BANGKOK — Thailand's Cabinet has approved the establishment of five new Catholic churches and officially recognized one additional church under regulations governing Roman Catholic parishes, the government announced following its meeting on 5 August.

The decision, proposed by the Ministry of Culture, was made in accordance with the Prime Minister's Office regulations on the establishment of Roman Catholic churches issued in 2021.

The five newly established churches are:

St. Matthias the Apostle Church in Bang Khun Thian district, Bangkok Sts. Philip and James Church (Navanakorn) in Khlong Luang district, Pathum Thani Resurrection of Jesus Church in Ban Non Sombun, Ban Haet district, Khon Kaen St. James Church in Ban Phue district, Udon Thani St. George Church in Soem Thung, Phon Phisai district, Nong Khai

The Cabinet also approved official recognition of Holy Family Church (Huai Bong) in Chai Prakan district, Chiang Mai, as a Roman Catholic church under the same regulations.

On August 6, 2025, Parit Wacharasindhu, a list-system MP and deputy leader of the Pheu Thai Party, posted on Facebook presenting evidence of money transfers between Nang Daeng, a senator, and senatorial candidates in Amnat Charoen province, demanding clarification on whether the transfers relate to the Senate election.

Parit highlighted that Amnat Charoen province, with five senators total, has one senator—Nang Daeng from group 10—who has faced scrutiny over alleged election fraud and links to politicians. Parit questioned the financial trail involving transfers between Nang Daeng and three candidates during the period surrounding the 2024 Senate election.

Parit detailed three transactions: a transfer of 29,313 baht from candidate Phongsiree Sintheum to Nang Daeng between May 1-5, 2024; a 6,000 baht transfer from Nang Daeng to candidate Nattapatcha Phadawongse on May 17, 2024; and a 12,300 baht transfer from candidate Supannasaa Wantaniyakul (sister-in-law of Deputy PM Suksumrarn) to Nang Daeng on June 30, 2024.

Parit emphasized that while the transfers alone do not conclusively prove election fraud, if Nang Daeng cannot provide a clear and satisfactory explanation, the public would reasonably suspect corrupt intent. He stated that money movements between a senator and other candidates during a Senate election period constitute grounds for suspicion of fraud, and that the Election Commission should refer the matter to court for investigation.

Two friends had been drinking alcohol since morning before parting ways. One was later found dead mysteriously inside a car near the Doi Saket District Office in Chiang Mai. At approximately 5 p.m. on August 6, police from Doi Saket Station, along with doctors from Doi Saket Hospital and rescue personnel, investigated after receiving a report of a death inside a vehicle.

Inside the car, officers discovered the body of 51-year-old Somsak (surname withheld) lying on the back seat. There were no visible signs of violence or injury. Preliminary questioning of the friend who was with him revealed that both men had been drinking since early morning. They had driven back to the location, parked the car, and left Somsak to rest inside before separating. When someone later found Somsak unresponsive, they immediately notified authorities.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Supchai Janthara, commander of Doi Saket Police Station, disclosed that officers thoroughly investigated the scene and gathered evidence while coordinating with a medical examiner to determine the actual cause of death. However, a conclusion cannot yet be drawn and officials are awaiting formal autopsy results. Currently, investigators are examining all aspects of the case, including the condition inside the vehicle, how long the deceased remained in the car, and various environmental factors to ensure the cause of death is determined according to factual evidence and forensic principles.

On August 6, actress Mai Charoenpura held a press conference at Lamoon Linn Home Kitchen in Min Buri alongside her mother Wiphakorn Santhikul, 87, her sister Maew Chanthakaew Charoenpura, and personal manager Nid Naphak Patthravimol to dispel false rumors claiming she had placed her mother in a nursing home. Mai emphasized she has always provided excellent care for her mother and admitted to crying when she discovered her mother couldn't sleep due to the false reports circulating on social media. Her manager filed a legal complaint against the original source page and urged the public to use critical judgment before sharing unverified information.

Mai stated: "Ten mouths saying something isn't as reliable as seeing it with your own eyes. As you can see, mother looks radiant. She recently recovered from three serious illnesses including cerebral hemorrhage. When she encountered these false news stories, she became sad and couldn't sleep. Mother is 87 years old—this kind of negative publicity isn't pleasant. What's worse is it's completely false." She explained that what began as seemingly humorous gossip escalated dramatically on social media, with people unable to distinguish fact from fiction. Mai emphasized she only works to provide the best care for her mother, calling her the most important person in her life.

Regarding Thai entrepreneur Top Binthabunyarut's nursing home project, Mai expressed gratitude for his clarification, noting it's a worthy social initiative he's developed over many years. She lamented how the controversy created a domino effect causing harm to multiple parties, including herself, her family, and her mother's emotional wellbeing. Manager Nid noted the false post originated on July 31 and rapidly spread via shares and varied comments from people unfamiliar with the facts, damaging Mai's reputation. Mai tearfully recounted how initial amusement turned serious as her mother's sleep suffered, stating that her only goal as a daughter is her mother's happiness and wellbeing.

Thai cinema has reached another international milestone as Inherit, the latest horror film from GDH, has been selected for its world premiere at the 51st Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Canada, to be held from 10-20 September. The film will screen in the festival's Centrepiece section, which features 54 standout films from 50 countries, showcasing diverse perspectives and some of the year's most anticipated films from around the world.

Directed by Banjong Pisanthanakun, Inherit is a new adaptation of the legendary Thai horror novel Thayat Asun (The Devil's Heir). The cast includes Davika Hoorne, Thitiya Jirapornsilp, Sinjai Plengpanich, Warattaya Nilkuha, Phakin Kuna-anuvit, Chayanon Phakphatin, and many others, in what is expected to be a new landmark in Thai horror cinema.

Coach Kittipong Ratchatakrien, head coach of the Thai national women's volleyball team, has revealed why he called back Chatchamol Mokesri (Boomim), the team's lead blocker, to compete in the second leg of the SEA V Cup to strengthen the team's chances at the Asian Women's Volleyball Championship.

Thai women's volleyball will compete in the second leg of the BYD DMI 6th SEA V CUP 2026 in Chiang Mai province from August 7–9, 2026. The roster includes Boomim Chatchamol Mokesri, the team's star middle blocker, who has overcome her injury and is returning to assist the team after being absent for nearly six months due to injury.

On August 6, 2026, Coach Ott Kittipong Ratchatakrien led the team in a final training session at Samsamphoch Chiang Mai 700 Years Stadium in Chiang Mai province, which served as a real match venue. This was their last practice session before facing the Philippines. The training focused on testing the team system against a men's coaching staff known for fast and intense attacking rhythm.

Coach Ott explained that winning is the athlete's promise, and they decided to bring Boomim back onto the court because the time is right to boost their competitive capability ahead of the approaching Asian Championship.

The Thai women's volleyball team will face the Philippines in their next match on August 7, 2026, at 4:30 p.m.