The Private Sector Tripartite Committee, through its Zero Corruption Task Force, has released a private sector opinion survey on transparency in government operations based on responses from 401 business executives and sector representatives nationwide between March 26 and April 10, 2025.

The survey found that corruption remains a structural crisis severely damaging Thailand's business environment. Key findings include: 89.1% of businesses view corruption as a moderate to major obstacle to operations; 51.2% believe corruption trends have worsened over the past three years; and 51% report increased difficulty in dealing with government agencies, with only 3% reporting improvement.

Direct experiences from the business sector reveal troubling patterns: 60.9% of permit applicants encountered hints or requests for compensation during their most recent application; 45.9% of companies confirmed paying money, gifts, or benefits to officials for convenience; and 37.3% acknowledged paying extra fees to win government contracts, averaging 11-15% of contract value.

Common bribe formats include cash (46.6%), gifts or entertaining (23.1%), and donations or sponsorships (18.7%). In recent bidding processes, 27.3% reported claims from individuals promising to help them win, while 27.3% received hints to use intermediaries or consultants.

Business leaders cited complex procedures (29.1%), excessive legal discretion (25.0%), and addressing procedural violations (18.8%) as main reasons for paying bribes. Alarmingly, 52.3% of businesses lack confidence in government whistleblowing channels, and 43.7% stated they "don't dare report" even when solicited for benefits.

The survey marks the first time agency-level data has been released, ranking government units by bribery risk. Highway Police and Traffic Police topped the list with a 100% rate of compensation requests (1.69 contacts annually). Other high-risk agencies included the Justice System excluding courts (94.4%), Subdistrict Administrative Organizations (91.7%), Port Authority (90.0%), and Department of Highways (82.0%). The Department of Pollution Control showed the highest average bribe amount at 102,160 baht per instance.

Actress Cheer Tiwakorn Explains Instagram Comment and Requests Deletion; Mind Stands Firm Against Supporting Misconduct

Several celebrities and public figures have come forward to explain why they commented or liked a post on Mind Labbisall's Instagram, where she detailed family issues involving her husband and brother-in-law. Among them is actress Cheer Tiwakorn Ritthaa-aphirun, who posted an explanation about why she deleted her comment.

Cheer stated she wanted to demonstrate her firm stance against any form of misconduct. She requested to delete the comment to avoid misunderstanding and made clear that regardless of gender or age, no one deserves to be subjected to trauma that impacts their quality of life. She sent her support to help those affected get through this difficult time.

While her original intention in commenting was to encourage her pregnant sister-in-law, as she was concerned about the unborn child, Cheer apologized if it caused misunderstanding and thanked people for pointing out the inappropriateness. She acknowledged this and took responsibility for her part.

Although Cheer cares for and loves Mind and her family, this does not mean she should judge what is right or wrong in this matter. She urged everyone to move past this painful situation quickly.

Most importantly, Cheer emphasized the need for thoughtful and respectful comments. If someone posts disrespectfully or crosses the line, they may face consequences—not just for Cheer's post, but for anyone involved. She reminded people that we are all recipients of information, and explanations are family matters requiring caution.

Top 4 Zodiac Signs Blessed by Solar Transit with Financial Gains and Multiple Income Streams

During this period, each zodiac sign and individual experiences significant shifts in fortune—some positive, others requiring caution. Astrologer White from Ooppa Tarot reveals how the solar transit brings financial blessings and unexpected income to certain signs, with opportunities for sudden windfalls across finances, career, reputation, and patronage. Forecast period: May 15 – June 15, 2026.

Rank 1: Taurus - This is a golden window when celestial alignments favor your destiny. Starting May 15, 2026, your intentions manifest into success. With the Sun joining Mercury and Venus, finances flourish and new ventures bring quick returns. Studies, competitions, and exams show excellent results. Those who worried previously will find relief and peace.

Rank 2: Aries - The Sun brings unexpected financial gains and special income. Multiple planets converge in your financial house, including Mercury and Venus, creating opportunities for earnings from various sources. Disappointments reverse into good news, with sudden windfalls. Though finances may fluctuate, between May 15 – June 15, 2026, expect substantial financial gains.

Rank 3: Cancer - Multiple planets gather in your luck sector, while Jupiter prepares to shift. New opportunities emerge, transforming misfortune into blessings. Between May 15 – June 15, 2026, you'll experience sudden good fortune in finances, career, reputation, and patronage.

Rank 4: Capricorn and Leo - Both signs will shine with good career news. Leo's planetary alignment supports success; major projects conclude favorably this month. Capricorn experiences significant changes and special opportunities, especially in international work with positive news from afar.

Jasmine International Public Company Limited (JAS), holder of broadcasting rights to the Premier League and The Emirates FA Cup, invites football fans to witness an explosive series of matches from England. Beginning with the world's oldest football cup, The Emirates FA Cup final, on Saturday, May 16, 2025 at 9:00 PM, featuring the anticipated showdown between Chelsea and Manchester City. The meeting of these two powerhouses, both aiming to cap off the season with a major trophy, promises to be an intense battle of honor from start to finish, broadcast live to Thai fans on Monomax and MONO29.

The Premier League's final stretch kicks off at 2:00 AM Saturday, May 16, 2025 (Friday night, May 15). Monomax will broadcast Aston Villa hosting Liverpool, where the Reds need three points to maintain crucial late-season momentum.

Continuing Sunday evening, May 17, 2025 at 6:30 PM, Manchester United faces Nottingham Forest, with the Red Devils seeking victory while Forest fights for valuable points. At 9:00 PM, four matches kick off simultaneously: Brentford vs Crystal Palace, Everton vs Sunderland, Wolverhampton vs Fulham, and Leeds United vs Brighton & Hove Albion—the latter broadcast on both Monomax and MONO29. The evening closes at 11:30 PM with Newcastle United hosting West Ham, as the home side looks to secure three crucial points.

The excitement continues Tuesday, May 19, 2025 at 2:00 AM (Monday night, May 18) with Monomax showing Arsenal vs Burnley, as the Gunners push to collect points toward their seasonal objectives.

Following Wednesday, May 20, 2025 at 1:30 AM (Tuesday night, May 19), Bournemouth faces Manchester City, concluding with the London Derby at 2:15 AM between Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur—a match guaranteeing fierce rivalry and uncompromising pride.

Marina Sadananthaphalenzieka, sister of Markie Rasree and close friend of Mind Labhasphal, has posted a sincere apology regarding the ongoing sensitive controversy involving her husband Pai Suniset. In her detailed statement, Marina clarified that her sole intention was to offer encouragement to her pregnant friend Mind, expressing concern for her mental well-being during a difficult time when she was facing criticism without having heard the audio clip alongside everyone else. Marina acknowledged that her emotionally-driven comments have had significant repercussions affecting multiple parties and disappointing many people. She reaffirmed her clear stance that domestic violence and all forms of abuse should never occur and should never be overlooked under any circumstances, while also recognizing that as a sensitive family matter, she should not have interjected from the beginning. Marina expressed regret that her opinion, delivered through personal emotion and feeling, was inappropriate and likely caused misunderstandings and harm to various parties. As Mind's friend, she continues to offer support, emphasizing that the health of the unborn child and Mind's well-being are paramount, and encouraging her to handle the situation thoughtfully. She concluded by sincerely apologizing to Tray and everyone affected or disappointed by her actions, pledging to reflect on this lesson and be more careful with her words and actions toward society.

Deputy Police Chief Rushes to Fix Traffic Problems on First Day of School at Bangkok Christian College, Recommends Parents Use Public Electric Trains

On May 14, 2025, Deputy Police Chief Thawat Wongsang, who oversees traffic operations, along with Bangkok Metropolitan Police Division 6 Commander Chaikrit Podhohma, Deputy Commander Nitivat Sansing, Yannawa Station Commander Pansa Amrapittak, Deputy Traffic Commander Kulnun Aphinitianant, and Traffic Unit Supervisor Chavarojn Glahauy, deployed to manage traffic in front of Bangkok Christian College on Pramuan Road, Silom subdistrict, Bang Rak district, Bangkok, to resolve congestion issues. Teachers, school network partners, and traffic police from Yannawa Station coordinated to facilitate smooth traffic flow on the school's first day.

Deputy Police Chief Thawat stated: "I came today to inspect and oversee traffic management in front of Bangkok Christian College, working with the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Division 6 commander and Yannawa Station. With many students and parents dropping off children, the Police Headquarters has established four key measures:

1. Officer Deployment: Traffic police are positioned at strategic points around the school to facilitate traffic flow and prevent congestion in surrounding areas.

2. The "3 Prepare 1 Avoid" Measure for Parents: - Prepare items: Have school supplies and backpacks ready before reaching the drop-off point - Prepare yourself: When the vehicle arrives at the drop-off point, students must be ready to exit immediately - Prepare meeting point: Coordinate evening pickups with "child waits for car, car doesn't wait for child" to maintain continuous traffic flow - Avoid: No double parking, no stopping to drop off children yourself to prevent traffic obstruction

3. Home-School Cooperation: The school plays a crucial role in traffic management with support from parents, student volunteers helping younger students, and teachers facilitating traffic at various points.

Deputy Chief Thawat emphasized promoting public transportation, noting the school's proximity to the BTS Skytrain station. He urged families to use public or mass transit instead of private vehicles to reduce congestion on the already densely trafficked Sathon Road.

Orawan Phokhinwachakon, Bangkok Christian College's school board director, said: "On behalf of the Parent-Teacher Association, we've coordinated with Yannawa Station and nearby areas. Specifically for today's school opening, we coordinated in advance on procedures, traffic routes, and traffic light coordination for smooth vehicle flow. Importantly, we've continuously informed parents about having children prepared before exiting—to hold their bags, with older students helping carry items and escort younger ones out quickly so vehicles don't get stuck."

Deputy Chief Thawat added: "There should be no stopping at all—no idle parking, no double parking. For pickups, if parents need to schedule pickup times with their child, once the parent's car arrives, we won't allow them to wait. The child must be ready to board. If not ready, parents must circle around again."

Orawan further stated: "This is a parent education measure that received excellent response last year and is expected to work well this year. Last year received praise because there were no complaints from surrounding areas."