Police

Drunk Taxi Driver Crashes Into 5 Vehicles at Red Light, Dies in Police Custody; Wife Warns She Had Told Him to Stay Home

A 47-year-old taxi driver died in police custody in Pathum Thani after being arrested for driving drunk and crashing into five vehicles at a traffic light the night before.

1d ago Khaosod

A taxi driver was arrested for drunk driving after crashing into five civilian vehicles at a red light intersection. Police took him into custody, but when officers came to wake him for breakfast the next morning, they found him unresponsive. Emergency responders attempted CPR for nearly an hour but were unable to revive him, and he was pronounced dead.

At noon on May 25, 2569 (2026), Pathum Thani emergency responders received notification from Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station that a suspect in custody had become unresponsive in his cell. Multiple rescue units were dispatched to assist.

Upon arrival, responders found a 47-year-old man from Khok Muang Subdistrict, Phachi District, Ayutthaya Province, lying unconscious in the cell. Officers removed him and performed CPR with chest compressions for nearly an hour, but he could not be revived.

Acording to Lieutenant Colonel Patthaichai Phamorpiboon, superintendent of Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station, the previous night officers received reports that the taxi had sideswiped five civilian vehicles at the Flat Pla Thong traffic light intersection in Bang Phun Subdistrict, Mueang Pathum Thani District. The driver was taken into custody and showed signs of alcohol intoxication. A breathalyzer test revealed an alcohol level of 375 milligrams per cent, leading to charges being filed and his detention according to legal procedures. No injuries were observed on the man's body at the time of arrest. Before police arrived at the scene, locals had helped him sit and rest on the sidewalk, and there were no signs of assault.

Upon questioning his wife, she stated that the man had been drinking throughout the evening until 8 p.m., then drove and collided with civilians' vehicles. CCTV footage reviewed regarding the in-custody death showed no one had attacked him. After being taken into custody, he collapsed and fell asleep due to intoxication. The following morning, officers attempted to wake him for questioning, but he did not respond. Officers noticed nothing unusual at the time, assuming he was simply exhausted from the previous night's drinking. At midday, they tried again to bring him food, but still received no response. Upon further inspection, they discovered he had died. His body was sent for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Meanwhile, his wife revealed that on the night of the accident, she went to check on her husband after hearing about the crash and found him in police custody with handcuffs applied. He showed no signs of external injury, only appearing generally intoxicated. She stated she was unaware of any underlying health conditions or medical treatment he may have been receiving. She expressed uncertainty about the cause of death but said she must wait for her husband's relatives to arrive to discuss further arrangements.

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Police

Government Cracks Down on Knock-Down House Contractor Over Substandard Construction Affecting 50+ Victims with Over 30 Million Baht in Damages

A Kalasin contractor has defrauded over 50 people of more than 30 million baht by delivering incomplete knock-down house frames that didn't match social media advertisements, prompting Thai authorities to crack down and offer free legal ass

1d ago Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister's Office Minister Suphamas Isiraphakdi announced on May 25, 2569 that the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) has received complaints from citizens harmed by purchasing knock-down houses from a Kalasin Province operator advertising 'Beautiful Applied Thai-Style Homes' on social media.

Victims reported ordering two houses at 170,000 baht each and transferring over 240,000 baht to the operator, but received only incomplete house frames upon contract completion that didn't match advertisements. The contractor became unreachable. The OCPB identified over 50 total victims with combined damages exceeding 30 million baht.

Minister Suphamas ordered the OCPB to closely monitor cases and assist victims. For consumers hiring contractors to build new homes on their own land, residential construction contracts fall under the 2559 Controlled Contract Announcement requiring legally compliant agreements. Knock-down houses—pre-built structures relocated to new sites—are treated as standard purchase agreements.

The OCPB confirmed full victim assistance through legal representation under Section 39 of the Consumer Protection Act, B.E. 2522. For knock-down house cases, procedures include complaint receipt, mediation, and free civil litigation representation if mediation fails—consumers bear no costs and don't fight alone. Since 2565, the OCPB received 99 knock-down and pre-fabricated house complaints, resolving 68 and processing 31 currently.

Consumers should verify company credibility, construction timelines per contract, and material quality matching advertisements. Non-compliance can be reported to OCPB hotline 1166, the OCPB Connect app, website ocpb.go.th, or nationwide justice centers.

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Tourism

Bangkok Airways Boutique Series Launches with Trat Half Marathon 2026, Showcasing Local Community Routes

Bangkok Airways launches its 2026 Boutique Series with the inaugural Trat Half Marathon on May 23-24, featuring 21km, 10km, and 5km routes through Eastern Thailand's distinctive landscapes. The airline is offering flight discounts and exclu

1d ago Khaosod

Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited is advancing sports tourism initiatives through the 'Bangkok Airways Boutique Series 2026' running competition, launching with the inaugural 'Bangkok Airways Trat Half Marathon 2026.' Designed to stimulate tourism and economic activity in Eastern Thailand, the event offers a unique running experience through distinctive landscapes while immersing participants in the local community culture of Trat Province. The competition takes place May 23-24, 2026 at Trat Provincial Stadium (Trat FC Club).

The 'Bangkok Airways Trat Half Marathon 2026' features three categories: 21-kilometer half marathon, 10-kilometer mini marathon, and 5-kilometer fun run. Half marathon finishers will receive a limited edition PUMA Finisher shirt as a memento. Thai actress Green-Atsadaporn Sirivatantakul will participate in the event, adding excitement for runners.

Beyond the main competition, a 'Kids Series' 800-meter fun run for children 12 and under will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2026, featuring adventure-style activities and family-friendly creative programs with an environmental conservation theme. Local children can participate free of charge to promote physical activity and health awareness.

Komkrit Gamwongwiroj, Director of Large Customer and Supplementary Revenue Products at Bangkok Airways, stated that the Trat Half Marathon is the first in the 2026 Boutique Series designed to continuously promote sports tourism. The company aims to deliver memorable running experiences while demonstrating commitment to environmental sustainability and local communities. The initiative incorporates circular economy principles, with race shirts made from recycled PET bottles and commemorative medals designed to reflect Trat's identity while serving as functional luggage tags for travelers.

Three additional 2026 events are scheduled: 'Samui Half Marathon' at Phru Cheweng Park (June 20-21, 2026) featuring actors Mike-Pattharadej Songwannakitti and Pook Luk-Funtip Watcharatrakul; 'Sukhothai Half Marathon' at Sukhothai Historical Park (August 22-23, 2026) with actor Phan-Nawat Phoophantachaseeh; and 'Chiang Mai Half Marathon' at Royal Agricultural Station Angkhang (September 26-27, 2026) featuring actress Yaya-Urassaya Sperbund.

Bangkok Airways ticket holders receive special 'Fly to Run' privileges including 500-baht flight discounts, complimentary race bibs, exclusive merchandise, and 200 bonus frequent flyer points. Benefits are location and date-specific, valid May 17-31 (Trat), June 14-28 (Samui, Surat Thani), August 16-30 (Sukhothai), and September 20-October 4 (Chiang Mai). One ticket provides benefits for one participant.

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National

Creative Parenting: Chinese Mother Has Son Pedal a Sewing Machine While Doing Homework to Boost Focus and Reduce Fidgeting

A Chinese mother's unconventional solution—having her restless son pedal an antique sewing machine while doing homework—has gone viral after dramatically improving his concentration and ability to work for over an hour without distraction.

1d ago Khaosod

Does it actually work? A Chinese mother has gone viral online with an unconventional idea to help her elementary school son with homework: having him pedal an antique sewing machine while sitting at his desk to boost concentration and reduce restless behavior, allowing him to study for hours at a time.

The mother, from Anyang city in Henan Province, China, became an internet sensation after coming up with an unusual way to help her son with homework by having him "pedal a sewing machine" while sitting down to write, helping him maintain focus on his work longer.

Local media reports indicated that the boy had restless behavior during homework sessions, including playing with erasers, swinging his legs, and frequently getting up from the desk, which made it take longer to complete his assignments. Rather than scolding or forcing him as before, his mother decided to try new approaches.

Ultimately, she brought out her grandmother's antique sewing machine and placed it in the room, having her son pedal it with his feet while doing homework. She lubricated the machine to make it as quiet as possible and adjusted the desk and base so the child could sit comfortably without bending forward too much.

The results surprised the family. The boy could now sit and do homework continuously for over an hour, his hand writing while his feet pedaled steadily and consistently, showing noticeably improved concentration compared to before.

The video clip shared on social media showed the child's synchronized movements, with his head gently bobbing with the pedaling motion while his hand kept writing continuously, prompting many internet users to comment and share rapidly.

Many believed this method might have scientific backing. From a traditional Chinese medicine perspective, leg and foot movement may help stimulate body circulation, making the mind clear and improving focus. Others explained it from a sensory integration perspective, suggesting that repetitive movement may help restless children feel calmer and gain better self-control.

However, the trend also sparked debate about China's education system, as many pointed out that "many children face excessively heavy homework loads and study schedules," forcing parents to seek creative methods just to keep their children studying longer.

Currently, many Chinese families remain intensely competitive about education, with tutoring, online classes, and after-school activities. Various "concentration-boosting techniques" are increasingly being discussed, whether having children stand on exercise balls or use bike-like equipment while doing homework, reflecting parents' efforts to balance their children's studies with quality of life.

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National

Insurance Commission Opens ALIP 2026 Forum to Develop ASEAN Life Insurance Leaders and Address Aging Societies

Thailand's Insurance Commission launched the ASEAN Life Insurance Leadership Program 2026 to help regional insurers address aging societies and develop sustainable financial security systems. The five-day forum in Bangkok brings together re

1d ago Khaosod

The Insurance Commission launched the ASEAN Life Insurance Leadership Program (ALIP) 2026, its second iteration, on May 25, 2025, at Hotel Nikko Bangkok to advance life insurance system development across the region in response to aging society challenges. The program, themed "The Longevity Frontier: Navigating the Future of Wellness," brought together insurance regulators, industry executives, and global partners from Thailand, ASEAN nations, South Korea, and Hong Kong to exchange knowledge and strengthen international cooperation.

The Insurance Commission Secretary-General emphasized that the insurance industry must elevate its role from merely providing insurance products to becoming a "National Risk Buffer"—a critical mechanism for managing national risks while building an ecosystem that promotes both physical wellness and long-term financial security for citizens. The ALIP initiative reflects the Commission's collaborative approach to regulation and development, introducing the "Collaborative Shield" concept that allows innovation to serve public interest while enabling regulatory systems to adapt to global changes.

This year's program expanded partnerships with South Korea and Hong Kong, enhancing knowledge exchange to international standards. The five-day program (May 25-29) features four learning modules: Global Landscape & Strategic Outlook, Emerging Risk & Resilience, Technology & Customer Transformation, and additional content addressing the structural population changes across the ASEAN region. The Commission aims to establish ALIP as a central platform strengthening the ASEAN insurance community for sustainable long-term growth.

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National

ASAP Showcases Subsidiary Capabilities with Aggressive Strategy to Integrate Car Rental, EV, Energy, Insurance and Technology into Comprehensive Mobility Ecosystem

ASAP is transforming from a traditional car rental company into a comprehensive mobility ecosystem by integrating car rental, electric vehicles, energy, insurance and technology services across its subsidiary network.

1d ago Khaosod

ASAP is showcasing subsidiary capabilities and implementing an aggressive strategy integrating car rental, electric vehicles, energy, insurance and technology businesses toward becoming a comprehensive innovative mobility service provider. Songvit Thitipunya, CEO of Synergetic Auto Performance Public Company Limited (ASAP), revealed that from this year forward, the company is advancing into a new growth phase by merging ASAP's full-service car rental business capabilities with the strengths of affiliated group companies including auto dealership, used car sales, insurance and other businesses. The company will leverage group-wide technological strength, human resources, financial capacity and robust business networks to support mutual growth with sustainable expansion targets while transforming from a traditional car rental business into a leader in automotive and comprehensive mobility ecosystem services. With over 30 years in auto dealership and more than 20 years in car rental with consistent customer trust, ASAP has strong business foundations, visionary management, quality personnel and capable business networks focused on maximum customer satisfaction, resulting in solid financial performance and steady growth. The company notes that every car rental represents an insurance business opportunity, every vehicle return is a used car sales opportunity, and every electric vehicle test drive is a future sales prospect, reflecting the integrated structure and potential of ASAP's new business model where all affiliated businesses interconnect and create synergistic feedback loops. For the core car rental business, ASAP plans to upgrade services to meet all customer segments including corporations, government and general consumers while expanding the EV fleet for premium and commercial electric vehicle markets, targeting 30% electric vehicles in new fleet additions. The company will also advance its "EV Fleet – Try Before Buy" strategy allowing corporate clients and fuel vehicle users to test electric vehicles before purchase decisions to generate leads for affiliated EV businesses. For short-term car rental, AI Dynamic Pricing will be implemented for real-time market-based pricing with expansion of direct website sales currently at 55% of total, plus co-branding collaboration with Trip.com to boost booking days by 58% compared to the previous quarter. Additional plans include expanding chauffeur services to premium corporate clients including airlines, private companies and industrial zones, particularly in Rayong province as the country's new economic and industrial hub. The used car business under the Casap brand maintains strong customer trust through quality inventory advantages and commercial vehicle offerings for SME business needs, distinguishing it from typical used car markets.

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Police

71-Year-Old Woman Narrowly Escapes Death as Storm Tears Down Roadside Shelter onto Her

A 71-year-old woman suffered a head wound when strong winds collapsed a roadside shelter onto her in Buriram's Nang Rong district on May 25, but rescuers extracted her conscious and alive.

1d ago Khaosod

A 71-year-old woman nearly lost her life when a severe storm caused a roadside shelter to collapse on top of her in an instant. On May 25, 2569, Siam Ruam Jai Pu In rescue unit received a report from residents about a collapsed shelter with a person trapped inside along the Bangsing-Nong Yai Phim road in Nang Rong district, Buriram province, and dispatched a rescue team. Rescuers found an old roadside shelter completely collapsed on the ground. Inside, they discovered a woman later identified as 71-year-old Lamnai. Officers cleared away the debris and extracted her with a head wound, but she remained conscious and responsive. She was immediately transported to Nang Rong Central Hospital. Her 75-year-old husband, Sotsai, said his wife had gone out to tend animals in the rice field when heavy rain suddenly fell, prompting her to take shelter in the roadside shelter. Within seconds, the structure collapsed on her. He noted they were fortunate someone was nearby to help, as she could have suffered far worse injuries otherwise. Village headman Phanom Kongphlpan stated the shelter belonged to the rural road system and, while old from years of use, was not previously damaged—the strong storm winds are believed to have caused the collapse.

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National

"Net Metering" and "Net Billing": Clean Energy Options and the Equity Question

Thailand is weighing two solar billing systems—Net Metering, which credits excess solar power at retail rates, versus Net Billing, which pays lower government rates reflecting full grid costs. Experts say Net Billing offers fairer pricing f

1d ago Khaosod

Solar energy is increasingly becoming a vital option for the modern world, with many countries accelerating support for residential solar panel installations to increase clean energy, reduce fossil fuel dependence, and enable people to generate their own electricity. However, behind rooftop electricity generation lies a critical issue regarding the "electricity billing system" that directly affects fairness for all electricity users nationwide—specifically the choice between "Net Metering" and "Net Billing" systems, which despite similar goals produce distinctly different impacts on the energy system and citizens.

Similarities and Differences Between Net Metering and Net Billing

Net Metering and Net Billing are electricity billing systems for homes with solar panel installations. Both share the common goal of encouraging people to produce their own electricity from solar energy and send excess power back to the electrical grid to reduce energy costs and increase household clean energy use. However, the key difference lies in "how the value of returned electricity is calculated."

Net Metering is a "kilowatt-hour offset" system where electricity produced by solar panels is deducted against electricity consumed from the grid on a one-to-one basis. This means excess solar production has a value equivalent to the retail electricity rate that consumers purchase from the utility—similar to depositing electricity in the system and withdrawing it later at the same value.

The advantage is that it provides relatively high returns to solar installers and incentivizes faster public adoption of solar panels. In some cases, it can use existing dual-directional spinning meters without equipment replacement. However, this system has a significant limitation: the buyback price does not reflect true electricity system costs, since what consumers pay includes not just generation costs but also power plant construction, transmission lines, distribution infrastructure, and entire network management expenses.

Net Billing, by contrast, is a "monetary offset" billing system that clearly separates the cost of electricity purchased from the grid and electricity sold back to the system. Excess solar power receives credits at a government-determined rate, which is typically lower than the retail electricity price because it accounts for comprehensive electricity system costs, including network maintenance and energy management. This system requires replacing existing meters with smart digital meters that can measure both purchased electricity and grid-injected electricity at each time interval to calculate net electricity costs.

The advantage is that it allows pricing flexibility to match energy costs during different periods, properly managing electricity system expenses without shifting costs to overall consumers. However, while both systems promote clean energy, Net Metering benefits solar installers more, while Net Billing is viewed as a more "balanced" approach that better protects fairness for all electricity users by reducing costs that might otherwise burden non-solar households and allowing the government greater flexibility to adjust solar buyback rates according to future energy circumstances.

Why Net Metering May Burden Non-Solar Users

Although Net Metering appears beneficial to solar panel installers, it actually creates burdens on others.

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National

Prime Minister Builds Confidence with French Investors, Highlights ASEAN Gateway Potential, Attracts AI Investment

Thailand's Prime Minister pitched the country as Southeast Asia's gateway to leading French investors in Paris, highlighting opportunities in AI, clean energy, and advanced manufacturing with over 38 companies in attendance.

1d ago Khaosod

At 9:00 AM on May 25, 2026 (Paris local time, 5 hours behind Thailand) at Salon Foch in Le Cercle de l'Union interalliée in Paris, Prime Minister Anuthine Charnveerakul and Interior Minister met with the French Employers' Association (MEDEF International) and delivered remarks at an Exclusive Meeting with the Prime Minister of Thailand. The event featured François Corbin, MEDEF International Vice President and Chairman of the Franco-Thai Business Council, alongside representatives from MEDEF International and over 38 companies.

The Prime Minister welcomed the strong interest from leading French companies and business leaders, reflecting French private sector confidence in Thailand and positioning this as a critical moment to invest in the country. He emphasized Thailand's potential as a key gateway to ASEAN and the Indo-Pacific region. France ranks as Thailand's 4th trading partner in the European Union, with bilateral trade valued at nearly 4.2 billion euros in 2025. Over the past five years, the Board of Investment (BOI) received investment promotion requests from nearly 100 French companies worth over 725 million euros.

The Prime Minister invited French private sector participation in new industries including clean and renewable energy, transportation infrastructure, aircraft maintenance and repair services (MRO), advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, digital industry, artificial intelligence (AI), biotech, electric vehicles (EV), and advanced battery technology. He assured investors that Thailand offers world-class infrastructure, integrated logistics systems, capable human resources, strong supply chains, and a business-friendly environment with attractive investment incentives.

The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) receives full government support and is emerging as a modern industrial and technology hub for advanced industries and long-term technological cooperation. Thailand is transitioning to clean energy with easier access to renewable power, while the Thailand FastPass program facilitates strategic investment projects by significantly reducing approval and licensing timeframes.

Thailand's strengths include competitive costs, skilled workforce, strong local partnerships, and gateway access to ASEAN's market of over 700 million people and Asian markets. Advancing Thailand-France relations toward a strategic partnership and negotiating a Thailand-EU free trade agreement will create deeper cooperation opportunities. Thailand's OECD membership process demonstrates commitment to raising legal standards to international levels.

The Prime Minister welcomed MEDEF International delegates planning a Thailand visit in June, with plans to follow up on today's discussions and build economic partnership between Thailand and France.

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Tourism

The Old Home Cafe: A Cozy Wooden House Cafe That Makes You Nostalgic for Upcountry Homes

A Nonthaburi cafe housed in a traditional wooden structure offers comfort food and nostalgic upcountry vibes, created by former garment factory worker Jib as a healing space for homesick Bangkok residents.

1d ago Khaosod

The Old Home Cafe, a trending Nonthaburi coffee shop, stands out as a cozy wooden house cafe on Nakorn In Road that captures the warmth of traditional upcountry homes. Owner Jib (Phatchranon Pilavong) previously worked in garment manufacturing for 13 years, producing OEM products for major brands, but when COVID-19 shuttered the clothing industry, she pivoted to baking and eventually opened this cafe with her sister.

Jib intentionally designed the cafe in a traditional wooden house style to evoke nostalgia for provincial homes, featuring old wooden doors, weathered windows, and rustic materials. "We're from the provinces but live in Bangkok and rarely get home," she explains. "We wanted to create a healing space for people far from home—The Old Home Cafe."

The menu offers affordable, delicious options reflecting Jib's philosophy of accessibility during difficult economic times. Signature items include the Old Coffee (a pulled americano with her grandmother's condensed milk recipe and Chinese pandan for sweetness), Thai tea made with four tea bases, and notably, khao soi sourced from a respected Phayao recipe. The carrot cake uses premium cream cheese, and the cafe also serves pad krapow, spaghetti, and northern Thai curries prepared as authentically as home cooking.

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National

Brokerage Targets 4 Stocks to Benefit from Thai Help Thai Plus Program

Globlex Securities identifies four stocks poised to benefit from Thailand's Help Thai Plus stimulus program and MSCI index rebalancing, as strong foreign investment and exports support the market's sideways trading range this week.

1d ago Khaosod

Globlex Securities (GBS) estimates Thailand's stock market index will trade sideways this week between 1,510-1,560 points, buoyed by falling crude oil prices following positive US-Iran peace negotiations and continued strong foreign investment flows into Thai businesses. Foreign direct investment reached over 129 billion baht in the first four months of the year, up 124% year-over-year, with exports expanding 17% in the first quarter, prompting EXIM Bank to raise Thailand's full-year export forecast to 7% from the previous 0-2% projection.

Global economic conditions are supported by US jobless claims falling to 209,000, below analyst expectations, and US assurances it will not use military force to seize Greenland. However, market risks remain including Iran's decision to suspend enriched uranium exports and renewed geopolitical tensions as the US pursues regime change in Cuba and deploys 5,000 additional troops to Poland.

Domestically, Thailand's real estate sector continues facing pressure from higher interest rates and stricter lending standards, with mid-to-lower tier condominium transfers slowing while upper-tier horizontal property sales remain resilient. Investors should closely monitor this week's important economic data including international trade reports, industrial production indices, Bank of Thailand's economic assessment on May 29, US consumer confidence and employment figures, Q1 GDP estimates, and China's industrial profit reports.

Globlex research director recommends a selective stock-picking strategy focusing on two main groups: stocks benefiting from the MSCI Global Small Cap index rebalancing effective May 29 (recommending MRDIYT and TFG while avoiding TOA which is being removed), and retail and consumer stocks positioned to gain from the Thai Help Thai Plus stimulus initiative.

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