Thailand Cycling Open Rounds Out Top Young Talent for National Teams

Over 1,000 young cyclists competed in Thailand's national open championships in Chainat Province on August 15-16, with organizers using the event to identify emerging talent for international competitions and national teams.

2d ago Khaosod

The Thailand Open mountain bike and road cycling championships, held under royal patronage, took place on August 15-16, 2025 at the BMX Stadium in Khao Yai, Chainat Province. The road race opening ceremony on August 16 was presided over by Jitthana Yingthaweelap, Chainat Provincial Administration Organization (PAO) Chair, with support from Vice Admiral Thitporn Noirake, Secretary-General of the Thailand Cycling Association under Royal Patronage, and government officials.

General Decha Mekhaseri, vice-president of the Asian Cycling Confederation, president of the ASEAN Cycling Federation, and president of the Thailand Cycling Association, revealed that the third round of the Thailand Open in Chainat was a tremendous success, with over 1,000 athletes arriving from all directions to compete across the two-day event—a truly packed house, reflecting the strong popularity of this championship.

"Importantly, the cycling association deliberately excluded national team cyclists to serve as a platform for emerging talent and rising stars to display their full potential," Decha said. "Young and youth riders with outstanding skills have the opportunity to advance to the national team. The association will consider sending them to compete in various international events, including the Youth Asian Games, Youth Olympic Games, and Youth World Championships, to build experience and develop their abilities as future pillars of Thailand's national cycling team."

Jitthana Yingthaweelap, Chainat PAO Chair, noted the competition received excellent public response, with thousands of athletes and supporters traveling to Chainat. She thanked the Thailand Cycling Association for allowing the province to host this national championship, which provided excellent economic stimulus. Hotels in town filled up, and overflow accommodation spread to nearby districts. Shops and restaurants were packed with competitors and followers spending heavily, giving merchants a significant sales boost.

The provincial chair added that the finish line was positioned atop Khao Plong viewpoint, offering 360-degree views of Chainat that impressed athletes and spectators alike. Chainat Province and the PAO welcomed the cycling association back for next year's championship, having received excellent cooperation from all sectors and expecting more partners to join after witnessing this event's success—which will further stimulate the economy, promote tourism, and raise Chainat's national profile.

The road race was streamed live on the Thailand Cycling Association Facebook page and TCA Channel, plus YouTube, reaching over 25,000 views across two days totaling 45,000 views. Results included the men's amateur category (68.6 km): winner Wittawat Waree of the Grant team.

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Community

Director Top Praises Chemistry Between Off and PP in New Drama

Director Top praises the chemistry between leads Off and PP in the Channel 7HD drama 'Luang Pho Suea,' calling their on-screen interactions seamless and crediting perfect casting timing for a stress-free production.

2d ago Khaosod

The drama 'Luang Pho Suea' on Channel 7HD is receiving strong audience engagement. Produced by Coliseum Intergroup and directed by Top Bintarachun and Choe Chachawa, the series stars Off Chainop Sattaya and PP Patchia Piersame in their first pairing together.

When asked about the chemistry between Off and PP, director Top said: "It works perfectly. Both have great chemistry together and their interactions flow smoothly. Sometimes they add their own touches to scenes beyond what we imagined, but it comes out wonderfully. Getting both of them was perfect timing for me, and working with them has been stress-free."

Regarding casting Tide Ekpan as Luang Pho Suea, Top explained: "Initially, Porpimon Manrathai, the executive of Coliseum, wanted me to play the role since I'd acted as Luang Pho Suea before. But directing and performing simultaneously would be too much. We discussed it and agreed on Tide. Once we didn't cast me and brought him in, I felt confident."

Another unique element is Phlian Nai, a stray dog Top adopted, who appears in the series. Top shared: "Phlian Nai fills everything for us, from my personal life to charity events. I met him during a charity run through Lam Takong in Nakhon Ratchasima. He followed me, and I felt I had to care for him. Since then, his fan club has grown significantly."

On working with the dog, Top said: "It wasn't difficult. He's not a trained film dog—he's a stray—but he manages. Because Tide and I look similar, Tide tries to mimic my voice. At first Phlian Nai responded, but when we got closer, he'd turn away. During filming, I had to stay nearby. Phlian Nai isn't stubborn; he just needs patience. He has charm and handsome features with big, clear eyes. When he looks at someone, they instantly love him."

When asked about the acclaimed CGI effects in the series, Top said: "All scenes are smooth and very realistic. There's CG involving Phlian Nai too, but I won't spoil which scenes. I was amazed in the editing room—I couldn't even tell which parts used AI. Technology has advanced greatly, and mixing AI with visual effects gives us many more creative possibilities."

Top concluded: "Co-director Choe helps when I'm at other commitments, which keeps things smooth. The cast is excellent, which keeps everyone energized. Making this drama has been joyful for everyone."

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National

Gulf Development Brings Solar Power to Remote Thai Schools

Gulf Development has installed solar panels at a remote early childhood center in Kamphaeng Phet province, powering classrooms and community facilities to improve education and living standards for rural students and residents.

2d ago Khaosod

Gulf Development Public Company Limited is expanding its Green Energy Green Network for Thais programme to bring renewable energy expertise to remote communities. The second project site for 2025 is located at the Pong Nam Ron-Wung Ka Sang Early Childhood Development Centre in Kamphaeng Phet province, where solar panels have been installed to improve child welfare, safety, and educational opportunities.

The clean electricity also powers the village assembly hall and sports field, allowing residents to benefit jointly and spurring economic development, job creation, and improved livelihoods. Wararat Pootuer, the centre's director, said the solar installation has been transformative: adequate lighting and power now enable teachers to produce modern educational materials, proper ventilation to control insects, and security cameras to reassure parents. She added that clean energy has become a gateway for children in remote areas to receive quality education on equal terms.

Duang Jumongkol, village headman, noted that residents use the community facilities day and night for meetings and activities, and can charge communication devices and farm equipment at the solar-powered charging station. Over three years, Gulf has delivered clean solar energy under this programme to 13 sites across Thailand, covering highland, island, and border areas, improving the quality of life for over 8,000 people.

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National

Democrat Party Urges Crackdown on Foreign Capital and Migrant Workers

The Democrat Party is calling for stricter oversight of foreign capital and migrant workers in Thailand, arguing that employers illegally hire foreign staff to cut costs while Thai workers lose jobs and dignity in tourism and service sector

2d ago Khaosod

Democrat Party spokesperson Weer Srivarathanabul raised concerns about the impact of foreign capital and migrant workers in Thailand, noting that society is increasingly questioning whether foreigners are taking jobs from Thai people. In the service and tourism sectors, including restaurants and hotels, some areas now have staff and managers who cannot communicate in Thai because all employees and management are foreign nationals.

Weer said that while some blame Thai workers for being lazy or unwilling to accept low wages, the deeper issue is that Thai workers deserve decent income and quality employment conditions. Many Thai and foreign employers, she argued, deliberately hire migrant workers with less bargaining power to cut costs—a practice that is both illegal and unethical, and particularly damaging when foreign investors profit while Thailand and Thai people gain nothing.

The party spokesman called on relevant agencies to urgently implement strict oversight in three key areas: First, verify the source of foreign capital to ensure it is legitimate and not being laundered through Thai nominees. Second, protect local businesses by helping small entrepreneurs and local residents compete fairly and benefit from foreign investment, technology, and tourists rather than allowing large capital to monopolize markets. Third, safeguard cultural identity by balancing economic and tourism growth without sacrificing local identity and community welfare.

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Community

Kind-hearted Mercedes Driver Emerges as The Tom Thailand 2026 Sponsor

A Mercedes-driving executive for Snoopy Thailand went viral after gracefully handling a rear-end collision on a rainy expressway, choosing compassion over anger when the apologetic other driver's brakes failed. Rain Pornpan Thongthanee, now

2d ago Khaosod

A woman driving a Mercedes became an overnight sensation after being rear-ended on an expressway. The other driver bowed apologetically, and she immediately decided not to pursue the matter. She confirmed she had no intention of creating viral buzz for "The Tom Thailand 2026," Thailand's first tom pageant. She explained that she understood the situation—it was raining, the road was slippery, and the driver was apologetic.

When her name was revealed as Rain Pornpan Thongthanee, an executive at Snoopy Thailand and one of dozens of sponsors backing "The Tom Thailand 2026," the story took on new dimensions. Pageant license holder Lek Bunnadat and director Nan Wailak, working with Bob Pattaya and New Sumana, opened a luxury home in the Rama Intra area for an exclusive workshop featuring audition finalists.

A reporter had the chance to speak with Rain about the viral incident. She explained: "Honestly, I didn't plan for this to become such a big clip. I was driving back from work when my colleagues called asking what happened. The accident had just occurred, so I got out and talked to the other driver. It was raining, so I understood—the road was slippery. I could see the driver's car hit mine, and I know about insurance and procedures. I didn't want to make trouble for them. The driver was so sweet, getting out and asking if there was anything they could do to help. I just told them it was fine. The driver was very polite and apologized.

I didn't see why I should be angry. The world is already so stressful these days, with nothing but heavy news. A smile between us seemed better. I got my happiness back from that moment, and later we met again. I even joked with the driver about taking a photo together. I wasn't angry at all. The damage was minimal, and because it's a Mercedes, it's pretty sturdy—I could barely see the damage."

When asked why she wasn't upset—most people would be frustrated by a rear-end collision—she said: "Well, it was raining. I'm not the type to get angry easily anyway. The driver was so sweet. Honestly, when someone bows, apologizes, and you don't even know them, everything changes."

When asked if a good conversation softened the moment further, she nodded: "Yes. The driver apologized and was genuinely kind. If everyone had that reaction, no one would be angry. I never got upset with them. I just told them to be more careful driving next time. They said their brakes failed, which I understand. When it rains, roads are slippery."

She never expected it to go viral: "Not at all. I'm still confused, honestly. A close friend sent me a line saying 'You're famous now, Rain.' I asked what happened. Apparently someone recorded me from across the street. With the music and everything added, it made me smile watching it. It made me feel like when the world sees something like this, it heals the heart. Everyone commented saying 'I'm glad you're so kind-hearted' and things like that. It gave me positive energy."

As for her new nickname: "Now I have a new nickname—kind-hearted Mercedes, kind-hearted Rain, Mercedes angel—things like that."

When some social media users suggested she might have deliberately staged it: "No, no, no. (Laughing) Oh no, it wasn't deliberate. This is real. It really happened."

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National

Boxing Legend Supports Nabil's Olympic Push to Amateur Boxing

Former WBC flyweight champion Chatchai Sasakul backs the effort to transition ONE Championship fighter Nabil Anane, 22, into amateur boxing for a shot at the 2028 Olympics, noting Thailand's success traditionally comes from Muay Thai fighte

2d ago Khaosod

Chatchai Sasakul, a former WBC flyweight world champion, posted comments supporting the Thai Amateur Boxing Association and ONE Championship's initiative to push Nabil Anane, a 22-year-old Thai-Algerian former ONE Muay Thai bantamweight champion, into amateur boxing with the goal of winning a 2028 Olympic medal.

Chatchai stated: "Please allow me to share my thoughts. All of us Thai people want to see another Olympic gold medal, but we must understand that our country has Muay Thai as its profession. Most of our amateur boxers in the past came entirely from Muay Thai, and most of our Olympic medals also came from Muay Thai. Whether it's Samaraksa, Somchit, Khao Phong, and many others, it appears only Manas won an Olympic medal while having limited Muay Thai experience. Currently, our national team may have some Muay Thai fighters, but not many; most come from various sports schools. I am not saying our amateur boxers are not skilled, but I think we started our amateur boxing too late or for other reasons I cannot explain. Our amateur boxers are very few in number. I mention this because there is currently momentum around young Nabil's entry into amateur boxing."

Chatchai continued: "Personally, I think it's okay. It's a good wave. I have had the chance to watch him fight in ONE Championship events, and I think his punching is excellent, which is rare for tall boxers like him. I do not take sides; I simply want to see him try amateur boxing, because reaching the Olympics requires many steps. Let's watch and show support for the Thai national team. Perhaps something good will come of it, but if it does not go as planned, that is fine too. We just try again. When I was competing, no one thought I would make the national team. When I fought in the Thai championship for the first time, I won gold and even got Best Boxer, despite never having fought amateur boxing before. I made the national team for many years and succeeded in several events, except the Olympics where I only reached the round of eight. Let's wait and see if Nabil can do it."

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Regional

Longtail Boat Capsizes Off Krabi; All 12 Rescued

KRABI: Ten tourists, a guide and a boat skipper were all safely rescued after a longtail boat capsized off Laem Hang Nak in Krabi province yesterday (Aug 15).

2d ago The Phuket News

KRABI: Ten tourists, a guide and a boat skipper were all safely rescued after a longtail boat capsized off Laem Hang Nak in Krabi province yesterday (Aug 15).

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National

Senator Calls for Overhaul of Thailand's Disaster Response System

Thailand's disaster response system needs major overhaul, a senator says, citing 2.2 quadrillion baht in economic losses and over 10,500 deaths from natural disasters in the past two decades.

2d ago Khaosod

Over 20 years, natural disasters have cost Thailand 2.2 quadrillion baht in economic losses and claimed 10,549 lives. Senator Premsak Piayura is pushing for a comprehensive restructuring of disaster management systems, including a new relief fund and overhaul of emergency medical services financing before crises worsen.

Senator Premsak Piayura, chair of a Senate working group on crisis management and emergency medicine reform, disclosed findings from the group's sixth meeting on August 16. The data reveals alarming trends: between 2004 and 2024, Thailand faced repeated major disasters affecting over 68 million people and causing 10,549 deaths. Among the deadliest was the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which struck the Andaman coast killing and missing 8,345 people with economic damage of 55.7 billion baht. The 2011 Great Flood caused losses of 1.87 quadrillion baht.

Analysis of 95 major disasters over 20 years shows that 67 percent were floods and droughts, with drought alone affecting a cumulative 151 million people or nearly 42 million households. Premsak emphasized that these disasters represent ongoing systemic risk, not one-time events, and without serious investment in preparedness and financial restructuring, future losses could escalate.

The working group is prioritizing creation of a "Disaster Victim Relief and Recovery Fund," which the Cabinet has approved. The group is also pushing to amend the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Act of 2007, which has been in place for over 18 years and no longer fits the changing, more frequent and severe nature of modern disasters. Current reliance on annual budget allocations is insufficient.

Government data from 2003 to 2025 shows the state allocated 123.667 billion baht in total disaster relief, averaging 5.3 billion baht annually. The 2025 budget allocates 25.099 billion baht. Reform must shift from year-by-year relief to establishing dedicated financial reserves with streamlined disbursement to ensure vulnerable groups receive rapid, equitable assistance.

Another concern is the emergency medical services fund's financial strain. Emergency operations surged from 1.79 million in 2019 to 2.32 million in 2025—a 29 percent increase—while budgets remained flat at 1.05 to 1.09 billion baht annually.

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National

Kanjanapisek College Krabi Wins Girls Volleyball Championship

Kanjanapisek College Krabi captured the girls volleyball championship at the 7HD Sports Championship 2026 on August 15, defeating defending champion Nakonnon Sports Academy 3-0 sets to claim 150,000 baht in prize money.

2d ago Khaosod

Volleyball 7HD – The 7HD Sports Championship 2026 student volleyball finals were held on August 15 at Nimibutr Sports Building, National Sports Complex. In the boys championship final, the Red Eagles Bangkok team from Assumption College Bangkok defeated Kham Tha Sae Suwittaya School in Nakhon Ratchasima 3-2 sets with scores of 25-20, 26-28, 28-26, 26-28, and 15-12, claiming their first-ever boys championship title and 150,000 baht in prize money.

In the third-place boys match, Baan Samleuk Municipality School in Khon Kaen defeated Ta Khram Phitak School in Chon Buri 3-2 sets with scores of 27-25, 17-25, 21-25, 25-21, and 15-13.

In the girls championship final, Kanjanapisek College Krabi defeated defending champion Nakonnon Sports Academy 6-3 with scores of 30-28, 25-22, and 25-22, successfully claiming the girls title and 150,000 baht in prize money.

The third-place girls match saw Thapmongkol Rangsit School in Kanchanaburi defeat Suranaree University School in Nakhon Ratchasima 3-1 sets with scores of 20-25, 25-18, 25-12, and 25-21.

There were also three special awards for both boys and girls. The Best Scorer award went to Thunwa Thabpromrach from Kham Tha Sae Suwittaya School and Natchaya Daphaeng from Kanjanapisek College Krabi, who each received an educational fund of 10,000 baht, a health check-up package worth 20,000 baht, and a trophy, presented by Dr. Theerawasit Chatsirimit, Deputy Director of Bangkok Hospital 1.

The Best Setter award went to Natthakon Juekwoen from Assumption College Bangkok and Tithaya Yingyong from Kanjanapisek College Krabi, who each received an educational fund of 15,000 baht, presented by Pramont Thoopboocha, representing Thai Wiwat Insurance Company.

The MVP award went to number 5 Natthakon Juekwoen from Assumption College Bangkok and number 7 Sudaratna Lewarn from Kanjanapisek College Krabi, who each received a Yamaha Fascio Hybrid Light motorcycle worth 49,900 baht, presented by Ukrit Phakwiworn, Senior Vice President of Sales Planning and Marketing at Thai Yamaha Motor, and Patthanpong Nupun, Managing Director of Channel 7HD, who also presented MVP Jackets from Varix Sport Company and volleyballs from Mikasa, along with trophies.

The 7HD Sports Championship 2026 student volleyball competition was supported by Chulalongkorn University, Varix Sport Company, Thai Sports Authority, National Sports Development Fund, Department of Physical Education at the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thai Volleyball Association, and various beverage, sports equipment, and business partners.

The excitement of the 7HD Sports Championship 2026 continues! Preparation is underway for the 7HD Sports Championship 2026 Sepak Takraw student competition, which for the first time this year will include a girls team category. School registration opens from August 17-19. Details are available at https://www.ch7.com/champ7hd/sepaktakraw2026. The preliminary round will be held September 21-23 at Island Hall, Level 3, Fashion Island Shopping Center. Sports fans can follow competition details, news, and tournament updates on Channel 7HD.

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National

Government Savings Bank Lottery Results for August 16, 2026

The Government Savings Bank announced lottery results for August 16, 2026, with the first prize of 10 million baht won by ticket series C number 8107497 in draw 626.

2d ago Khaosod

Government Savings Bank Lottery Results for August 16, 2026

On August 16, 2026, the Government Savings Bank announced the results of the special one-year lottery draw for that date, with a first prize valued at 10 million baht.

Government Savings Bank Lottery Draw, August 16, 2026

First Prize: 1 draw, 1 series, 10,000,000 baht per series Draw 626, Series C: 8107497

Second Prize: 1 draw, 1 series, 1,000,000 baht per series Draw 626, Series P: 7077965

Third Prize: 5 draws, 3,660 series, 10,000 baht per series 6890742 7535112 2291401 8144577 2463615

Fourth Prize: 10 draws, 7,320 series, 3,000 baht per series 4742513 8710319 4582493 8244620 1475966 0042564 4417369 3974582 4277289 6937146

Fifth Prize: 15 draws, 10,980 series, 1,000 baht per series 6202713 7003442 6079042 6886664 2089199 8051540 9867229 9116473 5174080 3246178 7238849 0199724 3720503 4904504 0116354

Last 4 Digits: 1 draw Draws 620-630: 407,401 series, 200 baht per series Draws 631-637: 313,155 series, 150 baht per series 8754

Last 3 Digits: 1 draw Draws 620-621: 242,854 series, 70 baht per series Draws 622-623: 381,422 series, 60 baht per series Draws 624-630: 3,449,256 series, 50 baht per series Draws 631-637: 3,131,215 series, 40 baht per series 975

Source: Government Savings Bank

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Police

French Businessman Investigated for Using Thai Nominees on Koh Samui

A French businessman faces investigation in Surat Thani for allegedly using Thai nominees to operate an unlicensed hotel on Koh Samui and is also suspected of defrauding fellow investors in a 26.4 million baht cannabis farm scheme that was

2d ago Khaosod

Surat Thani Immigration Police have expanded an investigation into a French businessman suspected of using Thai nominees to operate businesses on Koh Samui, uncovering an allegedly unlicensed hotel and possible links to a 26.4 million baht cannabis farm investment scam.

The operation, dubbed "Crackdown on Foreign Nominee Networks, Phase 7," was launched in response to a policy by National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Kittirat Phanphet and Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma, deputy national police chief and director of the Center for the Suppression of Transnational Crime and Illegal Immigration.

On 16 August 2026, Pol. Lt. Gen. Phanumas Boonyalak, commissioner of the Immigration Bureau, through Pol. Maj. Gen. Chuthares Yingyongdamrongsakul, commissioner of Immigration Division 6, ordered officers to investigate foreigners suspected of conducting businesses through concealed shareholding arrangements, including using Thai nationals as nominees to hold land through Thai-registered companies.

Pol. Col. Naruet Phutthawiro, superintendent of Surat Thani Immigration, said officers had expanded their investigation into foreign investors operating businesses on Koh Samui after finding suspicious shareholding arrangements involving Thai nationals.

One person under investigation is Stephane Thierry Bastok, 74, a French national, who is also facing legal proceedings over allegations that he persuaded eight fellow French nationals to invest about 3.3 million baht each, totaling more than 26.4 million baht (about €900,000), in a cannabis farm project.

The farm was allegedly never established. Investigators at Bo Phut and Koh Samui police stations have completed their case files and submitted them to prosecutors for consideration.

Based on the information, Surat Thani Immigration examined Bastok's business activities and asset holdings and found links to Ida B Co Ltd and IDA B Domain Co Ltd, which were involved in land ownership and accommodation businesses in Moo 5, Lipanoi subdistrict, Koh Samui district.

Investigators found that Ida B Co Ltd owned about 7 rai, 3 ngan and 80 square wah of land. In 2021, a three-story building was constructed on the property and later operated as an accommodation business under the name "IDA B DOMAIN" by IDA B Domain Co Ltd.

The property had 12 rooms and a restaurant and advertised daily room bookings through online accommodation platforms. The company also operated its own website to attract tourists.

However, officers found no hotel business license issued by the Koh Samui district hotel registrar.

Immigration records filed under Section 38 of the Immigration Act showed that guests generally stayed for short periods, consistent with daily accommodation services. Officers also found an application for a health-hazardous business license describing the operation as a 12-room rental business.

An examination of the companies' shareholding structures and financial statements raised further suspicions.

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