The Thai SME Federation is proposing to revive provincial public-private partnership committees as a mechanism to connect government agencies, private businesses, and entrepreneurs at the local level to stimulate grassroots economic growth and advance tourism development in 50 secondary cities with multibillion-baht investment. Federation chairman Noppapong Thirawon disclosed the proposal after attending a meeting of the Trade and Service subcommittee, presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Supachee Sutthiraphan and Commerce Minister. The chairman stated that the meeting offered a crucial opportunity for public and private sectors and MSME networks to exchange proposals to drive Thailand's economy forward.

The federation urged the revitalization of provincial public-private committees to serve as a bridge linking government, private sector, and local entrepreneurs, believing this would enable problem-solving and economic development better aligned with each province's capabilities. The federation also proposed developing man-made tourist attractions in 50 secondary cities, allocating 200 million baht per province, with each provincial committee tasked to propose suitable attractions to generate new economic activity, distribute income to communities, and create opportunities for small business operators throughout the value chain.

Another key proposal involves supporting e-commerce for Thai entrepreneurs to expand marketing channels for MSMEs. The federation is preparing to launch an 'SME Proud' platform to connect entrepreneurs with markets and business opportunities, aiming to create careers, jobs, and income on a broader scale. "Thai SMEs don't just need relief measures—they need mechanisms that allow entrepreneurs to grow on their own," Noppapong stated. "Linking the strength of government, private sector, and MSME networks is the heart of driving Thailand's economy forward together."

Content creators and fans from across Thailand converged on Samoedet District in Kalasin province on August 11, 2025, to pay final respects to Haloon Solo, whose real name was Bowortthat Pengsuk. The popular YouTuber and backpacker died while traveling in Georgia. Mourners began arriving early in the day, with family and neighbors providing warm hospitality to those coming to pay their respects.

At 11 a.m., family members invited four Buddhist monks to perform merit-making ceremonies and offer food donations. The family then conducted a traditional funeral blessing, with monks chanting protective verses before the body was moved nearly one kilometer to Rangsee Chachwal Temple, where the cremation ceremony was held.

Nangasadit Kailthep, a YouTuber and fan from Udon Thani province, explained that she followed Haloon's journey after her son told her about a man who traveled the world starting with only 300 baht. She became inspired to start her own YouTube channel after watching his content, and when she learned of his death, she made the journey to pay her respects and say goodbye to her idol.

Nangsukannya Khajorveeratham, a fan from Ko Lanta in Narathiwat, traveled over 1,700 kilometers to attend the ceremony. Despite having watched only two of Haloon's videos, she was deeply impressed by his innovative content creation style and his determination to succeed despite limited resources. She said the round-trip journey exceeded 3,600 kilometers, but she came out of love and admiration, and to see the birthplace that shaped such an inspiring young person. After the funeral blessing, officials prepared to transport the body to the temple for the cremation ceremony scheduled for 4 p.m.

PHUKET — A dispute over a tuk-tuk fare involving Israeli tourists and Australian tourists erupted in Patong, Phuket, on 9 August, after a tuk-tuk driver claimed an Israeli tourist argued with him and tried to force an Australian couple out of his vehicle.

The incident took place at about 20:15 on Thawiwong Road in Patong subdistrict, Kathu district.

The incident gained widespread attention online after a Facebook user named "Oiltuktukpatong Saranate" posted dashcam footage of the confrontation. The user captioned the first video, "Let's see what the Israeli family did," before posting additional footage and alleging that the tourists had verbally abused him, spat at him and attempted to lift a concrete barrier in what he believed was an effort to threaten him.

According to the tuk-tuk driver who posted the footage, a family of five Israeli tourists—a couple and their three children—had approached him earlier that evening to ask about the fare for a trip to the Patong beach area.

The two sides were unable to agree on a price and went their separate ways.

Shortly afterwards, an Australian couple approached the tuk-tuk and got into the vehicle. The Israeli family then returned and told the driver they wanted to share the ride.

The driver said he refused because the vehicle already had passengers.

An argument then broke out. The driver alleged that the Israeli man told the Australian couple to get out of the tuk-tuk because the family wanted to use the vehicle. The driver refused to comply, after which the dispute escalated into a heated verbal confrontation.

The driver further alleged that the Israeli man used offensive language and shouted at him to leave the area. At one point, the man appeared to try to lift a concrete barrier beside the road, according to the driver, who said he feared it could be used to assault him. The man was reportedly unable to lift it.

Parts of the incident were captured by the tuk-tuk's dashcam and later posted on social media, prompting widespread online criticism.

Much of the discussion focused on the dispute over the fare and the alleged attempt to make the Australian passengers leave the tuk-tuk.

The driver said he had worked in Phuket's tourism industry for several decades and disagreed with the behaviour shown during the incident.

He said verbal abuse and attempts to intimidate others should not occur in a tourist destination.

PHUKET: Government offices across Phuket will close today (Aug 12) as Thailand observes the birthday anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, with the day also celebrated nationwide as National Mother’s Day.

On August 11, 2025, the Corruption Court postponed a hearing on the indictment in case number Aor. 31/2569, brought by Adm. Chakrapong Sawaegsathit against EC Chairman Nrong Klanyvarinthorn, seven other officials, and the EC secretary-general. All eight defendants are accused of official misconduct or breach of duty under Section 157 of the Criminal Code, combined with provisions of the Election Commission Organization Act (Section 69), the House of Representatives Election Act (Section 149), and the Anti-Corruption Act (Section 172). The defendants allegedly conspired to order the printing of QR codes on green ballots for constituency elections and barcodes on pink party-list ballots. Prosecutors argue this added unnecessary cost and complexity to ballot verification, lacked transparency, and undermined the secrecy of the voting process for all Thai citizens. The court rescheduled the hearing to October 7, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. This is the fourth postponement since the case was originally set for March 17, then moved to May 19, then August 11.

A 29-year-old man identified as Peerphol (surname withheld) has surrendered to Muang Songkhla Police following an overnight attack that left his mother's new boyfriend dead. The victim, 53-year-old Winai (surname withheld), was stabbed and slashed more than 10 times before Peerphol seized a .38 revolver from the victim's waistband and fired 3-4 additional rounds. The incident occurred at a residential building in Muang district, Songkhla province. Police are currently investigating the case as Peerphol remains in custody with both weapons recovered. The front of the house where the attack took place remains sealed off, with blood stains, broken glass, and a shattered beauty shop door still visible. Neighbors revealed the suspect is normally withdrawn and keeps to himself at home, typically observed only when buying water or snacks from local shops, but had been involved in disputes with his stepfather over the victim's late-night visits to see his mother.