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No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Thailand Studies Floating Solar Power at Naval Base

Thailand is studying a 5-megawatt floating solar project at a naval base in Chachoengsao as it develops its new Power Development Plan to manage shifting electricity consumption patterns toward renewable self-generation. The project, launch

Thailand Studies Floating Solar Power at Naval Base
10 Aug Khaosod

Watthana Pongkurawat, director of the Office of Energy Policy and Planning (OEPP), said he led executives, officials, and media on a study tour of a floating solar power project at Nong Kai Tia Reservoir at Satahip Naval Base in Chachoengsao province. The visit examined renewable energy generation for local on-site use, reflecting the changing patterns of electricity consumption that must be considered in developing Thailand's new Power Development Plan.

Thailand's electricity system faces changes in both technology and consumer behavior, shifting from dependence on centralized grid supply toward a future where organizations, businesses, and individuals generate renewable electricity for their own use. This transformation directly affects electricity demand forecasting, power generation planning, transmission systems, and appropriate reserve capacity levels.

The new Power Development Plan 2026 (PDP 2026) will provide a critical framework to advance Thailand's energy system with stability, reasonable costs, and increased clean energy, supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy and Net Zero goals by 2050. "The new plan must consider how electricity production and consumption patterns are changing as more users generate their own power, how demand from the grid shifts over time, and how to maintain stability and readiness during periods when renewable sources cannot generate," Watthana said.

The Satahip floating solar project is a collaboration between the Royal Thai Navy and PTT Public Company Limited with an installed capacity of 5.03 megawatts. The generated electricity feeds into the naval base's existing grid, with output managed to match local demand. Power generation is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2027 and could save approximately 6.35 million baht annually in electricity costs while reducing carbon dioxide emissions by roughly 82,000 tons over the project's lifespan.

Although the project operates outside direct government supervision, it serves as an instructive case study demonstrating trends in self-generated renewable power and localized energy management. It illustrates the relationship between distributed generation and the main grid, while highlighting the need to accelerate smart grid development and increase system flexibility to accommodate growing renewable energy in the future.

Following the site visit, participants attended a lecture on sea turtle conservation at the Royal Thai Navy Sea Turtle Conservation Center, then participated in releasing hatchlings back into the ocean to support marine resource restoration and ecosystem sustainability, demonstrating Thailand's commitment to environmental protection alongside energy security.

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National

Thailand Aims for Gold at Asian Volleyball Championship

Thailand's women's volleyball team won the SEA V Cup in Chiang Mai with a perfect record, using the tournament to prepare for the Asian Championship in China where captain Pornprann Koitpracha says winning gold is the only acceptable goal.

Thailand Aims for Gold at Asian Volleyball Championship
10 Aug Khaosod

Thai women's volleyball captain Pornprann Koitpracha emphasized that there is only one goal at the Asian Championship—to win it all. In the second round of the BYD DMI 6th SEA V Cup 2026 held at Chiang Mai's 700 Years Stadium on August 9, Thailand defeated Vietnam 3-0 in straight sets (25-20, 25-10, 25-15) to clinch the tournament title with three consecutive victories and no dropped sets.

Koitpracha praised the coaching staff's planning, noting that the tournament allowed player rotation and gave key players a chance to test team systems ahead of the Asian Championship. "We've learned a lot from both rounds of the SEA V Cup. Every player must retain this experience for the Asian Championship," she said.

"Our only goal at the Asian Championship is to become champions. No matter what happens, we must reach the final first. Now we need to go back and improve many things in the remaining time and fine-tune everything before traveling to China," Koitpracha added.

Thailand will compete in the 2026 Asian Women's Volleyball Championship in Tianjin, China, from August 21–30, 2026. As defending champions, Thailand is in Group B with Kazakhstan, Indonesia, and Australia. The champion will earn a direct spot in the Olympic Games.

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National

Pheu Thai Party Chief Denies Mass Defection to Bhumjaithai

Pheu Thai Party secretary-general denies rumors that 10 lawmakers plan to defect to rival Bhumjaithai Party ahead of elections, insisting the party has no traitors.

Pheu Thai Party Chief Denies Mass Defection to Bhumjaithai
10 Aug Khaosod

On August 10, Phaew Likkit, a Kamphaengphet MP and secretary-general of Pheu Thai Party, posted on his personal Facebook to address rumors that 10 Pheu Thai lawmakers in the group of Bunyying Nititkanjana, a Ratchaburi MP, along with Thanavatch Nititkanjana, chairman of Ratchaburi FC and Bunyying's son, are planning to move to Bhumjaithai Party in the upcoming election. Likkit stated: "I confirm that Pheu Thai has not a single traitor. We catch snakes better than snakes can bite, and we will act only for the public's benefit." He further emphasized: "What I say stands. I don't play both sides. I am a man of my word and will fight everything for the people."

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National

Thailand Demands Fact-Checking, Not Blind Trust on UN Reports

Thailand defends its right to fact-check UN reports rather than accept them without question, arguing that scrutinizing data on sensitive issues like refugees and military affairs reflects respect for accuracy, not disrespect for the organi

Thailand Demands Fact-Checking, Not Blind Trust on UN Reports
10 Aug Khaosod

Air Vice Marshal Praphas Saonjaidi, director of the Thai-Cambodian Information Center, responded to Cambodian media criticism that Thailand dismisses the United Nations by reaffirming that Thailand has no problem with the UN and has always valued it. He explained that Thailand's actions represent a defense of facts, and that respecting the UN does not mean Thailand must accept all information about itself without question. "If information is incomplete, Thailand has the right to clarify. If any figures are doubtful, Thailand has the right to ask for verification. If any accusation affects Thailand, Thailand has a duty to present our facts," Saonjaidi said.

He stressed that these actions are not opposition to the UN but engagement through legitimate international processes, and that failing to respond within two days does not equate to disrespecting the organization. When asked about criticism that the UN's Andrews sent a draft statement only two days in advance and Thailand did not respond quickly enough, Saonjaidi said it is crucial to separate "facts" from "interpretation." Responding delays are entirely different from lack of respect for the UN. The issues involved security, borders, military affairs, human rights, and international law, so information must pass verification and coordination among multiple agencies. "At the national level, accuracy matters more than speed," he said.

Regarding the figure of 650,000 Cambodian refugees Andrews cited from UN reports, Saonjaidi said Thailand does not reject numbers simply because of their source, but questions them according to international standards: where did the figures come from, when was data collected, what area did it cover, what counting method was used, and was it cross-checked? "The higher the stakes—especially when figures are used in international forums and may determine who is held responsible—the more rigorous verification standards must be. The word 'UN' should not be used to shut down questioning but should guarantee that information can be verified," he said.

On Cambodia's claim that Andrews visited the field and therefore witnessed facts firsthand, Saonjaidi said Thailand respects such visits and has never denied Cambodian suffering. However, he asked: if discussing impacts from conflict between two countries, can examining only one side reflect the whole picture? Thai citizens have also been affected—Thai people have been displaced and their homes and livelihoods damaged by the situation. "If we affirm that 'Human Rights Have No National Borders,' then both sides' suffering must be heard and verified," he concluded.

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Community

Art Education Program Mourns Death of Assistant Teacher

Chiang Mai Rajabhat University's Art Education program mourned the death of Ms. Thitiworn Jinajai, an alumna who had recently begun work as an assistant teacher at Ban Muang Pok School in Chiang Mai Province.

Art Education Program Mourns Death of Assistant Teacher
10 Aug Khaosod

On August 10, 2026, the Art Education CMRU Facebook page posted a condolence message for the passing of a former student. The Art Education curriculum at Chiang Mai Rajabhat University expressed deep sorrow over the death of Ms. Thitiworn Jinajai, an alumna of the Bachelor of Education program in Art Education, who worked as an assistant teacher at Ban Muang Pok School in Wianghaeng District, Chiang Mai Province. The program extended its sympathy and encouragement to her family to help them through this difficult period with strength, love, and cherished memories.

Just three months earlier, on May 13, 2026, the same page had celebrated Ms. Thitiworn's appointment as a civil service assistant teacher at Ban Muang Pok School under the Chiang Mai Primary Education Area Office, District 3, following her successful examination on February 6, 2026.

The Art Education program offered its congratulations once more and expressed encouragement to all those preparing for teaching positions and awaiting government appointment, wishing success to everyone with a passion for the teaching profession.

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Police

Officer Abandons Doctor's Visit to Aid School Crisis

A police officer abandoned his doctor's appointment to respond to a school crisis in Nonthaburi on August 7, arriving in casual clothes with tactical gear retrieved from his vehicle to support the emergency response team.

Officer Abandons Doctor's Visit to Aid School Crisis
10 Aug Khaosod

On August 10, Deputy National Police Commissioner Trairongphiphan Phiwphan, speaking as spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, said that Police Commissioner Kittiphon Panchet commended all police units involved in resolving and assisting teachers, students, and civilians at the Nonthaburi school incident on August 7. The units included Regional Police Region 1, Nonthaburi Provincial Police, Plai Bang Police Station, Arintharaj Unit 26, and Bangkok Metropolitan Police Command support personnel.

The spokesperson addressed online social media images showing a police officer wearing shorts and casual clothes while carrying full tactical gear as part of the response team at Thepsirin School in Nonthaburi. After verification with Bangkok Metropolitan Police Command Division 7, the officer was identified as Sub-Lieutenant Saettawut Sangmuang, commander of Sala Daeng Police Station's special operations team.

According to Trairongphiphan, the officer was attending an investigation course and had requested leave to see a doctor. Upon learning of the emergency while en route, Sub-Lieutenant Saettawut immediately abandoned his personal appointment, retrieved tactical equipment from his vehicle, and rushed to support the crisis response team. The officer was part of a special operations team competing in the MPB S.W.A.T Challenge 2026, but the entire team withdrew from the competition to respond to the emergency, demonstrating their commitment to public safety above all else.

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Police

Olympic Champion Visits Imprisoned Fellow Boxer in Bangkok

Olympic gold medalist Somjit Jongjohor visited imprisoned boxer Manas Boonchamnong at Bangkok Special Prison, where the once-decorated athlete is serving nearly three years for an undisclosed offense. The emotional reunion highlighted both

Olympic Champion Visits Imprisoned Fellow Boxer in Bangkok
10 Aug Khaosod

Olympic gold medalist Somjit Jongjohor from the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics recently posted about visiting fellow boxer Manas Boonchamnong, an Olympic medal winner whose life took a dramatic turn after he was imprisoned at Bangkok Special Prison. Manas was sentenced to 2 years and 9 months, making headlines as a fall from glory for one of Thailand's most decorated amateur boxers.

Somjit described the prison visit process in detail: visitors must register for approximately 45 minutes, exchange cash for meal vouchers, store valuables in lockers, and pass through security screening before entering the visitation hall. The facility was crowded and sweltering, with multiple fans unable to overcome the intense heat trapped within the high prison walls.

When Manas spotted Somjit, the younger boxer rushed to embrace him and broke down in tears—tears of sorrow, regret, and relief at seeing a familiar face. Somjit struggled to hide his own emotional reaction, instead focusing on allowing Manas to speak with his family members present during the two-hour visitation window (1:00 PM to 3:00 PM). During this time, prison musicians and inmate performers provided entertainment.

Somjit observed other inmates and their families visiting: some couples reunited with joy, an elderly couple in their 60s-70s with one parent in a wheelchair, illustrating how incarceration extends its burden beyond the prisoner alone to those who love them. He gifted Manas 500 baht in meal vouchers and spent the final half-hour in conversation, reflecting on the heavy toll imprisonment takes on families and loved ones.

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Police

Counterfeit 1,000-Baht Notes Flood Phukhaew Market

Counterfeit 1,000-baht notes have hit Phukhaew market in Chaiyaphum, with two vendors losing cash and goods in separate incidents within a week. Police are urging merchants to carefully inspect banknotes and report fakes immediately.

Counterfeit 1,000-Baht Notes Flood Phukhaew Market
10 Aug Khaosod

Chaiyaphum—Merchants at Phukhaew district's fresh market are on high alert after two separate incidents involving counterfeit 1,000-baht notes within a week, resulting in losses of both merchandise and cash. Police have been asked to urgently track down the culprit and take swift action amid growing concern among residents.

On August 10, Chai, a 59-year-old pork sausage vendor at Phukhaew district fresh market, reported being defrauded by a stocky man, approximately 170 centimeters tall with dark reddish skin. The suspect entered the stall to buy pork sausage for 100 baht, then handed over a 1,000-baht note. After Chai delivered the goods and returned 900 baht in change, he examined the banknote closely and discovered it was counterfeit, lacking the watermark of a genuine note. When he turned back to look for the customer, the man had vanished.

The incident left Chai upset and forced him to leave early, having lost both merchandise and 900 baht in change. He then warned other vendors in the market to be vigilant.

Meanwhile, reporter found Wal, a 62-year-old vegetable seller in Olo subdistrict, who revealed she had also fallen victim to a con artist in early August. A man used a fake 1,000-baht note to purchase fresh vegetables worth only 40 baht, and she gave him 960 baht in change. After Wal handed the note to her grandson to buy school supplies, the shop clerk discovered the banknote was abnormal and suspected it was counterfeit. Further verification confirmed it was fake.

Wal acknowledged that with many daily customers and busy cash handling, it is difficult to remember which customer gave each note, allowing scammers to exploit the rush and confusion. She urged all merchants and shops in the area to increase caution when accepting banknotes, especially 1,000-baht notes, and to verify each note before giving change. She also recommended using banknote checking equipment, which takes only seconds and could prevent losses. She called on police to act quickly and apprehend those using counterfeit notes before more residents are harmed.

Phukhaew police station has advised merchants and the public to exercise care when accepting payment, particularly with 1,000-baht notes. All notes should be inspected carefully before accepting and giving change. If a note is suspected of being counterfeit, it should not be spent further, as it may create legal problems. Instead, the note should be kept and reported to police for investigation and proper handling.

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National

Gold Prices Fall After Recent Surge

Gold prices dropped 350 baht per gram on August 10, falling to 68,350 baht per gram, though traders predict a surge above 80,000 baht when markets reopen.

Gold Prices Fall After Recent Surge
10 Aug Khaosod

Gold prices fell on August 10, 2569, according to the Thai Gold Traders Association announcement. Ornamental gold prices declined 350 baht per gram from the previous day's close, selling at 68,350 baht per gram based on the association's latest data published at 9:03 a.m.

Gold bars are currently trading at 67,350 baht per gram for purchases and 67,550 baht per gram for sales. Ornamental gold (96.5% purity) is trading at 66,006.64 baht per gram for purchases and 68,350 baht per gram for sales. Global gold prices (Gold Spot) stand at $4,323.00 per ounce.

Gold traders predict prices may surge 1,000-2,000 baht per gram and break through the 80,000 baht level when markets open tomorrow. Gold retailers offer guidance on the best timing for purchases, citing various market trend factors.

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National

Government Launches Flood and Drought Risk Maps for Central Thailand

Thailand's government is launching real-time flood and drought risk maps for the central region, which spans 17 provinces and Bangkok and serves as a critical hub for agriculture, industry, and tourism. The initiative consolidates disaster

Government Launches Flood and Drought Risk Maps for Central Thailand
10 Aug Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, chairing the central region flood and drought prevention committee, announced after their first 2569 meeting in Ayutthaya that the government is accelerating unified disaster management by establishing five regional committees covering the north, northeast, central, east, and southern regions. This consolidation aims to centralize command, eliminate redundancy, and respond more quickly to crises.

The central region is critical because it is low-lying terrain that receives water from the north before flowing to the sea, and anchors major agricultural, industrial, community, and tourism sectors. Deputy PM Anutin ordered the creation of real-time flood and drought risk maps integrating data from GISTDA, the National Water Resources Office, the Meteorological Department, the Royal Irrigation Department, and the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation. Provinces will use checklists to prepare in advance by inspecting water gates, installing pumps, clearing waterway obstructions, and preparing water-receiving areas. During emergencies, provinces must establish command centers coordinating military, police, civil, and local forces to prioritize vulnerable populations, while hospitals maintain medical readiness 24/7 and economic and tourism zones implement strict protective measures.

Management of the central region covers 17 provinces and Bangkok, with each watershed supervisor closely monitoring conditions and ensuring all provinces communicate accurate, timely water data through all channels including Cell Broadcast, so the public stays informed but calm and can prepare ahead. The Disaster Prevention Department has 155 flood-response machines and 202 drought-response machines ready to deploy immediately, with staff monitoring and alerting around the clock. Risk data shows eight central provinces with very high flood risk affecting 124 villages and 12 provinces with high risk affecting 533 villages, while two provinces face very high drought risk in 66 villages and three provinces in 105 villages.

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National

Thailand Speeds Up Scam Victim Refunds Via New System

Thailand is launching a new system from August 12 to fast-track refunds to scam victims without court orders while permanently blacklisting mule account owners from the banking system. The government is also limiting daily transfers for you

Thailand Speeds Up Scam Victim Refunds Via New System
10 Aug Khaosod

The government is intensifying efforts to combat scammers and block mule accounts by centralizing databases and expediting the return of funds to victims through the PPNG system without requiring a court order, effective August 12, 2026. Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythale Luksameesangjun announced that the Committee on Prevention and Suppression of Cybercrime and the Subcommittee on Prevention of Cybercrime and Transnational Offenses have approved guidelines for identifying and removing persons linked to cybercrime (mule accounts) and coordinating data integration and inter-agency cooperation under the Cybercrime Prevention and Suppression Emergency Decree, Section 13, to strengthen mule account suppression. Once a mule account owner is identified, all transaction channels across every bank account will be frozen, and the person will be permanently blacklisted from opening new bank accounts; high-risk accounts will also be suspended even if no victims have yet filed complaints, to prevent funds from being transferred out before action is taken. Current findings show that scammers are tricking children and youth into opening more bank accounts, prompting the Bank of Thailand to begin implementing guidelines to limit transfer and payment amounts for youth aged 12–18 via bank accounts and e-Money to between 3,000 and 10,000 baht per day depending on age bracket, with the measure expected to be completed by October this year. Regarding victim refund criteria under the ministerial regulation, the meeting will accelerate the establishment of guidelines so that victims can immediately file refund requests through the PPNG system without waiting for a court order, to align with the ministerial regulation taking effect on August 12. The PPNG will serve as the lead agency working with the DSI, Bank of Thailand, Thai Bankers Association, TEPA/e-Money operators, SEC, and the Digital Asset Operators Association, implementing an urgent deep-action measure within 90 days to be completed by September 2026. "This elevated measure may affect innocent citizens; however, anyone whose account is suspended unintentionally may contact the AOC hotline 1441, press 2, to verify their identity, after which the bank will expedite account unlock," Ploythale stated. "If any person is found connected to a fraudulent financial pathway at any bank, the system will immediately suspend that person's accounts across all banks."

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