Thailand Hosts First UNESCO Creative Cities Network Forum

Thailand held its first UNESCO Creative Cities Network Forum in Bangkok, bringing together nine Thai cities and four international creative cities to share knowledge on sustainable urban development and creative economies. The event showcas

6 Aug Khaosod

Bangkok and the Special Areas Development Administration for Sustainable Tourism (SADT) have jointly opened the Thailand Creative Cities Network (TCCN) Forum 2026 at Bangkok Railway Station with five key network partners participating in the launch.

The forum seeks to establish a model platform bringing together network partners to advance creative cities through knowledge exchange and experience sharing in urban development, using cultural capital and creative thinking to elevate cities, foster creative economies, and promote sustainable tourism in practical ways.

The event was attended by Wanida Pansoad, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, along with executives and representatives from seven organizations including Suntree Serinsukhsamriddhi, Deputy Director of Bangkok's Urban Planning and Development Division; Rani Ittharat, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture; Ms. Soohyun Kim, Regional Director of UNESCO's Regional Office in Bangkok; Ekkasit Sittiwekhin, Vice Governor of the State Railway of Thailand; Pichit Veerangkabut, Deputy Director of the Office of Creative Economy Promotion; Surathasanu Thongmee, Deputy Director of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau; and Siripakorn Chiewsamutchorn, Director of SADT. Representatives from UNESCO's Creative Cities Network from Thailand and 13 cities worldwide participated.

This marks the first UNESCO Creative Cities Network forum held in Thailand and represents an important opportunity to exchange knowledge and advance global sustainable development through the creative cities network.

Siripakorn Chiewsamutchorn, SADT Director, stated that the TCCN Forum 2026, organized jointly with Bangkok, invited 13 creative cities from Thailand and internationally to build awareness of urban development under UNESCO's Creative Cities Network concept. The event showcases Thailand's progress in developing the UNESCO creative cities network and serves as a platform for exchanging ideas and perspectives on creative city development from experts and representatives from Thai and international creative cities under the theme "Creative Cities Connect: Connecting People-Culture-Creativity-Sustainability."

The 13 participating cities will exchange concepts and factors that enhance urban competitiveness, making cities more livable and attractive to tourists, with exhibitions from each city featuring:

– Nine Thai creative cities across four categories: Gastronomy Cities (Phuket, Phetchaburi, and Songkhla); Crafts and Folk Art Cities (Chiang Mai, Sukhothai, and Nan); Design Cities (Bangkok and Chiang Rai); and Music City (Suphan Buri), with SADT supporting six of these cities: Sukhothai, Nan, Songkhla, Chiang Rai, Suphan Buri, and Phetchaburi.

– Four international creative cities from three categories participating in this event, including Design City Berlin, Germany.

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Police

Irish National Found Dead in Phuket Lagoon

A 28-year-old Irish national was found dead floating in a lagoon in Phuket's Cherng Talay area, with police launching an investigation into the circumstances of the death.

6 Aug The Phuket Express

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Cherng Talay/Thalang – Police in Phuket are investigating the death of a 28‑year‑old Irish national whose body was discovered floating in a lagoon in the Cherng Talay area of Thalang. Authorities from Cherng Talay Police Station received a report of a body found in the Laguna lagoon, Moo 6, Cherng Talay Subdistrict. Officers, accompanied by […] Irish Man Found Dead in Phuket Lagoon -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

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Police

Police Arrest Three Foreigners for Visa Overstay in Patong

Three foreign nationals—a Nigerian, Kuwaiti, and Filipino citizen—were arrested in Patong for overstaying their visas following a police operation at Patong Police Station.

6 Aug The Phuket Express

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Phuket — Police in Patong have arrested three foreign nationals for overstaying their visas, following a coordinated operation led by senior officers at Patong Police Station. The Patong Police told the Phuket Express. The suspects were identified as: Mr. James Chinekwu Agbo, Nigerian national Mr. Essam Abdullah, Kuwaiti national Mr. Ronelio Sollano, Filipino national All three were […] Patong Police Arrest Kuwaiti, Nigerian and Fillipino for Visa Overstay -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

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Police

Chinese Crime Ring's Operator Arrested in Money Laundering Bust

Police arrested a Chinese crime ring operator in Bangkok after a six-month investigation uncovered a network laundering an estimated 54 million baht in illegal gambling proceeds through cryptocurrency exchanges to bosses in China.

6 Aug Khaosod

Following a six-month investigation, police have expanded their crackdown on a Chinese organized crime network involved in exchanging illegal gambling proceeds into illicit cryptocurrency and laundering the money through crime bosses in China, with an estimated 54 million baht in circulation.

On August 6, 2026, Metropolitan Police Division 8 Commander Pol. Lt. Gen. Surachet Bandityay ordered the arrest of Ghuang Zhang Sai Siao, 29, a Chiang Mai native wanted under arrest warrant 543/2569 from Thonburi Criminal Court dated May 11, 2026, on charges of illegal gambling, theft, and money laundering. Officers arrested him at a condominium in the Hua Mak area of Bangkok's Bang Kapi district and seized 500,000 baht in cash, two mobile phones, 2.56 grams of ketamine, 36.12 grams of happy water drug packets, and one vehicle.

The arrest stems from an earlier investigation into technology-related crimes that led police to a gambling ring that defrauded six victims. The investigation revealed that Ghuang Zhang served as the right-hand man, receiving cash from the gambling network and facilitating its conversion into USDT cryptocurrency at illegal exchange points in Chinese residential areas before transferring the funds to Chinese crime bosses. Police tracked Ghuang Zhang's movements and discovered he was collecting cash from another branch of the gambling ring at a shopping mall in Nakhon Pathom province, leading to the coordination with the Anti-Money Laundering Office and the arrest of two additional gang members.

During interrogation, Ghuang Zhang confessed that he had been instructed by his Chinese boss to collect cash from various gambling ring locations to exchange for USDT digital currency on the dark market and forward it to the boss in China. He also admitted to purchasing drugs for personal use and resale to groups of Chinese tourists. The expanded investigation revealed evidence of cryptocurrency exchanges at three different locations and traced digital currency transfers to Chinese crime bosses totaling 1.66 million USDT, equivalent to approximately 54.8 million baht, believed to be proceeds from online fraud schemes. Authorities have referred the case for prosecution, coordinated with the Anti-Money Laundering Office for asset seizure, and plan to expand efforts against the illegal money exchange network involved.

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National

Hlun's Brother Denies Fundraising Claims, Death Cause Unclear

YouTuber Hlun Solo's brother denies fundraising claims and warns of scammers as preliminary autopsy findings show no signs of violence, with the cause of death still under investigation pending further tests.

6 Aug Khaosod

The brother of Hlun Solo, a well-known YouTuber, issued an update on August 6, 2569 (2026) via Facebook under the account "Klose Mos" following the arrival of his younger brother's remains in Thailand. He thanked all government agencies, media, community members, and the public for their support during this difficult time, and emphasized that the family is not currently accepting donations or fundraising in any form, urging people to be wary of fraudsters attempting to exploit the situation.

The family received preliminary forensic findings from the Institute of Forensic Medicine under the Ministry of Justice, which indicated no visible wounds or evidence of physical assault. However, the cause of death could not yet be determined, as further tests are needed on the heart and toxicology, complicated by the fact that the body had been in storage for an extended period. The family is awaiting the formal autopsy results and forensic examination results from Georgia to establish a complete factual picture.

The family remains hopeful of receiving justice and expressed gratitude to the embassy and all relevant agencies for their coordination with Georgian authorities to expedite the formal autopsy. The family plans to move the remains to their hometown tomorrow and conduct religious merit-making ceremonies between August 8–10, 2569, with a cremation ceremony on August 11, 2569. While these dates are preliminary, the family will confirm official details once they are finalized. The family reiterated their heartfelt thanks for all the support and compassion shown and appealed for continued cooperation until all facts are fully clarified.

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National

Thaksin Attends Funeral Rites for Pol. Lt. Gen. Phon, 103

Thaksin Shinawatra attended the funeral rites for Pol. Lt. Gen. Phon Pladbut, 103, the father-in-law of former Prime Minister Srettha Thevasyn, held in Bangkok on August 6.

6 Aug Khaosod

A funeral ceremony for Pol. Lt. Gen. Phon Pladbut, aged 103, was held on August 6 at Wat Thepsirin in Bangkok. Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra attended alongside his daughter Pintongta Shinawatra and her husband Nattaphong Kunakorwong, along with Pheu Thai party lawmakers and other prominent figures paying their respects. Pol. Lt. Gen. Phon was the father of Phakatpailin Thevasyn, wife of former Prime Minister Srettha Thevasyn, Thailand's 30th prime minister. The family conducted a water-sprinkling ceremony on August 2, followed by chanting sessions on August 2-4 and 6-7 at 6:30 p.m., with no chanting on August 5 and 8. The cremation ceremony is scheduled for August 9 at Wat Thepsirin, beginning at 10:00 a.m. with monks chanting, followed by almsgiving at 11:00 a.m., and the final cremation ritual at 5:00 p.m.

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Police

Truck Driver Arrested After Hit-and-Run Death

A truck driver was arrested after fleeing the scene of a fatal hit-and-run in Phichit Province last year, evading police for more than 12 months before being tracked down in Chachoengsao.

6 Aug Khaosod

On August 6, 2025, police under the command of Pol. Gen. Pattanasak Bubphasuwan arrested 31-year-old Chachawanchai (surname withheld) in a residential area near Sukhumvit Road in Nong Prueao, Bang Lamung District, Chachoengsao Province. He was wanted on a warrant issued by Phichit Provincial Court on September 26, 2024, for reckless driving causing death, failing to stop and render assistance, evading arrest, and failing to report the incident to authorities.

The suspect had worked as a truck driver. On the day of the incident, while delivering cargo to Nan Province, he hit a pedestrian in Thab Khlo District, Phichit Province, causing the victim's body to be thrown into the roadway with severe injuries. Rather than stop to help, the driver accelerated and fled, leaving the victim to wait for assistance. The victim later died in hospital.

The suspect evaded police for more than a year until investigators tracked him to Bang Lamung District, Chachoengsao Province. During questioning, he confessed and claimed he did not stop to help because his girlfriend, who was traveling with him, did not want him to and did not want to see an injured person. He decided to flee instead. He was subsequently transferred to Thab Khlo Police Station for legal proceedings.

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National

Understanding the Root Causes of Thailand's Patani Conflict

Nine people were killed in recent violence in Thailand's deep south, where Thai-Malay Muslim separatists seek an independent Patani state amid decades of unresolved conflict rooted in identity, governance, and economic marginalization.

6 Aug Khaosod

Seven security officers and two suspected insurgents have been killed recently in the deep south of Thailand. There are at least two ways for Thais to react to this violence.

First, one can see the loss and violence as merely a continuation of protracted, long-running unrest by a small group of armed insurgents and retaliation by security personnel. You can simply condemn the so-called 'southern insurgents' and move on to the next news story, repeating the same reflexive response when another major attack occurs.

The second reaction, or alternative, is to pause for a moment and face the uncomfortable reality of what Thailand is actually confronting.

Let us start with some basic facts. There are Thai-Malay Muslims who do not consider themselves Thai and yearn for an independent Patani homeland, and view the use of force to fight for independence as legitimate. These separatists or 'freedom fighters' seek to establish an independent Patani state, whether Islamic in character or not.

The term 'southern insurgents' only obscures the true nature of the conflict. Thai media should stop referring to the majority population in the deep south simply as 'Thai Muslims' and instead recognize their Malay identity by calling them Thai-Malay Muslims.

No one truly knows how large the separatist movement is or how popular it is among the Thai-Malay population. Official surveys are impossible under the Thai constitution, which declares the kingdom indivisible and makes any secession movement illegal.

One telling anecdote comes from two decades ago, following the Tak Bai massacre in October 2004, when 85 Thai-Malay Muslim male protesters died—seven shot at the site and 78 suffocated after being thrown into army trucks, stacked atop one another with their hands tied. After witnessing mass burials, the author asked a Patani police chief whether locally elected governors would help Thai-Malay Muslims feel more in control of their destiny. The officer immediately replied that locally elected governors in the deep south would mark the beginning of secession.

This deep distrust makes meaningful decentralization or devolution nearly impossible in the region. With Malay as the mother tongue of Thai-Malay Muslims rather than Thai, it is unsurprising they may feel alienated in their homeland, especially when governors appointed from Bangkok are mostly non-Thai-Malay Muslims. The deep south remains one of Thailand's poorest regions, compounding these tensions.

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National

Thailand Cabinet Approves Five New Catholic Churches

Thailand's Cabinet approved five new Catholic churches across the country and officially recognized one additional church in Chiang Mai, following regulations established in 2021.

6 Aug Khaosod

BANGKOK — Thailand's Cabinet has approved the establishment of five new Catholic churches and officially recognized one additional church under regulations governing Roman Catholic parishes, the government announced following its meeting on 5 August.

The decision, proposed by the Ministry of Culture, was made in accordance with the Prime Minister's Office regulations on the establishment of Roman Catholic churches issued in 2021.

The five newly established churches are:

St. Matthias the Apostle Church in Bang Khun Thian district, Bangkok Sts. Philip and James Church (Navanakorn) in Khlong Luang district, Pathum Thani Resurrection of Jesus Church in Ban Non Sombun, Ban Haet district, Khon Kaen St. James Church in Ban Phue district, Udon Thani St. George Church in Soem Thung, Phon Phisai district, Nong Khai

The Cabinet also approved official recognition of Holy Family Church (Huai Bong) in Chai Prakan district, Chiang Mai, as a Roman Catholic church under the same regulations.

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National

Commerce Ministry Warns Welfare Card Merchants Against Program Violations

The Commerce Ministry is warning welfare card merchants after a Buriram vendor allegedly held funds and returned cash from a cardholder's account, violating program rules that restrict spending to goods only.

6 Aug Khaosod

A man from Prakon Chai district in Buriram province filed a complaint after his state welfare card credit limit was exhausted following a single 128-baht purchase at a village shop. Two days later, when he attempted to use the remaining balance, he discovered it had been fully depleted. He returned to the original merchant and learned that 1,000 baht had been held from his credit line. Although the merchant claimed the cardholder had agreed to this arrangement, a dispute arose when the merchant subsequently returned cash to the customer while deducting 99 baht as a tax fee, a claim the merchant later denied.

The Commerce Ministry of Buriram Province has clarified the incident as involving two separate violations. The first concerns the agreement between both parties to hold 1,000 baht against a 128-baht purchase—while this deviates from program rules, such flexibility in practice may be overlooked in certain cases to avoid repeated facial scans. However, the second issue is far more serious: allowing the merchant to return cash to the cardholder after deducting excess funds directly contradicts the welfare card program's purpose, which restricts spending to consumer goods only and prohibits cash conversion.

Should an investigation confirm these violations, the cardholder faces potential loss of welfare card benefits, and the merchant risks losing its authorization to accept state welfare card payments.

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National

Parit Presents Money Transfer Evidence Against Red Senator

Pheu Thai deputy leader Parit presented evidence of money transfers between senator Nang Daeng and three senatorial candidates in Amnat Charoen province during the 2024 election, calling for investigation into potential election fraud.

6 Aug Khaosod

On August 6, 2025, Parit Wacharasindhu, a list-system MP and deputy leader of the Pheu Thai Party, posted on Facebook presenting evidence of money transfers between Nang Daeng, a senator, and senatorial candidates in Amnat Charoen province, demanding clarification on whether the transfers relate to the Senate election.

Parit highlighted that Amnat Charoen province, with five senators total, has one senator—Nang Daeng from group 10—who has faced scrutiny over alleged election fraud and links to politicians. Parit questioned the financial trail involving transfers between Nang Daeng and three candidates during the period surrounding the 2024 Senate election.

Parit detailed three transactions: a transfer of 29,313 baht from candidate Phongsiree Sintheum to Nang Daeng between May 1-5, 2024; a 6,000 baht transfer from Nang Daeng to candidate Nattapatcha Phadawongse on May 17, 2024; and a 12,300 baht transfer from candidate Supannasaa Wantaniyakul (sister-in-law of Deputy PM Suksumrarn) to Nang Daeng on June 30, 2024.

Parit emphasized that while the transfers alone do not conclusively prove election fraud, if Nang Daeng cannot provide a clear and satisfactory explanation, the public would reasonably suspect corrupt intent. He stated that money movements between a senator and other candidates during a Senate election period constitute grounds for suspicion of fraud, and that the Election Commission should refer the matter to court for investigation.

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