Authorities have uncovered 45 fraudulent birth registrations connected to a Chinese smuggling ring operating in Nakhon Ratchasima, with six pairs of twins registered illegally. Officials are accelerating the investigation and pursuing comprehensive legal action. Dr. Kitipong Pongsuravet, sub-district mayor of Phothikhlang in Muang Nakhon Ratchasima district, filed a complaint with police after discovering that municipal registry staff had committed fraud by falsifying birth documents for foreign nationals in an organized scheme involving 27 cases, each receiving tens of thousands of baht in benefits. In the latest development on May 1, 2026, Dr. Kitipong revealed that following a meeting with Suranari Camp Hospital—which was falsely listed as the birth location—an additional 28 suspicious registrations were identified, bringing the total to 45 cases. All registered names are Chinese nationals with no Thai citizens involved. Investigators also discovered significant irregularities, including six pairs of twins being fraudulently registered. The registrations occurred between July and October 2025, with suspicious clustering in certain months, such as June 2025 when six registrations were processed in a single month. Immigration officials at Suvarnabhumi Airport have also detained two Chinese nationals who were preparing to leave the country. The initial investigation indicates the fraudulent registrations were conducted in Phothikhlang sub-district, and relevant agencies are coordinating a comprehensive investigation and pursuing maximum legal penalties.

Auau Thanapoom, also known as Auau DEXX, has spoken out about an unsettling experience involving a fan following her to her rehearsal studio. This common problem for artists and celebrities involves invasive fan behavior that violates their personal space outside of work hours.

On April 30, Auau appeared as a Brand Ambassador at the "Dr.Choice presents: Punch Your Blues with Auau and Yuzu" event at Thailand Pet Expo 2026 at the Sirikit National Convention Center, where she opened up about the incident.

According to Auau, she was followed from morning until late at night when she arrived at the rehearsal studio. She admitted feeling uncomfortable because the studio is a private space, and other people were present. She emphasized that everyone deserves a safe work zone and that if they happen to meet by chance, a normal greeting is fine—but she'd prefer fans approach her at official events instead.

"It happened during our concert rehearsals," Auau explained. "I had to be there for quite a while, and I noticed someone following me from early morning. That space felt quite private to me, and I wasn't sure what to do. I really want them to understand it's a private area. If they want to follow me, it's better to do it at events. All artists have personal lives. I'd prefer fans approach me at official events."

When asked if there were other people in the space, Auau confirmed: "Yes, there were others, not just me. And honestly, it made them uncomfortable too."

Regarding how she felt about being followed in a shared space, Auau said: "I felt bad for them. Everyone deserves privacy, actually. I think they themselves would want personal space too. As an artist, my colleagues and I have our own privacy. When we're rehearsing, it should be a safe zone, but when cameras are constantly recording, it doesn't feel very private."

When asked if it was late, she confirmed it was, occurring right after rehearsal ended. She had already encountered the fan earlier in the day. The follower was female. Auau expressed concern for the fan's safety as well, noting it was quite late and isolated. She clarified her intention wasn't to scold anyone, just to ask fans to meet her at official events instead.

Asking fans to respect boundaries, Auau said: "If we happen to meet, a casual conversation is fine. But there needs to be some space. Don't rush in, search for me, or follow me like this. I just need space for my safety and my friends' safety too."

A police sergeant has admitted to hi-lo gambling charges and returned funds to a brain-diseased young man, facing severe disciplinary action. The deputy national police commander will visit the area tomorrow to monitor progress.

The case involves Yupapon, 46, and Thanasak, 53, parents of a 20-year-old man identified as "A" (pseudonym) who suffers from a neurological condition, seeking assistance after their son was allegedly lured by a sergeant from the 9th Region Police to play illegal hi-lo gambling at a house in Muang District, Phatthalung Province, resulting in losses of over 130,000 baht. The incident occurred in the early morning of April 28, and a complaint was filed at Muang Phatthalung Police Station.

Subsequently, Pol. Col. Sompracha Kannakanan, commander of Muang Phatthalung Police Station, ordered officers to investigate all four gambling participants under gambling laws. Whether fraud charges will be pursued depends on further investigation into the actual circumstances to ensure fairness to both parties.

On May 1, 2569, investigators called the victim for additional questioning and summoned the sergeant and three companions to acknowledge charges of joint gambling. The sergeant admitted to playing hi-lo gambling and acknowledged the fraud allegation, returning all money to the victim in the presence of investigators with a record made. Meanwhile, the 9th Region Police established a fact-finding committee to investigate both the accused and the victim. Tomorrow, May 2, Deputy National Police Commander Trairongwit Phiwpan will visit to monitor progress and clarify facts again, amid scrutiny over disciplinary investigation results which could result in severe punishment up to dismissal from service.

On May 1, 2025, Orsitthisak Somphanrat, Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry, addressed online social media reports alleging that a Territorial Defense Volunteer member in Chuang District demanded 300,000 baht in bribes for exam assistance, though the applicant was never actually a member. The complainant recovered only 230,000 baht and has pursued the remaining 70,000 baht for four years while facing threats.

The Permanent Secretary ordered the Nakhon Si Thammarat governor to immediately investigate the facts and address public concerns, as the allegations severely damage the government's reputation. Governor Somchai Seelaanoi reported that on April 30, the complainant filed a petition at the Provincial Ombudsman's Office regarding the extortion claim. The governor has directed responsible officials to verify the facts, protect involved parties, and question all Chuang District volunteer members about the incident.

Preliminary findings show no evidence of bribery by any Territorial Defense Volunteer member in Chuang District. Importantly, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province has not opened recruitment for volunteer membership positions since 2024. The Permanent Secretary stressed the urgency of this investigation, noting its significant impact on administrative credibility and the Interior Ministry's image. He emphasized that the province must rapidly complete all legal procedures while simultaneously conducting public relations efforts to inform the general public of the true facts.

KRABI — Phi Phi Islands National Park has dismissed viral social media claims that Phi Phi Island would develop its own international airport, labeling the information as false.

In a Facebook statement, park director Saengsuree Songthong addressed an Instagram post from April 1st that claimed "Phi Phi will have its very own international airport starting May 1st," complete with a convincing image. Songthong clarified that the image was artificially generated and does not represent an actual location.

The area in question is thought to be on Phi Phi Don Island, spanning Ton Sai Bay and Loh Dalum Bay. This privately-owned land measures approximately 140 meters wide by 1,490 meters long, and is already developed with hotels, restaurants, a hospital, and other commercial establishments—making it completely unsuitable for airport development.

Songthong further noted that the national park is predominantly covered in steep limestone mountains, which are naturally incompatible with airport construction or aircraft operations.

Authorities have urged residents and tourists to verify information through official channels and refrain from amplifying unconfirmed reports to combat misinformation and public confusion.

On May 1, 2025, Bang Saen beach in Saen Suk subdistrict, Muang district, Chon Buri province, was swarming with visitors from across the region during the Labor Day holiday. Traffic congestion choked the main road leading to the beach and the beachfront promenade, while families sprawled across sandy areas and under beach umbrellas for meals. Both children and adults happily waded into the refreshingly cool seawater to escape the intense heat.

Thanapol, a beverage vendor at Bang Saen beach, noted that while today seemed busy, it was a far cry from last year's Labor Day. The beach still had empty spaces, whereas normally it would be completely packed. Business this year has been sluggish despite the tourist numbers because parents are cutting expenses to pay for school tuition and uniforms.

Anant, an inflatable tube rental operator, reported that while tourists appeared numerous, they were fewer than expected. Visitors are spending cautiously due to the upcoming school term and high fuel prices have deterred travel compared to previous years. His daily earnings have plummeted to nearly one-quarter of normal holiday revenue—dropping from 4,000-5,000 baht on typical holidays to just 400 baht on regular days and about 1,000 baht during festival days.

Yuttapoom, 31, who traveled from Min Buri with his family, said he chose Bang Saen for its pleasant atmosphere and proximity. Despite heavy crowds and traffic difficulties, he found the trip rewarding once he got his family into the water. He was impressed by the affordable yet delicious food and the beautiful, cool seawater that made an excellent summer escape.