May 25, 2025 – Nongchai Kunpleum, Mayor of Saansook Municipality, addressed the controversy involving South Korean YouTubers Jong and Caelan, who were charged 400 baht for two tent rentals at Bang Saen Beach. Although the money was eventually returned, the mayor expressed his regret as a fan of both content creators and apologized to them and their followers.

The mayor explained that the incident stemmed from unclear communication and misunderstanding. The tent rental area adjacent to Bang Saen Beach operates under an agreement with the municipality that has been in place for years. Operators are permitted to rent chairs and can only sell papaya salad and beverages; other food must be purchased from nearby shops.

The issue arose because the beachfront zone contains eight canopy beds total. When two people occupy one tent, the remaining six cannot be sold to others, creating a loss for the operator. The operator failed to clearly communicate that the beachfront area operates on a full-tent rental basis with negotiable pricing, leading to the misunderstanding when 400 baht was charged for just two people.

According to the mayor, Jong and Caelan had no issues with payment, but the incident gained traction on social media, causing damage. Non-beachfront tents cost 50 baht each, while beachfront tents require full-canopy rental charges.

Following the incident, Saansook Municipality will implement improved communication measures for tourists. The municipality has instructed operators to: 1. Clearly display pricing menus for all products and services 2. Confirm agreement on service charges before providing service 3. Strictly comply with regulations and operational terms

Tourists who prefer not to rent tents can use shade-only areas without tent rentals, with eight shaded spots available along the beach, or visit on Tuesdays when the beach is clear of rentals.

On May 25, 2025 at Government House, Wan Muhammad Noor Matha, Prime Minister's advisor, revealed details of discussions with Malaysian Ambassador Dato' Wan Saidi Wan Abdullah and delegation who visited to exchange congratulations following both officials taking new positions. The talks focused on the strong relationship between the two nations, with Malaysian tourists now ranking as Thailand's top visitor source, surpassing China. Wan Muhammad Noor stated that as advisor overseeing southern border province development, he believes strong bilateral relations will significantly enhance development in all aspects, including peace-building discussions where Malaysia facilitates negotiations between the government and dissenting parties. He noted that with cooperation, peace talks should progress smoothly. The peace negotiations should become clearer after a two-year hiatus, with technical preparations already underway and further discussions planned for early June before formal dialogue sessions. Wan Muhammad Noor indicated these formal talks, led by National Intelligence Agency Director Thanathorn Suwannannon as head of the southern border peace dialogue team, are expected to occur in late June at Malaysia. Regarding Malaysia's assessment of the new dialogue team leader, Wannor stated the Malaysian ambassador believes this appointment will bring greater negotiation progress, noting Thanathorn likely has prior contact with Malaysian officials. When asked about Malaysia's view of the current government, Wannor explained the new team will continue previous discussions, with expected progress given changing circumstances and personnel on both sides. Wannor further stated that PM Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister want the talks concluded and peace achieved during this administration after nearly 20 years of conflict resulting in significant loss of life and resources. Wannor also revealed that Malaysia's agriculture minister will visit him privately to discuss joint agricultural development, as Thailand excels in fruits, vegetables, fertilizers, beef, and chicken production. He added that Malaysia serves as a major market for Thailand, with plans to bring food and agricultural businessmen and relevant ministers for future consultations.

The Royal Thai Navy has reaffirmed it maintains a "complete border closure" policy despite online reports suggesting otherwise, underscoring strict control of border areas in line with government security policy. Occasional entry and exit permits are limited to specific law enforcement, security, and humanitarian operations such as deporting foreign nationals, repatriating Thai citizens, or conducting official government business—all subject to strict inspection and oversight. Navy officials also noted ongoing attempts at illegal border crossings, transnational criminal network activities, and various unlawful operations, prompting continued patrols, inspections, and law enforcement to maintain security, sovereignty, and public safety. The Navy urged the public to rely only on official information channels and exercise judgment when sharing information on social media to prevent misinformation.

Visits to Thailand's southern border provinces by prominent political figures typically focus on strict security agendas. However, Police General Tawee Sodsong, advisor to the House Legal Affairs Committee and Democrat Party leader, chose a different approach during his recent trip to Yarang District, Pattani—diving deep into the lives and livelihoods of grassroots communities through meals brimming with smiles and community flavor.

Tawee's delegation made a beeline for "Sister Oom's Crab Fried Rice," a legendary restaurant in Yamu Subdistrict that has been serving the Pattani area for over 20 years and is renowned as the area's sole standout crab fried rice establishment. The restaurant's enduring appeal stems from its commitment to fresh local ingredients daily, combined with the owner's warm and friendly hospitality. The dining atmosphere that day overflowed with warmth and relaxation as Tawee shed his political persona, personally serving dishes to tablemates while repeatedly praising the fare: "Everything tastes amazing… really delicious."

The highlight menu featured the signature crab fried rice, generously packed with crab meat, crab claws, and crab egg, perfectly seasoned alongside fresh seafood dishes including crispy garlic squid, spicy squid soup, and fresh squid salad prepared with meticulous care. Desserts included traditional royal recipes and local specialties like "khanom agaw" and custard—legendary flavors from the royal family of Yarang, the Adulbut clan.

During the meal, conversation turned to developing local SMEs. The restaurant owner revealed plans to open a Bangkok branch of the crab fried rice recipe at an affordable 60 baht price point. Tawee endorsed the idea, assessing that such quality at that price in the capital would generate strong sales and prove worthwhile, potentially serving as a crucial mechanism for generating recurring income and sustainably boosting the southern border economy.

Beyond promoting grassroots economics, Tawee raised a pressing social issue from his Bangkok meetings with party members and citizens: the plight of delivery app riders. An estimated 200,000 people from the three southern border provinces now work in Bangkok, with many as riders facing daily traffic accident risks. However, the deepest concern is legal rights access. "When accidents happen or people die, many don't understand the law, so they don't receive proper compensation," Tawee noted.

Drawing on his experience as former Justice Minister, Tawee aims to concretely support this agenda by enabling riders to fully access the Justice Fund and the Motor Vehicle Accident Victims Protection Act. He also plans to arrange legal counsel to assist and provide legal advice to displaced workers.

"Strengthening the chain with people!" Prime Minister Anutin posts photo with Deputy PM Anucha Vongsiswaddi smiling happily after attending the European region ambassadors and consuls general meeting in France on May 25, 2025. Earlier that morning, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister chaired the meeting of ambassadors and consuls general for the European region at the French Republic.

Attendees included Deputy PM Ekniti Nitithanprasert (Finance Minister), Deputy PM Suphajee Suthammaphan (Commerce Minister), Deputy PM Anucha Vongsiswaddi (Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister), and Culture Minister Sabeeda Thaiyasertsri, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Ambassadors, consuls general, and representatives from 24 countries participated in the meeting.

Most recently, Prime Minister Anutin posted photos from the meeting on Facebook featuring Anucha Vongsiswaddi, Sabeeda Thaiyasertsri, Suphajee Suthammaphan, and Ekniti Nitithanprasert.

Anutin captioned the photo: "Strengthening the chain with people! Team Thailand working in France with all we have for our people."

A new constitution is expected to take effect in mid-2572 (2029), replacing the 2560 (2017) version drafted by the coup council. This represents the timeline of various phases that will occur in drafting the new constitution. Nikorn Chamnong, a Bhumjaithai Party MP and charter co-drafter serving as a core government leader, has provided a brief overview. As known, amending and drafting a new constitution requires restarting the parliamentary process, with consideration by both the House of Representatives and Senate. Currently, Bhumjaithai is the first party to submit a draft to the parliamentary speaker. Nikorn indicated that if parliament convenes to consider it in June 2569 and the first reading passes, moving through the committee stage as the second reading and approving the third reading, it would reach October 2569. Parliament would then send the draft to the government and Election Commission for a second referendum, anticipated around January-February 2570. If voters approve, the draft would be presented to the throne for enforcement. The new constitution drafting process would begin August 2570 through August 2571 for selecting Charter Drafting Assembly members. Once selected, a 45-member committee would be established to draft, including public consultations, with the new constitution draft expected completed by September 2571 before a third referendum around February 2572. If approved, the draft would be presented to the throne for proclamation and enforcement in April-May 2572. This overview represents Bhumjaithai's draft already submitted to parliament. Regarding the Pheu Thai Party's movements—the opposition core leader—they have clearly announced they will submit a competing draft, along with raising concerns about whether Bhumjaithai's version locks in specifications and refuses to reduce Senate power. The Senate issue is particularly contentious, as Pheu Thai's party leader is facing fierce pushback from senators. There are concerns that if the Pheu Thai draft enters parliament for first reading approval, which requires Senate votes representing one-third, it could unexpectedly be voted down in the first reading.