Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin and Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing jointly opened the Thailand–Myanmar Business Forum 2026 on August 6, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. at the Sirikit National Convention Centre. Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Permswatviwat revealed that Prime Minister Srettha and Myanmar's President Min Aung Hlaing addressed the forum on the theme "New Chapter and Future of Enhancing the Thailand–Myanmar Business Partnership," organized by the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Association and Myanmar's Federation of Chamber of Commerce and Industry, with over 700 representatives from both countries in attendance.

The Prime Minister expressed pleasure at opening the event with Myanmar's president and emphasized that Thailand and Myanmar are ready to enter a new chapter of economic cooperation based on mutual trust, confidence, and shared prosperity for both peoples, regardless of political circumstances. He stressed that governments have a responsibility to ensure citizens enjoy quality of life, employment, income, and hope for the future, and that economic progress must continue steadily.

Srettha noted that over decades, Thailand's and Myanmar's private sectors have been crucial mechanisms linking the two economies through investment, employment, and opportunity creation. Myanmar is now a major economic partner of Thailand, with bilateral trade valued at over $7.4 billion, with significant growth potential. Thai investments in Myanmar span energy, manufacturing, transport, logistics, telecommunications, real estate, and tourism.

In discussions with Myanmar's president, both sides agreed to push forward concrete economic cooperation in multiple areas. On trade, both parties welcomed reopening the Second Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge connecting Mae Sot and Myawaddy, and committed to removing regulatory barriers to restore full trade capacity quickly. They also plan to consider opening additional border checkpoints in ready areas to facilitate border trade and promote regional economic development.

Thailand will host a joint trade commission meeting between both countries' commerce ministers to push bilateral trade toward a $12 billion target and revive the vibrant Thailand-Myanmar border trade atmosphere this year. On investment, the Prime Minister confirmed Thai private sector confidence in Myanmar's long-term potential and readiness to expand investment in sectors with joint capacity, including energy, agriculture, infrastructure, tourism, and future industries.

The Thai government will fully support business through reducing obstacles, streamlining procedures, and improving unnecessary regulations. On energy, both sides will continue existing cooperation projects and accelerate necessary processes to jointly strengthen energy security, plus establish a working group to promote connectivity and push infrastructure development.

Acting Director of the Port Authority of Thailand Rattakorn Khiewpaisan presented 1 million baht in support to the Billiards Association of Thailand, with Sunthorn Charumunt, chairman of the association, and Panchaya Channo ("Mind Sakol"), a world snooker champion and professional player, accepting on behalf of young athletes at the Port Authority's Khlong Toei headquarters on August 6.

The acting director said the Port Authority is committed to continued backing for Thai snooker, marking the second year of support. He noted that Thai cue players are developing steadily and competing on level ground with world-class athletes, and he wants to see young players grow into skilled and ethical snooker professionals. The authority pledged to help further develop the Thai snooker scene.

Regarding efforts to remove snooker from the Gambling Act B.E. 2478, officials said this would allow snooker to progress legitimately and receive full support going forward, benefiting both the sport and its players. Sunthorn said young athletes aged 8-18 came to thank the Port Authority for its ongoing support and pledged that the association would work hard to achieve success and bring credit to Thailand. He noted that two major events are planned for next year: Thailand will host the World Youth Snooker Championship and the World Snooker Championship for amateurs, with champions earning opportunities to compete in professional events.

Bangkok Mass Transit System Company (BEM) is coordinating with the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BTS), BTS Fire and Rescue Unit, Lumpini and Thonglor Police Stations, Bon Kai and Khlong Toei Fire and Rescue Stations, Bangkok Emergency Medical Center (Erawan Center), and Khlong Toei District Office to conduct an emergency management drill. The exercise is designed to train staff in emergency response and crisis management procedures to ensure safe and effective handling of incidents. The drill will take place on Saturday, August 8, 2026, between 1:30 AM and 3:00 AM at Siri Kitti National Convention Center. Residents living nearby may hear warning sirens and emergency vehicle sounds, and the organizers apologize for any inconvenience. Those needing additional information can contact the information center at 0-2624-5200.

The Science Research and Innovation Fund (SRIF), administered by the Office of the National Research Council of Thailand (NRCT), in partnership with the Department of Intellectual Property under the Commerce Ministry, has opened the "IP x Venture Rise Thailand 2026: Intellectual Property Forum Driving Thai Business into the Future" to integrate research and innovation through SRIF funding while connecting intellectual property assets, increasing research output value, and creating business and investment opportunities. The event will match businesses with researchers across more than 100 partnerships, upgrade products, expand ventures, and address changes in technology, innovation, and environmental sustainability to help Thailand compete in the global economy.

On August 6, 2026, Professor Dr. Sompoong Khlai Nong Saruang, director of NRCT, announced that the "Intellectual Property Forum Driving Thai Business into the Future IP x Venture Rise Thailand 2026" scheduled for August 27–29, 2026, represents a major collaboration between SRIF, NRCT, and the Department of Intellectual Property to create a complete Thai innovation system and develop it as an "Opportunity Platform" based on research, innovation, and intellectual property outputs, bridging research, technology, and real domestic innovations.

"This is another important step in creating added value in intellectual property for Thai research and innovation, ensuring that research and innovation outputs receive true rights and benefits. Following the government's enforcement of the Research and Innovation Utilization Promotion Act of 2021 (TRIUP Act), a law for economic reform that unlocks ownership of research and innovation to enable commercial and broad public benefit development, Thailand can escape the middle-income trap and reduce inequality while addressing economic, social, environmental, and geopolitical changes," he said.

In previous years, Venture Rise Thailand focused on promoting utilization and investment; this year, NRCT aims to expand opportunities and build on VR Thailand by integrating intellectual property knowledge more deeply into SRIF networks. The initiative receives support from fund management units, regional science park networks, the business sector, and investors to create an innovation ecosystem linking knowledge creation, intellectual property protection, prototype development, business matching, access to funding, and market expansion, thereby narrowing the gap between research and commercial use and strengthening national competitiveness.

The event will showcase over 200 research and innovation projects nationwide and include a Business Matching zone where innovators meet users and investors directly, targeting at least 100 partnerships and attracting over 5,000 participants who will learn concepts and case studies across nine activity zones, including research and innovation showcases and business partner zones.

JAS and Monomax are organizing the "JAS FAN CONNECT THAILAND VOLLEYBALL STARS" event following the positive reception from Thai volleyball fans watching live broadcasts. The event aims to transition fans' viewing experience from screen to an offline activity where they can meet athletes in person, create memories, and encourage the national women's volleyball team before their departure to compete in the AVC tournament in China in late August. Designed under the concept of "More Than Meet & Greet," the event will feature on-stage discussions, games, and special interactive moments between athletes and fans, along with exclusive prize draws including signed team jerseys and volleyballs. JAS and Monomax are expanding their role from broadcast rights holders to creators of comprehensive sports experiences that connect fans with athletes and promote Thai sports both on and off the competition field. Interested fans can follow JAS and Monomax's official channels for event details and special privileges before the event date.

BANGKOK: Authorities in Thailand will be able to open air travellers’ checked baggage for security reasons without an owner’s consent starting on Oct 16, but the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT) has affirmed that checks will follow strict guidelines.