Thai Military Hosts Myanmar's New Top Commander

Thailand's Supreme Commander held a formal ceremony welcoming Myanmar's newly appointed senior military chief, General Ye Win Oo, marking his first international visit after taking office in March 2025. The two military leaders discussed deepening cooperation in security, education, training, and border management, with Thailand offering expanded educational opportunities including a joint general staff course and Thai language programs for Myanmar personnel. The visit precedes the 9th Thailand-Myanmar High Level Committee meeting and coincides with the 78th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the neighboring countries.

46 min ago Khaosod

The Thai Armed Forces held a formal reception with tri-service honor guard for Myanmar's newly appointed senior military commander before attending the High Level Committee meeting, underscoring strong ties. Thailand will open places in a joint general staff course and promote diploma and bachelor's degree programs for Myanmar military personnel to study Thai language.

On August 20, 2025, the Thai Army Command released images of Supreme Commander Ukorkit Buntanan welcoming General Ye Win Oo, Myanmar's new senior military commander, and his wife and delegation during an official visit to Thailand on August 19.

This marks Myanmar's first visit after Ye Win Oo took office as Myanmar's 9th senior commander on March 30, 2025, aimed at strengthening ties and deepening cooperation between the two militaries at Thai Army Command.

During the visit, Myanmar's commander participated in an inspection of a mixed tri-service honor guard and paid courtesy calls on Thailand's Supreme Commander. Thailand's commander congratulated him on his appointment and praised the strong and enduring relationship between Thailand and Myanmar, which will celebrate 78 years of diplomatic relations on August 24, 2025. Both nations have developed cooperation on a foundation of neighborly relations and continuous mutual development.

Both sides exchanged views on strengthening military cooperation, particularly in security, education, training, natural resource management, environment, and energy.

Thailand's commander expressed willingness for Myanmar military personnel to continue education and training at Thai military educational institutions and welcomed Myanmar military students to join the joint general staff course to be offered in the near future.

Additionally, Thailand's commander emphasized the importance of existing cooperation mechanisms, including the Township Border Committee (TBC) and the Regional Border Committee (RBC), as key instruments for coordinating cooperation and addressing border security issues.

The two sides have maintained good practices and coordination, including joint management of natural resources and the environment, and addressing issues affecting both nations such as forest fires, haze, and flooding.

Myanmar's senior commander said he was deeply honored by the official visit to Thailand and participation in the 9th Thailand-Myanmar High Level Committee (HLC) meeting on August 20-21, 2025. He praised the strong relationship and cooperation between both nations and militaries, and expressed commitment to working with the Thai military to promote peace and security for the benefit of both peoples.

Myanmar's commander also thanked Thailand and the Thai military for humanitarian assistance following the earthquake on March 28, 2024, and emphasized the importance of exchange visits and educational cooperation.

Both sides discussed opportunities to promote diploma and bachelor's degree programs for Myanmar military personnel to develop Thai language skills and foster better understanding between the two militaries.

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Local

The Koh Lanta school that began in a bungalow with one pupil

A handwritten diary kept at the island's Swedish school records it season by season, from a single child taught by her mother to 220 pupils. It also records the January the tsunami emptied it.

Photo: Illustration: Lanta News

50 min ago Lanta News

Somebody at the Swedish school on Koh Lanta kept a diary. It is a spiral notebook, written by hand, and it belongs to the school's very first pupil, who was seven when it starts.

She organised it by season rather than by year, the way an island does. It begins the year the school begins and stops in 2007. Her opening line is the whole story in one sentence: Lanta Sanuk School has not always been the way it is now. In the beginning there was only a single pupil, and then it grew and grew.

Season 00/01: a maths book made of A4 paper

The first entry describes a school with one pupil, one teacher and nothing else.

"The school was in my bungalow. Mum was the teacher and there was absolutely no material. We made a maths book out of A4 paper!"

That is the beginning of what people now call Little Sweden. A child, her mother, a bungalow, and a maths book they stapled together themselves.

Season 01/02: the Palm School

Another Swedish family arrived, and the mother happened to be a secondary school teacher. She taught her own two daughters, aged eight and six, plus the diarist, then seven. Lessons moved to their bungalow, and the children gave it a name: Palmskolan, the Palm School.

Then, in a detail that could only come from a real diary, the whole thing decamped to Greece for a few months and carried on there.

The following season has the shortest entry in the book. "No school. We were in Sweden."

Season 03/04: cockroaches and road dust

By now enough families wanted in that the diarist's parents hired an actual teacher, and it was she who named it Lanta Sanuk School. Usually six pupils turned up. At most nine.

The description of the premises is the least romantic thing you will read about this island:

"Two rooms with a fan and a filthy hole in the floor as a toilet. The tables were rickety, there were several cockroaches and the floor was always dirty with road dust."

And then, immediately after: "There were lots of different ages and everyone hung out with each other." Which is the part the children evidently remembered.

Season 04/05: the tsunami

The autumn term opened with 25 pupils and three teachers. By January sixty children were enrolled. It was the school's best year yet.

Then one line, written plainly, the way a teenager writes down something enormous:

"The school was closed after the tsunami because everyone went home."

It stayed shut through January 2005 and opened again at the beginning of February with two new teachers. That same season the first pupil enrolled through the Swedish distance-learning programme, and the school got its first computers.

Season 05/06: upstairs at the conference centre

The school took over the entire upper floor of a conference centre, twelve air-conditioned rooms. There were 119 pupils and ten teachers.

Her list of what existed for the first time that year tells you what had been missing before it: a head teacher, a library, a preschool, school lunch.

Season 06/07: two schools

The last entry counts 220 pupils and 20 teachers across two sites, plus 19 children in preschool.

The old building became the Holiday School, for families staying one to four months. A new school went up at Long Beach for families staying longer than four months. They called it the Long-term School.

That distinction is quietly the most revealing thing in the diary. By 2007 there were enough Swedish families living on Koh Lanta for a whole year that they needed their own school, separate from the ones passing through.

Why this matters beyond one school

The usual account has Swedes discovering Koh Lanta in the mid-2000s, and the 2006/07 season is the one always quoted. The diary ends exactly there, and that is the point the school wanted to make when they shared it: the season everyone remembers was not the start of anything. It was the moment something that had been growing quietly for seven years became too big to miss.

It started in a bungalow, with one child and a maths book made of A4 paper.

The diary is kept at Sanuk, the Swedish school on Koh Lanta, and was shared with us by the school. Its author, the school's first pupil, also designed the yellow sun that is still the school's logo. Translations from the Swedish are ours. The school asked us to be clear that they speak for Sanuk alone and not for anything else on the island.

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Weather

September Forecast: Heavy Rain Expected Nationwide

Thailand's meteorological authority forecasts September 2025 will bring persistent heavy rainfall, with thunderstorms expected to affect 60-80 percent of the country and risks of flash floods and overbank flooding in many areas. Strong southwest monsoon winds will generate 2-3 meter waves in the Andaman Sea and upper Gulf, with tropical cyclones likely to develop nearby. The public is urged to monitor official weather warnings and forecasts throughout the month.

55 min ago Khaosod

The Thai Meteorological Department has issued its September 2025 weather outlook, predicting another month of persistent and heavy rainfall nationwide. Thunderstorms are expected to affect 60-80 percent of the country throughout the month, with some areas experiencing extremely intense downpours that could trigger flash floods, flooding, and overbank flooding. Overall rainfall is expected to be about 10 percent below normal, except in the North where it will be 20 percent below normal and the East where it will be 10 percent above normal. Strong southwest monsoon winds will continue across the Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand, with waves reaching 2-3 meters in parts of the Andaman and upper Gulf, and 1-2 meters in the lower Gulf. Additionally, a tropical cyclone is expected to develop in the South China Sea with a high probability of approaching or crossing Thai territory. The public is advised to monitor weather forecasts and warnings from the meteorological department continuously.

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National

SME D Bank Suspends Debt Repayment for Flood-Hit Businesses

SME D Bank has launched emergency relief measures for small businesses in Nan province affected by recent flooding. The bank is offering up to 12 months of principal and interest payment suspension, emergency capital loans, and additional business development loans at special rates. Affected entrepreneurs can apply immediately through the bank's branches, website, or LINE Official Account.

59 min ago Khaosod

SME D Bank has launched emergency measures to help small and medium enterprises in Nan province affected by flooding, offering debt repayment suspension of up to 12 months and emergency capital for business recovery. Managing Director Phichit Mitravongse said the flooding has severely impacted SME operations across multiple areas in Nan province, both directly and indirectly. The bank is rolling out urgent relief measures to ease financial burden and help entrepreneurs restart their businesses quickly.

Key assistance measures include a principal and interest repayment suspension for affected customers for up to 12 months on term loans, revolving credit agreements, and factoring facilities, with promissory note repayment extended up to 180 days. The bank is also offering emergency capital loans of 10% of the customer's existing credit limit (minimum 30,000 baht, maximum 200,000 baht for individuals and 200,000 baht for businesses) at the prevailing rate for three years with a 12-month principal grace period and no collateral required except fees.

Additionally, SME D Bank is offering supplementary business development loans with a special fixed rate of just 3% per annum for the first three years, repayable over up to 10 years with up to 12 months' principal grace period. These include the SME Green Productivity loan (up to 30 million baht), Power Up SME loan (up to 1 million baht), and Beyond Wings SME loan (up to 30 million baht). The relief measures are voluntary and entrepreneurs can apply immediately through any SME D Bank branch nationwide, the bank's LINE Official Account, or its website at www.smebank.co.th. The Call Center number is 1357.

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National

Natural Resources Minister Mobilizes Aid for Nan Flood Victims

Thailand's Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has ordered a rapid deployment of staff and resources to assist residents in Nan Province following flash floods and flooding triggered by heavy rains on August 19. Heavy rainfall caused extensive damage to homes, property, and agricultural land, particularly in Pua District. The government is prioritizing rescue operations and public safety while preparing for immediate recovery efforts once water levels recede.

1h ago Khaosod

On August 20, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin issued urgent orders to departments under his ministry—including the National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Department, the Forestry Department, and the Nan Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office—to rapidly mobilize staff and resources to assist and relieve residents affected by heavy rains, flash flooding, and flash floods in Nan Province. The minister emphasized close monitoring of the situation, ongoing coordination with local agencies, and prioritizing public safety and welfare.

Suchart explained that heavy rains in the early morning of August 19 triggered flash floods and flash floods across many areas of Nan Province, especially Pua District, damaging homes, property, and farmland. The government and ministry expressed concern for residents and ordered affiliated agencies to deploy full support for relief efforts while closely monitoring water levels to prepare for any ongoing developments.

"I have instructed all agencies under the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry to deploy immediately to assist residents fully, with public safety as the priority," Suchart said. "This includes helping move belongings, providing convenience to affected people, and preparing for immediate recovery operations once water levels drop and conditions are safe, so residents can return to normal life as soon as possible."

The Forestry Department, under Sukaith's orders, mobilized 50 staff members, 10 vehicles, and necessary equipment to support relief and area rehabilitation. Initial operations include helping residents move belongings, providing convenience to affected people, and supporting other tasks as needed. The National Parks, Wildlife and Plants Department also prepared to mobilize staff and local units to assist affected residents, closely monitoring water levels and conditions to enable swift assistance, with personnel, vehicles, and equipment ready as appropriate.

The Nan Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office serves as the area coordinator, working with local government, local administrative organizations, and relevant agencies to assess the situation and community needs, then coordinating resources from Natural Resources and Environment Ministry departments to reach affected areas and residents quickly and comprehensively.

In the next phase, once water levels drop and conditions are safe, all Natural Resources and Environment Ministry agencies will coordinate with local government and agencies to support recovery operations.

No. 05 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Police

Woman Found Wandering Naked Through Udon Thani Streets

A 26-year-old woman was found walking naked through Udon Thani city streets on August 19, alarming residents and motorists. When questioned, she told police she was searching for her boyfriend. A school friend disclosed that Beer, once from a wealthy family, had worked at a bar in Pattaya and her behavior changed dramatically after her return, suggesting possible drug use and resulting in episodes of erratic conduct.

1h ago Khaosod

On the evening of August 19, authorities in Nong Na Kham Subdistrict, Udon Thani received reports of a naked woman walking through streets, causing alarm among residents and drivers. Police and locals assisted her by providing clothes and speaking calmly to her before taking her home to prevent harm while she displayed abnormal behavior.

When questioned, the woman, identified as Beer, age 26, said she was looking for her boyfriend named Keng Noi and asked officers to help her find him. Her condition appeared serious. After being clothed, officers took her back to her residence. Initial reports indicate her relatives may be unwilling to take her in.

A close school friend, who requested anonymity as Joe, revealed that Beer previously came from a financially comfortable family. She had worked at a bar in Pattaya with decent income and was known to wear gold jewelry as a sign of her status. In recent months after returning from Pattaya, her behavior changed noticeably, suggesting possible drug use, which resulted in behavioral abnormalities and occasional episodes of apparent unconsciousness followed by public indecency.

Police have taken her home pending close family supervision while investigations into the cause of her condition continue.

No. 06 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Thai PM to Visit New Zealand, Pursue Business Deals

Thai PM Anutin arrives in New Zealand August 20 for a three-day visit focused on expanding bilateral trade, investment, and aviation sector cooperation with meetings scheduled with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and private sector leaders

1h ago Khaosod

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his delegation departed Fairbairn Military Airport in Canberra on August 19 for an official visit to New Zealand between August 20–22. Australian International Development and Multicultural Affairs Minister Anne Alley saw the Prime Minister off at the airport. The Thai delegation is scheduled to arrive at Auckland Airport at 14:35 local time, where New Zealand's Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Penny Simmonds will receive them.

Upon arrival, the Prime Minister will immediately begin his official duties. On the evening of August 20, he will meet with New Zealand's private sector to discuss economic cooperation and trading and investment opportunities between the two countries. On the morning of August 21, the Prime Minister will attend a formal reception at the Governor-General's residence before holding bilateral meetings with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. The two leaders will then hold a joint press conference, followed by a lunch hosted by the New Zealand Prime Minister in honor of his Thai counterpart.

In the afternoon of August 21, the Prime Minister will visit NZAero, New Zealand's aircraft manufacturing company, to assess aviation industry capabilities and explore opportunities for aviation sector cooperation between Thailand and New Zealand. The delegation will return to Thailand on Saturday, August 22, following the conclusion of the official visit.

No. 07 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Police

Three Laotians Caught Smuggling Six Tons of Avocados Across Mekong

Three Laotian nationals were arrested with six tons of avocados while attempting to smuggle the fruit across the Mekong River into Thailand near Mukdahan in Nakhon Phanom province.

1h ago Khaosod

At approximately 02:30 on August 20, 2025, Lieutenant Oros Buddhako, head of Mukdahan River Station under the Mekong River peacekeeping unit in Nakhon Phanom province, received a tip that smugglers would attempt to illegally transport duty-free goods from Savannakhet province in Laos across the Mekong River into Thailand, targeting the area behind Indochinese Market in Mukdahan municipality. Following the alert, Lieutenant Oros coordinated with Mukdahan River Police and other relevant agencies to inspect the riverbank area behind Indochinese Market in Sri Sumang community. The incident was discovered approximately 1.2 kilometers from Mukdahan River Station.

During the inspection, officers found three Laotian nationals with one steel-hulled boat equipped with an outboard motor. Authorities seized approximately 250 crates of avocados weighing about six tons that had not cleared customs procedures. All three individuals were taken into custody and the goods were confiscated for investigation and legal proceedings.

The seized items include approximately 250 crates of avocados weighing about six tons and one steel boat with an outboard motor. The suspects and all evidence were brought to Mukdahan River Station for processing under relevant laws, particularly customs regulations, and for further investigation into the cross-border goods smuggling operation.

This operation represents an integrated effort by security agencies and law enforcement units in the border area to monitor and intercept illegal goods smuggling that bypasses customs procedures, particularly along the Mekong River, which is a critical border area of Mukdahan province.

No. 08 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Government Bank Launches Seven-Point Flood Relief Package

The Government Housing Bank launched a seven-point relief package for flood victims in northern Thailand, offering debt restructuring, zero-interest loans, and potential debt forgiveness for borrowers whose homes were destroyed by severe fl

1h ago Khaosod

On August 20, Deputy Government Spokesman Lalida Perischvivat revealed that the government is concerned about residents in Nan province and the upper northern region affected by severe flooding from heavy rains and flash floods. The Government Housing Bank has implemented seven relief measures for 2025 to reduce financial burden and support housing reconstruction, covering debt relief, payment suspension, and loans for repairs or new housing for both regular account holders and non-performing loan borrowers.

For NPL borrowers whose collateral was damaged, debt restructuring is available for up to 18 months with zero interest for the first six months and no payment installments required. NPL borrowers affected by income loss can restructure debt for up to one year with zero interest for the first six months and minimum monthly payments of 1,000 baht, applied entirely to principal reduction.

The government emphasized that if a home is completely destroyed and cannot be repaired, the Government Housing Bank will consider forgiving the structure portion of the debt on a case-by-case basis for both regular and NPL borrowers. Borrowers will only repay the land value portion, relieving them of debt for the uninhabitable structure.

For borrowers with home insurance policies covering natural disasters through the bank's partner insurers, an expedited Fast Track claims process is available. Policyholders can file claims using damage photos and receive compensation up to 20,000 baht without additional documentation requirements. The government recommends affected residents photograph their homes and damaged property before cleanup begins to support rapid claim processing.

The government stressed that home loss extends beyond property damage to include living expenses during recovery, and assistance measures are available even for NPL borrowers. Affected residents can apply at all Government Housing Bank branches nationwide immediately, or contact the G H BANK Call Center at 0-2645-9000 for more information.

No. 09 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Young Artist Quits Scholarship Dentistry for Personal Pursuits

Young dentist Mark Thanat resigned from his government-funded position after ten years of non-stop work and study to pursue personal interests and travel documentation. The actor and artist, who maintained his dental license, launched a You

1h ago Khaosod

Young artist and actor Mark Thanat, also known as Mark Kamikazeee or Dr. Mark, has resigned from his government-funded dentistry position after ten years of uninterrupted study and work. Mark announced his resignation on August 7, 2026, in a video explaining that he had never taken a break since age thirteen, when many knew him as a singer. He was accepted to Mahidol's dental program at eighteen, completed his degree, worked one year as a dentist, and continues to hold his dental license despite resigning from his position.

Mark explained his decision: "I felt like I was someone who worked non-stop for ten years without ever taking a rest. Everything was forced upon me—I had to work according to a set schedule, attend classes and exams, and work regardless." He said he simply wanted a brief moment to do something for himself without a clear plan for what comes next.

One regret has stayed with him throughout the decade: despite traveling extensively, he rarely recorded videos or captured memories from his trips. Mark has launched a YouTube channel called Thanat Rattanasiriphan to document his journeys, so he can look back and remember where he has traveled. He clarified the channel is primarily for himself, but welcomed others to follow along if interested. His resignation announcement video has garnered over 170,000 views, with commenters offering encouragement and support for his decision to live life on his own terms and take time to recharge.

No. 10 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Gold Prices Surge Over 1,500 Baht, Ornamental Gold Breaks 70,000

Gold prices jumped over 1,550 baht on August 20, with ornamental gold breaking through 70,000 baht per baht as traders expect prices to climb another 1,000-2,000 baht when markets reopen.

1h ago Khaosod

Gold prices on August 20, 2026, surged by 1,550 baht compared to the previous trading day, according to the Gold Traders Association. Ornamental gold selling prices have broken through 70,000 baht per baht, reaching 70,650 baht per baht. Gold bars are currently trading at 69,650 baht per baht for buying and 69,850 baht per baht for selling. Ornamental gold (96.5%) is being bought at 68,250.32 baht per baht and sold at 70,650 baht per baht. Global gold spot prices are at 4,495.00 US dollars per ounce. Trade association leaders predict that gold prices may rise another 1,000 to 2,000 baht per baht when markets open tomorrow, potentially pushing ornamental gold past 80,000 baht per baht.

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