The Royal Thai Navy conducted a ceremonial blessing of the grounds, Buddhist rites, and traditional boat spirit veneration for 14 royal barges on August 3, 2026, at the National Royal Barge Museum. Navy Commander Admiral Phairoj Fueungjan presided over the ceremonies preparing the vessels for a grand water procession as part of royal merit-making activities honoring Her Majesty the Queen's 4th cycle birthday celebration.

At 8:15 a.m., the Navy Commander traveled to the museum to perform ground blessings, Buddhist rites, and rituals venerating the spirits of four royal boats: the Suphannahongse, Anantanakharaj, Narayana Thongsuphan (Rama IX), and Anekchatibuchchong barges, alongside four mythical creature boats including the Ekachaisanhao, Garuda, Sword of Conquest, and Asurawayu vessels.

Following the official proclamation, the Navy Commander oversaw the Buddhist ceremony with incense and candles offered to the Three Gems, ordained monks giving blessings, chanting, and blessing water sprinklings. He then anointed the boats, applied gold leaf, tied colored cloths, arranged garlands, scattered blessed rice and flowers to honor the boat spirits, and performed a ceremonial dance with the Department of Fine Arts.

At 10:19 a.m., the Navy Commander presided over ceremonies honoring the spirits of six additional mythical creature boats at the Royal Motorboat Division, Wasukri Pier, including the Ekachailaohtong, Sword of Victory, Garuda Trijakra, Palee Rangtwip, Sukreekhrongmuang, and Asuropaksi vessels.

The ground blessing ceremony is a traditional ritual acknowledging and showing reverence to the protective spirits of a place, invoking Buddhist virtues and celestial deities. The boat spirit veneration reflects an ancient belief that each vessel has a protective mother spirit, and traditional blessing ceremonies are performed before deployment for good fortune and to boost the morale of naval personnel.

Democrat Party spokesman Pongsachorn Kwanmuang, along with five Bangkok City Councilors from his party, held a press conference on August 3 to address allegations of proxy voting by People's Party councilors in a recent Bangkok Metropolitan Council session. Pongsachorn stated that proxy voting had occurred and was admitted by those responsible, despite contradictory social media posts. The party plans to pursue three courses of action: filing a complaint with the National Anti-Corruption Commission for violations under Criminal Code Section 157 and the Anti-Corruption Act of 2017 Section 172; submitting a letter to the Interior Ministry to investigate ethical violations and forward the case to the Bangkok Council; and signaling to the Council leadership to explain what disciplinary actions will be taken. Pongsachorn emphasized this is not political harassment but support for council transparency, questioning whether Council leadership has the integrity to prosecute fairly. Councilor Napapol Jirakul explained the electronic voting system used by the Bangkok Council, noting that on the day in question, 41 councilors appeared on screen but only 40 were physically present, indicating one card was left inserted. When voting commenced, 41 votes were recorded, confirming one person voted twice. Councilor Pattasakdi Mainakorn of the People's Party later admitted to voting on behalf of Sairam Prakaykit, confirming the double vote. The Democrats rejected claims of machine malfunction, noting the system would show an orange signal if defective.

The Saraburi beauty pageant scene is buzzing again with an inspiring story. Morphine, the program director and mentor behind Miss Universe Saraburi, invited the current titleholder Jenny to share her personal journey in an exclusive talk show, revealing a life story of resilience that few have heard before.

During the talk, Jenny disclosed how she has fought through life since age 10, growing up in a violent environment and facing both physical and emotional pain. She reached her lowest point, believing she was alone and had no one to rely on. However, her life changed when she entered the pageant and met Morphine and the Saraburi team, who became not just her mentors but a safe space and true family for her.

"My whole life I've had to fight alone, growing up with wounds I never chose," Jenny shared emotionally. "I thought I'd never experience real family love like others do. But meeting Mom Morphine and the Saraburi team has been the greatest gift. They showed me I'm not alone anymore, and they are my real family."

Morphine added, "For us, running this pageant isn't just about finding a pretty face to wear a crown. It's about giving opportunities and helping someone grow strong. From the moment I heard Jenny's story, I knew this girl has incredible strength and heart. The entire Saraburi team committed to supporting her every step of the way."

The full conversation, filled with tears, smiles, and heartfelt moments between this mother-daughter pair from Saraburi, is available on Facebook through Morphine's page and the Miss Universe Saraburi official page.

The Royal Thai Police expressed deep condolences to the families of two Takuapa Police Station officers in Narathiwat Province who were killed during a target search operation in the field on August 3, 2025. Police Deputy Commander Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan, speaking as the national police spokesman, said that Police Commander Pol. Gen. Kittarat Punchet extends sincere sympathy and support to the families of Detective Senior Sergeant Withaya Chaiyapromkhaew and Sergeant Major Amran Ha, who died in the line of duty. The commander also sent encouragement to four other Takuapa officers injured in the incident: Senior Sergeant Major Kittipong Srikham, Detective Sergeant Pannakij Srinakija, Detective Sergeant Wannarachit Saekho, and Sergeant Major Traithat Kulsunthawasiree, who are currently receiving hospital treatment.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong revealed that the police chief has ordered immediate welfare provisions and consideration of special compensation and benefits in accordance with civil service regulations to support the officers and families of the deceased who died in service as protectors of public peace. The Royal Thai Police has already provided initial benefits to the family of Detective Sergeant Withaya Chaiyapromkhaew in the amount of 3,278,560 baht and to the family of Sergeant Major Amran Ha in the amount of 3,079,130 baht, along with posthumous honors granted as special cases. Both officers have been granted salary advances of no more than 10 steps and rank promotions to "Police Lieutenant Colonel." For Detective Sergeant Wannarachit Saekho and Sergeant Major Traithat Kulsunthawasiree, who suffered severe injuries, the Royal Thai Police has provided initial benefits of 272,000 baht. Senior Sergeant Major Kittipong Srikham and Detective Sergeant Pannakij Srinakija sustained minor injuries and received initial benefits of 32,000 baht each, with further welfare and benefits to be provided according to regulations.

PHUKET: Phuket officials suspended the licences of eight cannabis shops and revoked the licences of two others after inspecting 10 businesses in the Bangla Rd and Patong areas as part of a crackdown on regulatory breaches.