Police raid and arrest a fuel truck driver caught red-handed siphoning company diesel into gallon containers for resale at discounted prices. Officers are expanding the investigation to identify additional network members involved in the scheme.

May 19, 2025 — Lt. Col. Natthai Mongput, commander of Region 4's Fuel Crime Prevention Unit, led a coordinated raid with Region 4 officers and Ban Pai Police to apprehend a fuel truck driver and his accomplices while transferring diesel in a secluded forest area behind a highway rest stop in Khon Kaen province.

When police arrived and identified themselves, the three suspects—caught mid-transfer with hoses running from the truck to gallons—were startled. The suspects are Chinnarat ("Kan"), 38, a fuel truck driver; Bunlam ("Sek"), 38, a truck driver employed by a fuel buyer; and Suriyan, 39, an employee of the buyer. Police discovered 6 containers of transferred diesel (approximately 108 liters), 23 empty containers, the fuel truck, a pickup truck, a motorcycle with sidecar, mobile phones, and cash at the scene.

During initial questioning, the truck driver confessed to arranging diesel sales via phone with a middleman at 500 baht per 18-liter gallon. The middleman sent two associates with containers and a truck to collect the fuel, with plans to pay in cash later. The driver admitted to stealing fuel from this location twice before, making this the third occasion. The other two suspects initially denied involvement but later confessed to following the middleman's orders to assist with the transfer, stating they intended to use the diesel to refuel the buyer's commercial trucks.

Lt. Col. Natthai Mongput revealed that a prominent fuel transport company in Mukdahan province had noticed suspicious behavior and financial discrepancies with the truck driver. After close monitoring confirmed the driver was siphoning and reselling company fuel without authorization, the company alerted the Fuel Crime Prevention Unit and Special Operations Division, leading to today's raid. Police have filed charges and are expanding the investigation to identify the middleman and other buyers in the network.

The AFC has announced the AFC Club Competitions Ranking for the 2025/26 season, which will determine quota allocations for the 2027/28 Asian Football Confederation Champions League. Thailand has maintained its third-place ranking in the East Asia zone and ranks first in Southeast Asia, partly due to stellar performances by Buriram United (qualified for AFC Champions League Elite quarterfinals), True Bangkok United (AFC Champions League Two finalists), Ratchaburi FC (AFC Champions League Two quarterfinals), and BG Pathum United in the previous season. This ranking will directly impact Thailand's slot allocation for the 2027-28 AFC Champions League competition. The AFC has confirmed that for the 2027-28 season, Thailand will be granted a total of four spots in Asian club football competitions: three spots in the AFC Champions League Elite league stage and one spot in the AFC Champions League 2 group stage. The AFC previously restructured its competitions, expanding the AFC Champions League Elite from 24 to 32 participating clubs and redistributing quotas among member nations. The restructured format also includes the AFC Challenge League as a qualifying pathway to the AFC Champions League 2.

BANGKOK — The Thai government may withdraw from purchasing broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup because the asking price is too steep to justify to the public, government minister Supamas Isarabhakdi announced Tuesday. The tournament will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.

Supamas said Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin wanted Thai citizens to have access to watch the tournament. Last week, the Cabinet instructed the Public Relations Department to explore funding options with state agencies, private companies, and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, which had supported previous World Cup broadcasts.

However, circumstances have shifted since the last tournament. Regional instability in the Middle East and unfavorable match scheduling are expected to erode advertising revenue and commercial opportunities, particularly for restaurants and businesses that depend on live event screenings.

When asked about Thailand's quoted price, Supamas said the exact figure cannot be disclosed due to FIFA's non-disclosure agreements. However, she indicated the proposed amount was difficult to defend publicly.

Supamas noted that Thailand, with nearly 70 million people, has been quoted a higher total price than countries with populations approaching 1.5 billion. On a per-capita basis, Thailand faces charges 10 to 20 times higher than some other nations.

The government recognizes Thailand's economic challenges and prioritizes public welfare, Supamas explained. The licensing fee is too expensive, and unlike four years ago, no private sponsors have committed financial support this time.

Match schedules are less appealing to advertisers, making commercial sales more difficult. In the previous World Cup cycle, both the broadcasting regulator and private-sector sponsors contributed funding. Currently, no major corporate partners have agreed to participate.

Regarding alternatives, Supamas said officials are exploring FIFA's reported offer of pay-per-view streaming or limited highlight packages of five to 10 minutes, though specifics remain uncertain.

Asked if the public should abandon hopes of free television coverage, Supamas said while time is limited, the government remains open to private companies that might see the project as a business opportunity.

Summary of the latest Lao government lottery draw, officially known as Lao Phatthana Lottery, under the supervision of Laos's Ministry of Finance for May 19, 2569. Complete prize results include 6-digit prize, 5-digit prize, 4-digit last number prize, 3-digit last number prize, and 2-digit last number prize. Prize payout rates are calculated based on purchase amount in Kip: 4 digits receive 6,000 times the stake (example: 1,000 Kip purchase yields 6,000,000 Kip), 3 digits receive 500 times (1,000 Kip yields 500,000 Kip), and 2 digits receive 60 times (1,000 Kip yields 60,000 Kip). The Lao Lottery, officially called Lao Phatthana Lottery, is operated by the Lao Development Lottery State Enterprise under oversight of Laos's Ministry of Finance and is the legally recognized government lottery of Laos. Draw schedule: Monday through Friday, with the 5/45 Phatthana Lottery drawing on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Live broadcast begins at 8:00 PM Thailand time on the Lao National Radio Station and Lao National Television Channel 1 (LNTV). The lottery system draws one 6-digit prize that can be separated into multiple prize categories based on regional preference, with the 4-digit last number being most popular. Additional draws include the Dream Book Lottery (4/40) and Animal Name Numbers, which are unique features of Lao lottery gambling.

On May 19, 2026 at Government House, Tourism and Sports Minister Suraskad Panjcharoenvaragul announced that the Cabinet has passed a resolution to cancel the 60-day visa exemption for approximately 90 countries, including countries with multiple visa categories. These nations will revert to the original visa criteria. Relevant agencies will be notified of this Cabinet resolution. The visa policy committee will subsequently review visa categories on a country-by-country basis to determine which visa type is most appropriate for each nation, taking into consideration security and economic factors. All countries affected by the 60-day exemption cancellation will return to their previous visa classification, with most receiving approximately 30 days.

Live Muay Thai: Watch the Kham Chai Battle featuring Boonmee Sixnine versus Snail Luk Plod at Rangsit International Boxing Stadium in Pathum Thani with fight rules and prize purse details.

The highly anticipated matchup emerges from a dramatic incident during Songkran when Snail Luk Plod assaulted Boonmee Cannabis (Boonmee Sixnine), creating a viral video. The incident was later discussed on the Hone Kraeo program, ultimately leading to today's official bout on May 19 at Rangsit International Boxing Stadium in Pathum Thani.

Boonmee Sixnine Faces Off Against Snail Luk Plod

Both fighters completed their medical examinations and weigh-ins this morning ahead of tonight's bout, which will be the seventh match on the Kham Chai card. The fight will be available to watch live through the Pryde TV application starting at 6:00 PM.

Fight Details: Boonmee vs. Snail

Rules: Three rounds, two minutes per round, two-minute rest periods Full traditional Muay Thai techniques permitted Promoting Officer Phet Yindee offering 20,000 baht per fighter Knockout bonus: Additional 30,000 baht from promoter (not including base purse) Weigh-in and medical clearance completed before tonight's bout

'Boonmee' Vows No Defeat in His Mind, Aiming for Knockout

Boonmee stated in an interview before the fight that he is 100 percent prepared but will remain focused throughout. Over the past three weeks, he trained intensively with Petchpatcharam camp, emphasizing punches, elbows, running, and fundamental Muay Thai. He maintained weight control at no more than 53 kilograms to ensure an even match.

Boonmee expressed wanting to get this fight over so he can return to his business and personal life, as he's been under significant pressure that has affected his business operations.

"There's no disappointment whatsoever. Today I'll give it everything I've got. I hope it's satisfying for those watching. I want to tell Snail to go all out today, and after this fight we should be friends for sure."

His goal today is simple: win by knockout or he doesn't accept losing. Regarding legal proceedings, no charges have been withdrawn yet as both parties agreed to wait until after the fight concludes.

'Snail' Confident in His Decisive Elbow Strike

Snail revealed he is fully prepared both mentally and physically. He trained hard every single day over the past three weeks, waking up at 5:00 AM. His most confident weapon is his elbow strike—if it connects, his opponent goes down. He encourages people to come watch.

"My only goal today is victory. Regardless of the outcome, I want to continue training Muay Thai because I want to become a professional boxer."

Snail acknowledged that the previous incident was his fault but considers it resolved. He views today purely as a sporting competition and assures it will remain that way without any repeat incidents.