Thai Football Official Questions Vietnam's Foreign Players Before ASEAN Cup Final

Thailand's football vice president questioned Vietnam's use of Brazilian-born players ahead of their 2026 ASEAN Cup final matchup, though he said Thailand remains ready to compete regardless of opponent composition.

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Thailand football vice president Charnwit Pholchivin has questioned the use of Brazilian-born players in Vietnam's national team ahead of the 2026 ASEAN Cup final, describing the squad as "Vietnam Plus."

Charnwit, known as "Ajarn Rang," said Thailand would not be intimidated by Vietnam but raised questions about the direction of national team building in Southeast Asian football.

"We have to ask where the pride is, because this is a football tournament in ASEAN," Charnwit said, referring to Vietnam's squad and the presence of players of Brazilian heritage.

The comments came ahead of a two-leg final between Thailand and Vietnam. Thailand will host the first leg at Rajamangala Stadium on 22 August before the second leg at My Dinh Stadium in Vietnam on 26 August.

Charnwit said Thailand's chances would depend largely on the planning and player selection of head coach Anthony Hudson. While Thailand's squad is not at full strength, with several key players unavailable, he said the coach would likely select the strongest team available.

He described Vietnam's current squad as different from the team Thailand has traditionally faced, calling it "Vietnam Plus, plus Brazil."

Charnwit also pointed to different approaches to national team development across the region, mentioning Singapore's limited resources and the cases of Malaysia and Vietnam as issues that ASEAN football fans could debate.

He stressed, however, that Thailand had no intention of interfering in other countries' decisions.

"We do not interfere. We are ready to play against every team that comes into ASEAN," he said.

The two-leg final will put the focus not only on the rivalry between Thailand and Vietnam, but also on broader debates over how Southeast Asian national teams build their squads and maintain a sense of football identity.

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National

Ray McDonald's O-Negative Co-Stars Mourn Loss of Beloved Friend

Ray McDonald, the Thai-American actor from the 1990s film O-Negative: Love by Design, has died, reuniting his former castmates at a Buddhist ceremony where they shared memories of their lifelong friendship forged during filming.

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Ray McDonald, the beloved Thai-American actor and television host, has passed away, prompting an emotional reunion of his closest friends from the cast of the iconic 1990s film O-Negative: Love by Design. At the water-pouring ceremony and first-night chanting at Wat Yang temple, co-stars Tata Young, Chakriti Yaemnaam, Liu Manasawee, and On Sriphan came together to share their profound memories and the enduring bond they forged during filming.

Liu recalled that the film was her first major role, and she felt she had met a group of strong-willed individuals who impressed her with their talent, particularly Ray. "When we finished filming, everyone would watch and say, 'Wow, Ray is so good!'" Tata described their time together as one of the best memories of her life, emphasizing that their friendship transcended the film and remained genuine and eternal. "We were teenagers, we shared so many wonderful memories together. This film didn't just show friendship on screen—we as actors truly bonded and became real friends. We never fought." Chakriti noted that while the movie had ended, the bond and brotherhood formed remained immortal to this day.

On shared that they were so close they "slept on the street together," and praised Ray's distinctive personality: "He was unique, sharp, incomparable. And now he's gone from this world." When learning of Ray's death, On called Tata, and it took multiple calls and explanations before Tata could believe it was real. On had to call 19 times before accepting the truth, afraid to call Chakriti but brave enough to reach Liu, who wept heavily.

Tata later posted on Instagram expressing regret that she never had the chance to apologize. During filming, there was a scene where she pushed Ray, and upon reviewing it, she realized she had pushed him hard. "I pushed my friend hard, and he actually fell," she said emotionally. "I never got to apologize to him face-to-face." Though she has apologized since learning of his death, Tata shared that her own child comforted her, saying, "Mommy, you loved this person so much. He was your best friend, wasn't he? You love him so much." On described Ray as a lovable person with a stubborn and mischievous side, but whose true nature was kind and endearing to everyone around him.

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National

Thailand Sets Up Pollution Control Center for Nan River Floods

Thailand's Pollution Control Department established an emergency operations center to manage environmental contamination from Nan River flooding, conducting inspections of fuel stations, hotels, and waste sites while preparing a 10-day debr

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On August 21, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin ordered the Pollution Control Department to establish an operations center to manage and resolve pollution issues from flooding in the Nan River basin. The center will monitor, prevent, and mitigate pollution and environmental impacts from the flooding in Nan Province and downstream water-receiving areas, while preparing systematic recovery measures to protect public health and reduce harm to residents.

Pollution Control Department Director-General Surin Worngijthamnrung revealed that the department has accelerated surveys and monitoring of at-risk areas, particularly waste disposal sites, wastewater treatment systems, pollution sources, and businesses in flooded zones. In Nan Province, inspections found 8 fuel service stations, 11 hotels, and 2 shopping centers, prompting coordination with relevant agencies to inspect oil storage systems and prevent leaks. Residents and farmers have been warned to move agricultural chemicals, hazardous materials, and chemical containers to higher ground to reduce contamination risks to communities and water sources.

The Pollution Control Department has prepared a post-flood waste management plan with provincial natural resources offices and local government organizations, including temporary waste storage areas, waste volume surveys, and waste transport systems for household debris, furniture, electrical appliances, and damaged materials. The target is to clear residual waste within 10 days of floodwaters receding, coordinated with Big Cleaning Day activities to restore affected areas and help residents return to normal life quickly.

Flood conditions in Pua District, Nan Province have returned to normal, with an estimated 3,800 tons of flood debris expected. The province is preparing 25 rai of land to receive waste. Nan Municipality expects roughly 600 tons of flood debris, as residents were prepared and moved items to higher ground. The municipality's 20-rai landfill can accommodate this volume, and the wastewater treatment system was unaffected.

The Pollution Control Department is also coordinating information about the discharge capacity of Sirikit Dam to assess whether releases could impact downstream provinces, and has prepared risk assessments of previously flooded areas to prevent damage to wastewater treatment and waste disposal systems and equipment.

Beyond the Nan River, the Yom River overflowed in Si Satchanalai District, Sukhothai Province, though water levels are receding and residents are returning home. The Pasak River in Lom Kao District, Phetchabun Province, remains high but has not overflowed; waste disposal and wastewater systems in these areas are unaffected. The Pollution Control Department continues monitoring water quality and the environment in at-risk areas.

"We must remain vigilant not only during flooding but also for wastewater, accumulated waste, chemicals, oil, and contaminants after water recedes," said Dr. Surin. "The Pollution Control Department has prepared recovery measures in advance to respond quickly and reduce environmental and public health impacts."

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Police

Woman Sues Hospital After Surgeon Accidentally Cuts Bile Duct

A 28-year-old woman is suing a Saraburi hospital after a surgeon accidentally cut her bile duct during gallstone surgery, leaving her with ongoing complications and minimal compensation despite a year of treatment delays.

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On August 21, a 28-year-old woman named Biew filed a complaint with the Sai Hayp Tong Rord (Thai patient advocacy page) after a surgical error at a well-known Saraburi hospital. She had been admitted on September 19, 2568 with abdominal pain initially diagnosed as bladder inflammation, but later found to have gallstones requiring surgery. On September 22, she underwent what she believed would be a minor laparoscopic procedure, but woke to find herself in ICU with a large incision running from above to below her navel. The surgeon later revealed that the bile duct had been accidentally cut during the operation and required repair.

Following her discharge after nine nights, Biew required ongoing treatment at another hospital, including repeated procedures to insert and replace bile duct drainage tubes as infection and leakage persisted. The complications left her unable to bend, perform daily activities, or work normally. She received only 25,000 baht from the operating physician on December 18, 2568, along with a document waiving her right to sue. She has also filed a claim with the Saraburi Social Security Office since October 2568, but has received no resolution after nearly a year, only notifications that her case remains under consideration.

Ekaphop Luang Prasert, founder of the Sai Hayp Tong Rord advocacy page, stated that while medical errors are never intentional, appropriate and sufficient compensation should be provided to victims who suffer prolonged pain, lost employment, and diminished quality of life. He questioned why the 25,000 baht was inadequate and criticized the Saraburi Social Security Office for unreasonable delays. The advocacy group plans to escalate the matter to the Social Security Office and the Department of Health Service Support under the Ministry of Public Health to seek additional assistance.

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National

Thailand Bans All Screens for Children Under Two Years

Thailand's government has banned all screen media for children under two years old, with five agencies pledging strict controls to support early childhood development during this critical period for learning and wellbeing.

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Five government agencies have announced strict measures to prohibit all screen media for children under two years old, advancing early childhood development by establishing solid foundations during this critical period that impact life quality and learning skills.

On August 21, 2025, at the Ashvin Grand Convention Hotel in Bangkok, Deputy Education Minister Akranun Kannikittinan opened the fifth national academic conference on early childhood development titled "Journey Through the Little Galaxy: Reduce, Play, Know – Building Happiness for Thai Preschoolers." The conference was organized by the Office of the Education Council under the Ministry of Education in partnership with network allies, attended by experts, administrators, teachers, caregivers, parents, and representatives from relevant agencies, including Office of the Education Council Secretary-General Prawit Arawwarn, Deputy Secretaries-General Niti Nachit and Supchai Chanpum, and policy adviser Ampha Promwat.

Deputy Minister Akranun stated that early childhood is the foundation of human quality, and human quality is the foundation of national security and prosperity. The government prioritizes early childhood development as a national agenda and has approved a policy proposal of "3 Accelerate, 3 Reduce, 3 Increase" to ensure all Thai children receive age-appropriate development, happiness, and reach their full potential through cooperation from all sectors.

The concept "Journey Through the Little Galaxy" invites Thai society to work together: reduce risk factors to development, promote play to encourage natural learning, and promote knowledge to create correct understanding among families, teachers, and caregivers, leading to sustainable development of Thai children.

On this occasion, five main agencies—the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, Ministry of Interior, and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration—jointly pledged to seriously reduce screen media use in early childhood and prohibit it entirely before age two, to promote age-appropriate development in all areas. The guidelines are as follows:

Prohibit all types of screen media, digital media, and digital devices for children under two years old without exception.

Seriously reduce screen media use in children aged two and above. Screen media use must be conditional and under close supervision by parents, guardians, teachers, and caregivers, with controls on mobile phones and digital devices in classrooms.

Require agencies with early childhood development facilities to implement strict measures controlling screen media, digital media, mobile phones, and digital devices in their facilities, while promoting age-appropriate activities and learning experiences.

Secretary-General Prawit stated that the Early Childhood Development Policy Committee and the Education Council, as secretariat, have mobilized all network partners to drive the "3 Accelerate, 3 Reduce, 3 Increase" policy proposal to promote early childhood development in crisis conditions. The Cabinet approved it as a national agenda on March 27, 2024. The conference was held under the concept "Journey Through the Little Galaxy: Reduce, Play, Know" to unite cooperation from agencies and organizations nationwide in exchanging knowledge, experience, and innovation in driving early childhood development.

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National

Do Earlobe Creases Really Signal Heart Disease Risk?

A diagonal crease on the earlobe, called Frank's Sign, has been linked to heart disease in hospital patients, but whether it actually predicts cardiovascular risk in healthy people remains unclear.

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jetsada Denfung Boripath from Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Science has addressed questions about whether a diagonal crease on the earlobe truly indicates heart disease risk. The crease is formally called Frank's Sign or diagonal earlobe crease (DELC), named after cardiologist Sanders T. Frank, who first observed it in 20 angina patients.

Multiple research studies have found a connection between DELC and cardiovascular disease risk, including coronary artery stenosis, peripheral artery disease, and atherosclerosis. Clinical experience shows the sign is frequently observed in cardiology patients, particularly those who have undergone coronary artery bypass surgery. Hospital-based studies have confirmed the link between DELC and cardiovascular disease among hospitalized patients.

However, the connection remains debated. When reversed—examining asymptomatic individuals with DELC—it is unclear whether they face genuine risk of severe cardiovascular disease. Notably, the link does not appear clearly in diabetic populations, and some studies show the association lacks statistical significance.

The exact cause of DELC is unknown. Some reports suggest micro-vascular disease in the earlobe, while others point to shortened telomeres in Japanese metabolic syndrome patients as a mechanism of aging and atherosclerosis. DELC severity is now classified by length, depth, bilaterality, and angle: unilateral incomplete (least severe), unilateral complete (moderate), and bilateral complete (most severe). However, this classification does not necessarily correlate with increased cardiovascular events.

Interestingly, even notable public figures have been observed with DELC, including former U.S. President George W. Bush and filmmaker Steven Spielberg.

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National

Deputy PM Wades Through Mud in Phayao Recovery Effort

Deputy PM Yotchanun surveyed flood and mudslide damage in Phayao's Silalaeng Subdistrict on August 21, praising locals and rangers who rescued vulnerable residents when warning systems failed. The government announced 100 million baht in em

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On August 21, Deputy Prime Minister Yotchanun Wongswat and his team waded through mudslides to survey damage and recovery efforts in the Silalaeng Subdistrict of Phayao Province. The official inspected homes in the community, beginning with the first house where floodwaters and thick mud had surged inside, destroying property. At a second home, mud surrounded the house causing severe damage, though the main living area remained safe.

At a third home belonging to elderly residents, mud had infiltrated the living quarters. When the deputy prime minister entered to pay respects, the elderly woman greeted him warmly, expressing joy that help had reached such a remote area. At a fourth house, the ground floor was completely destroyed and filled with debris and thick mud, forcing residents to move temporarily to the second floor. Multiple other homes in the area were similarly devastated by the floodwaters and mudslides.

The official then visited the home of teacher Nanan Kasernsri, a local school teacher whose house stood directly in the path of the flash flood. Nanan recounted a harrowing escape when the water suddenly changed direction and rushed toward her with tremendous force. She grabbed a wooden pillar to keep from being swept away until her father threw her a rope to pull her to safety. When warning systems failed and phone signals were cut off, Nanan used social media to call for help. This prompted six ranger personnel from the 32nd Ranger Unit to wade through the water and evacuate about 20 vulnerable people, including elderly residents and those with hearing and vision disabilities, to safety at Phamuead Temple.

Deputy Prime Minister Yotchanun praised Nanan's quick thinking and bravery, calling her and the ranger personnel "true heroes" for their life-saving efforts in the crisis. He announced immediate recovery measures, ordering heavy machinery to remove mud from the community and requesting the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation to expand emergency funding to 100 million baht. The government will coordinate home repair assistance of approximately 88,000 baht per household through disaster prevention funds, supplemented by social development ministry contributions of about 49,000 baht each, to aid more than 33 severely damaged homes.

The deputy prime minister also surveyed the surrounding waterways and discussed long-term structural solutions, noting that the government is working with the Royal Irrigation Department to construct small to medium-sized dams and water retention basins in the upper areas of northern districts.

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National

Thailand Unveils Asian Games 2026 Ceremonial Uniform

Thailand's royal fashion house SIRIVANNAVARI has designed the ceremonial uniform for over 900 athletes competing at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, blending Thai indigo textiles and traditional craftsmanship with Japanese cultural symbols li

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Thailand has unveiled the ceremonial uniform that its national team will wear at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, with the SIRIVANNAVARI fashion house drawing on Thai craftsmanship and Japanese cultural motifs under the concept "The Art of Unity."

The uniform was designed by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya, creative director of SIRIVANNAVARI, at the invitation of Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports. More than 900 Thai athletes and team staff are expected to take part in the Games in Aichi-Nagoya.

At the heart of the design is handwoven indigo-dyed cotton from the Don Koi Model in Sakon Nakhon province, alongside handwoven cotton from the SUPPORT Foundation. The collection combines traditional Thai textiles with contemporary tailoring designed to balance elegance and ease of movement.

The four-piece uniform consists of a three-pocket cotton jacket, a white shirt, matching trousers and a tie featuring SIRIVANNAVARI's signature Diamond Knot. The jacket carries the Thai national team emblem on the chest, while "THAILAND" is embroidered across the back, with a heart-shaped detail replacing the dot on the letter "I." The trousers feature a straight-leg silhouette and adjustable details for movement and comfort.

The white shirt features an embroidered panel inspired by both Thailand and Japan. Images of Wat Arun and a bodhi tree represent Thailand, while Nagoya Castle and cherry blossoms represent the host country. The motifs are connected by the Japanese Seigaiha wave pattern and Thai and Japanese basket-weaving patterns, reflecting the craftsmanship of both cultures.

Thai athletes featured in the launch campaign include badminton player Kunlavut Vitidsarn, taekwondo athlete Banlung Tubtimdang, volleyball player Pimpichaya Kokram, table tennis player Suthasini Sawettabut and former taekwondo champion Panipak Wongpattanakit.

The uniform will be worn during the opening ceremony of the Asian Games in Japan. The Games are scheduled to take place from 19 September to 4 October 2026.

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National

PM to Visit Flooded Nan Province, Then Ubon to Meet Injured Sappers

Prime Minister Anuthit Charnvirakul will inspect flood-affected Nan Province on August 23 upon returning from Australia, then visit injured soldiers in Ubon Ratchathani who were hurt by a landmine during demining operations.

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Prime Minister Anuthit Charnvirakul plans to inspect flood-hit Nan Province after returning from an official visit to Australia and New Zealand, then travel to Ubon Ratchathani to visit soldiers injured by landmines. On August 21, government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek confirmed that the PM and Interior Minister are currently on an official mission to Australia and New Zealand to strengthen trade, investment, and bilateral relations. Meanwhile, the PM continues to monitor Thailand's flood situation closely, especially in Nan Province, and has directed agencies to accelerate relief efforts, with plans to visit the affected area immediately upon his return. The spokesperson said the PM will arrive back in Thailand on the evening of August 22 and will travel to Nan Province on the morning of August 23 to assess the flooding and relief operations, as well as listen to local needs to ensure rapid post-flood recovery and rehabilitation. That afternoon, the PM will then proceed to Ubon Ratchathani to visit and encourage members of a humanitarian demining unit who suffered severe injuries from stepping on a landmine while conducting operations in the Saddle Pass area of Nam Yuen District on August 17.

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Police

CCTV Catches Woman Brazenly Stealing Clothes in Pattaya

CCTV footage in Pattaya captured a woman brazenly stealing clothes from a drying rack outside a home in late August, prompting the homeowner to warn residents to secure belongings and urge authorities to increase patrols in the area.

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A homeowner in Pattaya has warned residents to keep their belongings secure after CCTV footage showed a well-dressed woman calmly stealing clothes from a drying rack in front of her house. At 23:30 on August 20, 2026, Ms. Nipaporn, 49, brought CCTV footage to the media after a woman allegedly stole clothes left to dry outside her home in Soi 7, Arunothai, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province.

The footage clearly shows the woman wearing a sleeveless black T-shirt, jeans and sneakers. She was carrying a black basket and wearing a face mask to conceal her identity. The woman walked up to the front of the house and headed straight for the clothes racks. She then appeared to browse through the hanging clothes as if she were shopping, calmly selecting items she wanted before putting them into the basket she was carrying and walking away.

Nipaporn said the incident happened late on August 18, 2026. She had hung clothes on two racks in front of her house before going to bed as usual. When she woke the following morning, she noticed that some of the clothes were missing. Finding this suspicious, she checked the CCTV footage and was shocked to discover that a woman had entered the area and taken the clothes. The footage showed the woman taking several items, including shorts, a skirt and two shirts, before calmly walking away.

Although the stolen belongings were not particularly valuable, Nipaporn said the incident left her concerned about her safety, especially because the theft occurred directly in front of her home. She urged local authorities to increase patrols in the area to help residents feel safer.

Nipaporn also advised residents who leave clothes, shoes or other belongings outside their homes to take extra precautions and keep them in a secure place, even if the items are of low value. She warned that unsecured belongings could provide an opportunity for thieves to target homes.

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National

MONO Expands Free Sports Broadcasting on Streaming and TV

MONO is expanding free sports broadcasting across its streaming platform and TV, launching Premier League matches and Thailand's women's volleyball championship starting in August to ensure major sports content reaches all Thai viewers.

18h ago Khaosod

MONO Company Limited is advancing its shift toward a "Streaming First" strategy, aiming to elevate MONOMAX as Thailand's primary streaming platform while preserving television's role in reaching all Thais. The company has positioned MONOMAX Sports TV to function as a public service, ensuring equitable access to major sports content that Thais care about. Nawaminthon Prasopneter, Chief Executive Officer and Director of MONO, explained: "Moving toward Streaming First does not mean abandoning Thai television viewers. Instead, we want to balance both platforms to suit changing viewer behavior. For us, sports content that brings joy and pride to Thais should be accessible to everyone. We want MONOMAX Sports TV to serve as a true public service, just as we did with past World Cup broadcasts for free Thai viewership. The upcoming Premier League season will feature free matches every week, and when Thailand's women's volleyball team competes, Thais can cheer together. This is our core principle. Simultaneously, MONO will develop the MONOMAX streaming platform to deliver a more complete and higher-quality viewing experience. Free TV will serve content requiring broad reach, while streaming will offer a more diverse range of experiences and content. We believe advancing both platforms in tandem will allow MONO to balance 'access for all Thais' with 'the viewing experience of the future' perfectly."

MONO's shift to "Streaming First" restructures the roles of both platforms to work complementarily, with Free TV creating accessibility while MONOMAX delivers the future of viewing. The company will continue delivering major sports content for Thais to watch and cheer together. Starting in August, MONOMAX Sports TV will broadcast Premier League 2026/27 matches and the AVC Women's Continental Championship featuring Thailand's national team. Premier League matches include: Nottingham Forest versus Leeds United (Saturday, August 22, 21:00); Manchester City versus AFC Bournemouth (Sunday, August 23, 21:00); AFC Bournemouth versus Everton (Saturday, August 29, 21:00); and Chelsea versus Brighton & Hove Albion (Sunday, August 30, 21:00). Volleyball championship matches include: Thailand versus Australia (Friday, August 21, 13:00); Vietnam versus South Korea (Saturday, August 22, 09:00); Kazakhstan versus Australia (Sunday, August 23, 09:00); Thailand versus Indonesia (Monday, August 24, 14:00); Japan versus Vietnam (Tuesday, August 25, 17:30); and China versus Taiwan (Wednesday, August 26, 18:30).

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