Matichon organized a forum titled "Change (Not) Through Thai Politics" with active participant engagement, examining the country's political history from 2023 to 2026.

At 3 PM on May 23, 2026, at the Faculty of Political Science at Thammasat University's Tha Prachan campus, the Matichon network launched a book discussion forum for "Change (Not) Through Thai Politics 2023-2026," exchanging divergent political perspectives from the 2023-2026 period. Despite two democratic elections, the old political power structure persisted throughout the three-year period with no effective transition.

Panelists included Dr. Purwichai Wattanasuk, a political science lecturer at Thammasat University; Suranant Wetchachiva, former deputy prime minister's office minister; Nikorn Jamnong, Bhumjaithai party MP; Jaturont Chayaset, Move Forward party MP; and Pijarn Chaopatanawong, People's Party secretary-general.

Dr. Purwichai stated that while politics changes, whether it truly transitions is another matter—one must define what it transitions toward. If transitioning toward democracy, all three elections clearly show no change has occurred. However, politics, like other social phenomena, has its own dynamics.

He attributed the lack of transition to the 2014 coup being institutionalized through the 2017 Constitution, which was rigid, immovable, and unchangeable. This weakened political parties, expanded independent organizations' power, established a 20-year national strategy, and implemented a moral standards law that he sees growing increasingly stringent.

While the 2017 Constitution was designed to preserve the power order created by the coup, popular demands for change were reflected across three elections, but the structure prevented meaningful change. Therefore, continued struggle remains necessary during this period of incomplete transition.

Dr. Purwichai noted that while politics constantly changes, breaking through the 2017 Constitution to achieve actual change is difficult. Political transitions in society typically take generations, yet nothing remains frozen forever—gradual shifts continue occurring.

Suranant noted that politics changed the state's governance form but did not transition. What changed was how authoritarian power or the deep state maintains itself with greater variation. Thai politics operates on a patronage system where power struggles are essentially battles over patronage networks, visible today in central government power-holders and parliamentary mechanisms.

This patronage system spans all territorial and capital levels, including both chambers. Even after elections following normal procedures, the cycle continues unless citizens recognize this system doesn't serve the common good—which could eventually trigger change. However, he believes certain ceilings exist that keep power concentrated.

Jaturont stated that transition to true democracy remains distant, but rather transitions to a system where institutions and individuals unlinked to elections hold power exceeding sovereignty, with citizens unable to inspect them.

The significant change is obtaining a new Senate in 2026, known to result from precise management linked to political factions.

On May 23, 2025, reporters in Chumphon province documented significant backlash on social media regarding support banners for the "Chumphon-Ranong Land Bridge Connecting Two Seas" project installed throughout Chumphon Municipality. A survey identified five banner locations: two on Krom Luang Road, two on Sala Daeng Road, and one on Trirat Road near the Chumphon Police Station, all clearly expressing support for the land bridge project.

In response, Srichai Veeranorpanich, mayor of Chumphon Municipality, gave an interview clarifying that the issue involves both supporters and opponents, urging residents not to worry. He confirmed that he cannot suppress any particular viewpoint, as both supporters and opponents have the right to express their opinions within a democratic system.

The mayor explained that an unidentified individual requested permission to install the banners, and emphasized these signs would not remain long and would eventually be removed. He advised the public to research the project independently.

Srichai further noted that those who installed the banners intended to support the project, while opponents are equally entitled to voice their objections. He pointed out that the project is still in the study phase and must pass through many processes before reaching a final conclusion.

The land bridge project remains a sensitive issue in Chumphon and Southern Thailand, with some groups seeing economic opportunities and others concerned about environmental and lifestyle impacts. Many residents are calling on relevant agencies to hold transparent public forums so all stakeholders can genuinely participate in deciding the area's future.

On May 23, 2025, Colonel Pisit Tangsirisiab, commander of Na Jomtien Police Station, along with Deputy Commander Lieutenant Colonel Adisorn Kongkoy and investigation officers, arrested 65-year-old Bunyarut pursuant to a Pattaya Provincial Court warrant on charges of fraud and sexual assault. The arrest took place at his Cambodian fortune-telling shop in Na Jomtien Subdistrict, Sattahip District, Chon Buri Province.

The case originated from a 51-year-old woman's complaint that she met the suspect through a referral while experiencing romantic troubles and seeking spiritual cleansing and karma resolution. The suspect claimed he could resolve her karma, improve her fortune, and reunite her with her lover. He then convinced her to participate in various rituals while continuously collecting tuition fees, ceremonial supplies, and ritual charges from January through April 2025, totaling damages exceeding 1.7 million baht.

The victim alleged that during the rituals, the suspect inserted a wooden pestle into her genitals and sexually assaulted her, claiming these acts were part of the ceremony to remove negativity and open her love fortune. She stated she felt frightened and did not dare resist.

When the victim later suspected she was being defrauded, she gathered evidence and filed a complaint. Police investigated the financial trail, communications, and witness statements before obtaining a court arrest warrant. The suspect was eventually apprehended.

Initially, Bunyarut denied all charges, claiming the woman gave him the money voluntarily and their relationship was consensual. However, police remain unconvinced and are proceeding with legal prosecution.

The Smart Water Operations Center (SWOC) of the Royal Irrigation Department announced on May 23, 2569 that continuous monitoring of water conditions in the Chao Phraya River basin shows steadily increasing water flow from upstream areas entering the basin.

As of 6:00 AM on May 23, 2569, measurements at Station C.2 in Muang District, Nakhon Sawan recorded water flow of 893 cubic meters per second, causing water levels above the Chao Phraya Dam to rise to +16.54 meters. The Chao Phraya Dam is currently releasing 300 cubic meters per second to maintain appropriate water management standards, with water levels controlled not to exceed +16.60 meters. Water flow through the dam is projected to increase to approximately 500-700 cubic meters per second based on upstream water conditions and current rainfall patterns. This volume is not expected to impact downstream areas.

The Royal Irrigation Department continues to monitor water levels, weather conditions, and water management while coordinating with relevant agencies. Residents in low-lying areas along the Chao Phraya River are advised to monitor updates closely to prepare for potential situations and minimize impacts. Additional water situation information is available at https://www2.rid.go.th/th/main

Following the tragic Bangkok train-bus collision that killed 8 people, there are concerns that authorities will only apply temporary solutions rather than address root causes. However, Police Commander General Siam Bunsorn recently convened a multi-agency meeting to develop short, medium, and long-term preventive measures. Representatives from the Transport Ministry, State Railway of Thailand, Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, Department of Land Transport, Department of Rail Transport, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and local police precincts attended. Bangkok has 58 railway crossing points spanning 28 police station areas. The meeting discussed installing warning systems, automatic barriers, and deploying traffic officers at crossings. Enforcement of traffic laws against violators was also addressed, with potential legal amendments needed for effectiveness. Authorities identified 19 high-risk crossing points, classified by threat level (red, yellow, green), requiring immediate physical remediation. Train schedules must be coordinated with police to manage road traffic flow and prevent vehicles from stalling on tracks. A new communication channel between police and railways will be established for urgent situations. Medium and long-term solutions will include technology installation to improve operational efficiency. A key finding was that coordination between police and railways has been inadequate and poorly integrated. When train schedules are known, police must clear traffic from crossing areas as a priority to prevent congestion. The tragedy that claimed 8 lives and destroyed numerous vehicles represents losses that should never happen again. Serious preventive measures must be implemented—not just temporary responses. The fact that Police Commander General Siam is actively convening these meetings offers hope that such disasters may be prevented going forward.