The Federation of Thai Industries reported that the July 2025 industrial confidence index reached 90.0, up from 88.2 the previous month. The improvement was driven by the expanding electric vehicle market, with first-half 2025 sales up 93.07% year-on-year, supported by accelerated domestic EV production under local manufacturing conditions. Trade negotiations with major partners including the United States, European Union, and China have opened new market opportunities and reduced trade barriers for Thai goods. Industrial exports such as hard disk drives and automotive components are showing strong growth in key markets like the US and Japan.

Fuel price measures implemented through July 24 to August 15 reduced diesel and biodiesel prices by 2.40 baht per liter, helping ease the cost of living and transportation costs. The Thai Help Thai Plus stimulus program has also boosted sales for small and medium enterprises, particularly in consumer goods, food, and beverages. However, the sector faces significant headwinds including escalating US-Iran tensions that could push up oil prices and shipping costs, US tariffs of 12.5% on Thai goods under Section 301, delayed public construction projects, a 3.1% decline in tourist arrivals, and rising SME debt levels at 9.5%.

The industrial confidence index for the next three months is forecast at 96.1, up from 94.5 in June, supported by Thailand's hosting of the IMF-World Bank meetings, which is expected to boost economic activity and Thailand's international profile. However, risks remain from prolonged Middle East tensions that could increase inflationary pressure and reduce exports to the region, particularly impacting automotive, wood product, rubber, and air-conditioning industries. Electricity grid conditions and investment guarantees set at 4.5 million baht per megawatt may also influence private sector investment decisions.

BANGKOK — Thai entertainment is mourning the death of Ray MacDonald, a prominent actor, model and television host who rose to fame in the 1990s. He was 49.

Reports said Ray died at his home in Bangkok's Phatthanakan area. Friends were reportedly travelling to his residence following the news. Born on 21 May 1977 in Roi Et province to a Thai-Scottish family, Ray completed secondary school in England before building a career in entertainment.

Known for his mischievous yet stylish on-screen personality, he became one of the best-known teen hosts of the 1990s through the youth programme Teen Talk. He also appeared in numerous films, including Fun Bar Karaoke, Dang Bireley's and Young Gangsters and O-Negative.

Ray won a Suphannahong National Film Award for Fun Bar Karaoke in 1997-98, and later received the Kom Chad Luek Award for Best Supporting Actor for Dear Galileo. His most recent film was Puean Rak Puean Lap.

In recent years, he reunited with close friends Leo Put and Tar Phonphet Thephassadin na Ayutthaya for the YouTube programme Tit Kui, released under the Put-Tar-Ray name on the Rayron channel.

Miss Universe Thailand 2026 unveiled 77 national costume designs at the pageant's costume competition round, celebrating Thai cuisine and fruit as soft power on the international stage. Held at MGI Hall in Bravo BKK shopping center on Rama 9 Road, the event featured spectacular designs inspired by dishes ranging from southern gaeng som and giant prawn tom yam to grilled chicken, boat noodles, sour fish soup, papaya salad, red ant egg curry, pad Thai, golden threads, rambutan, mangosteen, longan, banana, durian, mango sticky rice, and countless other Thai delicacies and fruits. Designer Bossnawat Isarkaraisil, pageant director and CEO of Miss Universe Eastern, emphasized that each of the 77 costumes creatively transformed familiar Thai foods and fruits into stunning, imaginative, and elaborate designs that showcase Thailand's abundance and culinary reputation worldwide.

Only one contestant will win the national costume competition and earn the opportunity to represent Thailand at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico. Judging will involve two panels of judges plus votes from the top two contestants, with public voting open on the Miss Universe Thailand website from today at 11 p.m. through August 23 at 6 p.m. The Miss Universe Thailand 2026 final pageant takes place on August 23, 2025, starting at 7 p.m. Beyond the costume round, contestants will also compete for the Best Seller Award and Thailand's Choice Award, both of which automatically advance winners to the Top 20, making every vote and cheer potentially crucial in determining who advances to the Miss Universe stage.

Prime Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul expressed concern over flooding in Pua District, Nan Province on August 19 while in Australia, instructing all government agencies to mobilize full relief efforts. He spoke with Deputy Prime Minister Yasothon Wongswaddi, who oversees the northern region, directing him to send teams and visit the area personally. The Prime Minister confirmed that the area has been officially declared a disaster, allowing aid to be distributed without central approval and enabling faster resource allocation. Shelters have been established and the Prime Minister stressed that assistance must be comprehensive—covering food, clothing, and medicine—and must not resemble the inadequate Hat Yai flood response where rice containers came with only two small pieces of chicken. He acknowledged that all sectors, including the military, are providing full support. Although relief efforts are underway, the Prime Minister, currently in Australia on official business, expressed concern and sent encouragement to affected residents. Damaged roads are being attended to by responsible agencies under Deputy Prime Minister Yasothon's coordination. Compensation follows existing regulations: those affected for three consecutive days receive family assistance and funds for home repairs.

Leo Puth and Tar Phalaipol Tephawasdin described the moment they learned of Ray Macdonald's sudden death at his home, revealing he had been resting little and working hard. They explained that during their break time, they would stay apart so Ray could spend time with his child, as today was the first day of school for his son.

At 10:48 a.m. on August 19, 2025, at his residence in the Pattanakarn 61 area, staff from the Po Tek Tung Foundation removed the body of Ray Macdonald, a renowned actor and host, to transport it to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Police Hospital for autopsy to determine the cause of death.

After learning of Ray's death, family members and close friends including Leo Puth and Tar Phalaipol Tephawasdin rushed to his home. The atmosphere was filled with grief and shock at the sudden passing.

Leo Puth recounted that around 7:00 a.m., he was surprised when Ray's wife called, as she rarely called in the morning. Normally it would be Ray who called, as he woke early every day. But his wife called crying and screaming. At first he thought they were arguing, but when she said Ray had passed away, he was extremely shocked and immediately rushed out.

Leo explained that Ray appeared to simply be sleeping. He suspected Ray had gotten too little rest, as Ray was always active and traveling—traveling had become a part of his life. Ray rarely showed signs of fatigue, though sometimes overwork or insufficient rest could catch up with someone. To Leo's knowledge, Ray had no chronic illnesses, but Ray wouldn't tell anyone even if he did.

"Sometimes people may have an underlying condition but don't know what it is. Without a health checkup, you might not discover you're sick until it's too late," Leo said.

He and Ray would see each other occasionally, but during their break from travel, they stayed apart so Ray could spend time with his son on the first day of school.

Regarding the cause of death, Leo preferred to wait for the doctors' findings. From what he observed, Ray appeared to simply fall asleep. Ray's main concern had been his family, followed by his work.

"I believe Ray's journey hasn't ended, but has only changed form. He will continue traveling with his curiosity to see and know everything. He's seen much of this world, so perhaps he'll see what the next world is like. I want to say, travel safely, be fortunate, and get some rest," Leo Puth said.

Meanwhile, Tar Barbie revealed, "I think it's good for him to get some rest now. We both understood each other and knew what the other was thinking or feeling. I hope Ray finds happiness."

Pop Ponggul expressed shock and grief over the sudden death of Ray McDonald, saying that every time he met his brother figure, he was full of energy and inspired him since childhood. He wished Ray peace in the afterlife. Ray McDonald died suddenly at his home when his wife, Maem Sarinyya, found him unresponsive on the living room sofa at 6:20 a.m. on August 19. Security footage showed he collapsed onto the sofa at 12:12 a.m. His body was taken for autopsy. Pop Ponggul posted photos and shared memories of working together with Ray, alongside a heartfelt tribute: "I'm shocked, brother. Every time I saw you, you had such fire and energy. You inspired me as a young person and will continue to inspire me as I grow old. I hope you find peace in your new journey. Your coolness and style will never fade from my heart, brother Ray." Comments from the entertainment industry have poured in with expressions of shock and condolence.