The Department of Land Transport has clarified that vehicles bearing TC and QC registration plates are authorized test vehicles undergoing performance and quality checks. Director Thitipat Thaijongrak of the Automotive Engineering Division explained that these plates are issued by the department to permit vehicles to be tested for completeness, performance, system readiness, and compliance with standards before production or sale, ensuring quality and safety.

The TC plate, standing for "Test before Construction," is used for prototype vehicles that are newly manufactured, assembled, imported, or modified in their control systems or equipment. Manufacturers must test these vehicles under real operating conditions before full production. The authorization permit is valid for 180 days from issue. For cars, TC plates are white reflective metal sheets measuring 15 centimeters wide by 34 centimeters long, with "TC" on the first line followed by up to four digits, and the province name Bangkok on the second line, with the Department of Land Transport emblem stamped in the bottom right corner. Motorcycles use smaller TC plates measuring 17.20 by 22 centimeters, arranged across three lines with "TC," the province, and up to four digits, plus the department emblem in the top right corner.

The QC plate, meaning "Quality Control," is used for vehicles already produced, assembled, or imported that have been randomly selected for quality testing before sale. QC plates measure 15 by 34 centimeters for cars, with "QC" on the first line followed by up to four digits, Bangkok province on the second line, and the department emblem in the bottom right corner. Authorization permits for QC vehicles are valid for 90 days from issue.

Thitipat stated that those operating TC or QC test vehicles on roads must carry a copy of their authorization permit at all times, maintain required insurance coverage, and have drivers holding appropriate licenses. Unauthorized or non-compliant use of TC or QC plates violates Section 6/1 paragraph three of the Automotive Act and is subject to fines up to 2,000 baht under Section 60 of the act.

TC and QC plates represent legally issued vehicle identification marks and are part of Thailand's framework for promoting vehicle research, development, and testing while ensuring road safety compliance. Members of the public with questions may contact the Vehicle and Engine Registration Control Section, Registry and Tax Standards Division, Department of Land Transport, at 0-2271-8888 extension 2408.

BANGKOK — 17 August 2026, The Royal Gazette has published royal commands promoting and conferring ecclesiastical titles on 14 senior Buddhist monks.

The first announcement said His Majesty the King had elevated Phra Thamma Wachira Dilok of Wat Suthat Thepwararam Ratchaworamahawihan in Bangkok to the rank of deputy supreme ecclesiastical dignitary, with the new title Phra Phrom Wachira Muni.

The promotion took effect on 16 August and allows him to appoint eight monks to positions within his ecclesiastical entourage.

In a separate royal command, 13 other monks were granted new ecclesiastical ranks and titles:

Phra Thep Wachira Khunathan of Wat Ban Plueai Yai in Roi Et was promoted to Phra Thamma Wachira Khunathan.

Phra Ratcha Wachira Methi of Wat Traimit Witthayaram Worawihan was promoted to Phra Thep Pariyat Wachira Methi.

Phra Yan Wilat of Wat Pa Song Tham in Roi Et was promoted to Phra Ratcha Yan Wachirophas.

Phra Phimon Phawana Phithan of Wat Rakhang Khositaram Woramahawihan was promoted to Phra Ratcha Wachira Phawana Phithan.

Phra Si Thiraphong of Wat Thong Nopphakhun was promoted to Phra Ratcha Wachira Saramethi.

Phra Khru Pariyat Woraphirak of Wat Nong I But in Kalasin was appointed Phra Pariyat Wachirathon.

Phra Khru Si Wisut Wat of Wat That in Khon Kaen was appointed Phra Pariyat Wachira Sunthon.

Phra Khru Santi Kitjanukan of Wat Bang Samak in Chachoengsao was appointed Phra Phawana Wachira Wisit.

Phra Khru Si Wachirawong of Wat Suthat Thepwararam was appointed Phra Pariyat Wachira Wethi.

Phra Khru Chotithammaprakat of Wat Kasemsap Phatthanaram in Roi Et was appointed Phra Wachira Thamma Chot.

Phra Khru Sitthi Phawananusak of Wat Si Song Mueang in Chiang Mai was appointed Phra Phawana Wachira Thada.

Phra Khru Si Kitti Warodom of Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram was appointed Phra Kitti Wachirodom.

Phra Maha Adirek Techawanno of Wat Bang Tanai in Pathum Thani was appointed Phra Udom Wachira Suthi.

The appointments took effect on 16 August, according to the Royal Gazette announcements published on 17 August.

Actor Somchai Khemkla has proven himself a true 'supportive dad.' He recently attended a film blessing ceremony for "Pobla Khai Lai Krajoing" at One Shot Studio in the Ladprao area, where he opened up about his new home, which is currently being decorated. His family had lived in their previous house for 17 years, but as his children grew older—Somjai is now 16 and Sukjai is 15—they expressed a wish to have their own rooms with their choice of wallpaper and furniture. Previously, all four family members slept in one small room. Somchai decided to build a three-storey house with high ceilings and a carport with reinforced pillars for future expansion, all within his set budget.

When asked about his daughters' special requests, Somchai explained that the second floor has separate bedrooms for each daughter plus a guest room for relatives, while the third floor serves as a penthouse for him and his wife. His Gen-Z children have specific design preferences—Somjai favours an artistic style and initially wanted 1980s vintage furniture, though he eventually chose something more comfortable. He is now designing his own room, buying posters of his favourite BL artists to decorate the walls. Somchai advised him to use frames so the posters can be moved easily without damage, and his son collects pillows and photos of his favourite artists to cuddle while sleeping.

Regarding his daughters' celebrity crushes, Somchai said Somjai initially liked Yin Wor and still does, while recently also becoming a fan of William S. He expressed how happy he is to support whatever makes his children happy, comparing it to how fans supported him 30 years ago. He praised his son for being considerate—when inviting Somchai to concerts, he would say, "Dad, you're not into BL, so can you just drop me off?" His son buys his own ticket and enters alone, and his daughters have jokingly posted Somchai online as the ultimate supportive dad. "I've had to act quite a bit because I need the money to buy tickets, which are more expensive than my own concerts," he laughed.

When asked if his children save for these expenses themselves, Somchai explained that they save money from gifts received during New Year and Chinese New Year from grandparents. His wife also deposits part of their savings into a bank account for their future use. However, concert tickets are expensive, so his son negotiated with him, saying, "Dad, if the ticket is cheap I can just take a photo, but if it's this expensive, can I hold your hand?" They eventually agreed to split the cost—a 6,900 baht ticket, with Somchai paying half, though he doesn't attend the concerts himself.

When asked if his children ever use the privilege of being Somchai Khemkla's children, he answered definitively: "Never."

The Cabinet has declared October 2026 will have special holidays, with some Bangkok government workers eligible for a three-day continuous break. Following a Cabinet resolution from May 18, 2026, regarding preparations for Thailand to host the annual meeting of World Bank governors and International Monetary Fund officials, the government approved Friday, October 16 as a special public holiday in Bangkok. Additionally, government agencies in Bangkok will operate remotely (work from home) on Monday, October 12 and between Wednesday, October 14 and Thursday, October 15 to alleviate traffic problems and facilitate travel for conference participants, while ensuring the security and safety of finance ministers and member countries' central bank governors.

Special public holidays declared are: Tuesday, October 13 (King Bhumibol Memorial Day); Friday, October 16 (special holiday for Bangkok government offices only, which combined with Saturday October 17 and Sunday October 18 gives Bangkok civil servants a continuous three-day break); and Friday, October 23 (King Prajadhipok Day).

Bangkok government agencies will work remotely on: Monday, October 12; Wednesday, October 14; and Thursday, October 15. State enterprises, financial institutions, educational institutions, and private sector businesses in areas surrounding the conference venue are requested to implement appropriate measures based on their location and operational needs. Agencies with essential services or advance public appointments may proceed as deemed necessary to avoid harm to public services.

Luang Pho Dit Tisso of Ampawan Temple in Nonthaburi was a celebrated monk of the World War II period and expert in Buddhist scripture and esoteric amulet craftsmanship, having studied under Luang Pho To at Tha It Temple in Pak Kret. He is credited as the originator of the rare "silver fish and gold fish" or "paired catfish" protective amulets. His first-edition medal, created in 1966, features an oval shape with a loop, a half-length portrait on the obverse, and ritual script on the reverse reading "Phra Kru Nonthabat Pradist" and marking a celebration at Ampawan Temple—now extremely scarce. In 2003, Maha Sarakham Municipality built the Maha Sarakham City Museum at Nong Kha Park to promote local heritage and community-based handicraft sales, and established a principal Buddha image titled "Phra Phuttha Tak Sinlamahajai" measuring 29 inches. The municipality also minted commemorative medals of Phra Phuttha Kanthawijjai in both lead-alloy (1,000 pieces at 199 baht) and copper (5,000 pieces at 29 baht) to fund the museum; the consecration ceremony took place on August 21, 2003, attended by renowned Eastern Thai monks. Separately, in 1995, Luang Pu Ti Yano Sophon, former abbot of Luang Raja Was Temple in Uthai Thani, created "Luang Pho in Vihara" medals in silver and copper with a loop, featuring a Buddha image in meditation on a lotus throne, to fund vihara restoration. In 2002, Luang Pu Somphaar of Pa Vivek Phattana Ram Temple in Bueng Kan commissioned the first-edition portrait amulet in copper—10,000 pieces—to donors supporting the restoration of the sermon hall, driving increased local demand for these pieces.

On August 17, Udon Thani Emergency Response Center 191 received a report of a man with severe injuries and heavy bleeding inside a dormitory on Artist Lane in Muang Udon Thani Municipality. Rescue personnel arrived to find the victim, identified as Pun Sak, 35, a Type 3 disabled person with movement-related impairments, bleeding from head wounds on the third floor. He was rushed to hospital.

Investigating officers from Muang Udon Thani Police Station later identified the assailant as Bun Peng, 57, the victim's biological father, who fled the scene.

The dormitory manager revealed both men are relatives—Bun Peng is the uncle and Pun Sak is the nephew. He had allowed them to live rent-free out of compassion, as both are disabled, unemployed, and receive only 800 baht monthly in disability benefits. However, both frequently drink alcohol and quarrel. The latest incident allegedly began when they were drinking together. When they went to bed, Pun Sak apparently threatened Bun Peng with a knife and placed a chair around his neck. Bun Peng called for help from another resident, Pei, 41, who witnessed the altercation. When Pei intervened to separate them, Pun Sak told him "I'm going to kill him." Bun Peng then struck Pun Sak repeatedly in the head with a beer bottle before fleeing. When arrested, Bun Peng claimed he acted in self-defense after enduring repeated attacks from his son and said he was willing to accept imprisonment.