Thailand Assures Japanese Investors It Won't Be Abandoned

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul reassured Japanese manufacturers that the government won't abandon them, pledging to remove business obstacles and maintain Thailand's position as a key automotive production hub. The government aims

5h ago Khaosod

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dismissed rumors of Japanese manufacturers relocating production, reaffirming the government's commitment to supporting long-standing investors while attracting new capital and removing business obstacles to preserve Thailand's position as an automotive manufacturing base and global supply chain hub.

Anutin told reporters that the government prioritizes investors from all countries, particularly Japanese manufacturers who have used Thailand as a primary production base for decades and have become integral to Thai industry. The government is ready to provide assurance that Thailand will not abandon these long-established investors. He confirmed the government's core policy is to remain open and adjust conditions to create business flexibility and good relationships, promoting sustainable growth and long-term economic cooperation while maintaining a strong Japanese manufacturing foundation in Thailand.

The government emphasizes the automotive industry's importance, with most components—engines, bodies, chassis, and systems—currently produced domestically under Japanese brands. Anutin stressed this sector cannot be abandoned and investors must be given confidence to stay. "Japanese investors have been here since the earliest stages, so long that it's impossible to separate Thailand from Japan in terms of manufacturing base," he said. "We're ready to remove obstacles to reassure them we're not abandoning them—not one where we accept everything when we need them, then add conditions later once they succeed."

Regarding electric vehicles, the government has assigned Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas to review approaches for supporting investors from various countries, ensuring the automotive industry does not suffer disadvantages as Japan invests in this sector. Structural adjustments will be made to ensure fairness and maintain producer confidence in Thailand.

Although EV production will initially require significant imported components, a new domestic supply chain will inevitably develop, including batteries, computer systems, and other parts that production mechanisms will force to establish bases in Thailand. The government will maintain political and economic stability to attract and retain long-term foreign investment.

"We must focus on the numbers since this government took office," Anutin said. "Foreign direct investment into Thailand increased significantly last year, breaking the one trillion baht mark, so there's no evidence of production base relocation or investment slowdown due to Thailand being unprepared."

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Police

Female Motorcyclist Dies Hitting Stalled Truck; Second Rider Killed 3km Away

Two motorcyclists died in separate collisions with stalled trucks on Highway 331 in Chachoengsao Province on August 20, with poor road lighting cited as a contributing factor in the accident-prone areas.

6h ago Khaosod

At 11:06 p.m. on August 20, police from Huay Yai Station received a report of a motorcycle rear-ending an 18-wheel truck on Highway 331 near Khao Hin Sorn in Khao Maikhaew Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chachoengsao Province. Officers and rescue volunteers arrived to find a Mitsubishi truck with a blown tire parked on the roadside. The truck driver, identified as Mr. Karkot (surname withheld), 39, was waiting to give a statement. A Honda Wave 125 motorcycle with red plates was found with heavy front-end damage. The rider, identified as Ms. Ratchanee (surname withheld), 34, a golf caddy, was found dead at the scene. Officers placed warning cones and activated signal lights before moving the body to a hospital.

According to the truck driver's account, his vehicle had a flat tire while parked on the roadside. Another vehicle ahead had refused to start, so they were working on repairs in front of the truck with warning cones and lights set up at the rear. A loud crash suddenly occurred when the motorcycle hit the back of the truck. The victim suffered severe injuries and died shortly after despite rescue efforts.

Approximately 3 kilometers away and around the same time, rescue personnel received another report of a motorcycle hitting the rear of an 18-wheel truck on Highway 331 near Wat Pong Saket in Takian Tia Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District. An Isuzu truck was parked on the roadside; nearby, a Honda Lead motorcycle lay overturned in the middle of the road with severe front damage. The injured rider, a man aged 30–35, suffered critical injuries. Despite CPR attempts, he died shortly after. The truck driver said he was making a U-turn and did not see the motorcycle before it hit the left side of his vehicle, causing both the motorcycle and rider to be violently thrown into the roadway.

Police and investigators documented both scenes as evidence and are reviewing closed-circuit camera footage to determine the true causes of both accidents. The deceased have been transported to hospitals pending family contact for religious funeral arrangements. Local residents reported that accidents are frequent in both areas due to inadequate lighting and have called on authorities to improve street illumination to prevent further incidents.

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Police

Police Find Sex Workers in Rangsit Village after Fresh Sweep

Police arrested two women engaged in sex work during a sweep of Rangsit Railway area in Pathum Thani, with officers noting most workers have dispersed following recent enforcement operations and social media coverage.

6h ago Khaosod

Officers from Pathum Thani's social development office and administrative staff from Thanyaburi District met with police on August 20 to discuss solutions to the ongoing sex work issue in the area. Aree Rat Nueadompong, a senior social development officer and head of Pathum Thani's social development group, led a team of over 30 officers from Pratu Nam Chulalongkorn Police Station to sweep the Rattanakosin 200 Year Village area and the Rangsit Railway siding.

During the inspection, officers spotted one woman who fled immediately when she saw them approaching. In the railway area, they found two women sitting together and questioned them. Both admitted they regularly gather there for sex work, earning 300–400 baht per customer on average, though some nights they earn nothing. One woman explained she came from another province and now lives in Pathum Thani, working primarily in waste collection with sex work at night to support herself and her child after separating from her husband.

Rider groups waiting for work nearby reported that groups of about 10 women typically congregate in the area nearly every night. However, following recent enforcement sweeps and social media attention, most of the women have largely disappeared from the area. The riders noted the women have never caused any problems for local residents. Police took initial statements from both women and are cross-referencing them with related cases.

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Weather

Severe Weather Alert: 38 Provinces Face Heavy Rain and Flood Risk

Thailand's Meteorological Department warns 38 provinces of heavy rain and flooding risks through August 22, with northern and northeastern regions facing the most severe conditions from a monsoon trough and strong southwest winds.

7h ago Khaosod

Thailand's Meteorological Department has issued a weather alert for 38 provinces, warning of continuous heavy rain affecting 70 percent of areas with risks of flash floods and overflow. Bangkok and surrounding areas are also included. As of August 21, 2025, the department forecasts heavy to very heavy rain in the northern and upper northeastern regions, with heavy rain in central and eastern Thailand including Bangkok and its vicinity over the next 24 hours.

A monsoon trough is passing through the northern and upper northeastern regions, combined with strong southwest monsoon winds over the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand. Residents in affected areas are urged to be cautious of heavy to very heavy rainfall and accumulated water, which may cause flash flooding, flash floods, and riverbank overflow, especially in foothill and low-lying areas.

Wave heights in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand are expected to reach 2-3 meters, exceeding 3 meters during thunderstorms. The lower Andaman Sea will see waves around 2 meters, over 2 meters during thunderstorms. Fishing boats in both areas are advised to navigate carefully and avoid thunderstorm zones, with small boats in the upper regions advised to stay ashore.

For the 24-hour forecast from 6:00 a.m. today to 6:00 a.m. tomorrow:

Northern Region: Thunderstorms in 80 percent of areas with heavy rain in some areas, particularly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampun, Phayao, Nan, and Phrae provinces. Very heavy rain expected in Lampang, Kamphaeng Phet, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Tak, Phitsanulok, Phichit, and Phetchabun. Minimum temperature 23-26°C, maximum 27-32°C. Southwest wind 10-20 km/h.

Northeastern Region: Thunderstorms in 80 percent of areas with heavy rain in some areas, particularly in Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, and Khon Kaen. Very heavy rain expected in Loei, Nong Khai, Nong Bua Lamphu, and Udon Thani. Minimum temperature 22-25°C, maximum 26-30°C. Southwest wind 10-20 km/h.

Central Region: Thunderstorms in 70 percent of areas with heavy rain in some areas, particularly in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Minimum temperature 23-25°C, maximum 28-33°C. Southwest wind 10-25 km/h.

Eastern Region: Thunderstorms in 70 percent of areas with heavy rain in some areas, particularly in Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Minimum temperature 23-28°C, maximum 29-33°C. Southwest wind 20-40 km/h. Sea waves 2-3 meters, exceeding 3 meters during thunderstorms.

Southern Region (Eastern Coast): Thunderstorms in 40 percent of areas, mainly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Chumphon. Minimum temperature 23-26°C, maximum 29-36°C. From Surat Thani northward: Southwest wind 15-35 km/h, waves 1-2 meters nearshore, exceeding 2 meters during thunderstorms. From Nakhon Si Thammarat southward: Southwest wind 15-35 km/h, waves around 1 meter nearshore, 1-2 meters offshore, exceeding 2 meters during thunderstorms.

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Police

Woman Dies in Motorcycle Crash After Pickup Truck Collision

A 33-year-old woman died after her motorcycle clipped a pickup truck on a rain-slicked highway in Lopburi, causing her to crash into a pole and drain canal.

13h ago Khaosod

A 33-year-old woman wearing an EM bracelet was riding a motorcycle in heavy rain when she attempted to overtake a black pickup truck on Highway 3017 between Lopburi and Wang Muang. The motorcyclist clipped the truck's rear left corner, causing her to lose control. The motorcycle then struck a traffic sign pole hard enough to snap it, continued into a power pole, and ejected the rider into a drainage canal below.

Local residents called police and rescue workers, who pulled the injured woman from the water and began CPR efforts. However, her injuries were too severe and she died before transport to the hospital. The victim was identified as Sasiton Kadwong, 33, from Khok Tum subdistrict in Lopburi's town district, who had an EM bracelet on her right ankle.

The pickup truck driver, Surachet Moolmai, 43, told investigators he was heading toward Khok Tum just 50 meters from his destination when rain was falling. He said he only became aware of the motorcycle when he heard the impact at his left rear wheel. Police documented the scene and questioned the truck driver further at Lopburi town police station to pursue the case.

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Police

Border Patrol Arrests Four Chinese Men Crossing Mekong River Illegally

Border Patrol Police arrested four Chinese men caught illegally crossing the Mekong River into Thailand near Chiang Saen, along with three Thai nationals accused of assisting them.

13h ago Khaosod

Chiang Rai—Border Patrol Police at Chiang Saen checkpoint, working with military and local police, have arrested four Chinese men caught illegally crossing the Mekong River into Thailand. Three Thai citizens have also been detained for allegedly helping or sheltering the foreign nationals.

On August 20, 2025, the Chiang Saen immigration investigation unit, led by Panumasc Bunlaksem, commander of the Border Patrol Police, and Sarawut Khonyi, head of Border Patrol Region 5, received intelligence about smuggling attempts across the Mekong River. Officers from the Border Patrol Police, local forces, Chiang Rai Tourist Police, and Chiang Saen Police conducted surveillance along high-risk sections of the riverbank.

At approximately 12:30 p.m., officers spotted suspicious activity near the riverbank at Ban Pa Sak Hang Wiang, Wiang subdistrict, Chiang Saen district. They observed men emerging from the Mekong River and moved in to apprehend them.

Four Chinese nationals were arrested: Jin Yonggang, 24; Di Jinxin, 39; Guo Yuchen, 33; and Zhang Penghan, 34.

Three Thai nationals were also arrested for allegedly assisting or harboring the foreign nationals: Phutthachat, 53; Ratnaporn, 27; and Chetsada, 22.

All suspects have been handed over to Chiang Saen Police for legal proceedings. Investigators are expanding their inquiry to identify additional routes and individuals involved in the smuggling operation.

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Community

Chiang Mai Cat Owner Offers 50,000 Baht Reward for Lost Gray Cat

A Chiang Mai cat owner is offering up to 50,000 baht for the safe return of Tao Tao, a friendly gray cat that disappeared in the Fa Ham area on August 20.

13h ago Khaosod

Chiang Mai — A cat owner is appealing for help and offering a reward of 50,000 baht to find Tao Tao, a gray cat that went missing in the Fa Ham area without any trace.

On August 20, a user named Zheng Xin posted about the missing cat, prompting concern among animal lovers in Chiang Mai's central district. The owner is searching for a beloved domestic gray cat that has vanished, with a reward of up to 50,000 baht offered if found within the week.

The incident occurred in the Fa Ham area. The missing cat's name is Tao Tao, a male gray cat with a distinctive blue collar. He is friendly and accustomed to people. The cat went missing near house number 73, moo 3, Fa Ham subdistrict, Mueang district, Chiang Mai province.

Reward details: 30,000 baht for anyone who helps find the cat, increased to 50,000 baht if found by this Sunday.

Advice for anyone who spots the cat: The owner asks for the public's cooperation. If you see the cat, please do not chase it, as it may become frightened and run further away. Instead, please take a photo and send the location coordinates to the owner immediately.

Anyone with information or sightings of a cat matching this description is urged to contact the owner right away at +66 6132 10494 to help reunite Tao Tao with his family safely.

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Weather

Flash Floods Devastate Karen Long Neck Village in Mae Hong Son

Flash floods devastated the Karen Long Neck village of Huay Sua Thao in Mae Hong Son on August 20, destroying shops and a bridge that cut residents off from the outside world. Authorities are assessing damage and working to restore access r

14h ago Khaosod

Mae Hong Son — Flash floods have swept through the renowned Karen Long Neck tourist village of Huay Sua Thao in Pha Bong subdistrict, Mueang district, Mae Hong Son province. The raging stream destroyed the souvenir shop zone, washing away merchandise, and swept away a wooden bridge that connects the community to the outside world. Residents have been cut off from the outside.

On August 20, 2025, heavy rainfall throughout Mueang district triggered flash floods, sudden inundation, and mudslides across multiple villages. The Huay Sua Thao area was particularly hard hit, with the swollen stream flowing violently through the center of the village. The souvenir shop zone suffered severe damage, with large quantities of goods swept away by the floodwaters.

The wooden bridge spanning the stream at the center of Huay Sua Thao, which connects the Karen community to the outside, was destroyed by the floods.

During the incident, Karen residents living near the waterway evacuated and moved to higher ground. Many houses in Huay Sua Thao located near the stream and along the village entrance road were flooded.

Community leaders, along with senior officials, administrative staff, local government representatives, Mae Hong Son Provincial Organization volunteers, the Pha Bong Subdistrict Administrative Organization, and related agencies, deployed to the area to assess the situation and provide urgent assistance to residents. They are working to evaluate damage and restore access routes as quickly as possible.

Authorities urged residents to exercise caution during travel due to ongoing strong currents and to stay in close contact with local officials.

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National

Deputy PM Orders Landslide Alert for Nan Province Districts

Deputy PM Atchanan Wongsuwan has ordered heightened landslide alerts for three Nan Province districts after heavy rainfall saturated soil, with continued rain expected over the next week.

14h ago Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister Atchanan Wongsuwan, chairing the Northern Region Flood and Drought Prevention Committee, convened a meeting on August 20 with provincial officials, local administration organizations, and relevant agencies to assess the ongoing response efforts. Although flood conditions have passed the critical stage and entered recovery, ongoing rainfall has saturated soil and created high landslide risk, prompting urgent preparedness orders—particularly for three districts: Chalermprakiat, Thung Chang, and Bo Klua, which have received accumulated rainfall over multiple consecutive days due to their low-lying terrain. With forecasts predicting rain to continue for another week, the risk of landslides and mudslides remains elevated. Officials have been instructed to closely and strictly monitor these three districts and prepare rapid assistance for residents.

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Police

Immigration Officers Bust Illegal Foreign Dive Instructors on Koh Tao

Immigration authorities arrested six foreign dive instructors and other undocumented workers on Koh Tao during a crackdown on illegal employment, including Spanish and British nationals using tourist visas.

15h ago Khaosod

Immigration authorities in Surat Thani province, working with investigative units and related agencies, conducted an enforcement operation against illegal foreign workers on Koh Tao in Koh Phangan district on August 20. Officers raided four locations: two dive companies, one pharmacy, and one beauty salon, arresting foreign nationals ranging from dive instructors to workers taking jobs reserved for Thai citizens.

The operation followed directives from senior police officials. Immigration officers found six foreign nationals working as unlicensed dive instructors, including one British man identified as Adam and five Spanish nationals: Xabier, Pablo, Paulina, Sandra, and Nuria. All were using DTV (digital nomad) visas but illegally took positions teaching diving. Authorities are investigating company executives and examining financial records for possible nominee involvement.

At a pharmacy, officers arrested a Myanmar national, Cha Chi Lin, for selling herbal medicines without pharmacist supervision in violation of work permit conditions. At a beauty salon on Sai Ree Beach, two Myanmar women, Sin Sin Miao and Tin Tin Wei, were arrested for performing nail services—work restricted to Thai nationals—despite their permits authorizing only general labor. All suspects were transferred to Koh Tao police for legal proceedings. Statistics show 47 foreign nationals arrested for labor violations in Koh Tao from January through August 2025 under various laws including the Alien Occupation Act, Immigration Act, and narcotics laws.

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Police

Rangers Rescue Four Teachers Trapped by Floods and Landslide

Rangers rescued four teachers stranded at Ban Huay Pang Phang School on August 20 after heavy rains triggered floods and landslides that cut off the only exit routes across Mae Sariang Stream.

15h ago Khaosod

Rangers from the 36th Special Task Force rescued four stranded teachers from Ban Huay Pang Phang School on the evening of August 20, 2025, after heavy rains caused landslides and flash floods that cut off all exit routes from their location on the opposite bank of the Mae Sariang Stream. The school had been forced to close temporarily after flooding damaged a bridge and blocked multiple village access points. Rescue personnel tied security ropes between large trees on both sides of the stream, then used these lines to guide each of the four teachers across the rushing water one at a time until all were safely on the other side. The 36th Special Task Force continues to work with local agencies to monitor water and landslide conditions and maintain round-the-clock readiness to assist people in dangerous areas.

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