The Thai Meteorological Department issued alert #11 (71/2569) on May 18, 2025, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall across Thailand and strong winds in the Andaman Sea, with effects lasting through May 18, 2025. Northern Thailand will experience heavy rain in western regions and the upper northeastern areas, while the southern peninsula's western and eastern coasts face heavy to very heavy rainfall in some areas. Residents are urged to be cautious of accumulated rainfall that could trigger flash floods and flooding, particularly in hillside areas near waterways and low-lying zones. The southwestern monsoon affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand is moderately strong. In the upper Andaman Sea off Phuket, waves will reach 2-3 meters, exceeding 3 meters during thunderstorms. The lower Andaman Sea off Krabi and the upper Gulf of Thailand will see approximately 2-meter waves, rising above 2 meters during thunderstorms. Fishermen are advised to navigate cautiously and avoid thunderstorm areas, while small boats in the upper Andaman Sea should remain ashore. From May 19-22, rainfall will increase across Thailand's western regions, northern areas, upper northeastern region, eastern region, and the southern peninsula's western coast due to a strengthening low-pressure system over the Andaman Sea near Myanmar combined with the strong southwestern monsoon. The public is encouraged to monitor the Thai Meteorological Department's website at http://www.tmd.go.th or call 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182 for 24-hour updates. The next alert will be issued on May 18, 2025 at 5:00 PM.

In an English Premier League match on May 17, Newcastle United hosted West Ham United, who are currently fighting to avoid relegation. However, the match didn't unfold as West Ham had hoped, with Newcastle proving to be the dominant side and securing a 3-1 victory. Newcastle's goals came from Nick Woltemade in the 15th minute, William Osula in the 19th and 65th minutes, while West Ham's consolation goal came from Valentín Castañeda in the 69th minute. Following this result, Newcastle now has 49 points from 37 matches and sits in 11th place, while West Ham remains in 18th place with 36 points from 37 matches, hovering perilously close to relegation. West Ham trails 17th-place Tottenham by two points, with Spurs on 38 points but having played 36 matches. West Ham needs just two more points from their remaining two matches to guarantee survival.

An armed assailant launched a shocking attack at Wat Krajom Thong temple in Mueang District, Kamphaeng Phet Province around 9 p.m. on May 17, shooting Abbot Phra Akharn Bun Lersi Akkhaponya multiple times. The abbot, who was performing religious duties inside his quarters, was suddenly confronted by an unknown gunman who opened fire before escaping under cover of darkness. Temple monks and villagers rushed the critically injured abbot to the hospital. Doctors identified 16 bullet wounds scattered across his body, including injuries to his right ear, neck, shoulder, and right hip.

When questioned, the abbot stated he has no idea who the assailant could be or what motivated the attack. He emphasized that throughout his tenure as abbot, he has only conducted routine religious education with the monks and maintained no serious conflicts with anyone. While he acknowledged occasional requests for small loans from community members, he dismissed this as unlikely to provoke such violence.

The temple community is in shock, with monks and residents expressing deep concern about the brutal attack on their respected abbot, known for his humble leadership and dedication to the monastery. Police have noted several suspicious details in their investigation: the abbot's pitbull guard dog, which is stationed at the quarters entrance, failed to bark as an alarm during the intrusion. Additionally, both the security cameras inside and around the temple compound are out of service. Authorities are pursuing these leads as they investigate the case.

At 6 p.m. on May 17, 2026, 78-year-old Samphao Satree from Moo 6, Khao Phra Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Nayok Province, released 27 buffalo to graze in a rice paddy. However, four animals went missing. When the owner searched for them, he discovered all four had fallen into a 7-meter-wide, 3-meter-deep excavation pit and immediately contacted the subdistrict administrative office, village headman, and rescue volunteers for assistance.

When officials and volunteers arrived, they successfully pulled two young buffalo, each about 18 months old, out of the pit using ropes. The remaining two buffalo—a 4-year-old female and a 6-year-old pregnant female—remained stuck. Because the pregnant buffalo could not be safely extracted with ropes due to her condition, authorities requested a backhoe from the provincial administrative organization. The equipment was used to widen the pit's opening and create steps, allowing the pregnant buffalo to walk out on her own. The rescue operation took nearly five hours to safely retrieve all four animals.

The drama between siblings "Tray Scot" and "Pie Sunistha" continues to dominate headlines as entertainment figures and influencers face criticism for liking their posts in a show of support. Many have issued public apologies. Gan Chatchanan, the popular YouTuber behind the KARNFOEI channel, posted a message opposing the backlash, viewing the likes merely as encouragement for friends.

Fay Pattara and the KARNFOEI team subsequently announced Gan's indefinite suspension and clarified that the comments represented personal opinions.

On May 17, 2569, Fay Pattara opened up about the situation at the 17th Natraj Awards ceremony.

Was the suspension decision made collectively by the team? "Yes, it was a joint decision between myself and the team. We informed Gan afterward."

How did Gan react when she learned of the suspension? "Not well. Let me explain something first. Actually, I learned about it yesterday evening around 10 p.m. when the secretary showed me. I was shocked because I wasn't satisfied with this action myself and didn't support it in the first place. But since she's abroad in a different time zone, it took a while to discuss things. We eventually spoke and warned her because this shouldn't have happened."

Did she provide any explanation for posting? "No, nothing. She already knew what she did and understood the consequences."

What feedback did she give when notified? "She wasn't angry. She acknowledged it. I'd call it a warning because neither I nor the team were very satisfied. She understood what she did and its potential impact."

How did she explain her perspective? "She didn't explain. She simply admitted she was wrong."

What specifically upset you most? "Many things, really. Our channel's communication goals, the choice of words, the lack of judgment in certain ways—I think everyone should see it the same way."

Was the decision difficult given your friendship? "We are friends, but wrong is wrong. I won't say it was comfortable; it was quite stressful."

Now there's feedback that the channel did nothing. What's your response? "I need to clarify that internal matters can't be decided rashly by me alone, as that would look reckless or impulsive. I needed time to discuss with everyone, find common ground, and determine the best way to address the situation."

Is she typically so impulsive? "She's someone who gets carried away by her own thoughts (laughs). We've been warning her about this all along. If viewers have seen the show, this time she's received a fairly significant lesson."

What's the plan going forward regarding her suspension? "There's no set timeline yet."

Is she still abroad or back in Thailand? "She's back and we've met and talked."

Do you still harbor resentment toward your friend over this incident?

Rasmus Højlund appears set to join Napoli on a permanent basis following their commanding 3-0 victory over Pisa, which secured their Champions League place for next season. The striker initially transferred from Manchester United to Napoli on a loan deal this season, where he has made a strong impression competing in Italy's top division. Napoli's latest victory over Pisa guaranteed them a top-four finish in the Italian league and confirmed their UEFA Champions League participation. An agreement between Manchester United and Napoli includes a clause requiring the Italian side to purchase Højlund permanently for 38 million pounds upon qualifying for the Champions League.