The Toyota Thailand Open 2026 World Tour Super 500 badminton tournament took place at Nimibutr Sports Building on May 15 in the quarterfinal round of the women's singles competition. World No. 7 Mai Ratchanok Intanon faced off against Japan's Hina Akeshi, ranked No. 28 globally. Mai Ratchanok was defeated in straight sets with scores of 13-21 and 21-16, ending her Thailand Open campaign at the quarterfinal stage.

In another match, former runner-up Mew Pornpawee Chochuwong (world No. 8) competed against fellow Thai player Pink Pichayamol Opasnipat (world No. 27). In a closely contested match, Opasnipat won the first game 21-19, but Chochuwong fought back to claim the second game 21-13, forcing a decisive third game. Opasnipat dominated the final game, winning 21-15 to advance to the semifinal round. She will face world No. 3 Akane Yamaguchi, the tournament's No. 1 seed.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has documented approximately 140 blacktip reef sharks in Maya Bay, Krabi province. According to Jinda Srisuppatpong, director of the Marine National Park Management Division, early May surveys confirm that Maya Bay remains a critical habitat with high shark density.

A seven-day drone survey found that dawn hours were peak activity periods, with average counts reaching 120 sharks and a maximum count of 140 on May 3rd—a record for the survey. Notably, groups of 20-50 adult sharks were observed swimming close to shore to hunt prey during periods without tourism disturbance.

Underwater camera monitoring revealed an increase in juvenile sharks compared to the previous 3-4 months, with 11 juveniles documented. Beach observations also recorded 4-5 newborn sharks measuring less than 30 centimeters foraging in water shallow enough to reach the ankles, confirming that Maya Bay continues to function as an efficient natural nursery ground for shark reproduction.

On May 15, 2569, Khunying Sudarat Keyuraphan stated that the government must take corruption seriously by declaring an 'anti-corruption national agenda.' After a survey of Thai business leaders nationwide, 51.2% believe corruption has worsened compared to three years ago, and 89.1% view corruption as a severe obstacle to business operations.

Corruption levels have increased annually. According to anti-corruption organizations, Thailand loses approximately 500 billion baht annually to corruption by officials abusing their power and exploiting the public. Sudarat emphasized that politics must be conducted with integrity because without addressing corruption, Thailand's economy cannot grow beyond 2% even without war. The greater the corruption by those in power, the poorer the people become.

She proposes three solutions to make anti-corruption a national agenda:

1. Disclose Open Data regarding all budget information and procurement processes 2. Establish a citizen-led National Anti-Corruption Commission by enacting laws granting investigative power over state corruption, with a board comprising private sector representatives, civil society representatives, professional organizations, and academics 3. Amend the constitution to empower citizens to recall corrupt politicians and remove independent agencies failing to perform duties with integrity, breaking the cycle of corruption

Sudarat stressed that Thailand cannot revive its economy, develop the country, or improve people's living standards without seriously addressing corruption.

On May 15, 2025, at Bangkok City Hall, Governor Chadchart Sittipunt addressed reports of his imminent resignation, stating: "I have not yet submitted a resignation letter from my position as Bangkok Governor, but I have prepared one to submit to Prime Minister Anuptin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister Anuptin on May 18-19." He continued: "After that, I will fly to the United States to attend my son's graduation. On May 28, I will file to run for Bangkok Governor again, and on the same day I will introduce my team, present my accomplishments over the past four years, and outline the policies I will continue to pursue."

The Land Bridge study committee has established three subcommittees to accelerate research completion within 90 days, confirming comprehensive impact assessment covering project feasibility, environmental concerns, and public participation from all groups. On May 15, 2569 at 14:50 at Government House, Donucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the National Council for Economic and Social Development (NESDB) and secretary to the committee studying implementation of the transport infrastructure development project linking the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea (Land Bridge Project), gave an interview following the first meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprayab and Finance Minister.

Donucha stated that the meeting discussed basic data for the work within a 90-day timeframe, making it impractical to conduct studies from scratch. The committee will therefore use existing research results from the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), the most recent and detailed available study, along with previously prepared Senate reports.

Donucha further explained that the assessment criteria will examine current and future problem trend assumptions, the Land Bridge Project's cargo transportation connecting both regions, and business feasibility, while confirming that the work will assess all-dimensional impacts including environmental aspects and will include public consultation.

The meeting approved establishment of three subcommittees: (1) the Land Bridge Project Implementation Guideline Consideration Subcommittee, including experts from the private sector and academics; (2) the Environmental Impact Assessment Subcommittee, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of Natural Resources and Environment, including environmental experts and agency representatives; and (3) the Public Participation and Communication Process Promotion Subcommittee, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of Transport, which will disclose information to the public and conduct public consultations, considering concerns and local community input.

Donucha stated that all three subcommittees will report their progress to the main committee for consideration at the next meeting in June. When asked whether academics and NGO voices would be included, he confirmed all perspectives would be considered. Regarding whether this would take the form of legislation like the Eastern Economic Corridor Special Development Zone Act, Donucha noted this is a separate issue that depends on whether the project has commercial characteristics, saying the focus initially is on project development feasibility rather than legal mechanisms. He confirmed economic and geopolitical considerations will be included, examining how circumstances have changed since the 2566 OTP study and updating accordingly. When asked if 90 days is sufficient, Donucha said the committee will make its best effort, but will request the Prime Minister for an extension if needed.

Khon Kaen Municipality is actively searching for an unregistered street vendor believed to be selling fish dumplings and sausages without proper registration. Initial investigation suggests the vendor may have sneaked into Gaen Nakhon Lakeside Market, which falls within the municipality's jurisdiction.

The incident began when a consumer purchased fish dumplings from the lakeside market and discovered tissue paper inside the food upon returning home. The consumer posted about the incident on social media, sparking widespread criticism.

On May 15, 2569 (2026), Deputy Mayor Nuchreevan Dordilert announced that the municipality had launched an immediate investigation. The market committee determined that the vendor in question was an unauthorized motorcycle cart operator, not a registered market merchant.

"Vendors at Gaen Nakhon Lakeside Market fall into two main categories: those properly registered with the municipality and walk-in vendors operating under our system," the deputy mayor explained. "However, this case involves a cart that doesn't belong to either group. We're currently identifying the vendor. Regarding the tissue paper found in the dumplings, we need to verify whether it's actually tissue paper, though video evidence appears to show something tissue-like. Today, we're conducting a joint investigation with the Khon Kaen Provincial Public Health Office."

The municipality conducts regular inspections of over 1,000 food establishments across the city, including fresh markets, community markets, and restaurants, covering roughly 35 areas. Each facility is inspected at least once annually, and complaints trigger immediate investigations.

According to the deputy mayor, this is an unprecedented incident. Licensed vendors must comply with established standards and regulations. While the municipality has vendor databases and monitoring systems, unauthorized carts sometimes slip in during nighttime hours or when staff presence is limited.

Initial investigation suggests the vendor may originate from the Wat That area, where various merchants operate despite municipal restrictions on designated areas. The municipality will coordinate with municipal police, market committees, and community representatives to track down the offending vendor.

If violations are confirmed, penalties could include approximately 2,000 baht for selling outside designated areas under the City Cleanliness and Order Act, or up to 10,000 baht under the Food Act if the food was deemed unsafe or illegal. Formal evidence collection and investigation results are pending.