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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Content creator Trai Scott filed a police report after someone secretly recorded him in a public bathroom and shared the footage online, calling it a serious violation of privacy and personal safety.
Content creator Trai Scott has filed a report after experiencing this serious social violation of being secretly filmed in a public bathroom and having the footage shared online. Previously, Scott had screenshotted a post on X (Twitter) showing someone had secretly recorded him entering a public restroom and then posted the video to a group chat. Scott responded with an angry post condemning the act as a serious social threat: "What the hell, someone secretly recorded me in the bathroom and posted it on X... Why would you do this? What right do you have to violate someone else? Sexual coercion and harassment - people like this are a real danger to society." Scott has now filed an official police report. In a heated follow-up post, Scott wrote: "I've filed a report. Pack your bags! You're about to take pictures and record videos in prison. Let's see if the inmates will like you." Source: psiscott
Thailand is organizing the Bangkok Business Summit 2026 to push economic reform and position itself as an innovation-driven investment hub ahead of hosting major international meetings. Prime ministers and World Bank officials will outline
Thailand's Joint Private-Sector Committee is partnering with the Finance Ministry, Bank of Thailand, the National Economic and Social Development Council, and the World Bank to organize the Bangkok Business Summit 2026 at the Sirikit National Convention Centre. The summit, themed "Reinvent Thailand, Resilient ASEAN," aims to mobilize public, private, and international sector perspectives to drive structural economic reform and prepare Thailand to host the IMF-World Bank Group Annual Meetings in October 2026 and assume the ASEAN presidency in 2027.
Key speakers include Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who will deliver a special address on "Thailand's Offer to the World," highlighting the country's readiness as an investment hub and commitment to shifting competitiveness from cost-based advantages to innovation and digital infrastructure. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas will address unlocking a new economic engine through policy reform to stimulate private investment, while Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education Minister Anucha Vongsoontornrut will present Thailand's positioning as a regional investment platform for advanced technology industries including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, and research and development. Bank of Thailand Governor Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput will deliver remarks on "Thailand's New Horizons: From Ambition to Delivery."
The World Bank will launch its report "Building Thailand's Future Today," outlining pathways to elevate Thailand to high-income status through investment and reform across potential sectors including advanced manufacturing, sustainable tourism and healthcare, digital services, agriculture and food, and the creative economy. The afternoon sessions split into two main tracks: Building Resilience, focusing on strengthening the country through energy, low-carbon infrastructure, and digital foundations for inclusive growth; and New Horizons, targeting future industries, agriculture, and human-centered economics with emphasis on semiconductors, artificial intelligence, research and development, health, tourism, and the creative economy. The event will conclude with private-sector leaders presenting practical recommendations and signing a Digital & AI Compact between Thai economic agencies and the World Bank.
Karon has been designated a model area for landslide and flash-flood prevention, over two years after a deadly 2017 landslide killed 13 people in the same location.
PHUKET: The Department of Mineral Resources has designated Karon as a model area for landslide and flash-flood prevention, more than two years after a landslide in the same area killed 13 people and an official investigation identified development at the Big Buddha viewpoint as a contributing factor.
The National Police Chief denies favoritism in upcoming general rank promotions, insisting all selections follow merit-based procedures ahead of an August 21 screening committee meeting, though questions persist over disparities between off
At 08:35 on August 17, 2025, at Don Mueang Royal Thai Army Air Base Building 6, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul declined to comment on reports of political influence in police general appointments. National Police Chief Kittiphad Panthet, who chairs the officer promotion board, is preparing to convene a screening committee comprising deputy police chiefs and representatives of the Civil Service Commission to review candidates for general ranks up to deputy commissioner and commissioner positions by August 21 at the latest.
Recent speculation has focused on disparities in promotions between graduating classes: Class 47 officer Theeradej Thammsutheera, deputy commander of the Northern Bureau, has not been advanced to general rank despite a strong record, while Class 48 officer Charuenkiat Pankwae, deputy commander of the East Bureau, has been promoted to major general.
When a reporter asked whether a "slate" of preferred candidates exists, the Prime Minister only smiled and gestured to Police Chief Kittiphad without answering, before departing for an international trip. Kittiphad stated firmly: "Do not use the word 'slate.' Everything follows legal procedure under the National Police Act and Civil Service Commission rules. There is no slate, nothing like that. All selections are based on unit reviews and merit, submitted to the National Police Office. Once names arrive, they are placed in a qualified pool and reviewed by a committee under Section 81(1)(a) of the National Police Office, where we discuss records and history without any predetermined list. The meeting date has not yet been finalized or confirmed as August 21."
Regarding reports that Class 47 names have stalled while Class 48 promotions have moved forward, Kittiphad clarified: "There is no restriction by graduating class. Advancement depends on record and performance to be presented at the meeting. Everyone should not worry about age limits or seniority. Everything is transparent and fair." When asked if all procedures are fair and all officers are treated equally, he replied simply: "Correct."