BANGKOK — Tharina Botes, representing Bangkok, was crowned Miss Universe Thailand 2026 after winning over both the judges and the public vote at the national pageant on Sunday. The victory at MGI Hall earned Botes the right to represent Thailand at the 75th Miss Universe pageant in Puerto Rico later this year. Suthida Iadpu, Miss Universe Phuket, was named first runner-up, while Helena Sarakal, Miss Universe Udon Thani, finished as second runner-up. Botes' victory marks a major milestone in a pageant career spanning more than a decade. She entered beauty contests at the age of 13, with her mother supporting her throughout her early years. Botes built her pageant experience in South Africa before competing in Miss South Africa 2018, where she reached the Top 12. She later represented South Africa at Miss Model of the World 2018. She moved to Thailand in 2019 and won Miss Grand Phuket, earning a place in Miss Grand Thailand, where she reached the Top 10. Botes continued her pageant journey and finished as first runner-up at Miss Universe Thailand 2021. In 2023, she won Miss Thailand World and represented Thailand at Miss World 2023. She later competed at MGI All Stars, reaching the Top 10. After more than a decade of competition, Botes has now claimed the Miss Universe Thailand crown and will represent Thailand at Miss Universe 2026 in Puerto Rico.

On August 24, 2025, at the office of the National Anti-Corruption Commission, Democratic Party spokesman Phongsakorn Kwanmuang, along with party legal committee member Paisal Rueangritthee and policy committee secretary Pornchai Maranet, submitted a letter requesting the commission to adopt protective measures and designate persons victimized or implicated in the local government examination fraud as witnesses. The goal is to enable those with critical information to provide full cooperation and trace the investigation to those responsible. Deputy Secretary-General Kiattisak Putphun received the letter.

Paisal stated afterward that this matter should not be allowed to fade from public attention. While society has focused on national-level political issues, the local government civil service examination fraud has been overlooked despite being a major problem that damages the administrative system and national structure. He reported receiving numerous complaints and information through Facebook, with informants possessing witnesses, evidence, financial trails, and knowledge of those directing the scheme, but they fear legal action.

Paisal noted that the anti-corruption commission has legal tools under the Anti-Corruption Act of 2017, including sections 131 and 135, to protect and secure witnesses. He called for clarity on whether the commission will use these mechanisms to reach the principal perpetrators. "If the commission uses sections 131 and 135 to protect witnesses, they will tell everything," he said. "It won't be just small-time operatives but will reveal who ordered it, who received money, and the entire financial chain. But they don't dare speak out now for fear of prosecution."

Paisal estimated the damage affects approximately 5,900 to 6,000 people. With an average extraction of 600,000 baht per person, losses could exceed 3 billion baht, not counting previous rounds. The impact extends beyond financial loss to damage the local government system including subdistrict and municipal administrations. Honest citizens have been denied opportunities while some new graduates who fell victim have been dismissed, with some driven to suicide by the stress.

The Democratic Party therefore refuses to accept this situation. "The Democratic Party will not tolerate this because the damage is not merely thousands of millions of baht but damage to the nation's system," Paisal said. "If persons who entered government positions through corruption are appointed and given budget authority, it could undermine long-term government administration and budget spending."

Paisal called on all affected persons—those who paid money, were deceived, were dismissed from service, or have information about the fraud process—not to fear coming forward. He offered to serve as intermediary, coordinating information with the anti-corruption commission to ensure justice, and pledged to continue pursuing the matter even if public attention fades.

Mellolica held its "Mellolica Moment of YaY! x PERSES" launch event at the Eden Plaza on Level 1 of Central World, introducing the five-member T-POP group PERSES as "The First Friend of Mellolica." The band members—Jang, Ne, Krittin, Palm, and Pluggy—drew a packed crowd of devoted fans who came to support them up close. The event featured exclusive merchandise including limited-edition Mellolica x PERSES skincare products with custom scents designed by each band member: Krittin's Arctic Romance, Pluggy's Bunny Blossom, Palm's Sweet Puppy and Morning Bloom, and Jang's Secret Garden, plus seven collectible VR Card variations available randomly with purchases. The evening concluded with a mini concert from the five members, which Mellolica positioned as a warm-up before the group's upcoming full concert "PERSES 'Uncensored' Concert," with the brand promising ongoing surprises throughout the year for fans.

At least 15 armed assailants stormed the Pho Ming Subdistrict Municipality office in Panare District, Pattani Province on August 23 at around 9 p.m., binding and restraining two security guards before splitting into separate teams to carry out arson and bomb attacks. Preliminary investigation confirmed four municipal vehicles sustained damage: one fire engine, one garbage truck, one pickup truck, and one ambulance. The attackers used explosives and incendiary devices to destroy vehicles in the parking garage and set fires inside the office building. They also detonated an improvised explosive device at the guard post, causing structural damage and scattering shrapnel across the area. Only the quick response of nearby firefighters prevented the office building itself from being fully consumed by flames.

Investigators identified that two municipal security staff were on duty at the guard post when the assault began. The attackers, armed with guns, entered from a wooded area behind the building, immediately captured and restrained the guards using cable ties, then dispersed to carry out their coordinated attack. One group broke into the vehicle garage, smashing windows, pouring fuel into cabins, and igniting all four parked vehicles. Another group pried open the office building's steel window grilles, entered, spread fuel inside, and set fires with the apparent intent to destroy the entire structure. A third team planted a timed explosive device at the guard post; approximately thirty minutes after the attackers withdrew toward the rear of the compound, the device detonated, destroying the guard house and sending shrapnel across the surrounding area.

After the attack, firefighters from neighboring subdistricts arrived to contain the blaze. Officials are currently collecting evidence from closed-circuit camera footage and the scene itself. Preliminary assessment suggests the attack was carried out not only by a known militant faction responsible for previous attacks in the area, but also involved previously unidentified individuals or supporters who remain without arrest warrants and may have served logistical and reconnaissance roles.

Agriculture Minister Suriya Chungrungreung led the Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry team in a meeting to monitor the flooding crisis across northern and northeastern areas. The session, chaired by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and attended by Deputy Prime Minister Yossanan Wongswaddi and Defence Minister General Adulyadej Boontharmchai, was held at Nan Provincial Hall and conducted via video conference with relevant regional agencies.

The Prime Minister expressed condolences to families of flood victims and ordered all agencies to intensify relief, assistance, and recovery operations. While the overall situation is improving, authorities must remain vigilant for heavy rainfall, flash floods, and landslides. The Prime Minister issued six key directives covering relief and rehabilitation, weather monitoring and forecasting, water situation tracking, flash flood and landslide warning, transport and infrastructure restoration, and long-term problem-solving measures.

Agriculture Minister Suriya also tasked Deputy Agriculture Minister Watchraphol Khaokhram with visiting Pua district in Nan to assess flood damage, gather farmer feedback, and compile comprehensive data for targeted recovery and aid measures across all affected occupational groups.

Toyota has updated its commitment to customer support before and after purchase, ensuring peace of mind throughout vehicle ownership. The company guarantees spare parts availability for at least 15 years after production of any model ends.

Toyota held a mini press conference at the Big Motor Sale 2026 at Bangkok International Trade Fair, featuring senior executives Suphakorn Ratnawarahah (Deputy Managing Director), Nattharot Srinivej (Assistant Executive), and Anyya Ploykitikul (Assistant Managing Director) of Toyota Motor Thailand. The event showcased a virtual showroom and service centre to illustrate Toyota's comprehensive customer care philosophy under the tagline "Buy with ease, use with ease."

Toyota emphasizes that purchasing a vehicle represents choosing "confidence and trust" that will accompany customers throughout their ownership. The company aims to deliver not just reliable vehicles but comprehensive care and service. This commitment is built on five pillars of confidence: product reliability for all uses, easy ownership through flexible financing, peace of mind through standard after-sales service, expanded options including ECO Pack and Toyota Sure programmes, and returning value to society.

Toyota offers diverse financing programmes tailored to different customer needs, whether seeking low interest rates or manageable monthly instalments. The company maintains consistent nationwide service standards through over 25,000 trained personnel and 450 standard service centres, plus 250 body and paint shops across Thailand. Toyota Parts Centre and Accessory Plus (TPCAP) stocks and distributes over 120,000 genuine spare parts, with guaranteed availability for at least 15 years after model production ends.

The company provides Toyota Care PHYD insurance with discounts based on driving behaviour, renewable for up to eight years with genuine parts repairs at authorized centres. The TCFR+ programme extends warranty coverage up to eight years or 225,000 kilometres for customers maintaining regular service schedules. Toyota's approach reflects its philosophy of long-term partnership with customers.