Bangkok, 9 August 2026 – The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) highlighted the enduring ties and expanding cultural exchange between Thailand and China at Weibo Gala 2026: Weibo Cultural Communication Night. Held on 8 August at Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon, the gala brought together Thai and Chinese artists, creators, media, brands and audiences across culture, entertainment, fashion, lifestyle and tourism, reinforcing Chinese travellers’ confidence in Thailand and the country’s role as a regional hub for culture, entertainment and soft power.

Organised by Weibo and Hydroindus, with Be On Cloud serving as the official Thailand host, the programme featured sponsor activations, a red-carpet ceremony with participating artists and celebrities, an awards presentation across nine segments, and an after-party. The gala recognised individuals and organisations whose work in entertainment, culture and communications strengthens connections between Thailand and China, with appearances by Chinese actors He Changxi and He Yanzhao, Thai actor Apo Nattawin and Butterbear.

Among the gala’s headline honours, Thailand received the Weibo Thailand Best Travel Destination Country award, accepted by Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, TAT Governor. The recognition reinforces Chinese travellers’ trust in Thailand and reflects the tourism sector’s collective commitment to raising standards and welcoming visitors from around the world to experience Amazing Thailand.

Ms. Thapanee said, “This award affirms the confidence Chinese travellers continue to place in Thailand and represents a shared achievement for our tourism sector and communities nationwide. TAT will build on this trust by connecting Chinese audiences with the diversity of Amazing Thailand, from culture and cuisine to nature, wellness, sport and festivals. We thank Weibo for extending Thailand’s reach through digital platforms and inspiring more travellers to experience the country.”

The collaboration extends beyond the gala through reciprocal Vlog filming in Thailand and China. He Changxi and He Yanzhao will experience Ko Samet in Rayong and the Song Wat–Talat Noi neighbourhoods in Bangkok, while Apo Nattawin and Butterbear will travel to China for filming. The content will present the culture, cuisine, ways of life and destinations of both countries through Weibo and the social reach of participating artists, strengthening people-to-people connections and stimulating travel among Chinese visitors, artist fan communities, influencers and Weibo users.

Across the gala and related digital programme, TAT is combining entertainment, artist-led storytelling and digital media to broaden Thailand’s visibility in China and convert audience interest into travel demand. Distribution through Weibo, official event channels, participating artists, influencers, media and partners is projected to generate at least 20 million impressions across event-related topics and content.

The initiative complements marketing by TAT’s five offices in China under Amazing Thailand, The Journey Your Heart Leads, and the “Zhong Tai Yi Jia Qin” – China and Thailand are one family framework, supporting confidence, long-term affinity and travel demand among quality Chinese travellers.

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The National Sports Fund held its third seminar for provincial sports associations seeking budget support under the theme "Criteria for grouping high-potential provincial sports associations and strategic approaches to budget allocation for fiscal year 2570." The event took place August 7–9 at Dusit Thani Plaza Krabi in Ao Nang for sports associations in Thailand's Southern Region (Region 4), aiming to educate participants on budget allocation rules, grant application guidelines, and enhanced disbursement procedures emphasizing efficiency, transparency, fairness, and maximum value.

Thanukaiet Jantachum discussed the fund's operational approach for fiscal 2570, emphasizing the importance of linking budget management to sports development strategy, goals, and outcomes to ensure support meets the needs of athletes, sports personnel, and provincial sports development. Somsmai Lakkhananuraks covered budget request guidelines within allocated frameworks, incorporating government policy for fiscal 2570 and the "Value for Money" concept with emphasis on the 4E principles. Prawit Metta explained plans to streamline the fund's disbursement process for faster, more accurate, and efficient financial operations.

Chanasin Simadamrong clarified budget allocation principles, the provincial sports association grant process, and the subcommittee's review criteria, including application status and analysis results for fiscal 2570 to help associations understand the process. Surasak discussed fiscal 2570 budgeting for Plan 1 (supporting government policy and national sports strategy through the Sports Authority) and Plan 3 (supporting provincial-level sports development capacity under provincial sports association oversight).

College student fatally stabs Chinese man found in girlfriend’s roomLegacyA Thai college student allegedly stabbed a Chinese man to death after returning to his girlfriend’s room in Chon Buri and finding the man there yesterday, August 8. The incident occurred at a room in Na Jomtien subdistrict, Sattahip district. The victim, identified as 20 year old Cao Ke, died at the scene, while a 21 year old woman identified as A (pseudonym) was also injured. The woman said she worked at a hotel that Cao visited from time to time and that they had known and spoken to each other for about two months. She claimed that Cao arrived at her room at around midnight, where the pair talked before falling asleep. Her boyfriend, 20 year old Thanachot, a student at a college in Chon Buri, returned from work in Pattaya the following morning and went to the room. Photo via Amarin TV The woman said Thanachot knocked on the door and she let him inside. The three initially spoke before an argument developed into a physical confrontation between the two men. Thanachot gave police a similar account, saying he found a stranger inside his girlfriend’s room. He admitted holding a knife to intimidate Cao but claimed Cao tried to grab the knife and attack him, leading to a struggle. Thanachot claimed he regained control of the knife and stabbed Cao several times but did not intend to kill him. The woman said she tried to intervene but suffered several cuts to her body and was unable to separate the two men. Thanachot fled towards Pattaya after the incident. He told police that he later learned Cao had died and decided to surrender. Photo via Amarin TV Amarin TV reported that police were alerted to the stabbing at 7.10am and found Cao dead inside the room. The injured woman was also at the scene. Thanachot was charged with intentional killing. At around 2.30pm the same day, investigators took him back to the scene as part of the investigation. He then led officers to an overgrown area behind the accommodation where he said he had discarded the knife. Officers searched the area with a metal detector and recovered a curved folding knife with a pointed tip, which was collected for forensic examination. Forensic officers examined the room and surrounding area, while investigators are continuing to question witnesses, review CCTV footage and collect evidence. Elsewhere, a Thai university student repeatedly stabbed his friend in a frenzied attack at a condominium in Pathum Thani. The suspect accused the victim of having an affair with his girlfriend. The story College student fatally stabs Chinese man found in girlfriend’s room as seen on Thaiger News.

Police Colonel Kriankai Bunyasom, commander of Chachoengsao Provincial Police, signed Order No. 137/2569 on August 9, 2026, reassigning four officers to the Provincial Police Operations Center and appointing eight additional officers to temporary supervisory roles. The administrative order stems from an August 8 raid at approximately 1:39 a.m. by the Interior Ministry's special operations unit and DOPA S.W.A.T., which discovered the unlicensed establishment operating illegally. Officers found alcohol being sold beyond legal hours, youth under age 20 patronizing the venue, positive drug test results in urine samples, and controlled substances on the premises. The provincial police established a fact-finding committee to conduct a transparent and efficient investigation. The reassignments are administrative measures taken in the interest of government operations and do not constitute disciplinary action or a finding of misconduct. Four officers reassigned include Pongsun Meesoree, Saravut Sriruk Yim, Namchok Kunawija, and Pirapong Wantee. Eight officers appointed to temporary positions include Siripong Pumleochaeng, Suradej Nakhakmuak, Wanchai Prathom, and Suradej Namyottha, among others.

The Royal Gazette published on July 16, 2569 (2026) announced a Prime Minister's Office declaration establishing August 12 of every year as an important national day of Thailand. This designation honors the passing of Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, who departed on October 24, 2568 (2025), bringing profound sorrow to all Thai people. Given her immense grace and kindness bestowed upon the nation and its citizens throughout her life, all Thai people are called to reflect upon her benevolence and recognize August 12, which is also her birthday, as a day of national significance. Accordingly, the royal decree designates August 12 annually as an important national day, serving as both the anniversary of Queen Sirikit's birthday and as Mother's Day. The government has proclaimed it a public holiday effective July 10, 2569 (2026), enabling citizens nationwide to organize activities honoring her grace and expressing gratitude to the Queen Mother, the mother of the land. Additional activities throughout the month will include remembrance of maternal kindness, fostering family warmth, and bringing relatives together. For the first time, His Majesty has graciously bestowed a royal motto for Mother's Day 2569: "A mother's virtue is boundless, beyond description or time. It is incomparable, irreplaceable—goodness proclaimed to all the world." The motto encapsulates the essence that all citizens are encouraged to practice in their daily lives as a tribute to their mothers. Commemorative ceremonies dedicated as royal merit-making for the Queen Mother include Buddhist chanting and alms-offering processions held simultaneously nationwide. The central ceremony will be held at Sanam Luang, while provincial ceremonies will take place at provincial halls or suitable venues. These events, including meditation practices and volunteer work for public welfare throughout the month, aim to honor Her Majesty's immense grace.

On August 9, the Central Administrative Court dismissed a case filed by Dr. Sarun Bunjaichaipruk, chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), against the NBTC selection committee. Dr. Sarun had alleged that the committee was biased, non-transparent, lacked a quorum, and exceeded its legal authority. The court found that Dr. Sarun had suffered no injury or harm. Legal experts note that the court's dismissal means Dr. Sarun remains NBTC chairman because no royal decree has been issued to remove him from the position.

The selection committee voted unanimously 4–0 that Dr. Sarun should forfeit his right to become an NBTC commissioner, citing his continued work as an hourly-paid physician at Ramathibodi Hospital. However, Dr. Sarun contested this, arguing that the committee's authority to determine commissioner qualifications ended once it submitted his name to the Senate and he received royal appointment on April 13, 2022.

Legal scholars point out that the committee's power to rule on his removal remains disputed and unresolved. Former selection committee member Nathawong Rattamurit wrote to the Prime Minister and Senate President stating that the committee's role concluded after selecting Dr. Sarun and his royal appointment. Committee member Yupin Chonannontinivat also opposed the committee's attempt to revoke his qualifications. According to the constitutional court's ruling, the selection committee's authority to verify candidates' qualifications applies only before royal appointment.

Legal experts note that Dr. Sarun submitted his resignation from Ramathibodi Hospital's Faculty of Medicine on January 7, 2022, after Senate approval but before his royal appointment on April 13. Additionally, committee chairman Kiatphong Amatayakul's eligibility has been questioned, as the 2553 Broadcasting Act requires NBTC selection committee members to be Thai nationals aged 40–70, and questions have been raised about whether he met age requirements when presiding over the July 21 committee meeting.