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National

Surasak Confident 60-Day Visa Exemption Reduction Won't Impact Main Tourism Market, Says It Helps Block Scammer Gangs

Thailand's tourism minister says cutting the 60-day visa exemption for 93 countries won't hurt main tourism markets, arguing most visitors stay under nine days anyway and the move helps block scammers misusing visa categories.

1d ago Khaosod

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Pancharoenworakul announced that following the Cabinet's approval in principle to cancel the 60-day visa exemption, the policy is not yet in effect pending official announcement in the Royal Gazette by the Foreign Ministry. When implemented, visitors from 93 countries will revert to standard visa terms, predominantly the 30-day tourist visa, which Surasak believes will have minimal impact on legitimate tourists since the average stay is under 9 days.

Surasak stated the elimination will not harm primary tourism markets, particularly Chinese tourists, because China grants Thai citizens 30 days visa-free travel in reciprocal exchange. The cancellation is intended to screen for quality tourists while preventing scammers and criminals from misusing visa categories. The government's Immigration Policy Committee will periodically review visa measures based on actual tourist behavior, with most countries receiving 30-day or 15-day visas accordingly. The ministry proposed extending India's visa to 15 days, matching their average 9-day stay, and considering emerging markets in the Middle East, Belarus, and other high-potential regions.

Regarding broader tourism challenges, Surasak noted the main impacts stem from the Middle East conflict and global economic factors rather than visa policies. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) set a 2025 target of 33 million visitors but has been instructed to reassess projections given ongoing regional tensions.

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National

Thai Help Thai Plus 60/40 Registration Steps and Instructions

Thailand's Thai Help Thai Plus program opens registration May 25-29 through the Pao Tang app, offering 30 million eligible citizens 4,000 baht in monthly subsidies where the government covers 60 percent of food and goods purchases from June

1d ago Khaosod

Here are the steps and procedures for registering in Thai Help Thai Plus 60/40 through the Pao Tang app—find out which two qualifications make you ineligible and when benefits begin.

On May 21, 2025, the government's Thai Help Thai Plus program, a cost-of-living relief measure, received Cabinet approval on May 19 and is ready to open registration from May 25-29, 2025 for a five-day period. Approximately 30 million people from the general public and salaried workers are eligible.

The government will cover 60 percent while participants pay 40 percent for designated food, beverages, goods, and services. State support is capped at 200 baht per person daily or a maximum of 1,000 baht per person monthly for four months.

Eligibility Requirements: - Must be at least 18 years old as of registration date - Must hold a Thai national ID card

Disqualifying Conditions: - Already registered for state welfare card in the Ministry of Finance database as of May 18, 2025 - Was previously suspended or required to repay funds from the People's 50/50 Program phases 1-5 or the People's 50/50 Plus Program

Registration Period: May 25-29, 2025, from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM Registration: Through the Pao Tang app (everyone must register anew)

Benefit Period and Details: - Benefits Period: June 1 - September 30, 2025 - Amount: 1,000 baht per person per month (4 months total, 4,000 baht) - Subsidy Structure: 60/40 (government covers 60 percent, participant pays 40 percent) - Usable at participating merchants from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM via G-Wallet payment

Registration Steps: 1. Open the Pao Tang application 2. Click the Thai Help Thai Plus program icon on the app's home screen 3. Read the program terms and conditions, then click "Register" 4. A confirmation message with your benefit start date will appear—click "OK"

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Police

Pakistan Sentences Man to Death for Killing TikTok Star After Rejecting His Advances

A Pakistani court sentenced 23-year-old Umar Hayat to death for murdering TikTok star Sana Yousaf, 17, after she rejected his romantic advances in June 2024. Hayat broke into her Islamabad home and shot her following her repeated refusals t

1d ago Khaosod

A court in Islamabad, Pakistan has sentenced Umar Hayat, 23, to death for the murder of 17-year-old TikTok influencer Sana Yousaf in June 2024. Hayat had repeatedly pursued Yousaf but was rejected, leading him to break into her home and shoot her dead. During investigation, Hayat confessed to the killing, claiming he had become infatuated with Yousaf through online conversations. He said he had traveled to Islamabad days before the murder to wish her a happy birthday, but despite her refusal to meet him, he went to her home anyway, resulting in a violent confrontation that led to her death.

Sana Yousaf was a prominent online personality with over one million TikTok followers and 500,000 Instagram followers. She was popular for her entertaining videos featuring fashion trends, lip-sync performances, and hangouts with friends. Her father, Syed Yousaf Hassan, stated that the court's verdict serves as a lesson for such criminals in society. The court also ordered Hayat to pay 2.5 million Pakistani rupees (nearly 291,800 baht) in compensation to the victim's family.

Activists have noted that Yousaf's murder is part of a broader pattern of gender-based violence against women in Pakistan that affects many women across the country.

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Community

Congratulations to Billkin Putipong on His Master's Graduation Ceremony in England

Thai actor and entrepreneur Billkin Putipong has graduated with a master's degree in entrepreneurship from University College London, one of the world's top-ranked institutions.

1d ago Khaosod

Congratulations to Billkin Putipong on his master's graduation ceremony after successfully completing his entrepreneurship degree from UCL, a renowned university in England. After previously traveling to England to pursue his master's degree in entrepreneurship with plans to bring his knowledge back to advance his own ventures, the young entrepreneur has now posted photos from his graduation day on his Instagram story. Billkin Entertainment also shared a special moment video of Billkin receiving his master's degree, with social media users sharing congratulatory posts celebrating this milestone of success alongside his family and loved ones. Billkin Putipong Assaratanakul has completed his master's degree in Entrepreneurship from University College London (UCL) in England—quite an impressive achievement since this university is ranked 9th in the world, where students must graduate with at least a second-class honors bachelor's degree and achieve an IELTS score of 7 or higher.

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National

Finance Ministry Defends 18.8 Billion Baht Budget Reallocation, Says It Reduces Cost of Living

The Finance Ministry defended reallocating 18.8 billion baht to fund a welfare card program, arguing the move eases cost-of-living pressures and violates no fiscal rules despite criticism from an opposition MP.

1d ago Khaosod

The Finance Ministry has defended its decision to reallocate 18.8 billion baht from a 400 billion baht emergency borrowing decree to fund the state welfare card program, arguing the move is both legal and necessary to ease the public's financial burden.

The clarification comes after Sirikanya Tansakul, a Thai People's Party MP and party vice chair, posted on Facebook accusing the government of "sneaking" funds from the Pracharath Fund into regular budget spending.

Deputy Finance Minister Lawaron Saengsonit responded that the reallocation is proper fiscal management and serves the legitimate purpose of addressing rising cost of living without violating the emergency borrowing decree. "There's nothing fishy here," Saengsonit said. "Everything is transparent. Funds at this scale cannot be hidden, concealed, or covered up."

Saengsonit explained that the government exhausted alternative funding sources before turning to the emergency borrowing mechanism. The current fiscal year's central budget has only 20 billion baht remaining, while the legal reserve fund holds 50 billion baht. An additional 20 billion baht is expected from pending budget reallocation legislation.

The ministry faces severe budget constraints despite demand from various government agencies totaling 140 billion baht, including border security and disaster relief. This necessity prompted the emergency borrowing decree.

The 18.8 billion baht welfare card allocation for four months was funded through the emergency decree because it clearly meets the program's objective of protecting vulnerable groups and reduces pressure on the regular budget, allowing central funds to be directed more efficiently to other needs such as flood or drought relief.

The 400 billion baht emergency borrowing fund is divided into two categories: cost of living relief and energy transition. These categories do not need to be funded sequentially, but can be flexibly distributed as needed.

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Weather

Today's Weather: Meteorology Department Names 36 Provinces Under Monsoon Storm Alert with Heavy to Very Heavy Rainfall

Thailand's Meteorology Department placed 36 provinces under monsoon storm alert on May 21, warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall nationwide with flash flooding risks, particularly along the western coastal south and upper regions due to a

1d ago Khaosod

The Thai Meteorology Department issued a 24-hour weather forecast on May 21, 2025, warning of continued rainfall nationwide with heavy downpours in some areas, especially the western coastal southern region due to a strong southwest monsoon over the upper Andaman Sea combined with low-pressure systems over the lower northern and upper northeastern regions. Public warning issued for dangers from heavy to very heavy rainfall and accumulated water, which may cause flash flooding and flash floods, particularly in hillside areas near water channels and low-lying areas. Citizens are advised to monitor their health during changing weather conditions.

Andaman Sea conditions in the upper region show relatively strong winds with waves 2-3 meters high, exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. The lower Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand have waves approximately 2 meters high, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas. Fishermen are advised to exercise caution and avoid thunderstorm zones; small boats in the upper Andaman Sea should remain ashore.

Regional forecasts (06:00 today to 06:00 tomorrow):

Northern Region: Thunderstorms in 60 percent of areas with heavy rainfall in Nan, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Tak, Kamphaengphet, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun. Low 23-26°C, high 32-37°C. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.

Northeastern Region: Thunderstorms in 60 percent of areas with heavy rainfall in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nongbualamphú, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, and Nakhon Phanom. Low 23-25°C, high 31-35°C. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.

Central Region: Thunderstorms in 60 percent of areas with heavy rainfall in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Low 24-27°C, high 33-36°C. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.

Eastern Region: Thunderstorms in 60 percent of areas with heavy rainfall in Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Low 24-29°C, high 32-36°C. Southwest winds 20-35 km/h. Sea waves approximately 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

Southern Region (Eastern Coast): Thunderstorms in 60 percent of areas with heavy rainfall in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, and Songkhla. Low 24-26°C, high 31-36°C. From Surat Thani northward: Southwest winds 20-35 km/h, waves approximately 2 meters offshore, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas. From Nakhon Si Thammarat southward: Southwest winds 15-35 km/h, waves 1-2 meters, approximately 2 meters offshore, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

Southern Region (Western Coast): Thunderstorms in 70 percent of areas with heavy rainfall in many areas of Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun, with very heavy rainfall in some areas of Ranong and Phang Nga. Low 23-26°C.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

UEFA Unveils New World Cup Qualifying Format Modeled After Champions League

UEFA has restructured European World Cup qualifying with a new two-league format inspired by the Champions League, dividing teams into League A and League B with automatic spots for top group finishers and playoff qualification for others.

1d ago Khaosod

The European Football Union (UEFA) has unveiled plans for a new format in the European zone qualifying rounds for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, divided into two leagues and modeled after the UEFA Champions League structure. All details are currently under refinement to finalize the framework.

The preliminary format divides teams into League A and League B. League A will feature the top 36 national teams split into three groups of 12 teams each. Every team will play six matches against six different opponents, with three home games and three away games. The best-ranked team from each of the three groups will automatically advance to the World Cup finals, with remaining qualification spots decided through playoffs. League B will similarly be divided into three groups, with teams also having the opportunity to secure spots in the World Cup finals.

UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin stated: "This new approach will help balance competition and make it more engaging and dynamic. At the same time, it ensures fair opportunities for all teams to qualify for the finals."

Additionally, UEFA announced that the UEFA Nations League will be restructured from its current four-league format to three leagues, with each league consisting of 18 teams divided into three groups of six teams each.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Breaking

Case Closed: Southampton's Appeal Against Playoff Final Ban Rejected

Southampton's appeal against their playoff final ban has been rejected after the EFL upheld findings that the club illegally scouted Middlesbrough's training before their semi-final, resulting in Middlesbrough replacing them in the May 23 f

1d ago Khaosod

Southampton's appeal against their ban from the Championship playoff final has been rejected by the EFL following accusations of illegally scouting Middlesbrough's training within 72 hours before their semi-final match. After Southampton and Middlesbrough drew 1-1 across two legs, Southampton won the replay in extra time 2-1 to advance to the final against Hull City on May 23. However, after an EFL investigation, Southampton was stripped of their playoff final berth, with Middlesbrough reinstated in their place, and the club also faces a four-point deduction in the next Championship season. Southampton's subsequent appeal was denied, with the EFL confirming that the club admitted to breaching the rules. The case is now closed with no further appeal options available to Southampton, who expressed their disappointment. Hull City also voiced dissatisfaction with the decision, as the team must now face a different opponent on short notice. Hull's chairman hinted the club may pursue legal action if they lose the final.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Breaking

Photos: Aston Villa Celebrate Winning the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League

Aston Villa won the 2025-26 UEFA Europa League title, defeating Germany's Freiburg 3-0 in the final on May 20 for their first continental trophy in 44 years.

1d ago Khaosod

English players from Aston Villa celebrated their UEFA Europa League 2025-26 championship after a dominant 3-0 victory over Freiburg from Germany in the final on May 20. This marks Villa's first Europa League title and their second European trophy overall, following their European Cup triumph in the 1981-82 season—44 years ago. The victory also represents the club's first major trophy in 30 years, with their last major title coming when they won the League Cup in 1995-96.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Aston Villa Crowned UEFA Europa League Champions for First Time After Demolishing Frankfurt

Aston Villa claimed their first Europa League title with a dominant 3-0 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt in Istanbul, securing the club's second European trophy in 44 years.

1d ago Khaosod

Aston Villa captured their first-ever UEFA Europa League title after crushing Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2025-26 final held on May 19 at Besiktas Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey.

Villa dominated from the start. In the 41st minute, Lucas Digne's short corner kick found Morgan Rogers in a vacant space inside the penalty area, allowing Yuri Tielemans to fire in an elegant volley to put Villa ahead 1-0.

Just before halftime at 45+3 minutes, the midfield pressed forward and John McGinn sent a pass to Emiliano Buendía from the right wing. Buendía controlled and shot from just outside the box, striking a beautiful finish off the far post to extend the lead to 2-0 at halftime.

Villa added a third goal in the 58th minute when Lucas Digne played the ball to Buendía, who weaved past defenders and opened up space on the left flank before delivering to the near post for Morgan Rogers to finish, making it 3-0. Villa came close to scoring again in the 70th minute from a corner kick when Amadou Onana jumped to meet the ball at the far post, but his header went just wide.

The final score remained 3-0 in Villa's favor, securing their first-ever Europa League title and their second European trophy overall since winning the European Cup in the 1981-82 season—44 years ago. This also marks Villa's first major trophy in 30 years, since winning the League Cup in 1995-96.

Meanwhile, England still has an opportunity to qualify up to six clubs for the UEFA Champions League next season, depending on how the final Premier League standings shake out. If Villa finishes outside the top four, England could potentially receive a sixth qualification spot based on UEFA's coefficient rankings for the current season.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police officer sexually assaults 20-year-old server at hot pot restaurant, claims it's 'normal'

A police sergeant allegedly grabbed a 20-year-old server's genitals at a Kanchanaburi hot pot restaurant and dismissed it as normal behavior when confronted with CCTV evidence.

2d ago Khaosod

On May 20, 2569, a Facebook user posted CCTV footage showing a customer at a hot pot restaurant grabbing the genitals of a 20-year-old server, causing her to cry out in shock. The alleged assault occurred on the evening of May 19 at Ton Pradoo Hot Pot restaurant in Lat Ya subdistrict, Muang district, Kanchanaburi province.

The victim, identified as Jen, recounted that around 9:30 p.m. on May 19, a group of about 12 customers, including one man wearing a shirt with police or military insignia, entered the restaurant. When Jen informed the man that they couldn't accommodate a song request due to other customers being served, the man asked her to write down two song titles. As she stood close to take down the names, he suddenly grabbed her genitals. Shocked and frightened, Jen fled and informed the restaurant owner, who then called police. Jen revealed she felt deeply disturbed by the incident and increasingly anxious after learning the perpetrator was a police sergeant, worried about her safety while commuting home alone late at night on her part-time job.

Phanuphong, 31, the restaurant owner, stated that when police arrived and he showed them the CCTV footage, the officer denied the allegation and challenged him to prove it. Upon viewing the video, instead of showing remorse, the officer and his companions dismissed it as normal behavior. Outraged, Phanuphong emphasized that his restaurant operates with integrity and employees work honestly, so he cannot tolerate such conduct. He has filed a complaint at Lat Ya Police Station and appealed to the officer's superiors to investigate and take strict disciplinary action, stressing that police should be guardians of public safety, not perpetrators of misconduct.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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