National

Sawaeng Says He's Awaiting Statements from 5 Witnesses in Barcode Ballot Case, Reiterates Election Commission Fighting with Truth, Dismisses Somchai's Planned Defamation Countersuit

The Election Commission is gathering witness statements from five experts to defend itself in a Constitutional Court case over barcode ballots, with Secretary-General Sawaeng dismissing a former member's planned defamation countersuit as ro

3d ago Khaosod

May 16, 2026 — Sawaeng Boonmee, Secretary-General of the Election Commission (EC), addressed the submission of clarifications to the Constitutional Court regarding the barcode and QR code ballot case. In matters for which the EC office is responsible as a defendant, the Constitutional Court sent a letter last week requesting that witness statements cited by the EC be submitted back within 15 days.

Currently, the EC is in the process of collecting witness statements from 5 individuals: four are lawyers or those involved in drafting the constitution, and one is a technology expert.

When asked whether the EC's main argument revolves around the issue of secrecy, Sawaeng stated, "We fight with the truth. We bring truth to our defense."

Regarding former EC member Somchai Srisuthiyakorn's letter requesting 20 documents related to the barcode case, Sawaeng said he has not yet seen the letter but understands that Somchai requested documents. He noted that the EC must follow procedures regarding document requests and that some EC documents, such as procurement records, have already been publicly disclosed.

The EC continues to maintain that it operates under public scrutiny and follows the law. The commission awaits the outcome of the case.

Sawaeng also addressed the EC's filing of charges against 6 individuals, noting that three months have passed without formal charges being filed. These cases are currently at the investigation stage. He stressed that these prosecutions are not part of evidence to prove the EC is attempting to keep elections secret, but rather efforts to protect the electoral process itself, not the EC.

Regarding reports that Somchai plans to file a defamation suit against the EC next week, Sawaeng expressed indifference, noting that the EC is regularly sued.

Concerning the We Watch group's call to drop charges against protesters in Chonburi's District 1 election protest, Sawaeng reaffirmed that the EC's actions aim to protect the electoral process, which belongs to the people, not the EC. The EC has a duty to ensure elections proceed smoothly, and all citizens must operate within the law.

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National

Chamber of Commerce Proposes National Anti-Corruption Committee to Elevate Thailand's OECD Entry

Thailand's Chamber of Commerce proposed establishing a national anti-corruption committee and command center to strengthen the country's bid for OECD membership while addressing agricultural reform and trade competitiveness.

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The Thai Chamber of Commerce and Board of Trade of Thailand, led by Chairman Pot Arumvattananont, revealed that Prime Minister Anusit Charnveerakul opened Government House on May 15th to chair a discussion with leading executives from major private companies. The purpose was to gather ideas and recommendations from the private sector to enhance the country's economic competitiveness. The Chamber presented three key proposals:

1. Establish a National Anti-Corruption Committee with representatives from all sectors, particularly the private sector, and create a National Anti-Corruption Command Center (NACC) to implement transparent and concrete anti-corruption measures. This is essential as corruption continues to hinder the country's economic and social development, and Thailand must demonstrate serious commitment to entering the OECD.

2. Accelerate comprehensive agricultural reform to increase productivity, boost farmer income, reduce costs, and stabilize prices for over 30 million farmers and their families. This includes promoting technology and innovation across the entire agricultural value chain—from production and water management to marketing and value addition—to ensure Thai farmers achieve sustainable and competitive long-term income.

3. Aggressively advance Thailand's trade and investment amid rapid shifts in geopolitics and geoeconomics. This aims to identify new opportunities and strengthen the country's long-term economic resilience.

Given that these issues involve multiple ministries and agencies, integrated coordination is essential. The Chamber requested that the Prime Minister lead these initiatives with clear direction, speed, and unified implementation through a mechanism similar to the Economic Cabinet (CECONOMIC). Following the discussion, Pot stated that this represents a valuable opportunity for the government to hear private sector perspectives and implement these recommendations as priorities with genuine commitment to elevate the country's competitiveness.

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National

Department of Business Development Orders Investigation into Corruption Allegations with Maximum Penalties if Guilty

The Department of Business Development is investigating corruption allegations and promising maximum penalties for wrongdoing while expanding digital systems to eliminate face-to-face interactions that could enable bribery.

3d ago Khaosod

The Department of Business Development is proceeding with investigations into corruption allegations with an impartial stance, promising maximum penalties if wrongdoing is found. The department emphasizes cultivating integrity among all staff levels, ensuring both the organization and individual officials earn the public's trust and can take pride in transparent public service. Currently, the department has implemented digital systems for 100% of its business and public services, eliminating face-to-face interactions that could create opportunities for extortion and corruption.

Puenpong Nayanapaakorn, Director-General of the Department of Business Development under the Ministry of Commerce, stated that corruption in the public sector is a critical concern affecting the country's competitiveness and foreign investment decisions. The department adheres to good governance principles and welcomes audits of all procedures to ensure transparency. Officials have consistently maintained strict oversight of staff conduct with clear penalties, and complaints from the private sector or public are investigated immediately due to their impact on the department's credibility.

The department has implemented comprehensive digital systems including DBD Biz Regist for partnership and company registration, DBD e-PCL for public company registration, DBD e-Filing for financial statement submission, e-Foreign Business for foreign business permits, e-Secured for business collateral registration, and DBD DataWarehouse+ for legal entity information, with near-universal user adoption across all systems.

The department regularly updates its digital systems to be modern and secure while adapting to technological changes, reducing service time and procedural steps. Standardized service guidelines ensure uniform document verification, eliminate inequities, and reduce official discretion. A status tracking system communicates clear service timelines to the public and private sector, reducing uncertainty and building confidence in the department's services.

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National

Labour Placement Company Clarifies Poland Worker Placement Delays, Commits to Full Refunds

A labour placement company has agreed to refund processing fees to workers after delays in their Poland deployment, blaming the destination country's stricter document review process rather than fraud.

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Resolution reached! Labour placement company clarifies Poland worker placement delays, denies fraud allegations, commits to immediate refunds

On May 16, 2025, following complaints from workers about delays in their deployment to work in Poland, a labour placement company quickly moved to resolve concerns. After learning of the situation, company executives and management rushed to meet with representatives of affected workers at Bang Sue Police Station to clarify facts and find immediate solutions.

The company's representatives stated that all documentation was properly processed according to correct procedures and can be verified by the embassy. However, they explained that the destination country's stricter and more time-consuming document review process may have caused communication and coordination delays, creating client concerns. The company apologized for the inconvenience and firmly denied any intention to abandon or defraud clients.

To demonstrate good faith and take responsibility, the company agreed to refund processing fees to workers who requested them. Partial refunds were already distributed, and a joint record was made before Bang Sue Police Station investigators, with remaining payments to be handled according to clear agreements. This greatly relieved and satisfied the affected workers.

For workers still wishing to proceed with employment in Poland, the company confirmed it will continue coordinating efforts and protecting client interests until completion.

Representatives of the affected workers group noted that the company's swift problem-solving and quick assumption of responsibility gave them peace of mind and better understanding of the process. They acknowledged that previous miscommunications and delayed information had caused misunderstandings, but after discussions and seeing evidence of the company's good faith, they were satisfied with the company's care.

After negotiations, both parties agreed and understood each other well, creating a harmonious atmosphere and resolving the misunderstanding amicably.

The company emphasized its strong commitment to best serving all clients and plans to request meetings with embassy representatives to receive guidance, clarify procedures, and coordinate closely to ensure smoother and faster document processing for future clients.

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Police

Police investigate alleged abuse of 2-year-old by stepfather

A 2-year-old child in Phuket's Kathu municipality was allegedly abused by a stepfather, prompting authorities to launch an investigation and place the child under care at a local shelter for medical evaluation.

3d ago Khaosod

PHUKET — May 16, 2026, Authorities in Phuket are investigating allegations that a 2-year-old child was physically abused by a stepfather, officials said.

The case was reported in Kathu municipality, where local social welfare officials coordinated with security personnel and the Phuket Children and Family Shelter to provide emergency assistance and assess the child's condition.

Social welfare officers and municipal officials visited the area and interviewed people connected to the case as part of the investigation.

Authorities said the child's family had already filed a police complaint at Kathu police station seeking legal action against the alleged abuser.

Officials from the Phuket Children and Family Shelter later took the child to hospital for medical examinations and psychological assessments.

Authorities said information gathered from the examinations and interviews would be used in ongoing child protection proceedings.

Officials said agencies involved would continue monitoring the child's welfare and provide further assistance to ensure the child's safety and legal protection.

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National

10-baht noodles survive in Ratchaburi despite rising prices

A noodle vendor in Ratchaburi has kept prices at 10 baht for eight years despite rising costs, offering some of Thailand's cheapest meals to students and laborers while earning minimal profit.

3d ago Khaosod

RATCHABURI — 16 May 2026, a noodle vendor in Ratchaburi has continued selling bowls for 10 baht despite rising ingredient and fuel costs, offering one of the cheapest meals still available as inflation continues to affect household spending in Thailand.

The stall, operated by 59-year-old Jiraprapa Chulert, known locally as "Jae Tor," sits beside a road near the Kobkul Bridge crossing the Mae Klong River in Tha Rab subdistrict, Mueang district. The small cart-based shop attracts students, labourers and local residents seeking low-cost meals.

The shop serves several noodle varieties, including nam tok, a rich Thai-style boat noodle soup, tom yum noodles with a spicy and sour broth, clear soup noodles and yen ta fo, a pink noodle soup made with fermented tofu sauce. All dishes are priced at 10 baht per bowl. Jiraprapa said the price has remained unchanged for about eight years despite repeated increases in the cost of meat, vegetables and other ingredients.

She said many of her regular customers are workers and schoolchildren from a nearby school, and raising prices would make meals less affordable for some families. Jiraprapa said the business now earns far less than it once did because operating costs have steadily increased. After expenses, she said the stall typically brings in around 500 to 600 baht per day, relying on large customer volume rather than profit margins.

She added that the income has helped support three grandchildren through vocational school, although maintaining the 10-baht price has become increasingly difficult as raw material costs continue to rise. The stall opens daily from 08:00 to 14:00 or until sold out.

Customers at the shop described the noodles as inexpensive at a time when many everyday goods have become more expensive. One customer said two bowls for 20 baht was still enough for a full meal, adding that prices at most food stalls have increased significantly in recent years.

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National

Check Government Savings Bank Lottery Results - Special 1-Year Draw for May 16, 2025

Government Savings Bank announced lottery winners for its May 16 special draw, with a grand prize of 10 million baht going to ticket S 4095899 as part of the bank's 113th anniversary celebration.

3d ago Khaosod

On May 16, 2025, the Government Savings Bank announced the results of its special 1-year savings lottery draw and special prize winners for both 1-year and 2-year lotteries, celebrating the bank's 113th founding anniversary. The first-prize draw on May 16, 2025 featured one grand prize of 10 million baht: Draw no. 625, ticket number S 4095899. The second-prize winner received 1 million baht: Draw no. 627, ticket number Q 8705603.

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National

Bangkok Election Chief Announces Chatchathat's Resignation; New Governor to be Selected Within 60 Days, Confirms June 28 Timeline, Clarifies Ballots Won't Include QR Codes

Bangkok Governor Chatchathat Sittipanth has resigned, triggering a new gubernatorial election scheduled for June 28 with a 294 million baht budget and approximately 4.5 million eligible voters.

3d ago Khaosod

On May 16, Pol. Lt. Col. Samphan Saengkhamlert, director of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Election Commission, revealed that Bangkok Governor Chatchathat Sittipanth has submitted a resignation letter to the Interior Minister. According to Bangkok administration regulations, the resignation becomes effective the day after submission, and the Election Commission (EC) must hold a new election within 60 days. During this period, the Bangkok Deputy Governor will serve as acting governor.

Since this transition occurs near the end of the current governor's term on May 20, the Election Commission approved conducting both elections simultaneously.

The Bangkok election budget has been set at 294 million baht, an increase from the previous gubernatorial election which cost approximately 280 million baht. This budget covers election unit management, equipment, personnel, and public services. Candidate registration is scheduled for May 28, with voting on June 28 to maximize budget efficiency.

Pol. Lt. Col. Samphan confirmed that election observers will be present and outlined the election structure. The Bangkok Governor and its equivalent will oversee the election, with five additional local election committee members. The Bangkok Deputy Governor will serve as the local election director, with sub-committees in all 50 electoral districts.

Approximately 4,507,523 people are eligible to vote, with 6,629 polling units (99 more than parliamentary elections). Results will be reported at the Rattanakosin Hall of Bangkok City Hall.

Candidate registration runs from May 28 to June 1 at Airavata Development Building in Din Daeng District. A registration drill will be held on May 27. A ballot drawing will occur simultaneously at 51 locations. Ballots will be delivered on June 18 via Thai Post with police escort.

Pol. Lt. Col. Samphan confirmed that ballots will definitively not include QR codes, as local election regulations use rubber stamp imprinting according to established procedures.

Regarding first-time voters, including 18-year-olds and those who recently relocated across districts, the EC will announce the voter list 25 days before the election for public verification. Those who relocated and haven't completed one year in their new district registration will not initially appear on the voter list.

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Breaking

Illegal Cat Medicine Factory Shut Down; Counterfeit Drugs Mixed to Increase Volume for FIP Treatment

Authorities shut down an illegal animal medicine factory in Samut Prakan Province that was diluting and counterfeiting FIP treatment drugs with water and flour while operating under a fake feed business license.

3d ago Khaosod

On May 16, 2025, Deputy Police Commander Kongkrit Lertsitkul ordered an inspection team led by Police Captain Weerapong Khlai Thong and Police Major Surasee Kongthap, along with officials from the Department of Animal Husbandry and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), to execute a search warrant from the Samut Prakan Provincial Court. They raided a factory in Bang Muang Subdistrict, Muang District, Samut Prakan Province, following reports of illegal animal medicine production and sales through online platforms.

Investigators discovered the company was registered as an animal feed wholesale business but illegally imported antiviral medications for treating Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) without authorization. The company manufactured and distributed these drugs under the guise of GS-441524 antiviral medicine through multiple online channels. During the raid, a 35-year-old man named Songphan (surname withheld) identified himself as the facility owner.

Authorities seized unregistered "Emune" medicine products in 20ml, 30ml, and 40ml bottles—83 packaged units and 117 unpackaged units. They also confiscated manufacturing equipment including pill pressing machines, vial sealing devices, pill counting trays, hot air blowers, chemical compounds, and packaging materials: 550 empty bottles, 740 bottle caps, and 4,690 labels and boxes. Total seized assets exceeded 1 million baht.

Investigation revealed the operation not only sold illegally imported animal medicines but also reduced costs by diluting imported liquid medicines with water and mixing pill formulations with flour before re-pressing, significantly multiplying profit margins while disregarding pet safety. Officials noted the medicines underwent no quality or safety inspections, potentially containing harmful ingredients with no clear active drug dosage controls, rendering treatments ineffective. Production facilities lacked proper sanitation, posing serious risks to household pets.

Initial charges filed under the Medicines Act include: manufacturing, selling, or importing medicine without authorization (up to 5 years imprisonment and 10,000 baht fine); manufacturing or selling unregistered medicines (up to 3 years imprisonment or 5,000 baht fine); and unauthorized medicine advertising (up to 100,000 baht fine). Further legal proceedings are pending.

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National

Aslambek Khataev Dominates Estupinan with Second Round TKO, Extends Unbeaten Streak to 10 Consecutive ONE Championship Wins

Uzbek fighter Aslambek Khataev extended his ONE Championship winning streak to 10 with a second-round TKO victory over Colombia's Jordan Estupinan at Rajadamnern Stadium on May 16.

3d ago Khaosod

Uzbek Muay Thai fighter Aslambek Khataev defeated Colombia's Jordan Estupinan by TKO in the second round of a flyweight kickboxing match at ONE Fight Night 43, held at Rajadamnern Stadium on May 16. With this victory, Khataev achieved his 10th consecutive win in ONE Championship and extended his overall unbeaten streak to 24 fights. In other bouts, veteran fighter Petchtongnoi Petchfergus secured a points victory over Ben Willis in kickboxing, while Nontchai Jitmuengnan defeated Filippo Lobo by unanimous decision in a Muay Thai bantamweight contest. Fabio Enrique knocked out Yosuke Saruta in the second round of an MMA strawweight bout, Lito Adiwang submitted Ego Roni Saputhro in the first round of an MMA bantamweight match, Lua Chao won by points against Dennis Sousa Jr. in a non-title featherweight kickboxing clash, and Martina Dominguez defeated Johanna Pearson by unanimous decision in an atomweight Muay Thai bout.

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National

Legendary Singer Golf Pichaya Posts Heartbreaking Message About Loss of Beloved Dog Fila

Legendary Thai singer Golf Pichaya announced the death of his beloved dog Fila from intestinal cancer that had spread to her heart and lymph nodes, sharing an emotional farewell on Facebook after her passing early Tuesday morning.

3d ago Khaosod

Fans grew deeply concerned when legendary artist Golf Pichaya Nithaipaisalkul posted on his personal Facebook expressing "the greatest sorrow of his life," followed shortly by a heartbreaking photo announcing the passing of his beloved dog Fila. Numerous fans commented to express their sympathy and offer overwhelming support and encouragement.

In a subsequent post, Golf shared a photo from happier times with Fila along with a message: "It was such a heartbreaking night. The hospital called at 3 AM after Fila was admitted with intestinal cancer."

"Looking back to the previous months... actually, throughout April, Fila was in the hospital for a full month. They surgically removed the cancer tumor from her intestines, but it had already spread to the lymph nodes and eventually reached her heart," he explained.

"Two weeks after coming home, she seemed to be improving. But by the end of that week, she was vomiting excessively and growing weak, stumbling around with unfocused eyes, so we readmitted her. At 3 AM, the doctor called to say she wasn't responding to medications, oxygen, or IV fluids... she began struggling to breathe because the tumor was pressing on her heart, and she also had a leaky heart valve."

"We couldn't bear it anymore and decided to bring her home, but halfway there, she went into distress and we had to rush back to the hospital to give her an injection so she wouldn't suffer. But that turned out to be the most agonizing night for us."

"Fila has gone to rest in the sky now... I'm grateful to have had you as my daughter. Go be an angel, my dear. I will always love you forever. I think of you every day, my beloved daughter. I still can't accept that this is reality... I miss you so much and always will. Love you, Fila."

Fans flooded the comments with expressions of sympathy and heartfelt encouragement.

Our deepest condolences go to Golf Pichaya during this difficult time of loss.

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