International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) rules are being scrutinized following Thailand's men's team withdrawal from the final match against Malaysia at the ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup 2026 held at Stadium Titiwangsa in Malaysia. The Thai team disputed referee Muhammad Radhi's officiating, citing multiple unfair calls, especially in the third set's final point when a Thai player was penalized for stepping over the centerline—a rule that should have an exception during the follow-through motion. According to ISTAF Rule 11.3.2, stepping over the centerline is indeed a foul, but with an exception stated as: "Any part of a player's body crossing into the opponent's court, whether above or below the net, constitutes a foul except during the follow-through motion after executing a spike." The rule clarifies that crossing the centerline is prohibited except during the natural continuation of a spike. However, during the disputed match, both teams stepped over the centerline multiple times, yet Singaporean referee Radhi appeared to enforce the rule only against Thailand, ultimately prompting the Thai team to withdraw from the competition.

At 3:00 PM on May 25, 2026, at Bang Kaew Police Station, Police Lieutenant Colonel Pisut Chanthasuwan, the station commander, and Deputy Inspector Charoen Haikhwansuk brought in 29-year-old Vasant (Morphine) and his 22-year-old driver friend for questioning about the shooting incident.

Vasant explained that he began arguing with Ms. Chalada (Noy) in April due to jealousy after dating for about a year. Two weeks before the incident, Tinnarath (First) allegedly climbed to Noy's house threatening violence. When Noy discovered First had impregnated another woman and threatened to kill household members, tensions escalated.

The conflict originated when Noy was arrested for carrying an electronic cigarette at Samut Prakan City Police Station and couldn't reach anyone, so she contacted Vasant for help. In April, when Vasant went on a trip, Noy texted him sarcastically about who goes on trips at this time. First then called Vasant saying "Why are you messing with my wife?" leading to an argument. First later arranged to meet Vasant at Rama 4 near Bang Na to settle the dispute over Noy.

Vasant claimed he saw First carrying a shotgun, so he fired 3-4 shots in self-defense, immediately throwing the gun (his deceased brother's) into the river. He maintained his relationship with First had always been good, even storing items for him after his prison release.

Noy disappeared after the shooting. Vasant said he told her not to do this with anyone else again, claiming he loved her and would do anything, including caring for her nails and helping her make a living. He loved that she was hardworking, though she had the habit of talking to both him and First constantly. On the incident day, he only learned Noy had returned to loving First.

Vasant's sister, Miao, stated that on the incident day, she learned First had challenged her brother to a fight. She drove past the injured man several times and noticed a weapon at his waist. She spoke to First, urging calm and suggesting they fight man-to-man without weapons, noting that fighting over one woman wouldn't resolve anything in the future.

TOKYO (AP) — More than 20 people developed sore throats near a luxury department store in Tokyo's posh Ginza shopping area on Monday after a person allegedly sprayed an unknown substance, Japanese fire department officials said.

The Tokyo Fire Department said 26 people complained of suddenly developing throat pain and felt unwell near the Ginza Six shopping complex, and all but one of them were taken to a hospital. Their symptoms were believed to be mild, officials said.

Tokyo police examine the scene after a person allegedly sprayed a substance that caused an odor, in Tokyo, Japan, Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Fire department and police officials said an investigation was underway. The largest-circulation Yomiuri newspaper said police have detected traces of pepper spray on the wall.

Dozens of fire engines and ambulances were parked outside the complex, and the surrounding roads were temporarily closed. Television footage showed firefighters and officials in hazmat suits assisting people, with some being brought out of the building.

Yuzo Tsuda, a 78-year-old Tokyo resident, told The Associated Press that he walked toward the shopping complex after having lunch with friends, drawn by the commotion, when he suddenly felt pain in his throat and started coughing. He said the ache in his throat subsided about an hour later and he did not plan to go to the hospital.

The Pathum Thani Provincial Esports Association organized the fourth annual ROV Rangsit Esports Challenge tournament, which continues to attract enthusiastic participation from local youth and gamers competing for championship titles. The tournament also helps stimulate the economy and tourism in Pathum Thani Province.

The competition took place at the Zpotlight plaza on the ground floor of Future Park and Spell shopping centers, with Dr. Triloet Thupkrachuang, mayor of Rangsit, serving as the official ceremony chairman. Other officials in attendance included Col. Dr. Apitchot Saokarn, president of the Pathum Thani Provincial Esports Association, along with several other municipal officials and administrators.

The event is organized jointly by the Pathum Thani Provincial Esports Association, Rangsit Municipality, Future Park, and Spell shopping centers. Now in its fourth consecutive year, the tournament provides a platform for youth and esports enthusiasts to showcase their skills and make productive use of their free time. Mayor Dr. Triloet Thupkrachuang stated that the continued success of the event motivated organizers to run it for another year. The tournament aims to help children and youth stay away from drugs while developing their esports abilities at a competitive level, thereby boosting the local economy and tourism across Pathum Thani.

The competition featured two categories: the ROV Rangsit Esports Challenge with 50,000 baht in total prize money, and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) with 10,000 baht in prize money. The esports association required that at least two team members must be studying, residing, or working in Pathum Thani Province.

In the ROV Rangsit Esports Challenge results, Team Rockstar Dream claimed the championship and 25,000 baht plus a gold medal. First runner-up Team Aether received 15,000 baht and a silver medal, while second runner-up Team Yorn Esports took home 10,000 baht and a bronze medal.

For the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang finals with 10,000 baht in prizes, Team Aogiri (AG) won the championship and earned 7,000 baht, while first runner-up Team Tenacity Academy received 3,000 baht.

May 25, 2025 – Nongchai Kunpleum, Mayor of Saansook Municipality, addressed the controversy involving South Korean YouTubers Jong and Caelan, who were charged 400 baht for two tent rentals at Bang Saen Beach. Although the money was eventually returned, the mayor expressed his regret as a fan of both content creators and apologized to them and their followers.

The mayor explained that the incident stemmed from unclear communication and misunderstanding. The tent rental area adjacent to Bang Saen Beach operates under an agreement with the municipality that has been in place for years. Operators are permitted to rent chairs and can only sell papaya salad and beverages; other food must be purchased from nearby shops.

The issue arose because the beachfront zone contains eight canopy beds total. When two people occupy one tent, the remaining six cannot be sold to others, creating a loss for the operator. The operator failed to clearly communicate that the beachfront area operates on a full-tent rental basis with negotiable pricing, leading to the misunderstanding when 400 baht was charged for just two people.

According to the mayor, Jong and Caelan had no issues with payment, but the incident gained traction on social media, causing damage. Non-beachfront tents cost 50 baht each, while beachfront tents require full-canopy rental charges.

Following the incident, Saansook Municipality will implement improved communication measures for tourists. The municipality has instructed operators to: 1. Clearly display pricing menus for all products and services 2. Confirm agreement on service charges before providing service 3. Strictly comply with regulations and operational terms

Tourists who prefer not to rent tents can use shade-only areas without tent rentals, with eight shaded spots available along the beach, or visit on Tuesdays when the beach is clear of rentals.

On May 25, 2025 at Government House, Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, Prime Minister's advisor, revealed details of discussions with Malaysian Ambassador Dato' Wan Saidi Wan Abdullah and delegation who visited to exchange congratulations following both officials taking new positions. The talks focused on the strong relationship between the two nations, with Malaysian tourists now ranking as Thailand's top visitor source, surpassing China. Wan Muhammad Noor stated that as advisor overseeing southern border province development, he believes strong bilateral relations will significantly enhance development in all aspects, including peace-building discussions where Malaysia facilitates negotiations between the government and dissenting parties. He noted that with cooperation, peace talks should progress smoothly. The peace negotiations should become clearer after a two-year hiatus, with technical preparations already underway and further discussions planned for early June before formal dialogue sessions. Wan Muhammad Noor indicated these formal talks, led by National Intelligence Agency Director Thanathorn Suwannannon as head of the southern border peace dialogue team, are expected to occur in late June at Malaysia. Regarding Malaysia's assessment of the new dialogue team leader, Wannor stated the Malaysian ambassador believes this appointment will bring greater negotiation progress, noting Thanathorn likely has prior contact with Malaysian officials. When asked about Malaysia's view of the current government, Wannor explained the new team will continue previous discussions, with expected progress given changing circumstances and personnel on both sides. Wannor further stated that PM Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister want the talks concluded and peace achieved during this administration after nearly 20 years of conflict resulting in significant loss of life and resources. Wannor also revealed that Malaysia's agriculture minister will visit him privately to discuss joint agricultural development, as Thailand excels in fruits, vegetables, fertilizers, beef, and chicken production. He added that Malaysia serves as a major market for Thailand, with plans to bring food and agricultural businessmen and relevant ministers for future consultations.