The Department of Fisheries has released analysis of U.S. Section 301 tariffs, emphasizing that Thai tuna exports remain strong while pledging continued shrimp industry development alongside stricter labor protections and certification of forced-labor-free seafood across all supply chains.

The U.S. Trade Representative investigation identified 60 trading partners deemed ineffective in enforcing bans on forced-labor products. According to Thitiporn Loawpraserit, Director-General of the Department of Fisheries, Thailand's core issue is not domestic forced-labor oversight but rather the lack of laws controlling imports of forced-labor goods. The U.S. sources 96% of its seafood imports from the 60 investigated economies, with only 4% from unexamined countries.

The U.S. has proposed two additional tariff rates: 10% for 16 countries including Canada, Ecuador, Indonesia, Mexico, and the United Kingdom that have forced-labor bans or reciprocal trade agreements; and 12.5% for 46 other countries including Thailand.

The Department of Fisheries analyzed impacts on Thailand's two leading seafood exports to the U.S.—tuna and shrimp—which represent 76% of Thai seafood export value. Thailand leads global tuna exports to the U.S. at 29.73% market share ($574 million), and despite the higher 12.5% tariff compared to Ecuador and Indonesia's 10% rate, Thailand's strong processing industry and efficient supply chain are expected to absorb the impact and maintain market share.

For shrimp, Thailand holds only 4.53% of the U.S. market ($302 million) against India's 36.15%, Ecuador's 25.59%, and Indonesia's 14.69%. The 12.5% tariff versus competitors' 10% rate poses a significant price disadvantage, compounded by Ecuador's rising production volumes and lower costs, factors that influence U.S. consumer purchasing decisions.

Prime Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul expressed condolences to families of the deceased following a shooting incident at Thepsirin School in Bang Kruai, Nonthaburi, and stressed that such incidents must never happen again. He pledged that nothing will take priority over public safety and ordered all relevant agencies to provide urgent assistance and compensation. Deputy Prime Minister Boradit Parisananantkul, who heads the government's disaster relief fund, convened a meeting to approve compensation payments based on established rates: 1 million baht for deaths, 700,000 baht for permanent disability, 200,000 baht for severe injuries, and 100,000 baht for minor injuries. The Ministry of Justice's Rights Protection Department has also begun providing legal support under criminal injury compensation law. The government expressed sincere condolences and pledged comprehensive, coordinated assistance from all relevant agencies.

Deputy Education Minister Akkhanan sent senior official Parame Waicharnjaicharoen to Thepsirin School in Nonthaburi province to coordinate psychological support for injured students and teachers following a shooting incident by a Grade 9 student that killed and wounded multiple people.

As of noon on August 7, 2569, all relevant agencies mobilized to investigate the incident and determine the shooter's motive. Multiple ministers deployed to the scene, including Deputy Interior Minister Polpeer Suwannachuay, Health Minister Pattana Prompt Pattana, and Deputy Police Commander Thachchai Pitaneelabutr.

From the Education Ministry, Parame Waicharnjaicharoen, a team member of Deputy Education Minister Akkhanan, stated that Akkhanan assigned him to the scene urgently. Education Minister Prasert, occupied with other duties, ordered all agencies to coordinate fully, prioritizing care for the injured and addressing psychological impacts on students and teachers.

Parame revealed that Akkhanan coordinated with psychologists for assistance and urged the public and media to refrain from sharing violent images, noting they are widely circulated and cause significant harm, disrespect to victims, and may encourage imitation.

Parame noted that while the shooting's cause requires investigation, critical questions remain: where did the shooter obtain the weapon, and how did a firearm reach a child or youth? These are fundamental questions that must be posed to all responsible parties.

2 Thai, 2 foreigners arrested for illegally operating international schools in PhuketLegacyPolice arrested two foreigners and two Thai nationals for illegally operating international schools in Phuket through nominee arrangements. The arrests followed a wider crackdown by Phuket Provincial Police and Chalong Police Station on foreign-owned businesses suspected of violating Thai law in the Chalong and Rawai areas. During the investigation, officers identified three international schools that police allege were operating in breach of the Foreign Business Act. According to investigators, two foreign nationals controlled the businesses while two Thai nationals assisted with the establishment and registration of the companies, allowing the schools to operate through nominee arrangements. Photo via Facebook/ Nbt Phuket Thailand After gathering evidence, police obtained arrest warrants for four suspects, comprising two foreign nationals and two Thai nationals. Authorities did not disclose the identities or nationalities of the foreign suspects. On Tuesday, August 5, officers raided schools and suspects’ accommodations and arrested all four suspects before transferring them to investigators for legal proceedings under the Foreign Business Act. Police said the investigation is continuing to identify any additional suspects or companies that may have been involved. Chalong Police Station also reminded foreign business operators to comply with Thai law and warned Thai nationals not to allow their names to be used as nominees, saying those involved could face the same legal penalties as foreign business operators found to have violated the law. Photo via Facebook/ Nbt Phuket Thailand Authorities added they will continue enforcing the Foreign Business Act against illegal business operations and those who facilitate nominee schemes. Anyone with information about similar activities is encouraged to contact police by calling 191 or Chalong Police Station on 076-381247. The operation follows new measures introduced by the Department of Business Development (DBD) under the Ministry of Commerce on August 1 to tighten scrutiny of nominee arrangements. Under the new regulations, companies with foreign investors must provide evidence showing the source of investment funds used by Thai shareholders. Applicants are also required to submit a written explanation of the investment together with three months of bank statements from the Thai investor or the legal entity providing the funds. Photo via Facebook/ Nbt Phuket Thailand The story 2 Thai, 2 foreigners arrested for illegally operating international schools in Phuket as seen on Thaiger News.

The premiere of the year's Thai film 'LAAM: The Thai Interpreter' opened at EmQuartier CineArt on the fourth floor of EmQuartier shopping center. The film, created from the true story of Khru Oey – Benjamín Phumisuean, a Thai interpreter who transformed lives through the power of language, was organized by FLXFE Co., Ltd. alongside THE UNBOUND VOICE Co., Ltd., Film Works TUV Co., Ltd., and partner networks.

The film draws inspiration from a woman's real-life experiences bridging understanding and assisting Thai people abroad through her work in the United States. 'LAAM: The Thai Interpreter' tells the story of an ordinary woman who uses language as more than communication—as a bridge connecting hope, justice, and human dignity during life's crucial moments. The film addresses issues of Thai labor rights, human rights, and the value of mutual understanding between people of different languages and cultures.

Arun Sakdi Onglao, founder of FLXFE Co., Ltd. and chairman of the Thai Independent Film Makers Association, spoke about the intention to bring this film to Thai audiences and officially unveiled the film trailer. He invited Benjamín Phumisuean (Khru Oey) along with the creative team and director to share behind-the-scenes stories and the film's inspiration.

The event was honored with Weerasak Kovsuratna presiding over the opening ceremony, alongside creators, distinguished guests, and supporters. They formally launched 'LAAM: The Thai Interpreter' with ceremonial enthusiasm before inviting guests to the premiere screening.

The film 'LAAM: The Thai Interpreter' is scheduled for nationwide theatrical release on August 12, 2025, under the campaign 'Invite Mom to the Movies,' to share stories of love, understanding, and solidarity at a time when people need encouragement most.

Prime Minister Anuchin Chanhweerakul addressed accusations by Rungsiman Romp, a Pheu Thai list MP and chair of the parliamentary committee on law, justice, and human rights, who alleged the PM was involved in local government exam fraud by selecting the test oversight committee and influencing Burapha University to withdraw from administering the exam. Anuchin questioned how many times Romp has made such claims and whether they were accurate, remarking that Romp speaks based on speculation without factual evidence and dismisses the allegations entirely.

The PM confirmed that the matter is now under investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), police, and the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO), and that he has no involvement in the controversy. He stressed that his only role is to ensure no corruption occurs and that he bears no responsibility for overseeing the test administration process—that is not the PM's or Interior Minister's duty. Anuchin stated that the government's policy requires all actions by agencies under government supervision to comply with law, be transparent, and be verifiable.

On August 6, Deputy Interior Minister Apisit Sampatharatana attended a meeting of the central civil service committee and reviewed results from the local government civil service exam committee. The committee ultimately voted to annul the appointments of over 5,000 officials found to have engaged in fraudulent conduct during the exam. The decision will be forwarded to local authorities and provincial governors for implementation, and no further hiring will occur for these positions due to procedural irregularities.

Anuchin rejected calls for him to take greater personal responsibility, stating that he already fulfills his duties with integrity and that responsibility means identifying and punishing wrongdoers. He criticized Romp for repeatedly making unsubstantiated claims and said that none of Romp's previous allegations have proven accurate, adding that the MP merely speculates based on his own assumptions without solid evidence.