The Crime Suppression Division conducted a raid and arrested a 62-year-old renowned spiritual master at his residence in Pa Sang District, Lampun Province on May 19, 2025, following a court warrant charging him with indecent assault and child exploitation. The arrest came after 2-3 teenage male victims filed complaints with police alleging the suspect, Nai Paisal, sexually assaulted them. Officers are conducting additional evidence searches at the residence before proceeding with detailed interrogation. Police launched an intensive investigation and gathered sufficient evidence to obtain an arrest warrant before executing the operation. Following the arrest, investigators are continuing to search the residence for additional evidence while the suspect remains in custody for further questioning.

A thoracic surgeon from Shanghai, China has become an internet sensation after reports emerged that he weighs 150 kilograms, prompting widespread online debate about physician credibility and professional image. The doctor in question is Xiang Rulong, a thoracic surgeon born in the 1980s who currently works at Yueyang Hospital, which integrates traditional Chinese medicine with Western medicine in Shanghai.

Local media reports indicate he stands 184 centimeters tall and has experienced continuous weight gain over the past decade, from approximately 110 kilograms when he started as a resident physician to his current weight of 150 kilograms. Xiang revealed that the weight gain primarily stems from stress and pressure from handling multiple surgical cases daily in the operating room, leaving him virtually no time to rest or properly manage his health.

He described the demanding work conditions, explaining that he sometimes stands for hours during surgeries, causing severe back and waist pain, and feels his body "takes up too much space in the operating room"—a reflection of the physical burden his increased weight creates. Despite his direct knowledge of health matters, Xiang admitted that applying this knowledge to himself is difficult due to his rushed lifestyle, forcing him to eat whatever he can find without any consistent long-term control plan.

Xiang joked that patients sometimes look at him thinking, "The doctor himself is overweight, so how can he give health advice?" He acknowledged his obesity is like a "bug from his profession" resulting from stress and hard work. Hospital deputy director Yao Zheng noted that doctors are ordinary people facing high pressure, with schedules packed from surgeries to patient examinations, leaving little time for exercise or self-care—a critical factor affecting long-term health.

Xiang revealed he aims to lose 50 kilograms within one year and is participating in a weight management program run by the hospital's endocrinology and weight management center, hoping to improve his health management. The 2024 report on nutrition and chronic diseases of the Chinese population, released by the Chinese National Health Commission, indicates approximately 51% of Chinese adults are overweight using a BMI index exceeding 24 as the benchmark.

Xiang's story continues circulating widely in Chinese online communities, becoming a focal point reflecting health problems affecting many working people. One netizen commented, "I understand him. I'm also overweight from hard work. When stressed, I eat more." Another joked, "Is this considered a work-related accident?"

The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA), through its Electronic Transactions Academic Service Center—a research hub providing consultation and AI & Digital Transformation skill development—has officially launched the FuEx: Future Readiness for Executive Networks program cohort 2. The program was inaugurated on May 15, 2026, at the Grand Ballroom of Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok. Building on the success of cohort 1, which established a strong network of senior executives in digital strategy and strategic foresight, the program aims to equip public and private sector leaders to tackle digital-era challenges and strengthen the nation's foundation for future readiness.

Cohort 2 has been designed to be more intensive and comprehensive under the concept of "The Perfect Executive of the Future," with the goal of tangibly improving the nation's competitive capabilities. This is particularly crucial given Thailand's digital strategy gap, as reflected in its ranking of 38th out of 67 economic zones in the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2025. Developing leaders with expertise in digital implementation and technology governance represents a strategic investment that directly contributes to elevating the country's competitive capabilities.

The inauguration ceremony was honored by Assoc. Prof. (Special) Dr. Polwarth Vithurklachit, Inspector-General of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, who delivered opening remarks. The event also featured remarks from Anna Pearson, Acting Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy Bangkok, as keynote speaker, and Himal Ojha, Global Cybercrime Programme Officer and Digital Forensics Expert at UNODC's Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific in Thailand, who lectured on the exploitation of artificial intelligence and automation in regional cybercrime and fraud. Professor Dr. Urs Gasser, Chair of the Foresight Working Group at the ITU Academic Advisory Board on Emerging Technologies and Chair of the ETDA International Policy Advisory Panel, also participated.

A panel discussion titled "How to Develop The Perfect Executive of the Future" featured distinguished speakers from both public and private sectors, including Nattachat Jintakanan, Country Director at Asia Group Advisors; Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Thamakorn Supathanrangsee, Vice President of Government Relations at Lazada Thailand; and Nuchnada Kunkhwamdi, Director of Business Knowledge Development at the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Dr. Chalittha Matthayamburi, Advisor and Director of the Electronic Transactions Academic Service Center at ETDA, emphasized the program's importance, stating: "The nation's challenge is not merely having modern technology, but having 'leaders who see the future'—those with agility, resilience, and adaptability who can develop integrated strategies together. This is the foundation for launching FuEx cohort 2."

TAKHLI — Thailand's top military commander flew aboard an F-16 fighter jet on Tuesday during a combat readiness inspection at Wing 4 in Nakhon Sawan province, as the Royal Thai Air Force reaffirmed its capability to defend the country and monitor border areas.

On May 19 at 09:00, Air Force Commander ACM Seksan Kanta welcomed Supreme Commander Gen. Songwit Noonpackdee to inspect the operational readiness of Wing 4 at Takhli air base. The visit included an F-16 performance demonstration and the presentation of a 403 Squadron F-16 patch to the Supreme Commander before the flight mission.

Gen. Songwit donned a full F-16 flight suit and participated in an aerial patrol alongside Wing Commander Chanon Sattayuk, commander of 403 Squadron. The approximately one-hour flight surveyed training areas and Thailand's western border region. Other senior Air Force officers participated in the operation, including Air Chief Marshal Rawin Thanomsingh, commander of the Air Operations Control Command, piloting another F-16, while Air Chief Marshal Anurak Romanarak, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, flew in a T-50TH trainer jet.

Before takeoff, Gen. Songwit addressed Wing 4 personnel, commending their dedication and sacrifice in protecting national sovereignty. He emphasized that the Air Force maintains robust operational capabilities and remains ready for missions in all circumstances, including coordinated operations with other military branches. ACM Seksan also thanked Wing 4 personnel for their service, calling Wing 4 "the real force protecting the country" and urging personnel to maintain professional standards across aviation, maintenance, and mission support operations.

The Supreme Commander operated under the call sign "UK Biker" during the mission and completed full aviation medical and safety screening before takeoff, including hearing and vision tests, cardiac monitoring, and hypobaric chamber training. The operation was part of ongoing combat readiness inspections and air exercises designed to strengthen Air Force capabilities and support national defense missions.

Industry Minister Verawut Silpaarch discussed proposals from government-private sector consultations held at the 'Entrepreneurs Speak, Government Listens' forum. During these discussions, CP Group Senior Chairman Thanin Chearavanont made an important observation that Thailand possesses 'surface oil'—agricultural resources—which are more valuable than underground oil. This aligns with the government's policy direction emphasizing agricultural industry development. On May 18, Verawut met with Deputy Prime Minister Supachai Suthammaphand and Commerce Minister to discuss preserving Thai fruit quality year-round and extracting high-value compounds for export, which he emphasized is crucial for Thailand's food security. The ministry is implementing comprehensive support measures for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), working with the Thai SME Development Bank to provide not only financial loans but also personnel development and knowledge transfer. The bank will implement a unified industrial policy using the ministry's resources to elevate SME operations.

Chinese, Pakistani nationals found packed in Sa Kaeo pickupLegacy

Sixteen Chinese and Pakistani nationals were arrested in Sa Kaeo today, May 19, after they were allegedly smuggled across the border from Poipet, Cambodia, and found packed inside a pickup truck with a Thai driver.

Military officers, district officials, and village security volunteers launched the operation after residents reported a suspicious vehicle circling in Non Mak Mun subdistrict, Khok Sung district, late at night. Officials intercepted the pickup near the border and found 16 foreigners inside, comprising 10 Chinese nationals and six Pakistani nationals. The Thai driver, 35 year old Surat Boonkrut, was also arrested. Initial questioning found the group had travelled to Poipet for work after being persuaded to take jobs linked to online businesses and restaurants. Photo via Khaosod They said they were not paid as agreed, while some claimed they were forced to work and controlled for more than six months before fleeing at night.

Officials said the group was allegedly moved in stages, first by vehicle from Poipet to an area near the border. Cambodian guides then led them through sugarcane fields and natural crossings into Ban Ang Sila, where a Thai broker was allegedly waiting to take them further into Thailand.

During the search, officials found multiple mobile phones, foreign SIM cards, and several passports. Some of the foreigners had no identification documents, leading officials to suspect links to a cross-border smuggling network and illegal labour activity along the border. Photo via Khaosod Surat reportedly confessed that he had been hired by a broker named Preeda to pick up the foreigners. He said he was paid 50 baht per person to take them to Aranyaprathet district, but was intercepted before reaching the destination. Khaosod reported that all suspects were taken to Khok Sung Police Station for legal action. Officials are expanding the investigation to track down the remaining brokers involved in the smuggling network. Similarly, last year, Thai border forces arrested a Chinese national linked to a call centre scam and found 1,000 mobile SIM cards near the Thai-Cambodian border. The equipment was reportedly being sent to an employer in Myawaddy. The story Chinese, Pakistani nationals found packed in Sa Kaeo pickup as seen on Thaiger News.