Dr. Chayasith Uttamapinant, a biochemistry and synthetic biology researcher at the Vidyasirimedhi Institute of Science and Technology (VISTEC), has won the 2025 Outstanding Scientist Award. He is recognized for pioneering genetic code expansion technology to create protein sensors for Alzheimer's disease detection, and for leading the world's first team to discover an enzyme from human saliva microbes capable of breaking down PET plastic and converting waste into high-value chemicals. Researchers from Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology at Thammasat University and Silpakorn University also received the 2025 New Scientist Award. The Science and Technology Promotion Foundation under Royal Patronage held a press conference announcing the award winners in the 45th consecutive year of the awards ceremony. The event was held at Centara Grand at CentralPlaza Ladprao in Bangkok and was presided over by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Anutin Charnvirakul, who presented the awards alongside former Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak, Foundation Chairman Sakarintr Bumirat, and Award Committee Chairman Jamras Limpakarnjanarat.

Chairman Jamras Limpakarnjanarat noted that Thailand faces a critical transition in a world driven by science, technology, and innovation. To escape the middle-income trap and strengthen competitiveness, the nation must develop its own knowledge and technology, particularly through frontier research, which forms the foundation of innovation, future industries, and knowledge-based economies. Global R&D investment reached approximately 2.87 trillion US dollars in 2024, while South Korea invests over 5 percent of GDP in R&D and has translated this into strategic industries including semiconductors, batteries, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology. Thailand's challenge is not merely to increase investment but to elevate research system quality, develop an ecosystem supporting world-class researchers, and back cutting-edge research of international excellence while translating knowledge into practical applications and tangible national impact.

For the selection criteria of the Outstanding Scientist Award, emphasis is placed on academic excellence in frontier research with the potential to drive global scientific advancement. This year, the award committee unanimously recognized Dr. Chayasith Uttamapinant from the School of Biomolecular Science and Engineering at VISTEC as the 2025 Outstanding Scientist Award recipient for his research on "Pioneering Synthetic Biology and Genetic Code Expansion Technologies for Innovations in Health and Environmental Protection." He received the award from Princess Suthida Tidsinavaratna and a cash prize of 400,000 baht.

The Department of Mineral Resources has named seven provinces at risk of landslides and flashfloods from heavy rain, urging volunteer networks in vulnerable areas to monitor the situation closely. On August 18, 2025, the Geohazard Operations Center of the Department of Mineral Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, warned of landslides and flashfloods due to continuous heavy rain in at-risk areas and predicted rainfall that could trigger landslides, particularly in seven provinces: Tak, Nan, Chiang Mai, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Loei, and Sa Kaeo. The Meteorological Department forecasts heavy to very heavy rain in parts of Thailand over the next 24 hours, with the most intense rainfall in the upper Northeast and Eastern regions as the monsoon trough shifts southward through Laos into a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam, while the strengthening southwest monsoon affects the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. The public should beware of dangers from heavy and accumulated rainfall, which may trigger flash floods, flashfloods, and overflowing banks, particularly in hillside areas near water channels and low-lying zones. Volunteer networks in these at-risk areas are instructed to closely monitor landslide and flashflood conditions and prepare for potential geohazards. If geohazards occur in any area, officials must immediately inspect the site to reassure residents and provide preliminary guidance.

On August 18, 2569, the Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct read the appeals court ruling in the case brought by the National Anti-Corruption Commission against Nipont Bunyamani, former chairman of the Songkhla Provincial Administrative Organization, for violation of the Criminal Code Section 157. The case centered on his refusal to approve payment of over 50 million baht to the contractor for two multipurpose maintenance vehicles. The appeals court overturned the lower court's conviction and dismissed the charges, finding insufficient evidence that Nipont acted with intent to harm the contractor through improper or negligent performance of duties.

The appeals court determined that Nipont's order for additional inspection and testing of both vehicles was a legitimate administrative action taken as chairman of the local government organization. The court noted that as administrative head, Nipont held authority to oversee and direct operations for the benefit of public service. Given that the vehicle purchase exceeded 50 million baht but had only one acceptance certificate, reasonable grounds existed to verify accuracy and specifications before proceeding. The court found that ordering testing was not an arbitrary cancellation of inspection results but a proper directive by the local government head to ensure the vehicles functioned as intended.

The court also noted that before issuing the testing order, Nipont had called in relevant officials to provide information and clarify facts, demonstrating no intent to prejudice the contractor but rather to investigate factual matters before making administrative decisions. The court examined the sequence of events and found that the contractor did not contest the testing order when issued on December 18, 2556, and later notified that testing would occur on January 7, 2557, so any delays could not be attributed to Nipont's obstruction.

A witness from the Comptroller General's Department testified that the chairman could order vehicle testing if deemed beneficial to the government, and that during investigation of procurement complaints, regular payment disbursement cannot proceed if doubts exist about procurement impropriety. The appeals court also noted that no formal payment voucher was submitted to Nipont according to ministerial regulations, only an informal notification from the supplies unit about the inspection and testing, but no formal request from the responsible agency for his approval of payment.

The beauty pageant world is buzzing after the Vachirawut College Alumni Association granted Cat Unique Company the rights to organize the Miss Thailand pageant for three consecutive years (2570-2572). The company is managed by Police Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Attitaya Benjapak, who plans to modernize this legendary platform while promoting Thai soft power and identity to a global audience.

The pageant operator announced the news through a personal social media post, stating: "I humbly thank the Vachirawut College Alumni Association under Royal Patronage for entrusting Cat Unique Company with the rights to manage the Miss Thailand pageant for 2570-2572. This trust represents both an honor and a significant responsibility to continue this valued platform that has long served Thai society."

The operator emphasized that Cat Unique and its team are committed to preserving the values, prestige, and identity of Miss Thailand while advancing the pageant into a new, elegant, and modern chapter. The company aims to provide a platform where Thai women can fully demonstrate their potential, abilities, and leadership qualities.

Over the three-year period, the team pledges to work with full dedication to honor the trust received and create a memorable chapter in Miss Thailand's history. The new era has been branded as "Miss Thailand 2570 — The Golden Era," bridging the pageant's long legacy with its contemporary future.

The Ministry of Finance is urging eligible applicants for the 2025 State Welfare Card to complete e-KYC identity verification immediately rather than waiting until benefits start. Applicants who have not yet verified their identity must do so by September 30, 2025 to begin using the 2025 State Welfare Card programme from October 1, 2025.

Identity verification is available only through the Pao Tang mobile application and registration units at five participating banks. Verification cannot be completed through ATM machines. After verifying, applicants should check again the following day to confirm successful completion.

Verification status can be checked on the programme website at https://welfare.mof.go.th or https://welfare.mof.go.th. Identity verification is possible until January 12, 2026, so applicants are advised to complete the process today to avoid missing out on entitled benefits.

The Department of Medical Sciences, Ministry of Public Health, is advancing a health economics initiative from laboratory research to real-world application by partnering with networks to upgrade sanitation standards at hotels in Koh Samui under the DMSc Certified trademark and the 3C concept: Clean Bed, Clean Air, Clean Food. The program covers bed bug-free accommodation, safe air and water free from pathogens, and safe food, with 25 model hotels in Koh Samui receiving the 3C Sustainable Hotel certificate to build confidence among Thai and foreign tourists.

On August 17, Dr. Sarawut Bunsuk, Director-General of the Department of Medical Sciences, chaired the opening of a knowledge-sharing forum to enhance implementation of the bed bug and pathogen surveillance programme at Koh Samui hotels. The event brought together officials from the Department of Medical Sciences and partner agencies including the Surat Thani Provincial Public Health Office, Tourism Authority of Thailand Koh Samui Office, Koh Samui Tourism Promotion Association, and hotel operators.

Dr. Sarawut stated that Koh Samui is a major tourism destination popular with Thai and international visitors, making hygiene and disease prevention essential for promoting economic growth. The Department of Medical Sciences and partners are sharing medical science knowledge and implementing surveillance measures against pathogens in hotel water, food, and bed bugs to protect tourists. This effort enhances hotel reputation, increases tourist confidence, and supports Thailand's economy.

The department is driving health economics through the DMSc Certified trademark under the 3C concept focusing on bug-free beds, pathogen-free air and water, and safe food to build tourist confidence and support Thailand's tourism sector. A memorandum of understanding was also signed among the Department of Medical Sciences, Koh Samui Municipality, Koh Samui Tourism Promotion Association, and the Tourism Authority of Thailand to integrate cooperation between government, tourism, and hotel operators in developing sanitation standards and monitoring for Legionella, norovirus, foodborne pathogens, and bed bugs. The collaboration aims to promote Koh Samui as a quality health tourism destination, building confidence among Thai and foreign tourists while strengthening the competitiveness of the tourism industry.