Prachinburi governor shuts illegal e-waste plant in forest reserve

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8 August 2026, 09:46

PRACHINBURI — 8 August 2026, The Prachinburi governor has ordered the immediate closure and seizure of equipment at an allegedly illegal e-waste processing plant operating inside a national forest reserve, following complaints that the facility had been operating for nearly a year.

At around 2:00, reports emerged of growing concern among residents after Sumet Rianphongnam, leader of the Prachinburi Khemkhaeng civic group, posted photos and videos online calling for an investigation into alleged encroachment on the Khwae Rabom and Si Yat national forest reserves in Moo 7, Krok Sombun subdistrict, Si Maha Phot district.

The group alleged that foreign investors had been allowed to establish an illegal facility for sorting and processing electronic waste in the area.

According to the Prachinburi Provincial Industry Office, Governor Weerapant Dee-on on 6 August ordered Si Maha Phot district officials to join forces with the provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office and Provincial Industry Office to inspect the facility.

The inspection followed confirmation by the Prachinburi branch of the Forest Resource Management Office 9 that the plant was located within the Khwae Rabom and Si Yat national forest reserve.

Officials found the facility operating without authorization to sort, shred and compact scrap metal, electrical wires and electronic components.

Authorities immediately ordered the operation suspended and seized the materials, equipment, machinery and other items found at the site as evidence.

The governor also ordered an urgent investigation into the legality of the land title documents. If the documents are found to have been illegally issued or used, authorities will take decisive legal action to protect community rights.

The Khwae Rabom and Si Yat national forest reserves are considered nationally important natural forest areas. Established under Ministerial Regulation No. 409 in 1969, the reserves cover areas mainly in Sanam Chai Khet and Tha Takiap districts of Chachoengsao province and extend into Si Maha Phot district in Prachinburi.

Around 700,000-850,000 rai of the forest reserve reportedly remains protected under the law. The area forms part of the “five-province forest complex” in eastern Thailand and provides important habitat for wild elephants and other protected wildlife.

The forest is also a source of the Khwae Rabom and Khwae Si Yat rivers, which merge into Khlong Tha Lat before flowing into the Bang Pakong River. It is also home to the Khlong Si Yat Reservoir, which has a capacity of about 420 million cubic meters.

Authorities warned that illegal e-waste processing and the dumping of hazardous chemical waste could contaminate groundwater and natural waterways, potentially causing serious impacts on ecosystems, wildlife and public health.

Heavy rain forecast across Thailand, North faces worst of storms

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8 August 2026, 08:48

Thailand’s Meteorological Department warned on 8 August that heavy rain is expected across much of the country over the next 24 hours, with very heavy rain possible in parts of the North, Northeast and East.

The department said a monsoon trough is stretching across the upper North and upper Northeast toward a low-pressure cell over the Gulf of Tonkin. Meanwhile, a relatively strong southwest monsoon is prevailing over the Andaman Sea, Thailand and the Gulf of Thailand.

People in affected areas are advised to beware of heavy to very heavy rain and accumulated rainfall, which could trigger flash floods and forest runoff, particularly in foothill areas, near waterways and in low-lying areas.

Waves are also expected to strengthen in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand, reaching 2-3 meters. Waves could exceed 3 meters during thunderstorms.

Boaters are advised to exercise caution and avoid areas experiencing thunderstorms. Small boats in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand should remain ashore.

The department also said Typhoon Dolphin, currently over the western Pacific west of Japan’s Okinawa Prefecture, is forecast to make landfall in China’s Zhejiang Province between 9 and 10 August. The storm is not expected to move into Thailand.

People planning to travel to the affected areas are advised to check weather conditions before departure.

Weather forecast from 06:00 on 8 August to 06:00 on 9 August

North

Thunderstorms will cover 80% of the area, with heavy rain in many areas of Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Phrae, Sukhothai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet and Phichit provinces.

Very heavy rain is possible in some areas of Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok and Phetchabun.

Minimum temperatures: 22-26°C
Maximum temperatures: 31-36°C
Southwest winds: 10-20 km/h

Northeast

Thunderstorms will cover 70% of the area, with heavy rain in parts of Nong Bua Lamphu, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen and Ubon Ratchathani.

Very heavy rain is possible in some areas of Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom.

Minimum temperatures: 22-25°C
Maximum temperatures: 27-34°C
Southwest winds: 10-20 km/h

Central region

Thunderstorms will cover 60% of the area, with heavy rain possible in parts of Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Lop Buri, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi and Ratchaburi.

Minimum temperatures: 24-26°C
Maximum temperatures: 33-35°C
Southwest winds: 10-25 km/h

East

Thunderstorms will cover 70% of the area, with heavy rain possible in parts of Nakhon Nayok, Prachin Buri and Rayong.

Very heavy rain is possible in some areas of Chanthaburi and Trat.

Minimum temperatures: 23-28°C
Maximum temperatures: 30-34°C
Southwest winds: 20-40 km/h
Waves: 2-3 meters, exceeding 3 meters during thunderstorms

Southern region — east coast

Thunderstorms will cover 40% of the area, mainly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon and Surat Thani.

Minimum temperatures: 23-26°C
Maximum temperatures: 32-36°C
Southwest winds: 20-35 km/h
Waves: 1-2 meters offshore and exceeding 2 meters during thunderstorms

Southern region — west coast

Thunderstorms will cover 60% of the area, with heavy rain possible in parts of Ranong and Phang Nga.

Minimum temperatures: 23-27°C
Maximum temperatures: 31-35°C

From Phuket northward, southwest winds will reach 20-40 km/h, with waves of 2-3 meters and waves exceeding 3 meters during thunderstorms.

From Krabi southward, southwest winds will reach 20-35 km/h, with waves around 2 meters and waves exceeding 2 meters during thunderstorms.

Bangkok and surrounding areas

Thunderstorms will cover 70% of the area, with heavy rain possible in some places.

Minimum temperatures: 25-28°C
Maximum temperatures: 32-35°C
Southwest winds: 10-25 km/h

What we know so far: Nine dead in one of Thailand’s deadliest school shootings

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7 August 2026, 17:33

APTOPIX Thailand School Shooting — A schoolgirl cries outside her school where deaths and injuries were reported after a shooting in Thailand's Nonthaburi province, Friday, Aug. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

A 14-year-old student allegedly shot dead his grandparents before opening fire at Debsirin Nonthaburi School on Friday morning, leaving nine people dead and at least 22 others injured in one of Thailand’s worst school shooting incidents. Authorities are continuing to investigate what drove the teenager to carry out the attack.

The attack

The shooting began at around 10:00 on 7 August at Debsirin Nonthaburi School in Bang Kruai district, Nonthaburi province.

Teachers rushed to evacuate students as gunfire echoed through the campus. Students fled buildings while others locked themselves inside classrooms as police, rescue workers and tactical officers responded to the scene.

Officers from Arintharaj 26 and Provincial Police Region 1 secured the school while emergency medical teams treated victims and rushed the injured to nearby hospitals.

Death toll and injuries

Authorities confirmed nine fatalities:

Five teachers
The 14-year-old suspect, who died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound
One student
The suspect’s grandfather
The suspect’s grandmother

At least 22 people were injured. Nine remained in critical condition, including two teachers and seven students, according to officials. Victims were taken to Phra Nangklao Hospital and other nearby medical facilities.

Grandparents found dead

As police investigated the school shooting, officers searched the suspect’s home in Bang Bua Thong district.

There they found the bodies of the teenager’s grandfather and grandmother, both with gunshot wounds to the head.

Deputy Interior Minister Phonphir Suwannachawi said investigators believe the teenager killed his grandparents before travelling to school. The suspect had been living with them because his parents had separated when he was young.

The weapon

Officials said the handgun used in the attack was legally registered to the suspect’s grandfather, a retired teacher.

Investigators believe the teenager removed the firearm from a locked cabinet at home before the attack. Police are still investigating how he gained access to it.

According to investigators, the suspect took about 98 rounds of ammunition from the house. Officers later recovered a large quantity of ammunition from his school bag. More than 30 rounds remained when the attack ended.

What happened inside the school?

Investigators believe the student attended his first class as normal before drawing the handgun.

According to the preliminary investigation, his first victim was a mathematics teacher who had substituted for another teacher. He then moved through the school, firing at teachers and students before police surrounded the campus.

Authorities said the suspect died after shooting himself before officers reached him.

Survivors describe the chaos

A Grade 12 student said he initially mistook the gunshots for bird scarers.

After another student shouted that a teacher had been shot, he and his classmates locked their classroom door, switched off the lights and pushed desks and chairs against the entrance.

The class remained hidden for nearly 30 minutes until police entered the building and told them it was safe to leave.

The student said he had learned emergency survival techniques from online videos, which helped him react quickly during the attack. His classroom escaped unharmed after the gunman walked past without entering.

A school janitor who witnessed part of the attack said the gunman appeared calm as he walked between buildings carrying the handgun, showing no signs of panic even after police arrived.

What investigators have found

Police are examining the suspect’s computer and online activity.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said preliminary findings suggested the teenager may have been under academic stress and had carefully planned the attack.

Investigators found evidence that he had researched previous mass shootings in the United States in the days before the attack. Authorities also said he had posted a photograph of the handgun on social media during the Songkran holiday.

However, officials stressed that the motive has not been confirmed and remains under investigation.

What teachers and relatives said

The boyfriend of one of the teachers killed in the shooting said they had embraced before she left for work that morning, as they did every day.

Relatives described the teacher as kind and caring, saying she was well-liked by students and never used harsh discipline. Family members also said teachers at the school knew the suspect had special educational needs and took care to avoid upsetting him, while cautioning that the motive for the attack remains unclear.

Government response

Prime Minister Anutin visited the school on Friday afternoon and said the attack was a tragedy that had shocked the country.

He ordered police to step up nationwide inspections for illegal firearm possession and said authorities would review security measures at schools and other public places.

The prime minister also pledged financial assistance and long-term support for the families of those killed and injured through existing government compensation programmes.

Government approves 1 million baht compensation for Nonthaburi school shooting fatalities

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7 August 2026, 16:59

0-0-0-feat — People evacuate from around Debsirin Nonthaburi School, where a shooting killed several people in Thailand's Nonthaburi province, Friday, Aug. 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)

BANGKOK — 7 August 2026, the government has approved compensation of 1 million baht for each person killed in Thursday’s school shooting in Nonthaburi, citing four previous mass shooting cases that were classified as public disasters. Officials said payments would be made as quickly as possible.

At 15:00 on Friday, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister’s Office Paradorn Prissananantakul chaired a meeting of the Prime Minister’s Office Disaster Victim Assistance Fund Committee to consider compensation for victims of the shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School. The attack left seven people dead, including three teachers, three students, and the gunman.

Yupa Thaweewattanakitborworn, Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister’s Office, told the meeting the fund currently has 254 million baht available.

Paradorn said the committee used the same criteria applied in four previous mass casualty shootings: the Terminal 21 Korat shooting in Nakhon Ratchasima, the childcare centre massacre in Nong Bua Lamphu, the Siam Paragon shooting in Bangkok, and the shooting at Phatong Prathan Khiriwat School in Songkhla.

2 web 7 — Police officers secure Debsirin Nonthaburi School, where a shooting killed several people in Thailand’s Nonthaburi province, Friday, 7 Aug 2026. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn)

The committee approved the following compensation rates, consistent with those cases:

Fatalities: 1 million baht
Permanent disability: 700,000 baht
Serious injuries: 200,000 baht
Minor injuries: 100,000 baht

Paradorn said the committee considered three key factors before approving the payments.

First, the Disaster Victim Assistance Fund consists of public donations intended to help people affected by disasters.

Second, although the Nonthaburi shooting was a criminal act committed by an individual, it caused deaths and injuries among members of the public at a school, where teachers and students were engaged in their normal daily activities. The committee therefore determined that the incident falls within the definition of a public disaster under Clause 3 of the fund’s regulations, making victims eligible for assistance.

Third, existing regulations already provide additional assistance, including 50,000 baht for funeral expenses, 30,000 baht in living assistance for each deceased victim’s family, and an additional 50,000 baht for families with children aged 25 or younger.

After the meeting, Paradorn said authorities would expedite compensation for those affected. He said the total amount required would be finalised after confirming the number of injured victims, but expected payments could be made within days. Officials will also examine whether other government agencies can provide additional financial assistance.

Paradorn also said the Ministry of Interior prohibits civilians from carrying firearms in public places under any circumstances, except for authorised state officials performing their duties. He said enforcement of the regulation would be strengthened and that, in his capacity as a member of parliament, he would propose amendments to Thailand’s Firearms Act.

Former Dragon Five singer Tae found dead in Chao Phraya River after going missing

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7 August 2026, 15:44

The body of former Dragon Five singer Taewich “Tae” Taepan was found floating in the Chao Phraya River near Rama VII Bridge in Nonthaburi on Friday, after his family reported him missing earlier this week.

Tae, 46, was reported missing by his girlfriend after he left their home with his bicycle at around 04:00 on 6 August and could not be contacted.

Police from Bang Kruai Police Station launched a search operation after receiving the missing person report. Investigators reviewed CCTV footage from outside the housing estate, which showed Tae riding his bicycle away alone in the early morning.

Authorities also contacted his cycling group friends, nearby hospitals and police stations in the area, but found no information about his whereabouts.

Police said Tae left home without his phone or a location-tracking watch. His family also denied reports of any family conflict or a history of depression.

After his body was found, officials recovered the remains and will send them for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of death.

Tae was a member of Thai boy band Dragon Five, which debuted in 2000 under GMM Grammy. The group, known for its Asian-inspired music style and choreography influenced by martial arts, consisted of five members — Oak, Andy, Yuan, Tao and Tae — before ending activities in 2002.

Watch history found on student’s computer after Debsirin school attack

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7 August 2026, 15:40

NONTHABURI — 7 August 2026, police examining the computer of the student who carried out the shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School found a YouTube watch history containing videos about school shootings and mass shooters, as well as Roblox links related to handling firearms.

At 12:28 on Thursday, police responded to reports of two people shot dead at a house in Bang Bua Thong district, Nonthaburi.

They found a 73-year-old man dead from gunshot wounds in the kitchen. His 74-year-old wife was found dead on a bed on the second floor.

The couple were the grandparents of the 15-year-old student accused of carrying out the shooting at Debsirin Nonthaburi School.

Investigators said the boy used his grandfather’s 9mm handgun to shoot both grandparents dead in the early morning before travelling to the school, where several people were killed and injured.

During a search of the house, officers found a desktop computer with a search history that included YouTube videos about overseas school shooting incidents, as well as Roblox links related to handling firearms. The videos were accessed on 30 July, more than a week before Friday’s shooting.

Tea & Talk with TECO Representative Peter Lan

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7 August 2026, 15:07

Tea & Talk with TECO Representative Peter Lan

BANGKOK — Taiwan’s top representative in Thailand says a new wave of Taiwanese investment is flowing into the country, driven by shifts in global supply chains, artificial intelligence and growing confidence in Thailand’s political stability.

Speaking during “Tea & Talk with TECO and Peter Lan” at The Bangkok Club in Sathon on 6 August 2026, Peter Lan, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Thailand, said the informal gathering with Thai media was intended to broaden communication with the Thai public.

Lan, who has served as Taiwan’s chief representative in Bangkok since 20 July 2025, said geopolitical competition, the rapid development of AI industries, the “China Plus One” strategy, and growing confidence in Thailand’s political stability, have encouraged more Taiwanese businesses to expand into Thailand.

He added that around 200,000 Taiwanese citizens are currently living and working in Thailand, with TECO working to help dampen the challenges they face.

“TECO is an open book,” Lan said, adding that the office welcomes dialogue and that the extent of engagement ultimately depends on Thailand’s own decisions.

He also thanked the Thai media for helping communicate information about Taiwan to the public.

Asked about Thailand’s adherence to the One China policy, Lan said recognising the policy does not prevent countries from maintaining practical and substantive relations with Taiwan.

He noted that while Taiwan cannot establish an embassy in countries that recognise Beijing, TECO’s role is to dispel misconceptions about what cooperation with Taiwan can entail.

“It is the host country’s decision how to interact with Taiwan and China at the same time,” he said.

Lan added that Thailand would benefit from maintaining parallel and pragmatic relationships with both sides rather than having a triangle relationship.

Reflecting on his first year in Thailand, Lan summarised his experience in three words: communication, mutualism and opportunity.

Highways Department to open free M6 Bang Pa-in–Pak Chong section on weekends from 21 August 2026

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7 August 2026, 15:05

Highways Department to open free M6 Bang Pa-in–Pak Chong section on weekends from 21 August 2026

BANGKOK — Thailand’s Department of Highways (DOH) has confirmed it will begin trial operations of the M6 motorway section between Bang Pa-in and Pak Chong free of charge on weekends starting 21 August 2026, allowing motorists to travel continuously toward Nakhon Ratchasima.

DOH Director-General Piyapong Jiwattanakulpaisan said the 110-kilometre section will be open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday without toll fees as part of a trial service.

The motorway will operate from 12:00 on Fridays until 24:00 on Sundays, beginning on 21 August 2026. The schedule will continue every weekend through the New Year holidays in 2027.

The department plans to eventually expand the trial into a 24-hour, seven-day-a-week free service along the entire route.

The newly opened section extends the existing trial operation on the Pak Chong–Nakhon Ratchasima Bypass stretch, which has been available free of charge around the clock since late 2023.

However, the temporary entrance and exit at Kilometre 65 on Mittraphap Road, near the Nakhonchaiburin Stray Animal Shelter, will close from 12:00 on 21 August 2026. Motorists will instead be required to use the Pak Chong interchange.

Weekend traffic arrangements

Outbound from Bangkok

Drivers can enter the M6 at Bang Pa-in and exit at Pak Chong on Thanarat Road, or continue directly to the Nakhon Ratchasima Bypass.

Inbound to Bangkok

Construction on the inbound carriageway between Pak Chong and Muak Lek remains unfinished.
Drivers leaving Pak Chong must travel via Thanarat Road and Mittraphap Road before rejoining the motorway at the Muak Lek interchange to continue toward Bangkok.

Open interchanges

The following interchanges will be available:

Bang Pa-in
Hin Kong
Kaeng Khoi
Muak Lek
Pak Chong

Vehicles entering at Pak Chong may travel only toward Sikhio or Nakhon Ratchasima.

Rest areas

Two rest areas at Thap Kwang (Kilometre 65), serving both inbound and outbound traffic, will be open with toilets and drinks available. There are no fuel stations or electric vehicle charging facilities.

As the motorway remains under construction with system installation work continuing, only four-wheel passenger vehicles will be permitted. The speed limit is 80 km/h, and motorists are advised to strictly follow traffic signs and instructions from highway officials.

Thai MP removed after shouting for peace during Min Aung Hlaing’s parliament visit

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7 August 2026, 13:51

A People’s Party lawmaker was removed from Thailand’s parliament on Friday after shouting calls for peace and humanitarian action during Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing’s official visit.

The incident took place at parliament as Senate Speaker Mongkol Surasajja was scheduled to welcome Min Aung Hlaing, who was visiting Thailand as a guest of the government.

Before the welcoming ceremony began, Bangkok MP Anusorn Thamjai arrived at the special reception area to observe the event and prepare to submit a letter through the Senate speaker to Myanmar’s leader. The letter called for urgent action on cross-border issues and support for the restoration of democracy in Myanmar.

At around 10:50, when Min Aung Hlaing’s delegation arrived at the reception area, Anusorn repeatedly shouted, “For peace, for humanity,” prompting concern among organisers and security officials.

Parliament police then intervened and escorted Anusorn away from the area.

Min Aung Hlaing’s visit to Thailand has drawn criticism from rights groups and Myanmar activists, who have called for greater pressure on the Myanmar military over the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis.

‘We locked the door and hid’: Student recalls school shooting horror

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7 August 2026, 13:28

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.

The attack

Death toll and injuries

Grandparents found dead

The weapon

What happened inside the school?

Survivors describe the chaos

What investigators have found

What teachers and relatives said

Government response

Weekend traffic arrangements

Open interchanges

Rest areas

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