Police

Referee Vorinthorn Banned for 6 Weeks Over Sukhouthai-Muang Thong Match Error; VAR Official Also Penalized

Referee Vorinthorn Satsthi has been banned for six weeks after failing to penalize a dangerous high kick in Sukhouthai's 3-0 victory over Muang Thong on May 10, a match that determined both teams' league fates. The VAR official was also sus

1h ago Khaosod

Thai football referee Vorinthorn Satsthi has been suspended for six weeks after making critical errors in the final match of the 2568-69 season, where Sukhouthai FC defeated Muang Thong United 3-0 on May 10 at Thalueang Stadium. Sukhouthai escaped relegation while Muang Thong dropped to Thai League 2.

The disciplinary committee, chaired by Watcharin Phanurat, identified two key incidents. In the 34th minute, Sukhouthai player Sirodej Chattong was in an offside position during a free kick into Muang Thong's penalty area. Although Chattong made contact with an opposing player, the referee did not call offside. The committee determined this decision was correct because Chattong's movement did not materially affect the play.

However, in a subsequent play moments later, Chattong raised his foot high while Kim Dong Soo of Muang Thong was attempting to head the ball clear. The referee did not call a foul, allowing play to continue and resulting in a goal for Sukhouthai. The committee found this was a dangerous play that should have been penalized.

Penalties imposed: Referee Vorinthorn Satsthi was suspended for six weeks for failing to call the dangerous high kick. VAR official Sivakorn Phuudom was suspended for two weeks for not properly reviewing the incident and advising the referee to reassess the high kick challenge.

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National

MTL Launches 'D Health Lite' to Boost Domestic Insurance Purchases Among Thais

Muang Thai Life Insurance launched D Health Lite, a flexible health insurance plan with coverage limits up to 5 million baht designed for freelancers, professionals, and families seeking affordable personalized coverage across Thailand's 16

1h ago Khaosod

Muang Thai Life Insurance is aggressively expanding into the health insurance and wealth planning market with its new concept 'Choose Well for You,' introducing the new 'D Health Lite' product—a comprehensive health insurance plan designed to fit individual budgets. The product targets freelancers, working professionals, and modern families while attracting affluent customers to purchase insurance domestically.

Sarana Lumsam, Chief Executive Officer of Muang Thai Life Insurance Company Limited (MTL), revealed that the company is continuously developing health products and services under the 'Choose Well for You' concept to address customers seeking personalized coverage amid changing global conditions and rising medical costs.

The newly launched 'D Health Lite' is a flexible health insurance plan that allows customers to select coverage and premiums suited to their budgets. It provides comprehensive coverage for common illnesses, serious diseases, and accidents with benefit limits of 1 million or 5 million baht per hospitalization.

Key features include acceptance from 30 days to 90 years old with coverage extending to age 99, and offering multiple options such as first-baht coverage, deductible plans, and copayment options to help customers manage premiums according to their payment capacity.

Customers can also utilize benefits through the 'MTL Smile Hospital Network,' covering 165 partner hospitals nationwide, receiving special privileges including up to 20% increase in medical expense limits, additional hospital and physician days, copayment discounts, and faster pre-surgery cost estimates.

'This product is designed to serve diverse customer groups—freelancers without employee benefits, children and families, office employees seeking additional coverage, and those living in other provinces wanting easier access to private hospitals,' Sarana said.

Simultaneously, Muang Thai Life Insurance launched wealth planning and legacy transfer products including 'Muang Thai Premier Legacy 99/1,' available from age 30 days to 80 years with premium payments for just 5 years, and 'Muang Thai Legacy Wealth 99/5,' available from age 30 days to 75 years, featuring fixed policy surrender value and short-term premium payment to support long-term wealth management and asset transfer needs.

Sarana noted that Thailand is entering an aging society, increasing demand for health insurance and long-term life insurance. He emphasized that Thai insurance products are competitive internationally in terms of coverage, flexibility, and regulatory standards.

'We want Thais to have confidence in domestic products because equivalent foreign insurance typically requires 10 million US dollars, while Thai products start around 10 million baht, offering easier access, reduced currency exchange risk, and local tax benefits. Today's Thai life insurance addresses health needs, financial planning, and wealth transfer to loved ones,' he concluded.

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Police

Wedding Chaos: Groom Arrested at Reception After Motorcycle Theft Two Days Before Wedding

A 24-year-old groom was arrested at his wedding reception in West Java on suspicion of stealing a motorcycle two days before the ceremony, with police implicating an accomplice still being sought.

1h ago Khaosod

A joyful wedding celebration in Garut, West Java, Indonesia, turned to chaos when a 24-year-old groom was arrested by police in the middle of his reception in front of family and guests.

The incident occurred on May 16, 2026, when suspect "Mr. H" was taken into custody on suspicion of motorcycle theft that occurred in Ibun District, Bandung, just two days before his own wedding.

The case began when a Bandung resident reported a motorcycle stolen on the morning of May 14. After receiving the report, investigators examined CCTV footage and identified a man in a black shirt matching the suspect's description. Upon learning that the suspect was preparing for his wedding within days, police planned the arrest for approximately 12:30 p.m. after the formal wedding ceremony concluded, to avoid disrupting the family's important event. The suspect cooperated without resistance. Authorities also seized the motorcycle and related documents as evidence.

During interrogation, Mr. H admitted he did not act alone and implicated an accomplice named "I," who is currently being sought by police.

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Police

Tourist Police Deputy Commander Escalates Safety Measures in Pattaya, Targets Shell Companies, Scam Gangs, and International Crime

Tourist Police in Pattaya launched coordinated safety efforts with foreign embassies and volunteers to combat shell companies, scam gangs, and international crime threatening Thailand's tourism reputation.

1h ago Khaosod

On May 19, 2025, Deputy Commander Maj. Gen. Pongsiam Meekhanathong of the Tourist Police revealed details following a joint meeting with embassy and consulate representatives and foreign volunteer networks in Pattaya, Chon Buri Province. The Tourist Police Command has launched proactive measures to protect tourists and foster cooperation between government agencies and international networks to prevent and suppress crimes damaging Thailand's tourism reputation.

Representatives from multiple countries participated, including Finland, South Korea, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United States, India, Mongolia, and the Russian Federation, along with foreign volunteer networks from over 20 countries in the Pattaya area.

Maj. Gen. Pongsiam stated that the meeting exchanged intelligence and discussed collaborative approaches to address issues involving foreigners in major tourism areas, particularly illegal shell company operations, criminal activities, unlawful immigration, overstays, drug trafficking networks, and online scam rings—all of which undermine tourism confidence and public safety.

The meeting also emphasized establishing tip-reporting networks, educating tourists and foreigners about Thai law, and promoting traffic discipline. This follows incidents of foreigners driving cars and motorcycles without proper licenses or violating traffic laws, a significant cause of accidents in tourism areas.

Maj. Gen. Pongsiam added that the Tourist Police will continue integrating cooperation with all sectors to enhance safety measures, build tourist confidence, and sustainably protect Thailand's tourism image.

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Police

Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Reports PM Orders Transport Ministry to Urgently Resolve Train-Bus Collision Questions; Death Compensation Set at 2.39 Million Baht, Injuries at 1 Million Baht

The Thai government has ordered the Transport Ministry to urgently clarify public concerns about a May 16 train-bus collision as compensation is set at 2.39 million baht for deaths and 1 million baht for injuries.

1h ago Khaosod

At the Thai Pride Party headquarters on May 19, Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angsukulkiat addressed today's cabinet meeting, noting that the Transport Ministry's involvement concerns the May 16 train-bus collision incident. The Prime Minister expressed deep concern in the meeting and instructed the Transport Ministry to urgently clarify matters of public doubt, as new evidence and questions from civil society continue to emerge daily. The ministry was ordered to promptly summarize key questions, including whether the train operator was in the cab, what lapses may have occurred if the operator used drugs, given the government's emphasis on drug suppression.

Regarding compensation, Siripong stated it does not require cabinet approval as it falls under the Transport Ministry's purview, with funding from the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority and State Railway of Thailand using various funds. Death compensation is set at approximately 2.39 million baht, while injury compensation maxes out at 1 million baht.

The State Railway of Thailand has established an investigation committee expected to conclude findings today (May 19), with results submitted by tomorrow (May 20). On the issue of train operator licensing, Siripong clarified that the Rail Department's lack of license issuance is not a refusal, but rather relates to new railway transport legislation effective March 27 with a 120-day implementation period. In this case, the operator has not yet confirmed with the Rail Department, though the State Railway had issued an operator license. The Rail Department's license will not factor into penalty considerations for this case, as the law still has 60 days remaining.

Regarding drug detection in the train operator, Siripong noted that previous discussions focused mainly on competence, but future discussions must also address substance abuse. When asked about the railway union's claim of insufficient staffing, Siripong said structural review is needed, noting that staffing standards date to around 1997 under civil service downsizing legislation with set retirement and replacement rates. The State Railway governor has proposed structural adjustments, but any increases require coordination with the Civil Service Commission due to budget constraints, with options including regular positions, contract work, or technological solutions. Siripong added that today the State Railway repainted all high-risk railway crossings, including the collision site, and completed traffic condition checks.

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National

Cabinet Approves Appointments of Revenue Commissioner, Iran Ambassador, and Multiple Senior Officials

Thailand's Cabinet approved senior appointments across multiple government agencies on May 19, including a new Revenue Commissioner and ambassadors to Qatar and Iran.

1h ago Khaosod

On May 19, 2026 at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister's Office spokesperson Patdararasmi Thongsluayakorn announced Cabinet approvals for senior civil service appointments across multiple ministries. The Foreign Ministry proposed two appointments: Ms. Phaensom Lertsitchai, Deputy Director-General of the Department of East Asian Affairs, as Ambassador to Doha, Qatar; and Sek Nopthaisongh, Consul-General in Chengdu, China, as Ambassador to Tehran, Iran. The Finance Ministry appointed Somsak Anantawat, tax strategy advisor for the energy sector at the Revenue Department, as Revenue Commissioner. The Digital Economy and Society Ministry appointed Theerawut Thongpakdi, Deputy Secretary-General of the Digital Economy and Society Committee, as Ministry Inspector. The Cabinet also extended Pichet Kunathammarak's term as Director-General of the Railway Transport Department for one additional year through May 20, 2027. The Budget Bureau appointed Patcharaphon Sithipong, Budget Bureau Advisor, as Deputy Director. The Agriculture and Cooperatives Ministry appointed Pranome Chanmai, Senior Cooperative Specialist, as Cooperative Expert. Additionally, the Cabinet approved six political appointees, including Phinitmeth Thegthanan and Jidapa Suntharathanakul as advisors to Deputy Prime Minister Thongsri, and three other political staff members for the Prime Minister's Office.

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National

Anutin Leads Bhumjaithai Team to Submit Constitutional Amendment Draft to Parliament Speaker Tomorrow, Opening Path for 100-Member Charter Drafting Assembly

Bhumjaithai Party will submit a constitutional amendment draft to Parliament tomorrow that would establish a 100-member assembly to write a new constitution within 360 days, following a February referendum supported by 21 million voters. Th

1h ago Khaosod

At 4:25 p.m. on May 19, 2025, at Bhumjaithai Party headquarters, Deputy Prime Minister Paradon Prissananantakul, representing the party as MP for Ang Thong, announced that the party's parliamentary caucus voted unanimously with 190 signatures to propose a constitutional amendment. The draft would amend Article 256 by adding Chapter 15/1 to create a new constitution, in accordance with the results of a referendum supported by 21 million voters on February 8, 2025.

Paradon stated that tomorrow (May 20), Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister, as Bhumjaithai Party leader, will lead party MPs to submit the amendment draft to the Parliament speaker around 10:30-11:00 a.m.

The Bhumjaithai draft includes two main modifications: expanding Parliament's duties and powers by amending Article 156, adding Chapter 15/1 for new charter creation, and inserting Articles 256/1 through 256/23 to establish a 100-member Constitutional Drafting Assembly (CDA) tasked with completing the new constitution within 360 days from the first CDA session.

The CDA membership will be drawn from qualified individuals and interested parties from various provinces, with one representative and three alternates selected per province, then submitted to Parliament for proportional selection based on parliamentary member distribution.

To address previous conflicts that derailed earlier charter amendment attempts, Bhumjaithai's new draft has adjusted the Senate approval requirement for stages 1 and 3 from one-third to one-quarter of senators, expected to facilitate negotiations in committee. Notably, the new constitutional draft will not modify Chapters 1-2.

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Tourism

Hurry and Grab Vietjet's Zero-Baht Tickets—1 Million Seats Available, Bookings Open May 19-31

Vietjet Thailand is offering 1 million zero-baht airline tickets plus hotel and attraction discounts during its Online Travel Fair from May 19-31, targeting budget-conscious travelers with bookings for travel through October 2027.

1h ago Khaosod

Vietjet Thailand is rolling out its mega annual campaign 'Vietjet Online Travel Fair' featuring 1 million zero-baht flight tickets along with hotels and complete travel packages to support travel demand recovery.

According to Pinyos Pibulsongkram, Deputy President of Commercial and Customer Relations at Vietjet Thailand, while the aviation and travel industry in 2026 still faces challenges from consumer purchasing power and spending caution, travel demand continues to grow steadily. Consumer behavior has shifted toward becoming 'Value Travelers' who prioritize value and careful expense planning.

This is reflected in Vietjet Thailand's ticket sales, which grew over 35% in the first four months of 2026 compared to the same period last year, while promotional campaign bookings were 15% higher than normal periods. Moreover, booking trends through the airline's platform have grown significantly, prompting the airline to expand its role from carrier to comprehensive travel platform. Passengers can now book hotels and attractions directly through the airline's website, making travel planning convenient and complete in one place.

'Value Travelers prioritize value at every stage of travel planning, from finding reasonably priced tickets to selecting packages that fit their budget while seeking cost management options alongside comprehensive travel convenience,' Pinyos said.

To meet current travel trends, Vietjet Thailand has launched the year's major campaign 'Vietjet Online Travel Fair' offering comprehensive travel deals including special ticket prices, hotel discounts, and popular attractions from May 19-31, 2026. Travel dates covered are August 1, 2026 to October 20, 2027, with bookings available on Vietjet Thailand's website and app.

The campaign offers:

Special ticket prices covering all domestic and international routes starting at 0 baht for Eco seats and 399 baht for Deluxe seats (excluding taxes and fees), up to 1,000,000 seats.

Addons discount: 15% off checked baggage (20-40kg) on routes to Phuket, Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, and Surat Thani for travel by October 31, 2026. Plus 30% off the 'Fly2Ferry' air-sea service for round trips on Suvarnabhumi-Koh Samui (Nathon), Koh Tao, and Koh Phangan routes for travel by September 30, 2026.

10% discount with no minimum for hotel bookings and attractions through www.vietjetair.com using code 'VZTRAVEL10' at checkout, covering hotels, attraction tickets, transportation, and restaurants both domestically and internationally.

'This campaign is part of our strategy to boost ticket sales while elevating ancillary and comprehensive tourism services through Vietjet Thailand's digital platform, reflecting our commitment to delivering valuable, convenient, and easily accessible travel experiences for modern travelers,' Pinyos said.

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Weather

Thailand's Meteorological Department Issues 14th Warning: 65 Provinces Face Heavy to Severe Rainfall Tomorrow, Bangkok at 60% Risk of Flash Floods

Thailand's Meteorological Department issued its 14th weather warning as 65 provinces brace for heavy to severe rainfall tomorrow, with Bangkok facing a 60% risk of flash floods due to strong southwest monsoon winds and a low-pressure system

2h ago Khaosod

The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts heavy rainfall and thunderstorms across Thailand over the next 24 hours due to strong southwest monsoon winds and a low-pressure system. Severe weather is expected in the northern, central, northeastern, and eastern regions, with particularly dangerous conditions across Thailand's western coast and parts of the south. Residents are warned to prepare for flash floods and flash floods, especially in foothill areas, near waterways, and low-lying zones, with smaller boats in the upper Andaman Sea advised to stay ashore. Waves in the upper Andaman Sea are expected to reach 2-3 meters, exceeding 3 meters during thunderstorms. The northern region will see 60% thunderstorm coverage with heavy rainfall in Chiang Mai, Lampun, Lamphang, Phrae, Nan, Tak, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun provinces, with low temperatures of 24-26°C and highs of 34-38°C. The northeastern region faces 70% thunderstorm coverage and heavy to severe rain in Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Chaiyaphum, Buriram, and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces, with temperatures ranging from 23-25°C low to 32-36°C high. The central region will experience 60% thunderstorm coverage and heavy to severe rain in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Lopburi, Saraburi, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi provinces. The eastern region faces similar conditions with 60% thunderstorm coverage and heavy to severe rainfall in Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat provinces, with southeast winds of 20-35 km/h and 2-meter waves. Southern Thailand's east coast will see 60% thunderstorm coverage and heavy rainfall in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, and Songkhla provinces.

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Police

Two Chinese suspects detained in Chon Buri ‘zombie’ drug lab raid

Police raided a luxury villa in Chon Buri and detained two Chinese suspects operating a drug lab producing Etomidate, a "zombie drug" ingredient used to make ketamine-laced e-cigarettes popular among nightlife tourists.

2h ago The Thaiger Crime

Two Chinese suspects detained in Chon Buri ‘zombie’ drug lab raidLegacyPolice raided a luxury pool villa in Chon Buri today, May 19, after finding it had been turned into a makeshift drug lab with machines and other items linked to chemicals used in ketamine-laced e-cigarettes, locally known as Pod K. Chon Buri Governor Naris Niramaivong and Pol Maj Gen Phongphan Wongmanithet, commander of Chon Buri Provincial Police, led officials with a search warrant from Pattaya Provincial Court. The villa covered about one rai, or 1,600 square metres, and had two two-storey buildings. Police searched the rear building and found more than 80 chemical-related items on the first floor, including blue 20-litre plastic containers, tins, sacks, black boxes, and other storage containers. Photo via DailyNews The second floor had been converted into a laboratory. Officers found large glass containers and three chemical-processing machines lined up together, all of which were still operating during the search. Police said the machines appeared to be producing Etomidate, known locally as a zombie drug. The chemical is believed to be a key ingredient used to make Pod K, which police said are popular among nightlife tourists. Two Chinese workers were detained at the villa: 47 year old Jia Jing Zhuang and 24 year old Teng Ji. Police said they are preparing charges of working in Thailand without permission. The suspects allegedly admitted they were responsible only for watching the property and supervising the chemical-mixing machines. Police took them for further questioning. Photo via DailyNews Investigators later searched a warehouse about 20 kilometres from the villa after surveillance found the group had been moving between the two sites. At the warehouse, officers found more chemical containers, including 20-litre and 200-litre drums, glass tubes used for mixing chemicals, and scales. Police seized the equipment as evidence, saying it appeared unused and ready for chemical production. Naris said the raid followed an earlier case about two months ago, when police seized large amounts of suspected psychoactive chemicals from a rented house in Nong Pla Lai, Bang Lamung. Investigators later found similar activity at the Huai Yai villa. Photo via DailyNews Pol Maj Gen Phongphan said the raid followed complaints from residents about Chinese nationals allegedly mixing chemicals, prompting Huai Yai police to monitor the property before seeking a search warrant. DailyNews reported that police will now work with Provincial Police Region 2 investigators, narcotics suppression police, and immigration police to trace the source of the chemicals and identify others involved. Similarly, back in late 2025, police raided a house in Pattaya and arrested a Chinese national for producing and distributing Pod K, a substance that has gained popularity among both Thai and foreign partygoers in Pattaya. The story Two Chinese suspects detained in Chon Buri ‘zombie’ drug lab raid as seen on Thaiger News.

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Police

5 police and 1 civilian try to extort Chinese national at 300,000 baht each

Five police officers and a civilian were arrested in Sa Kaeo after allegedly detaining and extorting five Chinese nationals for 300,000 baht each, with two victims transferring money before authorities raided the property.

2h ago The Thaiger Crime

5 police and 1 civilian try to extort Chinese national at 300,000 baht eachLegacyFive police officers and a civilian were arrested in Sa Kaeo after allegedly detaining and attempting to extort Chinese nationals at 300,000 baht each. Another police officer accused of involvement remains at large. The arrests were made on Saturday, May 16, after officers from Wang Somboon Police Station received information from the Sa Kaeo Provincial Immigration Office about the alleged extortion case. According to police, the five Chinese nationals contacted immigration officers through the LINE application seeking urgent assistance. The Chinese victims reportedly told immigration officers they were being detained at a house in Sa Kaeo province. Officers later raided the property at about 11am. Photo via 77Kaoded Police found the five Chinese nationals outside the residence. Officers said the group appeared relieved when authorities arrived at the scene. The victims told investigators they had been detained at about 2am the same day. The suspects allegedly placed them in handcuffs and demanded US$10,000 (around 300,000 baht) from each person in exchange for their release. Two of the victims reportedly transferred US$2,000 each to the suspects before the raid took place. Police said the victims provided transfer receipts as evidence. Investigators later identified four of the suspects as police officers. Authorities said the officers initially detained the Chinese nationals for entering Thailand illegally but then demanded money instead of pursuing legal proceedings. The suspects promised to release the victims if they paid the requested sums. Photo via ThaiRath The suspects were identified as Police Senior Sergeant Majors Paphawin, Wuttikorn, Somchai and Phichate. The civilian suspect was identified as Nattanan. Police also seized firearms, ammunition and two pickup trucks from the property. The Chinese nationals told officers another suspect, believed to be a police officer, was not at the scene during the raid because he had reportedly left to buy food and drinks. Investigators are continuing efforts to identify and locate the additional suspect. ThaiRath reported that all of the suspects denied the extortion allegations. They remain in custody pending further legal proceedings. The story 5 police and 1 civilian try to extort Chinese national at 300,000 baht each as seen on Thaiger News.

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