Minister Vows to Push Forward on Nui Beach Resort Demolition

The Natural Resources and Environment Minister vows to proceed with demolishing an illegal resort at Nui Beach in Phuket despite a pending court lawsuit, determined to combat forest encroachment.

1d ago The Phuket News

PHUKET: Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has said he is not afraid of a lawsuit filed in the Phuket Administrative Court over the demolition of a resort at Nui Beach, insisting the government will continue action against forest encroachment.

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National

PM: US AI Choice Separate From Thai Trade Talks

Thailand's prime minister says the country's neutral stance on US-China AI competition won't affect trade negotiations, insisting security and commercial talks operate under separate frameworks.

1d ago Khaosod

At 8:35 a.m. on August 17 at Don Mueang Royal Thai Air Force Base, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister addressed the situation where the United States is preparing to press multiple countries to take sides in the AI competition with China. When asked whether Thailand's neutral position would impact trade negotiations, the PM said there should be no connection because each issue operates under separate negotiation conditions. He questioned what it means to "take sides" and at what level it would be considered as such, noting that negotiations are still ongoing.

The PM noted that this mirrors last week's visit by US Assistant Secretary of Defense, who confirmed that security matters, military training cooperation, and defense support are separate from trade negotiations, with both sides affirming this distinction. When asked whether frequent visits from senior US defense officials constituted pressure on Thailand, Anutin denied it, saying all interactions occur in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation. He added that the officials even call each other by first names—when asked to use a first name instead of "Minister," the US official asked to be called by his first name, and when called "Mr. Prime Minister," Anutin responded, "Call me Anutin."

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National

Fake Electricity-Saving Plug Still Duping Buyers in 2026

Fraudulent electricity-saving plugs claiming to cut bills by 30–90% continue deceiving Thai consumers despite expert warnings, with authorities confirming the devices—often containing just a capacitor or LED—pose fire risks and deliver no e

1d ago Khaosod

A Facebook user asked in a homemaking group whether a plug-in device her husband bought actually saves electricity after he claimed it cuts bills. Later, Associate Professor Jetsada Denboriband, a biology lecturer at Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Science, shared the post and expressed surprise that fake electricity-saving boxes are still being sold in 2026.

Investigation shows that electricity-saving plugs or outlet adapters marketed online as capable of reducing bills by 30–90% do not work as advertised and are pure consumer fraud. They typically contain only a small capacitor or a single LED bulb, leaving buyers out of pocket and at risk of electrical fires.

Fact-checking website Cofact reports that these scam products continue to flood online sales platforms despite warnings from the Provincial Electricity Authority and experts. When asked, Dr. Suppan Tiptipakorn, head of the electrical engineering department at Mahidol University, confirmed there is no credible academic evidence or test results from trusted agencies showing such products can reduce home electricity consumption as claimed. Consumer protection organizations in multiple countries have tested these devices and found they do not reduce energy use as advertised, warning that non-standard products may pose safety hazards.

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National

EGCO Group Posts 19.2 Billion Baht Revenue, 1.5 Billion Profit

EGCO Group recorded 19.2 billion baht in revenue and 1.5 billion baht net profit for the first half of 2025, driven by efficient cost management at Thai power plants, favorable conditions at Laotian hydroelectric facilities, and expansion o

1d ago Khaosod

EGCO Group reported first-half 2025 results showing total revenue of 19.179 billion baht, operating profit of 1.016 billion baht, and net profit of 1.538 billion baht, reflecting the strength of its financial position and diversified investment portfolio. Thatthachai Samranyawanit, chief executive of Electricity Generation Company (EGCO Group), said the second quarter alone generated 9.67 billion baht in revenue with 1.625 billion baht in profit share recognition. As of June 30, 2025, the company held total assets of 224.391 billion baht, shareholder equity of 101.381 billion baht, and cash reserves of 31.811 billion baht.

Performance in the first half demonstrated "strategic resilience" and financial discipline amid economic and geopolitical volatility, with the company managing risk across countries, fuels, technology, and related energy businesses. Four key factors supported the results: efficient cost management at Thai independent power plants, with BLCP benefiting from lower fuel costs and Kaeng Khoi increasing sales volume; favorable water levels in Laos enabling higher output from Noen Muang Thae 2 and Xayaburi plants; expansion of data centers and AI in the United States boosting Linden Cogen's revenue and sales, plus increased shareholding in Pinnacle II wind and solar operations; and growing rental income providing stable cash flow.

Management said the company will continue seeking investment opportunities while maintaining disciplined asset selection aligned with strategy, actively managing the portfolio through asset recycling to strengthen capital readiness and sustain long-term growth despite intense competition for investments.

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Police

Teen Found Dead After Spearfishing Accident Near Phuket

PHUKET: The body of a 17-year-old boy who went missing while spearfishing in the channel separating Phuket from the mainland has been found after more than a day of searching over the weekend.

1d ago The Phuket News

PHUKET: The body of a 17-year-old boy who went missing while spearfishing in the channel separating Phuket from the mainland has been found after more than a day of searching over the weekend.

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National

Deputy PM Defends AI Project, Ready for No-Confidence Debate

Deputy PM Yosthanan Wongsotsadit defended his ministry's AI project on August 17, saying proper procedures were followed and he is prepared to face opposition no-confidence motion debate.

2d ago Khaosod

At 9:30 a.m. on August 17 at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister Yosthanan Wongsotsadit, who also serves as Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, addressed the opposition's plans to file a no-confidence motion. He stated that the ministry has followed proper procedures and confirmed that everything is proceeding according to protocol.

When asked if he was confident he could explain the situation, Yosthanan said it is not a matter of confidence or lack thereof, but rather that the ministry has adhered to proper procedures throughout and there is nothing to worry about.

When asked whether he would need preparation or coaching from Pheu Thai party members before a potential debate—as this would be his first time giving such an explanation—Yosthanan responded that as deputy prime minister, he bears full responsibility for the matter, which comes from a mandate given to him by the country. He emphasized that he has done everything thoroughly and the information prepared allows him to answer questions immediately, making additional preparation unnecessary and eliminating any need to separate politics from ministerial work.

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Community

BE aLife Campaign Expands to Include Athletes Aged 50+

The BE aLife campaign adds a 50-plus age category to its fitness racing competition at True Digital Park, with over 1,000 participants competing in running and functional fitness challenges across multiple weeks in August.

2d ago Khaosod

The BE aLife: Move Out Loud campaign continues to build a health-focused community, attracting over 1,000 participants. Following the inaugural competition on Saturday, August 8, 2025, the second week of racing took place on Saturday, August 15, 2025, at Skytrack on the 4th floor of True Digital Park, filled with energy and excitement. The campaign operates under the concept "You don't need to be superhuman to join the fun."

A key feature of week 2 is the addition of an age 50-plus category, continuing through week 3 to give fitness enthusiasts across all age groups the opportunity to exercise, push their limits, and demonstrate that age is not an obstacle to fitness.

The event atmosphere was vibrant, drawing office workers, friend groups, fitness beginners, and competitive athletes, all cheering and supporting one another throughout the competition. The competition highlights involve alternating between two main zones: The RUN, a running challenge on the Skytrack sky runway covering 540 meters per lap, and The FIT CHALLENGE 5, comprising five intense stations: SkiErg, Rowing, Kettlebell Swing, Sandbag Lunges, and Dumbbell Thruster.

Participants alternate between running and completing tasks at each station for five rounds, covering a total distance of 2.7 kilometers before winners are determined by combined score. The event welcomes both individual and two-person team entries, including male, female, mixed, and LGBTQ+ teams, reflecting an inclusive and welcoming competition.

Dr. Jirapong Pibathanapiwongse, Chairman and Executive Director of True Digital Park, stated the vision: "Our main goal is to make True Digital Park more than just a workspace—it should be a community that addresses the lifestyle needs of modern people across all dimensions, especially health. We launched the BE aLife: Move Out Loud campaign to transform this space into an adult playground where everyone can enjoy exercise as sportainment. With our fully prepared facilities, including the Skytrack zone and main activity area, we can seamlessly host these competitions and welcome everyone to build a strong, sustainable fitness community."

Dr. Jirapong also highlighted week 2's special feature: "In weeks 2 and 3, we are delighted to introduce a competition category for those aged 50 and above, demonstrating that our Functional Fitness Racing is not an excessively demanding activity. With proper training and preparation, anyone at any life stage can participate, have fun, and take home inspiration."

Following the intensive workouts, True Digital Park provides the Glass Pavilion, located in the outdoor garden area on the 4th floor's west side, as a peaceful retreat where participants can relax and recover after the competition.

The BE aLife: Move Out Loud campaign has completed two weeks of competition with two more scheduled for August 22 and 29, 2025, at Skytrack on the 4th floor of True Digital Park. Participants are invited to join, push their limits, and enjoy the experience.

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National

PM Dismisses Anti-Government Protest Reports as Fake News

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dismissed anti-government protest reports as fake news on August 17, while defending his cabinet's readiness to address a planned opposition no-confidence motion.

2d ago Khaosod

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dismissed reports of anti-government protests as fake news on August 17, saying the public should verify information before consuming such media. When asked whether the government was concerned about escalating unrest, he stated that the government is performing its duties with full commitment, honesty, and integrity.

Regarding the opposition's plan to file a no-confidence motion, Anutin said all cabinet ministers are prepared to address opposition concerns and provide clarity to the public, not just parliament members. He emphasized that each minister mentioned in opposition criticism must be ready to respond.

When pressed on whether the opposition's no-confidence motion focuses on the Senate charter controversy, Anutin clarified that the government has no connection to the Senate, as that is a separate institution. The government began operations in 2569 while the Senate started in 2567, he noted.

Anuthin stated that the government will only address questions related to its actual performance. When asked about recent disclosures of Senate charter discussions by opposition lawmakers, he said the issue cannot be directed at him as he is in the executive branch, and he viewed it as an attempt to undermine government credibility.

"This is a game by people not in government who want to be in government. Don't overthink it. Everything comes down to the election results. They lost the election, so they must accept the rules," Anutin said, calling on critics not to remain outside the political game.

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National

The Tom Thailand 2026 Gains Momentum With Major Sponsors

Thailand's first Tom pageant is building momentum with major corporate sponsors, including electric bicycle maker Sagasonic, as organizers prepare for auditions at Khao Yai starting September 6 with finals scheduled for October 3.

2d ago Khaosod

The Tom Thailand 2026, Thailand's first Tom pageant, is generating strong momentum with major brands lining up to sponsor the event. License holder Lek-Bunnadda Thiphibal and pageant director Nan-Wailaksana Sirisaakr announced their success and satisfaction with the overwhelming positive response, particularly from large-brand sponsors queuing to join the competition.

A key highlight is the partnership with Sagasonic, a leading electric bicycle manufacturer, which is contributing to the contestants' experience. During a workshop at Panyaindra Golf Club, Sagasonic brought electric bicycles for contestants to test ride, leaving a strong impression on organizers. Sagasonic is a comprehensive electric vehicle manufacturer and distributor of bicycles, spare parts, tires, batteries, and control systems, with an engineering team overseeing strict production standards certified to ISO 9001:2015, ensuring all products pass rigorous quality control before reaching customers.

The Tom Thailand 2026 is intensifying preparations for the next phase: auditions at Khao Yai. Three camps are scheduled from September 6–20, 2569, with national-level masters and coaches including teams led by Pom Winit, Keng Tachaya, and Pa Top. The final round will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2569, at Calypso Asiatique The Riverfront, where contestants will compete for the title. For more details, follow Tom Thailand on Facebook.

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National

PM: Quality of Life Requires Daily Thought Beyond Single Programs

Prime Minister Anuthun Charnweerakul says improving quality of life requires continuous planning across multiple areas, not single programs, rejecting comparisons to welfare policies for Thai Help Thai Plus Phase 2.

2d ago Khaosod

Prime Minister Anuthun Charnweerakul stressed that the Thai Help Thai Plus Phase 2 program must address what truly improves quality of life for citizens—a daily consideration, not a single-issue program. He rejected comparisons to welfare or populist policies, saying the approach must be collaborative and well-timed.

Addressing balance between economic activity, public cost reduction, and government budget management, the Prime Minister noted that multiple factors must work together. While government has a duty to care for public welfare, the method cannot rely on welfare-state or populist models; it must be a shared effort at the right moment.

When asked whether Thai Help Thai Plus Phase 2 will proceed, he replied that improving quality of life demands continuous thought and planning across many areas, not just one program. Regarding treasury capacity, he confirmed that funding has not been depleted in the past.

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Police

Concrete Slab Crushes Worker in Bangkok; Rescue Underway

A concrete slab collapsed and trapped a worker near Samsen Road in Bangkok's Dusit District on Friday morning, with rescue teams working to extract him from beneath the debris.

2d ago Khaosod

At 9:50 a.m. on August 17, a concrete slab collapsed and trapped a worker near Samsen Soi 13 on Samsen Road in Vachira Ward, Dusit District, Bangkok, according to JS100 Radio. After receiving the alert, Samsen Fire and Rescue Station personnel arrived at the scene to assess the situation and provide emergency assistance, working to safely extract the person trapped beneath the slab.

No confirmed details have yet been released regarding the number of injured workers or their condition, nor has the cause of the collapse been determined. Rescue officials are continuing their investigation and rescue operation. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

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