On August 7, a group of citizens using Thailand's 30-baht universal health insurance card (known as the gold card) protested at the Ministry of Public Health, demanding that the current healthcare scheme remain unchanged. Led by Pattrapol Thandetphonlert, a representative of the public, the group submitted a letter to the health minister opposing any restructuring of the program that could affect citizens' access to services. The letter was received by Dr. Sakda Alaphachan and Dr. Panuwatn Pankaetu, deputy permanent secretaries of the ministry.

Pattrapol stated that the group strongly opposes any modifications to the 30-baht card system, arguing that low-income and grassroots citizens—who represent the majority of Thailand's population—should not bear the consequences of policy changes. He insisted that the current system is working well and requires no overhaul, emphasizing that the Ministry of Public Health has a fundamental duty to ensure all citizens can access healthcare at no personal cost, with the state covering all expenses as a basic right and welfare benefit.

Dr. Sakda responded that there are no plans to cancel the policy, and that current implementation follows existing legal frameworks. He noted that a key mechanism is the law on evaluating the outcomes of legislation, which requires a review every five years. Such reviews examine real-world implementation and identify any limitations or obstacles, with input sought from all sectors before any improvements or modifications are made.

A student at Debsirin Nonthaburi School has described the terrifying moments he and his classmates hid inside a classroom for nearly 30 minutes during a deadly shooting on Friday that left seven people dead and many others injured.

The Grade 12 student from class M.6/10 told reporters that he was attending an English lesson when he heard several gunshots. At first, he thought the sounds were from someone shooting at birds, so he opened the classroom door to check before returning to his seat.

Shortly afterwards, another student ran in and warned that a teacher had been shot. The class immediately closed the door, locked the classroom and moved to protect themselves.

The student said he looked out of the window and saw the shooter carrying a gun walking down from Building 5 to the ground floor before running toward Building 4, where his classroom was located.

He and his classmates then pushed tables and chairs against the door, turned off the lights, stayed quiet and crouched down while waiting for help. They remained inside for almost half an hour until police arrived and instructed them to leave the area.

"Luckily, no one in our classroom was injured. The shooter only walked past our classroom," he said.

The student said he learned survival techniques from online videos, including how to respond during dangerous situations. He said he did not know the suspect personally but knew he was a younger student at the school.

Although he remains slightly fearful after the incident, he said he would continue attending school and called for stricter measures to check students for weapons.

After succeeding in entertainment, beauty pageants, and earning a doctorate, Police Major Dr. Atittaya Benjapak, known as "Muay Fighter Cat," is now launching a comprehensive business venture with a new body tone-up product line.

Drawing from her own experience using tone-up cosmetics, Cat developed the formula to suit Thai skin and lifestyle. The launch features two formulas and enlists two industry icons—Jeena Wiraya Pattrochokchai and Benz Prik Thai—as co-presenters.

Jeena Wiraya represents confident fashion-forward women who love styling and bold looks. With a lifestyle constantly in front of cameras for events and shoots, Jeena perfectly embodies the product's promise of boosting confidence and enabling new daily looks.

Singer Benz Prik Thai, though now a mother, maintains impeccable personal care and a radiant, confident appearance, especially under stage lights. She represents modern women's confidence with clarity.

Cat explained: "I put great effort into this product because I wanted all women and LGBTQ+ people to feel confident. Working in entertainment and beauty pageants, I use tone-up daily, but hadn't found a complete solution. So I developed this formula from my own experience.

"I chose Jeena and Benz because they're icons with distinct styles. Jeena represents fashion-loving women who enjoy styling, while Benz is a talented singer who maintains herself and radiates confidence. Both can represent the tone-up product through two different but equally fitting characters."

SCB Financial Markets on August 7 reported that the Thai baht experienced significant volatility last month due to Middle East conflict, yen intervention, and gold price swings. The baht has recently strengthened following falling oil prices, a stronger yen, and rising gold prices. However, analysts expect near-term weakness as war uncertainties persist and could reignite, pressuring the baht downward. In the longer term, the baht may recover modestly if conflict resolves as expected and the U.S. Federal Reserve holds rates steady this year, alongside potential improvement in Thailand's trade deficit by year-end. Risks from unwinding carry trades remain low as investors have diversified funding currencies, and significant yen strength is unlikely with gradual repatriation to Japan.

Head of Financial Markets Patrick Poulia revealed the baht swung 60 satang (roughly 2%) against the dollar within two weeks, weakening to 33.90 baht per dollar before recovering to around 33.20 in early July. Volatility has stemmed from renewed Middle East conflict and foreign exchange intervention. The first half of July saw continued baht weakness as U.S.-Iran tensions flared following a broken MOU, raising crude oil prices and stoking global inflation concerns while widening Thailand's June trade deficit. The Thai central bank remained calm about currency direction and signaled no rush to raise rates, contrasting with other regional central banks, causing baht selling pressure compared to regional peers.

Recent baht strength followed reports of U.S.-Iran negotiations resuming and OPEC+ announcing crude production increases, which quickly lowered oil prices. Japanese and U.S. intervention in the yen market simultaneously bolstered regional currencies including the baht. Near-term weakness may return as war uncertainty remains high and U.S. economic data stays resilient. While the U.S. may slow Iran strikes, a permanent peace deal remains elusive given stark differences in both sides' positions.

Megabangna Shopping Centre and Victory Partners are inviting the public to join an Active Healthy Lifestyle community featuring integrated sports, health, and lifestyle activities. The centerpiece is the 3X3.EXE PREMIER THAILAND 2026 professional three-on-three basketball league, Thailand's largest, featuring top-tier athletes from Thailand and abroad competing in a points-accumulation format. The top two teams from both men's and women's categories will represent Thailand at the 3X3.EXE PREMIER 2026 PLAYOFFS in Osaka, Japan, with a prize package worth over 1 million baht. Tournament matches run August 8–9, 15–16, 22–23, and 29–30, 2026, with free entry.

The event also features MEGA HOOPS: 3X3 SHOOT & DINE, an open-entry three-on-three tournament for all ages and skill levels, held August 19 for under-16 teams and August 26 for ages 17 and up. Winners receive gift vouchers from Mo-Mo-Paradise worth over 8,000 baht. Team registration costs 600 baht via the provided link.

Additionally, Megabangna is strengthening the community through free 3X3 BASKETBALL CLINIC coaching sessions for youth aged 10–18 from local schools and interested participants aged 10–16, running on multiple dates in August with professional coaches from Swish Academy. The program aims to promote fitness, develop sports skills, and inspire quality youth development.

New this year is 3X3 MEGA WELLNESS, offering free fitness classes in partnership with Thailand Yoga Art & Dance (TYAD). Classes include Yoga Release on August 14 for stress relief and muscle recovery, Laughter Yoga for breathing and stress reduction, introductory Hand Stand training, and Mobility Flow for flexibility. August 21 features Yoga + Dance by Inside Flow Thailand, a trending fitness format.