At a briefing on August 17 at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education Minister Yossanan Wongsuwan addressed the U.S. plan to ask allied nations to take sides in the artificial intelligence competition with China. He noted that AI encompasses multiple sectors, including semiconductors, which have been discussed among allied nations. Following recent AI discussions in China at the World Internet Conference, Thailand may need to participate but must carefully consider its approach. For maximum advantage, Yossanan argued, Thailand must position itself as a neutral nation and will consult with Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkhao on how to navigate this geopolitical challenge.

When asked whether taking sides is necessary, Yossanan said Thailand must first strengthen its own technological and scientific foundations, which he has been developing over the past two to three months through discussions with France, Japan, and South Korea. He emphasized that Thailand should not focus on choosing sides but rather on building core capabilities that provide independence. Even if rejected in some areas, he said, a strong foundation allows the country to function autonomously.

Yossanan stressed that artificial intelligence relies on underlying infrastructure including data, cybersecurity, and hardware. With a robust domestic database, Thailand can make informed decisions about which AI partnerships serve its interests. He called for serious investment in foundational technologies, not just AI alone, and said both government and private sector participation through the Public-Private Sector Committee for Economic Reform is essential. The strategy, he concluded, should prioritize Thailand's own strengths and capabilities rather than fear-driven alignment with any major power.

At 8:35 a.m. on August 17 at Don Mueang Royal Thai Air Force Base, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister addressed the situation where the United States is preparing to press multiple countries to take sides in the AI competition with China. When asked whether Thailand's neutral position would impact trade negotiations, the PM said there should be no connection because each issue operates under separate negotiation conditions. He questioned what it means to "take sides" and at what level it would be considered as such, noting that negotiations are still ongoing.

The PM noted that this mirrors last week's visit by US Assistant Secretary of Defense, who confirmed that security matters, military training cooperation, and defense support are separate from trade negotiations, with both sides affirming this distinction. When asked whether frequent visits from senior US defense officials constituted pressure on Thailand, Anutin denied it, saying all interactions occur in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation. He added that the officials even call each other by first names—when asked to use a first name instead of "Minister," the US official asked to be called by his first name, and when called "Mr. Prime Minister," Anutin responded, "Call me Anutin."

PHUKET: The body of a 17-year-old boy who went missing while spearfishing in the channel separating Phuket from the mainland has been found after more than a day of searching over the weekend.

The BE aLife: Move Out Loud campaign continues to build a health-focused community, attracting over 1,000 participants. Following the inaugural competition on Saturday, August 8, 2025, the second week of racing took place on Saturday, August 15, 2025, at Skytrack on the 4th floor of True Digital Park, filled with energy and excitement. The campaign operates under the concept "You don't need to be superhuman to join the fun."

A key feature of week 2 is the addition of an age 50-plus category, continuing through week 3 to give fitness enthusiasts across all age groups the opportunity to exercise, push their limits, and demonstrate that age is not an obstacle to fitness.

The event atmosphere was vibrant, drawing office workers, friend groups, fitness beginners, and competitive athletes, all cheering and supporting one another throughout the competition. The competition highlights involve alternating between two main zones: The RUN, a running challenge on the Skytrack sky runway covering 540 meters per lap, and The FIT CHALLENGE 5, comprising five intense stations: SkiErg, Rowing, Kettlebell Swing, Sandbag Lunges, and Dumbbell Thruster.

Participants alternate between running and completing tasks at each station for five rounds, covering a total distance of 2.7 kilometers before winners are determined by combined score. The event welcomes both individual and two-person team entries, including male, female, mixed, and LGBTQ+ teams, reflecting an inclusive and welcoming competition.

Dr. Jirapong Pibathanapiwongse, Chairman and Executive Director of True Digital Park, stated the vision: "Our main goal is to make True Digital Park more than just a workspace—it should be a community that addresses the lifestyle needs of modern people across all dimensions, especially health. We launched the BE aLife: Move Out Loud campaign to transform this space into an adult playground where everyone can enjoy exercise as sportainment. With our fully prepared facilities, including the Skytrack zone and main activity area, we can seamlessly host these competitions and welcome everyone to build a strong, sustainable fitness community."

Dr. Jirapong also highlighted week 2's special feature: "In weeks 2 and 3, we are delighted to introduce a competition category for those aged 50 and above, demonstrating that our Functional Fitness Racing is not an excessively demanding activity. With proper training and preparation, anyone at any life stage can participate, have fun, and take home inspiration."

Following the intensive workouts, True Digital Park provides the Glass Pavilion, located in the outdoor garden area on the 4th floor's west side, as a peaceful retreat where participants can relax and recover after the competition.

The BE aLife: Move Out Loud campaign has completed two weeks of competition with two more scheduled for August 22 and 29, 2025, at Skytrack on the 4th floor of True Digital Park. Participants are invited to join, push their limits, and enjoy the experience.

The Tom Thailand 2026, Thailand's first Tom pageant, is generating strong momentum with major brands lining up to sponsor the event. License holder Lek-Bunnadda Thiphibal and pageant director Nan-Wailaksana Sirisaakr announced their success and satisfaction with the overwhelming positive response, particularly from large-brand sponsors queuing to join the competition.

A key highlight is the partnership with Sagasonic, a leading electric bicycle manufacturer, which is contributing to the contestants' experience. During a workshop at Panyaindra Golf Club, Sagasonic brought electric bicycles for contestants to test ride, leaving a strong impression on organizers. Sagasonic is a comprehensive electric vehicle manufacturer and distributor of bicycles, spare parts, tires, batteries, and control systems, with an engineering team overseeing strict production standards certified to ISO 9001:2015, ensuring all products pass rigorous quality control before reaching customers.

The Tom Thailand 2026 is intensifying preparations for the next phase: auditions at Khao Yai. Three camps are scheduled from September 6–20, 2569, with national-level masters and coaches including teams led by Pom Winit, Keng Tachaya, and Pa Top. The final round will take place on Saturday, October 3, 2569, at Calypso Asiatique The Riverfront, where contestants will compete for the title. For more details, follow Tom Thailand on Facebook.

At 9:50 a.m. on August 17, a concrete slab collapsed and trapped a worker near Samsen Soi 13 on Samsen Road in Vachira Ward, Dusit District, Bangkok, according to JS100 Radio. After receiving the alert, Samsen Fire and Rescue Station personnel arrived at the scene to assess the situation and provide emergency assistance, working to safely extract the person trapped beneath the slab.

No confirmed details have yet been released regarding the number of injured workers or their condition, nor has the cause of the collapse been determined. Rescue officials are continuing their investigation and rescue operation. Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.