Top Ratchadej Noi Charoen, the legendary Thai sepaktakraw player, has publicly criticized the International Sepaktakraw Federation for biased refereeing at the ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup 2026 held at Titiwangsa Stadium in Malaysia. The Thai men's team withdrew during the final match against Malaysia after alleging unfair calls by referee Muhammad Radi, particularly a controversial line fault call in the third set that contradicted current rules.

In a lengthy Facebook post, Top clarified that the Thai team did not "walk out" but rather chose to concede the match mid-competition due to systemic refereeing problems. He emphasized that all team staff and athletes remained on the field through the end, participated in the closing ceremony, and received their medals as usual, even injured or distressed athletes returned to participate.

Top called on the global sepaktakraw community to implement international refereeing technology such as VAR and Hawk-Eye systems to ensure transparency and fairness. While expressing no ill will toward the referee, acknowledging the sport's fast pace and inherent pressure, he urged the federation to adopt these technologies to push sepaktakraw toward Olympic recognition. Top praised Malaysia's hosting and management and emphasized the "Go Together" motto of mutual growth, while not blaming Malaysia, the host, or the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Association.

Top, serving as team manager and coordinator for the Thai national team, explained that despite recent leadership changes in the Thai Sepaktakraw Association that limited preparation time, the team sent its best athletes to honor the host, fans, and Thailand's reputation. He noted that while the World Cup is not as prestigious as the Southeast Asian Games or Asian Games, it ranks among the world's most important sepaktakraw tournaments, deserving full commitment from athletes, coaches, and staff.

Dream World amusement park in Bueng Yi Tho, Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani is launching a special promotion to celebrate the long holiday weekend from May 30 to June 3. The park is offering discounted ride passes for 555 baht—down from the regular price of 680 baht—that grant access to up to 28 attractions. According to Rasrin Milinvoraphat, Dream World's marketing manager, the promotion coincides with Visakha Bucha and the celebration of Queen Suthida's birthday, encouraging families to spend quality time together. The pass covers both family rides and thrilling attractions including Acid Mouse, Lightning Viper, Cable Car, Grand Canyon, Super Splash, Water Fun, and popular rides like Cyclone, Hurricane, Tornado, and Vikings. An additional highlight is the "Snow Town" experience, where visitors can enjoy a snow-filled atmosphere throughout the day and ride slides on a large snow field with unlimited access for just 190 baht per person. Dream World operates Monday to Friday from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM and Saturday to Sunday plus public holidays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, featuring a Hollywood Action show at 1:00 PM and a lakeside parade at 3:00 PM. For more information, visit Dream World or their Facebook page.

International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) rules are being scrutinized following Thailand's men's team withdrawal from the final match against Malaysia at the ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup 2026 held at Stadium Titiwangsa in Malaysia. The Thai team disputed referee Muhammad Radhi's officiating, citing multiple unfair calls, especially in the third set's final point when a Thai player was penalized for stepping over the centerline—a rule that should have an exception during the follow-through motion. According to ISTAF Rule 11.3.2, stepping over the centerline is indeed a foul, but with an exception stated as: "Any part of a player's body crossing into the opponent's court, whether above or below the net, constitutes a foul except during the follow-through motion after executing a spike." The rule clarifies that crossing the centerline is prohibited except during the natural continuation of a spike. However, during the disputed match, both teams stepped over the centerline multiple times, yet Singaporean referee Radhi appeared to enforce the rule only against Thailand, ultimately prompting the Thai team to withdraw from the competition.

At 3:00 PM on May 25, 2026, at Bang Kaew Police Station, Police Lieutenant Colonel Pisut Chanthasuwan, the station commander, and Deputy Inspector Charoen Haikhwansuk brought in 29-year-old Vasant (Morphine) and his 22-year-old driver friend for questioning about the shooting incident.

Vasant explained that he began arguing with Ms. Chalada (Noy) in April due to jealousy after dating for about a year. Two weeks before the incident, Tinnarath (First) allegedly climbed to Noy's house threatening violence. When Noy discovered First had impregnated another woman and threatened to kill household members, tensions escalated.

The conflict originated when Noy was arrested for carrying an electronic cigarette at Samut Prakan City Police Station and couldn't reach anyone, so she contacted Vasant for help. In April, when Vasant went on a trip, Noy texted him sarcastically about who goes on trips at this time. First then called Vasant saying "Why are you messing with my wife?" leading to an argument. First later arranged to meet Vasant at Rama 4 near Bang Na to settle the dispute over Noy.

Vasant claimed he saw First carrying a shotgun, so he fired 3-4 shots in self-defense, immediately throwing the gun (his deceased brother's) into the river. He maintained his relationship with First had always been good, even storing items for him after his prison release.

Noy disappeared after the shooting. Vasant said he told her not to do this with anyone else again, claiming he loved her and would do anything, including caring for her nails and helping her make a living. He loved that she was hardworking, though she had the habit of talking to both him and First constantly. On the incident day, he only learned Noy had returned to loving First.

Vasant's sister, Miao, stated that on the incident day, she learned First had challenged her brother to a fight. She drove past the injured man several times and noticed a weapon at his waist. She spoke to First, urging calm and suggesting they fight man-to-man without weapons, noting that fighting over one woman wouldn't resolve anything in the future.

TOKYO (AP) — More than 20 people developed sore throats near a luxury department store in Tokyo's posh Ginza shopping area on Monday after a person allegedly sprayed an unknown substance, Japanese fire department officials said.

The Tokyo Fire Department said 26 people complained of suddenly developing throat pain and felt unwell near the Ginza Six shopping complex, and all but one of them were taken to a hospital. Their symptoms were believed to be mild, officials said.

Tokyo police examine the scene after a person allegedly sprayed a substance that caused an odor, in Tokyo, Japan, Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Fire department and police officials said an investigation was underway. The largest-circulation Yomiuri newspaper said police have detected traces of pepper spray on the wall.

Dozens of fire engines and ambulances were parked outside the complex, and the surrounding roads were temporarily closed. Television footage showed firefighters and officials in hazmat suits assisting people, with some being brought out of the building.

Yuzo Tsuda, a 78-year-old Tokyo resident, told The Associated Press that he walked toward the shopping complex after having lunch with friends, drawn by the commotion, when he suddenly felt pain in his throat and started coughing. He said the ache in his throat subsided about an hour later and he did not plan to go to the hospital.