At 10:30 a.m. on May 18, 2025 at parliament, Piangpan Bunkham, representing the people's government management team for state reform, disclosed results from a joint private-public sector committee survey on corruption and bribery. Over 70% of survey respondents were legal or procurement managers, with another 20% being SME owners or top executives employing no more than 200 staff. While the survey may not reflect large-scale corporate bribery in state bidding, officials believe substantial illicit payments occur in multiple forms—a serious concern amid economic hardship.

The government proposes three measures: First, eliminate outdated laws and unnecessary permits to reduce bureaucratic discretion that enables bribery, with a parliamentary special committee given 90 days to complete this reform by August. Second, overhaul public procurement methods and fix regulations that limit competition—such as exempting certain agencies from competitive bidding for contracts under 500,000 baht, affecting approximately 400 billion baht in spending and potentially saving 10% or 40 billion baht. Third, establish whistleblower protections for those reporting bribes and corruption, aligning with OECD principles that Thailand seeks to adopt.

Piangpan noted that Deputy Prime Minister Pakaorn Nilpraband announced plans to make anti-corruption a national agenda and accelerate Thailand's OECD membership bid. The Democratic Party emphasizes that effective, fair law enforcement and independent oversight are essential. Ratchanok Srinok, a Democratic Party list MP, highlighted two key survey findings: officials exploiting procurement to facilitate bribery, and the need to deploy technology to reduce bureaucratic discretion. The most effective anti-corruption strategy involves transparency and empowering civil society to analyze data using modern tools—an area where the private sector stands ready but government data access remains the bottleneck. The Democratic Party previously proposed opening the e-Government Procurement system (e-GP) database to the public.

Police are taking the lead in upgrading safety systems at railway crossings following a fatal collision between a train and a passenger bus. Authorities stress this will not be treated as a simple accident and plan to file additional charges against the bus driver. On May 18, 2025, at Royal Thai Air Force headquarters, Police Spokesman Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan provided an update on the train-bus collision case. The National Police Office expressed deep condolences and noted all agencies are providing full assistance. Criminal proceedings have already been initiated against the train driver and the railway crossing gate operator—two individuals charged with reckless driving causing death. Additional charges against the bus driver are expected later today. Police are also investigating drug use discovered in the train operator and will expand the investigation based on findings. They will coordinate with all involved parties, particularly the train operator's parent organization, to examine all details and ensure justice. Beyond prosecution, the National Police Office will serve as coordinator with relevant agencies including Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and State Railway of Thailand to establish preventive measures and enhance safety at railway crossings. "We confirm this will not remain merely an accident or end with just prosecution," Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong stated. "It must lead to national-level prevention and remedial measures. The National Police Office will host discussions on all system aspects—engineering, traffic, accident prevention, and strict traffic law enforcement—to prevent such incidents. Any evidence of negligence or failure to perform duties will be pursued against all responsible parties."

The Football Association of Thailand has unveiled a 26-member squad for the U-23 national team to compete in two warm-up matches during the June FIFA window, under the direction of head coach Wachatchai Damrongtongtrakul.

Thailand U-23 will face South Korea U-23 and UAE U-23 in these friendlies, which serve as crucial preparation before the squad competes in football at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan in September.

The 26-player roster includes: three goalkeepers (Sarawat Phothisaman, Chompat Buenloet, Sirutsuit Wongrueankham); thirteen defenders (Sophon Noiwong, Artthapol Saengtong, Pichitchai Sierkrathok, Chananphat Buaphan, Chanan Thamma, Nathan James, Theerwin Chanrasi, Usamma Thienghkam, Phaloek Maneekhon, Chaiyapol Otthorn); eleven midfielders (Patiphanchai Pothitep, Phakphon Buunchue, Nophruj Raksachoum, Krittapak Saengswat, Thanakarit Choetmuangpak, Pariphrom Wongsa, Sirapob Wandi, Shinngern Phutonhyong, Chawallawit Saelao); and three forwards (Yotsakhon Burapa, Jehannaffi Mama, Thanavut Phothichai, Worawut Noisri).

Players will report on May 26 at FA Thailand headquarters for medical examinations at the Sports Science Centre before entering a training camp at the BG Training Centre. Match schedule: June 6 vs South Korea at 6:00 PM (True BG Stadium), and June 9 vs UAE at 5:00 PM (closed match). The Thailand vs South Korea match will be broadcast live on Channel 32.

Brazilian midfielder Casemiro has opened up about his time at Manchester United over the past four years as he prepares to leave the club at the end of this season, saying the "Red Devils" will always be his home and expressing his gratitude to everyone.

Casemiro confirmed that he will depart Manchester United after the season concludes, coinciding with the expiration of his contract and marking the end of his four-year stint with the club.

Following Manchester United's 3-2 victory over Nottingham Forest in a Premier League match on May 17, the 34-year-old midfielder said goodbye to the "Red Devils" fans at Old Trafford in what was his final match of the season. He subsequently posted his feelings on Instagram, writing: "In life there are places we simply pass through, but there are also places that become part of us."

"Manchester will always be my home."

"I want to sincerely thank the city, the club, and all the fans. These past four years have been unforgettable, filled with moments that my family and I will remember for a lifetime. There are no words to describe the happiness and warmth we have felt here."

"Thank you for all the cheers, all the memories, and for making me feel at home from day one."

"Red Devils forever."

A 45-year-old woman, Ms. Malay (surname withheld), filed a formal complaint with Deputy Investigation Officer Suphat Sarapradon at Thai Noi Police Station in Nonthaburi Province after being attacked by a 51-year-old colleague known as "Je" with boiling water, resulting in severe blistering burns on both thighs.

According to the victim's statement, the incident occurred around 1 p.m. the previous evening shortly after she finished work. The suspect, Ms. A (pseudonym), approached her using harsh language and threatening words, telling her not to act superior or life would become difficult. The victim stated she was confused about the reason for this outburst.

The suspect then called her outside to "settle it," and as the victim walked behind her, they passed by a coworker's quarters where water was being boiled for making desserts. The suspect suddenly grabbed the pot of boiling water and splashed it directly onto the victim, scalding her from the waist down to both thighs. The victim ran to the bathroom to cool herself with cold water, and the burns later developed into severe inflammation with large blisters.

After receiving treatment at the hospital, the victim decided to file charges because the perpetrator showed no remorse, did not inquire about her injuries, and offered no apology whatsoever. The victim also expressed uncertainty about the root cause of the attack, suggesting she may have been an easy target as she is alone without family or relatives nearby, making her vulnerable whenever the suspect becomes upset with others.

At 9:00 AM on May 18, 2025, Acting State Railway of Thailand President Anant Pothnim Dang revealed details about drug test results for the train driver involved in a collision with an intercity passenger bus. He stated the railway authority learned of the findings the previous evening. Normally, the railway conducts alcohol and preliminary health checks before duty shifts and records all results, though drug screening was not performed regularly. Following the incident, the Department of Rail Transport ordered the railway to accelerate mandatory drug screening measures for all train drivers.

Pothnim explained that previously, the railway only conducted random drug tests during annual health examinations and for new employees. The driver involved had been working since 2566 (2023), approximately three years, and had passed an alcohol test on May 15, 2025, with no alcohol detected in his system.

Regarding operating licenses, Pothnim clarified that while the State Railway of Thailand previously issued licenses directly, new regulations effective March 27, 2025, now require drivers to apply through the Department of Rail Transport. The railway has submitted all employee names for licensing approval and digital licenses are being processed through the department's system.

Data from the train's speed recording system, or "black box," shows the train traveled approximately 2,800 meters from Khlong Toei Station at an average speed of about 34 kilometers per hour before applying emergency brakes 100 meters before impact.

Pothnim explained that normal braking distance for trains, including decision-making and regular braking time, is approximately 1,000 meters at maximum speed of 120 kilometers per hour, but decreases with lower speeds depending on train weight.

When asked whether the driver could have stopped if he saw hand signals from the level crossing attendant nearby, Pothnim revealed that drivers typically spot signals 300-500 meters away, while emergency braking distance is 500-600 meters at maximum speed. However, this train was traveling at only 34 kilometers per hour, requiring consideration of driving conditions and train weight.

Pothnim noted that despite the lower speed, protocol requires drivers to reduce speed in advance if railway barriers are not fully closed or signal lights are not functioning, while watching for hand signals from the crossing attendant to ensure safe stopping if needed.

He explained that train drivers must primarily follow trackside signals. If barriers are properly functioning, signal lights authorize the train to pass; if barriers are not fully closed on both sides, the signal lights do not display, and drivers must follow hand signals from the crossing attendant attendant, similar to police traffic signals when traffic lights malfunction.