The Thai government has announced success in resolving hotel licensing issues affecting nearly 300 properties in Phuket, with plans to complete all outstanding cases by September this year. Deputy Government Spokesman Ploypailin Luksameelang revealed on August 12 that the Interior Ministry and related agencies have processed 392 hotel licensing applications pending since 2016, successfully issuing licenses to 275 properties so far. The remaining 117 cases are expected to be resolved by the end of September, representing substantial progress compared to the previous pace of only 30-40 licenses per year—over 75% of the backlog has been cleared in just two months of focused effort.

Beyond issuing licenses, the government has collected data on legal and regulatory barriers facing prospective hoteliers in Phuket and plans to amend laws and regulations to remove unnecessary obstacles fairly. The government prioritizes safety above all else and aims to bring all operators into the formal system without demanding bribes, while enforcing laws strictly. Several cases involving unlicensed operations are already under police investigation, with additional cases in the evidence-gathering phase for further prosecution. Officials have confirmed that no violations will be overlooked, and legal action will be taken decisively against all breaches.

Thailand is expected to see thunderstorms and heavy to very heavy rain in several areas on 12 August, with authorities warning residents to watch out for flash floods and runoff from accumulated rainfall.

The Meteorological Department said the northern, northeastern, central and eastern regions could experience isolated heavy rain over the next 24 hours, as a monsoon trough lies across upper northern Thailand, upper Laos and the upper Northeast.

Meanwhile, a relatively strong southwest monsoon is prevailing over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand.

Residents in affected areas have been advised to remain alert for hazards from heavy and accumulated rainfall, which could trigger flash floods and forest runoff, particularly in foothill areas, near waterways and in low-lying areas.

The upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand are also expected to experience relatively strong winds, with waves reaching 2-3 metres. Waves could exceed 3 metres in areas experiencing thunderstorms.

The department advised boat operators to exercise caution and avoid areas with thunderstorms. Small boats in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand should remain ashore.

The forecast is valid from 06:00 on 12 August to 06:00 on 13 August.

North: Thunderstorms are forecast across 70% of the area, with isolated heavy rain in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak and Phetchabun. Temperatures will range from 22-27°C, with highs of 30-34°C. Southwesterly winds will reach 10-20 km/h.

Northeast: Thunderstorms are expected across 60% of the area, with isolated heavy rain in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen and Ubon Ratchathani. Temperatures will range from 23-25°C, with highs of 30-34°C. Southwesterly winds will reach 10-20 km/h.

Central: Thunderstorms are forecast across 60% of the area, with isolated heavy rain in Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi. Temperatures will range from 24-26°C, with highs of 32-34°C. Southwesterly winds will reach 10-25 km/h.

East: Thunderstorms are forecast across 60% of the area, with isolated heavy rain in Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri, Chanthaburi and Trat. Temperatures will range from 24-27°C, with highs of 30-34°C. Southwesterly winds will reach 20-40 km/h. Waves are expected to reach 2-3 metres, rising above 3 metres in areas with thunderstorms.

South—east coast: Thunderstorms are forecast across 40% of the area, mainly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala and Narathiwat. Temperatures will range from 23-25°C, with highs of 32-36°C. Southwesterly winds will reach 20-35 km/h. Waves will be 1-2 metres offshore and could exceed 2 metres in areas with thunderstorms.

South—west coast: Thunderstorms are forecast across 40% of the area, mainly in Ranong, Krabi, Trang and Satun. Temperatures will range from 24-28°C, with highs of 31-35°C. From Phang Nga northwards, southwesterly winds will reach 20-40 km/h.

On August 12, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister gave an interview at Sanam Luang regarding the Bhumjaithai party directive banning MPs from carrying guns. The PM stated that the order extends beyond just MPs—currently no one in Thailand can legally carry firearms because all gun permits in the country have expired. When asked about party members with accumulated weapons, he said that is their matter since they must declare such items in asset filings. He emphasized that anyone with a political position, whether running for office or holding any political role, faces legal consequences if found with firearms during searches. Such violations could be interpreted as ethical breaches, potentially jeopardizing their political future.

The PM stressed that public officials and representatives elected by the people must be role models and comply with the law. When asked whether the Cabinet's August 11 decision to cancel gun permits means no one can purchase firearms anymore, he confirmed this remains in effect until changed. He noted Thailand has roughly 10 million guns in circulation, which is unmanageable given a population of 70 million.

Regarding the controversy over his statement prohibiting shooting burglars in homes, the PM clarified there is no misunderstanding. His main point is to show that firearms serve no one well. Any shooting, regardless of circumstances, must be proven in court, not by the shooter or police alone. Anyone who shoots, even in self-defense, faces charges and must go to trial to prove justification—requiring bail, court appearances, and time.

"I may have communicated briefly, but my purpose is simple: avoid guns because they have never done good for those shot or those who shoot," the PM said. "Firearms users face court proceedings and legal consequences. I simply want to remind people. The law exists and has not changed. It is best to stay away from guns."

Gold prices on August 12, 2026, saw four adjustments within the first hour, surging 450 baht compared to yesterday's closing price, according to the Gold Traders Association. Ornamental gold is now trading at 69,950 baht per baht weight based on the association's latest announcements, with the first adjustment announced at 09:09 and the most recent at 09:54. Gold bars are trading at 68,950 baht per baht weight for buying and 69,150 baht for selling, while ornamental gold 96.5% is at 67,568.12 baht per baht weight for buying and 69,950 baht for selling. Global gold spot prices are at 4,413.00 US dollars per ounce. The four price adjustments occurred at 09:09 (up 250 baht), 09:18 (up 50 baht), 09:37 (down 50 baht), and 09:54 (up 200 baht).

A sedan lost control and struck a tree and power pole after being rear-ended by a pickup truck, then caught fire and burned completely. The driver, a 30-year-old man, sustained injuries from the impact. The incident was reported at 4:34 a.m. on August 12 to Deputy Superintendent Nuttapong Prasatsikorn of Kok Khram Police Station. Emergency responders from Lat Phrao Fire Station and Po Tek Tung Foundation volunteers attended the scene on the four-lane Praseritmanukit Road near the Lad Pla Khao intersection.

Firefighters found the sedan fully engulfed in flames with a tree toppled nearby. After approximately 10 minutes of water suppression, the fire was brought under control. The vehicle was a total loss. The injured driver, a ride-hailing app driver, stated that after dropping off a passenger, a pickup truck of unknown make and registration suddenly rear-ended him, causing his car to lose control and strike the roadside tree and power pole before catching fire. He immediately escaped the vehicle.

Police are clearing the burned wreckage from the scene and reviewing CCTV footage to identify the hit-and-run pickup truck. Further investigation with the injured driver is pending before determining the final cause of the incident.

Violators face fines of up to 10 times the toll amount per crossing. Motorists with unpaid Easy Pass charges are urged to settle their debts immediately to avoid legal action. Toll evasion is a criminal offense carrying a monetary penalty. For inquiries about travel records, contact the Expressway Authority of Thailand Call Center at 1543, available 24 hours a day.