Surin farmers are facing severe crop losses after more than a month without rain. A field survey on August 18 across multiple subdistricts in Muang Surin district found that rice paddies have been hit hard by the prolonged drought, despite weather warnings from the meteorology department. The area received only scattered rainfall, leaving fields without standing water, dried reservoirs, and rice plants severely stressed as weeds and wild seedlings—particularly a fast-growing type known as "dao dee"—have overgrown the paddies.

One farmer, Nophidol, 48, from Nong Thai village in Salakaew subdistrict, who cultivates 5 rai and has invested over 10,000 baht, has resorted to tethering his herd of 12 buffalo in the rice fields to graze. Less than 10 percent of his rice plants remain; the rest has been replaced by weeds and wild seedlings that grow faster and larger than normal rice. "The long dry spell caused grass to grow faster than rice. From a distance it looks green like rice plants, but it's actually covered in weeds and wild growth," Nophidol explained. "Normally at this time, the fields would have standing water and rice would be near heading, but this year there's nothing but grass. Looking at it, I've lost all hope. I'll have to buy rice to eat. Farming is really tough."

The extended dry period has severely impacted the livelihoods and economic situation of farmers across Surin province. Residents are hoping for rainfall in the coming weeks to ease the drought before crop damage becomes even more severe.

A woman known as 'Kru Nam' (Water Teacher), a contract teacher, has admitted to leaving her job and now sells motorcycles, but keeps a photo of herself in a white teacher's uniform on her bedroom wall as motivation. She made no use of it elsewhere.

On August 18, 2025, the podcast programme "Pulling the Current" hosted by Noam Karachai presented the story of 'Khun Tae,' a subdistrict administration officer, who came forward seeking justice through the "Sai Mai Tong Rawt" channel. He alleged that Kru Nam, a contract teacher, deceived him into falling in love and convinced him to transfer over 300,000 baht as a bride price, plus another 200,000 baht for other purposes.

The acquaintance began on June 14, 2025, through a dating application. Kru Nam claimed to be single and had just downloaded the app to try it out. They exchanged contact details, and after chatting for a while, they met on July 10 and agreed to be a couple. The man said he was impressed when she offered to help him further his education.

Khun Tae recounted that he first transferred 28,000 baht on July 20 for tuition fees. On July 21, he made two more transfers: 70,000 baht in the morning for studies and 300,000 baht in the evening as a bride price to move in with her. He moved in on July 22 and transferred an additional 23,000 baht on July 23. In total, he transferred over 514,800 baht.

The truth emerged on August 3 when Khun Tae's friend grew suspicious and investigated, discovering Kru Nam's wedding photos. On August 4, the friend confirmed that Kru Nam's husband is a naval officer and that they had just registered their divorce that very morning—yet earlier that same morning, Kru Nam had lied to Khun Tae, claiming she was having breakfast with friends.

Kru Nam admitted that she had married her naval officer husband on May 10, 2025, only one month before contacting Khun Tae in June. She claimed they had separated at the beginning of June and that she was looking for someone to heal her heartbreak and avoid further disappointment.

When questioned about her occupation and the photos in a white teacher's uniform, Kru Nam acknowledged that she is no longer a teacher. Previously she was a contract teacher and a childminder at a private school before she resigned and became a motorcycle salesperson. Regarding the white uniform photos, she admitted they exist but claimed they were only meant to inspire herself to pass the teacher recruitment exam, which is her dream. She said she hung them in her home and did not use them anywhere else.

Evidence was then presented showing that Kru Nam had posted a series of photos online ranging from her school days through graduation photos and the white uniform, with a caption stating: "I studied my whole life to work at school for the rest of my life." Akaphop, from the Sai Mai Tong Rawt channel, pointed out that posting this way could mislead others.

Former Phatthalung MP Nipith Inthasombat posted on his personal Facebook account addressing the issue of local government exam fraud. In his post, he stated: "If I were your politician, I would bring those who took the local exam and are accused of cheating by altering scores to the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC). I would negotiate with the NACC that if they grant him witness protection, he would testify truthfully about who he gave money to, so the NACC can pursue charges against higher-level perpetrators such as politicians. It is now time for the Thai state to decide whether to target 'small fish' or 'big fish' corruption. This is the only way to effectively combat corruption and pursue cases against intermediaries who received money and those at higher levels. I am not your politician—so what have your politicians done to combat corruption in this country? Or are your politicians themselves corrupt, taking money to buy votes during elections?"

A social media post by a Malaysian tourist threatening to boycott Hat Yai has sparked debate after a group of Malaysian motorcyclists were fined by Thai police for traffic violations.

The Facebook user, who goes by the name Tok Singa, posted a video claiming that his group of 17 Malaysian motorcyclists received 15 tickets totaling about 15,000 baht during a traffic inspection by Hat Yai Police.

The post alleged that only one police officer handled the inspection, which took nearly three hours. It also claimed the group was threatened with detention if they delayed paying the fines, while some riders said their motorcycles still had factory-standard exhaust pipes and that police did not accept digital driving licences.

The video went viral and included a call for Malaysians to boycott Hat Yai, a popular destination for Malaysian tourists.

Hat Yai Police, however, disputed several of the claims.

Police Sergeant Major Veerasak Phansaeman, the officer involved in the incident, said he was directing traffic outside Hat Yai Police Station when he noticed a group of about 17 motorcycles from Malaysia.

Some motorcycles had modified flashing rear lights, while others appeared to have excessively loud exhaust systems, he said. Officers followed the group and stopped them at Dam Bridge intersection before bringing the motorcycles to the police station for a detailed inspection of documents, compulsory insurance, driving licences and vehicle equipment.

After inspecting all 17 motorcycles, police found violations involving nine vehicles and issued nine tickets, with total fines of 12,000 baht — not 15 tickets totaling 15,000 baht as claimed in the social media post.

Individual fines ranged from 1,000 to 3,000 baht, depending on the violation.

Veerasak said police used a sound-level meter in accordance with legal requirements when checking motorcycle exhaust noise. Officers first checked the manufacturer's noise-level plate, allowing an additional 5 decibels where applicable. If no plate was available, the limit was determined by the vehicle's registration date.

Motorcycles registered before 2024 are subject to a maximum limit of 95 decibels, while those registered from 1 January 2024 are limited to 90 decibels, he said.

Veerasak said officers explained the regulations to the Malaysian tourists and denied that police had mistreated or singled them out because they were foreigners.

"The video distorted some of the facts," he said, adding that officers had followed legal procedures and treated foreign tourists and Thai motorists equally.

He urged visitors driving into Thailand to familiarize themselves with local traffic laws and comply with them.

"Even though we are concerned about the impact on the tourism image, officers must uphold the law," Veerasak said.

He added that he did not expect the incident to have a significant impact on Hat Yai's tourism industry, saying most visitors comply with Thai laws.

Thailand's diving team is preparing for the 2026 Asian Games by bringing back Coach Baiyun Ping, a former Chinese national coach, to train two Thai athletes. Head coach Suchart Pichi explained that the team initially sought budget approval to send divers Thitiphumi Maksin and Chavalavat Chanphodawanl to train in China, but budget constraints led to inviting Coach Baiyun Ping to Thailand instead.

Coach Baiyun Ping, who previously coached Thailand's national diving team, is helping refine diving techniques and build strength in the two leading Thai athletes. The athletes are adjusting to his more intense training regimen, which is more demanding than their previous preparation. The diving federation also invited Ping to share knowledge and experience with Thailand's youth national team at Thammasat University's aquatic center.

Permanent employment of Coach Baiyun Ping is unlikely due to health constraints limiting long-term team management, though short-term assignments remain possible. Ping noted that Thai diving athletes are talented but lack internationally standard training equipment. Training in China provides better facilities, though he would willingly coach in Thailand if proper equipment becomes available. Ping previously served as Mexico's diving coach starting in 2005, leading them to a bronze medal at the 2008 Olympic Games before his return to assist Thailand.

The Energy Ministry is pushing the "solar rooftop" program, enabling citizens to install solar panels for free with no upfront payment, repaying costs through their electricity bills using monthly savings. Conclusions are expected within a month. Energy Ministry spokesperson Pongsapol Yodemuangcharoen said the ministry, led by Energy Minister Eknathai Saipangphan, has removed critical barriers by eliminating restrictions and streamlining the solar installation permit process to completion within seven days, and grid connection approvals to 30 days—previously taking a year. The government has also expanded clean energy purchases from the public by an additional 500 megawatts and is implementing the Finance Ministry's 500 million baht budget initiative to support rooftop solar installations. State financial institutions including the Government Savings Bank and Government Housing Bank will provide low-interest lending through an "install free, pay via electricity bill" model with these details: No upfront cost—the state subsidizes approximately 50,000 baht per household, targeting one million homes, plus low-interest credit (2-4 percent annually) from state banks. Repayment from electricity savings—participants use monthly electricity bill reductions to pay monthly installments. Immediate results—a 5kW system produces roughly 600 units monthly, saving approximately 2,150–2,200 baht per month; with payback in 5-7 years, monthly payments remain lower than savings, so residents see reduced electricity costs from the first month. "This elevates Thais to 'Prosumers'—both producers and consumers—or energy entrepreneurs achieving energy independence. Every 1,000 megawatts of rooftop solar Thailand produces reduces average electricity costs by 0.9 satang per unit. If this one-million-rooftop initiative succeeds—equivalent to 5,000 megawatts—it will cut expensive LNG imports and permanently reduce the national average electricity rate by nearly 5 satang per unit. This policy benefits all stakeholders: citizens reduce expenses, the state cuts energy imports, and the world gains clean power. We await clarity on the program model from the utility and expect conclusions in about a month. I want to see the million-rooftop solar initiative realized in Thailand and am ready to champion this policy to the fullest," Pongsapol said.