More than 20 years have passed since the world gained access to HPV vaccines, yet the widespread misconception that "no symptoms equals no disease" remains a major obstacle preventing many Thais from seeking protection. The result is stark: one Thai woman dies from cervical cancer every two hours.

Although HPV (Human Papillomavirus) is now a familiar term to many Thais, many still mistakenly believe it affects only women or assume they face no risk if they have no symptoms. In truth, HPV is a common virus that affects all genders and can remain dormant in the body for 15–20 years without causing any signs before leading to multiple types of cancer in the future.

To spread accurate information, Saowapha Station of the Thai Red Cross Society partnered with Bangkok to launch the campaign "HPV Is Not Okay," which included a fitness awareness event titled "Dance for Fitness: Stop Thinking HPV Is Okay" held on August 5 at Lumpini Park's aerobics plaza. The initiative aims to help Thais move from misunderstanding to awareness and prevention. One of the event's highlights was actress Amy Glinnachum's candid sharing of her personal experience confronting HPV.

**Amy Glinnachum's Seven-Year Journey**

Amy revealed that she was diagnosed with HPV infection and stage 2 abnormal cervical cells at just 25 years old—dangerously close to stage 3, which carries a high cervical cancer risk.

"When I went for my checkup, I had no symptoms at all. I was accompanying my sister, and when the doctor called back to say I had stage 2 abnormal cells and HPV, I panicked because I had no knowledge about it at all," Amy recalled.

Over the following seven years, Amy underwent continuous medical monitoring. With each doctor's appointment, anxiety returned. Eventually, she decided to undergo surgery to remove the abnormal tissue based on her doctor's recommendation to prevent the disease from progressing.

Although her treatment ultimately went well and she received an HPV vaccine as advised, the experience made her realize that appearing healthy on the outside may not be enough. Early detection and prevention are key. She chose to speak publicly and urge Thais to "stop feeling ashamed and stay silent," since HPV can affect anyone and should not be a source of embarrassment that causes us to neglect our health.

"I want everyone to not overlook their own health. It's not okay to think HPV is okay. I want everyone to get screened, even if they've only had intercourse once, have only one partner, or are currently single—there is still risk. And I want everyone to receive HPV vaccination," Amy said.

**Moving From "Knowing About" to "Truly Knowing and Preventing"**

Prof. Dr. Sutthipong Vachrasindu, Director of Saowapha Station at the Thai Red Cross Society, stated that while many Thais "know about" HPV, they do not "truly understand" it. Misconceptions remain a major barrier to prevention, particularly the false belief that the absence of symptoms means there is nothing to worry about, when in fact the virus may be hiding in the body for a long time without our knowledge.

Despite the world having HPV vaccines for many years, Thailand continues to see more than 8,600 new cases of cervical cancer annually and over 4,500 deaths per year—a stark reminder that HPV remains a silent threat that should not be ignored.

"The Thai Red Cross Society, through Saowapha Station, is an institution that cares about the health and well-being of the Thai people. The best way we can protect people from disease is through 'prevention' by means of screening and vaccination for diseases where we can provide protection," the professor explained.

Based on this philosophy, the campaign "HPV Is Not Okay" was created to build correct understanding and encourage prevention among all Thais.

LUXEED, a high-end automotive brand from Chery Group, is preparing for an official launch in Thailand in the fourth quarter of this year, poised to create a new phenomenon in Thailand's automotive market through premium vehicles that blend superior luxury with intelligent driver technology and a redefined luxury experience.

Jin Liu, LUXEED Brand Managing Director for Thailand, stated that for LUXEED, luxury should not stop at a brand symbol but must represent smarter vehicles that better understand users and enhance every journey. The brand's entry into Thailand goes beyond introducing a new car—it aims to deliver experiences that exceed expectations for Thai consumers through deep market research and analysis of high-end customer needs. LUXEED is positioned as an intelligent choice in Thailand's luxury automotive market, combining technological strength, quality, refined design, comfort, and seamless cabin experience to create a tangible new definition of luxury that users can truly feel.

Thailand is a strategic market for LUXEED as Southeast Asia's automotive center and an important right-hand-drive market. The brand targets Thailand as a starting point for systematic growth covering brand building, product introduction, dealer network expansion, and after-sales service to deliver a consistent customer ownership experience.

Consumer research from McKinsey's 2026 Mobility Consumer Pulse survey of over 20,000 vehicle users across five major markets found that 34% of premium segment respondents are likely to switch brands in their next vehicle purchase. Advanced driver assistance systems, artificial intelligence, powertrain technology, and in-vehicle digital and software systems are becoming increasingly important brand differentiators, opening space for brands like LUXEED that can translate innovation into tangible user value.

LUXEED combines "Luxury" and "Exceed" to convey a commitment to transforming traditional luxury into a new form that consistently creates experiences beyond expectations through cutting-edge technology and smart innovations. The brand features intelligent driving systems, seamless vehicle connectivity, and an intuitive smart cabin that elevates quality standards and ownership experience. For LUXEED, "Exceed" means the courage to challenge conventional thinking, create unexpected impressions, and continuously develop intelligent vehicles that enhance experience through relentless innovation.

Easy Pass users who have recently purchased a new vehicle or changed their license plate need not worry about compatibility issues. You can update your Easy Pass information easily through an online system in just three steps.

Log in through the website at https://thaieasypass.exat.co.th/ Select vehicle registration edit from the data management menu and choose the item you wish to modify Fill in the complete details of your new vehicle registration, make, and color, then click confirm.

The process is convenient, quick, and can be done from anywhere. Stay updated on travel news by following the Expressway Authority of Thailand's official page.

The Internal Trade Department inspected flower markets at Pak Khlong Talad 2 to monitor jasmine prices ahead of Mother's Day, reminding vendors to display prices clearly and reasonably. Officials warned that any opportunistic price increases would trigger immediate legal action.

Deputy Director-General Chirawut Suvanajaksorn said officials visited the flower market center at Pak Khlong Talad 2 in Talad Noi district and Yod Piman Market in Phra Nakhon district on August 11 to track jasmine sales. Demand for jasmine flowers and garlands increases during the Mother's Day season, but this year's supply is lower, causing prices to rise according to market mechanisms. The department is closely monitoring price levels, product quantities, and price displays to ensure fair trading and prevent consumer exploitation during periods of high demand.

Surveys found that fresh, large-grade A jasmine flowers in retail shops sell for approximately 1,000 baht per liter, while wholesale prices are around 850 baht per liter. Overall fresh jasmine prices range from 750–1,000 baht per liter depending on size, quality, freshness, and vendor. Fresh jasmine garlands are priced at 200–300 baht for large arrangements, 50–100 baht for medium, and 35–50 baht for small, with prices varying by size, quality, and design.

Chirawut said inquiries revealed that most jasmine sold comes from Nakhon Sawan and Kamphaeng Phet provinces. This year's yield is lower than last year due to heavy rain and cool weather, while Mother's Day demand has increased, causing the price spike—a short-term adjustment based on supply and market demand.

"For consumers buying jasmine or garlands for Mother's Day, please compare prices, quality, size, and quantity before deciding," Chirawut advised. "You don't need to buy from the first shop you find, as prices vary by quality and cost. Comparing options helps you get fair value and meet your budget."

The department has instructed business operators to display prices clearly and transparently so consumers can easily check and compare before purchase. Prices shown must match the sale price, and vendors should charge reasonable rates aligned with costs and market conditions, avoiding excessive markups during high-demand periods.

If the department finds abnormally high prices or receives complaints of price gouging, it will investigate the facts and vendor costs. If found guilty of overpricing without justification, the case may violate the 2542 BE Price of Goods and Services Act, carrying penalties of up to 7 years imprisonment, a fine up to 140,000 baht, or both.

The Internal Trade Department will continue monitoring flower and Mother's Day-related product sales to ensure fair, transparent trading. Consumers who spot unmarked prices, mismatched advertised prices, or unfair practices can report to the department's hotline at 1569 or their provincial commerce office.

On August 11, 2025, the Thai Meteorological Department forecast heavy rainfall in scattered areas across upper Thailand over the next 24 hours. A monsoon trough is moving across the upper northern and upper northeastern regions toward a low-pressure system in northern Vietnam, while the southwestern monsoon covering the Andaman Sea and Thailand's coastal areas is moderately strong.

Residents in affected areas are warned to watch for dangers from heavy and accumulated rainfall, which may cause flash floods and flash flooding, especially in foothill areas near waterways and in low-lying zones.

Waves in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand are moderately strong, reaching 2–3 meters in height, with waves exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. Boat operators are urged to exercise caution and avoid thunderstorm zones. Small boats in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand should remain ashore.

**Northern Region**: Thunderstorms in 70% of the area with heavy rain in some places. Affected provinces include Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Phichit, and Phetchabun. Low 23–27°C, high 31–34°C. Southwest winds 10–20 kph.

**Northeastern Region**: Thunderstorms in 70% of the area with heavy rain in some places. Affected provinces include Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, and Ubon Ratchathani. Low 24–25°C, high 32–34°C. Southwest winds 10–20 kph.

**Central Region**: Thunderstorms in 60% of the area with heavy rain in some places. Affected provinces include Uthai Thani, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Low 24–26°C, high 32–34°C. Southwest winds 10–25 kph.

**Eastern Region**: Thunderstorms in 70% of the area with heavy rain in some places. Affected provinces include Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chachoengsao, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Low 24–27°C, high 30–34°C. Southwest winds 20–40 kph. Seas with 2–3 meter waves, exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorm areas.

**Southern Region (East Coast)**: Thunderstorms in 40% of the area. Mostly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Low 23–25°C, high 32–35°C. Southwest winds 20–35 kph. Seas with 1–2 meter waves, exceeding 2 meters offshore and in thunderstorm zones.

**Southern Region (West Coast)**: Thunderstorms in 40% of the area. Ranong, Krabi, Trang, and Satun provinces. Low 24–28°C, high 31–34°C. From Phang Nga northward: southwest winds 20–40 kph, waves 2–3 meters, exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorms. From Phuket southward: southwest winds 20–35 kph, waves around 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorms.

**Bangkok and Vicinity**: Thunderstorms in 70% of the area with heavy rain in some places. Low 26–27°C.

The House Builders Association (HBA) says Thailand's custom home-building market continued to grow in the first half of 2025 despite economic pressure. The association values the overall market at 100 billion baht, a 4-5% increase from 2024, split between Bangkok and surrounding areas (20%) and provincial regions (80%). Member company sales reached 4.8 billion baht in the first half, up 12%, with full-year projections of 10 billion baht.

HBA chairman Anantkorn Amorwathai said market growth in the second half is being driven by stabilizing construction costs. Member firms have kept house prices frozen since the second quarter to ease consumer expenses and boost home-building decisions. Genuine homeowners—those building for actual residence rather than speculation—continue to show strong demand, and financial institutions are increasingly willing to extend credit to this segment, viewing it as lower-risk than speculative property purchases.

Luxury homes priced at 20 million baht and above are leading market interest, accounting for 26% of contracts signed in the first half, followed by homes priced between 10.01 and 20 million baht (25%), 5.01-10 million baht (23%), and 2.51-5 million baht (21%). This marks a significant shift from 2024, when the 10-20 million baht segment led with 26%.

"Premium homes of 20 million baht and up are attracting the most market attention, showing that high-end buyers retain strong purchasing power and are increasingly choosing association members for our quality standards and reliability," Anantkorn said.

The HBA is establishing a consumer protection fund to strengthen industry standards. The fund will compensate consumers harmed by member company negligence—such as failure to complete construction—with compensation up to 1 million baht per case, settled within 30 days. The initiative starts as a pilot program to build consumer confidence and differentiate HBA members from unregistered contractors. Over the past two years, the association mediated fewer than 10 disputes, but the fund represents a more concrete consumer safeguard. The HBA will monitor the fund's performance and review its structure in future.