On May 21, 2025, Surapong Inthathevaras, Secretary of the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), accompanied by Vivat Charoemcham, Deputy Secretary of the NACC Region 1, and government agency representatives from Lopburi Province, conducted a field inspection and provided guidance on preventive measures regarding government procurement. The case involves a project to install stainless steel outdoor exercise equipment in three locations under the Lopburi Provincial Administration: in the areas of Tha Sala Subdistrict Municipality, Phi Kao Ton Subdistrict Administration Organization, and Ngiw Rai Subdistrict Administration Organization. The NACC Secretary inquired into the project's origins, budget allocation, and value for money of the budget expenditure.

Suprapong revealed that while no complaints have been filed with the NACC regarding this stainless steel exercise equipment procurement, the NACC has implemented proactive anti-corruption measures and budget spending surveillance. All areas with relatively high budget expenditures will be monitored. When the NACC Lopburi office discovered this outdoor exercise equipment procurement project with a budget of over 300 million baht involving 11 separate purchases since fiscal year 2564, they raised questions about the cost-effectiveness, procurement processes, and potential legal violations.

The field inspection in Lopburi is part of proactive surveillance of high-budget expenditures, conducted in coordination with the Budget Bureau and the Comptroller General's Department nationwide. Both completed and future projects will be reviewed. In Lopburi's case, expenditures from fiscal year 2568 are being examined to assess value for money. Preliminary inquiries have been made with responsible officials, and various issues will be analyzed to propose appropriate measures.

The evaluation criteria for cost-effectiveness will involve both the Comptroller General's Department, which examines procurement standards, and the NACC, which reviews potential price collusion or overpricing. Cost-effectiveness will incorporate procurement laws and regulations on fraudulent pricing practices, which fall under NACC authority. Some matters may not violate laws but could still raise propriety questions.

When asked about equipment prices of 200,000-300,000 baht per unit but with only approximately 20 annual users, the NACC Secretary stated this requires further analysis, which his office has already considered. The NACC Prevention and Investigation teams will determine what measures to take, potentially triggering budget expenditure review procedures, though no complaints have been received to date.

Regarding 11 purchases with 9 from the same company, Surapong noted this represents a company repeatedly winning bids—another point requiring NACC consideration. If no laws are violated, the NACC may escalate recommendations to the Cabinet or relevant government agencies for regulatory compliance guidance. He emphasized that proactive measures encourage government approving authorities to exercise greater caution.

EXIM Bank's Managing Director Chalach Rattanabunnidi announced that the bank has set a target to disburse 700 billion baht in new credit during 2025, with 1.8-1.9 billion baht already distributed in the first four months (January-April)—representing 100 percent growth compared to the same period last year. The bank also aims to attract more than 3,000 new credit and insurance customers to complement its existing customer base of 6,000. Currently, EXIM Bank maintains outstanding credit of approximately 1.8 trillion baht, up 2 percent year-over-year, with non-performing loans at around 4 percent of total outstanding credit.

Rattanabunnidi noted that Thai exporters—EXIM Bank's primary clients—still rely heavily on traditional markets such as China, the United States, and the European Union, but increasing regulations have encouraged exploration of new frontiers. However, progress has been hampered by instability in the Middle East. EXIM Bank projects Thai exports will expand by approximately 7 percent this year and GDP by 2 percent, driven by strong foreign demand for electronics linked to AI trends, food security concerns, continued investment momentum, and the government's 400 billion baht stimulus loan decree.

Looking ahead to quarters two through four, the bank is monitoring potential challenges including potential impacts from U.S. presidential visits to China for trade negotiations, de-dollarization efforts, and U.S. mid-term elections. Rattanabunnidi emphasized that Thai exporters face three major challenges: (1) High costs stemming from raw materials, logistics, labor, financial expenses, and increased risk management costs; (2) High compliance burdens from international standards, environmental regulations, data protection laws, and stricter accounting standards; and (3) Intense competition from low-cost Chinese products, rapidly changing technology, and shifting consumer behavior.

Thai businesses must quickly adapt to complex uncertainties including severe conflicts and prolonged wars affecting energy and food security, potential U.S. trade barriers reaching up to 15 percent, commodity and global financial market volatility, currency fluctuations, and extreme weather impacts. EXIM Bank pledges to support clients through the government's 5T policy framework: Target (providing SME relief), Transition (promoting green loans), Transform (diversifying markets), Transparency (ensuring global standard compliance), and Together (fostering collaboration).

At 3:15 PM on May 21, 2025, at the Santitipratip Building in the Government House, Prime Minister Anupong Paojinda and the Interior Minister received a briefing on security operations in line with government policy. The PM concluded the meeting by addressing issues including nominee problems (which he equated with money laundering) and drug-related challenges, emphasizing that Thai civil servants can accomplish anything for the Thai people as long as it is lawful and procedurally correct.

Regarding efforts to scrutinize influential figures, the PM expressed a different perspective, arguing that not all influential people are inherently negative—some can positively persuade others and provide support. He distinguished between simply influential people and actual criminals and gangsters, urging officials to enforce the law rigorously rather than use hasty or careless methods.

When discussing northern region forest encroachment issues to be forwarded to Natural Resources Minister Suchath Chomklin, the PM remarked with humor: "We don't know him that poorly. I know him well enough. He's capable, somewhat of a roughneck, and occasionally misspeak—but he's already apologized to the relevant parties."

The PM stressed the importance of strictly enforcing laws against local mafia organizations and emphasized that in his administration, he personally oversees security agencies without delegating to any single minister. He highlighted the necessity of direct communication, mutual trust, and cooperation among security forces to prevent criminals from finding safe haven.

The PM also underscored the importance of information sharing, calling it "Information is Power," and urged the creation of a centralized database platform linking patient information. He concluded by expressing confidence that these efforts would meet public expectations and benefit the Thai people.

On May 21, 2025, at the Royal Thai Police headquarters, Police Lieutenant General Trairongpipat Piwpranom, national police spokesman, alongside senior officials announced progress in dismantling a transnational criminal organization linked to Sun Mingchen, a key suspect.

Lieutenant General Trairongpipat revealed that police have escalated the investigation and divided charges into seven major criminal categories covering weapons possession, explosives, and money laundering through digital currency transactions, with estimated damages exceeding 815 million baht.

Group 1 involves weapons and explosives charges against two foreign nationals: Sun Mingchen and a close female associate.

Group 2 involves long M4 rifle cases with five people arrested for providing weapons, including two government officials and three civilians.

Group 3 concerns Glock 26 pistol cases with five suspects charged and six others under investigation. These pistols were originally registered legally but illegally resold.

Group 4 involves C4 explosive cases with four people under investigation, including criminal organization members and transporters. Initial findings indicate the explosives originated from Korea, Russia, and Myanmar.

Group 5 covers identification cards for non-Thai nationals (pink cards), investigating officials who facilitated document preparation for Sun Mingchen, though direct links to transnational crime haven't yet been established.

Group 6 involves transnational criminal network charges related to weapons, human trafficking, and customs violations, with evidence suggesting planned weapon exports abroad.

Group 7 concerns financial transactions and digital activities, revealing five main accounts belonging to Sun Mingchen connected to 648 other accounts linked to 4,143 technology crime cases worth over 815 million baht in damages.

Forensic analysis from the Evidence Examination Center shows that two seized M4 rifles had no serial numbers and no evidence of government markings, confirming they were not stolen or issued military weapons. Instead, they were modified assemblies created from parts of multiple rifles, including M16A1 barrels altered to resemble M4 Commando rifles. Investigation revealed these components were illegally obtained from black market sources and internet networks.

RAYONG — 21 May 2026, Immigration authorities have raided a Chinese-operated health spa in Rayong province after undercover officers exposed an illicit prostitution services targeting foreign nationals behind the facade of a traditional massage business.

On Thursday, Pol. Col. Parinya Klinkesorn, Spokesperson of Immigration Division 3, revealed that following directives from national police chief Pol. Gen. Kitrat Phanphet to prevent and suppress transnational crime, illegal immigration, and the use of Thailand as a hub or transit point for illicit activities. The operation also targeted unauthorized foreign workers and nominee businesses operating unlawfully across the country.

Under the coordination of Pol. Maj. Gen. Songprod Sirisukha, Commander of Immigration Division 3, and his deputy Pol. Col. Chinawut Tangwonglert, a specialized task force led by Pol. Col. Suriya Phuangsombat raided the health spa in Moo 4, Mab Yang Phon Sub-district, Pluak Daeng District, Rayong Province.

Following confidential informant tips that the establishment was offering illicit prostitution services exclusively to Chinese clients, undercover officers coordinated by Pol. Lt. Col. Pitipat Srithana-aphinan and Pol. Lt. Col. Jaturachok Phetkong conducted a sting operation. Upon entry, spa staff offered a body-to-body massage package including sexual services priced at 4,500 Baht for 50 minutes.

After an undercover officer was escorted to an upper service room where two Vietnamese women were preparing to provide the service, backup teams stormed the premises. The two-booth commercial building contained more than 10 individual service rooms on the second and third floors equipped with beds and service equipment. Officers seized condoms and lubricants as evidence.

Authorities arrested eight foreign suspects: two Chinese, four Myanmar, and two Vietnamese, facing charges under the Prostitution Prevention and Suppression Act and the Royal Decree on Managing the Work of Aliens. All female staff members were processed through the National Referral Mechanism to assess potential trafficking victims, though final assessments confirmed none met the criteria for human trafficking classification.

3 Thai men arrested in Ecuador with 12 rare Galápagos iguanasLegacyThree Thai nationals were arrested at an airport in Ecuador for wildlife smuggling after 12 rare marine iguanas were discovered hidden in their luggage. Ecuador’s Ministry of Environment and Energy said the animals were found during baggage inspections at José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport in Guayaquil on Tuesday, May 19. Officials said specially trained K9 dogs used for wildlife smuggling detection alerted officers to the bags. The luggage belonged to three Thai nationals who were preparing to board a flight to another country in Asia. Authorities did not disclose the intended destination. Police reported that 12 marine iguanas were found concealed inside the bags. One of the reptiles had already died, while the remaining 11 were exhausted and injured after their legs were tightly bound during the transport. Photo via Facebook/ Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía de Ecuador The animals were identified as Galápagos marine iguanas, a protected species native only to the Galápagos Islands. The reptiles are the only iguana species in the world capable of diving underwater to search for food. They can remain underwater for up to an hour. Authorities did not release the identities of the Thai suspects. Ecuadorian officials confirmed the three remain in custody pending court proceedings. The suspects were charged with offences related to trafficking protected and endangered wildlife, which carry penalties of up to three years in prison under Ecuadorian law. Photo via Facebook/ Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía de Ecuador Officials are continuing investigations into the smuggling network, including how the reptiles were transported from the Galápagos Islands and how the suspects allegedly bypassed security measures before reaching the airport. In a similar case reported in February, a Thai national was arrested at Suvarnabhumi International Airport after smuggling a live Bengal monitor lizard and an opossum into Thailand from Manila in the Philippines. The animals were later transferred to the Wildlife Conservation Office for care. Authorities did not disclose whether the animals had been injured. In the same month, an Indian national was arrested at Suvarnabhumi Airport after he attempted to smuggle 15 living animals out of the country, including a langur, a gibbon, and 13 turtles. Photo via Facebook/ Ministerio de Ambiente y Energía de Ecuador The story 3 Thai men arrested in Ecuador with 12 rare Galápagos iguanas as seen on Thaiger News.