Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Panitchpakdi expressed dissatisfaction with Thailand's second-quarter GDP growth rate of 1.9 percent, down from 2.8 percent in the first quarter. The slowdown has been attributed to impacts from the Middle East conflict, which has raised energy prices and living costs for the public.

Exports remain a critical engine for GDP growth. The government projects two-digit growth in export value for the full year, with first-half exports (January-June) totaling approximately 6.6 trillion baht. If conditions remain stable, full-year exports are expected to reach 12 trillion baht. A technical team is scheduled to negotiate the U.S. Agreement on Reciprocal Trade (ART) on August 27-29, with Panitchpakdi following on August 30-September 1.

The government is currently resolving two Section 301 investigation issues: forced labor, which has been concluded, and surplus production, where the U.S. alleges Thai goods are transshipped. Panitchpakdi expressed confidence that Thailand can clarify its position, noting that domestic production accounts for 75-90 percent in three key sectors—rubber, machinery, and automobiles—exceeding the U.S. 60-percent threshold. Currently, 72 percent of Thai goods enjoy U.S. tariff exemptions, and negotiations are underway to secure relief for the remaining 28 percent, particularly agricultural products. Final discussions are scheduled for late August through early September.

Parallel to trade matters, Panitchpakdi instructed preparations to address flooding in Nan Province and neighboring areas, directing the Department of Internal Trade to coordinate with the private sector to ensure adequate supplies of essential consumer goods.

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry and Thai Kom signed a memorandum of understanding on August 19 to develop technology innovation for managing natural resources and the environment. The initiative, led by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants, aims to deploy satellite technology, communications systems, geographic information systems, and artificial intelligence to strengthen forest protection, disaster monitoring, and wildlife conservation across Thailand and improve field operations to meet international standards.

Higher officials from the ministry, including Deputy Director-General Veera Khunchaiyarak and Conservation Head Sukhee Boonsrang, attended the signing ceremony. Permanent Secretary Raviwan Boridech emphasized that the partnership represents a crucial shift toward data-driven operations. The technology will not only protect forests and wildlife more effectively but also safeguard ranger safety in remote areas and address air pollution for public health. The department will use IoT systems and advanced geospatial analysis to monitor wildlife behavior in detail, including tracking wild elephants to reduce human-wildlife conflict, monitoring endangered marine species like dugongs, detecting forest fire hotspots, predicting wildfires and cross-border haze, and rapidly detecting illegal encroachment.

Thailand Kom Chief Executive Officer Piyawat Chariyaseritphong confirmed the company will apply its space technology expertise to convert past obstacles into practical solutions, including satellite communications systems, Globalstar technology, and IoT in areas with poor ground signal coverage. The organizations will establish working teams at the regional level, launch training programs to boost staff capabilities in deploying satellite data and AI systems for field command, and maintain the partnership for five years.

CK posted second-quarter revenue of 11.7 billion baht and net profit of 800 million baht, with first-half 2026 revenue of 24 billion baht and net profit of 1.129 billion baht. The company carries a backlog of 146.3 billion baht to be recognized over three to four years.

Nattawut Triwitchayawet, CK's chief executive officer, said second-quarter performance met plan, supported by steady revenue from construction contracting, effective cost management, and growing returns from investments. "We focus on two priorities: controlling costs and managing construction projects on schedule or ahead of schedule," he said. "All projects remain on track and are delivered within the timeframe. Subsidiary companies continue to perform well, giving CK a balanced business structure and better risk diversification."

The company is pursuing new opportunities in government infrastructure projects. Nattawut said CK is ready to bid for large-scale construction projects, leveraging its diverse expertise, experienced workforce, and proven track record. The company's portfolio of integrated infrastructure development businesses also strengthens its position by diversifying revenue streams beyond construction contracting alone.

On August 19, police reported an update in the case of Kan, 40, from the Dong Udom community in Nong Buea Subdistrict, Muang District, Udon Thani Province, who was found unconscious by a water reservoir on August 16. According to a witness, 64-year-old Noi, the group had been drinking to celebrate after a man named Por won 900 baht on a two-digit lottery number ending in 53. During the celebration, Kan became jealous of her 34-year-old husband Por, hitting him repeatedly with a bottle out of fear he might be interested in other women. An intoxicated Kan then fell into the water, and when Por and Noi pulled her out, she claimed she wanted to jump in and die, blaming Por for not listening to her. Later, Por drove to buy more alcohol rather than flee the scene.

On August 19, Deputy Police Lieutenant Adisak Paso from Udon Thani Provincial Police, along with Setha Sukkjai, Deputy District Officer of Muang Udon Thani District, arrested Por, 32, a Lao national, at his wife's residence. Investigations revealed that Por's work visa expired in 2559 (2016)—ten years ago. He now faces charges of assault against his wife, illegal entry, and working with an expired permit. Police plan to deport him.

Por claimed he had worked in Thailand for 16-17 years and met Kan after working in Southern Thailand. On the day of the incident, they won 900 baht on the lottery and bought alcohol to celebrate with two neighbors. When drunk, his wife became extremely jealous and hit him with a bottle. He explained that whenever intoxicated, she would pick fights because she feared he might find another woman, despite his assurances of his faithfulness. The three of them went to bathe in the reservoir, where the drunk Kan fell into the water. Por and the neighbor pulled her out. He then drove to buy more alcohol to continue drinking at home, not to escape. He visited his wife at the hospital the following day and maintained his love for her, though he expressed regret about having to return to Laos, saying he was happy working in Thailand.

On August 19, 2025, Deputy Minister Chanok Chantathong chaired the press conference for the Job and Market Fair, a collaborative initiative of the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, working through the Department for Promotion and Development of Quality of Life for Persons with Disabilities, alongside associations representing all categories of persons with disabilities in Thailand and partner networks from all sectors. The event operates under the concept 'Creative Skills, Unlimited Opportunities' to advance the quality of life for people with disabilities by shifting from a welfare state model to a supportive state model, creating a society of equal opportunity where all can access education, skill development, employment, and income generation on equal terms.

The event was attended by Department Director Sandhya Bunyabhusit and other Ministry officials, network representatives, disability organization leaders, and networks of persons with disabilities at Star Hall, Level 5, Siam Paragon shopping center.

Chantathong noted that Thailand currently has more than 2.3 million registered persons with disabilities (as of July 31, 2025) and over 800,000 of working age, yet only approximately 25 percent are employed. This reflects a large pool of untapped potential, as many persons with disabilities lack adequate access to job opportunities, financing, vocational skill development, and marketing channels.

'The nation's key challenge is not simply how to care for persons with disabilities, but how to ensure they have equal access to jobs, careers, and the labor market, because employment means income, security, dignity, and the ability to determine one's own future. When persons with disabilities become self-reliant and participate in the economic system, it is not merely a success for disability policy but a vital force for driving the country forward. This requires moving from fragmented opportunity creation to a connected system spanning vocational skill development, job matching, support for self-employment, product development, and market access, particularly through partnerships with employers to make Sections 33 and 35 of the disability employment law yield concrete results.

We want the private sector to move beyond legal compliance in hiring persons with disabilities and recognize the value of investing in their potential and the diversity of human resources. Meanwhile, technology and digital platforms will be crucial tools in removing distance barriers and enabling persons with disabilities to reach customers, generate income, and advance in their careers from anywhere in the country,' Chantathong said.

Teen shoots 15 year old in Sakon Nakhon over romantic rivalryLegacyPolice arrested a 17 year old boy after a 15 year old student was shot and seriously injured at a roadside restaurant in Sakon Nakhon today, August 19. Police said the shooting stemmed from jealousy after the two teenagers pursued the same girl. Akat Amnuai Police Station received a report of the shooting at around 9.20am. The 15 year old student was shot in the arm, with the bullet grazing his abdomen. Rescue workers took him to hospital for treatment. Police later said his condition was stable and he was able to provide information to investigators. According to the investigation, the student was sitting inside the restaurant when the 17 year old arrived on a motorcycle and parked outside. Police said the teenager entered the restaurant, fired one shot at the student and fled on the motorcycle. Photo via ONE31 Investigators arrested the teenager shortly afterwards and seized a homemade gun. Police said questioning of both teenagers indicated that the dispute involved jealousy because they were pursuing the same girl. The 17 year old was initially charged with attempted murder and firearms offences, including possessing a firearm, carrying one in a town, village or public place without reasonable cause, and firing a gun in a town or village without justification. Photo via Amarin TV The student’s school later issued a statement clarifying that the shooting occurred outside the school at around 9am and did not take place on school grounds. The school described the motive as a personal dispute and said the alleged shooter was not a student at the school. The school said student and staff safety remained its highest priority and that it was closely coordinating with relevant officials. Classes were continuing as normal, with the school saying further updates would be provided if new information became available. In similar news, a Thai university student repeatedly stabbed his friend in an attack at a condominium in Pathum Thani. The suspect accused the victim of having an affair with his girlfriend. The story Teen shoots 15 year old in Sakon Nakhon over romantic rivalry as seen on Thaiger News.