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London Influencer Spends Nearly 20,000 Baht on Luxury Fruit Basket in Tokyo, Shocked to Find Only 12 Pieces

A London influencer spent nearly 20,000 baht on a luxury fruit basket at Tokyo's premium Ginza Sembikiya store, finding just 12 individually packaged pieces inside. The unboxing video went viral on TikTok with over 1.2 million views, though

3d ago Khaosod

An influencer spent nearly 20,000 baht on a luxury fruit basket in Tokyo and shocked social media by opening it to find only 12 pieces. Comments flooded in saying "even supermarket shopping is cheaper." Tomatoes at 1,500 baht each, blueberries rated 9.5 out of 10, and pineapple that the reviewer claimed wasn't sour at all were among the items that nearly 19,000 baht could buy from a premium fruit shop in Tokyo. All of this took place at "Ginza Sembikiya," Japan's famous premium confectionery and fruit store known for curating high-quality fruit and exquisite packaging. Carmie Sellitto, a 26-year-old London-based influencer, traveled to the shop and filmed from the selection process through unboxing and reviewing the fruit. The video has now surpassed 1.2 million views on TikTok. In the video, he purchased a premium fruit basket including tomatoes priced at approximately 1,500 baht, with staff carefully arranging and wrapping items as if they were precious commodities rather than ordinary food. When he opened the box, he described feeling like he was "opening a Christmas present" because all 12 fruits were beautifully arranged, each sitting individually in luxurious cushioned compartments like private beds for each piece of fruit. He then proceeded to review each piece one by one, starting with large passion fruit, blueberries he called "the most expensive in the world," and oranges and mangoes that he deemed the most perfect fruits. Kiwi received a perfect 10-out-of-10 rating with no deductions, while melon was praised as "worth every baht." However, pineapple drew the observation that it "wasn't sour at all." Despite overall impressions being positive, online comments were largely skeptical, with many pointing out that this price could buy far cheaper fruit from supermarkets.

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Police

Horrifying footage: Dashcam captures train collision with bus before fire engulfs vehicles; 10 injured, 6 dead

A freight train collided with a public bus on railway tracks in Bangkok on May 16, killing 6 people and injuring 10 others. Dashcam footage shows the bus and motorcycles stopped on the tracks before the train struck them, triggering a massi

3d ago Khaosod

Emergency responders were dispatched at 3:40 p.m. on May 16 after reports of a public bus fire near Makkasan Airport Rail Link Station on Asoke-Din Daeng Road, Ratchathewi District, Bangkok. Initial investigation revealed a freight train collided with a public bus and motorcycles, triggering a fire. Approximately 10 people were injured in the incident.

By 3:59 p.m., authorities reported 6 fatalities inside the public bus, with further details still being investigated. Dashcam footage captured the tragic moment, showing multiple vehicles stopped and straddling the railway tracks when the freight train carrying containers approached. The train struck the bus and several other vehicles, causing a massive fire to break out.

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Police

Bangkok Mass Transit Authority Director Reveals Bus Stalled on Railway Tracks Due to Traffic Congestion Before Being Hit by Train; Compensation Up to 1.5 Million Baht Expedited

A Bangkok bus stalled on railway tracks due to heavy traffic was struck by a train on May 16, killing eight passengers; the BMTA will provide expedited compensation of up to 1.5 million baht per victim's family.

3d ago Khaosod

On May 16, 2025, Kittikaan Jomduang Charuwornpalkul, director of the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), revealed the cause of the train-bus collision: a bus became stalled across railway tracks at a red light due to extended traffic congestion stretching for considerable distance. This unavoidable situation prevented the bus from moving as the train approached and struck it, causing a severe accident. Eight bus passengers have been killed and approximately 15 injured, while civilian vehicles parked in the area also sustained damage. The BMTA will expedite compensation for the deceased, with insurance and accident coverage already in place. Each victim's family will receive maximum compensation of 1.5 million baht, with the BMTA providing an additional 30,000-50,000 baht per family. Injured passengers will receive coverage based on actual medical expenses incurred.

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National

PM Vows Firm Anti-Corruption Stance, Warns Those Exposing Bribery Must Be Ready for Countersuit

Prime Minister Anuthine Charnvirakul vowed the government is taking firm anti-corruption action through prosecutions across multiple agencies, warning that those making bribery accusations should expect potential countersuits from defendant

3d ago Khaosod

Prime Minister Anuthine Charnvirakul emphasized the government's firm and uncompromising stance on anti-corruption, declaring it is not merely lip service. Since taking office in October, the administration has consistently prosecuted corruption cases and applied anti-corruption laws rigorously, addressing scams, drug trafficking, illegal gambling, and human trafficking. The PM stressed that the government works seamlessly with enforcement agencies—police, military, and officials—united in purpose to combat illegal activities. Regarding a private sector committee's list of ten government agencies most susceptible to bribery, Anuthine clarified that such indices come from surveys rather than legal proceedings. The government's approach focuses on concrete law enforcement; for example, the land rights case in Chiang Mai expanded beyond dismissing a single district officer to prosecuting an entire corrupt network involving influential figures. Similarly, in Nakhon Pathom, a village headman was removed from office. The PM emphasized the government uses behavior-based prosecution rather than position-based enforcement, targeting anyone with illegal conduct regardless of rank. Corruption sources in Phuket, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Surat Thani have been prosecuted after officials were found accepting bribes, land transfers, and salary kickbacks. When asked about potential countersuits from agencies ranked in the survey, Anuthine responded that if accusations are made, defendants have the right to sue back, which he considers fair. He acknowledged that corruption perception indices partly stem from feeling-based surveys, not prosecutable evidence. The PM framed anti-corruption as the government's karmic responsibility to cleanse past sins without compounding them. He stressed the government is serious and not making empty promises, citing strict inspections and support for officials combating corruption and illegal acts, with the goal of complete elimination.

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Police

Tragic End: Two Deaths After Ex-Husband Shoots Former Wife, Community Leader, Then Takes Own Life

A 58-year-old community health volunteer was shot dead in her Satun rental home by her estranged ex-husband, who later took his own life as police closed in on him near the scene.

3d ago Khaosod

On May 16, 2025, Quan Kalong Police Station in Satun received a report of a shooting at a rental house in Tung Noi subdistrict. Officers arrived to find a 58-year-old woman, who served as the local community health volunteer leader and female committee chair, shot three times in the chest inside the home. The suspect was her 60-year-old ex-husband. After fleeing to a house about 1 kilometer away, police pursued and surrounded him but found he had already died from a gunshot wound to the head. A 9mm pistol was recovered at the scene, along with a handwritten note stating 'If I can't have it, no one else can either.'

According to the village headman, the couple had divorced but remained in contact because they had two children together. The man worked in rubber and durian plantations and was known to be a heavy drinker with a volatile temperament. When drunk, he became jealous and possessive. The woman worked as a volunteer community health worker. Police investigation revealed the ex-husband had a history of domestic violence, including an attempted murder charge in 2010 and a necklace-snatching incident in 2025 that escalated to criminal charges. The bodies were sent for autopsy, with police conducting a full investigation before releasing them to the family for religious funeral rites.

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National

Department of Business Development Ready for Investigation After Bribery Allegations Despite 100% Digital Services

Thailand's Department of Business Development pledged to investigate bribery allegations despite claiming 100% digital service delivery, after a private sector survey ranked it 21st among 26 agencies for alleged corruption requests.

3d ago Khaosod

The Department of Business Development has pledged to investigate allegations of improper benefit solicitation, stating 'if wrong, we acknowledge it; if right, we acknowledge it too,' while reaffirming its commitment to fully digitalized services. On May 16, 2025, Director-General Poonpong Naiyanaphakorn of the Department of Business Development under the Ministry of Commerce addressed the issue of corruption in government, emphasizing it as a key indicator of national competitiveness and investor confidence.

The department adheres to good governance principles and welcomes scrutiny of all operational procedures to demonstrate transparency. The department has maintained strict oversight of staff conduct with clear disciplinary measures for complaints from businesses and the public. Digital systems have been implemented across all business registration, financial filing, and licensing processes, which inherently reduce face-to-face interactions that could facilitate bribery.

Despite comprehensive digital service delivery—including DBD Biz Regist for business registration, DBD e-PCL for public company registration, DBD e-Filing for financial statements, e-Foreign Business for foreign business permits, e-Secured for secured transactions registration, and DBD DataWarehouse+ for corporate information—a recent private sector survey under the 'Thai People Will Not Tolerate Corruption' program ranked the department 21st out of 26 agencies for alleged bribery requests.

The director-general expressed surprise at these findings, noting that virtually 100% of services are fully digitalized. The department has continuously updated and secured its digital systems, established standardized service procedures, implemented transparent status-tracking systems, and instructed staff to conduct business with integrity while prohibiting any improper benefit solicitation. Clear penalties and strict internal controls are in place to prevent corruption.

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National

Anutin Meets with Business Leaders, Open to Proposals for Building a Stronger Economy

PM Anutin met with business leaders to gather economic proposals, prioritizing improvements to transportation, logistics, and agricultural development as key drivers for Thailand's economy and regional resilience.

3d ago Khaosod

On May 16, at the 2nd Cavalry Division (Royal Guard), PM Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister gave an interview about his meeting with national business leaders on May 15. He said they spent two hours in the meeting and one hour dining together, listening to opinions and suggestions from private sector entrepreneurs that will be compiled to guide policies ensuring business expectations are met. The country relies on these business leaders to drive the economy forward, strengthen society, create employment, and generate tax revenue. Government and private sector must work together.

When asked about projects the private sector wants the government to advance and any areas of particular concern, Anutin said that regarding imports and exports, there's a need to improve transportation routes, logistics, and tariff barriers.

Thananin Chearavanont, senior chairman of the Charoen Pokphand Group, emphasized the need to elevate farmers to the highest level in today's global situation, noting that Thailand's "land-based oil"—food—serves as a granary. This aligns with Anutin's earlier remarks at ASEAN leaders' meetings that while oil-based energy is consumable, food for survival is more abundant in Thailand, making the country more resilient in worst-case scenarios due to food security.

Food security has become a priority for all ASEAN leaders, and Thailand stands foremost in this regard. Strengthening this sector enhances Thailand's position in international negotiations.

When asked if business discussions covered developing Ranong Port and the Missing Link railway between Chumphon and Ranong, Anutin confirmed this aligns with government policy. He explained that while the Land Bridge may or may not materialize, the Missing Link railway gap on the western route must be completed to create a comprehensive rail network connecting neighboring countries in all directions. These projects represent the foundation of the Land Bridge.

Regarding the Land Bridge project itself, the government is conducting feasibility studies on cost-benefit analysis and its potential to make Thailand a transportation and economic hub. However, the Missing Link should be developed first, which could eventually lead to expanding toward the Land Bridge level.

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National

Thailand tightens controls on medical cannabis sales

Thailand has tightened regulations on medical cannabis sales, restricting licenses to registered healthcare facilities, pharmacies and herbal shops while requiring prescriptions limited to 30-day supplies and mandatory staff training. The n

3d ago Khaosod

BANGKOK — 16 May 2026, Thailand has introduced stricter regulations governing cannabis businesses, limiting licences for medical cannabis activities to registered medical facilities, pharmacies and herbal medicine shops, health officials said.

The Public Health Ministry said the new ministerial regulation, which took effect this year, strengthens oversight of cannabis classified as a controlled herbal substance.

Under the rules, only legally registered healthcare facilities, pharmacies and herbal product stores may apply for licences to study, export, distribute or process cannabis for commercial purposes.

Dr. Tewan Thaneerat, deputy director-general of the Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine, said the measures were designed to improve public safety and ensure cannabis use remains under professional supervision.

Official said traditional Thai medicine practitioners and licensed folk healers may continue using cannabis flower buds to treat patients, but only under tighter controls.

Dispensing cannabis products now requires an official prescription form, with supplies limited to a maximum of 30 days per patient. Businesses must also retain records for at least one year for inspection purposes.

Licensed premises are required to employ staff trained in basic medical cannabis knowledge during operating hours and must store cannabis flowers separately from the floor with effective odour and smoke control systems.

Authorities said businesses previously suspended or stripped of licences could be denied future licence renewals.

The Department of Thai Traditional and Alternative Medicine said it regulates only cannabis flower buds as controlled herbal products. Exporters and distributors must also obtain cultivation and harvesting certification approved by the department.

Official said the new rules aim to create clearer medical cannabis standards while supporting the long-term development of Thailand's herbal medicine industry under legal oversight.

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