A 5.3 magnitude earthquake off Myanmar's southern coast near Yangon on May 18, 2025, was felt in Bangkok. Dr. Amorn Pimanmas, chairman of the Thai Structural Engineers Association and lecturer at Kasetsart University's Faculty of Engineering, explained the earthquake's characteristics: it was moderate magnitude (5.3, below 6), shallow depth (about 10 km, less than 60 km underground), long-distance from Bangkok (approximately 530 kilometers), and occurred along the Sagaing Fault, a powerful active fault line.

Dr. Amorn noted that tall buildings in Bangkok normally sway during earthquakes because the city sits on soft soil that amplifies seismic waves. While residents in high-rises felt the tremors, the moderate magnitude and considerable distance meant no structural damage to buildings was expected.

However, ongoing monitoring is necessary because the Sagaing Fault extends 1,200-1,400 kilometers. Officials noted that in March 2024, a 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Mandalay over 1,000 kilometers away but caused severe shaking in Bangkok, damaging hundreds of buildings and even causing a government audit office under construction to collapse. Since today's earthquake occurred in the lower section of the Sagaing Fault—closer than Mandalay's epicenter—relevant agencies and the public should remain prepared, as earthquakes cannot be predicted in advance.

On May 18, 2025, former Pheu Thai list MP Nikhom Bunyavises disclosed that multiple chicken processing companies have lodged complaints about being unable to export chicken feet to China due to smuggling operations impersonating legitimate Thai producers and illegally shipping chicken feet to China in their place.

China's authorities grew dissatisfied when an inspection revealed that chicken feet volumes sent from Thailand exceeded actual production capacity. This prompted swift action from China's food safety agencies, which blacklisted 17 out of 22 Thai companies, resulting in over 30 billion baht in lost export value.

Bunyavises stated that business operators have petitioned Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit to help resolve the issue and urgently track down the smugglers shipping foreign chicken feet under false Thai credentials to China.

The General Administration of Customs of the People's Republic of China (GACC), a ministry-level agency overseeing all import-export controls, taxes, and safety standards, previously sent warning letters to relevant Thai agencies demanding investigation and correction, citing impacts on Chinese safety standards. However, these warnings were largely ignored.

GACC has now issued a fourth warning letter to the Department of Livestock at the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, cautioning that continued disregard of its concerns could damage bilateral relations and undermine Chinese confidence in other Thai exports.

The issue has persisted since July 2024 without apparent action from responsible agencies. Over the past ten months, across two administrations, business operators have appealed to government bodies and the Ministry of Agriculture without receiving adequate responses. "If this continues, all 17 affected companies could face closure or downsizing, impacting significant numbers of workers," Bunyavises warned.

As a former Pheu Thai MP and representative of a coalition government party, Bunyavises pledged to investigate the truth and resolve the crisis to preserve Thailand's exports and restore Chinese confidence before the situation deteriorates further.

CHONBURI — Thailand's Khao Kheow Open Zoo has achieved a historic first by successfully hatching a Greater Adjutant chick, marking a major milestone in wildlife conservation after the species disappeared from Thailand's natural habitats more than 40 years ago, officials announced on May 17, 2026.

Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin praised the achievement as a testament to the expertise and dedication of Thai wildlife conservation staff, veterinarians, and animal keepers at the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand and Khao Kheow Open Zoo.

Zoo Director Narongwit Chotchoy revealed that the chick hatched from eggs laid by the facility's only remaining breeding pair. Due to the species' naturally low reproductive rate—typically producing just one or two eggs annually with low hatching success—zoo staff implemented an artificial incubation and hand-rearing program they described as a "life-saving operation" to maximize the chick's survival prospects.

This marks the first successful Greater Adjutant breeding at Khao Kheow under the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand, and the first accomplished by a member zoo of both the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums and the Southeast Asian Zoos and Aquariums Association.

Khao Kheow now ranks as the fourth facility worldwide officially recognized for successfully breeding the species in captivity, joining Bang Phra Waterbird Breeding Station in Thailand, Assam State Zoo in India, and Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity in Cambodia.

Minister Suchart emphasized that the breakthrough represents a crucial step forward in Thailand's commitment to endangered wildlife conservation and restoration of threatened species populations through sustained research and breeding initiatives.

On May 18, 2025, it was reported that former international amateur Thai boxing champion Amnuay Ruenrueng has previously committed acts of drunken violence and has been arrested by police four times, causing distress to residents in the area. Most recently, a Facebook user named Methasit Raha, a relative of Amnuay Ruenrueng, posted a video of the former world champion using drugs at home with the caption: "Is this the person who deserves another chance? Is this the person Sri Racha police are helpless against? Is this a member of society? Given countless opportunities but never succeeded even once. He's becoming a burden to others and to society. This has gone too far." The relative further stated: "I called the police and told them he's using drugs at home, but they didn't come. What options are there to get rid of this? If we speak up, there will be problems. If something goes wrong, we still have responsibilities." The relative continued: "But facing a situation like this, it's unbearable. The disturbance never stops. We have to work to make a living, we need rest. Our neighbors also need peace and quiet. Do we have to wait until he goes crazy and kills someone first? Even with evidence this clear, the law seems powerless. I give up."

On May 23-24, 2025, basketball fans will experience an unforgettable event featuring NBA champion DeAndre Jordan, renowned as the alley-oop legend. The two-day celebration features mini concerts and exclusive performances by artists including MILLI, CIR*CRL, BENZ Khao Khwan, NEXT IDOL, and CU Performance that will ignite the basketball court.

The NBA Rising Stars Invitational Thailand Qualifiers presented by TOA marks the inaugural hosting of this prestigious national youth basketball championship in Thailand, a collaboration between TOA Paint (Thailand) Public Company Limited and The National Basketball Association. The competition provides a platform for talented Thai youth players to showcase their abilities and compete for the opportunity to represent Thailand at the NBA Rising Stars Invitational 2026 in Singapore.

On opening day, May 23, 2025, basketball enthusiasts will be part of a historic moment, cheering for young Thai athletes while enjoying special activities and the highly anticipated appearance of DeAndre Jordan, center for the New Orleans Pelicans and 2023 NBA champion. Beyond meeting the NBA star, fans can participate in exclusive activities including chances to win signed jerseys from DeAndre Jordan and limited-edition memorabilia. The first 50 fans to arrive on May 23 will receive a limited-edition NBA Rising Stars Invitational T-shirt, plus participate in contests with prizes totaling over 100,000 baht.

The opening day features elimination-style matches: Match 1 between Wat Noi Nopkhun School and Thepsirin School Samut Prakan, followed by a mini concert from BENZ Khao Khwan; Match 2 between Kanchanaphisek Witthayalai Chaiyaphum and Muang Ratchaburi Municipality Demonstration School; Match 3 between Assumption Thonburi School and Bualeung Withayakom School; and Match 4 between Nonthaburi Witthayalai and Tha Khram Phitak School in Chachoengsao, with performances from CU Performance interspersed throughout.

On May 24, 2025, the finals commence with the women's championship match featuring a mini concert by rising T-POP group CIR*CRL, followed by the men's championship featuring rapper MILLI. Every cheer from the crowd empowers these young athletes to pursue their dreams on the international stage, and organizers invite all supporters to join in celebrating the next generation of Thai basketball talent.

Thailand's Earthquake Monitoring Center reported a 5.3-magnitude earthquake near Myanmar's southern coast at 9:05 AM on May 18, 2569 (Thai time), with its epicenter 10 kilometers deep and approximately 247 kilometers southwest of Mae Sot District in Tak Province. The agency stated the earthquake poses no impact to Thailand but will provide updates if needed.

Residents across Bangkok, particularly in high-rise buildings in areas such as Don Muang, Phaya Thai, Bang Rak, Huai Khwang, Pathum Wan, Khlong Toei, and Chatuchak districts, reported feeling the tremors via the Earthquake TMD Facebook page. Notable reports included:

- Strong shaking on the 19th floor of James Tower - Mild tremors felt on the 5th floor near Ramkhamhaeng-Lam Sali intersection - Perceptible shaking on the 6th floor in Chiang Mai - Shaking detected on the 10th floor in Asoke - Strong tremors at Phra Pradaeng, prompting evacuation from a building near Phra Chom Klao

Bangkok and its surrounding areas experienced noticeable vibrations, especially in high-rise buildings, with structures swaying and ceiling lights swinging. Officials at the Anti-Money Laundering Office (AMLO) building clearly felt the earthquake and promptly evacuated personnel as a safety precaution while inspecting the building's structure and internal systems.

Although the earthquake's epicenter was distant from Thailand, Bangkok's soft clay geological composition amplified the tremors, allowing residents across multiple areas to perceive the shaking.