On August 11, 2025, at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister Phipat Ratchakitprakarn and Minister of Transport addressed the appointment of Piyapong Jiwatkulpaisal, director-general of the Department of Highways, to the position of permanent secretary of the Transport Ministry. Phipat stated that ministry projects will continue uninterrupted since Piyapong already holds his current position and can smoothly transition into the new role.

Phipat emphasized that the appointment was based on merit and a recommendation from the current permanent secretary, Chayathorn Phromsor, not political quotas. He noted that Piyapong has advanced through the ranks on his own abilities and performed well under previous transport ministers. When asked about the vacant director-general position, Phipat said the ministry will conduct a competitive selection process with public announcement and examination, expecting 14 to 18 applicants screened down to three finalists.

Phipat highlighted Piyapong's suitability for the permanent secretary role, describing him as knowledgeable and experienced. He explained that since the Department of Highways manages the ministry's largest construction budget, appointing someone from that background provides a comprehensive view of all transport operations—railways, air, and maritime—which require integrated management. Phipat added that the ministry is already accelerating all projects, with ongoing development supported by committed budgets and annual allocations.

On August 11, Air Chief Marshal Abhichai Kaewkosal, a Phetchaburi MP and vice chair of the parliamentary police committee, discussed recent shooting incidents, saying the committee has received orders from Prime Minister Anuthim Charnweerakul and Interior Minister to enforce stricter measures. The committee is working with the Department of Local Administration to draft new laws and regulations for gun owners. Regarding Cholaklong Riaowraeng, a former Nonthaburi MP, who shot a Nonthaburi provincial administrative organization chairman, Abhichai acknowledged criticism of police for failing to handcuff the suspect and allowing him to smoke during arrest. He confirmed that the Prime Minister directly called the police chief to reprimand him over the incident shown in media footage. Abhichai said the lapse represented a need for improvement by both police and local authorities. When asked whether the incident could be tied to politics, Abhichai stated that based on Cholaklong's public statements, the shooting appeared to be a personal matter unrelated to political issues. He noted that Cholaklong and the provincial chairman had been close like siblings. "I dare say this is not about politics," Abhichai said. "In today's era, competition happens within proper frameworks—we no longer resort to violence."

The Thai SME Federation is proposing to revive provincial public-private partnership committees as a mechanism to connect government agencies, private businesses, and entrepreneurs at the local level to stimulate grassroots economic growth and advance tourism development in 50 secondary cities with multibillion-baht investment. Federation chairman Noppapong Thirawon disclosed the proposal after attending a meeting of the Trade and Service subcommittee, presided over by Deputy Prime Minister Supachee Sutthiraphan and Commerce Minister. The chairman stated that the meeting offered a crucial opportunity for public and private sectors and MSME networks to exchange proposals to drive Thailand's economy forward.

The federation urged the revitalization of provincial public-private committees to serve as a bridge linking government, private sector, and local entrepreneurs, believing this would enable problem-solving and economic development better aligned with each province's capabilities. The federation also proposed developing man-made tourist attractions in 50 secondary cities, allocating 200 million baht per province, with each provincial committee tasked to propose suitable attractions to generate new economic activity, distribute income to communities, and create opportunities for small business operators throughout the value chain.

Another key proposal involves supporting e-commerce for Thai entrepreneurs to expand marketing channels for MSMEs. The federation is preparing to launch an 'SME Proud' platform to connect entrepreneurs with markets and business opportunities, aiming to create careers, jobs, and income on a broader scale. "Thai SMEs don't just need relief measures—they need mechanisms that allow entrepreneurs to grow on their own," Noppapong stated. "Linking the strength of government, private sector, and MSME networks is the heart of driving Thailand's economy forward together."

Content creators and fans from across Thailand converged on Samoedet District in Kalasin province on August 11, 2025, to pay final respects to Haloon Solo, whose real name was Bowortthat Pengsuk. The popular YouTuber and backpacker died while traveling in Georgia. Mourners began arriving early in the day, with family and neighbors providing warm hospitality to those coming to pay their respects.

At 11 a.m., family members invited four Buddhist monks to perform merit-making ceremonies and offer food donations. The family then conducted a traditional funeral blessing, with monks chanting protective verses before the body was moved nearly one kilometer to Rangsee Chachwal Temple, where the cremation ceremony was held.

Nangasadit Kailthep, a YouTuber and fan from Udon Thani province, explained that she followed Haloon's journey after her son told her about a man who traveled the world starting with only 300 baht. She became inspired to start her own YouTube channel after watching his content, and when she learned of his death, she made the journey to pay her respects and say goodbye to her idol.

Nangsukannya Khajorveeratham, a fan from Ko Lanta in Narathiwat, traveled over 1,700 kilometers to attend the ceremony. Despite having watched only two of Haloon's videos, she was deeply impressed by his innovative content creation style and his determination to succeed despite limited resources. She said the round-trip journey exceeded 3,600 kilometers, but she came out of love and admiration, and to see the birthplace that shaped such an inspiring young person. After the funeral blessing, officials prepared to transport the body to the temple for the cremation ceremony scheduled for 4 p.m.

PHUKET — A dispute over a tuk-tuk fare involving Israeli tourists and Australian tourists erupted in Patong, Phuket, on 9 August, after a tuk-tuk driver claimed an Israeli tourist argued with him and tried to force an Australian couple out of his vehicle.

The incident took place at about 20:15 on Thawiwong Road in Patong subdistrict, Kathu district.

The incident gained widespread attention online after a Facebook user named "Oiltuktukpatong Saranate" posted dashcam footage of the confrontation. The user captioned the first video, "Let's see what the Israeli family did," before posting additional footage and alleging that the tourists had verbally abused him, spat at him and attempted to lift a concrete barrier in what he believed was an effort to threaten him.

According to the tuk-tuk driver who posted the footage, a family of five Israeli tourists—a couple and their three children—had approached him earlier that evening to ask about the fare for a trip to the Patong beach area.

The two sides were unable to agree on a price and went their separate ways.

Shortly afterwards, an Australian couple approached the tuk-tuk and got into the vehicle. The Israeli family then returned and told the driver they wanted to share the ride.

The driver said he refused because the vehicle already had passengers.

An argument then broke out. The driver alleged that the Israeli man told the Australian couple to get out of the tuk-tuk because the family wanted to use the vehicle. The driver refused to comply, after which the dispute escalated into a heated verbal confrontation.

The driver further alleged that the Israeli man used offensive language and shouted at him to leave the area. At one point, the man appeared to try to lift a concrete barrier beside the road, according to the driver, who said he feared it could be used to assault him. The man was reportedly unable to lift it.

Parts of the incident were captured by the tuk-tuk's dashcam and later posted on social media, prompting widespread online criticism.

Much of the discussion focused on the dispute over the fare and the alleged attempt to make the Australian passengers leave the tuk-tuk.

The driver said he had worked in Phuket's tourism industry for several decades and disagreed with the behaviour shown during the incident.

He said verbal abuse and attempts to intimidate others should not occur in a tourist destination.

PHUKET: Government offices across Phuket will close today (Aug 12) as Thailand observes the birthday anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, with the day also celebrated nationwide as National Mother’s Day.