On May 21, 2025, Nam Nao Police Station in Phetchabun Province received a report of a wild elephant attack that killed a local mushroom forager in the Baan Sapwang community forest in Nam Nao District. Officers traveled to the scene with Sub-lieutenant Khemchat Prachang, the station commander, along with rescue personnel from the Nam Nao Subdistrict Administration and hospital medical staff.

The incident occurred in a dense community forest behind the village. Officials discovered the victim's remains in a severely mutilated condition, with only the upper torso intact and no clothing. The victim's right leg was found separately, while the left leg was trampled and submerged in a water pool. Internal organs were scattered across the area, and the surrounding ground bore signs of heavy trampling. Numerous elephant footprints were found at the scene.

Initial investigation identified the victim as Phaap, a 37-year-old from Na Thong District in Maha Sarakham Province. He had come to forage for mushrooms with friends to use in cooking and for income. Authorities believe that while Phaap was collecting mushrooms, he encountered a wild elephant that was foraging in the same area. The startled elephant reportedly charged at the foragers, causing them to scatter in different directions. Phaap was unable to escape and was fatally attacked by the elephant. His remains were transported to Nam Nao Hospital for autopsy.

Somkiate Gatiip, director of Nam Nao National Park, explained that mushrooms are currently abundant in the park area, attracting foragers from neighboring provinces. He stated that officials have warned people to be cautious of wild elephants and avoid venturing deep into the forest due to wildlife hazards. He speculated that the attacking elephant may be a male that was separated from its herd and was foraging alone. The increase in human activity in the forest may have stressed the elephant and triggered the attack.

Park officials have ordered staff to track and drive the elephant further into the forest. The public is urged to forage for mushrooms in large groups and to exercise caution around elephants and other wildlife.

The family of Pa Thiem has received 1.6 million baht in compensation from insurance companies following a fatal train-bus collision. The family is still coming to terms with the sudden loss. A train struck Bus Route 206 at the Asok-Petchburi railway crossing on Kamphaeng Phet Road 7 on May 16, killing eight people and injuring many others. One of the victims was Ms. Thiem Puang Yot, known as Pa Thiem, 57, from Prang Ku district, Sisaket province, leaving her family devastated.

On May 21 at 1 p.m., a merit-making ceremony was held at Don Kratai House in Samuay subdistrict, Prang Ku district, Sisaket province, where the family received compensation from insurance companies. Anom Inthi, director of the Sisaket Insurance Office, and insurance expert Lakkhana Thongsud witnessed the compensation payment.

Phit Insurance Company paid 500,000 baht from the Public Transport Act coverage, while Muang Thai Insurance Company paid an additional 1,150,000 baht from voluntary bus insurance, totaling 1,650,000 baht in compensation.

During the process, many of Pa Thiem's relatives appeared sorrowful, still unable to accept the sudden loss. The deceased had five siblings, and after family discussions, all six agreed unanimously to sign over their inheritance rights to Choon Puang Yot, the youngest brother, as the sole recipient of the compensation.

Relatives reminisced about Pa Thiem, describing her as a hardworking, kind-hearted person who always helped family members. Her sudden departure has caused profound grief to the family.

Residents in Prang Ku district continue to closely follow developments regarding the incident. Many remain shaken by the train-bus collision in Bangkok and are calling on relevant authorities to urgently review safety measures at railway crossings, particularly in high-traffic areas, to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Thai shrimp farmers have petitioned the Senate to implement 11 measures across 38 activities to revive the industry, boost production, and reduce costs so Thailand can regain its competitive edge in global shrimp markets. Ekkaphoj Yodpinit, chairman of the Thai Shrimp Association, along with Abhichit Vorgkij and Chupong Luesukhprasert from the frozen food sector, submitted their request to Senate President Mongkol Surasathya at an academic seminar held at Diamond Plaza Hotel in Surat Thani province, received by first vice-president Gen. Krienggrai Srirak.

The association proposes implementing an 11-point action plan previously presented by the Department of Fisheries to enable the Thai shrimp industry to recover and increase quality shrimp production to meet the target of 400,000 tons for processing facilities while reducing production costs to restore Thailand's global competitiveness. Ekkaphoj emphasized that Thai shrimp maintains competitive advantages in quality, food safety, environmentally responsible production methods, and value-added processing capabilities through modern cold storage and export facilities.

Historically, Thailand's shrimp industry was a major economic driver for over a decade, ranking first globally in shrimp production and exports. At its peak in 2010, production exceeded 640,000 tons with export values surpassing 110 billion baht in 2011, generating employment and income for over 2 million people across the supply chain. However, since the early mortality syndrome outbreak in 2012, production has declined to 270,000-280,000 tons with export values dropping to approximately 40 billion baht, resulting in cumulative economic losses exceeding 500 billion baht over 13 years. Competing nations like Ecuador and India have meanwhile expanded their market share globally.

Current 2025 production comprises 260,000 tons of white shrimp and 20,000 tons of black tiger shrimp, with 160,000 tons serving as raw material for processing facilities and 120,000 tons for domestic consumption. Major challenges facing shrimp farmers include diseases such as white spot syndrome, early mortality syndrome, white feces disease, and yellow head virus, which have prevented successful farming operations.

The Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) launched a major operation with coordinated raids at 23 locations across 16 provinces on May 21, 2025. Police commanders ordered simultaneous searches in Bangkok, Chanthaburi, Rayong, Nakhon Pathom, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Kamphaeng Phet, Tak, Chainat, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, Sisaket, Trang, and surrounding areas, resulting in the arrest of 22 suspects.

The investigation revealed a systematic criminal network involved in smuggling Chinese nationals illegally into and out of Thailand. The operation uncovered evidence of organized activities including transportation of foreign nationals, use of multiple vehicles for smuggling, money transfers, multi-tiered bank accounts, and exploitation of corporate entities as financial conduits.

Suspects 1-13 face charges of "conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens and money laundering," while suspects 14-22 are charged with supporting fraud schemes, uploading false data into computer systems, and allowing others to use their bank and electronic accounts for cybercrime purposes.

Police seized significant assets including cash, account books, credit cards, vehicles, gold, land titles, religious amulets, and firearms valued at over 20 million baht. The operation followed the arrest of 42 Chinese nationals in late November 2024 in Poeng Nam Ron district, Chanthaburi province, during which 215 mobile phones were confiscated.

Investigation revealed the suspects operated a hierarchical criminal organization with commanders, coordinators, vehicle providers, and financial supporters. Evidence indicated involvement in online fraud networks, with investigators tracking 181 related fraud cases and 665 transactions totaling over 185 million baht in circulation. Authorities believe the network operates as a cross-border organized crime group using online crime proceeds to fund Chinese smuggling operations.

On May 21, 2025, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) held its annual media relations event at Lopburi Inn Resort in Muang District, Lopburi Province. NACC Secretary-General Surapong Inthathawaon led discussions with representatives from government agencies in Lopburi and Saraburi provinces on measures to monitor public procurement.

NACC Region 1 Deputy Secretary-General Wirawat Charoenecham reported that the region has received 666 complaints to date, with most alleging civil service misconduct under Section 157 of the Criminal Code. Local government organizations (LGOs) face the most complaints due to their large workforce presence.

Among procurement-related corruption complaints, the top five violation types are: (1) specification-locking, (2) budget-splitting under 500,000 baht, (3) bid-rigging, (4) use of nominees, and (5) false work acceptance. Damages identified include 2.305 billion baht in real estate, 700 million baht in infrastructure, 497 million baht in subsidies, and 450 million baht in equipment and vehicles.

Wirawat noted that while corruption persists and intensifies, complainants often fear retaliation despite witness protection measures. Subordinates remain fearful of superiors, perpetuating fraud.

State Auditor Suthee Suntraanurak discussed procurement inspection findings, revealing patterns such as bid-rigging between officials and contractors, false work inspections (such as incomplete road construction), unauthorized design changes, and underutilization of completed projects. The NACC is implementing real-time audits and using drones to inspect hard-to-reach or dangerous areas.

Suthee emphasized the need for comprehensive anti-corruption efforts supported by clear databases to strengthen preventive measures and ensure procurement processes meet all objectives.

CHAIYAPHUM — 21 May 2026, villagers in northeastern Thailand have begun digging for "mang jeenoon", a seasonal scarab beetle delicacy popular in Isaan cuisine, as the arrival of the rainy season creates opportunities for extra income.

Residents in several communities in Chaiyaphum province said the insects emerge only once a year during the early rainy season, allowing villagers to collect and sell them for up to 1,000-1,500 baht a day.

In Na Yang Klak subdistrict of Thep Sathit district, villagers gathered with hoes, digging sticks and plastic bottles before heading into nearby community forests to search for the beetles, which burrow underground beneath shrubs and small trees to lay eggs.

The insects are commonly found in burrows about 20 centimetres below the soil surface, particularly near loose soil or small openings around tree roots, locals said.

Villagers said each burrow can contain between six and 10 beetles, which are carefully dug out using traditional techniques passed down through generations.

The beetles are sold for about 1 baht each, while larger ones can fetch up to 2 baht.

Locals describe mang jeenoon as a high-protein seasonal delicacy that can only be found during the rainy season.

Before cooking, the insects are usually soaked in water overnight or cleaned to remove waste before being fried, roasted or added to spicy local dishes.

Popular recipes include chilli dips, bamboo shoot curry, herbal soups and fried beetles mixed with eggs, often served with steamed rice.

Villagers said the annual beetle hunt reflects a long-standing local tradition and provides valuable supplementary income during the rainy season.