital ID system to verify users' identities and ages.

Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob chaired an online meeting with Edward Palmieri, Senior Director of Public Policy at Roblox Corporation, the operator of the Roblox gaming platform. Also attending were Chomparee Chomphurat, deputy permanent secretary of the ministry; Dr. Chaiyachana Mitrphun, director of the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA); representatives from the Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa); and Asia Group Advisors.

Chaichanok said the meeting focused on safety and child protection measures on Roblox, including age restrictions and age-based filtering, facial age estimation technology, chat moderation systems to detect inappropriate messages, and Roblox's plan to implement measures based on the International Age Rating Coalition (IARC) rating system in 2027.

He said protecting children and young people on digital platforms was an urgent issue requiring cooperation from all parties, not just government agencies but also platform operators. The ministry is prepared to promote digital technology and gaming platforms as part of a safer digital ecosystem, with the aim of improving user verification, protecting children and young people, and encouraging responsible use of artificial intelligence.

"These efforts are intended to build long-term confidence among users, families and Thai society," Chaichanok said.

The minister also proposed studying the feasibility of verifying users who wish to access Roblox by linking Thailand's National Digital ID/KYC system with Roblox user accounts. Such a system could significantly improve the accuracy of users' identity and age verification while giving parents greater confidence in their children's online safety.

Roblox also presented its Family Zone, an in-platform community designed to help parents understand gaming systems and child safety, as well as provide learning resources on AI and coding. Chaichanok said he believed developing such campaigns could allow parents and children to learn together about using technology safely in the digital world.

"For the initial phase, a joint working group will be established to study a user verification system for Thailand so that concrete results can be achieved," Chaichanok said. "For the next phase, I have proposed studying the use of pre-scan tools to check content before publication, analysing game and user history logs, and using AI to analyse factors that could lead to risky behaviour.

"This would allow us to take proactive preventive measures rather than addressing problems after an incident has occurred." He said all tools would have to be carefully assessed for their suitability and potential impact on users' privacy.

Deputy Prime Minister Yotchanat Wongsawat ordered heightened security at educational institutions on August 14 after a string of threatening and violent messages were sent to schools nationwide. Speaking at Government House, Yotchanat, who oversees the Education Ministry, said authorities have received reports and are implementing cabinet resolutions. Education Minister Prasert Chantharangthong proposed directives for affected schools across provincial, Interior Ministry, Defence Ministry, and Higher Education Ministry groups, instructing school directors and university leaders to coordinate on communications regarding the incidents.

When asked if police and security agencies would be enlisted, Yotchanat said security forces are already handling the perimeter while officials focus on protecting people inside schools. He stressed that students, teachers, and staff must monitor each other closely during this sensitive period. Weapon screening at school entrances will continue as necessary, with Yotchanat noting that the government will implement appropriate measures suited to current circumstances.

Regarding foreign security models, Yotchanat said the Education Ministry has studied international approaches to equipment and inspection procedures and already applies comparable standards, though the current period requires heightened vigilance. He confirmed that the ministry is preparing a new Education Safety Act to be proposed to the cabinet for long-term implementation. To prevent copycat behavior, Yotchanat emphasized the importance of communication and education, noting that curricula already address digital-age rights and privacy issues. Many schools are conducting emergency evacuation drills, and officials aim this week to reassure parents and the public that schools remain genuinely safe places.

The nine-heir claim has become a focal point in a heated dispute over temple land in Muang Khon Kaen. The heirs argue the 21-rai plot remains family property because the land title still bears the original owner's name and no legal deed transfer to the temple or Buddhist authorities was ever properly executed. The heirs contend that even though a document promised the land to the temple, it contained a condition that the temple must be completed first—a condition that never came to pass after the landowner's death, thus voiding the agreement.

Questions have arisen about the landowner's true heirs, as initial reports indicated nine children, yet Pa Da's exact family relationship remained unclear. Pa Da has explained that she is a niece through the wife's side of the family and a genuine relative, adding that she would not be able to manage family affairs otherwise. Recently, on August 14, 2025, during a media program hosted by Noam Karchai, Bua Khai, the fourth daughter of the deceased, clarified that Pa Da is a relative of the landowner's wife and was brought into the family as a ninth child because she has consistently cared for everyone. The family decided not to exclude her from the inheritance given her devoted service.

The temple's abbot has displayed the original land title but says the transfer of ownership to the temple has not yet been completed. The abbot insists he will not move from his position and expressed no fear of death, stating he will not accept questionable donations and is taking precautions.

On August 14, 2025, Lieutenant General Praphas Saonjaidi, Deputy Commander of the Situation Centre and Director of the Thai-Cambodian Information Centre (JIC), unveiled the bilingual book "Truth Beyond Borders." The publication builds on a 2024 white paper and consolidates factual, verifiable information in a systematic and comprehensive framework developed under government and ministerial direction. The book covers historical background, treaties, maps, boundary demarcation processes, international court rulings, relevant legal frameworks, contemporary developments, humanitarian impacts, crisis management, and peaceful dispute-resolution mechanisms. The publication seeks to build understanding of the situation based on facts, evidence, and international law, enabling both Thai and foreign readers to access the full context fairly, embodying the concept that "truth should not be limited by borders."

On August 14, it was reported that on August 13, Air Chief Marshal Thammanat Prompow, leader of the Palang Pracharath Party and serving as the class advisor, and General Santi Sakuntanarak, president of the Royal Thai Military Academy Class of 36, organized a lunch and reunion gathering for their classmates at the Army Club on Viphavadi Rangsit Road. Classmates attended the event in full attendance. The atmosphere was warm and relaxed, filled with conversation and shared meals among classmates who had been stationed in different positions across various sectors for many years. The gathering was held to strengthen relationships and deepen bonds among Class of 36 members before entering their retirement phase, in an atmosphere marked by warmth and lifelong friendship.