On May 25, 2569 at 2 p.m., Democrat Party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and deputy leader Kaladee Liaoipairojn launched the 'Monitor the State' platform, an AI-based system designed to monitor and investigate government operations. The platform aims to make public sector data more accessible, enhance transparency standards—particularly in procurement—and enable public participation in oversight while supporting economic benefits.

Abhisit stated that the Democrat Party is ready to use the 'Monitor the State' platform, currently for internal party use, to track government procurement. The platform analyzes data from government project groups using artificial intelligence. The initial focus examined AI-related government projects, identifying 1,276 projects worth 4.271 billion baht. Many projects have failed to deliver benefits, raising concerns about potential corruption and the lack of a clear government AI strategy.

Government agencies have claimed AI projects help citizens access information, despite the fact that citizens already have access to such data. Upon examining project terms of reference and details, the platform found high corruption risks and projects failing to meet OECD standards—standards the government aims to comply with within two years to gain OECD membership.

"Within the 4.2 billion baht budget, three private companies are involved in procurement," Abhisit said. "We will examine whether these companies have connections to political figures or have made donations to any political party."

Examples include the AI skills enhancement project for Thai people, known as 'AI Passport,' which carries high corruption risk. The opposition will use these tools to monitor AI and other project procurement going forward.

Abhisit noted investigations will cover the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation and the Digital Economy Ministry. Many projects currently under review employ specialized procurement methods, particularly at the Higher Education and Education Ministries, which have begun experiencing problems, with ministers suspending projects. The party is investigating why procurement methods are being modified.

The party leader invited citizens with information about irregularities or misconduct in projects to report to the party for investigation via the platform. Once the system stabilizes, it will be opened for public access.

Abhisit urged the government—which recently met with the private sector with the Prime Minister's support for using AI to prevent corruption—to avoid expensive projects. Instead, he called on the government to disclose data, allowing citizens to conduct joint oversight to meet OECD standards and enhance government transparency.

"If serious corruption is found during investigations," he stated, "it will be referred for further action."

An engagement-themed celebration thrown by Indonesian parents for their toddlers has become a hot topic online after being widely shared and discussed across multiple countries on social media. Malaysian media outlet Kosmo! shared the event and highlighted heavy criticism about the appropriateness of arranging such a wedding-style ceremony for small children.

A video uploaded to TikTok by user @adellliiyyaaaa on May 18 garnered massive attention, accumulating 5.9 million views in a short time. The clip showcases an event styled like an engagement ceremony, with a procession of attendees walking down the street and formal stage decorations. The on-screen caption reads "Playing as the groom and bride's family (Alena Arthane)," apparently the names of the two children featured in the themed event.

The video shows the children and their parents standing before a decorated backdrop with the children's names displayed, styled to resemble a couple. It also captures a gift exchange between the parents. Another clip shared via the @jakarta.fess TikTok account shows the event held before an audience, with a family photo taken as a memento.

Online reactions remain divided. Some question the appropriateness of the event and express concerns about the children's future, while others view it as amusing viral content. One TikTok user commented: "They may not have been born for each other. Soulmates are God's decision, not something humans can determine." Another questioned: "What if they grow up and don't want to be together because they like other people?"

Others found humor in the situation, with one user joking: "My parents should have done this so I wouldn't be confused about choosing a partner now."

Phlan Kanchanaburi FC, which recently dropped down to Thai League 2, has made headlines by announcing Park Hang Seo, the former Vietnam national team manager and South Korean coach, as its new head coach, along with an official coaching staff.

The coaching team includes assistant coaches Lee Jong Soo and Panupon Wongsaad, analyst Puntnarayan Puntsiri, goalkeeper coach Naratip Punprom, and fitness coach Ro Young Soo.

During his five years as Vietnam's national team manager, Park Hang Seo achieved considerable success. He led Vietnam's U-23 team to an AFC Championship runners-up finish in 2018, guided the national team to Southeast Asian Games gold medals in 2019 and 2021, won the ASEAN Cup in 2018, achieved a fourth-place finish at the 2018 Asian Games, reached the final of the 2019 AFC Asian Cup, and led Vietnam through the third qualifying round for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Dr. Pravat Kitthamkool, president of Phlan Kanchanaburi FC, welcomed the new coaching staff to Kanchanaburi. Park Hang Seo and his team plan to establish a long-term foundation for the club, starting with developing Kanchanaburi's youth academy system and implementing comprehensive organizational structures.

The Malaysian Sepak Takraw Association has lodged a formal complaint with the International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF) against the Thai national team following the world championship final held in Malaysia on May 23. The complaint states that during disruptions caused by protests against a referee's decision in the third match, three Thai officials—Thana Chaiyaprasit (president of the Thai Sepak Takraw Association), Dr. Sihasak Arirachakanya (secretary-general), and Phairojn Acharungrojn (former team manager)—who were not on the official roster entered the court and gathered at the Thai team's bench during competition. Malaysia's Dato Abdullah Saleh, secretary-general of the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Association, expressed deep disappointment that these high-ranking officials and sports leaders failed to restore calm or encourage Thai athletes to return and finish the match according to regulations. He stressed that if unhappy with a decision, teams should use ISTAF's formal protest procedures rather than walking out. The incident was broadcast live globally to millions of viewers, damaging the sport's image and the host nation's investment and reputation. ISTAF is being asked to formally investigate this behavior.

Regarding the complaint, Dr. Sihasak stated that Thailand has received the letter and will immediately respond. He noted that both he and Thana were VIP guests invited by the federation to attend, and they will clarify that the final was not a walkout or match abandonment—the Thai team conceded because they were in a state where they could not continue competing due to the referee's injustice.

"In the final match, the federation assigned four interchangeable referees. It's not wrong to use Referee A and B in one game and Referee C in another, but this is a championship final with four referees. Why was there a need for one referee to officiate two games? We learned that the referee roster was predetermined and this specific referee was assigned by the federation from the start," Dr. Sihasak stated.

Royal Thai Police spokesperson revealed progress in the case of police officers who extorted five Chinese nationals, with connections to a scammer network operating from Cambodia, with roles divided among Cambodian, Chinese, and Thai nationals.

On May 25, 2025, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong Phiwpan, spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, disclosed updates on the extortion case involving five Chinese nationals. Following directives from the national police commander and inspector general, investigators were deployed to Sa Kaew province to track case progress and pursue disciplinary action against officers involved in apprehending the Chinese nationals and demanding payment in exchange for their release.

The investigation has significantly expanded. Sa Kaew provincial police found critical information suggesting additional arrest warrants and charges will be filed against smuggling networks illegally transporting Chinese nationals from Cambodia into Thailand and back, with charges potentially including participation in transnational organized crime.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong stated that those involved include Thai, Chinese, and Cambodian nationals, with some Cambodian individuals apparently wielding influence and playing key roles in border areas. Investigation teams have been ordered to accelerate their expansion of the case.

The investigation has uncovered clear connections between human smuggling networks and a scammer operation based in Cambodia. The criminal organization operates in coordinated layers involving Cambodians organizing the operation, Chinese intermediaries facilitating transactions, and Thai members receiving smuggled individuals into Thailand.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong indicated that police are considering charges against all involved parties for participation in a transnational criminal organization. Regarding the officers who arrested the Chinese nationals but failed to proceed legally despite the suspects' unlawful entry charges, investigations are ongoing.

Initially, four police officers and one civilian were arrested. Subsequently, one additional police officer was charged, and yesterday one more officer was charged, bringing the total involved police officers to six.

Based on disciplinary investigations and digital evidence currently examined, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trirong indicated that the police group involved in the arrest and release of the Chinese nationals is believed to be completely identified.

Investigators continue examining digital evidence including mobile phone data, CCTV footage, and financial transactions through bank accounts and cryptocurrency to determine if additional persons are involved.

The spokesman confirmed that key evidence from mobile phones and CCTV footage is now substantially complete, and investigators are currently linking financial trails to identify additional individuals to prosecute.

On May 25, police at Bang Kaew Station received a report at 9:30 p.m. of a man shot in the leg seeking help along Theprat Road at kilometer 11 in Bang Pli district, Samut Prakan. Officers and rescue workers found a 30-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his right leg waiting by his motorcycle. The gunman fled the scene. Rescue workers provided first aid and transported him to Bang Pli Hospital.

Investigation revealed the victim was shot elsewhere and attempted to drive to the hospital himself, but exhausted and stopped to request assistance. The incident stemmed from a love triangle involving the victim and a woman previously dating a gunman from the Onnuch area who had been imprisoned. When that gunman was released, the woman returned to him. Later, when the victim was released from prison for firearms violations, the woman left the first gunman again. This sparked a rivalry, leading to the confrontation and shooting.

Police identified the shooter as Wasant, alias Mofeen, 28 years old, captured on CCTV riding as a passenger on a motorcycle. Security footage clearly showed him firing at least six shots at the victim. Police are gathering evidence to obtain an arrest warrant on charges of attempted murder and firearms violations.

Deputy investigator Charoenchai Haiyuttakun stated they are pursuing leads and have questioned the victim's girlfriend. They have identified the suspect and are compiling evidence for the arrest warrant. The CCTV footage provides clear visual and audio evidence of the incident.