On August 23, Thai television personalities Woonsen Viritipat, Chris Horwang, and Polla Taylor attended the funeral of Ray MacDonald at Wat Yang temple. All three opened up about their profound sadness over his sudden and unexpected death, recalling his warmth and the life lessons he taught them about living each day fully, knowing tomorrow may bring no second chances.

Chris Horwang expressed his deep sorrow, noting that everyone who visits the temple daily feels a chill, and all agree his passing came far too soon and without warning. Woonsen recalled spending quality time with Ray in the past and treasuring all the good memories, valuable feelings, and teachings he shared. Though still emotionally shaken, she emphasized the importance of supporting Ray's family.

When asked about Ray's charm during their work together, Chris described him as incredibly likable both on and off camera. Ray once told him: "Live life to the fullest without regret. Tomorrow will come, and you'll wish you had done the things you wanted to do." Chris now realizes he should live by that philosophy and expressed concern for Ray's safety during his travels, knowing how much Ray loved to explore.

Polla reflected that Ray was uniquely himself and irreplaceable. Woonsen added that people should spend time doing what they love, with the people they care about, and take care of their health, since good health is the foundation for a long life with loved ones.

Chris admitted a deep regret: over many years of genuine affection for Ray, he never once called him to invite him for a meal, perhaps because their closeness did not feel sufficient compared to his love for him. He acknowledged that everyone has people they care about and wish well, but cannot personally connect with all of them. Now that Ray is gone, Chris feels profound heartache, realizing he never sent Ray a message or invited him to eat together. He emphasized that time is precious and regrets not reconnecting with Ray in person over the nearly 10 years since they last met.

The Pure Heart Foundation donated 6,000 milk-flavored cakes valued at 60,000 baht on August 24 to support flood relief efforts under the Royal Kindness Project administered by the Thai Social Welfare Council. Foundation chair Theerayut Nawamawat presented the donation, which was received by Thidaruk Sajjapong, Secretary-General of the Thai Social Welfare Council, for distribution to flood-affected families and communities. The foundation stressed its commitment to alleviating hardship during this difficult period and thanked partner organizations for their collaborative relief efforts. The foundation pledged to continue its social mission in coordination with government agencies and network partners to reach affected populations across various areas and improve their quality of life.

The Army commander has ordered improvements to intelligence gathering following over 50 disturbances in the southern border region. Military spokesman Surasant Kongsiri and Army spokesman Vindhai Suwari stated that intelligence operations have not failed but require enhanced effectiveness. They rejected allegations that helicopters fired on civilians, noting that such tactics are not feasible at night. All incidents are linked to the Barisan Revolusi Nasional (BRN).

Spokesman Vindhai said the southern border provinces have suffered from deliberate misinformation and rumor-mongering intended to damage officials' reputations. The Internal Security Command, Region 4 Forward has adjusted its communication approach. The over 51 incidents occurring simultaneously across multiple areas were not intended to cause casualties but represented psychological operations using communications tactics. He acknowledged the chaotic period with large crowds moving about, while some officials remained deployed elsewhere, which may have created confusion and unverified reports, including statements from political figures.

Vindhai emphasized that helicopters are not designed for targets with rapid movement during nighttime when visibility is impossible. Military use of ground forces supporting internal security operations follows strict international protocols, making weapon use unlikely unless officials are attacked. Suspect tracking is ongoing with reasonable progress. Comparing area size to available personnel shows insufficient coverage, so standard security operations must be paired with improved intelligence work. Most incidents occur outside populated areas and are not high-priority zones. Military, police, and civilian strategies assign varying security concentrations to different areas. These disturbances primarily aim psychological impact on youth rather than casualties, using property destruction as symbolic messaging. Such operations are feasible given the large territory involved.

The Department of Special Investigation submitted charges against Phakkaotharam party MP Chonnapat Nakasum for involvement in online gambling operations, money laundering, and transnational organized crime with over one billion baht in circulation. On August 24, 2025, Chonnapat appeared at the Office of the Special Public Prosecutor to receive the charges and submitted a nine-point fairness request, stating he has never invoked parliamentary immunity despite facing concurrent proceedings at multiple jurisdictional levels.

Chonnapat emphasized that parliamentary protection applies only to investigation and summons stages, not indictment, and described his legal battle as weathering a storm rather than a political assault. He stated his intention to clear his name of accusations that he used parliamentary privilege, insisting he stands as an ordinary citizen under the same laws as everyone else. The public prosecutor will rule on the case on September 28, 2025.

The case stems from an investigation into a large-scale online gambling network in southern Thailand with financial links to Chonnapat. In March 2025, the Department of Special Investigation conducted "Operation Gameflow," searching ten locations across four provinces—five in Songkhla, two in Nonthaburi, one in Pathum Thani, and two in Bangkok—based on 26 court arrest warrants related to the gambling network.

BANGKOK — Art lovers and history buffs have a limited window to explore the legacy of Silpa Bhirasri, widely regarded as the father of modern Thai art, as the National Museum Silpa Bhirasri Memorial has reopened to the public for two months.

The museum is hosting a special exhibition tracing the development of art alongside the history of Bangkok's Rattanakosin era through the works and ideas of Bhirasri, an Italian-born sculptor who became a major figure in Thailand's modern art movement. Visitors can explore his artistic legacy while learning about the evolution of Thai art and its connection to the country's history. The reopening also offers a chance to experience a historic art space that had been closed to visitors for a period.

Born Corrado Feroci in Florence, Italy, in 1892, Bhirasri came to Thailand to work in government service during the reign of King Rama VI. He later became a key figure in the development of formal art education in Thailand. He founded and taught at the School of Fine Arts, which was later elevated to Silpakorn University, where he became the first dean of its Faculty of Painting, Sculpture and Graphic Arts.

As part of the special opening, the Fine Arts Department is allowing visitors to enter the Hall of Sculpture, offering a rare opportunity to see original sculpture models and learn about traditional casting and metalworking processes.

The hall showcases works by master sculptors who worked with the Fine Arts Department, particularly pieces associated with Bhirasri. Many of the models were created as the basis for national monuments, royal statues, Buddhist images and other major sculptures across Thailand.

Among the works on display are the model for Phra Si Sakkaya Thotsaphonlayan, the principal Buddha image at Phutthamonthon, as well as models of statues of King Narai, King Chulalongkorn, King Prajadhipok and King Ananda Mahidol. The collection also includes a model of Thao Suranari, the celebrated monument in Nakhon Ratchasima, sculpted by Bhirasri in 1934.

The National Museum Silpa Bhirasri Memorial and Hall of Sculpture are open 09:00–16:00, Wednesday to Sunday, through 20 September 2026. Admission is free. For visitors looking to explore Bangkok beyond its better-known temples and museums, the two-month reopening offers a chance to step into an important chapter of Thailand's artistic history at no cost.

The Secretary-General of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, Bumiwisit Kaemsukhvong, announced a crackdown on illegal firearms and ammunition trafficking, working with local government and police to enforce strict legal action against corruption involving fraudulently issued pink ID cards for foreigners. He stated that Bangkok's governor and advisers have already conducted on-site investigations, though no formal report has been issued yet, but he welcomed the initiative as the anti-corruption office drives enforcement across relevant agencies.

Regarding financial tracking, Kaemsukhvong explained that the Anti-Money Laundering Office handles those investigations, and the anti-corruption commission will share any financial data discovered. When asked whether district-level officials were within the anti-corruption office's authority, he confirmed that some levels fall under its jurisdiction. He noted that so far, no officials above civil servant level have been identified, but if evidence points higher, it will be referred to the National Anti-Corruption Commission if necessary, or handled by the anti-corruption office itself if within its mandate.

When asked if similar behaviour has been found outside Bangkok, Kaemsukhvong said this is an expansion of earlier operations and officials recently received information matching Bangkok's data, with the governor's adviser investigating. He described the matter as clearly linked to national security and vowed that the government will enforce the law swiftly, transparently, and fairly against all corruption cases, especially those involving security. He added that recent priorities include tackling pink ID card fraud, local government recruitment fraud, and an ongoing investigation into missing firearms from the system, with over 2,255 weapons licences issued but never formally registered.