Industry Minister Weerawut Silapachaya announced a 5.8 billion baht injection into the Industrial Economics Office (IEO) following an inspection visit where he outlined new policy directives. He assigned the IEO to strengthen its role as the "think tank" and "policy driver" for the Ministry of Industry, utilizing data analysis and forecasting to shape policies, plans, and strategies that align the industrial sector with economic, technological, and investment shifts.

The rollout requires coordination between government agencies, the private sector, and network institutions, with input from the public and business operators to develop measures, reform laws, and implement concrete policies aligned with the ONE MIND 4-pillar framework. The goal is to enhance business potential, increase competitiveness, and establish a foundation for stable, sustainable Thai industrial growth.

IEO Director Suphakij Bunsiri stated that the office will drive the ONE MIND policy alongside the S-Curve industrial development plan, targeting growth in modern vehicles, biotechnology, electrical and electronics, food, robotics and automation, comprehensive medical industry, digital and artificial intelligence, smart electronics, and security sectors. Coordination will link technology, personnel, infrastructure, and investment incentives through cooperation between public agencies, the private sector, and networks. The fiscal year 2569 integrated industrial and services development program commands a total budget of 5,884.18 million baht covering 49 projects from 14 agencies.

Previous results show that electric vehicle and new energy vehicle (xEV) production in 2568 reached 284,679 units, a 50% increase from the previous year. Automation system investments approved by the CoRE committee between 2563–2569 totaled 22,621.69 million baht, and during 2567–2569, workforce training in target industries for modern technology reached 89,267 people.

Suphakij added that the IEO will next accelerate industrial index updates to match changing production structures and cover emerging industries, providing accurate data for government policy and industrial development direction. It will also promote new potential industries including medical devices, defense, and halal sectors to establish new production bases, reduce import dependence, and expand Thai products into regional and global markets. The S-Curve industrial development plan concludes in 2570, so the IEO is currently reviewing and preparing a new development plan to address changing industrial context and will present it to the Cabinet for consideration.

Khon Kaen Witthayanon School has issued a statement regarding allegations that a Grade 12 student was bullied, extorted for money, and burned with a lit cigarette. The school says the accused student has provided unclear information, while the other student denies the allegations, making it impossible to determine fault.

Social media across Khon Kaen province circulated images showing a Grade 12 student from a local school allegedly being systematically bullied, having money extorted, and being assaulted with a lit cigarette. Parents sought help, and public attention turned to how the school was handling the case.

In its latest statement, Khon Kaen Witthayanon School said the incident occurred at the beginning of the previous academic term. The school emphasized its highest priority on student safety, wellbeing, and welfare. Upon learning of the allegations, the school immediately investigated, interviewed students involved, and invited parents to discuss appropriate solutions.

Preliminary findings indicated the incident stemmed from a debt dispute and loan between students, with some chat evidence available. However, regarding the allegation of using a lit cigarette to cause injury, the school stated that the accused provided unclear information while the other student denied involvement. Therefore, the school cannot yet conclusively determine the facts or assign fault without a thorough investigation.

The school invited all parties—students and parents—for discussions to improve understanding and resolve matters within the school's authority. Parents may file a police report if they wish to pursue legal action. Khon Kaen Witthayanon School pledged to closely monitor the involved students and implement serious preventive measures against bullying, violence, and inappropriate behavior, prioritizing student safety and welfare.

The Chinese Embassy in Thailand has issued a statement to citizens traveling to participate in activities in Thailand, asking them to respect local customs and event regulations. This follows incidents at the 2026 International Novel Festival involving clashes between security guards and Chinese fans, as well as airport disturbances when some fans caused disruptions during boarding, leading to penalties for both the fans and airport security personnel.

On August 8, the Chinese Embassy called on Chinese visitors coming to Thailand for cultural and sporting activities to comply with Thai laws and local regulations, respect local customs and traditions, understand event rules, and coordinate with government agencies to protect their rights. The embassy urged Chinese visitors to interact with Thai people with respect, goodwill, and openness, helping to maintain long-standing friendly relations between the two countries under the concept of "China and Thailand are one family."

The embassy also recommended that travelers study event regulations in advance, including admission requirements, photography rules, and restrictions on items allowed into venues, to avoid problems arising from unfamiliarity with local requirements. The Chinese Embassy encouraged Chinese nationals to resolve disputes reasonably and legally, and to seek help through official channels—including event organizers, venue staff, local authorities, or the Chinese Embassy in Thailand—if their legitimate rights and interests are affected.

On Saturday, the embassy stated that exchanges and cooperation between China and Thailand have deepened significantly in recent years, with closer people-to-people relations. The statement called on Chinese tourists participating in cultural and sporting activities to do so in a civilized, rational, and orderly manner, while promoting understanding and friendship between the peoples of both countries.

Shokubutsu Monogatari, the leading bath cream brand in Thailand, has launched its biggest rebranding in 17 years, targeting a modern image refresh and stronger appeal to Gen Y and Gen Z consumers. On August 9, Warut Eakawasadaporn, beauty care product manager at Lion Thailand Ltd., announced the company has upgraded the product's branding, packaging, and formula to better meet consumer needs.

The bath cream market is highly competitive, with most brands relying on aggressive pricing and promotions driven by economic slowdown and reduced purchasing power. However, Shokubutsu Monogatari is taking a different approach by elevating its brand value while maintaining natural-quality products to boost competitiveness and reach younger customers while retaining its existing customer base.

The company is investing over 150 million baht in marketing during the second half of the year, targeting Gen Y and Gen Z consumers who make up 60% of its customer base. The overall bath cream market is valued at 10.7 billion baht, with beauty products accounting for 61%, children's products 16%, health-focused products 14%, and men's products 5%. Last year the market grew 5.8%, with men's products surging 24% and beauty products rising 9%. Shokubutsu Monogatari holds first place in both the beauty and men's segments with 19–20% market share and grew 10% last year, targeting 8–10% growth this year.

A 33-year-old man identified as "Top" fatally shot his 34-year-old girlfriend "Sudaporn" three times while she lay in bed on her phone at their residence in Tha Wang Subdistrict, Muang District, Nakhon Si Thammarat on August 7. Top then fled on a motorcycle. The shooting stemmed from jealousy; the couple frequently argued. Two days later, on the morning of August 9, officers received a report of a shooting victim lying dead outside the same house. When police arrived with forensic and hospital staff, they found Top's body riddled in blood next to his overturned motorcycle on the street. He had been shot once in the right temple with a 9mm pistol—the same weapon used to kill Sudaporn. A 9mm handgun and one cartridge casing were recovered as evidence.

Investigators determined that Top was wanted for Sudaporn's murder and had been evading arrest. Relatives had tried unsuccessfully to convince him to surrender. Top apparently returned to the house early that morning and shot himself to escape justice. Authorities believe he suffered severe stress from killing his girlfriend and intense police pressure, which drove him to take his own life. Police are continuing their investigation and gathering evidence for further legal proceedings.

The romantic drama series "Rak (To Love and Cherish)" has premiered, produced by Chu Chudapa Janthakhet and Gong Piya Sevatpikul from Screenshot. The series marks the first on-screen pairing of lead actor Film Thanaphath Gavilai and actress Bua Nalinthip Skulamphaimp. Film plays Rangsiman, a young television station owner and Daran's first love, while Bua portrays Daran, a strong-willed woman who sacrifices her dreams to support her family and works as a guard at Rangsiman's station.

The cast also includes rising stars Aston Ratipath Luengwarnpan as teenage Rangsiman and Niya Makela as teenage Daran, along with supporting actors including Boss Chayakamol (Sam Ranapon), Pond Polwich (Rangsrit), Karissa Springett (Natasha), Candy Supappassorn (teenage Natasha), Koi Tarika (Nantip), Pim Pimpanpun (Angkana), Koi Narumol (Chanthana), Focus Wachirawit (Danai), and Fern Panisara (Dao).

"Rak (To Love and Cherish)" is written by Ratree Athisathan and Prema Naphatthaburnin, directed by Chudapa Janthakhet. The story follows Daran (Bua), a young woman who abandoned her dreams to care for her family, until fate reunites her with Rangsiman (Film), her first love. However, their reunion is fraught with misunderstandings, pain, and hidden secrets waiting to be revealed.

Film shared insights into playing Rangsiman, explaining that the character differs dramatically between his teenage and working-adult years. "He appears heartless and workaholic, but there's been a transformation from childhood conflicts with Daran that shaped his adult character. What I love most is that Rangsiman isn't a one-dimensional character—he's wounded and has reasons for every decision, with emotions hidden in his gaze and silence, which is a real acting challenge."

Bua discussed her character Daran, saying "Daran is strong and will do anything to care for her family. She prioritizes others' feelings over her own and sacrifices everything for those she loves. She often keeps her emotions hidden because family comes first. She went from a promising student to ending up here, and there's a reason for it. I want viewers to not judge the character from what they see alone, because there's much more they don't know yet."

Aston, playing teenage Rangsiman, noted "Teenage Rangsiman is popular, smart, and a natural leader with determination. I had to do extensive research because his character has underlying issues and encounters something very dark. The challenge is showing his bright, charming side while gradually transitioning to becoming bitter and dark, and finding the right way to reach that point."

Niya, portraying teenage Daran, revealed "Teenage Daran is very bright, excels academically and in sports, with clear dreams and goals. She deeply loves her family. I did extensive research to understand what Daran was thinking at that time, which was genuinely difficult."