Community

83-Year-Old Woman Fulfills Temple Vow at Wat Klang Bang Phra After Recovery, Receives Lucky Numbers Matching Her Age

An 83-year-old Bangkok woman fulfilled a three-year temple vow at Wat Klang Bang Phra after recovering from health issues, receiving lucky lottery numbers that remarkably matched her age.

13 May Khaosod

At 9:09 a.m. on May 13, 2025, a reporter documented the bustling scene at Wat Klang Bang Phra in Bang Phra Subdistrict, Nakhon Chai Si District, Nakhon Pathom Province, near the lottery drawing day. Beyond the usual lottery enthusiasts paying respects to the revered 30-meter-tall Buddha image Luang Pho Som Wang, crowds gathered densely around the sacred spirit Thao Wessuwanna.

Thao Wessuwanna is an ancient stone deity originally created during the time of the late Luang Pho Phut, a venerated abbot. The temple recently restored the statue with fresh paint to preserve its original appearance. The spirit's prominence is evident from the abundance of red cloth offerings, red incense, red candles, and red roses left by devotees.

The lucky-drawing atmosphere remains active daily, with crowds seeking blessings and shaking fortune-telling sticks to obtain lucky numbers. The temple provides seven colored incense sticks representing each day of the week—red, yellow, pink, green, orange, blue, and purple—allowing lottery seekers to select and draw lucky numbers while writing their names on red cloth tied to the spirit's shrine.

When interviewed, 83-year-old Chai Rat from Bangkok revealed that she and her family had faith in both Luang Pho Som Wang and Thao Wessuwanna. Previously suffering from age-related health issues, she made a vow to donate 3,000 baht to the temple if she recovered. After three years of occasional floods and obstacles preventing her from fulfilling this promise, her health deteriorated again. Determined to keep her word, she finally returned to complete the ritual. Before leaving, she drew lottery numbers 135 from the egg lottery, and the fortune-telling sticks yielded 7, 8, and 3—with the number 83 perfectly matching her age.

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National

KONVY Closes $22 Million Series B Funding Round, Accelerates Expansion Across Southeast Asia

Beauty e-commerce platform KONVY closed a $22 million Series B round to expand its omnichannel model across Southeast Asia, starting with the Philippines and Malaysia, building on its market leadership in Thailand.

13 May Khaosod

Bangkok, Thailand – May 13, 2025 – KONVY PTE.LTD., a leading omnichannel e-commerce platform specializing in beauty and personal care products across Southeast Asia, has announced its growth trajectory following the successful completion of its Series B funding round led by Cool Japan Fund Inc. (CJF), with participation from existing investor Insignia Venture Partners.

KONVY has established a strong market leadership foundation in Thailand across multiple channels including e-commerce marketplaces, social commerce, and offline retail, offering over 20,000 products from approximately 1,000 brands. The company has earned widespread recognition as one of the most influential beauty and personal care platforms in the country, building long-term consumer trust through product diversity, authenticity, and a seamless omnichannel shopping experience.

Leveraging this success, KONVY is now expanding into the Philippines and Malaysia markets, deploying its proven omnichannel business model that integrates marketplace platforms, social commerce, and localized marketing strategies tailored to each market.

These markets represent significant growth opportunities, driven by expanding middle-class consumer bases and increasing demand for premium, curated beauty products. The partnership with Cool Japan Fund will enhance KONVY's ability to curate products and adapt strategies for local markets, while facilitating the introduction of Japanese beauty and health brands to Southeast Asian consumers.

By combining KONVY's marketing expertise and distribution network with CJF's strategic support and international connections, the collaboration aims to accelerate the growth of Japanese beauty brands in the increasingly competitive regional market.

Meanwhile, KONVY continues to strengthen partnerships with leading global and regional beauty brands through exclusive distribution agreements, leveraging consumer insights and omnichannel distribution capabilities to drive efficient regional expansion and strengthen brand equity and consumer relationships across markets.

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Police

Police Arrest 6 Suspects with 300kg of Ice Concealed in Van, Seize 46 Million Baht in Assets

Police arrested six suspects with 300 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine at a Bangkok gas station and seized 46 million baht in assets across Narathiwat province in a major drug trafficking bust.

13 May Khaosod

On May 13, 2569, Police General Suriya Singhakamol, Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, announced the arrest of six suspects along with 300 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine concealed in a van at a gas station in Bangkok's Ratchathewi district. The suspects, all from Narathiwat province, are accused of trafficking Class 1 narcotics without authorization for commercial purposes, endangering public safety and national security.

Authorities expanded their search across five locations in Narathiwat province (Chaiya Irong, Sukhirin, and Suhaikhohok subdistricts) and seized assets valued at 46 million baht, including real estate, coin-operated laundries, vehicles, jewelry, and branded merchandise. According to Police General Suriya, the arrest was the result of coordinated intelligence between the Narcotics Control Board and the Special Operation and Investigation Command Unit 191 of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, which tracked the network's activities of transporting methamphetamine to southern Thailand using vehicles with altered license plates to evade authorities.

On May 10, authorities received intelligence that the group was preparing to transport narcotics, leading to close surveillance. On May 12, when officers discovered the van at a gas station in Ratchathewi, they found 300 kilograms of ice inside and arrested all six suspects. Investigators believe the methamphetamine was destined for southern Thailand and further transport to a third country. Police General Suriya emphasized that the Office of the Narcotics Control Board will work with relevant agencies to expand the investigation, gather evidence, and prosecute all individuals involved up to the kingpin level, while pursuing asset seizures and dismantling the entire drug trafficking network in accordance with government policy.

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National

Khon Kaen Farmers Choose an Auspicious Day for Crop Blessing Ceremony to Plant Rice, Hoping for Abundant Harvest

Khon Kaen farmers observe traditional Crop Blessing Day to plant rice, with one farmer using cost-cutting measures like walking tractors and velvet bean fertilizer while appealing to the government to stabilize fertilizer and rice prices am

13 May Khaosod

In Khon Kaen province, farmers observe the traditional Crop Blessing Day to plant rice this year, hoping for abundant harvests. Farmers are advised to use walking tractors to reduce average field preparation costs to 50 baht per rai, while appealing to the government to monitor fertilizer and rice prices.

May 13, 2026 – Somchai Siriserm, a farmer from Ban Ton Noi village in Ban Kho subdistrict, Mueang Khon Kaen district, Khon Kaen province, is using a walking tractor to prepare the soil in his paddy field to plant rain-fed rice this year. He observes the Crop Blessing Day, known locally as the First Blessing Day, as an auspicious occasion for planting, following tradition as he has done every year. Somchai explains that this day holds significant importance for farmers because it marks the right moment for agricultural activities and is a belief passed down through generations. He has begun soil preparation on one rai of land, choosing this auspicious day to plant his rice.

This year, he selected direct seeding rather than transplanting to reduce costs. Once seeds are sown, he waits for rain to naturally germinate them. With continuous rainfall expected this season, he can begin rice planting.

His rice cultivation strategy involves plowing under rice stubble after harvest, then planting velvet beans until they die back, which he then plows in as organic fertilizer. By May, after tilling the soil again, the decomposed velvet beans serve as additional fertilizer.

Beyond using velvet beans as fertilizer, Somchai uses his walking tractor instead of hiring larger tractors, saving 50 baht per rai in fuel costs compared to 350 baht per rai when hiring machinery – a significant cost reduction.

However, Somchai appeals to the government to ensure rain-fed rice prices are fair and cover production costs. Current high fuel prices have increased farming expenses, with tractor preparation and harvesting costs reaching nearly 1,000 baht per rai combined. Despite these costs, farmers must continue farming to feed their families, selling any surplus.

He urges the government to balance rice prices with fertilizer and fuel costs, which form the basis of production expenses, so farmers can sustain themselves without losses from rice farming.

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National

Royal Decree Relieves Two Special Royal Guards Officers from Duty

Two high-ranking Special Royal Guard officers have been removed from their positions effective May 3, following a Royal Decree published in the official gazette.

13 May Khaosod

The Royal Gazette has published a Royal Decree officially relieving two Special Royal Guard officers from their duties. Acting under authority granted by the Security Personnel Act of 2560 and sections 6, 7, and 11 of the Royal Guard Act of 2480, as well as section 6 of the Defense Ministry Regulations on Royal Guard Appointments of 2559, the decree removes General Somchai Pengkrood and Lieutenant General Wiracha Komlasila from their positions. The dismissal became effective on May 3, 2569 and was officially published on May 11, 2569, in the 11th year of the current reign.

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Breaking

Thermal drone locates missing man after extensive forest search

A 54-year-old man missing from his Ko Chan home in Chonburi was found safe in a nearby forest after a thermal-imaging drone detected his heat signature during an overnight search by rescue teams and villagers.

13 May Khaosod

CHONBURI — On May 13, 2026, rescue teams and over 50 villagers launched an overnight search for a 54-year-old man with a neurological condition who had wandered away from his home. The man was eventually found exhausted but unharmed in a forested area after a thermal-imaging drone detected his heat signature.

Rescue workers from Sawanghet Thung Hiang Rescue Unit received the alert around 8 p.m. on Tuesday that the man had gone missing near Wat Krabok Khu in Moo 5, Tha Bun Mi subdistrict, Ko Chan district, Chonburi. According to relatives, he had disappeared from his home around 6 p.m. After initial family searches proved unsuccessful, local authorities and rescue teams were called in.

Village Head Janjira Thongthanom coordinated the response, mobilizing local officials, village leaders, a rapid response unit from the Department of National Parks, rescue workers, and villagers to search the dense forest surrounding the community. The thermal-imaging drone proved decisive, detecting a heat signature near a pond approximately 600 meters from the man's residence. Ground teams reached the location around 12:30 a.m. on Wednesday and found him alive and largely unharmed, though in an exhausted state. Both family members and rescue teams expressed their relief once he was brought to safety.

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Breaking

Payao Residents Demand Justice Against Tour Company for Japan-China Trip Scam Affecting Over 250 Victims with 10 Million Baht in Losses

Over 250 residents in Payao and Chiang Rai provinces lost more than 10 million baht after a tour company failed to deliver Japan and China trips despite full payment, prompting authorities to launch a fraud investigation.

13 May Khaosod

On May 13, 2026, a group of over 20 affected customers approached the Thammanat Phrom Phai Foundation seeking assistance after being defrauded by a tour company in Payao province. The company had sold tour packages to Japan and China but ultimately could not deliver the trips as scheduled, while also demanding additional payments shortly before the departure dates despite customers having already paid in full according to agreed installment schedules.

Initial findings reveal victims scattered across multiple districts in Payao and Chiang Rai provinces, totaling approximately 250 people with combined damages potentially exceeding 10 million baht. Multiple parties are currently gathering evidence and verifying facts. Five groups of victims have filed formal complaints with the Thammanat Phrom Phai Foundation, with Lieutenant Colonel Boon Chaiyakham, Sub-district Chief of Dok Kham Tai, and foundation representatives receiving the cases to coordinate legal assistance and guidance.

One victim, Mr. Prasong (surname withheld), revealed that his group saw the tour package advertised on Facebook and Line, prompting them to purchase a Japan tour package at 39,888 baht per person, which included transportation, accommodation, and meals. The trip was scheduled for March 17-21, 2026.

The victim explained that they had made installment payments to the company's designated account from late 2025 through early 2026. However, as the departure date approached, they were informed of a postponement. Subsequently, they received notice that hotel bookings, meals, and foreign travel arrangements were incomplete, and additional payment would be required to proceed.

This caused significant distress among victims who had already completed full payment. Their attempts to contact the company for clarification and refunds proved unsuccessful.

Further investigation by the victim group revealed multiple other Japan and China tour groups that had not yet departed, raising concerns they may face similar fraud. This has resulted in continuously growing numbers of affected customers.

The Thammanat Phrom Phai Foundation stated they have accepted the complaints and will coordinate with police to gather evidence, liaise with relevant agencies to investigate financial transactions, and follow up with involved parties for clarification to ensure justice for all concerned.

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Breaking

Border villagers in panic as Cambodian military drones fly over Thai airspace for four consecutive nights, urge PM to take immediate action

Cambodian military drones flew over Thai airspace for four consecutive nights near Buriram's border, prompting fearful residents to demand the government urgently build a protective border wall as previously promised.

13 May Khaosod

Border residents in Ban Kruat district, Buriram province, are gripped with anxiety and sleepless nights after recent incidents involving Cambodian military incursions. After Cambodian soldiers crossed the border and fired warning shots at locals gathering mushrooms in Chanthaburi subdistrict, and villagers from Surin province were detained for over ten days while foraging, communities remain on high alert. Over the past four nights, four to five unidentified drones have been spotted flying over Thai airspace at night, leaving residents fearful and reluctant to venture out for daily livelihood activities. Many worry about potential clashes and fear being abducted by Cambodian forces crossing illegally into Thai territory.

Villagers are urgently calling on Prime Minister Anuthine Charnveerakul and the Interior Ministry to construct a border wall as previously promised during campaigning. They emphasize that sections of the Buriram border are flat terrain where people can easily cross, creating vulnerability to Cambodian incursions. A border fence would prevent Cambodia from violating Thai sovereignty and provide crucial protection for border communities.

Namsai shop owner Phon Aksorn, 60, expressed her distress over the recent incidents and drone sightings that have prevented sleep and normal activities. Resident Padeeprom Sri echoed similar concerns, noting that after previously evacuating due to conflict, villagers have only recently resumed normal economic activities. She stressed the urgent need for the government to expedite border wall construction using already-pledged donation funds to ensure the safety of border communities and prevent future armed clashes.

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National

Royal Plowing Ceremony 2025: Fortune-Telling Results Reveal Predictions for Transportation and Commerce

His Majesty presided over the annual Royal Plowing Ceremony at Sanam Luang on May 13, where fortune-telling predictions indicated adequate water supplies and good harvests in lowland farming areas.

13 May Khaosod

At 8:37 a.m. on May 13, 2025, His Majesty traveled by royal motorcade to the ceremonial grounds at Sanam Luang to preside over the annual Royal Plowing Ceremony, an auspicious event designed to boost agricultural morale and inspire farmers' confidence in their planting season. Prime Minister Anuthim Chansuweerakul, cabinet members, and diplomatic corps attended the sacred ritual.

The ceremony traditionally marks the beginning of the rice-planting season, with this year's auspicious plowing window set between 8:09-8:39 a.m. Vinayarod Supsungsuk, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, served as the Chief Plowman (Phraya Rai Na), while two goddess attendants participated in the ritual proceedings.

Seven rice seed varieties were sown during the ceremony, including jasmine rice, sticky rice, and fragrant Khlong Luang varieties, totaling 5,147 kilograms of seeds to be distributed as blessings to farmers nationwide.

Fortune-telling results from the sacred oxen Pho and Piang revealed several prophecies: when the cloth measurement yielded 6 cubits, it predicted adequate water with good harvests in lowland areas but some damage in upland regions. The oxen's consumption of beans or sesame predicted abundant food and provisions. Water or grass consumption indicated sufficient water flow, with good crop and livestock abundance expected.

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National

Gold Prices Drop Today, May 13, 2569 – Act Quickly with Latest Price Update

Gold prices fell 100 baht per baht weight on May 13, with ornamental gold trading at 72,800 baht, though traders predict a sharp rally of up to 2,000 baht could follow.

13 May Khaosod

Gold prices for May 13, 2569 have declined according to the Gold Traders Association announcement released on their website at 9:07 AM. Ornamental gold (96.5%) is selling at 72,800 baht per baht weight, down 100 baht from May 12's closing price. Gold bars have a domestic buying price of 71,800 baht per baht weight and selling price of 72,000 baht. Ornamental gold buyers are paying 70,357.56 baht per baht weight with a selling price of 72,800 baht. Global gold spot prices stand at $4,703.00 per troy ounce. Summary for May 13, 2569: Gold bars – buying at 71,800 baht, selling at 72,000 baht per baht weight; Ornamental gold – buying at 70,357.56 baht, selling at 72,800 baht per baht weight. A gold trader leader predicts that tomorrow's market opening could see prices surge 1,000-2,000 baht per baht weight, potentially breaking through 80,000 baht.

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National

Princess Sirivannavari Becomes Patron of International Royal Thai Dress Exhibition

Princess Sirivannavari will serve as patron of a major exhibition featuring royal Thai dress at Paris's Musée des Arts Décoratifs from May to November 2026, celebrating Thailand-France diplomatic relations with over 200 pieces including cre

13 May Khaosod

Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana has become the patron of an international exhibition showcasing royal Thai dress titled "La Mode en Majesté: Royal Thai Dress From Tradition to Modernity," running from May 13 to November 1, 2026 at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, France. The exhibition celebrates the 340th anniversary of diplomatic relations and 170 years of formal relations between Thailand and France (1856–2026), featuring over 200 pieces including royal garments and accessories designed by French designer Pierre Balmain and the prestigious Lesage embroidery atelier, alongside Thai designers.

The exhibition emphasizes the development of royal court attire and its global cultural significance, showcasing formal wear of Queen Sirikit, Queen Suthida, and Princess Sirivannavari, along with eight popular Thai dress styles complemented by traditional Thai handicrafts. The display reflects the sophistication of Thai wisdom and cultural heritage, and supports the nomination of "Thai Royal Dress" as an intangible cultural heritage representative of humanity to UNESCO in 2026.

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