The Cabinet has approved the appointment of Somsak Anantawat as the new Revenue Department director, replacing Kulya Tantitemit who previously resigned. On May 19, 2025, the Cabinet approved the promotion of Somsak Anantawat, a tax collection strategy advisor for the energy business group at the Revenue Department, to director of the Revenue Department in place of Kulya Tantitemit. According to the Finance Ministry, Somsak is a career civil servant within the Revenue Department, and officials believe his appointment will provide advantages in policy continuity and administration since he has strong knowledge of the department's organizational structure, tax collection systems, and internal mechanisms, requiring minimal transition time. "Somsak's key strength is his experience in audit and inspection work, which is the department's primary responsibility, especially as the government seeks to improve tax collection efficiency and expand the tax base amid economic slowdown, along with challenges from digital business and cross-border transactions." Somsak has comprehensive qualifications in accounting, law, and public administration, which address the department's needs across multiple dimensions including legal matters, audits, tax interpretation, and large-scale organization management. He also has board experience with state enterprises and private companies, giving him deeper understanding of business structures and private sector constraints, which could be crucial for designing future tax policies that balance collection efficiency with the competitiveness of the business sector.

The Smart Water Operations Center (SWOC) under the Royal Irrigation Department reported that as of May 19, 2025, major and medium-sized reservoirs nationwide contain approximately 43,621 million cubic meters of water—57% of their total capacity—with additional storage capacity of 33,133 million cubic meters available. The four key dams in the Chao Phraya River Basin (Bhumibol, Sirikit, Khwae Noi Bhumrung Dam, and Pasak Cholasit dams) hold 13,483 million cubic meters of water, representing 54% of combined capacity, with 11,388 million cubic meters of additional capacity remaining.

As of 6 a.m. on the reporting date, water flow at the C.2 measurement station in Nakhon Sawan reached 563 cubic meters per second. Combined with flows from the Sakae Krang River and tributary streams, the total water volume managed above Chao Phraya Dam stands at 577 cubic meters per second, distributed to various irrigation systems as follows: Eastern region receives 189 cubic meters per second (69%) and Western region receives 258 cubic meters per second (55%).

The remaining water released through Chao Phraya Dam maintains a continuous rate of 130 cubic meters per second with no adverse impact on downstream areas. Current rainfall monitoring shows that from January 1 to May 17, 2025, the nation received 212.4 millimeters of rain—78.8 millimeters below normal, representing a 27% deficit. Multiple regions experienced below-normal rainfall, particularly the Eastern Southern region (49% below normal) and Central region (41% below normal). To prepare for potential impacts on residents and farmers, the Royal Irrigation Department continues closely monitoring rainfall and water flow, implementing comprehensive water management plans to maximize benefits while adapting to changing weather and rainfall patterns throughout the season. The department is readying machinery and equipment to assist flood-prone areas during the monsoon and strictly implementing 2025 monsoon season preparedness measures as directed by Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suryya Juengrungruangkit to minimize impacts on communities.

Da Endorphine delivered unforgettable moments at 'DA ENDORPHINE UPSTAGE Cheeky Concert,' transforming the hall into a nostalgic karaoke space where fans sang every song. If 'concert' seems too ordinary, this was a 'generational reunion phenomenon.' The 'DA ENDORPHINE UPSTAGE Cheeky Concert' turned Royal Paragon Hall into a massive karaoke room and a powerhouse of nostalgia for over three hours on May 16-17, 2025, under the direction of CHANGEshowbiz's concert maven Chod Saithip Montrikul at Ayutthaya, who paid meticulous attention to every detail of this premium production—from sound and lighting to the grandly designed stage reaching every fan in every seat. This special event featured not only Da Endorphine's greatest hits that had the entire hall singing along, but also brought out 'cheeky special guests' who grew up alongside the band through different eras, creating non-stop excitement. These included the Queen of Dance Christina Aguilera, the iconic diva of the 90s, in a 'mom meets mom' moment with dance steps that shook the stage; Off Pongsak, a quality-voiced singer who delivered emotional depth clashing with Da's power; Joey Bhuwasit, a smooth artist who unexpectedly clicked with Da across different eras; and the surprise guest Toon Bodyslam, rock music legend, whose brief appearance sent screams throughout the hall. Every show, every song, every moment was designed to trigger fans' 'release of happiness hormones,' living up to the 'UPSTAGE Cheeky Concert' concept. This wasn't merely Da Endorphine's comeback, but a journey taking everyone back to embrace their own memories with full hearts. The night exploded from the first second when Da Endorphine's powerful vocals hit the opening song 'Cheeky,' instantly triggering fans' endorphin rush at maximum capacity. The energy peaked unexpectedly when the show broke concert tradition by featuring all special guests—Tina, Off Pongsak, Joey Bhuwasit, and Toon Bodyslam—friends, older sister, and close brother, in the song 'This Life Will Be Short Until Death,' igniting the entire hall's adrenaline. Because this was Da Endorphine's concert—artists who know their fans best—they filled the playlist with songs fans had requested from the previous concert, performed at full intensity for singalongs without pause. Songs from both their original catalog and covers like 'Time to Listen,' 'Written in My Heart, Sung in a Song,' 'Want to Hear You Say You Love Me,' 'Don't Do This,' 'Not Loving is Good,' and 'Preserve Your Rights' transformed the entire hall into a space where close friends released their emotions singing loudly together to soothe their longing. When quality-voiced singer Off Pongsak appeared on stage, the entire hall shifted into deep dramatic mode instantly through the song 'Stabbed from Behind Piercing Through the Heart.' Off and Da then alternated releasing powerful vocal duels song after song without compromise through 'From an Old Lover,' 'Won't Ask So I'll Give,' 'This Man Is Running Out of Strength,' and 'You Have Me, Who Do I Have,' where both conveyed emotions so deeply that every lyric hurt. When they entered 'Take Care of Him Well,' the stage emotions peaked—their voices, gazes, and inner power delivered straight to fans' hearts at full force, causing many to sing along at the top of their lungs.

Laughter and tears filled the hall as Boy-Peeth treated devoted fans to 'PEACEMAKER THE RE:PEACE CONCERT 2026,' bringing complete happiness after a 23-year wait. The legendary duo—Boy Anuwat Songwansaksatpakdi and Peeth Peerawat Asvavochirwit—held their grand concert on May 16-17, 2026 at UOB Live, Emsphere, produced by Master Peeth & Co. Ltd, delivering complete satisfaction through artistic production, stunning lighting, live vocals, and meticulously designed performances in every scene and song.

Both Boy and Peeth held nothing back, treating fans to their classic Peacemaker hits including 'I Miss You,' 'She's Mine,' 'Don't Even Think,' 'Until Heaven Has Time,' 'What Am I Worth,' 'I Never Asked,' and 'Excess.' Following heartfelt interactions with fans, they performed solo sets, including Boy's dramatic entrance from a floating mini-stage descending to the center and Peeth's intimate performance.

The show featured special highlights including a mashup performance where both singers performed their own songs simultaneously, with intricate musical direction by Jak Chawwin, who also surprised audiences with a guitar solo performed from the control booth. Guest appearances ranged from Pat Wai Klai, Ja Nong Panee, Nai Naphatt, and Pop Ponggul with Ott Pramoht—who delivered a sultry rendition of 'I'm Lonely'—to legendary Poo Pongsit joining them for an emotional duet.

Boy closed out the fun segment with an unprecedented dance performance, dancing intimately with fans in all sections before ending with emotional Peacemaker classics like 'The Last,' 'Lonely,' and 'I Miss You.' As fans sang in unison with overwhelming force, Boy was moved to tears by the profound love and longing the audience conveyed.

PEACEMAKER THE RE:PEACE CONCERT 2026 was more than just a nostalgia-filled evening—it was a night that perfectly fulfilled the hearts of both artists and music lovers through genuine love, longing, and giving. With 50 baht from each ticket contributing to a charitable cause, the concert helped support newborn patients at Thammasat University Hospital's neonatal fund, bringing hope to families.

Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek announced on May 19, 2026, that the Cabinet approved the restructuring of a national-level committee to prepare for the 2026 Annual Meetings of the World Bank Group and International Monetary Fund. October 16 will be declared a special government holiday exclusively in Bangkok. Bangkok government agencies will operate remotely on October 12, 14, and 15. State enterprises, financial institutions, educational institutions, and private businesses in areas surrounding the conference venue are asked to implement appropriate measures suited to their locations and operations. Agencies with essential services or pre-scheduled public appointments may continue operations if cancellation would cause harm or service disruption. These measures aim to alleviate traffic congestion, facilitate travel, and ensure maximum security. The meetings are expected to draw over 15,000 finance ministers, central bank governors, and global leaders from 190 countries to exchange views on global economic and financial challenges.

The Special Criminal Criminal Court has postponed the indictment hearing for eight Election Commission (EC) officials in the ballot barcode case for the second time after the EC submitted clarifications and supporting evidence. The hearing was originally scheduled for May 19, 2569 at the Special Criminal Court on Railway Lane. The case, docket number Ot. 31/2569, was filed by attorney Yongyut Saowkaewsathit against EC Chairman Niran Kalawarintr and seven other officials.

The accused face charges of official misconduct or corruption under Criminal Code Section 157, read with the Election Commission Act B.E. 2562 Section 83, the House of Representatives Election Act B.E. 2561 Section 149, and the Anti-Corruption Act B.E. 2561 Section 172. According to the charges, all eight officials allegedly conspired to order the addition of QR codes to green ballot cards for constituency elections and barcodes to pink ballot cards for party-list elections, allegedly intended for verification purposes in a manner that lacked integrity and transparency. The plaintiff claims this unnecessary addition increased printing costs and compromised the confidentiality of the voting process.

During today's hearing, the court informed the plaintiff that the EC office had submitted written clarifications along with supporting evidence. The plaintiff was given 15 days to review the documentation and file any rebuttals, with failure to respond considered acceptance. The court has rescheduled the judgment hearing to August 11, 2569 at 9:30 a.m. This marks the second postponement; the hearing was previously moved from March 17 to May 19 before being delayed again to August.