Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met with Vice Chairman of the French Employers’ Association International (MEDEF International) and Chairman of the France–Thailand Business Council, together wi...
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul met with Vice Chairman of the French Employers’ Association International (MEDEF International) and Chairman of the France–Thailand Business Council, together wi...
Thailand is automatically exempting owners of vehicles over 20 years old from state welfare card eligibility requirements, potentially benefiting up to 1 million people immediately. The government is also opening one-stop service centers at
Transport Deputy Minister Siripong Angsakulkiattrakul announced on August 5, 2569 (2026) that the Department of Land Transport has completed preparations to streamline the state welfare card eligibility criteria. The government will automatically exempt owners of vehicles over 20 years old or motorcycles over 15 years old from certain assessment requirements, potentially benefiting approximately 1 million people based on current data. By mid-August, the department will consolidate all information and submit it to the Ministry of Finance for the first round of eligibility review.
Since the cabinet meeting, over 200,000 citizens have submitted additional appeals at transport offices. Officials are handling complaints from all channels and expediting case-by-case resolutions. The implementation is expected to result in 2-3 million additional people qualifying for state welfare card benefits.
Beyond Transport Ministry efforts, the Prime Minister has instructed the Interior Ministry to open one-stop service centers at all district offices nationwide. Officials will also conduct home visits to assist vulnerable groups such as the elderly and disabled who cannot travel easily. These citizens can wait at home or inform their village headmen of their needs, who will coordinate with district offices directly. "This approach will reduce anxiety and ensure no villager is overlooked in receiving these welfare benefits," Siripong stated.
Applications for the prestigious Chevening scholarship—offering full master's degrees at UK universities—are now open through October 6, 2025, with particular focus on developing leaders from Thailand and across Asia.
The prestigious Chevening scholarship program for postgraduate study in the United Kingdom has opened applications from August 4 to October 6, 2025. The program offers full master's degree scholarships at UK universities to aspiring global leaders who demonstrate international knowledge, ties to the UK, and shared values in addressing global challenges and sustainable development. Over the past 40 years, Chevening has received hundreds of thousands of applications worldwide and selects individuals who show exceptional leadership, drive positive change, and possess strong networking skills backed by compelling evidence. British Deputy Head of Mission David Thomas stated that since 1983, the scholarship has supported generations of Thai leaders in developing the international knowledge, skills, and networks needed to create positive impact in their communities and professions. Thai Chevening alumni now hold significant roles across education, research, business, public service, social development, and innovation sectors. Since its inception in 1983, over 60,000 professionals have advanced their careers through Chevening scholarships, reflecting the UK's commitment to developing future leaders. Interested applicants can apply at chevening.org/apply before the October 6 deadline and should review program details at chevening.org/vision and chevening.org/resources, or contact chevening.thailand@fcdo.gov.uk for more information.
An elderly foreign man was captured on CCTV stealing a mobile phone from Espresso Love café in Pattaya on August 3, with the café owner filing a police report and appealing for the device's return.
Foreign man caught on CCTV stealing phone in Pattaya caféLegacy An elderly foreign man was caught on CCTV allegedly stealing a mobile phone from a café in Pattaya, prompting an appeal for the device’s return. The appeal was shared by Facebook user Oanchalee Sadkhunthod in a Pattaya group today, August 5. The post asked anyone who recognised the man to tell him to return the phone allegedly taken from Espresso Love café. The incident reportedly occurred on August 3 at the café in Pattaya. Photo via Facebook: Oanchalee Sadkhunthod CCTV footage shows the elderly foreign man entering the café and ordering coffee. After finishing his drink and paying as normal, he left the shop before returning a short time later while staff were speaking with another customer. The footage appears to show the man picking up a mobile phone before leaving the premises, with the alleged theft clearly captured on the shop’s security cameras. The café owner has since filed a police report.
In similar news, last year, a Thai woman in Phuket accused a man believed to be British of stealing her mobile phone and attempting to drive away in her car outside her workshop in Choeng Thale, Thalang district. The woman later said the suspect had been detained after another victim allegedly caught him attempting to steal a motorcycle and handed him over to police. However, she expressed concern that he could be released and reoffend. In another similar incident, police searched for two Middle Eastern men accused of stealing two mobile phones from a hotel. According to staff, one man distracted an employee by asking to view guest rooms while his accomplice allegedly took the devices from the reception counter. CCTV footage reportedly captured the theft, with the stolen phones valued at about 24,500 baht.
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The mother of a soldier killed at Hill 350 continues grieving her son's loss while his two younger siblings receive educational scholarships from the Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, who visited their newly built home in Sis
In a remote border area of Sisaket province, Ms. Pichsinee Saosa, 42, the mother of First Lieutenant Phanuphattana Saosa—a hero who fell at Hill 350 during combat operations—continues to grieve deeply. Although her family recently moved into a new home built with assistance from government agencies, military units, and local residents, and completed in June 2569, the loss remains ever-present in her heart.
The new home, which replaced a deteriorated structure, is now home to Ms. Pichsinee, her new husband, and two younger children: Suchawalee, 16, and Phanthaphop, 13—the deceased soldier's siblings. Inside, a glass cabinet carefully displays the military uniform, helmet, and personal belongings of First Lieutenant Phanuphattana, mementos that his mother views daily with both pride and longing.
During a visit on the same afternoon, General Noppadol Pinthong, Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, personally came to offer support and encouragement to the family. He brought essential supplies including drinking water, rice, dried food, eggs, and kitchen items to help ease the household's financial burden. Most significantly, he presented educational scholarships to both of the deceased soldier's younger siblings to support their studies in accordance with their late brother's wishes.
Ms. Pichsinee shared that although months have passed, the pain feels as fresh as yesterday. She thinks of her son every day and still cries almost every night, unable to accept the greatest loss of her life. The family has already held a merit-making ceremony for his ashes, which are kept at Khok Throk Wattanarama Temple, and is preparing a blessing ceremony according to local custom.
She recalled her son's intention to support his younger siblings' education to the highest level while allowing them to choose their own paths. However, the younger brother, Phanthaphop, has insisted to his mother that he wants to follow in his older brother's footsteps by serving in the military to serve the nation.
PTT Global Chemical becomes the first Thai plastic pellet maker to earn halal certification in Indonesia, covering all 137 products across five polymer types to better serve customers in Muslim markets requiring verified raw material status
PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC) has become the first Thai plastic pellet manufacturer to receive halal certification in Indonesia, covering all 137 products including HDPE, LLDPE, LDPE, PS, and Hexene Monomer under the brands InnoPlus by GC, PlastMate by GC, and DIAREX by GC. This certification enhances GC's ability to meet diverse customer needs, particularly in industries requiring verification of raw material halal status throughout the supply chain.
The achievement reflects GC's proactive efforts to upgrade products, systems, and processes to align with Indonesian halal requirements, adapt to regulatory changes, and support continuous business operations for customers and partners in line with customer-centric development strategies. GC operates in Indonesia through PT GCM Marketing Solutions Indonesia (GCMI), a major polyethylene distributor controlling approximately 10% of Indonesia's PE demand and around 20% of PE imports to the Indonesian market.
GCMI serves diverse industries including packaging, food and beverages, consumer goods, construction, electrical and electronics, agriculture, and industrial manufacturing. The halal certification enables customers to clearly verify raw material status, select products, and plan production in line with Indonesian market requirements.
GC's 137 certified products cover HDPE, LLDPE, LDPE, PS, and Hexene Monomer groups under three brands, all passing certification using GC's original formulas and production standards without requiring formula or process modifications. This reflects the company's already-established quality and control systems. Between July 14–17, 2025, Indonesian halal assessment inspectors evaluated GC's manufacturing facilities and warehouses, resulting in halal certification number ID31410078824010726 for all 137 products submitted.
GC has implemented a halal management system, appointed a halal supervisor, and established a working team from relevant departments to oversee operations, support assessments, and manage halal requirements long-term. The halal certification enables customers, manufacturers, distributors, and business partners to systematically verify raw material halal status, increase confidence in product selection, and support production and distribution planning, particularly for products serving Muslim consumers who value the origin and status of raw materials in manufacturing processes.
Yongyuth Nakvirojn, head of the Department of Mineral Resources, will become the new director-general of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation starting October 1, replacing a retiring official.
On August 5, 2025, the Cabinet approved the appointment of two senior civil servants to high-level administrative positions. Yongyuth Nakvirojn, currently Director-General of the Department of Mineral Resources, has been appointed Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, replacing the retiring Atthapol Charnchanseua. Chidchonok Sukmonkol, a ministry inspector, has been promoted to Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, also replacing a retiring official. Both appointments take effect October 1, 2025.
Jitmuangnon camp manager suggests Uzbek boxer Aslamjon Ortikov as opponent for Rodtang's comeback fight scheduled for October 28, 2026, at Icon Siam in Bangkok.
Sao Ae Jitmuangnon, manager and head of the renowned Jitmuangnon muay thai camp, shared a post by Rodtang Jitmuangnon asking fans about a potential opponent for his first fight following his return. Sao Ae suggested facing Aslamjon Ortikov, a 22-year-old boxer from Uzbekistan. Rodtang Jitmuangnon has scheduled an official fight for the historic 30th anniversary celebration of Jitmuangnon camp on October 28, 2026, at Icon Siam, which marks his first bout after resolving his situation and signing a new contract with ONE Championship. The 29-year-old fighter posted asking "For my comeback fight, who do you want to see me fight?", prompting Sao Ae to share the post with a caption suggesting "How about Aslamjon vs. Rodtang?". The post generated significant fan engagement, with many commenting and offering their own suggestions for opponents they would like to see Rodtang face.
PM Anutin has ordered investigations into a personal data breach affecting senior government officials and Interior Ministry staff, emphasizing that responsible agencies must strengthen data protection protocols.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on August 5 at Government House that he has not yet received detailed reports on the leak of personal data involving the prime minister, cabinet members, and Interior Ministry staff. However, he emphasized that all actions comply with regulations and that terms of reference clearly outline data protection protocols. When asked about the intention behind the leak, which targeted politicians and the cabinet, the PM said he would not speculate on motives. Instead, he stressed that responsible agencies must fully protect personal data, as the leak constitutes a legal violation. Investigation committees will be established at departmental and agency levels. The PM reiterated that data should not leak, since all systems must be approved by the minister based on stringent data security standards.
Thai homebuyers are facing mortgage rejections due to excessive household debt and poor financial habits, even when they have sufficient income, according to the Government Housing Bank.
BANGKOK: Homebuyers are increasingly being rejected for mortgages not because they lack income, but because poor financial habits and high household debt are making it harder to qualify for housing loans, according to Government Housing (GH) Bank.
Content creator Hlun Solo's remains are returning to his hometown in Kalasin Province, where his grandmother and community prepare for funeral rites, though she worries about her strength when the body arrives. The family awaits clarificati
The family of content creator Borvatthat Pengsuk, known as Hlun Solo, has been preparing to receive his remains at their home in Somdej District, Kalasin Province, his birthplace. Relatives, neighbors, and fans have been visiting continuously over recent days to offer support, with the community helping set up reception facilities. District Officer Wirat Rajchari has visited almost daily to encourage the family, while fans have brought drinking water to distribute to mourners, reflecting the warmth characteristic of Isan communities.
His grandmother, Buasong Pengsuk, initially caused concern about her mental state, but she is now in better spirits and continues to greet visitors each morning. She revealed she has not dreamed of her grandson since the incident occurred, but feels more at ease because of the abundant support from relatives and friends. However, she expressed anxiety about how she will manage when the body arrives, unsure how strong she will be, though she finds comfort believing her grandson has now reunited with his deceased parents.
Uncle Sompong Pengsuk, 62, disclosed that after learning the body would return to Thailand, the family and neighbors immediately coordinated preparations with assistance from local officials and the community. The initial plan includes three nights of Buddhist prayers and merit-making ceremonies before a cremation service at Rangsee Chachawol Temple in Somdej District. A key concern for many is whether an autopsy will be performed when the body reaches Thailand; Sompong stated the family has not yet reached a clear conclusion and is waiting for clarification on the cause of death from relevant authorities, with the possibility of a second autopsy if results remain unclear.
District Officer Wirat noted that preparations have received excellent cooperation from all sectors in and outside the area, including the provision of parking space, setup of tents and chairs, venue decoration, and traffic management. All efforts aim to give Hlun Solo, who brought honor to his family, locality, school, and the Thai YouTube community, a fitting final farewell. However, the exact time of the body's arrival in Thailand and subsequent procedures remain pending confirmation from the family and relevant authorities.