Construction material prices have reached their highest level in 44 months, according to Nanthapong Jiralertpongse, director of the Office of Trade and Strategic Policy. The construction materials price index for April 2025 equaled 112.4 compared to April 2024, marking a 5.9% increase and the highest level in 44 months. The spike is a direct result of the prolonged Middle East conflict, which has driven up oil and energy prices, disrupting production and logistics chains for construction materials across nearly all categories.

Wood and wood products rose 1.0% due to increased costs for lumber, framing materials, doors, and windows, driven by higher raw material costs and transportation expenses tied to oil prices. The cement category increased 2.8% from rising Portland cement, blended cement, and ready-mix cement prices as energy costs surged from coal and natural gas, reflecting the energy-intensive nature of cement production. Concrete products jumped 5.6% due to increases in precast concrete slabs, beams, and ready-mix concrete as raw material and transportation costs climbed.

Steel and steel products rose 6.2% from higher prices for deformed steel bars, smooth steel bars, black steel pipes, and sheet piles, driven by increased raw material, energy, and shipping costs exacerbated by the Middle East tensions. Tile products increased 1.3% from rising prices for concrete roof tiles, transparent roofing sheets, and glazed floor tiles due to higher natural gas and raw material costs. Finishing materials climbed 0.7% as oil-based paint, acrylic paint, and interior and exterior coatings tracked higher petrochemical and solvent costs.

Sanitary ware was the sole category to decline, dropping 1.2% as ceramic basins, toilet bowls, and paper holders fell with the slowdown in the real estate sector, which faced stricter credit approval policies and high inventory levels. Electrical and plumbing equipment rose 4.9% from increased prices for THW cables, NYY power cables, VCT electrical wires, and street lights as copper, aluminum, and plastic pellet costs increased, alongside growing demand from government infrastructure projects. Other construction materials surged 15.8% largely due to rubber asphalt, a crude oil derivative, which spiked sharply as global crude oil prices and supply remained tight.

May 2025 construction material prices are expected to remain elevated compared to the same period last year due to the continuing Middle East conflict and high uncertainty from the Strait of Hormuz blockade. U.S. naval blockades aimed at pressuring Iran persist, and despite negotiation attempts, both sides have failed to reach agreement. This uncertainty continues to fuel volatile and rising oil and energy prices globally, driving up raw material and transportation costs for many construction materials, particularly those requiring high heat in production such as steel and cement.

BANGKOK — 22 May 2026, Kris Jenner has once again highlighted a Thai sunscreen product on Instagram, drawing fresh international attention to Thailand's beauty industry.

The Instagram story featured a sunscreen product from a Thai brand among Jenner's daily skincare items, further highlighting the growing reputation of Thai beauty products among international celebrities.

Industry observers said consumer behaviour in the beauty sector has increasingly shifted towards products known for their effectiveness and performance rather than luxury branding or high prices alone.

Jenner, who helped build the billion-dollar Kardashian-Jenner beauty empire, had previously generated buzz for Thai skincare after praising a Thai ultra-light facial sunscreen fluid, prompting online discussions among beauty consumers in Thailand and overseas.

Her newest Instagram story further reinforced support for Thai beauty innovation, this time featuring a serum-based sunscreen product designed for body care and sun protection.

Observers said the continued recognition of Thai sunscreen products by international celebrities reflected the growing competitiveness of Thai beauty brands alongside leading global skincare companies.

The Thai Disabled Sports Association under Royal Patronage, which oversees the Thai Ice Hockey and Wheelchair Curling Association for the Disabled, has signed a major Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Incheon Ice Hockey Association for the Disabled from South Korea. The signing ceremony was attended by Maitri Kongruang, President of the Thai Disabled Sports Association under Royal Patronage, along with Choi Lee Sun, Secretary-General of the Incheon Disabled Sports Association, Vashin Leesagul, President of the Thai Ice Hockey and Wheelchair Curling Association for the Disabled, and Joe Won Ho, Coach of the Incheon Disabled Ice Hockey Association. Athletes, personnel, and officials from both nations witnessed the historic agreement at the Thai Disabled Sports Association headquarters.

This collaboration marks a major milestone for Thai and South Korean disabled sports, designed to promote sustainable development of para ice hockey across all levels, enhance athlete potential, and elevate technical expertise among athletes, coaches, and officials. The partnership will include exchanges of playing techniques, training plans, and competition strategies. South Korea stands as one of the world's leading nations in Paralympic winter sports, making this cooperation an invaluable opportunity for Thai athletes to gain international experience and prepare for global competitions. The partnership also strengthens cultural ties and friendship between the two nations through sports.

Maitri Kongruang, President of the Thai Disabled Sports Association, stated that ice hockey and wheelchair curling for the disabled represent one of 27 sports managed by the association over the past 4-5 years. He acknowledged that these sports have not received substantial support previously, and Thai athletes' international performance has fallen short of expectations. However, with current backing from multiple sectors including South Korean sports associations, Kongruang expressed confidence that Thai ice hockey will develop continuously and achieve international success, particularly targeting qualification for the Winter Paralympic Games. Beyond athletic excellence, the association prioritizes athlete welfare and career development, ensuring financial stability for athletes and personnel.

Following the signing, Thai and South Korean athletes, officials, and coaches visited the Sports Science Training Center at the Thailand National Sports University in Huamark, touring upgraded fitness facilities with modern technology, physical fitness testing centers, sports medicine clinics, medical technology units, and performance enhancement facilities. They also reviewed Thailand's internationally-standardized sports science knowledge and management systems.

Additionally, a two-day friendly para ice hockey match titled "Friendly Match Para Ice Hockey 2026" was held between Thailand's national team and Incheon team on May 19 and 21, 2026 at the Thailand International Ice Hockey Arena.

An ambulance from Nam Phad Hospital in Uttaradit Province met with a fatal accident on May 22 when it skidded off the road while responding to an emergency call. The vehicle was en route to assist an accident victim during heavy rainfall in the Pang Kluea area of Nam Phad district, about one kilometer before reaching the scene. Ms. Nattanichaa, an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician at the hospital, sustained severe injuries in the crash and subsequently died. The hospital's Facebook page has since posted a tribute expressing condolences, asking that their colleague 'Khun June' find peace.

Russian tour guide arrested for working without licenceLegacyTourist police in Phang Nga arrested a Russian national yesterday, May 21, for working illegally as a tour guide while accompanying a group of foreign tourists. The suspect, whose identity has not been released, was arrested at the car park of the Phang Nga Wildlife Breeding Station after officials earlier observed him guiding tourists at Suwan Kuha Temple. According to authorities, temple staff noticed the Russian man providing information and assistance to foreign visitors while escorting them around the site. Officials later alerted tourist police, who intercepted the tour group at the wildlife breeding station. Police said the suspect was travelling in a van with 10 foreign tourists. During searches of the suspect and the vehicle, officers reportedly found documents related to tour guide duties in his possession. Photo via Facebook/ Phuketandamannews Investigators later confirmed the Russian national was working for a legally registered travel agency. However, authorities said he did not possess either a valid work permit or a licensed tour guide certificate. The Department of Tourism stated the suspect was charged under Sections 49 and 86 of the Tourism Business and Tour Guide Act for working as a tour guide without authorisation. The offence carries penalties of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both. The Russian national also faces charges related to working without a permit and working in an occupation reserved for Thai nationals. Authorities added that the travel agency involved may face fines of up to 500,000 baht for allowing tourists to travel without a licensed Thai tour guide. Photo via Facebook/ Phuketandamannews In a similar case earlier this month, police in Phuket arrested another Russian national accused of illegally leading fishing tours for foreign tourists. Investigators said he admitted promoting and operating the tours through the Telegram application without authorisation. In January, another Russian tour guide was arrested at a pier in Phuket while escorting tourists onto a boat. Police said he later admitted working illegally and mainly serving Russian visitors. Photo via Facebook/ Phuketandamannews The story Russian tour guide arrested for working without licence as seen on Thaiger News.

Álvaro Albéroa, interim coach of Real Madrid, has confirmed he will manage this weekend's match as his final game in charge before José Mourinho takes over for the second round. The former Real Madrid and Liverpool player replaced Xabi Alonso, who departed after just eight months with the club. At a pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's clash with Athletic Bilbao, Albéroa said: "I will leave Real Madrid with deep gratitude because the players have made me a better person and brought me happiness every single day." "I hope to return here someday, but I likely won't be part of the next coach's staff—that won't be possible. I can only say farewell and see you again," he added. "Mourinho already has an excellent coaching staff and talented people around him, and when he arrives, he'll bring his own team, which is how it should be. There's no possibility I'll work alongside him," Albéroa concluded.