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Thailand News

All the latest news stories from Thailand are written in English. Fresh news and stories from around the kingdom brought to you daily.

Bang Bua Thong shooting range death under investigation

A 36-year-old man from Nonthaburi died after shooting himself at a firearms range in Bang Bua Thong district on 18 August, police said. Relatives told officers he had a history of depression and believe his illness may have been a factor.

Police were called to the shooting range on Kanchanaphisek Road in Bang Bua Thong subdistrict, Nonthaburi, after being notified that a person had died there.

Bang Bua Thong police superintendent Pol Col Thansakorn Konthong led the response, alongside Pol Lt Col Chanathip Phanthong, Pol Lt Col Sirodom Sripanya, Bang Bua Thong district chief Pairoj Chuengthanacharoen and senior district officer Yotsawat Khongmee.

Forensic officers, doctors from the Central Institute of Forensic Science and Ruamkatanyu Foundation volunteers were also sent to the scene.

Police examine the shooting range

The man's body was found at the far end of the range's target area. He was wearing a white T-shirt and jeans, and had suffered a gunshot wound to the head.

A firearm was found beside him and was retained as evidence. The body was later due to be taken to the Central Institute of Forensic Science for a detailed post-mortem examination.


Picture courtesy of Daily News

Chai, a range employee who witnessed the events, told police that the man had rented a gun at the facility. He said staff stopped him when he attempted to take it outside the range.

The man then asked to go outside for a cigarette, Chai said. Staff again warned him not to take the firearm out of the range, but he later entered the target area and died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to the employee's account. Police secured the area while forensic officers and other agencies carried out their examination.

If you or anyone you know is in emotional distress, please contact the Samaritans of Thailand 24-hour hotline: 02 713 6791 (English), 02 713 6793 (Thai) or the Thai Mental Health Hotline at 1323 (Thai). Please also contact your friends or relatives at this time if you have feelings of loneliness, stress or depression. Seek help.


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19 August 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Thailand rejects full SpaceX ownership of Starlink

Thailand is preparing a framework that could allow Starlink and other foreign satellite operators to offer services in the country, but SpaceX will not be permitted to own a Thai satellite telecommunications operation outright.

The government says its refusal to accept 100% foreign ownership is based on national security, sovereignty and the need for Thai oversight of critical communications infrastructure, rather than opposition to Starlink itself.

Foreign satellite services under Thai oversight

The National Space Policy Committee began work on a new space-sector framework at its first meeting on August 17, including draft "landing rights" rules for foreign satellites seeking to provide services in Thailand.

The policy would separate three areas of authorisation: landing rights, gateway operations and satellite services. The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, or NBTC, has previously proposed replacing a system with an exclusive character with these separate permissions.

Officials say this could allow more consumer and business choice in communications services while retaining controls intended to protect users, competition, national security and Thailand's interests.

The dispute over SpaceX's ownership structure first became public in November 2025. On November 6 that year, Digital Economy and Society Minister Chaichanok Chidchob met SpaceX executives to discuss possible cooperation, Thailand's space policies and the possible introduction of Starlink services.

Chaichanok later said SpaceX wanted to establish its own Thai company without a local partner and retain complete ownership. According to the minister, the company said it would not invest unless it could operate under that structure.

Rules on foreign ownership remain firm

Thailand rejected that condition, saying a wholly foreign-owned operation connected to satellite telecommunications and digital infrastructure could not be accepted under legal and national-security considerations.

The Foreign Business Act B.E. 2542 (1999) sets conditions for foreign business participation, while industries governed by specific legislation must also comply with those laws. The government is also seeking to prevent nominee arrangements being used to hide foreign control.

Since August 1, 2026, the Department of Business Development has stepped up checks on company shareholders and directors after incorporation, targeting structures where Thai nationals may be used as nominees.

The concerns are heightened by Starlink's use of low-Earth-orbit, or LEO, satellites. Such systems can cover wide areas without conventional terrestrial networks, making them relevant not only to internet access but also to emergency communications and national infrastructure.

Thailand repeated its position during trade talks with the United States. Vice Minister for Commerce Kirida Bhaopichitr said the government did not want a US company to establish a wholly foreign-owned LEO satellite telecommunications business.

"Only one business sector is one that we genuinely do not want the United States to enter through full investment: low-Earth-orbit satellite telecommunications services, because this is a sovereignty issue," she said.

"Essentially, there is only one US company seeking this, which is SpaceX."

Wider plans for Thailand's space economy

The committee is also pursuing a broader strategy covering the space economy, security and technology. This includes surveillance systems, space traffic management, Earth-observation satellite research and a feasibility study for a proposed Thailand Spaceport.

Satellite data could support agriculture, disaster management and PM2.5 monitoring. The government also plans to revise the draft Space Activities Act and update the National Space Master Plan for 2023-2037.

Companies licensed to use Thailand's satellite orbital rights may also be required to provide free capacity for state missions and public services under the State Use and Public Services concept.

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19 August 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

South African dies after HYROX Bangkok collapse

South African fitness coach Leroy Saunders has died after collapsing while competing in the BYD HYROX Bangkok 2026 event at Queen Sirikit National Convention Center.

Saunders, 41, lost consciousness during the competition on 13 August. Event staff gave him emergency assistance and CPR before he was taken to hospital, where he later died.

His family and team confirmed his death in a statement posted on Saunders' personal Instagram account on 18 August.

Family asks for time and information

The family said it was still trying to understand fully the circumstances surrounding Saunders' death. It asked HYROX and other media outlets not to make statements until further information had been confirmed.

"Until the last second of this moment, Leroy lived his life without regret or hesitation," the family statement said.



It described Saunders as someone who had made a positive difference to hundreds, and possibly thousands, of people over the course of his career.

The family also thanked the fitness communities that had supported him. It said further details, including arrangements to celebrate his life, would be released when appropriate.

A coach in Bangkok's combat sports community

Saunders owned IAOT CrossFit in Bangkok and worked as a fitness and CrossFit coach in Thailand. He was particularly known for strength and conditioning work with combat athletes.

He also founded Fight by Design, a physical training programme for Muay Thai fighters, mixed martial arts competitors and boxers.

For the many foreign residents involved in Bangkok's CrossFit, martial arts and endurance-sport communities, Saunders was part of an international fitness scene that draws coaches and athletes from overseas.

What HYROX involves

HYROX is an indoor fitness race combining running with functional exercise stations. Its standard format involves eight 1km runs, each followed by a workout challenge, testing endurance, strength and conditioning.

The BYD HYROX Bangkok 2026 competition ran from 13 to 16 August at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok.


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19 August 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Police update details of murder of Pattaya teenager

Thai police say a post-mortem examination found that 17-year-old Tunchanok Donhomla, known as Cake, died from suffocation and suffered a brain injury.

Australian national Simon Carman, 45, has been held in custody since his arrest at Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi International Airport in late June, when police say he was trying to board a flight to Australia. He faces four charges, including murder.

Police say case is nearly complete

Pattaya City Police Station superintendent Police Colonel Anek Srathongyoo told the ABC, in an exclusive interview, that investigators were close to completing their case.

"The autopsy report said that Cake had a brain injury and she suffocated. She had no other injuries," he said.

Police allege Carman picked up Tunchanok near Pattaya Beach during the early hours of June 25. Her naked body was discovered two days later inside a suitcase dumped near railway tracks, around a 10-minute drive from Carman's accommodation.

Colonel Anek said police had collected Carman's DNA and matched it with DNA found on the teenager's body. Officers also retraced her final movements to the hotel room she entered with him.



He said investigators expected to conclude their work by Friday, August 21, and send the file to prosecutors. Prosecutors then had until September 18 to indict Carman, while a court date had not yet been set.

"I think we have collected 100 per cent of the evidence," Colonel Anek said, adding that the court could consider a sentence quickly once the case was presented.

Carman denies killing teenager

Police initially charged Carman in June with taking a minor for the purpose of committing an indecent act. He has since been charged with four offences, including moving a body, taking a minor for sexual purposes and murder.

Carman has denied killing Tunchanok. Police previously said he had fingernail scratches across his body consistent with a struggle, but that he claimed she disappeared from the room while he was asleep.

He also reportedly told authorities he acted in self-defence, alleging Tunchanok threatened him with a knife.

Thai media reported that Carman said he did not know her before meeting her in Pattaya and going to his condominium. He said they agreed a payment of 1,000 baht, but argued after he offered 500 baht instead. Police confirmed they believe there had been an argument over money but declined to provide further details.

In a video recorded while he was in custody in June, Carman told the family he felt bad for "what happened to your daughter", saying it was "out of my control".

Family calls for justice

Tunchanok's father, Thongchai Donhomla, said he was relieved by the reported progress but lacked the legal knowledge and money to pursue proceedings himself.

"I don't ask for much. I just hope my child gets the justice she deserves," he said.

Her great-aunt, Mee Bonsert, said she wanted the killer to face the death penalty if found guilty: "I want a life for a life."

Carman is being held at Pattaya Remand Prison, where he shares a cell with at least 60 inmates, according to Pattaya Special Prison commander Phatsaphong Jaiklongklaeo. He is the prison's only Australian inmate and has received no visitors apart from Australian embassy staff.

Police timeline of the murder investigation

June 25, 3:34am:  CCTV footage from a condo lobby shows Mr Carman and Ms Tunchanok walking hand-in-hand and entering an elevator.

June 25, 9:25pm to 9:48pm:  CCTV captures Mr Carman dragging a large suitcase out of his room and leaving the condo on a motorcycle with the suitcase strapped to the back. He then sped alongside the railway tracks, disappearing from view for nine minutes.

June 25, 9:57pm to 10:06pm: CCTV footage shows Mr Carman returning to the accommodation.

June 26, 11:36am: A friend lodged a missing person report for Ms Tunchanok, telling police they had last seen her with a foreign man.

June 26, 2:26pm: Mr Carman is seen leaving his condo.

June 26, no time provided:  Police gather evidence to request an arrest warrant from the Pattaya Court. Officers reportedly find a passport belonging to Mr Carmen, during the inspection of a hotel room.

June 27, 1:15am:  Investigative teams from the Pattaya City Police Station and the Immigration Bureau arrest Mr Carman at Suvarnabhumi Airport.

June 27, 1:30am:  Police discover a suitcase near railway tracks about a 10-minute drive from Mr Carman's hotel, which contains Ms Tunchanok's body.


Picture courtesy of ABC News

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19 August 2026

Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Anutin to raise jet fuel exports in Australia talks

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said major Australian companies remain keen to set up and expand manufacturing operations in Thailand, citing the country's security, political stability and logistics networks.

Speaking in Sydney on 18 August 2026 after informal talks with Australian business figures, Anutin said he would raise possible Thai jet fuel exports and work visas for Thai workers when he meets Australia's prime minister in Canberra on 19 August.

The discussions followed the Thailand-Australia Investment and Business Partnership Reception, organised by the Board of Investment (BOI).

Australian investors back Thailand

Anutin said foreign businesspeople had strong confidence in Thailand's stability and potential, and considered the country their first choice for investment.

"Thailand has a great deal of attraction for investors," he said, adding that greater domestic harmony would further strengthen that appeal.



He credited the BOI's Thailand Fast Pass policy, which acts as a central, one-stop service intended to resolve problems and bottlenecks for investors. The policy has made procedures faster and more convenient, he said, and no investor had raised negative issues.

The prime minister said investment in the first half of the year had reached A$60 billion, or around 1.4 trillion baht. Australian technology could also connect with and support supply chains in Thailand effectively, he said.

Jet fuel and Thai worker visas on agenda

Australia's ambassador had told Anutin that Australia currently needs substantial quantities of jet fuel, while Thailand has surplus reserves as a result of producing large volumes of diesel.

Anutin said that, if the Australian government indicates it wants supplies, the Thai government is ready to consider easing regulations to allow jet fuel exports. Such exports could meet Australian demand while increasing Thai export income, he said.

He also confirmed that talks would cover efforts to send more Thai workers to Australia, after concerns that work visas are now being issued for shorter periods.

After visiting Thai Town, Anutin said Thai restaurant businesses were growing but facing a shortage of chefs. He said Thailand must negotiate to remove obstacles and reassure Australia that Thai workers now seeking jobs are not undocumented workers struggling in secret, as in the past, but skilled people able to demonstrate their expertise.


Pictures courtesy of ThaiRath

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19 August 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Chinese tourist dies in Phuket hotel pool

A Chinese tourist has died after being found unresponsive in a hotel swimming pool in Phuket on August 17. Police are investigating the death and have sent his body for a forensic examination.

The man, identified as 44-year-old Ye, had been staying at the hotel with his family after they checked in on August 16. Their booking was due to run until August 22.

Daughter raised the alarm

Ye entered the hotel's swimming pool, which was about two metres deep, when his daughter noticed him motionless in the water.

She called for help and foreign swimmers who were nearby went to assist him. They pulled Ye to the edge of the pool and began CPR while an ambulance was called.

He was then taken to Patong Hospital for further treatment. Doctors later reported that Ye died at about 11.30am that day.

The hospital informed Patong Police Station, whose officers subsequently went to both the hospital and the hotel as part of their investigation.

Autopsy will determine cause of death

Police transferred Ye's body to the forensic department at Vajira Phuket Hospital for an autopsy, in line with legal procedures.

Officers also examined the hotel, took photographs of the scene and gathered relevant information.

The cause of death remains subject to the forensic examination. Police have coordinated with the Chinese Embassy in Thailand so that officials can be notified and the necessary procedures concerning Ye can continue.

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18 August 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Six Thai workers hurt in Israel farm blast

Six Thai agricultural workers were injured when an old explosive device detonated at a farm in Metula, northern Israel, on the morning of 18 August, local time. Two of the six were reported to be in a serious condition.

The Times of Israel reported that the blast occurred in an agricultural area of the northern Israeli town. All six injured workers are Thai nationals.

Israel Police said they were investigating the explosion.

Hospital treatment under way

The two workers in a serious condition were taken to Ziv Medical Center in Safed, according to the hospital.

The other four Thai workers were also receiving treatment in the emergency department.

Professor Aviram Nissan, director of surgery at Ziv Medical Center, said one of the seriously injured workers was undergoing surgery in an operating theatre. The other was receiving diagnostic imaging to assess their injuries and determine further treatment.

No names, ages or further details about the six workers were included in the information reported. The circumstances surrounding the old explosive device and how it came to be in the agricultural area have not yet been disclosed.


Picture courtesy of Post Today

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18 August 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Thailand targets car production in new excise tax plan

Thailand plans to overhaul automotive excise taxes, offering lower rates to carmakers producing in the country while charging more for fully built imports from companies without Thai manufacturing investment.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has ordered senior officials to complete the new tax structure by September, with the government aiming to introduce it before the end of 2026.

The move follows an attempt by Indonesian Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa to persuade Toyota to shift production from Thailand to Indonesia. Purbaya offered the Japanese manufacturer incentives and other requested conditions if it established a factory there, after Hyundai's earlier investment in Indonesia.

Tax changes aimed at protecting Thai production

Ekniti said carmakers already operating in Thailand were concerned that tax differences could make neighbouring countries more attractive manufacturing bases.

He said vehicles imported from some free trade agreement partners benefit from lower customs duty rates, putting manufacturers with Thai production facilities at a disadvantage.

"Some groups of countries benefit from lower customs duties under FTAs, and this has become a constraint on domestic industrial development," Ekniti said.

Thailand cannot simply raise customs duties on completely built-up vehicles from FTA partners to create a tariff barrier similar to those used by the United States. The Finance Ministry therefore intends to use excise tax as its main tool to address the difference.

The proposed system would provide lower excise tax rates for existing and new manufacturers that invest in Thai production. It would cover internal combustion engine vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and battery electric vehicles.

To qualify, companies would need to make genuine factory investments, use Thai-produced raw materials or components, and begin manufacturing vehicles for export.

Possible implications for imported vehicles

Companies that bring in fully assembled vehicles without investing in Thai factories would face higher excise tax rates under the proposal.

Ekniti said the revised structure could also raise state revenue, as consumers choosing imported cars would pay higher taxes while domestically made vehicles retained lower rates.

"Anyone who wants to use an imported car will face a higher tax, while taxes on vehicles made domestically are already very low," he said.

"This would kill several birds with one stone by supporting domestic production and employment."

Finance Ministry permanent secretary Lavaron Sangsnit and Excise Department director-general Pornchai Theeravet have been tasked with completing the work by September. The changes would be made through a ministerial regulation setting excise tariff rates under the Excise Tax Act, allowing them to take effect in 2026 without parliamentary approval.

Australia and New Zealand export push

Ekniti is due to accompany Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on an official visit to Australia and New Zealand which began on August 17. The government plans to seek further markets for Thai-made vehicles and expand benefits under Thailand's FTAs with both countries.

He said investment alone would not manage the shift from petrol and diesel vehicles to EVs. Thailand also needs overseas demand for locally built vehicles.

Some EV makers have already started producing in Thailand for export to Australia and New Zealand, with further shipments expected as output grows.

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18 August 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Thailand's Jaeng Rath routes cyber reports to agencies

Thailand launched Jaeng Rath on the Thang Rath app on Monday, 17 August 2026, creating a central starting point for public complaints and reports of cyber threats.

The service is designed to direct users to the government body responsible for their issue, rather than requiring them to identify the correct agency or hotline themselves.

Jaeng Rath does not replace or merge existing government complaint systems. Instead, it classifies a reported problem and connects the user to the appropriate existing reporting channel, in line with the Digital Government Development Agency's (DGA) description of the service.

Government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul had made the prevention and handling of online threats affecting the public a priority. The Thang Rath app has recorded 49,545,109 cumulative downloads, she said.

One route for online threats and complaints

The service covers problems including scams that persuade victims to transfer money or invest, personal-data theft or leaks, fake websites, fraudulent social-media pages, online purchases and digital-platform disputes.

Jaeng Rath currently links to three main agencies for cyber and online matters. The National Cyber Security Agency handles threats such as fake LINE accounts, fraudulent websites, online impersonation and fake Facebook accounts or pages.

The Electronic Transactions Development Agency deals with online buying and selling complaints, illegal websites or pages, and issues involving digital platforms. The Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau allows users to track online complaints already filed and submit additional information; a later phase is expected to allow online crime reports to be made through the service itself.

How reports are directed

Users select the type of problem they face and provide details of what happened. Jaeng Rath then sends them to the reporting channel operated by the relevant agency.

Beyond online issues, the gateway also links to channels for complaints about government services, violence against children and domestic violence, homelessness, public disasters classified at Level 3 or above, and matters under local administrative organisations.

The government says the aim is to let people report a problem through one access point rather than having to remember separate agency hotline numbers.

Plans for wider data connections

In a later stage, the government expects reporting systems run by different agencies to become more extensively linked. This would give officials a broader view of what is being reported, where cases occur, how often they arise and whether particular issues are increasing.

The information is intended to help authorities prioritise problems, develop responses, monitor results and spot issues that could spread more widely at an earlier stage.

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18 August 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Khon Kaen patient dies after hospital bathroom collapse

A woman in her 50s died after being found unconscious in a bathroom at Khon Kaen Regional Hospital in the early hours of 16 August, suffering a major brain haemorrhage, the hospital director has said.

Her death has prompted questions from relatives over patient supervision and triggered anger over abusive social-media comments made while she was in hospital. The hospital says it is examining communication with the family and has denied that a nurse alleged to have posted an inappropriate comment worked there.

Hospital says patient had been improving

Dr Thanasit Praiphong, director of Khon Kaen Regional Hospital, told reporters on 17 August that the woman had attended its emergency department on 15 August after three days of chills, body aches and red rashes.

She underwent blood and urine tests before being admitted. Doctors diagnosed sepsis and a suspected drug-allergy rash, carried out blood cultures and X-rays, and gave antibiotics.

According to Dr Thanasit, the patient was conscious throughout, although she still had a fever. Her condition then improved, her fever eased, she could communicate normally and her vital signs were stable. The hospital considered her ready for discharge.

The hospital classified her as a green-level patient on admission, meaning she was placed in an observation area, rather than urgent-care category, Dr Thanasit said. He said treatment had followed safety and medical-care standards.

At about 03:00 on 16 August, she was found collapsed and unconscious in a bathroom, with low vital signs. A CT scan showed a large brain haemorrhage pressing on her brainstem, causing her condition to deteriorate.

Doctors discussed the prognosis, possible surgery and its risks with the family. The family chose not to proceed with surgery and took her home, where she later died.

Family raises care and communication concerns

The woman's son said online that she had fallen in the bathroom, striking her head, after her condition had appeared to improve. He questioned why she had been allowed to go alone and why relatives were not contacted until about 04:00.

The hospital has CCTV coverage in the ward area and at the bathroom entrance, but no cameras inside the bathroom. Dr Thanasit said staff had already spoken with the family and would attend the funeral and discuss the matter directly.

The online debate began after the woman posted online from her hospital bed: "If they don't check me, I might as well die at home." A popular Facebook page shared the post, and commenters responded with criticism, including remarks telling her to go home and die.

Dr Thanasit said such comments were professionally unacceptable. He confirmed that a nurse accused of making one of the comments was not employed by Khon Kaen Regional Hospital.

The family, who were holding funeral rites when reporters visited, declined interviews and said they did not want further publicity. They said they were waiting to speak with the hospital director.


Picture the woman posted online courtesy of Manager Online

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18 August 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Van crash & fire kills two Lao passengers

Two people were killed and 12 injured after a passenger van carrying Lao nationals left the road, overturned and caught fire near the Roi Et-Kalasin provincial border early on 18 August 2026.

The Bangkok-registered van was travelling from Bangkok to Mukdahan with 14 people on board, including the driver. The passengers were heading to renew permits in Mukdahan before returning to Laos, according to initial information from authorities.

The crash was reported to the 191 emergency radio centre at 5.50am on the four-lane Kalasin-Mukdahan road at Ban Khok Lam, Moo 10, Nong Yai subdistrict, Phon Thong district, Roi Et. The site is near Ban Khui in Kuchinarai district, Kalasin.

Police, firefighters, rescue workers and medical teams were sent to the scene after the van driver reportedly veered off the road in the early morning and rapidly became engulfed in flames. The vehicle was destroyed.



Survivors taken to hospitals

Rescue teams from Bua Khao Rescue, Sam Kha Rescue and emergency medical services transported the injured to several hospitals.

Five injured people were taken to Somdet Phra Yuparat Kuchinarai Hospital. Bua Khao Rescue transported six others, while Sam Kha Rescue took one person for treatment.

Passenger alleges speeding and fatigue

One injured Lao passenger said two young passengers seated in the van had asked for help warning the driver because they believed the vehicle was travelling at about 140km/h.



The passenger, who was sitting near the front behind the driver, said he asked the driver to slow down. The driver initially reduced speed but later began driving fast again, he said.

He also alleged that the driver appeared sleepy, nodding off while driving and holding the steering wheel with only one hand. Although the van had made an earlier stop, the driver had not rested properly, the passenger said.

He was preparing to raise the issue of speed again when the van left the road.

Police conducted a detailed examination of the crash site to establish the cause. Officers are also due to question the driver further before taking legal action under the relevant procedures.


Pictures courtesy of Daily News

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18 August 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Bangkok venue fire death toll rises to 41

Two customers who had been receiving treatment for severe injuries after the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao fire in Bangkok have died, raising the confirmed death toll to 41.

Police working on the case at Metropolitan Police Division 2 said the latest victims were a male customer treated at Rajavithi Hospital and a female customer treated at Taksin Hospital. Both had been critically injured in the blaze on the night of 12 July.

Investigators have also stated that the case has also widened to include allegations that money may have been paid to police and officals. The claims are being examined separately by anti-corruption officials.

Accountant denies paying police

On 18 August 2026, reporters contacted "New", described as a close associate of the venue's owner and the person responsible for its accounts, after reports emerged of account information allegedly linked to payments to police.

New said he had already given a statement to investigators and denied knowing about, or making, any payments to police. He said his role was limited to handling the venue's daily income and expenditure.

He said he had handed over his mobile phone and all relevant account records for examination. Whether payments had been made should be put to the owner, he said, stressing that he was not the venue manager.

Pol Maj Gen Kiatkul Sonthanee, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 2, said that committees have been formed to examine three issues: the cause of the fire, possible police disciplinary failings or neglect, and alleged demands for benefits.

The alleged benefit payments fall under the authority of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission, or PACC. Police have been submitting information and statements from venue employees to the agency.

Reports said the PACC had called New and staff members for questioning. Checks of New's phone reportedly found evidence of money transfers, said to be payments to police, but no receiving individual or agency has yet been identified.

If officers from Metropolitan Police Division 2, or people from other agencies, are found to be involved, the PACC will decide on further questioning and action. Division 2 police remain responsible for the criminal case and internal disciplinary proceedings.

The Ministry of Justice's Office of Financial Assistance for Victims and Defendants in Criminal Cases said it had paid more than 11 million baht in compensation to relatives of people injured or killed in the fire.

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18 August 2026

Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Thai visa firm raided over alleged fake bank statements

Thai immigration police have raided a visa consultancy in Bangkok's Sai Mai district after a European embassy alerted authorities to suspected forged financial documents submitted with visa applications.

Investigators say more than 400 Thai clients may have been affected, with the firm allegedly charging 40,000 baht per person - a total potential loss exceeding 16 million baht.

The case concerns Thai nationals applying for visas to travel to an unnamed European country. It does not concern Thai visa extensions or immigration procedures for foreign residents, tourists or other visitors in Thailand.

Embassy raised concerns over applications

The investigation began after the embassy of a European country contacted police about several Thai visa applicants whose supporting documents, particularly bank statements, appeared suspicious and potentially forged.

At a press briefing at Immigration Division 3 headquarters on 17 August, Major General Songprode Sirisuka, commander of Immigration Division 3, outlined the results of the operation alongside Colonel Parinya Klinkasorn, his deputy, and Colonel Suriya Puangsombat, superintendent of the division's investigation unit.



On 12 August, officers from the investigation unit executed a Criminal Court Min Buri search warrant at the office of a visa application consultancy in Sai Mai. They seized suspected counterfeit rubber stamps from banks and other agencies, more than 20 allegedly forged financial documents, and four desktop computers.

Police believe the premises may have been used to prepare false documents for large numbers of Thai clients seeking overseas visas.

Five applications showed matching patterns

Following reports to Immigration Bureau commissioner Lieutenant General Phanumas Boonyalak and deputy commissioner Major General Phantana Nuchnarot, investigators were ordered to widen the inquiry.

Police compared documents supplied by the embassy with genuine information from the banks holding the accounts. They found five cases with similar irregularities: the names on the submitted documents did not match the genuine bank account holders, while transaction records had allegedly been altered and did not match bank-confirmed information.

Investigators also said the financial sponsors for all five applicants used the same foreign-bank credit card number to pay travel expenses.


Pictures courtesy of Matichon

During the search, officers found stamps bearing the names of several commercial banks, along with dozens of suspected false documents including salary certificates and account statements. The four computers were seized for forensic examination and further investigation into other possible participants.

Charges depend on forensic evidence

Immigration Division 3 said the alleged conduct could amount to jointly forging and using forged documents under Sections 264, 265 and 268 of the Criminal Code, as well as forging official seals under Sections 251 and 252.

However, police said the final charges would depend on forensic checks of the seized evidence, witness testimony and the investigation file.


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18 August 2026

Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Thailand or Vietnam: Retirement choices

Thailand offers foreign retirees a clearer legal route to long-term residence than Vietnam, but Vietnam can cost considerably less for those able to manage more complicated visa arrangements. For people deciding where to spend retirement in Southeast Asia, the choice in 2026 often comes down to predictable paperwork and healthcare versus lower rent and daily spending.

Thailand has developed visa options specifically for retirement. The Non-Immigrant O visa allows foreigners aged 50 and above to stay for one or more years, when renewed, for retirement purposes.

Applicants generally need a valid passport, basic medical certificate and depending on initial visa, Thai-recognised health insurance. They must also show either 800,000 baht in a Thai bank account or a monthly income of 65,000 baht.

Vietnam has no retirement visa

Vietnam does not have a dedicated retirement visa, nor a visa category based only on a person's age, pension income or retirement status. Retirees seeking a long stay must instead pursue a Temporary Residence Card through eligible work, investment or family-tie routes, or use investment and family-reunion visas.

That can involve more legal complexity than a retirement move to Thailand. Investment-linked residence may require a compliant local company, along with continuing tax filings and audits, obligations that may not suit someone who has stopped working.

For foreigners who want an established route without relying on a job, investment or family sponsorship, Thailand's retirement visa framework is therefore a major practical advantage. Conditions, including financial evidence and insurance, should nevertheless be checked before applying.

Vietnam's advantage is everyday cost

Comparisons cited by Travelbinger put Vietnam around 20-30% cheaper than Thailand for a similar expat lifestyle. Rent is estimated to be roughly 40% lower on average.

Modern one-bedroom apartments are quoted at US$300-500 in Ho Chi Minh City and US$200-350 in Da Nang. Comparable rents are put at US$400-700 in Bangkok and US$350-550 in Chiang Mai.

A comfortable retirement budget is estimated at US$800-1,200 a month in Vietnam, compared with US$1,200-1,800 in Thailand. Annual estimates put comfortable expat spending at US$22,000-30,000 in Vietnam, against US$30,000-40,000 in Bangkok.

Street-food meals are estimated at US$1-3 in Vietnam and US$2-4 in Thailand, while restaurant dinners are US$5-12 and US$8-15 respectively. Domestic beer is also said to be cheaper in Vietnam.

The gap can narrow for retirees dependent on imported food and Western amenities, which can be significantly more expensive in Vietnam. Those happy with local food are likely to see the largest savings.

Healthcare, property and daily life

Thailand's established medical-tourism sector attracts more than two million medical tourists each year, including visitors from the United States, Australia, the Middle East and Europe. Its private hospital network includes JCI-accredited facilities, English-speaking staff and short waiting times.

Vietnam does not require health insurance for any visa category. Government figures put Vietnamese medical services at about 30-50% of the cost in Singapore or Thailand, but the country currently has four JCI-accredited hospitals. The health ministry aims for at least 15 internationally standard hospitals by 2030, including five public hospitals; retirees currently rely heavily on private hospitals in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Neither country lets foreigners buy land outright. Vietnam permits foreign apartment purchases on 50-year leasehold terms, while Thailand has condominium ownership rules for foreigners and an established rental market.

Thailand has also applied tax rules since 2024 to foreign-source income brought into the country in the year it is earned. Retirees moving money to Thailand may need advice on tax exposure and their home country's double-taxation treaty.

Thailand offers more established expat infrastructure, English signage, public transport and retirement services. Vietnam offers lower costs, but busier traffic, less consistent English outside major cities and a more energetic pace. For many retirees, the decision is whether those savings outweigh Thailand's clearer long-term setup.

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18 August 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Foreign beggar accused of spitting at Phuket worker

A Thai travel agency worker in Patong has alleged that a foreign woman spat at her after being told to stop asking customers for money near the business.

The confrontation was reported to have taken place at about midnight on August 16 at a travel and tour agency in Soi Saen Sabai, Patong. Phuket Times published CCTV footage of the incident on August 17.

What the footage was said to show

According to Phuket Times and ThaiRath, a group of foreign beggars, said to be from Middle Eastern countries, have regularly walked along Soi Saen Sabai with a child, asking foreign tourists for money.

On the night in question, one woman from the group allegedly walked up to the travel agency and approached customers seeking cash. A Thai employee asked her to stop, reportedly saying the behaviour was disturbing customers.


Picture and video courtesy of Phuket Times

Phuket Times said the woman became angry, went to the counter and pointed at the employee while swearing. She allegedly told the worker to mind her own business before spitting at her and leaving the office.

The employee then told a colleague about the alleged assault. The colleague went to the area carrying a chair, for self defence, but the group had already left, according to the reports.

No police complaint reported

There have been no reports of a police complaint or legal action arising from the incident. The identities and nationalities of those involved have not been disclosed, and police had not issued a statement on the case.

The incident has prompted discussion on Thai social media, where some users said begging is illegal in Thailand and called for police and local officials to act.

Other users said they had encountered the same, or a similar, group of foreign beggars and alleged that they had been asked for money and food.

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18 August 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Bangkok steps up alcohol checks on under-20s

Bangkok authorities are urging alcohol retailers to tighten age and intoxication checks under amended alcohol-control legislation that took effect on November 8, 2025.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) and Thai Health Promotion Foundation, known as ThaiHealth, are focusing on preventing sales to people under 20 and customers who are visibly intoxicated. Retailers could face fines of up to 100,000 baht, as well as possible civil claims where a sale is linked to harm.

Campaign reaches retailers in Vibhavadi area

The BMA and allied networks recently held a campaign called "Build a safe society, respect the law, don't sell alcohol to children and intoxicated people."

It included a walk-through public relations drive among shops near the end of Soi Vibhavadi 46, where retailers were encouraged to follow the amended Alcoholic Beverage Control Act.

Rungruang Nampanmahin, a ThaiHealth director, said the aim was to ensure all 50 BMA districts understood the revised law and actively promoted refusals to sell alcohol to under-20s and people showing signs of intoxication.

The law gives sellers greater authority to ask for identification and assess whether a customer appears intoxicated before completing a sale.

Fines and civil liability for retailers

The maximum fine for selling alcohol to an underage person has increased from 20,000 baht to 100,000 baht. The changes also allow civilians to seek civil damages from retailers if alcohol contributes to a later accident, violence, or damage to another person's life or property.

Theeratep Watcharawanichakorn, director of the StopDrink Network, said alcohol consumption among Bangkok residents aged 15 and over rose to 29.3% in 2024, from 25.3% in 2017. The rate among those aged 15-19 was 8.5%, he said, underlining the need for stronger prevention work in the capital.

Mr Theeratep said public awareness and enforcement needed to work together, noting that some retailers said they did not know about the law.

Districts asked to identify high-risk outlets

He proposed that the BMA work with the Executive Department to map high-risk alcohol outlets in every district, identify sites easily accessible to young people, and use digital records of inspections and warnings as key performance indicators.

Communities should also be encouraged to report illegal or hidden alcohol sales through the Traffic FOND reporting system, he said.

BMA officials said all 50 districts were ready to work with government agencies and retailers to enforce the rules, stressing that compliance was essential.

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18 August 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

35 Chinese nominee firms probed in Sakon Nakhon

Authorities in Sakon Nakhon have found suspected irregularities involving 35 companies described as 100% Chinese-owned nominee firms, with villagers allegedly used as Thai stand-ins without their knowledge.

No business activity was found at any of the registered addresses during inspections, according to the Department of Business Development. Fourteen Thai-owned companies registered in the province were also found not to be operating from their listed locations.

Company registrations under scrutiny

Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, director-general of the Department of Business Development, said on Sunday, August 16, that the provincial office had identified 33 of the Chinese nominee companies in Khok Si Suphan district. One was registered in Mueang district and another in Phu Phan district.

The 14 Thai-owned firms were registered in Sawang Daen Din district. None of the companies was carrying out business at its registered address.

Investigators found that a woman in Khok Si Suphan allegedly acted as a broker, buying copies of villagers' household registration documents and national ID cards for between 500 and 1,000 baht each.

She then reportedly passed 35 sets of documents to Chinese investors and received 1,500 baht per person.

Villagers said the broker had told them their paperwork would be used for online business on a popular platform. They said they had not been informed about, or agreed to, the registration of companies in their names.

They added that they would not have handed over copies of their house registration documents, house numbers and ID cards had they known their intended use. Most people who supplied documents were residents rather than the homeowners, meaning homes were used without the owners' knowledge.

Homes were still private residences

Officials from the Provincial Commerce Office, Provincial Administration, Khok Si Suphan District Administration, Khok Si Suphan police station and the Internal Security Operations Command inspected the listed premises.

They found no business activity at any location. The properties remained private homes occupied normally by villagers, while homeowners said they had never agreed to their addresses or documents being used to register limited companies.

The Provincial Administration and Commerce Office have advised homeowners to make police reports against those involved. Some have not yet wanted to take legal action, reportedly because children or grandchildren may have secretly provided documents to the broker and received payment.

Others have already complained to police, alleging fraud and the unlawful use of official documents for personal gain.

Poonpong said the Commerce Ministry would monitor the registrations closely and offer advice to villagers who gave documents to the broker. They can contact the Sakon Nakhon Provincial Commerce Office or the Department of Business Development Call Centre on 1570.

He added that the department would investigate irregular company registrations across all areas and strictly enforce the law.

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18 August 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Don Mueang traveller denied Malaysia flight over stamp

A foreign traveller says he was stopped from boarding a flight from Bangkok's Don Mueang Airport to Malaysia after staff decided his passport was damaged because it carried a souvenir stamp from Peru's Machu Picchu.

According to the traveller, airport staff checked the matter with Malaysian authorities and told him that the passport could not be accepted for the flight.

The account has prompted questions about souvenir passport stamps, and about how the same document was apparently accepted when the traveller entered Thailand.

Souvenir stamp led to refusal

The traveller initially posted a video describing the experience, but later removed it after attracting criticism online.

Some commenters questioned why a non-official souvenir stamp had been placed inside an official travel document. Such stamps are often offered at tourist attractions, but passports are government-issued documents intended for official immigration endorsements and visas.

For travellers, the case is a reminder that an airline can refuse boarding if it believes a passenger's documents may not be accepted at their destination. A ticket and a valid visa, where required, do not necessarily guarantee that a carrier will allow a passenger to fly if there are concerns over the condition or markings in a passport.

Entry to Thailand remains a question

Online users also raised a separate point: if the passport was judged damaged at Don Mueang, how had the traveller used the same document to enter Thailand?

The traveller's account does not answer that question. It is not clear when he arrived in Thailand, which border point he used, or whether immigration officers had noticed the Machu Picchu stamp.

Anyone concerned that a passport could be seen as damaged should contact their embassy or consulate and their airline before going to the airport. Replacing a document can take time, and an airline's decision on the day of travel may leave little scope to resolve the issue before departure.


Picture courtesy of Khoasod

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18 August 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Thailand warns dentists over pre-signed cannabis forms

Thailand has warned dentists that pre-signing cannabis prescription forms without personally examining, diagnosing or treating a patient could lead to legal action and professional disciplinary consequences.

Ploythalay Laksameesaengjan, the deputy government spokesperson, said dental practitioners must take particular care when prescribing cannabis as a controlled herb using Form Phor Thor 33. The warning is part of continued efforts to tighten control and monitoring of cannabis use under the Ministry of Public Health's 2025 notification on controlled herbs.

Dentists must not sign forms in advance before an individual patient has been assessed and given a relevant healthcare service, she said. Practitioners found to have done so would face strict legal action.

Four laws may apply

According to Ploythalay, issuing a cannabis prescription without examining or diagnosing the patient could amount to dentistry below professional standards and may also breach professional ethics.

She said the conduct could fall under four laws: the Protection and Promotion of Traditional Thai Medicine Wisdom Act, B.E. 2542 (1999), which covers cannabis flower as a controlled herb; the Narcotics Code, B.E. 2564 (2021), covering cannabis extracts containing more than 0.2% tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, classified as Category 5 narcotics; the Dental Profession Act, B.E. 2537 (1994); and the Health Facility Act, B.E. 2541 (1998).

The Health Facility Act also sets requirements which must be followed, particularly under Section 34, the spokesperson said.

"Issuing a controlled-herb prescription for cannabis using Form Phor Thor 33 without examining, diagnosing or providing a service to the patient on an individual basis may violate Clause 17 of the Dental Council's regulations on professional ethics," Ploythalay said.

Under that provision, dentists must not deliberately issue false certificates or offer dishonest professional opinions.

What foreign patients should expect

The warning is directed at dental providers, rather than patients, but it is relevant to foreign residents and visitors seeking cannabis-related treatment in Thailand. They should expect an individual consultation, diagnosis and relevant dental healthcare service before a dentist issues a cannabis prescription form.

Foreigners should also be cautious about relying on paperwork offered without a proper appointment or clinical assessment. The government has made clear that an advance-signed Form Phor Thor 33 does not meet the standard it expects from dental practitioners prescribing controlled cannabis.

The statement does not specify penalties for individual patients. However, it makes clear that responsibility for issuing the prescription rests with the dentist and that authorities may assess whether the provider followed the required professional and health-facility rules.


Picture courtesy of The Nation

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18 August 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Thailand says tsunami warning system remains operational

Thailand's tsunami warning system remains fully operational despite some monitoring buoys failing to transmit data, Deputy Interior Minister Jetsat Thaiset said on 16 August.

The reassurance followed social-media posts which raised public concern over the status of tsunami wave-monitoring buoys. Jetsat, who oversees the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), said Thailand does not rely on buoys alone to decide whether to issue an alert.

Multiple sources used for warnings

In a Facebook post, Jetsat said the government, Interior Ministry and DDPM continuously prioritise tsunami surveillance and warnings. The national system combines information from several sources and agencies, using standard operating procedures to assess a threat before warning the public.

Tsunami buoys are only one part of that network, he said. Other information includes earthquake data, sea-level monitoring stations, and data from international networks and agencies.

If an assessment identifies a risk requiring a public warning, authorities can use several channels, including Cell Broadcast messages sent rapidly to mobile phones in affected areas.

Buoy found off Ranong and Phang Nga

The DDPM's National Disaster Warning Centre has been continuously checking the buoy's technical condition and GPS signal, according to DDPM director-general Theerapat Kachamat.

Its latest position was about 111 kilometres from Koh Phayam in Mueang Ranong district, Ranong province, and around 44 kilometres from Mu Ko Surin National Park in Phang Nga province.



Officials believe strong waves and winds in the Andaman Sea during the south-west monsoon may be responsible. The DDPM and Royal Thai Navy have already planned to recover the buoy and install a replacement tsunami wave-monitoring buoy.

Installation is scheduled for November 2026, when sea conditions are expected to calm sufficiently for a large oceanographic research vessel to operate safely.

Public asked not to panic

Jetsat said the system was "100% accurate" and asked people not to panic, stressing that warnings are based on information from multiple sources, agencies and stages of assessment.

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, along with Jetsat, had sent their concern to the public, the DDPM said. The department maintained that the current inability of the Andaman Sea buoy to send data would not affect Thailand's tsunami monitoring and warning effectiveness.


Pictures courtesy of Komchadluek

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18 August 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Korat boy, 4, needs 30 stitches after dog attack

A four-year-old boy required 30 stitches after a dog jumped at him and bit his head and left side of his forehead in a Nakhon Ratchasima community. His family says the animal remains at large and has asked authorities to intervene to prevent another attack.

The incident happened at about 5.50pm on 9 August at Rom Yen Village, Moo 4, Soi 2, Hua Thale subdistrict, in Mueang district of Nakhon Ratchasima.

The boy, a Kindergarten 2 pupil, had been playing with a group of four children, including siblings, when the dog entered the area. It then reportedly leapt at the child, biting his head and left forehead so severely that blood ran down his face.

He ran back to his grandparents for help and was taken to hospital, where doctors stitched his wounds.

Family says child is now frightened of dogs

The boy's grandfather, 51-year-old Surachai, showed reporters the injury to the child's head, where stitch marks were still clearly visible.



He said his grandson has become frightened whenever he sees a dog and is no longer willing to go near one.

Owner paid 500 baht and gave snacks

Surachai said the family tried to identify the dog after the attack and learned it belonged to a nearby resident.

According to the grandfather, the owner initially denied that the dog was theirs. The owner later accepted this and brought the family 500 baht and some snacks as a gesture of comfort, saying they had no money and did not know how else to help.

Reporters who visited the area attempted to find the dog, which was believed to be staying in woodland near the community, but did not locate it.

Residents told reporters they fear the dog could return and attack another person, particularly a child. The boy's family has asked relevant agencies to inspect the case and find a way to control the animal.


Pictures courtesy of Khaosod

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18 August 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Thailand Q2 growth of 1.9% trails ASEAN peers

Thailand's economy grew by 1.9% year-on-year in the second quarter of 2026, making it the slowest-growing of six major ASEAN economies tracked by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).

NESDC Secretary-General Danucha Pichayanan announced the figures on Monday, saying growth had slowed markedly from 2.8% in the first quarter. On a seasonally adjusted basis, the economy contracted 0.2% from the previous quarter.

Vietnam recorded the fastest expansion at 8.4%, followed by Malaysia on 6%, Singapore on 5.9%, Indonesia on 5.29% and the Philippines on 2.3%.

Thailand's economy grew 2.4% in 2025, also the lowest rate among the same group. In the first quarter of 2026, it was level with the Philippines at 2.8%.

Spending and public investment weaken

The second-quarter slowdown reflected softer private consumption, a sharp deceleration in government consumption and falling public investment, Danucha said.

Private consumption rose 1.9%, down from 3.3% in the first quarter, while consumer confidence fell to 50.3, its lowest reading in 14 quarters. Government consumption rose only 0.2%, against 3.4% previously, while public investment shrank 1.6% after growing 9.4% in the first quarter.

Several major sectors also lost momentum. Manufacturing grew 0.1%, down from 1%, while agriculture, accommodation and food services each expanded 1.5%. Transport and storage rose 2.6%, and construction nearly stalled, growing 0.1% after a 6.2% increase in the previous quarter.

Exports and investment support a higher forecast

Private investment was a notable exception, rising 13.4% from 10.1% in the first quarter. NESDC said this was the strongest increase in 54 quarters, or since the fourth quarter of 2012.

Goods exports rose 17.6%, led largely by electronics and high-tech products. Telecommunications equipment exports surged 129%, while computer parts and equipment increased 65.5%.

Despite the weak quarter, NESDC lifted its full-year growth forecast to 2.0%-2.5%, with a midpoint of 2.2%. Its previous forecast was 1.5%-2.5%.

The revised outlook is based on stronger export prospects, higher anticipated spending by foreign tourists, stronger private investment and a modest improvement in private consumption. Export growth is now forecast at 15.1%, up from 9.6%.

NESDC expects foreign-tourist revenue of 1.65 trillion baht, compared with its earlier forecast of 1.49 trillion baht. That expectation will be closely watched by expats and tourism businesses, particularly in destinations where visitor spending supports hotels, restaurants, transport and other services.

Private investment is forecast to grow 9.6%, sharply higher than the previous 3.7% estimate, while private-consumption growth was revised to 2.6% from 2.4%.

Danucha warned that the outlook still faces risks from global economic and trade uncertainty, weaker global demand, possible El Nino effects on agriculture in the second half, high household debt and ongoing credit risks for small and medium-sized businesses.

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18 August 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

6,000-baht Bangkok taxi trip ends in meth charge

A 24-year-old woman was charged with using methamphetamine after she allegedly failed to pay a 6,000-baht taxi fare for a trip from Bangkok to Udon Thani on August 15.

Police were called to the National Sports University, Udon Thani Campus, at about 6pm after the Bangkok taxi driver said his passenger had arrived without money for the agreed journey.

Driver says fare was agreed near Suvarnabhumi

The driver, 57-year-old Narong, told officers he had been looking for passengers in Bangkok that morning when the woman hailed his taxi near Suvarnabhumi Airport.

He said she hired him for the full journey to the National Sports University campus in Udon Thani for 6,000 baht.

On arrival, Narong said the passenger was unable to contact a relative who was meant to provide the money. He allowed her around an hour to try to reach the person, but she was still unable to make contact.

Narong told police he would lodge a complaint if the fare was not paid. He said he had spent 800 baht on fuel and 30 baht on tolls during the trip.

Passenger says she was seeking her brother

After police were called the passenger, identified as Aom, from Bueng Kan, told police that she worked in Bangkok and had travelled to Udon Thani to visit her younger brother.



She believed he was studying at the National Sports University and said she had planned to obtain the 6,000 baht from him on arrival. However, university staff could not find his name and she could not contact him after waiting for about an hour.

Police took Aom for further questioning. They learned that she had not eaten throughout the day and had no money in her bag, so officers bought her dinner.

Officers then inspected her phone and found a chat conversation in which she had sent a friend a photograph on August 12 showing what appeared to be a packet of crystal methamphetamine.

Positive test leads to narcotics charge

According to police, Aom could not answer questions about the suspected drug. She denied using methamphetamine and denied that the substance in the photograph belonged to her.

After police returned her phone, she allegedly threw it away, breaking the device.

Officers suspected she had consumed the substance and carried out a urine test, which returned positive for methamphetamine. Police charged her with using a Category 1 narcotic. Investigators will also add a fraud charge over the unpaid 6,000-baht taxi fare.


Pictures courtesy of Daily News

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17 August 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Abbot faces complaint after boy slapped at Nakhon Sawan school

A 13-year-old schoolboy has left his school in Nakhon Sawan after an abbot allegedly slapped him during a Mothers Day alms-giving ceremony on 12 August.

The boy's mother, Suphanee, has filed a police complaint at Takhro Police Station after saying her son suffered a split lip, jaw pain and emotional distress. The abbot has admitted hitting the boy, but said it was intended as a lesson and was not severe.

The incident took place at a school in Pho Prasat subdistrict, Phai Sali district, around 10km from the boy's home in Samrong Chai, Ko Kha Chang village.

Noodles thrown into alms bowl

The school had invited the abbot and monks from a nearby temple to receive food offerings as part of its National Mothers Day morning activities.



The pupil, identified as 13-year-old Weeraphat, said he had been holding instant noodles to offer to the monks. Other pupils were standing in front of him, preventing him from reaching the abbot's bowl, so he threw the noodles into it.

He said he had not intended to insult the monk or act disrespectfully, but had wanted to give alms like the other pupils and acted without thinking because he could not reach the bowl.

According to Weeraphat, the abbot asked his name before slapping him hard on the right cheek. He said the abbot then called him to the activity area and reprimanded him in front of other pupils.

The boy said his cheek initially felt numb, but after returning home he developed jaw pain which spread to his ear. His mother took him to a doctor before reporting the matter to police.



Suphanee said medical evidence stated that her son had been assaulted. She said he had a split lip and pain in the right side of his jaw extending to his left ear.

Boy says he was not protected

Weeraphat said several teachers were present but did not protect him. Instead, he said, one teacher strongly reprimanded him for throwing an item into a monk's alms bowl.

A video of the alms-giving was posted on social media, he said, although it did not show the alleged slap. He said teachers had been filming at the time.

Feeling hurt and embarrassed, and afraid of facing fellow pupils, the boy said he did not want to return to the school and asked to leave. His mother said he had suffered psychological harm.

Abbot accepts he hit pupil

After the complaint was lodged, the school director visited Suphanee and Weeraphat with a gift basket to apologise. The family nevertheless said they would pursue legal action against the abbot.

Phra Khru Niwut Phothikij, abbot of Wat Pho Prasat and ecclesiastical head of Pho Prasat subdistrict, admitted that he had hit the boy. He said it was to teach him that throwing items into a monk's bowl was inappropriate, and maintained it was not serious.

The abbot also acknowledged reprimanding the pupil publicly, saying it was not intended to humiliate him but to serve as an example to others. He said the legal complaint should proceed through the justice process.

He added: "Perhaps it is time for me to disrobe." The abbot has been ordained and resident at Wat Pho Prasat for 36 years.


Pictures courtesy of Manager Online

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17 August 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

Thai police arrest alleged gambling 'super admin'

Thai Economic Crime Suppression Division police have arrested a 29-year-old woman in Nakhon Pathom, alleging she managed deposits and withdrawals for an online gambling network operating 11 brands.

Police said the network handled a minimum 5 million baht a day, with monthly turnover exceeding 100 million baht. The arrest was announced on 15 August 2026.

Chalisa, was detained at a house in Om Yai, Sam Phran district, under a Nakhon Pathom Provincial Court search warrant. She faces charges of jointly advertising or persuading people to gamble online, and jointly organising or promoting online gambling.

Cloud trail led police to Sam Phran

The operation was ordered by Central Investigation Bureau commissioner Lt Gen Nattasak Chaowanasai and led by Economic Crime Suppression Division commander Maj Gen Thatsphum Charupratcha, acting superintendent Col Winyu Jamsai, and investigators Maj Ratchin Charoenram and Maj Wachirachet Akrathiraphong.

Investigators said the gambling operation used Cloudflare, cloud VPNs and rented cloud virtual private servers rather than keeping physical servers or hardware at a fixed location. Police said cyber tracing led them to a "super admin" with authority over baht and cryptocurrency transactions.



The house appeared old from the outside, police said, but was allegedly being used as a concealed operations centre.

Police identified the gambling brands as JUN88, MK8, VV72, TH26, F168/7F168, PG688, BT678, OKVIP, JL69, NM9 and K188. They were said to offer live casino games, slots, baccarat, card games, sports betting and online lotteries across dozens of URLs.

Alleged role covered baht and USDT payments

During questioning, Chalisa reportedly admitted she had previously worked at an entertainment venue in Poipet, Cambodia. In October 2025, she said, she applied for an administrator role through a Facebook page and spent more than four months in intensive training at the OKVIP building in Poipet, where more than 100 gambling-site staff worked.

She said she was trained in IT, marketing, deposits and withdrawals, accounts and audit or risk-control work. Her pay, including commission, was at least 30,000 baht a month and was paid in USDT directly to her personal digital wallet.

According to police, Cambodian authorities stepped up raids on gambling sites in February 2026, after which a "big boss" ordered her team to continue managing systems and customers from Thailand.

She allegedly worked 12-hour night shifts, from 8pm until 8am, with no more than four staff deployed in Thailand. The team used VPNs and received instructions through Discord, she said.

Police said she held 10 user accounts, allowing her to verify transfer codes, match baht and USDT amounts, credit customer wallets if automated systems failed, and approve withdrawals flagged by auditors. She was also allegedly responsible for switching commercial bank accounts and testing more than 25 illegal payment-gateway channels that generated QR codes for cash and crypto payments around the clock.

Investigation continues

Chalisa was handed to investigators at Pho Kaew Police Station in Sam Phran for legal action. Police said they were continuing to trace financial routes, seek asset seizures and pursue alleged senior figures and other members of what they described as a transnational criminal network.


Pictures courtesy of Komchadluek

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17 August 2026
Georgealbert
Georgealbert

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