At the ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup 2026 in Malaysia on May 23, 2026, Thailand's defending champion men's team faced Malaysia in a semifinal match that became heated in the third deciding set after the teams were tied 1-1. With Thailand trailing 1-0 in sets and leading 14-13 late in the second set, Thai players attempted a finishing move, but Singaporean referee Radee ruled that Thailand had stepped out of bounds. The Thai team protested by refusing to continue playing, with the coaching staff demanding the point be reinstated and the referee be changed, or they would forfeit the match. After time ran out, Thailand was penalized with a forfeit loss.

After the match, Thana Chaiyaprasit, president of the Thai Sepaktakraw Association (known as 'Big Tom'), alleged that the International Federation had intentionally assigned Radee to officiate and that the refereeing was blatantly unfair, with at least three questionable calls. He stated the team decided to let Malaysia take the trophy rather than continue under these conditions, noting that filing protests would be futile since the Federation appeared to have predetermined the outcome. He criticized that lower-line judges repeatedly awarded points to Thailand, only for Radee to overrule them with replay decisions.

"Going forward, we need to reconsider our participation," Chaiyaprasit said. "If this continues, we may not send our full national team to future competitions. Instead, we might send our youth team to gain experience."

In the ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup 2026 men's team final at Titiwangsa Stadium in Malaysia on May 23, 2026, defending champion Thailand faced off against Malaysia. Thailand had comfortably defeated South Korea 2-0 in the semifinals, while Malaysia beat Indonesia 2-0, with a packed home crowd supporting the hosts.

In the first match, Thai Team A featuring Phontep Thinsaibanbon, Marukindorn Phanmakorn, and Jirasak Phakbua lost to Malaysia 1-2 sets (9-15, 15-13, 12-15). Thai Team B, composed of Ratsanaphong Nonthakorot, Wuthianan Kamsenah, and Thanapol Satyuen, bounced back with a 2-0 victory (15-6, 15-13) to tie the series 1-1, forcing a decisive third match.

In the final match, Thai Team C fielded Chakkarit Thinsaibanbon, Wichai Temkorot, and Phutawan Sophaa. With Thailand trailing 1-0 and leading 14-13 in the second set, referee Radi from Singapore made a controversial line-crossing call against Thailand at a critical moment, denying what appeared to be a winning spike. Thailand protested the decision and refused to continue playing, demanding either the point be awarded back or the referee be replaced. The Thai team ultimately forfeited the match due to the team staff's refusal to continue under these conditions. Reports indicate the Thai Sepaktakraw Association plans to file an official protest.

A fire broke out at a used car and motorcycle dealership lot in Samut Sakhon at approximately 7:30 PM on May 23, 2025. The facility, located in Soi U Preecha connecting Rama II and Ekkachai roads in Nadi subdistrict, Muang district, Samut Sakhon, received rapid response from fire brigades dispatched from Nadi municipal authorities and surrounding areas.

The tent-style lot contained numerous vehicles awaiting sale. Fortunately, the lot manager and staff managed to evacuate nearly all vehicles, except for three cars that were completely engulfed in flames—those parked at the rear of the lot. Six additional vehicles sustained minor damage, bringing total damage to nine vehicles. Firefighters controlled the blaze in approximately 30 minutes.

Initial investigation revealed the lot typically maintains a single overnight watchman. However, at the time of the fire, no one was present—the owner had returned to his residence about 30 minutes prior, and the watchman had stepped out for a meal with the gate securely locked. A nearby resident discovered the smoke and flames and immediately contacted police. The vehicles are used models operating on gasoline fuel.

A neighboring witness reported viewing security camera footage showing smoke gradually emerging from the front area under the hood of the middle parked vehicle before flames erupted, subsequently spreading to two adjacent vehicles.

Police will coordinate with forensic specialists to investigate the cause, though preliminary assessment suggests the fire may have originated from engine compartment systems or faulty wiring in the middle vehicle, possibly from an electrical spark.

On May 23, 2025, Chaiyawat Sathawarwijit, Bangkok governor candidate from the Prachathai Party, along with Ploy Telane, candidate for Bangkok Metropolitan Council in the Khlong Toei district, and Ratchanok Srinok, Prachathai party-list candidate, held an event titled "Bangkok Made Simple: Starting Fresh, It Should Be Easier" to discuss with residents how to make it easier for Bangkok people to access new skills, new jobs, and new work opportunities.

Chaiyawat stated that Bangkok should be a city that creates opportunities for people to grow and progress. While the city already has good vocational schools, he wants to improve them further by creating a system that connects people with new professions, jobs, opportunities, and increased income. His policy aims to upgrade Bangkok's vocational training centers into Bangkok Studio—something more than just a school. It will be a space where people can walk in, learn new skills, and find job opportunities. The system will connect employers seeking workers with specific skills to Bangkok Studio, where those skills can be developed.

Chaiyawat further explained that vocational centers must go beyond being training schools; they need to ensure that after graduation, graduates have increased income and can find employment. Opportunity is crucial for this city, which has not created enough opportunities for its people in the past. This is the foundation of the Prachathai Party's policy to provide more opportunities for residents.

Ratchanok stated that the Prachathai Party believes Bangkok can create jobs, careers, and increase income for its people. Grassroots residents frequently ask party representatives and council candidates how to increase their income. She added that the Prachathai Party previously implemented policies on public transportation, early childhood development centers, and educational system improvements to help reduce living costs for Bangkok residents. The policy to create 200,000 new jobs within four years, along with the Bangkok Studio initiative, will elevate Bangkok's vocational training centers to new heights, making life simpler and easier for Bangkok residents under a Prachathai-backed governor.

Region 8 Police conducted a raid and arrested an audacious Indian national on Koh Phangan who had been posting gun-wielding videos on social media while allegedly dealing drugs at parties. The case originated from videos showing a foreigner displaying and firing both long and short weapons with evidence of target practice. On May 23, 2025, Deputy Police Commissioner Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma authorized the operation, with Pol. Col. Naphsil Poolsawadi and Pol. Col. Sitthichai Logkampal mobilizing officers led by Pol. Maj. Prawit Engchuean to arrest Mr. Shabeelkunnon Valappil, a 33-year-old Indian national, at his residence in Moo 1, Koh Phangan subdistrict, Koh Phangan district, Surat Thani province.

Valappil was charged with overstaying his visa. Police seized crystal methamphetamine, MDMA, ketamine, and a firearm, along with a second suspect and additional drug paraphernalia. The investigation began on May 13 when police launched an operation targeting foreign networks using Thai nominees as front companies in Koh Phangan. Local residents provided information about a foreigner with reckless behavior who dealt drugs in the durian orchard area of Moo 2, Ban Tai subdistrict, and frequently fired weapons at his residence.

When officers arrived at the location on May 23, they found three houses. The homeowner reported Valappil was outside and returning shortly. When Valappil arrived on a motorcycle, police revealed their identities. He attempted to flee but officers subdued him. A search of Valappil's person uncovered nine bags of drugs and an aluminum tube in his left pants pocket, plus a drug-measuring spoon hidden in a pink bag. Investigators discovered his affinity for firearms through photos with both short and long weapons, evidence of shooting practice including shell casings and target marks, and involvement in drug distribution on Koh Samui. An examination of his mobile phone revealed images of various drugs with clearly marked prices. The suspect was transferred to Koh Phangan Police Station for legal proceedings.

In the BYD SEAL 5 League 2 2025-26 season playoff finals second leg, Pattani FC hosted Nongbua Pitchaya FC at Pattani Provincial Organization Stadium (Rainbow Stadium) to battle for the final promotion spot to Thai League. In the first leg on May 16, Nongbua secured a 2-1 home victory, giving them the advantage. Pattani needed to win by at least two goals in this match to claim their first-ever promotion to the top division. In the end, Pattani FC defeated Nongbua Pitchaya FC 2-1 in regulation time, with goals from Marlon da Silva in the 24th minute for the hosts and Chakrawut Songma in the 45+5th minute for visitors. The two-leg aggregate remained tied 3-3, forcing 30 minutes of extra time with no additional scoring. The match went to a penalty shootout, where Pattani converted five penalties to Nongbua's four, securing the final promotion ticket to Thai League for the 2026-27 season in a historic moment for the club.