On May 14, 2025, at the Thai Subcon Activity Zone Hall 104 in the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre, the Thai Electric Vehicle Association (EVAT) and nine other automotive and parts industry associations, representing over 1,500 members, signed a joint statement urging the government to implement protective measures for Thailand's automotive industry, a key pillar of the national economy.

The coalition was led by Sompool Tanadamrongsakdi, chairman of the Thai Auto Parts Manufacturers Association (TAPMA); Chanin Kaojanthan, chairman of the Thai Subcontractor Promotion Association; Pornpisit Nitisupparattana, board member of the Thai Printed Circuit Board Association (THPCA); Chatchai Pholmun, vice chairman of the Thai Automation and Robotics Association (TARA); Oranung Jaiyern, chairman of the Thai Composites Association (TCA); Wiroj Sirithanasatra, chairman of the Thai Die and Mold Industry Association (TDIA); Associate Professor Virul Sribhoranarak, chairman of the Thai Embedded Systems Association (TESA); Dr. Natthanai Kunanusonti, vice chairman of the Thai Energy Storage Technology Association (TESTA); and Nithiphoom Pongsriangyos, vice chairman of the Thai Foundry Industry Association (TFA).

The statement indicated that Thailand's automotive industry faces a severe crisis from the EV transition, particularly as major automakers are shifting strategy to import finished electric vehicles (CBU) from China under 0% tariff privileges instead of establishing manufacturing bases in Thailand. This has caused Thai parts manufacturers to lose significant orders and risks disrupting the entire supply chain.

There is also concern that when the EV promotion measures expire in 2027, without mandatory domestic production requirements or state subsidies, manufacturers may choose to import vehicles entirely from China rather than invest in Thai production, potentially creating an "industrial cliff" that would impact employment and the broader economy.

"The ten associations are calling on the government to make a strategic decision on whether Thailand will be merely a 'cheap EV consumer market' or maintain its status as a 'global automotive manufacturing base,' and have requested an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss solutions."

The eight emergency measures include:

1. Reform excise tax to create significant tax differential between imported and domestically-produced vehicles, using a "real investment for import quota" system 2. Adjust local content criteria and free trade zones to reflect actual use of domestic parts and raw materials 3. Promote "common components" where Thai manufacturers are competitive, especially high-value parts like chassis and body 4. Adjust BOI policy to protect Thai operators and strengthen post-investment inspection 5. Address raw material cost issues through government-to-government negotiations and control scrap metal exports 6. Enhance product origin verification to prevent export frauds 7. Promote technology transfer and open channels for Thai software developers to participate 8. Promote domestic testing and upgrade ADAS safety standards to develop advanced knowledge in Thailand

Surot Sangsanit, chairman of the Thai Electric Vehicle Association, stated that all proposals do not aim to block imported electric vehicles or raise car prices, but rather to ensure fair competition between operators who invest genuinely, produce domestically, and use local parts, versus those focusing on importing finished vehicles without creating added value in Thailand.

Sansiri is accelerating its wellness-lifestyle investment strategy with plans to build a major sports complex in the Bangkok Kreedathon community area while pursuing the acquisition of two luxury hotels abroad this year. Naphath Weesin, Managing Director of International Operations at Sansiri, outlined the company's 2026 investment direction, stating that Sansiri is advancing new business ventures alongside its core real estate operations under a wellness-lifestyle ecosystem concept aimed at diversifying business risk and enhancing long-term community value for residents.

One of the key projects launching this year is a large sports complex in the Bangkok Kreedathon area, which will serve as a community sports and wellness hub. The development will include two regulation-size football fields, tennis courts, padel and pickleball courts, as well as a clubhouse and wellness center to accommodate the increasing health-conscious urban lifestyle. The company aims to position the sports complex as an open, community-based facility accessible to the general public without membership restrictions, not limited to Sansiri residents, in order to improve quality of life and build a health-oriented community for Bangkok residents. The project is currently in budget planning stages with expected investment exceeding 100 million baht.

Weesin noted that this approach aligns with growing global wellness trends, which Sansiri views not as a short-term fad but as long-term consumer behavior, prompting the company to integrate wellness concepts into its project designs and continuous health and lifestyle programming for residents. Additionally, Sansiri is in discussions with business partners in the food and beverage sector and international schools to expand its lifestyle-related business ecosystem. The company is also exploring investment in an international school in Bangkok and reviewing opportunities with everyday dining and F&B brands for future joint investments.

On the overseas hotel business, Weesin disclosed that Sansiri is studying acquisitions of lifestyle and luxury hotels in both the United States and Europe, targeting the closure of at least two deals this year through property acquisitions rather than brand purchases. Target U.S. markets include New York, Miami, and Boston, while European cities of interest are Rome, Milan, Como, Madrid, Barcelona, and London. The company prioritizes investments in high-potential assets located in iconic or trophy locations.

Weesin emphasized that Sansiri's overseas investments will follow an opportunistic approach, selecting only deals expected to generate genuine returns, with no fixed budget framework currently established as multiple transactions remain in advanced negotiation stages. Concurrently, the company plans to expand its luxury hotel model emphasizing wellness destination experiences, similar to its investment in The Manner in New York—a 97-room boutique luxury hotel offering unique experiences through partnerships with leading health and lifestyle partners such as fitness clubs via ClassPass and renowned wellness brands like Remedy Place, which provides comprehensive health services including ice baths.

At 5:30 a.m. on May 14, 2025, Eastern Command forces including Border Patrol Police from Aranyaprathet District and Military Region 12, coordinated with Sakaew Provincial Customs, launched intensive patrols along the border near Ban Phu Nam Kliao in Aranyaprathet District, Sakaew Province, following reports of human trafficking through natural border routes. Officers discovered a suspicious group moving through the borderline, leading to the arrest of 16 individuals: 4 Thai nationals, 2 Vietnamese citizens, and 10 Myanmar nationals of Shan descent, all traveling without proper documentation and illegally entering Thailand.

Investigations revealed that the four Thai nationals were recruited through friends and acquaintances to work for the "UFABET168" online gambling operation in Poipet, deceived by promises of high monthly earnings between 15,000-25,000 baht. Some had previously worked as motorcycle taxi drivers, warehouse employees, salespeople, and factory workers before deciding to cross the border over a year ago.

When tensions escalated along the Thai-Cambodian border, certain checkpoints closed, trapping them in Poipet. A Cambodian broker then offered to smuggle them back into Thailand through natural routes for 8,000 baht per person, using a Cambodian-registered vehicle to drop them at the border before they crossed on foot.

The 10 Shan Myanmar nationals stated they were brought from Siemreap to Poipet by a Chinese syndicate to work as security guards for a Chinese company. Following Cambodia's crackdown on call centers and online scammers, their employer halted operations, prompting them to attempt illegal re-entry to Thailand to return home.

Authorities are processing all suspects and expanding the investigation to identify broker networks, trafficking operations, and financial channels linked to transnational online gambling businesses.

IPONE, a premium motorcycle lubricant brand from France specializing in two-wheeled vehicles, officially launched in Thailand on May 9, 2025, unveiling its motorcycle engine oil product line.

The French brand IPONE, known for advanced technology, exceptional performance, and high-quality lubricants specifically formulated for motorcycles, is expanding its footprint in Thailand's continuously growing motorcycle market, where scooters and underbone bikes serve as primary daily transportation.

The key highlight of this launch is IPONE's advanced lubricant formula technology using 100% PAO and ester base stocks, which are premium-grade oils in Group 4 and Group 5—among the highest current industry standards for lubricants. By combining ester's outstanding properties with premium-grade base oils, IPONE products provide efficient engine protection, reduce wear, support high-performance riding, and enable engines to operate at peak efficiency. IPONE caters to all riding styles, from daily commuters to motorcycle enthusiasts and those seeking maximum engine performance, to elevate the riding experience on every road.

Product Line: Reflecting Advanced Progress and Expertise Inspired by Japanese culture, IPONE has applied the "karate belt ranking system" concept to its product categorization, clearly communicating performance levels and usage characteristics in a distinctive and easy-to-understand manner. Additionally, the packaging draws inspiration from Japanese manga art, delivering a striking, modern, and energetic visual identity that perfectly matches the lifestyle of new-generation riders.

Katana (Blue Belt Line) – Fully synthetic engine oil offering excellent responsiveness and premium durability R4000 (Green Belt Line) – Semi-synthetic engine oil balancing performance and value, ideal for daily use

Each product level is designed to reflect riders' development journey, from daily commuting to maximum performance pushing, allowing riders to select engine oil perfectly suited to their specific needs and riding style.

Designed Specifically for Thai Riders' Riding Style In Thailand, motorcycles represent not just passion but also a vital part of daily life—from navigating dense urban traffic to long-distance travels between provinces. Riders require lubricants that maintain consistent performance under demanding and varied operating conditions.

Understanding these usage patterns, IPONE has developed lubricant formulas delivering reliable performance that efficiently protects engines and maintains consistent functionality across all environments—whether during stop-and-go urban riding or long-distance highway travels. Engines continue receiving full protection and care throughout.

Pat Wongkliar, a renowned singer, has shared reflective comments addressing the perspective of abuse survivors, who often face scrutiny from society regarding the timing of their disclosures and the evidence they provide. She emphasizes that piecing together a shattered heart and finding the strength to stand again is not simple—some choose to carry their wounds silently for life.

"It's strange that abuse victims are often questioned: Why speak now? Where's the evidence? Their hearts break in that moment of harm. Before they can gather the fragments of their shattered spirit and find the courage to speak, some never say anything at all, carrying it as a scar that never fully heals," Pat explained. "When families aren't safe and the outside world isn't safe either, survivors in our society often don't dare come forward. When someone who has been silent finally asks for help, it means they truly need it. Believe them and help them first—evidence can come later. Let's embrace each other with our shared humanity."

She concluded with a caption encouraging everyone to love and respect themselves, as this is the true path to healing hearts. She shared an English message: "To all the hearts that need to be healed. You are loved. Remember who you are. Self-love and self-respect are truly the only way home. You are so brave."

Fans responded overwhelmingly with support, with many expressing agreement that abuse survivors are constantly questioned in an already cruel society, and praising public figures like Pat for calling out these injustices rather than blaming victims.

On May 14, Dr. Thon Thomrongnawasasat, a marine and environmental scholar and vice dean of the Faculty of Fisheries at Kasetsart University, posted on Facebook detailing the mass appearance of black-chin tilapia at Pattaya Beach in Chonburi Province. He outlined a three-phase timeline across three zones showing how the invasive fish species spreads from coastal canals to open waters.

Phase One begins in coastal canals where black-chin tilapia, lacking natural predators, reproduce prolifically until canals are choked with fish. As they deplete food resources in cramped canal systems, adult fish migrate seaward in search of new habitats.

Phase Two involves the fish moving into nearshore areas and brackish-water bays like mangrove-lined coves. These semi-enclosed areas like Khung Krabaen provide suitable breeding grounds and marine ecosystem disruption, though the fish continue spawning in adjacent canals before juveniles venture into bays.

Phase Three encompasses open coastlines near canal mouths and mangrove forests. Black-chin tilapia sightings have been reported along Phetchaburi beaches for two years, with fishermen catching them. They now appear in semi-enclosed bays like Pattaya, where mature fish escape crowded freshwater sources to disrupt coastal ecosystems.

Dr. Thon predicts that coastlines matching Pattaya's characteristics throughout Thailand are already affected but unreported. The fish will continue expanding their range canal by canal, with mature individuals venturing to sea and establishing new populations in subsequent canals through reproduction and migration.

Eradication proves extremely difficult—even in confined canal areas, complete removal is impossible. In extensive coastal waters, efforts can only slow the impact through targeted fishing methods used by local fishermen: casting nets to catch schools, sun-drying for consumption or OTOP products, and destroying juveniles to prevent further spread, as they directly damage coastal ecosystems that support livelihoods.

Protection must focus on distant islands; while black-chin tilapia survive in seawater, crossing to islands like Kood, Tao, and Phangan remains unlikely. Prevention requires stopping intentional releases, with immediate action upon discovery to avoid transforming islands into affected zones like current coastlines.

Dr. Thon concludes that black-chin tilapia will gradually expand along coastlines from canal to beach, progressively spreading as this dangerous invasive species reaches epidemic proportions where eradication becomes impossible and only containment and island preservation remain viable.

Department of Marine Resources Director-General Pin Saksakul Surasudee stated he has ordered monitoring of the black-chin tilapia outbreak due to concerns about widespread damage. He classified the species as an Invasive Alien Species and said the department will coordinate with relevant agencies to investigate whether black-chin tilapia has spread to other locations.