The Thai Disabled Sports Association under Royal Patronage, which oversees the Thai Ice Hockey and Wheelchair Curling Association for the Disabled, has signed a major Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Incheon Ice Hockey Association for the Disabled from South Korea. The signing ceremony was attended by Maitri Kongruang, President of the Thai Disabled Sports Association under Royal Patronage, along with Choi Lee Sun, Secretary-General of the Incheon Disabled Sports Association, Vashin Leesagul, President of the Thai Ice Hockey and Wheelchair Curling Association for the Disabled, and Joe Won Ho, Coach of the Incheon Disabled Ice Hockey Association. Athletes, personnel, and officials from both nations witnessed the historic agreement at the Thai Disabled Sports Association headquarters.

This collaboration marks a major milestone for Thai and South Korean disabled sports, designed to promote sustainable development of para ice hockey across all levels, enhance athlete potential, and elevate technical expertise among athletes, coaches, and officials. The partnership will include exchanges of playing techniques, training plans, and competition strategies. South Korea stands as one of the world's leading nations in Paralympic winter sports, making this cooperation an invaluable opportunity for Thai athletes to gain international experience and prepare for global competitions. The partnership also strengthens cultural ties and friendship between the two nations through sports.

Maitri Kongruang, President of the Thai Disabled Sports Association, stated that ice hockey and wheelchair curling for the disabled represent one of 27 sports managed by the association over the past 4-5 years. He acknowledged that these sports have not received substantial support previously, and Thai athletes' international performance has fallen short of expectations. However, with current backing from multiple sectors including South Korean sports associations, Kongruang expressed confidence that Thai ice hockey will develop continuously and achieve international success, particularly targeting qualification for the Winter Paralympic Games. Beyond athletic excellence, the association prioritizes athlete welfare and career development, ensuring financial stability for athletes and personnel.

Following the signing, Thai and South Korean athletes, officials, and coaches visited the Sports Science Training Center at the Thailand National Sports University in Huamark, touring upgraded fitness facilities with modern technology, physical fitness testing centers, sports medicine clinics, medical technology units, and performance enhancement facilities. They also reviewed Thailand's internationally-standardized sports science knowledge and management systems.

Additionally, a two-day friendly para ice hockey match titled "Friendly Match Para Ice Hockey 2026" was held between Thailand's national team and Incheon team on May 19 and 21, 2026 at the Thailand International Ice Hockey Arena.

An ambulance from Nam Phad Hospital in Uttaradit Province met with a fatal accident on May 22 when it skidded off the road while responding to an emergency call. The vehicle was en route to assist an accident victim during heavy rainfall in the Pang Kluea area of Nam Phad district, about one kilometer before reaching the scene. Ms. Nattanichaa, an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician at the hospital, sustained severe injuries in the crash and subsequently died. The hospital's Facebook page has since posted a tribute expressing condolences, asking that their colleague 'Khun June' find peace.

Russian tour guide arrested for working without licenceLegacyTourist police in Phang Nga arrested a Russian national yesterday, May 21, for working illegally as a tour guide while accompanying a group of foreign tourists. The suspect, whose identity has not been released, was arrested at the car park of the Phang Nga Wildlife Breeding Station after officials earlier observed him guiding tourists at Suwan Kuha Temple. According to authorities, temple staff noticed the Russian man providing information and assistance to foreign visitors while escorting them around the site. Officials later alerted tourist police, who intercepted the tour group at the wildlife breeding station. Police said the suspect was travelling in a van with 10 foreign tourists. During searches of the suspect and the vehicle, officers reportedly found documents related to tour guide duties in his possession. Photo via Facebook/ Phuketandamannews Investigators later confirmed the Russian national was working for a legally registered travel agency. However, authorities said he did not possess either a valid work permit or a licensed tour guide certificate. The Department of Tourism stated the suspect was charged under Sections 49 and 86 of the Tourism Business and Tour Guide Act for working as a tour guide without authorisation. The offence carries penalties of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both. The Russian national also faces charges related to working without a permit and working in an occupation reserved for Thai nationals. Authorities added that the travel agency involved may face fines of up to 500,000 baht for allowing tourists to travel without a licensed Thai tour guide. Photo via Facebook/ Phuketandamannews In a similar case earlier this month, police in Phuket arrested another Russian national accused of illegally leading fishing tours for foreign tourists. Investigators said he admitted promoting and operating the tours through the Telegram application without authorisation. In January, another Russian tour guide was arrested at a pier in Phuket while escorting tourists onto a boat. Police said he later admitted working illegally and mainly serving Russian visitors. Photo via Facebook/ Phuketandamannews The story Russian tour guide arrested for working without licence as seen on Thaiger News.

Álvaro Albéroa, interim coach of Real Madrid, has confirmed he will manage this weekend's match as his final game in charge before José Mourinho takes over for the second round. The former Real Madrid and Liverpool player replaced Xabi Alonso, who departed after just eight months with the club. At a pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday's clash with Athletic Bilbao, Albéroa said: "I will leave Real Madrid with deep gratitude because the players have made me a better person and brought me happiness every single day." "I hope to return here someday, but I likely won't be part of the next coach's staff—that won't be possible. I can only say farewell and see you again," he added. "Mourinho already has an excellent coaching staff and talented people around him, and when he arrives, he'll bring his own team, which is how it should be. There's no possibility I'll work alongside him," Albéroa concluded.

Caltex is expanding energy alternatives by offering Caltex B20 diesel fuel to ease operating costs for transport operators and truck companies. Sananya Sai-ong, manager of fuel retail and card business for Star Fuels Marketing Company Limited under SPRC—the exclusive operator of Caltex fuel in Thailand—said the company is helping operators manage costs better through access to quality B20 diesel covering major transport routes. Promoting B20 diesel also supports Thailand's agricultural sector and reduces reliance on imported energy. The company is ready to cooperate with all sectors to support this approach and strengthen long-term national energy security, especially as energy costs continue to impact living expenses and business operations, particularly in transport. Caltex currently operates 15 service stations offering B20 diesel in key transport and logistics areas covering Samut Sakhon, Samut Songkhram, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chonburi, Rayong, Samut Prakan, and Ayutthaya provinces, with plans to expand to 100 locations within 2-3 months to meet growing demand for alternative fuels.