On August 5, 2026, WiseSite (Thailand) Ltd., organizer of the Thailand Social Government Awards, announced the names of 50 government agencies recognized as 'Outstanding Government Entity on Social Media' for exemplary communication on social platforms.

The awards program developed a 'Social Metric for Government' framework based on the concept of public trust in government institutions (Public Trust) to promote and establish social media communication standards across the public sector. The evaluation criteria encompassed three key dimensions: relevance and alignment with institutional mission (Relevance), consistency in communication (Consistency), and appropriate responsiveness (Responsiveness).

Statistical data were collected from primary social media platforms used by government agencies covering more than 300 entities over a 12-month period from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. More than 50 key factors were analyzed to ensure comprehensive measurement criteria. A diverse committee of advisors and judges from various fields conducted final deliberation to identify 50 government agencies that demonstrated outstanding and complete performance.

The awards serve not only to honor excellence but also represent a crucial step in establishing modern-era government communication practices and building sustainable relationships and public trust. As society faces rapid misinformation and disinformation, government social media platforms have become the frontline for delivering accurate and reliable information.

Fifty winning agencies include the Department of Internal Trade, Department of Community Development, Department of Medical Services, Disease Control Department, Department of Meteorology, Department of Business Development, Fine Arts Department, Department of International Trade Promotion, Department of Cultural Promotion, Department of Industrial Promotion, the ministries of Defense, Finance, Foreign Affairs, Tourism and Sports, Social Development and Human Security, Higher Education/Science/Research and Innovation, Commerce, Culture, and Public Health, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Army, Air Force, Navy, and various military and police command bodies.

Actress and singer Mai Charoenpura has scheduled a press conference for August 6 to address false Facebook posts that have seriously damaged her reputation and public image. Her personal manager previously demanded removal of the posts, images, and shares, threatening legal action against those responsible. Public figure Bin Banlueruedee went live to defend Mai, confirming that her mother does not live in a nursing home and emphasizing that Mai is an exemplary daughter who has always cared for her mother properly. He described the false reports as a severe emotional attack that has created public misunderstanding. Mai will hold a press conference on Thursday, August 6, 2025, at 3 p.m., appearing with her mother Vibhakorn Sontikul and her personal manager to present all facts and discuss legal action taken in response to the incident, ensuring the public receives accurate information.

On August 5, 2569, a group of female victims brought evidence to seek help from Colonel Dr. Thanakrit Chitaririyarat, chairman of the Thanakrit Law Group, after alleging a police officer from the investigation unit in Songkhla province threatened and forced them to film explicit videos sold to underground groups. The victims claim the officer had backing from his superiors, with more than 20 people affected.

One victim, identified as Ms. A, an ex-girlfriend of the officer, revealed she was forced into a two-year relationship after being secretly filmed. Throughout their time together, she was filmed during intimate moments, which she tried to delete. When she accessed the officer's phone, she discovered he frequently filmed women. On May 31, the officer was involved in a car accident where approximately 10 mobile phones and various drugs including methamphetamine and crystal methamphetamine spilled out. Ms. A managed to retrieve one phone, which contained explicit videos of numerous women, with the youngest victim being only 4 years old. She then traced all the victims in the footage before filing a report on June 2.

According to Ms. A, the police station opened an investigation on June 4 and reassigned the officer to Songkhla Provincial Police for only three days before he returned to his original position. She claims he has threatened victims to withdraw their complaints, warning he would take action against their homes, and he continues performing his duties normally.

Coordinator Chanthath Rinnapakonn revealed that in one case involving a 14-year-old victim, the officer allegedly raided her home during a drug investigation into her brother. Finding nothing illegal, he allegedly threatened the victim that unless she consented to sexual abuse and filming, both her brother and mother would face charges.

Colonel Dr. Thanakrit Chitaririyarat stated that all victims have filed reports, but the case has made no progress. The phone retrieved contains multiple secret chat groups with numerous explicit videos offered for sale at varying prices. He plans to take the victims to the Technology Crime Investigation Bureau for prosecution and to the Justice Ministry for witness protection. He has also petitioned the National Police Commander to issue an order dismissing the officer from service, as any investigation or transfer would not address the gravity of the crimes.

The Huay Jai Brisut Foundation has delivered supplies to staff at Thong Pha Phum National Park to support their work protecting the country's natural resources and forests. On August 4, foundation president Theeratrat Nawamawat presented provisions to park officials. Rachun Buatree, director of Conservation Area Administration Zone 3 (Ban Pong), received the supplies for distribution to staff at Thong Pha Phum National Park in Kanchanaburi province.

The donation was supported by Sarangjit Wang, a board member of Bai Lee Enterprises, to encourage staff working continuously in natural resource management. Theeratrat stated that the foundation prioritizes supporting conservation and natural resource protection officers, whose work demands great sacrifice and resilience in facing ongoing challenges and risks. She hopes the supplies will ease their burden and strengthen their commitment to protecting forests and natural resources for future generations.

The Huay Jai Brisut Foundation remains dedicated to continuous social development activities, providing support and encouragement to agencies, personnel, and communities across various sectors to build a culture of continuous sharing.

Lightning strike kills footballer during tournament in NarathiwatLegacyA footballer was killed and eight others injured after lightning struck during the Golok FA Cup 2026 semi-final at the Santipap Stadium in Su-ngai Golok district, Narathiwat, yesterday, August 4. The incident occurred during injury time as heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds swept across the area. Lightning struck the pitch while the match was still in progress. One of the players, 24 year old Sofwan Awae, suffered critical injuries and later died. Eight other players were also injured in the incident. Photo via FC Yala Sofwan was a former Pattani FC player who had recently signed with FC Yala. Following news of his death, FC Yala shared a message on social media expressing sympathy to his family. The club wrote: “إِنَّا لِلّهِ وَإِنَّـا إِلَيْهِ رَاجِعونَ We extend our condolences to the family of our new FC Yala player, Sofwan Awae.” Football fans and social media users also expressed their condolences following the tragedy. The Golok FA Cup 2026 is a local football tournament featuring teams from Thailand’s southern border provinces as well as clubs from Malaysia.

In a similar incident, a lightning strike killed a caddy working during a rainstorm at a Bangkok golf course, as players continued their game despite the weather. The tragedy raised concerns over player and staff safety at golf courses during storms. Many social media users questioned why play had continued in such dangerous conditions, pointing to a culture of pressure that often prevents caddies from making safety calls. In another incident, a Thai woman was struck by lightning while hiking on Doi Pui Luang mountain in the northern province of Mae Hong Son, causing her to lose consciousness and sustain burns across her body. She was successfully taken to a hospital for treatment. The story Lightning strike kills footballer during tournament in Narathiwat as seen on Thaiger News.

Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary in Uthai Thani Province has closed temporarily following the fatal attack on ranger Sakhrin Wichachart near Thabselao Stream. Evidence including drag marks, bite wounds on the corpse, and fresh tiger paw prints found nearby suggests an Indochinese tiger was responsible, though officials have not yet confirmed which individual tiger was involved. A research team from Khao Nang Ram Wildlife Research Station is reviewing camera-trap footage to track the tiger's behavior.

Wildlife officials note that tigers typically do not approach work areas or attack people. When tigers venture near communities, they are often elderly or injured animals unable to hunt naturally. However, detailed investigation is ongoing.

The sanctuary has implemented five protective measures: temporary closure to tourism; warnings to staff to avoid high-risk areas with increased vigilance around offices and ranger posts; installation of additional lighting in vulnerable zones; community engagement and public awareness campaigns; and formal reporting to supervisors for further support.

According to recent surveys, Indochinese tigers are distributed across 26 protected areas in Thailand within five forest complexes. Camera-trap data identifies 210 individual tigers. The Western Forest Complex holds the majority, with Huai Kha Khaeng alone accounting for 100 tigers, followed by Thung Yai Naresuan with 15 tigers on the western side and 25 on the eastern side.