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No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Thailand Uses AI Sales Tool to Unlock Microfinance Loans

Thailand is leveraging AI sales tracking in the Tung Ngen app to help small merchants qualify for Government Savings Bank loans, using their documented business data as loan documentation. The initiative aims to provide microfinance access

Thailand Uses AI Sales Tool to Unlock Microfinance Loans
1h ago Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nithithanphasiprach has revealed plans to use sales data from the AI-powered Chirp feature in the Tung Ngen mobile app as supporting documentation for small merchants seeking bank loans. He stated that discussions have been held with Government Savings Bank Governor Songpol Chiwapanjarojon, and the bank has been tasked with developing a framework to support the initiative.

The credit facility will draw on the Government Savings Bank's own lending capacity and will not be linked to the government's 400-billion-baht energy crisis and transition loan program. Ekniti explained that the government is pushing adoption of the Chirp AI feature in Tung Ngen because it delivers multiple benefits: it enables small traders to keep sales records, summarize and analyze daily and monthly sales data, improve business management, and most importantly, serve as a tool for accessing formal credit through the Government Savings Bank.

With the Thailand Helps Thailand Plus program set to expire within the next few months, the government wants the Chirp AI feature to move beyond record-keeping and create real-world use cases where merchants can use their compiled sales data as evidence to apply for loans from the Government Savings Bank. The bank's director has been instructed to expedite the development of the supporting framework.

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National

Nursing Student Reports Ex for Knife Threat, Assault

A nursing student in Udon Thani reported her ex-boyfriend after he broke into her home with a knife, threatened her, and attempted to rape her early yesterday morning. Police arrested the 43-year-old man at the scene and charged him with tr

1h ago The Thaiger Crime

Udon Thani student reports ex over knife threat, assaultLegacyPolice officers rushed to rescue a nursing student at her family home in Udon Thani after her ex-boyfriend threatened her with a knife and attempted to rape her yesterday, August 19. Officers at Mueang Udon Thani Police Station received a report from a rescue team radio centre about a night-time trespassing and attempted rape at a house in Ban Lueam subdistrict, Mueang district at around 4am yesterday. Upon arrival, officers detained the 43 year old Thai man, Jieawut, in the bedroom of the victim, a 22-year-old nursing student. Police searched his shoulder bag, finding a knife. Jirawat asked the officers to leave, insisting that he was the nursing student’s boyfriend and that they had just had an argument, as they often did. He said that he had come to her home in an attempt to reconcile. However, the student denied it, saying she had already ended the relationship. Photo via Channel 7 The student explained that she first met Jirawut through Facebook in April. They chatted online before meeting in person. He courted her repeatedly until she agreed to date him. She investigated his background and discovered that he had a wife and child. Accordingly, she ended the relationship because she felt sorry for his wife and child and wanted him to return to them. Jirawut refused to end the relationship, instead choosing to abandon his wife and child. He moved into her home and threatened her if she tried to end the relationship. According to the student, Jirawut became jealous and physically assaulted her repeatedly. Her family had to intervene and ask Jirawat to leave her alone. Unfortunately, he had been harassing her and her family, and he eventually broke into her home yesterday. Photo via Channel 7 She said Jirawut attempted to rape her, but she managed to escape to her sister’s room and asked for help. The student added that Jirawat was unemployed and addicted to gambling. She also witnessed him taking methamphetamine, locally known as yaba, multiple times during their relationship. The victim insisted she wanted to pursue legal action against him. Officers initially charged Jirawut with drug use, night-time trespassing, unlawful detention, and carrying a knife in a public area. Police said the sexual assault charge would be considered later after the victim undergoes a medical examination. Photo via Channel 7 Related newsd

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The story Udon Thani student reports ex over knife threat, assault as seen on Thaiger News.

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National

Family Prepares Ray MacDonald's Body for Buddhist Rites

Ray MacDonald, a celebrated Thai actor and presenter, died at age 49 in Bangkok; his family collected his body on August 20 to prepare Buddhist merit-making ceremonies at a local temple.

Family Prepares Ray MacDonald's Body for Buddhist Rites
1h ago Khaosod

Family and close friends of Ray MacDonald, including fellow entertainer Leo Putt, came to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Police Hospital on August 20 to receive his body. Ray MacDonald, 49, was a celebrated actor and presenter from the 1990s who died at his home in the Pathanakarn district of Bangkok. The gathering was marked by grief, with officials assisting the family through the necessary procedures. After releasing the body, the family prepared to transport Ray MacDonald to Wat Yang temple in the Suan Luang district of Bangkok for Buddhist merit-making ceremonies. His wife Sirinyya and close friends including Tar Barbie and Chakkrit Yaemnam were traveling to the institute to be present.

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National

Muang Thai Insurance Expands Cashless Claims to 400 State Hospitals

Muang Thai Insurance has expanded its cashless claims system to 400 state hospitals nationwide, allowing policyholders to receive treatment without advance payment through the digital iClaim platform.

Muang Thai Insurance Expands Cashless Claims to 400 State Hospitals
1h ago Khaosod

Muang Thai Insurance is advancing its health service offerings by expanding health insurance claims through the iClaim digital system at participating state hospitals, enabling customers to receive treatment without prepaying cash and connecting them to a nationwide network of public facilities for more convenient and appropriate care options.

Sarana Lumsam, Chief Executive Officer of Muang Thai Insurance Public Company Limited, stated that the company is reinforcing its position as a leader in life and health protection with comprehensive services, aiming to be a lifelong partner to customers under the Longevity Economy concept. He emphasized that the company prioritizes improving access to health services that are convenient, efficient, and financially burden-free, ensuring that when illness strikes, cost concerns and administrative procedures do not become obstacles to timely treatment.

Recently, Muang Thai Insurance has upgraded its claims service for both outpatient (OPD) and inpatient (IPD) treatment through a cashless claim system without prepayment, within the coverage limits specified in the insurance policy. The company is collaborating with White Play Limited, the digital health insurance claims provider operating the iClaim system, to further strengthen cashless claims services across the state hospital network while offering faster rights verification and claims processing for full customer peace of mind.

The iClaim digital health insurance claims system was developed to streamline the claims process, making it convenient, fast, and transparent while reducing patient expenses, improving hospital operational efficiency, and expanding treatment benefits. Through iClaim, hospitals coordinate medical treatment costs and documentation directly with the insurance company for rights verification, eliminating the need for patients to prepare savings, emergency funds, or credit card limits for advance payment or to collect documents for later reimbursement claims. This reduces steps and worry during a time when full attention should focus on recovery.

Currently, over 400 state hospitals are connected to the iClaim system, including Lamphang Hospital, Chiang Rai Prachanukroh Hospital, Saraburi Hospital, Chao Phraya Yommaraj Hospital, Samut Sakhon Hospital, Ratchaburi Hospital, Rayong Hospital, Phra Pokklao Hospital, Samut Prakan Hospital, Chonburi Hospital, Roi Et Hospital, Khon Kaen Hospital, Sakon Nakhon Hospital, Udon Thani Hospital, Chaiyaphum Hospital, Surin Hospital, Maha Ratchanakhorn Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, Sisaket Hospital, Sanpasitprasoeng Hospital, and Maha Ratchanakhorn Si Thammarat Hospital.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

PM Denies Government Role in Senate Rig Claims

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul denied government involvement in alleged Senate seat allocation irregularities on August 20, reiterating that the government, legislature, and judiciary operate as separate state pillars with no authority

PM Denies Government Role in Senate Rig Claims
1h ago Khaosod

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul rejected allegations of government involvement in Senate seat allocation on August 20, 2569, calling such claims disgraceful if true. He emphasized that the government, legislature, and judiciary are separate pillars of the state that cannot overstep one another. Anutin stated that the term used to describe the alleged arrangement is intentionally pejorative and designed to discredit the process, adding that if such misconduct did occur, it would be repugnant. He reiterated that the government came to office through public election and has never been involved in Senate appointments, with each minister receiving royal appointment and taking an oath before administering the country.

The Prime Minister said the government would answer questions within its purview, such as those concerning artificial intelligence, emergency decrees, the budget bill, the Thai Help Thai Plus program, and economic matters, but emphasized that Senate matters fall outside government responsibility. He expressed willingness to clarify government policies to the public and said ministers responsible for specific portfolios would respond to related inquiries.

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Weather

Flood Simulation Maps Nan City as Water Levels Rise

GISTDA released flood simulation maps for Nan City on August 20 as water levels approached 201.50 meters, using color-coded depths to help authorities plan evacuations and rescue operations across affected areas.

Flood Simulation Maps Nan City as Water Levels Rise
1h ago Khaosod

The Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA) released flood simulation maps for Muang Nan district on August 20 to assist in assessing and monitoring the flood situation. The maps are based on water level forecasts at monitoring station N.1 (Nai Wiang subdistrict), which are expected to reach 201.50 meters above mean sea level. As of 10 p.m. on August 19, water levels at station N.1 had already exceeded 200 meters. The simulation maps use color coding to indicate flood depth across different areas: light blue for shallow flooding (0.5 to 1 meter), blue to dark blue for moderate flooding (1 to 3 meters), dark blue to navy for deep flooding (3 to 5 meters), and dark red for severe flooding (over 5 meters, mainly along riverbeds and low-lying areas). The maps also display critical spatial data including roads, water sources, buildings, schools, and hospitals. This information is essential for local authorities and residents to plan evacuations, move valuables to higher ground, avoid cut-off routes, and coordinate rescue efforts effectively. The public and relevant agencies can access additional disaster information by scanning QR codes on the maps or visiting the GISTDA disaster website at http://disaster.gistda.or.th to monitor the situation closely.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Raid Five Unlicensed Dental Clinics in Bangkok Region

Police raided five unlicensed dental clinics across Bangkok and Samut provinces in August 2025, arresting five practitioners operating from homes and charging patients for teeth straightening and denture work. Authorities seized over 1,000

Police Raid Five Unlicensed Dental Clinics in Bangkok Region
1h ago Khaosod

On August 20, 2025, the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) and Samut Sakhon Provincial Health Office launched an operation arresting five unlicensed medical practitioners—four unlicensed dentists and one unlicensed doctor—operating in Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Samut Sakhon. Officers seized 56 categories of medical equipment and materials totaling over 1,058 pieces valued at more than 330,000 baht.

The operation followed public complaints and reports from the Samut Sakhon Health Office about individuals illegally practicing dentistry without permits, offering fake teeth and retainers from residential homes. Authorities confirmed illegal activity and launched coordinated raids across five locations in August 2025.

At the first location in Krathumbaen District, Samut Sakhon, on August 13, 2025, police found a 30-year-old woman preparing instruments for cosmetic teeth straightening and applying chemical solutions to a customer's teeth. She admitted completing only Grade 9 education, teaching herself from YouTube videos, and practicing on her own mouth before starting a business. She charged clients from 1,300 baht upward for cosmetic teeth straightening services, reached through Facebook and LINE, and earned approximately 15,000 baht monthly over about a year.

At a second location, officers found a 61-year-old man preparing dental molds for false teeth fabrication. He admitted completing only Grade 3 education and working at a dental lab for over 10 years before operating illegally from home for more than 30 years. He received work from local clinics in Samut Sakhon and nearby provinces as well as direct customers, earning approximately 40,000-50,000 baht monthly by phone referral.

At a third location in Suan Luang Subdistrict, Krathumbaen District, Samut Sakhon, on August 13, 2025, police discovered a 44-year-old woman preparing dental molds.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

New Easy Pass Lane Opens at Chiang Rak Tollbooth

An additional Easy Pass lane has opened at Chiang Rak tollbooth on the Udon Ratchathani Expressway to reduce travel delays. The inbound lane began operating August 23, with the outbound lane launching September 4.

New Easy Pass Lane Opens at Chiang Rak Tollbooth
1h ago Khaosod

Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) has partnered with the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) to open an additional Easy Pass lane at the Chiang Rak tollbooth on the Udon Ratchathani Expressway, serving both inbound and outbound traffic on lane 1 to expedite travel for users.

The inbound Chiang Rak lane opens from August 23, 2026 at midnight onwards. The outbound Chiang Rak lane opens from September 4, 2026 at midnight onwards.

Expressway users can obtain further information by calling 02 567 5679–80 at the Udon Ratchathani Expressway Control Center, the EXAT Call Center at 1543, or by following BEM Bangkok Expressway and Metro on Facebook and X.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Weather

18 Provinces Face Landslide and Flash Flood Risk

Thailand's Geological Hazard Operations Center warned of landslide and flash flood risks across 18 provinces on August 20 as heavy rainfall continues from an intensifying monsoon system. Residents in foothill areas and low-lying zones near

18 Provinces Face Landslide and Flash Flood Risk
1h ago Khaosod

On August 20, the Geological Hazard Operations Center at the Department of Mineral Resources under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment issued a warning for residents to watch for landslides and flash flooding. Heavy rainfall is expected to continue in vulnerable areas, with forecasts indicating heightened risk of landslides in 18 provinces: Nan, Phayao, Phrae, Uttaradit, Lampoon, Lamphun, Tak, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Phichit, Phetchabun, Uthai Thani, Sukhothai, Kanchanaburi, Loei, Chanthaburi, and Trat.

The Meteorological Department forecasts heavy to very heavy rainfall in the upper North, upper Northeast, central, and eastern regions over the next 24 hours. A monsoon trough is moving across the upper North and upper Northeast, feeding into a strong low-pressure area near Hainan Island in China. The southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea and Thailand is also intensifying.

Residents in affected areas are advised to beware of heavy rainfall and accumulated water that may cause flash floods, flash flooding, and bank overflow—particularly in foothill areas near waterways and low-lying zones. Local volunteers and network members in at-risk areas are asked to closely monitor geological hazards and prepare for potential emergencies. If disasters occur, officials should promptly inspect affected areas to reassure the public and provide initial guidance.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Commerce Ministry Tightens Controls on Food and Water in Flood Zones

Thailand's Commerce Ministry has ordered strict monitoring of food and water supplies in flood-affected areas to prevent shortages and price gouging, with over 4,500 households impacted in Nan Province alone. Citizens can report unfair pric

Commerce Ministry Tightens Controls on Food and Water in Flood Zones
1h ago Khaosod

The Commerce Ministry has ordered provincial commerce offices in flood-affected areas to strictly monitor supplies of drinking water and food, prohibiting shortages and price gouging. Deputy Permanent Secretary Chakra Yodmanee revealed that flooding, flash floods, and landslides in Nan Province have affected over 4,500 households, particularly in Pua, Tha Wang Pha, Wiang Sa, Phu Phiang, Santi Suk, and Mueang Nan districts, while Phayao Province is also experiencing overbank flooding and flash flooding in Pong District. The situation requires continued close monitoring.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Sutthamnandh has expressed concern for flood-affected citizens and instructed the Department of Internal Trade and provincial commerce offices to provide comprehensive relief. Agencies are coordinating to mobilize essential goods, food, and drinking water for distribution to disaster areas. The Commerce Ministry has ordered provincial commerce offices to monitor market supplies and prices of essential consumer goods—particularly drinking water, dried food, and general provisions—ensuring adequate stock while strictly prohibiting merchants from raising prices, hoarding, or refusing to sell goods.

In other areas at risk of flash flooding and temporary flooding, including Sukhothai, Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampoon, Lampang, Phrae, Nan, Tak, Phetchabun, Loei, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Nayok, Chanthaburi, and Trat, the Commerce Ministry has ordered provincial commerce offices to monitor conditions and report continuously while standing ready to assist residents immediately if needed. Citizens who experience unfair pricing or product shortages can file complaints with the Internal Trade Department hotline at 1569 or their provincial commerce office.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Dechrat Draws Number 4 in Nonthaburi Governor Race

Democrat Party candidate Dechrat Sukkagaenid drew ballot number 4 in the Nonthaburi PAO governor race, pledging a 30-day campaign focused on voter engagement and education, healthcare, and support for farmers ahead of the September 20 elect

Dechrat Draws Number 4 in Nonthaburi Governor Race
1h ago Khaosod

The Democrat Party, led by Natphong Rueangpanya, formally registered Dechrat Sukkagaenid as a candidate for Nonthaburi PAO governor on August 20, 2026, at the Nonthaburi Provincial Administrative Organization building. The party drew ballot number 4.

Dechrat said he was comfortable with the number and saw his candidacy as part of a broader effort to transform Nonthaburi. He committed to a full 30-day campaign, beginning with a motorcade greeting to residents and daily activities in areas including Sai Noi and Bang Bua Thong, working with members of parliament and local administrators from his party network.

When asked if he worried about facing established political rivals with deep roots, Dechrat said his main concern was ensuring voters knew about the September 20 election date. He urged all residents to vote, calling it an opportunity to unite and change Nonthaburi after recent difficulties. "Vote for me or vote for someone else, but please participate," he said. "It's about telling all Nonthaburi residents that the province will move forward well."

Addressing questions about his lack of administrative experience, Dechrat emphasized teamwork with experienced local and national administrators, drawing on his nearly 30 years as a Kasetsart University lecturer. He pledged continuity in education funding while adding new initiatives in healthcare, social support, and mental health services for families and teachers within 30 days.

Dechrat outlined additional policies including a creative economy program called "Nonthaburi Dream" to inspire youth, and support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and farmers—identifying agriculture as a key part of Nonthaburi's identity. He also addressed concerns about his political past, saying it was the public's right to scrutinize his background.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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