PHUKET: Deputy Interior Minister Polapee Suwunchwee has warned that naturalised Thai citizens suspected of acting as nominees for foreign investors could pose a new national-security threat by allowing foreign capital to control Thai businesses, land and commercial property.

At 12:50 p.m. on August 11, 2025, approximately 60 red-shirt supporters submitted a letter to Pheu Thai Party headquarters opposing any restructuring of the 30-baht universal healthcare program, or gold card scheme. Labor Minister and Pheu Thai leader Chulphon Amornvivatana received the petition on behalf of the party.

Chulphon thanked all citizens who gathered to voice their concerns, stating that the party had heard their full message, which reflected legitimate worries about the country's situation. He explained that the 30-baht healthcare program originated with Thai Rak Thai Party in 2001 and represents a legacy from former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra. The party, he said, remains steadfast in the ideology and approach it has pursued for 20 years and commits to protecting the program for the public.

Discussions have taken place regarding how fund management mechanisms might operate, with some proposals suggesting public contribution components. Chulphon firmly stated that as long as Pheu Thai remains in government, such changes will not happen. He confirmed that after speaking directly with the government, there is no intention to alter the program's payment structure. "I assure the public that whether through cabinet members, Pheu Thai party officials, or parliamentarians, we are ready to fight for people's fundamental right to access healthcare. Be assured we will work fully and fight entirely for the people's rights," Chulphon said.

On August 11, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., a reporter visited Wat Pa Adulyaram along Kalpaprueksa Road in Muang District, Khon Kaen, to document a situation in which approximately 40 armed men had blocked all temple entrances with concrete drainage pipes and posted notices demanding the removal of all structures within 15 days.

Abbot Phra Khru Adulya Saranited and 33-year-old temple disciple Thanakorn Boonnakon (nicknamed Nod) were present. According to the abbot's lawyer reached by phone, the land dispute has dragged on for years through multiple court proceedings involving several plots. Only one final 5-rai plot remains without a title deed, currently under court review. "The lower court and appeals court ruled in the temple's favor," the lawyer said. "At the Supreme Court level, the plaintiff has petitioned for review while the temple has filed opposition. The court is currently deciding whether to accept the petition. If rejected, the case ends; if accepted, it proceeds to Supreme Court review."

Thanakorrecounted that before the incident, he saw men cutting grass around the temple grounds. Once finished, they systematically posted notices on all sides. He estimated 40–50 people arrived in three vans. One man wore military-like clothing and stood watching; the others resembled hired laborers rather than officials, some in military-style coveralls. Thanakorn promptly reported the incident to police with the abbot. He said the armed group claimed the land deed belonged to someone else with no designated heir, asserting it was their property. They ordered removal of all structures within 15 days and claimed they had orders from "higher up" and would not listen to the court or police. After the men left, locals tore out the pipes. As they departed, the group photographed themselves, gave thumbs up, and cheered loudly.

Thanakorexplained he has been attached to the temple since childhood and now cares for the abbot daily. He and locals expressed concern for the abbot and young monks, as the incident occurred during Buddhist Lent, and questioned where the monks would go if evicted.

Pol. Maj. Yosawat Kaewsapnij, Muang Khon Kaen Police Station commander, said investigators have filed a complaint and are interviewing witnesses including the abbot and other temple residents. The accused group will be summoned for questioning after the temple witnesses are heard, before charges are considered.

The Charoen Pokphand Group's China operations is advancing its strategy to boost the value of Thai agricultural exports in global markets by partnering with the Thai Embassy in Beijing, the Royal Thai Consulate-General, and Thai government agencies in China to promote the "CPFresh National Durian" concept. The initiative aims to elevate Thai durian from a quality agricultural product to a recognized consumer brand in China, while leveraging Thai food and cultural soft power to strengthen Thai-Chinese cooperation in economics, trade, tourism, and culture.

The festival opening ceremonies in Beijing and other major cities were recently attended by high-level representatives from both Thailand and China, including Ambassador Chatchai Viriyavejakul in Beijing, agricultural affairs advisor Prattakorn Thamnani, Thai Tourism Authority deputy director Suneerath Rujeemasai (Beijing office), CP Group China senior vice-chair Li Wenhai, and CP Group China CFO Paisarn Yangsomboon, along with Yang Gang and other executives.

Ambassador Chatchai Viriyavejakul stated that "Thai durian is not only the 'king of Thai fruits' but also the 'taste of friendship' that connects the hearts of Thai and Chinese people. We thank CP Group for its crucial role in expanding opportunities for Chinese consumers to experience the quality of Thai durian and Thai culture up close."

Yang Gang, CP Group China vice-chair and marketing director, noted that "CP Group, as the first foreign company to invest in China after reform and opening, remains committed to the '3 benefits' principle and leveraging its integrated industrial chain to connect agricultural trade, food, and culture between Thailand and China. The durian festival has evolved from a sales promotion activity into a platform for building Thailand's national brand value and a symbol of friendship between the two nations."

Over the past five years across major Chinese cities including Beijing, Guangzhou, and Changsha, the festivals have been well-received through durian buffet activities, Thai food markets, tropical fruit sales, CPFresh products, Thai cultural performances, durian parades, and online campaigns. The project's success reflects CP Group's role in using agricultural and food business capabilities to create added value for Thai agricultural products in global markets through the CPFresh brand while leveraging Thai soft power to sustainably drive Thai-Chinese economic and diplomatic relations under its "3 benefits" business principles.

The Deputy Interior Minister confirmed plans to manage flooding in the North and Northeast, while announcing that the Prime Minister has allocated 100 million baht to each deputy prime minister to handle the water emergency. At 12:10 p.m. on August 11, 2025, at Government House, Jetsada Thaiyaseth, Deputy Interior Minister, addressed current flooding in several areas, noting that the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation is coordinating with the National Disaster Warning Center.

Cell Broadcast alerts were issued before noon on August 11 for areas in Chiang Rai province, the Mekong River, and Phayao province. The Northeast region, where Mekong water levels are rising steadily, remains under full surveillance in all areas.

Jetsada discussed monitoring efforts in Mae Sai District, Chiang Rai province during the flood season, confirming that contingency plans are in place with multiple drills already conducted. Provincial governors have been instructed to coordinate with local agencies for preparedness. In case of emergency, alerts will be sent via Cell Broadcast system, along with announcements through village networks, local radio stations, and community leaders.

When residents receive warning messages, they are asked to implement their rehearsed emergency plans and cooperate with local leaders in evacuating themselves and their vehicles.

Jetsada also revealed that following the Prime Minister's assignment of deputy prime ministers to oversee nationwide flood and drought management, a report was presented at today's cabinet meeting (August 11). The Prime Minister authorized an additional emergency budget allocation of 100 million baht to each deputy prime minister to support flood-affected areas and address drought conditions.

The Prime Minister hopes these funds will effectively support affected residents and address both current flooding and potential drought situations expected next year. He also instructed authorities to identify water storage areas during the current flood season to help mitigate potential drought conditions in early next year.