The Badminton World Federation has released the latest world rankings. This week, Thai mixed doubles pair Omo Phakapol Theeratanaskul and Popu Tharapsi Taratanchai improved their world ranking after claiming the runner-up title at the Malaysia Masters.

Omo Phakapol and Popu Tharapsi advanced to the championship final at the Malaysia Masters before losing to a Chinese mixed doubles pair.

Despite the loss, their performance was enough to propel both players up four ranking positions, jumping from rank 20 to world rank 16 this week with 52,280 points.

Meanwhile, fellow Thai mixed doubles pair Bass Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Fame Supissara Paewsamrarn maintained their position as the world's third-ranked pair with 95,700 points.

In men's singles, View Kulwutti Wititritsanth held steady at world rank 2 with 96,865 points.

Women's singles player May Ratchanok Intanon, the Malaysia Masters champion, remained at world rank 7 with 72,616 points, while Mew Perupone Chochuwong held rank 8 with 64,977 points.

Meanwhile, Pink Pichayamon Obhaasanipatthanakul climbed three positions from rank 27 to rank 24 this week with 47,198 points.

On May 26, Deputy Labor Secretary Wannapong Kocharak chaired a meeting of the Wage Board Committee, attended by Labor Department Director-General Sarojn Khomkhai and representatives from both employers and workers. The committee reviewed wage standards for 129 skilled professions to ensure alignment with current labor market demands and worker skill levels.

The board determined the review was critical because each profession has distinct job characteristics and skill requirements, with new technologies playing an increasing role. Extensive discussions between employer and worker representatives resulted in several key conclusions. The committee approved a 2.9% increase as the baseline for calculating wages across all skilled professions.

However, additional issues were delegated back to a subcommittee for further review to ensure wage rates reflect actual market conditions for each profession. The board noted that even similar professions—such as automotive repair specialists versus automotive maintenance technicians—require different skill levels and should not use identical calculation methods. Using a one-size-fits-all approach could be unfair to workers and fail to promote genuine skills standards. The timing of wage surveys in different sectors also requires consideration, as the underlying data comes from different time periods.

MONOMAX is making a major push into free-to-air television with the rebranding of MONO29 into MONOMAX SPORTS, positioning itself as the nation's premier sports broadcaster. Capitalizing on the overwhelming success of its Premier League streaming and online sports platform, which reflects growing consumer interest in sports, fitness, and lifestyle content, MONOMAX is bringing its full sports content library to television screens. The channel will restructure its programming with sports content comprising 60% of airtime, original Thai productions 20%, series 14%, and variety shows 6%, starting June 1, 2025. MONOMAX continues to strengthen its position as a premium streaming platform, offering comprehensive world-class sports including the Premier League, FA Cup, Carabao Cup, EFL Championship, European football leagues, Thai League, and exclusive Liverpool FC content via LFCTV. The platform currently serves over 4 million registered users and is experiencing continuous growth through expanded world-class content and international partnerships. In a significant development for Thai sports, MONO and JAS have secured a seven-year broadcast deal for Volleyball World covering five countries (Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar, and Cambodia), delivering over 3,000 matches annually from top tournaments including the Volleyball Nations League, FIVB World Championship, and professional leagues from Japan, Italy, and Poland, with VNL 2026 commencing broadcasts on June 3. Additionally, MONO has secured rights to broadcast European national team football (UEFA) including the UEFA Euro 2028 championship, UEFA Nations League (2026-2028), European World Cup qualifiers, international friendlies, and UEFA U21 Championship, reinforcing its vision as a genuine sports content leader delivering world-class viewing experiences.

The Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct, Division 1, will deliver its verdict on May 27, 2025, in a case brought by Veera Somkhwamkit, secretary-general of the People's Anti-Corruption Network (PANCN), against NACC Secretary-General Nivatvichhai Kasemmongkol (defendant 1) and former NACC Secretary-General Voravit Sukboon (defendant 2), along with 10 other defendants. The 12 defendants in total are: Nivatvichhai Kasemmongkol, Voravit Sukboon, Pol. Gen. Watcharapol Prasartrajkij, Precha Lertkomlamats, Pol. Gen. Sataporn Luawthong, Nrong Ratamurit, Supha Piyajitti, Wittaya Akampitaksa, Suvanna Suwannjuta, Pol. Gen. Bunvawat Kruahahngsong, Natchakra Patmasing na Ayutthaya, and Suchat Trakulkaemsukhit.

All 12 defendants are accused of concealing documents related to Pol. Gen. Prawit Wongsuwan's luxury watch during his period as Deputy Prime Minister. The court has accepted the case (Case No. 95/2567 Black) with a verdict hearing set for May 27.

According to reports, Veera has progressively withdrawn charges against multiple defendants after discovering new facts. Two defendants—Suchat Trakulkaemsukhit and Suvanna Suwannjuta—voted in the minority on December 6, 2566, in favor of full disclosure of the watch investigation documents to Veera, with only names of involved officials redacted. However, Veera did not withdraw charges against them, leading the court to dismiss charges against both. Veera has also withdrawn charges against defendants such as Natchakra and Precha, though the court has not permitted withdrawal against Supha Piyajitti and Pol. Gen. Watcharapol Prasartrajkij.

Reports suggest Veera's prosecution may constitute abuse of legal process, as the filing coincided with the selection of a new NACC president. During preliminary hearings, it became clear that Suchat and Suvanna did not commit the alleged offenses, as their lawyers presented meeting minutes showing their minority vote in favor of disclosure. Despite this evidence, Veera refused to withdraw charges until the court dismissed them.

Observers note the pattern of Veera selectively withdrawing charges against some defendants while the court rejected others raises questions about his motives. Sources suggest that if the court issues a final verdict, some defendants plan to immediately sue Veera for malicious prosecution, viewing his actions as a targeted vendetta that caused damage to their reputations.

On May 26, residents of Saphan Hin and Bo Kaew communities in Wichit Subdistrict, Phuket City reported a severe fly infestation that has created serious hardships for locals and business owners. Flies are swarming throughout the community—inside homes, restaurants, markets, and public areas—significantly impacting daily life, sanitation, and quality of life.

Local residents report that many restaurants and shops are suffering as flies contaminate food, causing customers to avoid the establishments. Some families can no longer eat normally inside their homes. Children, the elderly, and schools in the area have been directly affected, raising health concerns. Residents are particularly worried about diseases carried by flies, including diarrhea, food poisoning, and gastrointestinal infections from contaminated food—risks that are especially high for children and elderly people.

Authorities have advised residents to exercise heightened hygiene precautions, such as avoiding exposed food, tightly sealing food and water containers, washing hands before meals, and maintaining clean surroundings and trash bins. Anyone experiencing diarrhea, vomiting, or fever should seek medical attention immediately.

Residents are urging the provincial governor, local government organizations, public health officials, and all relevant agencies to investigate the cause and implement emergency measures to control the fly infestation in Wichit Subdistrict before the situation worsens and spreads more widely.

Weight loss injections worth 2.13 million baht seized at SuvarnabhumiLegacyCustoms officers arrested a Chinese passenger at Suvarnabhumi Airport on May 23 after finding 137 packages of Tirzepatide, a diabetes and weight loss injection, that had allegedly not gone through customs procedures. The passenger had travelled from Bangladesh and was arrested after customs officers found the medicine had allegedly been brought into Thailand without proper procedures. The Customs Department said in a Facebook post that officers from the Suvarnabhumi Airport Passenger Control Customs Office seized the Tirzepatide packages from the Chinese passenger. Photo via The Customs Department A search found syringes containing Tirzepatide, with the seized goods valued at more than 2.13 million baht (around US$65,000). Tirzepatide is a medicine used to treat type 2 diabetes. It works on hormones that help regulate blood sugar and appetite, and can also be prescribed for weight loss. The case is considered an offence of importing goods into Thailand without completing customs procedures under Sections 242 and 252 of the Customs Act 2017. The passenger also faces offences under Sections 12 and 101 of the Drug Act 1967, as well as other related laws. Photo via The Customs Department In related news, as Thailand marked World Diabetes Day, the Public Health Ministry warned that 6.5 million Thais were at risk of diabetes, roughly 10% of the population. Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin urged Thais to adopt healthier habits, warning that 40% of people with diabetes were unaware of their condition. The minister said counting carbohydrates in daily meals could reduce the risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases. Thailand’s village health volunteer network also rolled out educational programmes on carb-counting methods, balanced diets with low-sugar fruits and vegetables, and regular exercise. The Department of Disease Control (DDC) advised those at risk to limit salty, oily, and sugary foods, avoid smoking and alcohol, and engage in at least 30 minutes of exercise per day. It also urged diabetics to manage stress and maintain positive relationships to support overall health. The story Weight loss injections worth 2.13 million baht seized at Suvarnabhumi as seen on Thaiger News.