Deputy National Police Chief Opens Orinthraj 26 Batch 11 Counter-Terrorism Curriculum to Develop High-Capacity Personnel

On May 18, 2026, at the Orinthraj 26 Counter-Terrorism Command of the Police Aviation Division on Rama Intra Road, the formal opening ceremony of the Orinthraj 26 Batch 11 counter-terrorism training curriculum took place. Police General Siam Boonserm, the National Police Chief, tasked Deputy Police General Charin Gopattana, the Deputy National Police Chief, to preside over the ceremony, alongside Police Lieutenant General Worawit Yanjinda, Police Major General Phitaksa Sutthikul, Police Major Atit Wongchanna, instructors, and all trainees.

The training curriculum commenced on May 11, 2026, with a total duration of 4 months. Of the 72 personnel selected, 65 trainees remain enrolled, as some did not meet the physical requirements necessary for this demanding program.

Deputy Police General Charin stated that the Orinthraj 26 counter-terrorism curriculum is a crucial program for developing the capabilities of Royal Thai Police personnel, enabling them to effectively manage crisis situations, prevent threats, and assist the public in various circumstances with high efficiency. He encouraged all trainees to remain dedicated, patient, and fully committed to their training to overcome all challenges and achieve their goals, while inspiring them to perform their duties honorably for the benefit of the public and nation.

The Orinthraj 26 counter-terrorism curriculum was established to develop personnel readiness across physical fitness, mental strength, tactics, and special operations to effectively handle terrorist incidents, violent situations, hostage-taking, and other critical scenarios that could impact public safety. The training emphasizes teamwork, discipline, perseverance, and decision-making under pressure, enabling graduates to apply their knowledge and experience in actual operations while contributing to national security and public confidence.

At 5 PM on May 18, 2025, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn and Assistant Transport Minister Siripong Angsakulkiattikul held a press conference to clarify facts regarding the May 16 train collision with a public bus (BMTA) at the Makkasan railway crossing, which resulted in eight deaths and 30 injuries. The conference was attended by Transport Ministry Permanent Secretary Chayatharm Phomsorn, Thai Railways (SRT) Acting Governor Anon Phothnim Daeng, Bangkok Mass Transit Organization (BMTA) Director Kittikarn Jomduang Jaruwarepalkul, and Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning Director Jiroj Suklaruttan.

Deputy PM Pipat expressed deep condolences to affected families and injury victims while announcing comprehensive compensation and safety enhancement measures to prevent future tragedies.

Compensation Measures: For fatalities, recipients receive initial compensation totaling 2,090,000 baht per person plus additional contributions: - BMTA: 1,750,000 baht total (1.5 million from insurance within 7 days, 50,000 baht from partner networks, and full funeral expenses) - SRT: 340,000 baht total (80,000 baht emergency aid and funeral expenses, plus 260,000 baht after heir verification) - Special contribution: 300,000 baht from the Human Rights Protection Department

For injured parties, BMTA covers medical expenses (80,000-1,000,000 baht with full payment of excess), provides 30,000 baht from partner networks and 20,000 baht from the accident fund. SRT provides 5,000 baht initial aid plus up to 50,000 baht additional compensation depending on injury severity (up to 100,000 baht for ICU cases). BMTA covers all property damage compensation and provides daily psychological support teams for injured persons until hospital discharge. The Prime Minister authorized additional funds from the Railway Transport Department and the Public Disaster Relief Fund as special assistance.

Minister Siripong confirmed the transport ministry will not shield wrongdoers, with prosecution divided into three areas: criminal charges against the train driver for gross negligence causing death; disciplinary action against both SRT and BMTA staff, including immediate suspension of negligent supervisors; and a new safety enhancement policy effective April 20, 2025, implementing aviation-standard safety measures, eliminating random drug testing in favor of 100% carpet-sweeping narcotics screening for all public transport drivers (SRT, BMTA, intercity buses), and requiring mandatory alcohol measurement before duty every day.

Real Madrid has confirmed that it will part ways with veteran right-back Dani Carvajal at the end of the current season, marking the conclusion of a 13-year relationship with the Spanish club. Carvajal joined Real Madrid's B team in 2010 before moving to Bayer Leverkusen in 2012, but after just one year at the German club, Real Madrid exercised its buyback option to bring him back. Since his return, Carvajal became a crucial figure in Real Madrid's trophy haul, helping the club win four La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, four Supercopa de España crowns, six UEFA Champions League titles, five UEFA Super Cups, and five FIFA Club World Cups. The 34-year-old defender's contract expires at the end of this season, and there have been no indications of an extension. On May 18, Real Madrid officially announced that Carvajal would be leaving the club after this season concludes.

A rescue volunteer nearly lost his life after attempting to assist a motorcycle accident victim, only to be shot at by an intoxicated police officer. Jirawatch Phanrangsi (nickname: Go), 41, head of the Pakho Subdistrict rescue unit in Kudjab District, Udon Thani, posted an account of the harrowing incident on Facebook. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on May 17, 2025, on a road between Ban Non Sung and Ban Nong Sang Prai in Pakho Subdistrict.

According to Jirawatch's account, a citizen reported a motorcycle accident. He and five team members arrived at the scene with rescue vehicles about one kilometer from the subdistrict office. Upon reaching the injured officer, Jirawatch went to check his condition and gently nudged him awake. The officer's phone and handgun had fallen nearby during the crash.

The officer suddenly lunged at Jirawatch, throwing a punch that narrowly missed his face. He then frantically searched for something, spotted his gun, and drew it from its holster. He cocked the weapon, aimed it at Jirawatch and the other rescue workers, and fired. Miraculously, the bullet missed. When he attempted to fire again, Jirawatch jumped over him and fled with his team and bystanders scattering in different directions.

Jirawatch ran to the rescue vehicle, drove approximately 400 meters to regroup his team, and called the duty officer to report the incident and the officer's location. Police were dispatched to the scene, confiscated the weapon, and conducted a preliminary interrogation. The officer claimed he had misunderstood the situation and mistaken Jirawatch's identity.

Jirawatch expressed his shock and fear, stating: "In all my years as a volunteer, I've only ever received thanks. To encounter something like this is truly terrifying. I've dedicated half my life to helping people and have assisted countless individuals while following proper procedures. Is this what I get?" The subdistrict administration is considering whether to file criminal charges against the officer.

Thailand is moving forward with drafting a new constitution following voter approval from over 21 million people in the referendum, but the parliamentary process will essentially restart from the beginning. The government under Prime Minister Anuthun has declined to confirm use of the previous draft pending in parliament, necessitating a fresh start and additional time. The ruling Bhumjaithai Party, through spokesman Paradorn Parishnanantakul, states that if approved at the party's parliamentary meeting, they will submit their draft to the parliamentary speaker on May 20. Bhumjaithai's proposal would amend Article 256 of the constitution by adding Section 15/1 to allow parliamentarians to serve as constitution drafters, while keeping Sections 1 and 2 locked from revision. The opposition Phakkaopracharaj Party, which has driven constitutional reform efforts, has outlined three core principles: maximizing public participation in selecting drafters within constitutional court guidelines; preventing any single group from monopolizing the drafting process; and ensuring equal voting rights for all parliamentarians without granting special privileges to senators. These movements mark significant developments, but a major hurdle looms under Article 256, particularly the requirement in the third reading that any approval must include support from at least one-third of senators alongside at least half of the combined chambers. Political observers note that conservative political networks have shown resistance to constitutional changes, making it unclear whether the Bhumjaithai Party, closely aligned with these networks, will genuinely push for successful constitutional reform.

Phra Kru Putthsaracharn, known as Luang Pho Phao Putthsaro of Wat Tham Tago in Khao Samor Khon Subdistrict, Tha Wung District, Lopburi Province, was a renowned and deeply revered monk among local residents. Born in 1872 at Wat Intaram, Phayuhakiri District, Nakhon Sawan Province, to parents named Khun and Saeng, he was ordained at age 20 at Wat Khao Kaew. He studied Buddhist scriptures extensively, first training under Luang Pho Thes at Wat Sara Thale for twelve years, then continuing his studies at Wat Thung Kaew in Uthai Thani under Phra Sunthorn Muni for three years, and subsequently at Wat Suthat Thepwararam in Bangkok for another three years. In 1899, he returned to Wat Intaram where he taught for two years before dedicating himself to vipassana meditation practice in 1902. Around 1903, he discovered an ancient abandoned temple site at Baan Pran in Khao Samor Khon featuring a distinctive teak tree at its cave entrance, which became known as Wat Tham Tago. With support from local residents and nine monks who followed him, the community developed the monastery, constructing living quarters, a preaching hall, and other facilities. In 1908, Wat Tham Tago received official ecclesiastical boundary recognition from the Thai government. Luang Pho Phao also founded Wat Patthamanit at Ban Mi and Wat Khao Wongkot, earning respect from numerous high-ranking royal patrons including Prince Damrong Rajanubhap and Prince Vivad Voraphinicha. Prince Paripat Sukhumphand of Nakhon Sawan visited the cave monastery Tham Kuha Sawan and made a significant donation of 1,000 baht, leading to the construction of a residence named after him. Luang Pho Phao received the ecclesiastical title of Phra Kru Putthsaracharn and studied vipassana meditation and various Buddhist disciplines with many accomplished teachers. He passed away peacefully on February 28, 1931, at Wat Khao Wongkot in Ban Mi District, Lopburi Province, at age 60 with forty years of monastic life. His disciples, having received his permission, collectively created amulets and sacred objects which he blessed.