Japan clarifies AI legal limits and plans expert panel to draft rules
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026
New guidance says some business legal tasks would, in principle, not constitute unauthorised legal practice when AI is not designed for disputes and safeguards prevent misuse.
Isolated downpours persist in northern and west-central Thailand
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026
Although rainfall is easing across Thailand, accumulated rainfall may cause flash floods, while waves in the upper Andaman Sea exceed 3 metres in areas with thunderstorms.
PTT Doubles Down on Bt1trn Investment Drive, Eyes LNG Leadership by 2035
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026
PTT reaffirms its five-year, Bt1-trillion investment plan, targeting 15 million tonnes of LNG by 2035 as it balances national energy security with shareholder returns amid Middle East volatility
Nan flood extent surpasses 2,793 hectares across three districts
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026
Radar images from Sentinel-1 satellites show floodwater spreading along the Nan and Nam Sa rivers, affecting Wiang Sa, Mueang Nan and Phu Phiang districts.
Clean-up begins in Pua after floods leave 3,800 tonnes of waste
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026
Flooding in Pua district, Nan, has subsided, leaving an estimated 3,800 tonnes of waste as the PCD targets a 10-day clean-up and monitors pollution risks.
Met Office warns powerful El Niño could make 2027 hottest year
FRIDAY, AUGUST 21, 2026
A potentially record-breaking El Niño is strengthening in the Pacific and could intensify droughts, floods and global heat, making 2027 the hottest year yet.