On August 7, 2026, Thepsirin School in Nonthaburi issued a statement expressing profound condolences for a tragic incident that occurred on campus, which has caused loss and deep distress to families, parents, students, teachers, and all involved. The school sent heartfelt sympathy and encouragement to the bereaved families and those affected, pledging to provide appropriate care and assistance. The school thanked all agencies, officials, medical staff, parents, alumni, and the community for their support and compassion during this difficult period. Thepsirin School emphasized its commitment to the safety and welfare of all students, teachers, and staff, and pledged to work fully with relevant authorities to care for and support those affected. The school called on all community members to extend compassion and encouragement to one another and unite in strength through this challenging time.

A passenger car crashed into a childcare development centre in Kanchanaburi province on Friday, leaving about 10 people injured, according to the Rattanavudh Foundation. The foundation said the car ploughed into Ban Nong Song Ton Child Development Centre in Muang district. Rescue workers, emergency medical teams and police were dispatched to the scene to assist the injured and secure the area. Authorities were triaging victims, providing first aid at the scene and transporting the injured to nearby hospitals. Traffic around the site was being managed to allow ambulances and rescue vehicles quick access. The cause of the crash has not yet been determined, and officials said the number of injured could change as the situation develops. The Rattanavudh Foundation urged motorists to avoid the area, give way to emergency vehicles and follow instructions from authorities while rescue operations continue.

Dr. Pingping Raphat Eknithiseth, a Miss Universe Chachoengsao 2026 contestant, has stood out with her radiant appearance and confident presence at every event, capturing attention as a noteworthy competitor.

While some have not positioned her as the favorite, she has proven her worth through dedication, intentionality, and self-improvement in all pageant activities. She has given her full effort, demonstrating impressive personal presence, communication skills, and teamwork with fellow contestants.

During the three-day competition, Dr. Pingping wore varied looks while maintaining her signature elegance and charming smile, earning enthusiastic support from her fans. She remains guided by her personal motto: "Do your best at every step," believing that "where there is effort, there is success." Each moment on stage is an opportunity for learning and moving closer to her dream.

The path to the Miss Universe crown is far from over. Regardless of the competition outcome, her supporters are confident that Dr. Pingping Raphat Eknithiseth's dedication, determination, and positive spirit will carry her gracefully toward her goal. GO TO UNIVERSE—her dream continues, and fortune may yet await her on the universe stage.

GUNKUL has partnered with LH Bank to secure a sustainability-linked loan of 1 billion baht for investment in clean energy power plants both domestically and internationally. The company has approximately 1,400 megawatts of projects currently in development and awaiting revenue recognition, with plans to expand its renewable energy portfolio to over 2,121 megawatts to align with Thailand's PDP 2026 roadmap and Net Zero emissions goals.

Gunkul Darngpiyavut, chairman of GUNKUL Engineering, stated that the sustainability-linked loan will enable the company to grow through investment and development of clean energy projects in both Thailand and overseas, including solar and wind power projects scheduled for commercial operation between 2027 and 2030, as well as a floating solar farm in the Philippines targeted for late 2027.

The financing supports GUNKUL's ambition to expand clean energy investment in Thailand in line with PDP 2026, which aims to significantly increase the proportion of power generation from clean energy sources and reflects the company's commitment to sustainable business practices aligned with the country's Net Zero targets.

Mark Chen, CEO of LH Bank's Business Customer Group, emphasized the bank's support for sustainable financing services to entrepreneurs prioritizing environmental impact. GUNKUL, as a clean energy leader with over 40 years of energy engineering experience and a portfolio of more than 2,121 megawatts of renewable energy projects, exemplifies the kind of partnership LH Bank seeks to promote renewable energy adoption and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with Thailand's Taxonomy standards.

Speaking at parliament on August 7, 2025, Asupath Sannatiraphop, Srisaket MP for Bhumjaithai and chair of the anti-corruption committee, responded to accusations by Rangsiman Rome, chair of the House law and justice committee, that former Deputy PM and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul was involved in local civil service exam fraud. The allegation centered on Anutin's alleged role in switching the exam contractor from Burapha University to Srinakharinwirot University in 2024.

Asupath said that as Srisaket's representative, he received numerous complaints in 2023 from locals about brokers demanding 500,000 to 800,000 baht in exchange for local government jobs in subdistrict and municipal administrations. He brought these complaints to the Interior Ministry on January 5, 2024, and a memorandum of understanding was signed on January 26, 2024, between the Interior Ministry, the Department of Local Administration (DLA), the National Anti-Corruption Commission, and the Anti-Money Laundering Office.

Asupath clarified that local exam fraud occurred during 2019 and 2021 exams when Burapha University and Kasetsart University were the contractors—both institutions that generated complaints. When Burapha was set to conduct exams again, Srisaket residents filed complaints. Asupath recounted receiving a threatening call from someone claiming to be a DLA official warning that he could face false testimony charges, but he stood firm on the truth of his allegations.

He described a pattern where some candidates who paid bribes failed the written and oral sections but were later adjusted to pass, while others in Srisaket paid but failed and filed 19 police reports. Two of these cases have already been forwarded to prosecutors, and central authorities are preparing to take additional statements from victims. Once the accused learned of the incoming investigation, they began returning money to victims.

Asupath emphasized that local exam fraud is longstanding but was difficult to detect because only five senior DLA positions—director-general, related deputy directors, department heads, group heads, and specialists—had the power to manipulate results. In 2019 and 2021, fraud went undetected because benefits were distributed smoothly, but the 2024 exams were caught because multiple DLA directors changed, disrupting the quota system's profit-sharing.

"What I'm saying confirms that local exam fraud has existed since the past but was undetectable because those involved were few and benefits aligned perfectly," Asupath said. "In 2024, we caught it because the change in leadership meant quotas had misaligned interests. But this was a good opportunity to prove this network truly exists." He further noted that DLA should be scrutinized thoroughly.