Amnesty International has released data showing that executions have reached their highest level in 44 years since records began. At least 2,707 people were executed across 17 countries in 2025, representing a 78 percent increase from at least 1,518 executions in 2024. The annual global report on capital punishment and executions indicates that the rise stems from a small number of governments that continue to rule through fear.

Iran carried out at least 2,159 executions, more than double the 2024 figure, while Saudi Arabia executed at least 356 people. Both countries extensively use capital punishment for drug-related offenses. Kuwait increased executions from 6 to 17, Egypt from 13 to 23, Singapore from 9 to 17, and the United States from 25 to 47.

The 2025 figures exclude China, which is believed to carry out thousands of executions annually, making it the world's leading executioner. Nearly half of all 2025 executions were drug-related offenses, totaling at least 1,257 cases—46 percent in China alone, followed by Iran with at least 998, Saudi Arabia with 240, Singapore with 15, and Kuwait with 2.

Some countries are expanding capital punishment to cover more drug-related crimes. Despite rising execution numbers, executions remain concentrated in a small group of nations, with only 10 countries carrying out executions every year over the past five years. Four countries have resumed executions after a hiatus. By the end of 2025, 17 countries carried out executions, while 113 countries have abolished capital punishment for all crimes, and 145 countries total have abolished or suspended it either in law or practice.

Volvo Car (Thailand) Limited issued a statement on May 18 explaining two recent fire incidents involving the Volvo EX30. The company stated it has closely investigated each case and is promptly assisting affected customers with compensation. Both vehicles involved are part of an affected group experiencing high battery heat issues in the Volvo EX30 Single Motor Extended Range and Twin Motor Performance models.

Initial investigations found that the batteries were charged to levels exceeding 70%, higher than the company's recommended threshold previously communicated to affected customers. Volvo emphasizes its concern and urges all EX30 owners to strictly follow safety recommendations by limiting charges to a maximum of 70% until they receive their replacement battery modules. Adhering to these guidelines is a critical measure to prevent battery overheating while awaiting module replacement.

Volvo will begin contacting EX30 customers this week to schedule battery module replacement appointments, with services starting May 22. The service takes approximately three days and includes thorough quality checks before vehicle handover to ensure customer satisfaction and optimal vehicle performance.

On May 18, Krabi Governor Angkhur Siladeva-akul announced that on May 16, authorities received reports of two foreign tourists—a father and daughter from the Netherlands—who experienced a kayaking accident between Poda Island and Railay Beach in Krabi province. The missing person is Rob Borgmann, age 61, while his daughter who survived reported that they were paddling without wearing life jackets when the kayak capsized, causing her father to drown and disappear at sea. Following the incident, the Krabi Port Safety Control Center coordinated with maritime agencies to launch continuous search operations with assistance from the victim's family. As of today, May 18, the missing person has still not been located, with rescue efforts hampered by unstable weather conditions, heavy rain in several periods, strong wind and waves approximately 2-3 meters high affecting visibility. Governor Angkhur stated that the province takes the matter seriously, as Krabi is a major tourist destination and foreign visitors' safety is paramount. The governor assured the victim's family that authorities will continue searching and pledged to find the missing person soon. Additionally, he ordered relevant agencies to investigate whether kayak operators provided proper safety briefings, weather warnings, and ensured tourists wore life jackets. If negligence is found, strict legal action will be taken.

Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez will miss Spain's 2026 FIFA World Cup squad after suffering a broken foot injury requiring surgery. The young midfielder injured his right foot, specifically the fifth metatarsal, during Barcelona's 3-1 La Liga victory over Real Betis over the weekend. While the club has not disclosed a precise recovery timeline, injuries of this nature typically require a minimum of 2-3 months rehabilitation. Lopez has earned seven caps for Spain's senior team and played three matches in European World Cup qualifying. The 23-year-old was also a key player in Spain's Euro 2024 championship-winning squad. Since joining Barcelona's senior squad in 2023, Lopez has made 136 appearances across all competitions, scoring 32 goals.

Former world champion boxer Amnuay Ruenrueng has been arrested following a video posted by his family exposing his drug use at home. On May 18, 2026, Phiphatthapon Amphornpetch, Deputy District Officer of Si Racha in Chonburi Province, along with police officers Kittithara Chaemchaeng and Kittiphat Dorunphan, arrested Amnuay in the Khaotang On community area of Si Racha District. During a drug test, methamphetamine was detected in his system. According to Lt. Kittiphat, Amnuay had a pending court sentence and failed to report to the court as required. Police are now preparing to submit a report to the Chonburi Provincial Probation Office to request revocation of his suspended sentence, which could result in additional prison time.

On May 18, 2026, Suphamas Israpakdi, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office and overseer of the Consumer Protection Board (CPB), addressed the incident involving bus line 4-3E on the Victory Monument-Mo Chit 2 route. An elderly female passenger suffered a head injury when the driver made a sharp turn at high speed on May 16th, causing her to strike and shatter a window. She was detained and forced to pay 4,300 baht in damages before being taken to the hospital.

Suphamas confirmed the victim should not pay this amount and ordered the CPB to coordinate with the Land Transport Department to improve public transportation safety standards across the system to prevent similar incidents. She emphasized the matter extends beyond disciplining the two employees involved, as it constitutes a violation of consumer rights under Section 4 of the Consumer Protection Act B.E. 2522 in two key areas: the right to safe service use and the right to compensation for damages.

Charging an injured passenger for damages caused by employee negligence is an improper burden-shifting, and consumers bear no responsibility for damages they did not cause. Suphamas urged all state and private transport operators to remember that once they collect fares, their primary duty is to safely deliver passengers to their destination. If an incident occurs, passengers must be taken to a hospital immediately. Under no circumstances should operators detain passengers or threaten them to extract payment. She advised the public never to pay under pressure, to document evidence, call 191, and file complaints with the CPB immediately.