The Chinese Embassy in Bangkok released a statement on May 19, 2025, urging the Thai government to accelerate its investigation into four police officers accused of extorting ransom money and unlawfully detaining Chinese nationals in Sa Kaeo Province. The embassy's spokesperson emphasized that the matter has received the highest priority, with the embassy immediately contacting relevant Thai authorities for case details and demanding that an investigation be conducted legally, fairly, and transparently with swift action to identify facts and bring all wrongdoers to justice. China strongly hopes Thailand will strengthen law enforcement oversight and domestic security to better protect the lives, property, and legitimate rights of Chinese citizens in Thailand, while maintaining a favorable environment for people-to-people exchanges and China-Thailand cooperation. The Chinese Embassy has also issued a warning to Chinese citizens residing in or planning to travel to Thailand to strictly comply with Thai laws and regulations, heighten security awareness, report emergencies to police promptly, and contact the embassy or consulate general for assistance when needed.

Thailand's men's sepaktakraw singles team secured a hard-fought 2-1 set victory over Myanmar to successfully reclaim the world championship at the ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup 2026 held at Titiwangsa Stadium in Malaysia on May 19. The team had previously advanced past Malaysia in the semifinals. The Thai squad featured three main players—Pornthep Thin Bangbon (server), Jatupol Siri-art, and Mruekint Phan Mokorn—with reserves Kritsanaphong Nonthakoht and Thanapol Sap-yen on the bench. Thailand dominated the opening set with an impressive 15-8 victory to take a 1-0 set lead, but Myanmar rallied in the second set to claim a narrow 15-13 win and level the match at 1-1. The decisive third set saw Thailand secure an emphatic 15-7 victory to clinch the world title, bouncing back after losing this championship to Malaysia two years prior. Thailand still has another team event to compete in, with the men's team division still pending.

A grieving family lit incense and invited a monk to perform a spirit-calling ceremony for Thanatphipat Khiaovijit, known as 'Nong Khanu,' a 22-year-old victim of a train-bus collision, then transported the body for merit-making at Wat Khlong Neung temple in Thanyaburi district, Pathum Thani province. At 6:45 PM on May 19, 2026, near the Soi Asok and Kamphaengphet 7 railway intersection close to the Airport Rail Link Makkasan station—where the train-bus collision occurred—the victim's father Santi Khiaovijit, 48, accompanied by his wife and other family members, received the deceased's body from the Police Hospital's forensic institute. They then invited a Buddhist monk to perform the spirit-calling ritual at the accident site before returning the body to Wat Khlong Neung temple for merit-making ceremonies. As the monk performed the ritual, placing ritual objects on white cloth to invoke the spirit, family members lit incense amid a somber atmosphere.

The Faculty of Economics at Kasetsart University, through its Center of Applied Economic Research, is reinforcing its leadership role in research impact assessment by launching a practical training workshop titled 'Evaluating Outcomes and Impacts of Research and Development.' This program aims to strengthen the capacity of researchers, personnel, and organizations from both government and private sectors to systematically design, monitor, and evaluate the 'true value' of research activities in a concrete manner.

The curriculum has been developed based on real-world experience from an expert team with over 20 years of impact assessment expertise, covering economic, social, environmental, and public policy evaluations. Faculty members and researchers from Kasetsart University form a strong team to evaluate research outcomes and impacts.

The curriculum emphasizes practical application of concepts including SROI (Social Return on Investment), impact pathway design, research and development outcomes analysis, and social and environmental impact assessment—critical issues in an era when organizations must clearly demonstrate their value and social responsibility.

A key highlight of the program is its interdisciplinary knowledge integration through experts experienced in evaluating projects across multiple dimensions: agriculture and food, herbal medicine, grassroots economy, community and urban development, medical science, tourism, AI and computer innovation, future industry, natural resources and environment, as well as creative economy and BCG Economy.

Participants will learn through real case studies and receive practical tools and templates applicable for project proposals, research design, and organizational performance evaluation. This enhances competitive capabilities and builds credibility for organizations at national and international levels.

The program suits researchers, academics, government and private sector personnel, fund administrators, organizational development practitioners, and those interested in measuring social and environmental impact in the era of sustainable development.

Two training sessions are offered: June 15, 2026 and August 10, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM in room EC5205, Faculty of Economics, Kasetsart University. Limited to 35 participants per session to ensure effective practical learning. Participants will receive a certificate from the Faculty of Economics upon completion.

Interested individuals can register now via QR code on promotional materials or inquire further through Facebook: econku.rdime

The King has posthumously bestowed a royal decoration on Sasiphat Sinsamosorn, the former director of Phatong Prathan Khiriwat School in Songkhla province, in recognition of her sacrifice in protecting teachers and students during a hostage incident earlier this year.

According to a Royal Gazette announcement published on 19 May, Sasiphat was awarded the Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand.

The announcement stated that while carrying out her duties, Sasiphat knowingly placed herself in danger to protect and assist teachers and students under her care. She reportedly volunteered to become a hostage in place of teachers and students during an armed attack at the school.

She was severely wounded after being shot by the assailant and later died from her injuries.

The incident took place at Phatong Prathan Khiriwat School in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, on 11 February 2026, when an attacker took teachers and students hostage inside the school.

The royal decoration was granted with effect from 12 May 2026, according to the announcement.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has explained his reasoning for calling up veteran attacker Neymar from Santos as part of the Seleção's 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Neymar returns to the national team after a lengthy absence from the Brazil squad, following Ancelotti's announcement of the 26 players selected for World Cup 2026. The forward had barely featured for Brazil in recent times.

Ancelotti recently addressed why he chose to include Neymar in this squad: "We have been evaluating Neymar throughout the season. He has shown considerable development recently, and his physical condition has also improved. He is an important player, and he will be important in the World Cup."

"Neymar will have the same responsibilities as the other 25 players. He may get playing time or not, sit on the bench or come on as a substitute. He has the same responsibilities as everyone else. He is a player with experience in many areas—both scoring and attacking. We prioritize experience above all."

"We want to be a strong team so we can try to win the World Cup. I'm not afraid to say that we can win it. There are high expectations, and that gives us motivation. It's important for our preparation."

Brazil will compete in Group C of the 2026 World Cup alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland.