Experience the splendor of Thailand's most revered classical performing art in this year's spectacular production by the Support Foundation of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother — Ramakien:...
Experience the splendor of Thailand's most revered classical performing art in this year's spectacular production by the Support Foundation of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother — Ramakien:...
A 20-year-old Phichit woman died after a pickup truck flipped into a roadside ditch on Wang Thong–Sak Laek Road during heavy rain on August 5, when another vehicle cut in front of the driver, forcing him to brake hard.
A tragic car accident on August 5 at 6:30 p.m. claimed the life of 20-year-old Chalita Tongput, known as Nong Punch, a foster daughter of Kaeng Huai Rai. The Suzuki pickup truck, registered in Bangkok and driven by 21-year-old Jetthaniphath (surname withheld), flipped and fell into a roadside ditch on Wang Thong–Sak Laek Road in Wat Tai subdistrict, Bang Krathuem district, Phichit province. Rescue workers used cutting equipment to extract passengers from the vehicle.
Another passenger, Saranphorn (surname withheld), was injured and transferred to Bang Krathuem Hospital, while Chalita was pronounced dead at the scene. A breathalyzer test showed the driver had zero alcohol content. According to the driver's account, he was returning home to Sak Laek district after leaving Phitsanulok city when heavy rain and strong winds were present. A pickup truck in the left lane cut in front of him, forcing him to brake hard, which caused his vehicle to lose control and flip into the roadside ditch.
Chalita's body was transferred to Phutthachinaarat Hospital in Phitsanulok for autopsy and cause-of-death examination. She was a third-year student at Phibulsongkhram Rajabhat University and was known for being hardworking and independent. She had been caring for herself and her younger sibling after losing her parents in the Siam Commercial Bank building collapse. Her aunt, 50-year-old Ratri, collected her body from the hospital to bring it home to Phichit province for religious rites. The accident remains under investigation using CCTV footage.
Royal floral displays bestowed by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya are featured at the “Royal Project 57” fair, held from 1 to 12 August 2026 at the CentralWorld Shop...
Royal floral displays bestowed by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya are featured at the “Royal Project 57” fair, held from 1 to 12 August 2026 at the CentralWorld Shop...
Yasothon Province issued a red flood alert as the Yan River overflowed into farmland and rice paddies following continuous rainfall in the Northeast region on August 6, with authorities urging residents to relocate livestock and belongings
Yasothon Province has raised a red flag as water levels continue to surge, with riverbanks overflowing and flooding rice paddies and farmland. Authorities are urging residents to urgently move belongings and livestock to higher ground. On August 6, 2025, reporters documented the impact of continuous rainfall across the Northeast region, causing water from the north to flow downstream steadily. Yasothon continued to experience steady rain throughout the morning, causing water levels in the Yan River at Deid Subdistrict, Mueang Yasothon District, to rise and overflow its banks, flooding agricultural areas along both sides of the river valley.
In response, the Yasothon Provincial Irrigation Project raised a red flag at the bridge over the Yan River in Ban Mai Chumphorn, Deid Subdistrict, Mueang Yasothon District (bordering Saluphum District, Roi Et Province), signaling the maximum flood alert level indicating critical water levels and the imminent overflow of the banks. This warning alerts residents to prepare and urgently move their belongings and livestock to higher elevations.
Meanwhile, at the Yasothon-Phonmphrai Dam on the Chi River (Khueang Kham Subdistrict, Mueang Yasothon District), this morning the water level downstream increased by 40 centimeters to 123.00 meters above mean sea level. The dam is currently holding 11.50 million cubic meters of water, representing 76.92 percent of its total capacity.
Officials opened all eight spillway gates, each 1.80 meters high, to discharge water at a rate of 563.691 cubic meters per second to manage the incoming floodwaters from the Yan River and the accumulated rainfall.
Thai bank credit grew 1.93 percent to 13.95 trillion baht in Q2 2025, rebounding from contraction in the prior quarter, though non-performing loans and weak small business lending remain challenges.
Kasikornbank Research Center reports that overall bank credit in the second quarter of 2025 expanded by 1.93 percent, approaching 14 trillion baht, though non-performing loans and fragile small business lending remain major concerns. Analysis of credit and deposit data from 17 commercial banks at the end of June 2025 shows net credit and accrued interest standing at 13.95 trillion baht, up 1.93 percent year-on-year from a 0.26 percent contraction in the first quarter.
The expansion was driven by increases in government credit and large corporate lending, partly reflecting liquidity demands amid Middle East uncertainties, while SME and retail credit continued a slow recovery. The research center projects modest positive credit growth for 2025, but identifies asset quality management as the critical priority for financial institutions, given Thailand's ongoing exposure to multiple economic challenges, particularly geopolitical tensions that show no signs of near-term resolution.
Deposit growth accelerated to 3.11 percent year-on-year in the second quarter, reaching 16.64 trillion baht, compared to 2.47 percent growth in the first quarter, driven mainly by increases in savings and current account deposits. Fixed-rate deposits declined in line with falling interest rates, and while banks launched limited new deposit campaigns in June—mostly to retain existing customers—financial institutions continue to manage deposit costs carefully as overall liquidity remains elevated and credit recovery remains limited.
Thailand's first community running event, "Power Run," launches August 22 at Megabangna Shopping Centre in Bangkok, featuring a 5-kilometer route through IKEA and Mega Park with medical support and lifestyle partners including Lululemon and
Megabangna Shopping Centre, Bangkok's largest shopping destination on the east side, is reinforcing its role as an active lifestyle hub by hosting "Power Run," Thailand's first community running event. Organized in partnership with IKEA, Lululemon, and Prince Suwannabhumi Hospital, the event invites health enthusiasts to experience a new style of running that seamlessly blends fitness with lifestyle. The event takes place on Saturday, August 22, 2025, at 7:00 a.m. at the shopping centre's main entrance, with limited registration for 150 participants only.
Power Run marks the debut of an innovative running experience at Megabangna, transforming an area within IKEA Bangna into an exclusive running venue—a first for Thailand. The 5-kilometer specially designed route starts from the shopping centre's main entrance, passes through key landmarks, winds through the green spaces of Mega Park, and takes runners through the IKEA store itself before crossing the finish line. Prince Suwannabhumi Hospital will station emergency medical teams throughout the route, while an orthopedic doctor will lead health talks on injury-free running and offer health guidance to ensure every step is enjoyable, safe, and promotes sustainable wellness.
Participants will receive memorable gifts and exclusive benefits from all four partners, including a designer Mega Shopping Bag worth 299 baht, exclusive IKEA merchandise, special surprises from Lululemon, and health check-up and vitamin drip vouchers from Prince Suwannabhumi Hospital. Registration opens on Saturday, August 8, 2025, through Eventbrite with spots limited to 150 runners.
A senior Thai senator called on the prime minister to dissolve and rebuild the entire NBTC board due to procedural irregularities in the selection of its chairman, warning that the dispute will paralyze the telecommunications regulator with
On August 6, 2025, at Parliament, Senator Premsak Piayurun commented on a qualification dispute regarding Sopon Bunjaipreuk, chairman of Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC). The selection committee ruled that Bunjaipreuk lacks certain qualifications, but Premsak contended the decision may be unlawful because individuals not part of the original committee—including newly appointed Bank of Thailand governor Withai Ruttanakorn—participated in the vote. Supreme Court representative Kiartpong Amatayakul is believed to be over 70, making him ineligible to vote or hold office on the NBTC, raising questions about procedural fairness.
Premsak stated that the conflict will persist as long as the selection committee maintains its authority, placing responsibility on Prime Minister Anutin to decide the next step. Anutin has previously indicated he would refer the matter to the Senate for consideration. Premsak urged the PM to expedite Senate review and prevent a potential bypass of parliamentary procedures to seek royal approval directly.
Premsak proposed a bold solution: dissolve all seven NBTC members and conduct a complete new selection process to benefit the public. He acknowledged the NBTC faces longstanding allegations of corruption but argued that with the PM's legal authority and political will, reorganization is feasible. Premsak noted the current board has approximately one year remaining in its term and emphasized that the country has wasted enough time on the organization's dysfunction. Without decisive action, he warned, future decisions will continue to lack quorum, squandering national opportunities.
Thai autopsy findings indicate Hulun Solo died of heart and circulatory failure, though toxicology tests remain pending and poisoning has not been ruled out.
On August 6, 2025, at the Forensic Science Institute under Thailand's Ministry of Justice, Assistant Professor Dr. Worawee Waiyavudh, deputy director of the institute, disclosed the progress of Hulun Solo's autopsy. The autopsy was conducted in Thailand after the body was returned from Georgia, where a preliminary autopsy had already been performed. Doctors briefed the family and received permission to release findings to the media.
According to the preliminary results, no signs of physical trauma, bruising, injuries, broken bones, or organ abnormalities were detected on Hulun's body, with the exception of the heart. Georgia's examination was extensive, and further laboratory testing of heart tissue and genetic analysis is required. Regarding suspected causes related to circulatory failure, additional investigation is needed.
Dr. Worawee stated that the initial conclusion points to heart and circulatory system failure, but the investigation has not ruled out the possibility of toxic or chemical substances. The Ministry of Justice will request additional investigation data from Georgia, including toxicology results. This process will require time. "The preliminary finding is heart system failure, but we have not ruled out the possibility of various toxic and chemical substances," Dr. Worawee said. "Georgia's death certificate has not yet listed the official cause of death."
Myanmar's military leader arrives in Thailand on August 7 for talks with Senate leadership focused on strengthening bilateral relations and addressing transnational crime and border cooperation.
Senate President Mongkol Surasajja has scheduled a formal reception for Myanmar President Senior General Min Aung Hlaing at Parliament on August 7 at 10:50 a.m. during his official visit to Thailand as a state guest. The meetings with Thai senior leadership and lawmakers will center on bilateral relations, with discussions aimed at deepening ties between the two nations and advancing joint cooperation on issues affecting citizens' quality of life and security, including transnational crime, border cooperation, and cross-border trade. The talks will also address Myanmar's role within the broader ASEAN regional cooperation framework.
A lawmaker demanded the prime minister force NBTC Chair Dr. Sorn Bunjaichaipruk to resign after a selection committee ruled him ineligible, citing his repeated refusal that has derailed three board meetings and potentially risks oversight o
At a parliamentary session on August 6, 2025, Phakamon Hunnanon reported that NBTC board meetings have collapsed three times because Dr. Sorn Bunjaichaipruk refuses to accept a selection committee ruling that he lacks qualifications for the position. Once the committee determined his ineligibility, Hunnanon argued, he should have forfeited his right to the role immediately.
Hunnanon emphasized that the prime minister has a clear legal obligation to petition the king for Dr. Sorn's removal and has no valid reason to delay. She suggested that postponing action only directs public scrutiny toward the PM rather than the unqualified official. She also raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, noting shared advisors between the PM's previous administration and Dr. Sorn, and questioned whether the PM was reluctant to act due to personal connections.
Hunnanon further warned that allowing an unqualified person to oversee state assets worth hundreds of billions of baht—especially with upcoming decisions on funding programs and international travel—poses serious risks. She called for the NBTC board to clarify whether a temporary chairman could be appointed and demanded greater transparency in board meetings and budget disclosures. When asked if Dr. Sorn was being stubborn, Hunnanon countered that the real question is whether someone ruled ineligible has legal justification for insisting on holding the position.
Former local government director Theerawut Suphawibulphol faces fraud charges for allegedly manipulating civil service exam answer sheets in Nonthaburi Province, with 12 other suspects including university officials also under investigation
On August 6, 2025, Pol. Lt. Col. Netiwit Thanasitthinitikhul, deputy commander of the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), disclosed progress in the corruption case involving the local government civil service recruitment examination. Theerawut Suphawibulphol, former director-general of the Department of Local Administration, is currently under interrogation at the ACB and will be formally notified of charges. A total of 13 suspects have been summoned to hear the charges.
The suspects are divided into two groups: 11 local government officials accused of altering answer sheets at a private company in Nonthaburi Province, and 2 others—Theerawut and Assoc. Prof. Ruengdej Sirikij, director of the Educational and Psychological Testing Center at Srinakharinwirot University (SWU).
Theerawut and Ruengdej have been charged with six offenses, including dereliction of duty, forging official documents, falsifying government records, destroying others' documents, and unlawfully accessing sealed documents. The 11 officials face charges of fraud, violations of the Criminal Code Section 188, and computer crime laws.
Six suspects, including Theerawut, Ruengdej, and four officials involved in exam tampering, have already met with investigators. The remaining seven local government officials are scheduled to meet with investigators by August 10. Once interrogation is complete and charges are formally filed, the case is expected to be forwarded to the National Anti-Corruption Commission by August 12 for further investigation.
The ACB has also coordinated with the Anti-Money Laundering Office to trace the financial activities of all suspects, as they are civil servants accused of criminal conduct. If any suspicious wealth is discovered, additional charges can be filed immediately.
In a related development, the Department of Local Administration filed a separate complaint against Srinakharinwirot University and Assoc. Prof. Ruengdej on July 24 for falsifying official documents, but investigators have determined this case is connected to the main investigation and will be processed together.