Thailand Opens Pollution Complaint Centers Nationwide

Thailand has launched upgraded pollution complaint centers nationwide, allowing citizens to report odors, noise, wastewater and illegal dumping through multiple channels including a LINE app, hotline 1650, and regional offices.

10 Aug Khaosod

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin has expressed concern for citizens affected by pollution and environmental problems, including odors, noise, wastewater, and illegal waste disposal. He has directed the Pollution Control Department (PCD) to upgrade its complaint system, making it more accessible to the public across both central and regional offices nationwide, while systematizing solutions under the framework of "accessibility, understanding, and scientifically-based complete resolution."

PCD Director-General Dr. Surin Vorakitdamrong announced that the department is ready to proactively address all public pollution complaints through its central office and 16 regional environmental and pollution control offices covering the entire country. This allows citizens to access services directly and monitor progress closely.

Citizens can report pollution issues via the Traffy Fondue LINE Official Account (@traffyfondue), submitting messages, photos, and location coordinates. The platform also includes a web application, and complaints can be filed through the PCD hotline 1650 or via Facebook inboxes of the PCD and regional offices.

Dr. Surin emphasized that all complaint information and complainant identities will be kept confidential, with every case tracked, investigated, and handled transparently according to scientific principles while ensuring fairness to all parties. The goal is to resolve pollution problems promptly and restore quality of life while promoting sustainable environmental management and social harmony.

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Police

Pattaya Officials Suspended Over Alleged Tourist Extortion

Six Pattaya officials and contractors were suspended after tourists reported being pressured to pay 2,000–3,000 baht in cash at Bali Hai Headland without receipts for alleged violations. The city launched an investigation on August 9 and wi

10 Aug Khaosod

Tourists, business operators, and tour guides have filed complaints against individuals dressed as Pattaya special operations officials at Bali Hai Headland. The complainants reported being invited into a tent and charged with alleged violations related to loud motorcycle exhausts and smoking, with sums of 2,000–3,000 baht demanded but no receipts or fine documents provided. On August 10, Deputy City Manager Kiattisak Srivolsakchay announced that Pattaya received notice of the complaints on August 9 and immediately launched an investigation. Six people were identified: three city officials (two municipal staff and one other) and three outsourced security contractors hired by Pattaya. All have been temporarily suspended from duty while the investigation proceeds. City officials will file a police report if wrongdoing is confirmed, and a fact-finding committee has been assigned to complete its work within approximately two weeks, faster than the standard 60-day timeline. Outsourced staff will be handled through their contracting company, while state officials may be transferred during the inquiry. Regarding loud motorcycle exhausts, the deputy manager clarified this is not directly Pattaya's responsibility but falls under nuisance and vehicle laws enforced by police and the Land Transport Department. The core question under investigation is whether the money collection was lawful, whether proper receipts were issued, and what category the collected funds represent. The deputy city manager apologized to residents and tourists, stressed that Pattaya expects officials to conduct themselves properly, and urged the public to report any similar incidents to the city hotline 1337. The investigation remains ongoing.

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National

National Housing Authority Accelerates 44,000-Unit 'Homes for Thais' Program

Thailand's National Housing Authority is accelerating its "Homes for Thais" program to develop over 44,000 affordable housing units across multiple phases through 2032, with the first projects targeting Cabinet approval by March 2025. The i

10 Aug Khaosod

The National Housing Authority is pushing forward with the "Homes for Thais" program, rapidly developing housing projects and urban renewal in several areas: Thung Song Hong, Ram Intra, and Huai Khwang, along with a senior living complex in Chonburi. The agency plans to repurpose underutilized land and bank assets to generate added value while promoting clean energy toward sustainable development.

Taveepong Vichaidiset, the National Housing Authority governor, revealed that over the past six months the agency has accelerated its mission under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security's policy, overseen by Social Development Minister Nikorn Somklong. The focus centers on eight core policies titled "Building a Good Society with Opportunities for All Thais," aiming to secure housing, improve environmental quality, and boost the efficiency of state assets to generate revenue for improving public living standards.

The National Housing Authority is fast-tracking the "Homes for Thais" program to give citizens access to quality housing in suitable locations using Universal Design principles that accommodate users of all ages. The program targets affordable housing security across five phases covering more than 44,000 units, to be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration in 2025–2032.

Phase 1 comprises five projects with 4,102 units currently under plan review, expected to be presented to the Cabinet by March 2025. Phase 2 includes four projects with 2,155 units undergoing needs assessment and financial review, targeted for Cabinet submission by April 2025. Phase 3 consists of 45 projects with 10,906 units, expected for Cabinet approval in October 2025. Phases 4 and 5 cover 21,861 and 5,279 units respectively.

The National Housing Authority is also advancing a senior living complex project in Chonburi, launching in Bang Lamung district with 1,696 units under the "Happy City" concept to support Thailand's aging society. The design follows Universal Design principles and includes both active recreation areas to promote exercise and passive areas for relaxation and quality leisure. The project will use a Design & Build + Invest model under a 30-year long-term land lease with renewal rights for an additional 30 years, enabling continuous development and management.

The authority is also continuing urban renewal projects to upgrade residents' quality of life and develop areas into modern, safe, and livable urban communities. The Din Daeng Community Revitalization Phase 2 project is progressing on schedule, including a 32-story residential building (A1) with 635 units currently under construction, expected to complete by December this year.

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National

Kasetsart University Hosts Thai Textile Festival 2026

Kasetsart University will host the "KU Thai Textile Fest 2026" on August 10-11 to honor the late Queen Sirikit's legacy in preserving Thai silk heritage and promoting it as a creative economy soft power. The free festival features fashion s

10 Aug Khaosod

Kasetsart University is hosting the "KU Thai Textile Fest 2026" to honor Her Late Majesty Queen Sirikit and promote Thai textiles as cultural heritage and soft power in the creative economy. The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, together with the Marketing Department and College of Business Administration, invites students, staff, and the public to experience the distinctive beauty of Thai fabrics under the theme "Reviving Heritage, Inspiring the Future: Continuing Thai Textile Heritage Toward Future Inspiration."

The event celebrates and commemorates the late Queen's dedication to preserving, reviving, and promoting Thai textiles as a national intellectual heritage. It takes place August 10–11, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Kasetsart University's student development building.

The festival features cultural activities blending traditional Thai wisdom with contemporary fashion trends, including regional Thai clothing displays from all four regions, a fashion show showcasing Thai dress under the concept "From the Palace to the People," and an academic seminar on "Thai Dress as Soft Power: Cultural Marketing in the Creative Economy" featuring collaboration with the leading brand SUPA East Glamor on August 11 at 9:30 a.m.

Attendees can participate in special workshops on Thai dressing techniques without sewing, Bangkok-style sabai wearing, adapted traditional lower garment styles, and tie-dye activities where participants take home their creations. The festival also features a vintage market selling Thai textile products, a Thai dress photo studio, and offers free entry for all visitors.

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Police

Driver Charged After Car Plows Into Childcare Center, 19 Hurt

A sedan crashed into a childcare center in Kanchanaburi province on August 7, injuring 19 preschoolers aged 2–4. The 54-year-old driver and his companion tested positive for methamphetamine and face five charges including reckless driving a

10 Aug Khaosod

Mueang Kanchanaburi police have filed five charges against the driver whose sedan struck a childcare center in Ban Nong Song Tawn village, Kaeng Sian subdistrict, Mueang district, Kanchanaburi province on August 7. The crash injured 19 preschool children aged 2–4 who were napping at the time. Today, Provincial Police Commander Maj. Gen. Pesawee Ruengphu and other senior officers visited one of the injured children, 2-year-old Charintip, who suffered a head injury, to offer encouragement and gifts.

Mueang Kanchanaburi Police Commander Pol. Col. Chairat Buakham said that at the time of the incident, officers arrested the driver, identified as Chatchawal, 54, and a companion, Paanuphong, 30. Drug testing revealed both tested positive for methamphetamine, and a pistol without proper registration was found on them.

Investigators have charged both men with five offenses: driving recklessly causing injury and property damage; illegal possession of a firearm; carrying a firearm in public; drug use; and driving while under the influence of methamphetamine (Category 1). Both will be held in custody at Kanchanaburi Provincial Court, where prosecutors have filed a motion to deny bail.

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National

Parliament Chief Launches Youth Debate Forum Season 3

Parliament's leader launched Season 3 of a youth debate competition featuring 16 teams, emphasizing the program's role in developing young people into thoughtful, constructive communicators who understand justice and civic responsibility.

10 Aug Khaosod

On August 10, 2024, Sophon Saram, President of Parliament and Speaker of the House of Representatives, opened the Sapawati creative social debate competition for fiscal year 2024, Season 3, featuring 16 teams at Parliament House B1 auditorium.

Sophon said he was proud to see the Sapawati project, which follows the "Su Chi Puli" philosophy aimed at developing youth into good adults. He compared young people to "tender saplings" that can be shaped to grow in the right direction, especially in the age of social media where words and communication are critically important and should be used constructively for society's benefit.

The Parliament Chief noted that the competition features expert judges to ensure full fairness for participants, and emphasized that "justice" is what society needs. He described the forum as part of building youth understanding of justice.

Sophon also praised His Majesty and Princess Bajrakitiyabha as role models of equality, particularly for her visits to prisons and attention to the suffering of inmates, which exemplifies the monarch's boundless compassion and sets a good example for society.

The Parliament Chief expressed sorrow over the Tepsirin School incident in Nonthaburi on August 9, 2024, and said he visited the area to support those affected. He stressed that society needs to be a "community of love" and that the Sapawati competition is not about winning, but building mutual love, understanding, and rational thinking. He hopes to expand the program to youth in remote areas so they too can learn and develop skills while realizing the importance of improving their own quality of life and that of society.

Sophon added that he practices what he preaches, having previously organized workshops on drug addiction problems and plans to push forward drug law reforms in the next parliamentary session. He emphasized the importance of teaching youth the "Su Chi Puli" principles of listening, thinking, questioning, and writing—the foundation of learning and rational thinking.

Addressing students and youth as a former teacher, Sophon said teachers are like a second parent and that he believes in the principles "love school like home, love work like life." He called for all parties to learn from the Tepsirin incident and build common understanding of what it means to be a "good person"—someone who can be self-reliant and a support to others.

"I hope the Sapawati forum will be a powerful force in developing youth who use reason, speak constructively, and together build a society filled with love, justice, and understanding," Sophon concluded.

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Regional

Thai Yamaha Riders Sweep Mandalika: Tee and Idea Win Championship Races

Thai Yamaha riders Tee Anuphap and Idea Kridthapat won their respective class races at the Asia Road Racing Championship Round 4 in Indonesia, with Tee claiming victory in the SuperSport 600cc final lap duel and Idea dominating the Asia Pro

10 Aug Khaosod

Yamaha Thailand Racing Team produced a standout performance at the 2026 Asia Road Racing Championship Round 4, as two Thai riders, Tee Anuphap Samuul and Idea Kridthapat Khueamkham, delivered excellent form to secure individual class wins and raise the Thai national anthem at Pertamina Mandalika International Circuit in Indonesia last weekend.

The Round 4 competition featured two races across August 8–9 amid fierce competition from Asia's top-tier riders. Yamaha Thailand Racing Team demonstrated clear progress in both bike setup and rider speed. Tee-Anuphap competed in the SuperSport 600cc class while Idea-Kridthapat led the charge in the Asia Production 250cc class.

In the SuperSport 600cc race, contested over 12 laps, Tee-Anuphap, aboard a Yamaha YZF-R6 number 500, started from grid 4 in Race 1, climbing to second before crashing while hunting the leader near the end. Returning with determination for Race 2, he started again from grid 4, managed the opening cautiously, then accelerated aggressively in the second half. He climbed to third before launching a fierce attack over the final two laps, overtaking two rivals cleanly and crossing the line first in 19:44.949 to claim victory. He moved up to second overall, trailing the leader by just 9 points.

In the Asia Production 250cc class over 10 laps, Idea-Kridthapat, piloting a Yamaha YZF-R3 number 39, began the weekend excellently by securing pole position. Starting race one aggressively from pole, he built a lead before dropping to sixth in the penultimate lap. The Thai prospect then demonstrated a sharp passing maneuver, overtaking five rivals in the final lap and crossing the finish line first in 17:43.380 to win Race 1 convincingly.

Gas Theernaiyai Tubthim, another Thai prospect from Yamaha Thailand Racing Team competing on a wildcard from Indonesia's ACR team after impressive performances in the Yamaha BLU CRU Asia-Pacific Championship, started from grid 20 and delivered an outstanding chase, finishing in eighth place just 1.972 seconds behind the winner. In Race 2 of the Asia Production 250cc class, Idea-Anuphap started from pole and quickly built a lead before encountering misfortune.

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Police

Nonthaburi Governor Dies After Gunshot Wound to Neck

Nonthaburi PAO Chairman Thongchai Yenprasert died after a former MP shot him in the neck, severing his carotid artery; the shooting stemmed from an 11-million-baht debt dispute and election disagreements.

10 Aug Khaosod

The director of Phra Nang Klao Hospital recounted the final moments of Nonthaburi PAO Chairman Thongchai Yenprasert, who received more than 30 units of blood before his death. The bullet struck a critical point, severing his carotid artery and causing massive blood loss. His condition was critical even before arrival at the hospital.

Former Nonthaburi MP Chalueang Riowrang opened fire on Pol. Col. Thongchai Yenprasert, the PAO chairman, over a disputed 11-million-baht debt and disagreements regarding candidate nominations in the recent election. The governor's driver was also severely injured. At 14:36 on August 10, 2025, Dr. Sakol Sukhprom, director of Phra Nang Klao Hospital, confirmed that Thongchai had died. The medical team provided complete assistance within their capabilities.

The cause of death was a gunshot wound to the neck area that severed the carotid artery, causing massive blood loss. Regarding the exact location and number of gunshot wounds, the hospital director deferred to the forensic pathologist and police for detailed information.

The director confirmed that emergency responders performed CPR from the scene, and an ambulance rapidly transported Thongchai to the hospital. However, due to the critical nature of the wound to the carotid artery in the neck area causing severe blood loss, his condition was grave upon arrival. Although surgeons attempted to repair and suture the carotid artery to stop the bleeding and administered more than 30 units of blood and platelets, they were unable to save his life. The driver sustained a gunshot wound to the right arm; surgeons operated and his condition is now stable. He remains in recovery at Phra Nang Klao Hospital.

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National

Thailand Trains Medical Cannabis Entrepreneurs to Meet Global Standards

Thailand certified 46 medical cannabis entrepreneurs through an intensive training program designed to meet international standards and strengthen the country's emerging legal cannabis industry.

10 Aug Khaosod

The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine is accelerating training for a new generation of medical cannabis entrepreneurs, raising business standards to international levels and supporting Thailand's sustainable health economy. On August 10, 2026, at Grand Richmond Stylish Convention Hotel in Nonthaburi, Dr. Tewanj Thaneerattana, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine under the Ministry of Public Health, chaired a workshop on developing and building networks of medical cannabis entrepreneurs and presented certificates to 46 entrepreneurs who completed the Panya Phattana curriculum for medical cannabis entrepreneur development (Batch 1).

Dr. Tewanj emphasized that developing entrepreneurs with knowledge, standards, and strong cooperation networks is central to elevating Thailand's medical cannabis industry for quality and sustainable growth. The event provided a platform for experience sharing, product development opportunities, market expansion, and business network building to enhance competitiveness and create economic value within the legal framework.

The Panya Phattana curriculum for medical cannabis entrepreneur development (Batch 1) ran from April 24 to July 17, 2026, comprising 10 sessions totaling 72 hours covering four key dimensions: strategy and management, business fundamentals, investment, finance, marketing, and cannabis business management; product standards and developing medical cannabis products to international standards; negotiation and business growth strategies including expansion channels and partnership building; and practical training and study visits with expert exchanges and site visits to internationally certified facilities to enable participants to apply knowledge directly.

Dr. Peerchaya Kugasemkit, Director of the Medical Cannabis Division, noted that workshop activities included special lectures on medical cannabis use and health economy opportunities, and group discussions organized by supply chain structure (upstream, midstream, downstream, and support sectors) including cultivation plots, extraction factories, herbal product manufacturers, and flower dispensaries. The discussions aimed to facilitate business negotiations and build networks among entrepreneurs. The department expects trained entrepreneurs to leverage their knowledge and networks to advance medical cannabis innovations and drive the industry toward quality and safety, contributing to sustainable growth of Thailand's health economy.

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National

BEDO Launches Thailand Nature Positive Forum 2026

Thailand's government launched the Nature Positive Forum 2026 to drive business adoption of sustainable biodiversity practices, with BEDO presenting case studies from partnering companies on conservation efforts.

10 Aug Khaosod

Dr. Raveewan Pooridet, Permanent Secretary of the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, was delegated by Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin to officially open the Thailand Nature Positive Forum 2026 under the theme "Driving Business Toward a Positive Nature Future." Organized by the Bioeconomy-Based Economic Development Office (BEDO), the forum aims to advance ministry policies on conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of biodiversity while promoting cross-sector engagement to strengthen Thailand's bioeconomy. The event was attended by advisors, BEDO leadership including Director Dr. Thanit Changtaworn, and representatives from government and private organizations.

Dr. Raveewan emphasized that while the government under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul prioritizes natural resource conservation and sustainable management aligned with the Nature Positive approach, achieving these goals requires integrated collaboration across government ministries, the private sector, and all segments of society to halt biodiversity loss and restore natural resources. BEDO presented certificates of recognition to 14 organizations working in partnership with the office.

BEDO Director Dr. Thanit Changtaworn stated the forum's purpose was to foster knowledge sharing and best-practice exchange among government, business, academia, and stakeholders, and to encourage Thai businesses to adopt Nature Positive concepts in their operations for sustainable biodiversity conservation and use. The morning session featured case study presentations from partnering businesses including Merlin Resort, Ubon Biofuel and Ethanol Company, and Asian Sea Corporation, sharing their experiences and lessons learned in implementing BEDO's biodiversity tools and practices. The afternoon session focused on positive nature restoration approaches through policy dialogue and operational strategies.

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National

New Zealand Education Fair 2026 Celebrates 70 Years of Thai-NZ Ties

Over 70 New Zealand educational institutions will showcase programs at the largest education fair on August 29, 2026, in Bangkok, celebrating 70 years of Thai-NZ ties and offering scholarships worth over 2 million baht to Thai students.

10 Aug Khaosod

Education New Zealand (ENZ) and the New Zealand Embassy in Thailand invite students, parents, and interested individuals to attend the New Zealand Education Fair 2026, the year's largest education fair marking 70 years of Thai-New Zealand diplomatic relations. The event runs Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Samyan Mitrtown Hall 2, 5th Floor, Bangkok.

Visitors will connect with over 70 leading schools, universities, technology institutes, and language centers from New Zealand across all educational levels, from short-term English courses to secondary, undergraduate, postgraduate, and vocational programs. The fair offers one-on-one consultations with institution representatives, scholarship opportunities totaling over 2 million baht, and an announcement of Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships—full New Zealand government scholarships—with application guidance at 10:30 a.m., opening pathways to world-class education for Thai students.

New Zealand maintains recognition as one of the world's top education systems, emphasizing active learning, critical thinking, hands-on practice, and individual development in safe, supportive environments with close care for international students. All eight of its universities rank in the top 3% globally. Recently, New Zealand ranked first worldwide for employment outcomes among graduates according to the QS World University Rankings 2027, reflecting education linked to job prospects and future success.

Thailand remains one of the top 10 countries sending students to New Zealand, reflecting strong educational ties and sustained Thai family confidence in New Zealand education. The 2025 International Student Experience Survey shows 87% of international students rate their overall experience positively, and 92% are satisfied with people and relationships, demonstrating an open, welcoming society and a learning environment supporting success for students worldwide.

ENZ invites attendees to explore opportunities through the NZ Simulated Classroom, allowing Thai students to experience active learning with New Zealand teachers, and a special panel featuring Sukhwan Boolakul on parental perspectives in choosing New Zealand from secondary through university levels. A major highlight is the "7 Friends for 7 Decades" awards ceremony honoring seven distinguished individuals who advanced Thai-New Zealand educational cooperation during this 70-year diplomatic milestone, plus the 2026 Alumni Hall of Fame announcement.

Top offers include free round-trip airfares to New Zealand for those who enroll with participating institutions during the fair, and registered attendees have a chance to win Air New Zealand tickets. Registration is free at https://www.learnenglishnewzealand.com/nzeducationfair

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