On May 18, 2026 at Government House, Prime Minister's Advisor Wanmuhammadnor Mata received Mahdi Sareh, Deputy Cultural Attaché of the Islamic Republic of Iran to Thailand. Following the meeting, Wanmuhammadnor explained that the Iranian cultural office visited to thank Thailand and its leadership for attending ceremonies mourning the death of Iran's supreme leader, and to express appreciation for Thailand's continued friendship and support during Iran's current war challenges.

Wanmuhammadnor stated that he reassured the cultural attaché that Thailand maintains a clear policy supporting neutrality without aggression toward either side, and commits to honoring international treaties, agreements, and UN resolutions—positions consistent with statements made by Thailand's Foreign Minister in meetings with counterparts from other nations. Regarding the ongoing conflict between Iran and 2-3 other countries, he expressed hope for swift resolution, noting that the crisis extends beyond the warring parties to affect nations globally through energy price increases and economic problems.

Significantly, the Prime Minister requested through the cultural attaché that Iran facilitate passage of two Thai cargo ships currently unable to transit the Hormuz Strait. The attaché responded that typically countries not involved in the conflict are permitted passage, though numerous vessels are currently queuing. He committed to discussing expedited clearance with relevant parties. The Foreign Ministry has provided the shipping details to Iran's Foreign Ministry, and swift return of the vessels is anticipated.

When asked whether this meeting with the Iranian cultural attaché might create issues with the United States' perspective on Thailand, Wanmuhammadnor stressed that Thailand maintains a policy of preserving world peace, does not support warfare as beneficial to any party, and reaffirms its neutrality and UN obligations. He noted that Thai-Iranian relations span over 100 years from the Ayutthaya period, with the Bunnag family tracing ancestry to Iran.

Regarding Iran's latest situation, the advisor disclosed that negotiations are progressing significantly with hopes for a signing soon, though timing remains uncertain. He cited positive developments including the U.S. President's visit to China where both leaders discussed the Iran conflict, and the forthcoming visit by Iran's parliament speaker to China to engage with various parliaments. These developments suggest progress toward resolution. Thailand hopes to recover swiftly from the energy and economic crisis. When asked about expanded energy cooperation discussions, Wanmuhammadnor stated that Iran confirmed readiness to provide Thailand comprehensive cooperation.

KBU SPORT POLL released survey results on "Thai Society and the 2026 World Cup Trend," showing that a majority of 51.72 percent believe the government's expenditure of 1,500 million baht to purchase broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is worthwhile and beneficial.

The United States, Canada, and Mexico will host the 2026 World Cup from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Thais are expected to follow the tournament closely, prompting this survey to capture public perspectives across various dimensions. Conducted by Kasem Bundit University's Human Capital Development Innovation Center in partnership with the Sports Management Institute for Sports Organizations (WISDOM) and B Bang Pakong page, the survey was administered online and via telephone between May 15-17, 2026. The sample comprised 1,103 general respondents aged 18 and over: 647 men (58.66%), 312 women (28.29%), and 144 LGBTQIA+ individuals (13.05%).

Key findings include:

Interest in Following the Tournament: 64.10% are interested, 20.00% are undecided, and 15.90% are not interested.

Preferred Viewing Channels: 39.70% prefer social media, 32.90% television, 13.80% radio, 11.05% newspapers, and 2.55% other sources.

Responsible Organizations: 35.81% believe public and private sector partnerships should purchase the rights, 33.09% favor private sector involvement, and 31.10% support government action alone.

Value for Money: 51.72% view the 1,500 million baht investment as worthwhile and beneficial, 36.55% believe it's not worthwhile, and 11.73% had no opinion.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rattapong Bunnyanuvathr, Director of Kasem Bundit University's Human Capital Development Innovation Center, noted that the survey reflects Thais' sustained interest in World Cup football through various media channels. He emphasized that since World Cup matches have traditionally been broadcast free on Thai television, partnering between public and private sectors to purchase broadcasting rights—despite the 1,500 million baht cost—represents good value for money. With Thais having only a four-year wait until the next World Cup, the 23rd FIFA World Cup will soon arrive, and whether Thais will receive live broadcasts as they have in the past remains a question the government is expected to answer soon.

On May 18, 2026, Pichet Pimpana, director of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) office in Nakhon Sawan province, announced that the NACC committee had found sufficient grounds for criminal charges against the former chief of Ban Kaeng Subdistrict Administration Organization in Muang District for soliciting benefits related to three construction project bids. The investigation revealed that on November 9, 2015, the subdistrict organization announced contractor recruitment for three large-scale village water supply construction projects: one in Village 12 of Ban Samyaek Ban Kaeng, one in Village 8 of the same area, and one in Village 1 of Ban Mon, all within Ban Kaeng Subdistrict.

Pichet stated that only one partnership company submitted a bid, with no apparent justification for proceeding, yet the former chief failed to cancel the hiring—a violation of the Interior Ministry's 2535 Regulations on Local Administration Supplies and the Department of Local Administration's electronic auction purchasing guidelines. On December 11, 2015, the former chief invited the bidder to sign a contract and demanded 1 million baht in exchange for contract signature. After negotiation, the amount was reduced to 600,000 baht. The complainant provided 300,000 baht in cash to the former chief and transferred another 300,000 baht to the account of the former chief's spouse. The former chief then declared the partnership company as the winning bidder.

Based on these actions, the NACC committee found the former chief guilty under criminal charges of soliciting or accepting property or benefits improperly while in office, and of improperly or dishonestly performing or neglecting official duties causing harm, under Penal Code Articles 149 and 157. The spouse was similarly charged with aiding and abetting these offenses.

If you're really struggling, come find me! Uncle Bob is ready to support Tray Scot with a warm embrace. He reveals that people won't speak about shameful things unless they've hit rock bottom, and emphasizes that what was once unheard is now reaching millions of listeners offering countless encouragement.

Following Tray Scot's account of family abuse and mistreatment, other survivors have bravely come forward to share their own painful experiences on social media. Tray has been commenting supportively on their posts of courage.

Uncle Bob, who previously shared his own experience of being sexually assaulted by a driver in childhood—an trauma that forced an abortion and destroyed his life—gave an interview on Phutta Talk channel regarding Tray Scot. He offered compassion and warm embraces, saying he's willing to support Tray's healing if desired.

Uncle Bob expressed deep empathy for Tray Scot, noting that people don't speak about shameful matters unless they've reached their breaking point.

Uncle Bob stated: "I empathize with you because what you said went unheard. Don't misunderstand—don't mix my story with yours. My story is mine, and I only understand a fragment of what you've shared. But I understand the frustration of a child who has no one listening to them."

He continued: "What you said went unheard, but today millions listen to you and millions encourage you. Please let that encouragement settle in your heart knowing many understand you."

Uncle Bob discussed the audio clip Tray released, noting that human nature prevents people from speaking about shameful things unless truly desperate. When someone finally speaks about such matters, it means they've reached their limit and need to be heard. Both speaker and listener feel the shame. That Tray recorded and released this clip means he's reached his breaking point.

He compared it to a child stomping their feet crying "Do you see me? Do you see me?"—they wouldn't speak about this unless desperate. It's not like announcing an achievement. It's not something one wants to share, but rather something a child desperately needs adults to hear and understand.

Uncle Bob is ready to support Tray Scot with a warm embrace waiting.

Uncle Bob genuinely wants to invite Tray to healing work. Our voices are pure wave energy, a power that helps shift what's stuck inside us. Once it shifts, our bodies and spirits feel lighter, our minds become calmer, allowing us to move forward with clarity.

To heal trauma, we must resolve the patterns within ourselves. From what Uncle Bob has experienced, spirituality has helped him find resolution.

Regarding emotional guidance, from his healing experience, he's not overstepping Tray's boundaries or exploiting this moment. Opening one's heart might aid healing. If Tray is ready and willing to engage in this healing work together, Uncle Bob is willing.

"From someone who carried this resentment for decades, it destroyed my relationships, my body. I wasted so much time on unprocessed resentment. I can't advise you on anything except this: if you're really struggling, come find me. Let's talk privately, it's better."

"Come find me. I'm not saying I'm strong. I'm saying I have a warm embrace waiting. And I promise I won't...

Breaking! The Constitutional Court has accepted a petition challenging a royal decree authorizing the Ministry of Finance to borrow 400 billion baht to address the energy crisis and facilitate the country's energy transition. The court has ordered the cabinet to submit clarifications and supporting documents within seven days. On May 18, 2025, judges considered whether the Decree Granting Authority to the Ministry of Finance to Borrow Funds to Address Impacts of the Energy Crisis and Facilitate the Country's Energy Transition, B.E. 2569, complies with Article 172, Paragraph 1 of the Constitution (Case No. 11/2569). A total of 133 members of parliament—constituting at least one-fifth of all parliamentary members—filed the petition through the Speaker, arguing that the decree violates Article 172, Paragraph 1 of the Constitution. They requested the Constitutional Court to rule on the matter pursuant to Article 173, Paragraph 1. After reviewing the petition and supporting documents, the court determined the case meets constitutional requirements under Article 173, Paragraph 1 and the Organic Act on the Constitutional Court's Procedures, B.E. 2561, Section 7(1). The court has therefore accepted the petition for adjudication. Exercising authority under Section 27, Paragraph 3 of the Organic Act, the court ordered the cabinet to prepare a statement addressing specific points raised by the court and submit copies of all relevant documents within seven days of receiving the court's notice.

On May 18, 2025, at the Criminal Court on Ratchdamri Road, investigators from Makkasan Police Station brought train operator Siyamphon and state railway employee Uten, assigned as a crossing guard near the railway tracks, before the court requesting detention on charges of negligence resulting in another person's death, serious injury to another person, and bodily harm to another person.

The incident occurred on May 16, 2025, at 3:36 p.m. when police received a report of a train collision with a public bus causing deaths and injuries near Makkasan Airport Link railway station. A freight train traveling from Laem Chabang to Bangkok's Bang Sue district, operated by Siyamphon, struck Route 206 public bus driven by Laphit, which was traveling along Asok-Din Daeng Road from the Rama 9 intersection. When the bus was stopped across the railway tracks, Siyamphon's train approached from the left side of the bus and struck its left side, causing the bus to swerve and collide with another parked vehicle, resulting in property damage, injuries, and fatalities.

Investigation found that Uten, the crossing guard stationed at the location, failed to raise the barrier to signal the train to stop, preventing Siyamphon from seeing the stop signal and leading to the collision with the parked bus.

Investigators determined the accident resulted from negligence by Siyamphon, Laphit, and Uten, charging both under Criminal Code Articles 59, 291, 300, and 390 for negligence causing death, serious injury, and bodily harm. Both suspects denied the charges during questioning.

Investigators requested detention during May 18-29, 2025, as investigations are incomplete, requiring statements from 30 witnesses and fingerprint analysis results. The investigation team, victims, and key witnesses opposed temporary release due to the serious nature of the charges and flight risks. The court approved detention, with Siyamphon and Uten filing property bond requests for temporary release currently under court consideration.