Thailand's Top Administrative Court Overturns Songkhla Governor Dismissal

Thailand's Supreme Administrative Court overturned the dismissal of Songkhla's former provincial governor Niphon Bunnyamanee, ruling the 2021 order violated legal procedure and essential requirements for removal from office.

3 Aug Khaosod

On August 3, 2025, the Administrative Court of Thailand read aloud the Supreme Administrative Court's judgment in cases Black No. 2001/2566 and Red No. 702/2569, between plaintiff Niphon Bunnyamanee and defendants the National Anti-Corruption Commission and the Interior Minister. The Supreme Administrative Court ruled to annul Interior Ministry Order No. 1528/2564, dated June 25, 2021, which had dismissed Niphon Bunnyamanee from his position as Songkhla PAO governor during his term from August 4, 2013, to June 27, 2019. The court found the dismissal unlawful because it violated proper form, procedure, and essential legal requirements established for such actions.

No. 01 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Police

Woman Details Abuse by Accused Serial Killer With Police Relative

A woman who was assaulted by serial killer suspect Pong seven years ago came forward demanding the death penalty, alleging he drugged and sexually abused her at age 14 and that a police officer relative helped him evade justice in Chachoeng

3 Aug Khaosod

Police have arrested a suspect known as Pong and associates for the brutal murders of two Russian siblings and the burial deaths of a mother, father, and child—five victims total—in Chachoengsao Province, shocking the nation. On August 3, 2025, a woman identified as A, who was detained and sexually assaulted by Pong seven years ago, came forward publicly to reveal his violent behavior and demand the death penalty.

A disclosed that at age 14, Pong lured her under the pretense of inviting her to watch a car race, then accused her of stealing methamphetamine worth approximately 50,000 baht and forced her to "clear" the debt. He allegedly drugged her before sexually assaulting her, and when she escaped, he terrorized her by threatening to release explicit videos and kill her entire family—even firing a gun in front of her house. Fearing for her family's safety, she was forced to return to him twice before being taken into the forest, where he dug a hole and threatened to bury her alive, paralleling the murders.

A also revealed that when she previously reported the assault to Bang Lamung Police Station, officers told her it was outside their jurisdiction and directed her to Huai Yai Station. However, when she mentioned that Pong had threatened to kill her if she reported it, officers offered no solution. She further alleged that Pong took her to meet a relative he claimed was a police officer to obtain methamphetamine, and that this officer told her they were Pong's wife.

A expressed confidence that the officer is connected to Pong, noting that in prior cases, this officer would call Pong with advance warnings about incoming arrests. She recounted two encounters with this officer: once at a guesthouse following a domestic dispute involving Pong, and again when the officer later called Pong to say the case had been deleted from the system.

The Department of Corrections has clarified the release of Pong and Thong before the murders, stating they followed JSOC procedures. A court has denied bail for both suspects, citing serious criminal behavior and high sentencing exposure, with judges warning that release poses a significant flight risk.

No. 02 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Concert Organizer Exposes Fake Wristband Forgery Ring

A concert organizer in Sing Buri exposed a forged wristband syndicate selling fake entry passes to his events, vowing legal action after discovering the criminal group's printing operation. The promoter warns other concert organizers nation

3 Aug Khaosod

A concert organizer has exposed a coordinated criminal gang that forges event wristbands and resells them to people seeking concert entry. The behavior appears to be organized as a syndicate and causes significant damage to event organizers, who have pledged to take maximum legal action.

On August 3, 2025, Bas, owner of VIRGIN shop and concert promoter, spoke to online news about the incident. He noted that his company regularly hosts concerts in multiple locations and has encountered this type of behavior many times before, but has been unable to apprehend those behind it. He admitted that in the past he had not been sufficiently careful about the issue.

The most recent concert was held in Sing Buri province over two days on August 1-2. On the first day, he was not alert and his team did not conduct thorough checks, allowing anyone with a wristband to enter normally. By August 2, however, he began noticing an unusually large number of people inside the venue. Combined with heavy rain that day, many attendees requested wristband replacements, which aroused his suspicion. He believed a group was forging wristbands and selling them outside the venue.

He and his team then conducted surveillance and sting operations, successfully tracing the operation back to its source. They discovered the criminal group had printing equipment and a dedicated facility for producing counterfeit wristbands. The gang had purchased original wristbands from the first concert to use as templates, then copied and sold fakes at the venue.

Bas stated that this behavior causes serious damage to event organizers, who bear substantial costs to produce concerts only to face people exploiting counterfeit wristbands for profit.

Bas warned concert organizers across the country to increase vigilance and thoroughly inspect wristbands, as he believes other similar groups may be operating and traveling between concerts nationwide. "Every concert requires significant investment and preparation. I urge all organizers to help protect against this issue," Bas said.

No. 03 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Trinity Securities Eyes Fed Rate Cuts, US Data in August

Trinity Securities expects August markets to be shaped by Federal Reserve rate-cut expectations and U.S. economic data, with Fed Chair Kevin Warsh's Jackson Hole speech on August 27–29 likely to signal the central bank's monetary policy dir

3 Aug Khaosod

Trinity Securities forecasts that August 2025 investment markets will continue to be driven by expectations of Federal Reserve rate cuts alongside rolling announcements of global corporate earnings, which will shape short-term investment sentiment. Investors must closely monitor signals from Federal Reserve officials throughout the month, particularly from Fed Chair Kevin Warsh at the annual central banking conference in Jackson Hole on August 27–29, where policymakers may signal their monetary policy approach for the remainder of the year.

"Global market direction this month will depend primarily on how we interpret U.S. economic data—whether employment figures, inflation rates, or Fed officials' statements—which will directly affect expectations for the timing of rate cuts and capital flows into risk assets," said Natchat Mekhmasinn, senior assistant managing director of securities analysis at Trinity Securities.

Key indicators to watch this week include the U.S. ISM Manufacturing Index for July, which reflects manufacturing sector trends, and SpaceX earnings on August 4, which may influence sentiment in technology and space stocks. Domestically, investors await Thailand's July Consumer Price Index on August 6 to assess inflation trends and future monetary policy direction. Major U.S. economic highlights include private-sector employment data (ADP) on August 5 and nonfarm payrolls on August 7—critical figures the Fed uses for policy decisions that could shift rate-cut expectations and bond yields if results significantly beat or miss forecasts.

"August investment strategy will focus closely on economic data and Fed signals, as these will be the primary drivers of global stock markets, bond yields, the dollar, and capital flows in emerging markets, including Thai equities," Natchat concluded.

No. 04 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Community

Bezins Healthcare and YoungHappy Host Hormone Care Event for Adults Over 45

Bezins Healthcare and YoungHappy hosted a hormone care event for adults over 45, featuring screening tests, fitness sessions, and sound healing to promote holistic wellness across physical and mental health.

3 Aug Khaosod

Hormones are a critical foundation for health and long-term quality of life. Bezins Healthcare (Thailand) Limited, in partnership with YoungHappy, organized the "HORMONES Matter: Good Health Starts with Hormone Care" event to provide a comprehensive, holistic health experience for people aged 45–60. The event aims to raise awareness of hormone importance while promoting integrated physical, mental, and lifestyle wellness.

Participants enjoyed activities designed for multidimensional health care, beginning with hormone screening tests for both men and women, along with guidance on how hormones affect daily life. A key highlight was the "Wake Your Energy" session led by fitness coach and athlete Yo Yasowadit Hasdevichit, featuring low-impact aerobic exercise to boost circulation, build strength, and energize the body appropriately for the 45+ age group. The event concluded with "Calm the Nervous System," a sound healing session led by instructor Ter Ratkarn Harueankij that helps relieve stress, restore nervous system balance, and enhance mental wellbeing—reflecting the holistic health philosophy of caring for both body and mind together.

Pattarallakshan Kongthawar, Thailand Country Manager for Bezins Healthcare (Thailand) Limited, stated that the event reinforces the company's commitment to partnering with YoungHappy to encourage Thais to adopt comprehensive health care and to correct the misconception that hormone management is only for the middle-aged. He emphasized that "balanced hormones are a key foundation for health span and a long life filled with strength, energy, and happiness."

Chakkit Promyos, founder and CEO of YoungHappy Limited, noted that Thailand has fully entered an aged society, affecting every family and business. This collaboration with Bezins Healthcare (Thailand) represents an active-aging model designed to help Thai seniors live enjoyably, meaningfully, and independently.

No. 05 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Weather

Thailand Braces for Heavy Rain, Flash Floods Across Four Regions

Thailand's Meteorological Department warns of heavy rainfall and flash floods across four regions over the next 24 hours due to a monsoon trough and low-pressure system, with the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand expecting intensified waves

3 Aug Khaosod

The Thai Meteorological Department issued a weather forecast on August 3 for the next 24 hours, predicting scattered heavy rainfall across Thailand due to a monsoon trough moving through the upper north and northern Laos, combined with a low-pressure system near Vietnam's northern coast and strengthening southwest monsoon winds over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. The public is urged to beware of dangers from heavy and accumulated rainfall that may cause flash floods and runoff, especially in hilly terrain near waterways and low-lying areas.

Wave conditions in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand are expected to intensify. The upper Andaman Sea will see waves around 2 meters high, while the lower Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand will have waves of 1–2 meters, with thunderstorm areas experiencing waves exceeding 2 meters. Boaters are advised to exercise caution and avoid sailing in thunderstorm zones.

Northern Region: 60% thunderstorm coverage with heavy rain in Maehongson, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Lamphun, Phayao, Nan, Tak, and Uttaradit. Low 23–26°C, high 30–36°C. Southwest wind 10–20 km/h.

Northeastern Region: 60% thunderstorm coverage with heavy rain in Loei, Nong Khai, Buengkan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, and Mukdahan. Low 23–26°C, high 29–35°C. Southwest wind 10–20 km/h.

Central Region: 40% thunderstorm coverage with heavy rain in Nakhon Sawan, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Low 24–26°C, high 34–35°C. Southwest wind 10–20 km/h.

Eastern Region: 60% thunderstorm coverage with heavy rain in Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Low 24–28°C, high 32–35°C. Southwest wind 15–35 km/h. Waves 1–2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

Southern Region (East Coast): 40% thunderstorm coverage with heavy rain in Chumphon, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Low 23–26°C, high 34–36°C. Southwest wind 15–30 km/h. Waves around 1 meter nearshore, 1–2 meters offshore, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm zones.

Southern Region (West Coast): 60% thunderstorm coverage with heavy rain in Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Trang, and Satun. Low 23–26°C, high 32–35°C. From Phang Nga northward: southwest wind 20–35 km/h, waves around 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorms. From Phuket southward: southwest wind 15–35 km/h, waves 1–2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorms.

Bangkok and Vicinity: 60% thunderstorm coverage, mostly afternoon to evening. Low 26–27°C, high 33–35°C. Southwest wind 10–20 km/h.

No. 06 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Bangchak Donates 3.6 Million Baht to 19 Charities for 20th Year

Bangchak Corporation donated 3.6 million baht to 19 charities through its Green Miles loyalty program, with funds accumulated from member loyalty points and company matching contributions over two decades.

3 Aug Khaosod

Bangchak Corporation, represented by Seree Anuphanthanun, Senior Executive Vice President of the Marketing Business Group, presented 3.6 million baht in donations to 19 nonprofit organizations on behalf of Bangchak Green Miles members. The funds come from accumulated loyalty points earned by members when purchasing fuel and products from Bangchak affiliates throughout 2025, combined with matching contributions from the company. Over 20 years, members have continuously donated their points to support community welfare, environmental protection, and assistance for children, persons with disabilities, elderly citizens, patients, and animals. Bangchak facilitates donations through a "Charity Basket" feature on its mobile app and website at www.bcpgreenmiles.com, allowing members to donate flexibly. The 19 recipient organizations include major foundations such as King Mongkut's Hospital of Technology Thonburi, Doctors Without Borders Thailand, Ramathibodi Foundation, Thai Red Cross, artificial limb foundation, Ban Bang Kaew Foundation, and several medical and educational charities. As a pioneer in the oil retail sector offering a loyalty membership system, Bangchak rewards members with points on every fuel purchase and product transaction, which can be redeemed for discounts or donated to charity. A unique benefit called "Rise by Rise" grants bonus points equal to fuel price increases on the first day prices go up, celebrating the program's 20th anniversary.

No. 07 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Police

Huge Smuggled Cigarette Cache Seized in Nakhon Ratchasima

Authorities in Nakhon Ratchasima seized over 75,000 smuggled cigarette packs worth 6.75 million baht, resulting in more than 4 million baht in lost tax revenue. The trafficking network members face prosecution under customs and excise tax l

3 Aug Khaosod

Authorities announced the arrest of a major illegal cigarette trafficking network in central Nakhon Ratchasima, seizing over 75,000 cigarette packs representing a tax loss to the state of more than 4 million baht. Criminal charges will be filed against those responsible under customs and excise tax laws.

Excise Department Director Pornjai Teerawech appointed Acting Colonel Yongyut Phumiprathes, an excise tax strategy consultant, to represent the Excise Department at the news conference announcing the arrest of the large-scale tax-evading cigarette trafficking network in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The operation was conducted jointly with the Anti-Cigarette and Tobacco Products Center, the National Police Bureau's Central Investigation Bureau, and the Economic Crime Suppression Division.

The operation resulted from integrated inter-agency cooperation on investigation and suppression of illegal cigarette sales. Officers conducted a search of a residence in Muang Nakhon Ratchasima district and discovered 150 cartons of foreign cigarettes bearing no tax stamps, totaling 7,500 packages or 75,000 individual cigarettes valued at approximately 6.75 million baht. This caused the state to lose over 4 million baht in tax revenue. The offenders will be prosecuted under customs and excise tax laws.

The Excise Department, led by Sumet Rit Charoen, Director of the Inspection, Prevention and Suppression Bureau, and his team coordinated closely with police officers in conducting the investigation, search, and inspection of the seized goods. This effort aims to enforce measures preventing and suppressing smuggling of tax-evaded goods, protecting state interests, and ensuring fairness to legitimate businesses.

The Excise Department affirmed its commitment to continuing integrated cooperation with all sectors to prevent and suppress smuggling of tax-evaded goods, maintain the country's tax collection efficiency, reduce illegal trade, and build public confidence in those operating businesses lawfully. The department also appealed to the public to report information on excise tax violations to collectively protect the nation's interests sustainably.

No. 08 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Nakhon Ratchasima Warns Four Subdistricts of Rabid Dog Exposure

A rabid dog that exposed residents in four Nakhon Ratchasima subdistricts between July 20–30 has prompted provincial health officials to urge anyone bitten or scratched to seek post-exposure vaccination immediately, as rabies is fatal witho

3 Aug Khaosod

On August 3, 2025, the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Health Office issued a public alert and sought cooperation from residents in the province who may have been bitten, scratched, or exposed to a rabid dog between July 20–30. The alert specifically targets those who encountered a brown dog near a water drainage gate in Ban Pru Yai Subdistrict, Muang District, and surrounding community roads connecting Pon Krang, Pud Sa, and Si Mum subdistricts.

Authorities submitted a sample of the dead brown dog for laboratory testing at the Lower Northeastern Veterinary Research and Development Center in Surin Province, which confirmed rabies infection. Witnesses reported that multiple people may have been bitten, scratched, or exposed to the animal's saliva, creating high risk for viral transmission. Rabies has no cure and is fatal if symptoms develop.

Dr. Wichanya Kitthaen, chief physician of the Nakhon Ratchasima health office, reported that a 53-year-old man from Phi Tong Subdistrict was bitten on both legs by a young male dog in July but did not receive post-exposure vaccination. He died on February 15, 2025.

As of August 3, 2025, surveillance data shows 30 rabid animals detected across the province this year, with 20 cases in Muang District alone. In July, two additional rabid dogs were found, including one stray, brown female dog, five years old in Ban Pru Yai with aggressive behavior, dilated pupils, drooling, and a drooping tail that chased and bit people and other animals. A total of 17 people have had contact with infected animals, including six with deep bite wounds. Authorities have implemented disease control measures and vaccination programs in a five-kilometer radius around confirmed cases.

No. 09 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Foreign Tourist Arrivals Drop 3% to 18.5 Million

Thailand's foreign tourist arrivals dropped 3% to 18.51 million through early August 2025, with southern unrest and reduced India flights weighing on growth despite strong long-haul markets.

3 Aug Khaosod

Tourism and Sports Minister Suraskul Pantjaerngvalkul announced that Thailand received 18.51 million foreign tourists between January 1 and August 1, 2025, down 3.19% year-on-year, generating 896.2 billion baht in spending. The top five source markets are China (3.08 million), Malaysia (2.37 million), India (1.38 million), Russia (1.1 million), and South Korea (679,000).

In the latest week of July 26–August 1, near-market tourism slowed due to unrest reports in southern border provinces and reduced airline capacity on India routes, with India–Thailand flights down 28.6% and India–Malaysia flights down 20.7% year-on-year. Long-haul markets, particularly Europe, continued growing, buoyed by new routes to Dubai and Amsterdam and South Korean summer school holidays bringing families. South Korean arrivals surged 19.85% week-on-week to rank fourth overall, up from fifth the previous week.

Thailand recorded 567,312 foreign tourists this week, down 2.92% from the previous week (averaging 81,045 per day). Short-haul markets brought 362,773 visitors, down 4.34%, while long-haul markets attracted 204,539, down 0.31%.

No. 10 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Online Insurance Broker heygoody Wins 25 Awards

Thai insurance platform heygoody has won 25 international and national awards since launching in 2023, recognizing its customer-focused "Zero Telesales" approach and digital innovation in simplifying online insurance purchases.

3 Aug Khaosod

Recognition from national and international award bodies covers customer experience, digital innovation, and brand communication, reflecting the platform's approach to making insurance selection simple and offering support throughout the customer journey.

heygoody, an online insurance broker operated by Ngoen Tid Lor Public Company Limited under Tidlor Holdings (TIDLOR), has won 25 awards from national and international platforms between 2024 and 2026, spanning customer experience, digital innovation, data use, technology, and brand communication. This success underscores the company's business approach rooted in genuine customer understanding.

Since its official launch in September 2023, heygoody has focused on developing an online insurance broker platform that empowers customers to search, compare, and make independent insurance purchases without unsolicited sales calls, under the "Zero Telesales" concept, while designing experiences from pre-purchase through claims. The platform currently connects with leading insurance companies via API, allowing customers to compare and purchase insurance online in approximately 2–5 minutes, with installment payment options at 0% interest for up to 10–12 months. Coverage includes auto insurance (combustion and electric), travel, health, and life insurance.

Twenty-five awards reflecting development across all dimensions of the online insurance broker:

Understanding customers and designing experiences from real problems — The Zero Telesales concept and "Do Not Call" policy earned recognition from customer experience platforms including The Asian Banker, Digital CX Awards, and CX Asia.

Using technology and data to simplify insurance — Awards from IDC Future Enterprise Awards and InsureTech Connect Asia reflect the application of data and technology to continuously improve online insurance services.

Communicating insurance clearly and reaching more consumers — The #heyintrovert and #TheStressFreeSymphony campaigns won multiple domestic and international awards, demonstrating the ability to communicate insurance in understandable terms and connect with consumers.

Palakmon Tulyapisitkul, Assistant Managing Director for Digital Transformation, stated: "All 25 awards confirm that starting from customer understanding can transform the insurance purchase and usage experience. heygoody will continue developing technology, products, and services with customer experience at the foundation, making insurance simple to understand, accessible, and reliable for Thai people."

Awards and recognition between 2024 and 2026 can be found at https://hgd.insure/awards

2026

IIC ASIA Awards 2026 — 2 awards: Data & Analytics Visionary Award, Women in Insurance Leadership Award

2025

IDC Future Enterprise Awards 2025 — Winner: Digital Native Business The Asian Banker — Winner: Best Customer Experience Initiative ("Do Not Call" Policy) Digital CX Awards 2025 — Winner: Outstanding Digital CX Transformation CX Asia 2025 — Silver: Best Use of CX Technology ITC Asia Awards — Winner: C-Suite of the Year Thailand Influencer Awards 2025 by Tellscore (#TheStressFreeSymphony) — Silver The Asian Banker (#TheStressFreeSymphony) — Winner: Best Digital Brand Campaign

2024

InsureTech Connect Asia 2024 — 2 awards: Winner (Breakthrough Awards), Runner-up (Data Analytics Master Awards) Global Retail Banking Innovation Awards 2024

No. 11 of ∞ Read at source → Next