PHUKET: Tourists visiting Kathu Waterfall were left bewildered after an elderly woman confronted them and told them to swim elsewhere, reportedly claiming that she owned the waterfall.
PHUKET: Tourists visiting Kathu Waterfall were left bewildered after an elderly woman confronted them and told them to swim elsewhere, reportedly claiming that she owned the waterfall.
An Australian tourist was brought to police after running up a 32,540-baht tab at a Chon Buri beer bar and refusing to pay following a 13-hour drinking session that began before the bar's normal opening time.
An Australian tourist requested a beer bar in Soi Bua Khao 15, Nong Prue Subdistrict, Banglamung District, Chon Buri Province to open at 8 a.m. and remained drinking until around 9 p.m., eventually running up a bill of 32,540 baht. The bar owner and staff brought the man, identified as Glen, 53, to Pattaya City Police Station around 11:30 p.m. on August 12 after he refused to pay.
Staff reported that the tourist arrived before opening time and asked them to unlock the doors as a special exception. Because he had frequented other bars and maintained a good payment history, the owner did not suspect issues and provided full service. During his extended stay, the tourist bought drinks for multiple female staff members, ringing a bell to signal his intention to treat them. When he invited one female employee to continue partying after the bar closed and she declined, he became dissatisfied and refused to settle his account.
The bar owner explained that the establishment opened specifically at his request and operated for approximately 13 hours until around 9 p.m., incurring significant costs in beverages and staff wages. The bill of 32,540 baht included not only the tourist's own drinks but also rounds he purchased for staff throughout the day. Despite negotiations, the two parties could not reach agreement.
At the police station, investigators held discussions between both sides. The bar maintained that the bill was accurate at 32,540 baht, while the Australian tourist disputed the amount and continued to refuse payment. Police documented the incident and are reviewing the bill details and statements from both parties to determine next steps.
Candidates excluded from the official local government exam list can verify their scores at the Department of Local Administration or provincial offices between August 13-31, addressing earlier audit concerns about transparency and accuracy
The Department of Local Administration (DLA) has opened a centre for local government exam candidates who did not appear on the official candidate list to check their scores directly through government channels between August 13-31, 2026, from 8.30am to 4.30pm on weekdays. Deputy Interior Minister Worasissadej Liang-prasoetyodej said this initiative addresses concerns raised during an earlier audit and the creation of a revised candidate list. He stressed that anyone with doubts must have a channel to verify their information, and every step must be traceable and verifiable. Candidates can file requests at two locations: the first floor of the Suwattana Building at the Department of Local Administration headquarters, or any provincial local administration office nationwide, making the process more accessible without requiring travel to Bangkok. The department has appointed a special committee to receive requests, verify scores, and disclose results according to set criteria, with all findings reported to the director-general to ensure systematic, standardised, and auditable procedures. Worasissadej reiterated that all actions must uphold correctness, transparency, and verifiability, aiming to maintain fairness and public confidence in the local government examination process. Candidates wishing to check their scores may submit requests from August 13-31 during office hours at either location.
PHUKET: Thalang district officials arrested a man and seized 3,000 methamphetamine pills (ya bah), more than 46 grammes of crystal meth (ya ice) and a handgun in a drug crackdown in Pa Khlok on Tuesday (Aug 11).
PHUKET: Thalang district officials arrested a man and seized 3,000 methamphetamine pills (ya bah), more than 46 grammes of crystal meth (ya ice) and a handgun in a drug crackdown in Pa Khlok on Tuesday (Aug 11).
Bangkok's BEM opens a free art exhibition featuring over 65 student artworks alongside workshops and craft sales at Metro Mall in Sanam Luang MRT station on August 15-16, 2026.
Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BEM) is inviting passengers and art lovers to experience the 7th Sketchbook Art Exhibition 2026, titled "Renaissance: The Rebirth of Art," held free of charge on August 15-16, 2026, at Metro Mall in the Sanam Luang MRT station. The exhibition is organized in collaboration with the senior high school art program at Satro 2 School and will present over 65 artworks created by students, alumni, teachers, and guest artists, showcasing diverse perspectives and imagination through various artistic formats. The event also features art workshops, creator meetups, and an art market selling student-made artworks and handicrafts, providing young people with opportunities to develop into creative entrepreneurs and exchange inspiration with visitors. BEM aims to transform Metro Mall into a space for learning and inspiration while serving as a hub of travel enjoyment, making art and cultural activities accessible to the public and supporting the development of Thai youth through platforms for creative expression. Interested visitors are welcome to attend during the specified dates and times.
Thailand's under-17 women's volleyball team defeated Poland 3-1 in a round-of-16 match at the 2026 World Youth Championship in Santiago, Chile, advancing to the quarterfinals despite finishing fourth in their group stage.
Thailand's under-17 women's volleyball team, despite scraping through the group stage until the final match, showcased strong form to defeat Poland convincingly and advance to the quarterfinals of the 2026 World Youth Volleyball Championship for players aged 17 and under, held in Santiago, Chile. The round-of-16 match on August 13 saw Thailand's fourth-place finishers from Group A face Poland, the Group C champions.
Thailand started brilliantly, taking a commanding 2-0 set lead with scores of 25-19 and 25-21. However, Poland mounted a strong comeback, winning the third set 25-10 to level the match at 1-2. The fourth set proved intense, with both teams trading points and taking turns in the lead throughout. After reaching 20-20, Thailand held their nerve to edge out a tight 25-23 victory.
Thailand ultimately defeated Poland 3-1 with final set scores of 25-19, 25-21, 10-25, and 25-23, advancing to face Taiwan in the quarterfinals. Poland was relegated to the 9th-16th place classification playoff, where they will meet Venezuela.
Thai ornamental gold prices rose 50 baht on August 13 to 69,900 baht per baht, with merchants predicting further gains could breach the 80,000-baht level tomorrow.
Gold prices rose again on August 13, 2569, according to an announcement from the Thai Gold Merchants Association updated at 09:03. Ornamental gold (96.5%) is buying at 67,522.64 baht per baht and selling at 69,900 baht per baht, up 50 baht from the previous day's close. Gold bars are buying at 68,900 baht per baht and selling at 69,100 baht per baht. The global gold market (Gold Spot) is trading at 4,409.00 US dollars per ounce. Gold merchants predict the market will open tomorrow with prices potentially rising another 1,000 to 2,000 baht, potentially breaking through the 80,000-baht barrier.
Easy Pass holders on Thai expressways can now earn triple points per toll transaction through September 2026, with rewards redeemable at Black Canyon, Starbucks and other merchants.
The Expressway Authority of Thailand is tripling accumulated points for Easy Pass customers on every journey. Points are simple to collect: just drive through the toll gate. Rewards are generous and can be redeemed quickly for benefits including Black Canyon, Starbucks, and many more options. The promotion begins today and runs until September 30, 2026. It's convenient, fast, and with so many points available, there's no reason not to use it.
Thai authorities seized 32,812 cases of illegal goods worth 4.51 billion baht over 10 months, with smuggled cigarettes accounting for 61 percent of violations and nearly 4.9 million confiscated packs.
Deputy government spokesman Ploythalae Laksameesuangchan revealed that the government has stepped up strict prevention and suppression of illegal excise goods nationwide, particularly targeting smuggled cigarette imports and sales, which are the most commonly detected illegal goods and cause significant damage to state revenue and unfair competition for legitimate businesses. The Excise Department, Ministry of Finance, has enhanced coordination with security and relevant agencies to strengthen investigations, intelligence, and proactive operations to intercept smuggling networks under government policy and Prime Minister Anuthine Charnweerakul's directives. During the 10-month fiscal period from October 1, 2568 to July 31, 2569, enforcement resulted in 32,812 total cases with 901.82 million baht in imposed fines and an estimated 4.51 billion baht in total penalties. Tobacco cases represent the largest violation category at 20,160 cases, or 61 percent of all cases, with 609.39 million baht in imposed fines and estimated 4.38 billion baht in total penalties, along with the seizure of 4,862,367 cigarette packs. Deputy spokesman Laksameesuangchan stated that integrated agency operations have improved enforcement efficiency, enabling the seizure of significant illegal goods across multiple regions nationwide covering all excise product categories. The government is committed to enhancing state revenue collection efficiency while seriously suppressing illegal tax-evading trade to ensure fairness for law-abiding businesses and protect national interests.
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), invites visitors to experience “Koh Kerd: The Living Legacy of Thai Craftsmanship,” a cultural tour...
The Ministry of Tourism and Sports, in partnership with the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), invites visitors to experience “Koh Kerd: The Living Legacy of Thai Craftsmanship,” a cultural tour...
A boyfriend surprised his girlfriend with 500,000 baht for her father's surgery instead of a traditional birthday gift, leaving both her and her father in tears of gratitude in Ko Lanta.
A touching birthday surprise: Khanomm Sashikarn was moved to tears when her boyfriend, Dr. Book, presented her with 500,000 baht as a birthday gift to help cover her father's surgery costs. Besides receiving various gifts thoughtfully chosen by Dr. Book, the birthday celebration featured an emotional moment when the final gift was opened to reveal a large sum of 500,000 baht in cash, leaving Khanomm shocked and tearful. Dr. Book then embraced her, explaining his change of plans: "I originally planned to buy something else, but when your father became ill and needed surgery, I decided to give money instead."
Khanomm's father, known as Akong, is facing surgery and requires substantial medical expenses. For this year's birthday, Dr. Book chose to give his girlfriend a birthday gift in the form of financial assistance for her father's medical treatment. While Khanomm was overwhelmed by the surprise, Akong was equally moved to tears, never expecting Dr. Book would do something so generous. The moment was captured with Akong embracing both Dr. Book and Khanomm amid tears of gratitude.
Akong shared his emotions while tears streamed down his face and his hands pressed together in thanks: "This money is for my surgery. I couldn't sleep at night, constantly asking my daughter if she had enough money. I didn't know where she would find it. I truly thank the doctor. I thank my child. This money is like buying a new life. I didn't ask for it, but I wanted to follow the doctor's wishes. The doctor started everything, took me to see specialists, negotiated with the hospital. He was there during my most difficult time. I truly thank him." Source: Khanomm Sashikarn