PHUKET: Phuket forestry and district officials have inspected three locations in Rawai following concerns over land use, finding two sites within forest areas while a third location is awaiting verification of land title documents.

On August 13, 2569, Dr. Sarawut Bunsook, director of the Department of Medical Sciences, instructed the Laboratory and Radiation Emergency Response Team (LERT) to supply essential health products and equipment to flood victims in affected areas. The department is dispatching 1,700 sets of wax-based foot protection and mosquito spray, 325 leptospirosis test kits, 300 coliform test kits, and other necessary health supplies to medical science centers in Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, and Udon Thani provinces for distribution by local health offices to flood-affected residents.

This initiative is part of the Department of Medical Sciences' broader mission to apply medical science and laboratory capabilities to health emergencies, particularly during floods when populations face elevated risk of waterborne and vector-borne diseases such as leptospirosis, microbial infections, and complications from prolonged water exposure.

On August 14, Environment Minister Suchath Chomklin led a delegation to Phetchaburi province to inaugurate the Arthsit Canal water discharge gate project in Ban Kum subdistrict, Mueang district. The gate is designed to enhance water management efficiency in the area by controlling water flow during heavy rains and dry seasons. The minister also visited the coastal area of Pak Talae subdistrict in Ban Lam district to address erosion problems and the accumulation of shell debris, locally known as gra-cha, which has harmed fishing livelihoods.

Suchath stated that the government prioritizes systematic and proactive water management tailored to local needs, including flood prevention, drought management, and protection against saltwater intrusion. The Arthsit Canal project, championed by Member of Parliament Thiwalrat Angkinant since 2567, is a key initiative that will improve drainage capacity during high water levels, conserve water during dry season, and prevent saltwater encroachment into agricultural areas. The project is expected to benefit over 4,000 rai during rainy season and 700 rai during dry season, supporting approximately 625 households.

The minister emphasized the importance of cooperation between government agencies, local authorities, and communities in achieving effective water management. Regarding the gra-cha problem—an accumulation of shell fragments, crab shells, and other calcium carbonate-based debris washed ashore by waves and currents—the buildup in the Pak Talae canal mouth has created shallow channels that obstruct boat traffic and pose safety risks to fishermen. The geographic location at the canal entrance, where water currents and winds converge, exacerbates the accumulation. The government remains committed to integrating water resource management for maximum public benefit while balancing environmental sustainability.

Three French tourists renting a jet ski went missing in the sea off Koh Samui on August 13, 2569, prompting an overnight search that found all three men floating safely about 7 nautical miles from Koh Mad Lang. The incident began at 5:30 p.m. when a family of five French tourists rented a jet ski from Jet and Jump near Long Beach Hotel at Chaweng Beach for 30 minutes. Three men—Brahim Terki (50), Maheiddine Terki (12), and Ilyes Terki (9)—rode one jet ski while the wife and daughter waited on the beach.

When the jet ski did not return after 30 minutes, the operator used binoculars to search but found nothing. The operator sent out two jet skis to look but still could not locate them. At 8:25 p.m., the emergency hotline 1784 received a report of three missing foreign tourists. Koh Samui District officials and the 15th Volunteer Territorial Defense Unit coordinated a search involving multiple agencies and the jet ski operator's additional boats.

The overnight search proved difficult due to strong waves in the open sea. Officers suspended the search temporarily at 1:00 a.m. on August 14 and resumed at dawn. At 9:00 a.m., District Officer Amorn Chumchuay and rescue teams launched speedboats to continue searching. At 11:00 a.m., officers found all three tourists floating in the water approximately 7 nautical miles east of Koh Mad Lang. They were brought aboard safely, exhausted but unharmed, bringing relief to the waiting family and search teams after an anxious night.

The Thai Meteorological Department issued a seven-day weather forecast for August 14-20, 2025. From August 14-17, Thailand will experience isolated heavy rain mainly in the northern, northeastern, and eastern regions due to a monsoon trough passing over northern Thailand, Laos, and northern Vietnam. The southwest monsoon continues to cover the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. From August 18-20, rainfall will intensify across the northern and upper northeastern regions with heavy rain in many areas as the monsoon trough shifts southward. Waves in the upper Andaman Sea will remain moderately strong at 2-3 meters during August 14-18, exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. The upper Gulf of Thailand will see waves around 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm zones. From August 19-20, waves in both areas will remain 2-3 meters, exceeding 3 meters during thunderstorms. Residents in the northern and upper northeastern regions should beware of heavy rainfall and accumulated water that may cause flash floods, flash flooding, and riverbank overflow, especially in foothill and low-lying areas. Boaters should exercise caution and avoid thunderstorm areas. Small boats in the upper Andaman Sea should remain ashore August 14-16 and 19-20, while small boats in the upper Gulf should stay ashore August 19-20. Regional forecasts: Northern region with 60-80 percent thunderstorm coverage and heavy rain throughout, becoming very heavy August 18-20, southwest winds 10-20 kph, low 23-27°C, high 30-35°C. Northeastern region with 40-60 percent coverage August 14-17, increasing to 60-80 percent August 18-20 with heavy to very heavy rain, southwest winds 10-20 kph, low 23-27°C, high 31-35°C. Central region with 40-60 percent coverage August 14-17, 60-70 percent August 18-20 with heavy rain, southwest winds 10-25 kph, low 23-28°C, high 30-36°C. Eastern region with 60-70 percent coverage and heavy rain throughout, southwest winds 20-35 kph August 14-18 with 2-meter waves (exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorms), and 20-40 kph winds August 19-20 with 2-3 meter waves (exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorms), low 23-28°C.

On August 14, Chaiyachon Deathdecho, a Democrat Party list MP, addressed allegations that he assaulted a deputy superintendent at Thung Yai Police Station in Nakhon Si Thammarat, stating he has always respected and supported police, particularly on budget and personnel matters. As a former chair of the Police Affairs Committee, he said he has consistently fought for budget support for police operations and stressed to police leadership that he had no intention to harm any officer. He emphasized his respect for police as an essential organization protecting public safety. "As an MP and deputy party leader, I apologize to the public if the published news caused negative feelings, but I ask for fairness from society," Chaiyachon said, denying he assaulted anyone and requesting that the facts be considered fairly through due process. He welcomed and agreed to cooperate fully with any Democrat Party committee formed to investigate the incident, believing a factual review was appropriate and necessary to establish the truth.