The Department of International Trade is driving efforts to develop the potential of Thai agricultural innovation entrepreneurs by organizing Agri Plus Expo 2026 in partnership with Food & Hospitality Thailand 2026. The event aims to connect innovative Thai agricultural products with business operators, investors, and buyers in the HoReCa industry—hotels, restaurants, catering, and related tourism and hospitality services. The expo will be held from August 19-22, 2026 at Hall 1 of Sirikit National Convention Centre, creating market opportunities and expanding trade channels for Thai agricultural entrepreneurs to reach global markets.

Arada Fuengtong, Director-General of the Department of International Trade, stated that the department prioritizes elevating Thai agricultural products from commodities to high-value agricultural products. The strategy focuses on promoting knowledge, technology, and innovation to develop and enhance products alongside brand building and strengthened trade capabilities, enabling Thai entrepreneurs to add value to agricultural goods, meet market demands, and compete internationally. This aligns with policies to increase agricultural product value and strengthen the grassroots economy—a key mechanism for driving national economic growth.

Agri Plus Expo 2026 serves as an important mechanism linking Thai agricultural innovation entrepreneurs with the HoReCa market, which has strong potential and demand for food, beverages, health, beauty, and sustainability-focused products. Partnering with Food & Hospitality Thailand 2026 increases opportunities for entrepreneurs to meet and negotiate with buyers, investors, and service industry operators, while opening new marketing channels and pathways to future exports.

The expo features over 70 brands and more than 100 products across three main categories: food, beverages, and health products; beauty, wellness, and herbal products; and sustainable lifestyle and green innovation products. These showcase Thai agricultural innovation that applies knowledge, science, technology, and innovation to create products meeting modern consumer demands and ready for the global market.

Highlight activities include Innovation Showcase, Agri Innovation Market Place, Business Matching sessions, and Agri Plus Clinic—consultation services supported by four organizations: the Agricultural Research Development Office, Chulalongkorn University's Integrated Agriculture Faculty, Chulalongkorn University's Academic Services Centre, and Mahidol University's Excellence Centre for Drug Discovery. These partners provide advisory and guidance on product development, research and development, value enhancement, and commercialization to help entrepreneurs compete in international markets.

Labour Ministry Secretary Wanna Korthong announced on August 19 that six Thai workers injured in a landmine explosion in an agricultural area near the town of Metula in northern Israel are all safe. Two suffered serious injuries and four sustained minor wounds, but all have now recovered. The workers were legally employed and the incident occurred in a standard agricultural area.

When asked about compensation from the Employment Fund, Korthong said benefits would depend on Israeli authorities' clarification and investigation. Thailand also has a welfare fund for workers overseas, though it must operate within established guidelines.

"The situation now shows everyone is safe, and they have voluntarily chosen to remain," Korthong said, adding that no workers have requested to return home.

Yuthana Buajun, Deputy Director-General of the Employment Department, said Israeli immigration authorities (PIBA) have already inspected the area and more details would emerge after a joint meeting on August 20. He noted the area is not designated as high-risk, as the department uses security scanning before deploying workers there.

Yuthana explained that unexploded ordnance caused the incident in an area bordering Lebanon in the north. The department will review whether the area remains safe. Approximately 64 workers are in that town, while around 7,000 work across the northern region. If relocation becomes necessary, it will be assessed by area.

The Employment Department confirmed no workers have requested to return home, despite the incident.

The Thai Aquatic Sports Association has sent its national open water swimming team and officials to the 4th Southeast Open Water Swimming Championships in Boracay, Philippines, taking place August 20–23, 2026. On the night of August 18, 2026, a total delegation of 40 people—29 athletes, 8 coaches, and 3 officials—departed for the Philippines. Worrapong Patcharavich, head of the Open Water Swimming Division, accompanied the team to Suvarnabhumi Airport to offer encouragement and urge them to compete fully and demonstrate the capabilities of Thai open water swimmers at the regional level. Vinai Sinpanyasiri is the team manager. The male athletes, numbering 15, include Suradis Suphankhong, Nithis Sirisungkij, Thanat Lohtongluam, Maruj Gaennakha, Worphakpong Ratchathawin, Kittinun Chotisthayangkul, Thanat Kaewkerd, Theeracha Saowkanth, Kreichit Nipachakarnan, Monthon Sittichai, Sakkachothi Thalawongsa, Kantapong Phleyiem, Thanat Thongchieng, Gawin Sukhmuean, and Pawat Pitichanjpricha. The 14 female athletes are Thitirut Prhomsil, Pornphat Kajaerjn, Hiranyarasm Musikul, Parani Srisuk, Pichyanath Kittivorkij, Yaowares Satthiphakdi, Suphasita Narabhirom, Ariya Sawangman, Chomphasna Chatisuwithi, Panarorn Acharayanodi, Phudit Sippoaksorn, Gultchana Konthrap, Thanyatanan Kerdkrung, and Pichayapa Anantawara.

Thailand's Department of Internal Trade is mobilizing food and essential goods to assist residents of Nan Province hit by flooding caused by heavy rains across northern Thailand. Withayakorn Maneenat, director-general of the Department of Internal Trade under the Commerce Ministry, said heavy rainfall has triggered flash floods and flashfloods in many northern areas, with Pua District in Nan Province particularly hard-hit. Deputy Prime Minister Supachai Suthammaphan, who oversees the Commerce Ministry, has instructed the department to urgently prepare consumer goods and essential supplies to help affected residents. The department is coordinating with manufacturers, businesses, and the private sector to solicit donations of food, drinking water, and necessary household items for rapid collection and distribution to flood zones. The department is also working closely with provincial commerce offices across the north to monitor supply situations and gather community needs, ensuring aid reaches affected residents quickly and widely. Manufacturers and businesses wishing to donate goods can contact the Department of Internal Trade's Price and Goods Management Division at 02-507-5689. "The Department of Internal Trade sends solidarity to all disaster victims and wishes everyone safety as we overcome this calamity as quickly as possible. The Commerce Ministry and our department will accelerate relief and care for the public at full capacity," Withayakorn said.

On August 19, Pol. Col. Chaiwat Pradubsai, superintendent of Phra Khanong Police Station, addressed reports that police had filed charges against Ba Da and associates for defaming officials and other related offenses. He stated that no formal complaint has yet been filed, suggesting that social media claims may be speculation spread online. He noted that defamation charges carry a three-month statute of limitations and require careful handling to avoid appearing as police harassment. However, he said matters affecting the station's reputation must be protected, and any decision to file charges would require further review.

When asked whether Ba Da visited the station and what was discussed, Chaiwat said he was in a meeting and unable to provide immediate clarification, citing a heavy caseload at the station. Regarding whether her conduct constitutes an offense, he said further investigation was needed, as unclear statements may not constitute a violation. He emphasized that officers are acting within their duties and not harassing anyone, noting that the cases in question arose before he took office. He added that matters already decided by the court remain within the judicial process, and Ba Da is aware of what the court has ruled.

Chaiwat stated that Ba Da frequently acts this way but it goes unreported until media attention creates another news cycle. He confirmed that police are not adversaries of the public and that both sides should respect each other's rights. He noted that officers consult with him before taking action, and if the public's rights are violated, appropriate steps can be taken. However, he said the station is currently overwhelmed with cases and has limited time for personal matters.

The 38th Army Regional Disaster Relief Center has deployed emergency relief teams and volunteer disaster workers from the 10th Royal Horse Regiment of the 2nd Royal Horse Regiment to Tha Wang Pha District in Nan Province to urgently assist residents impacted by flooding. Heavy continuous rain overnight in Nan Province caused water levels in the Nan River to rise rapidly, overflowing the banks and flooding homes throughout Tha Wang Pha District, with flash flooding occurring in several areas. The relief center mobilized personnel to provide immediate assistance to affected residents, while the 10th Royal Horse Regiment worked to help flood victims in Pua District and the 32nd Forest Rangers Regiment deployed forces to assist residents in Ban Hia in Sila Laeng Subdistrict.