At 9:50 AM on May 19, 2025, at Government House, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chamklin addressed private sector survey results regarding government transparency. The Zero Corruption working group and allies reported that the Pollution Control Department ranked first among agencies with the highest average bribery amounts at 102,160 baht.

Chamklin stated that while polls and criticism are permissible, if a poll damages someone's reputation without evidence or data, one should question what is being sought. "As a family head, I must protect my agencies," he said, comparing his 9 subordinate departments to having 9 children. "Why would we know if our child is bad without evidence? To punish our child, we need proof. To sue our child, we need evidence of wrongdoing."

He noted he does not support unethical officials and cited examples of removing corrupt personnel from the National Parks, Wildlife, and Plants Department within months of taking office. Regarding the Pollution Control Department case, Chamklin delegated the matter to the Permanent Secretary as "family guardian" to clarify the situation.

Chamklin clarified that the department director has requested documents showing what payments were allegedly made for, since the Pollution Control Department has no licensing authority as it is a technical agency. When asked if the ministry should have investigated before the news broke, Chamklin framed it as a political issue, stating that some politicians had seized upon it as a controversy. He argued that one cannot simply accept poll results that suggest someone is corrupt without proper evidence, just as one would not accept polls judging media outlets' families.

The Public Health Ministry reported on May 19, 2025, that Thailand has 1,074 accumulated confirmed mpox cases with 16 deaths. During weeks 18-19 (April 26-May 9), two new Clade Ib mpox cases were confirmed: the first was a Thai man who fell ill on April 22 with risk behavior involving sexual contact with strangers, and the second was a Thai man with close contact risk exposure at a crowded tourist destination during a festival.

Dr. Manthian Kanaswadi, Director-General of the Disease Control Department, reported that an international health coordinator also reported a foreign tourist visiting Thailand who engaged in risky sexual behavior with strangers in tourist areas. The patient was aged 25-40, with the primary risk factor being close physical and sexual contact, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM).

Mpox Clade Ib shows increasing transmission trends, with 18 accumulated cases since 2567 (2024), and no deaths. Since the beginning of 2569 (2025), six cases have been reported with no deaths, mostly male (four cases), with most transmission from close physical contact. The best prevention is avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals and avoiding sexual contact with strangers or those with suspicious skin rashes. The Disease Control Department has instructed all public health units to monitor, screen, and closely track patients, particularly in tourist areas and high-risk service facilities.

Dr. Direk Khamphaen, Deputy Director-General, emphasized that mpox is preventable if people avoid risky behavior, particularly sexual contact with strangers at exclusive tourist venues or arranged through social media. He stressed prevention measures including avoiding close contact with those showing rashes, not sharing personal items, frequent handwashing, consistent condom use, and avoiding sexual contact with strangers. Anyone with suspected symptoms such as fever, rash, or bumps, especially in genital or body areas with a history of risk within 21 days, should immediately consult a doctor and disclose their risk history for proper diagnosis and treatment. The Disease Control Department confirmed that Thailand has effective surveillance and treatment systems, and urged public cooperation in continuous disease prevention. For more information, call the Disease Control Department hotline at 1-4.

The Board of Investment (BOI) Secretary-General Narutt Tedsathirsakdi announced the impressive results of SUBCON Thailand 2026, held May 13-16, 2026, in collaboration with BOI, the Thai Subcontracting Promotion Association, and Informa Markets. The event drew over 50,000 visitors and facilitated more than 9,600 business negotiations, with participating companies estimating component trading value at over 23 billion baht across critical industries including electric vehicles, electronics, automation, robotics, medical devices, and aerospace.

The event functioned as a One Stop Sourcing Platform, connecting international parts manufacturers with buyers and suppliers worldwide, facilitating supply chain networking and business matching. Participants praised the event's effectiveness in closing deals and establishing long-term collaborations, with many scheduling follow-up discussions. Most attendees view SUBCON Thailand as essential for business development, technology collaboration, and accessing comprehensive networks of buyers, manufacturers, and business partners.

Participants emphasized that continuous engagement with SUBCON Thailand helps businesses adapt to global industry trends, adopt advanced technologies, and respond to rapidly changing market demands. International buyers expressed confidence in the quality and standards of Thai component manufacturers, recognizing their international competitiveness and potential to integrate into global supply chains.

Supphachai Tangtharmpoonpol, Deputy Managing Director of SP Automotive, noted that bringing component manufacturers and global buyers together enables rapid business negotiations and efficient long-term collaboration. Waranchalee Suwanpimolkul, Assistant Managing Director of S.K. Polymer, stated that SUBCON Thailand serves as a platform for Thai entrepreneurs to demonstrate international-standard quality and capabilities to global buyers and investors, strengthening confidence in international market expansion.

Siriporn Onarto, Managing Director of O.E.I Group, emphasized that the company participates continuously because SUBCON Thailand provides direct access to customers and partners, enables concrete business opportunities, and offers insights into future industry direction beneficial for long-term planning.

Feedback from participating entrepreneurs confirms that SUBCON Thailand is a critical platform connecting Thai manufacturers to global supply chains through parts trading, subcontracting, technology transfer, and expanded business collaboration.

R&B artist Ton Thanasit transitions to full independence as a solo artist with his new single 'Sak Tee (Once)', a passionate track about longing for love. Continuing his tradition of skillfully crafted romantic music, Ton Thanasit has spent 15 years captivating listeners with his love songs and now takes the next step as a fully independent artist.

'Sak Tee (Once)' explores the yearning for someone special, capturing a brief moment that becomes an unforgettable memory—born from the courage to follow one's heart during that night. This time, Ton collaborates with PAIRY, a vibrant artist who adds a captivating dimension to the song's narrative.

In his return, Ton Thanasit combines sultry appeal with smooth yet powerful vocals, seamlessly blending the theme of desire in a way that enchants listeners throughout the evening. How will this night filled with longing come to an end?

Watch the story unfold at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iU9QeVYfNJc&list=RDiU9QeVYfNJc&start_radio=1 and stream 'Sak Tee (Once)' on all streaming platforms. If you have a thrilling moment like the one in this song, share your story with Ton Thanasit on all his social media channels.

The Geological Disaster Operations Center under the Department of Mineral Resources issued a warning on May 19, 2026, alerting authorities to monitor landslide and flash flood risks. Heavy continuous rainfall in landslide-prone areas, combined with rainfall forecasts predicting potential landslides, presents significant danger particularly in Tak, Phitsanulok, Nakhon Sawan, Phetchabun, Lopburi, Trat, Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, and Chaiyaphum provinces.

Metereological forecasts indicate heavy rainfall in northern, northeastern, and central Thailand including Bangkok and surrounding areas over the next 24 hours. The southern western coast and eastern regions face heavy to very heavy rainfall due to a strong southwestern monsoon system affecting the upper Andaman Sea combined with a depression over northern Vietnam.

The public is urged to exercise caution against dangers from heavy rainfall and accumulated water that could trigger sudden flash floods and flash floods, particularly in hillside areas near watercourses and low-lying regions. Community volunteers in at-risk areas are requested to continuously monitor geological disasters and prepare for potential emergencies.

Relevant agencies must closely and continuously track conditions in their areas. If geological disasters occur, officials must promptly inspect affected areas to provide reassurance and initial guidance to residents in vulnerable zones.

SURIN — Thailand's Second Army Region has confirmed that Yot Sainoi, a Thai villager detained by Cambodian soldiers near the border last month, accidentally crossed into Cambodian territory while searching for forest products.

The Suranaree Task Force under the Second Army Region assigned a military unit to inspect the route and location where Yot was detained south of Chong Ta Liang border crossing in Kap Choeng district, Surin province.

The inquiry was launched after social media posts claimed that Cambodian soldiers had crossed into Thailand and arrested someone on Thai soil, causing public confusion. A field inspection led by Col. Thanin Domhom, commander of Task Force 2, along with Col. Kittisak Bangphimai and Col. Nitikon Sirikham, retraced the route on foot with Yot and his 21-year-old son in front of reporters to verify the facts publicly.

Yot said he had wandered across the border while foraging and was detained by Cambodian authorities on April 15, 2026. He was released and returned to Thailand on May 15, 2026 following coordination between Thailand's Second Army Region and Cambodia's Regional Military Region 4.

Inspection findings showed that Yot had crossed barbed-wire barriers and Thai military positions before entering Cambodian territory, having traveled approximately 5 kilometers from where he parked his motorcycle. Yot initially was uncertain whether he had crossed the border, but after military officials showed him boundary markers, maps, and the route, he acknowledged he had inadvertently entered Cambodia.

Yot expressed gratitude to Thai authorities for securing his safe return and cautioned local residents gathering forest products near the border to be more careful. Military officials announced plans to install additional barbed-wire fencing along the border to prevent similar incidents and enhance public safety in the area.