Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul commented on a survey by the Private Sector Committee (PSC) that revealed 10 government agencies with the highest bribery demands. Anutin emphasized that no government agency should engage in such conduct. He spoke with the director of the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning, which ranked among the top 10, questioning how this was possible. He noted that the ministry currently handles inspections rather than permits, and that corruption involves various provincial and departmental public works units, not just the central department. However, Anutin stressed the critical need to eliminate such practices entirely.

When asked whether relevant agencies would investigate these private sector complaints, the Prime Minister said he would present the matter to the Cabinet for information and direct each ministry to follow up on the findings.

Anutin also addressed Thailand's historically poor corruption rankings, attributing them partly to perception-based indices rather than concrete evidence. He argued that in practice, Thailand has made significant progress through good governance principles and independent oversight institutions investigating corruption cases, with many offenders prosecuted. He acknowledged that negative perceptions have lingered from the past and emphasized the need to clear this "digital footprint" of wrongdoing from public consciousness. He stressed the importance of preventing such practices from occurring in the first place rather than repeatedly addressing them afterward.

CANNES — On May 15, 2026, Thai film 'The Confession of Shaman' drew significant international attention as Thai K-pop star BamBam joined acclaimed actors Alek-Theeradej Methawarayut and Denise Jelilcha Kapaun at the Cannes Film Festival 2026. The highly anticipated Thai production, created by M STUDIO, officially launched its international promotional campaign in France ahead of its domestic theatrical release on August 12, 2026. The delegation, led by BamBam (Kunpimook Bhuwakul) alongside co-stars Alek and Denise, included M STUDIO Chief Executive Surachet Asvaroenganan and director Ton-Natthanon Chollumpi, who presented the Thai production to global media and industry insiders.

On the festival's opening day, the team held an official briefing with representatives from Thailand's Ministry of Culture, followed by the grand opening of the Thailand Pavilion, which drew steady interest from international attendees. BamBam expressed his honor at representing Thai cinema on the global stage, stating: "For me, this is not just about promoting a single movie, but a vital step forward for the Thai film industry. I want the world to witness the unique charm and capability of our filmmakers."

Alek Theeradej shared his enthusiasm about the experience: "This is one of the very first times I have experienced the atmosphere of a world-class film festival so up close. Seeing people from so many different countries come together out of a shared love for cinema is incredibly special. I am incredibly happy to be part of 'The Confession of Shaman' team and to help bring Thai cinema to the global stage."

Denise Jelilcha described her feelings about attending Cannes: "Arriving here, I feel both excitement and immense pride. Here is a stage that filmmakers worldwide dream of. For our team and Thai cinema to have this opportunity is a milestone moment I want to cherish forever. I hope international audiences open their hearts to Thai cinema."

Surachet Asvaroenganan, M STUDIO's Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the company's commitment: "M STUDIO has always believed in the potential of Thai cinema and remains committed to expanding Thai film into global markets. Bringing 'The Confession of Shaman' to Cannes is more than presenting a single movie—it is an opportunity to demonstrate the quality and unique identity of Thailand's film industry on the international stage. We hope this journey will be a vital step toward creating new commercial opportunities."

On May 15, 2026, at the Justice Ministry on Chaengwattana Road, attorney Ekchai Mangtong appeared alongside two victims to petition the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Justice Ministry for justice in a drunk driving case that resulted in one death and two severe injuries since 2022. To date, the victims have received no compensation from the at-fault party, and the case has not progressed with no charges filed against the driver.

Victim Ms. Nathmol Lomrat recounted that the incident occurred in the early morning hours of December 30, 2022, in the Khok Khraam Police Station area. She and two friends were riding a motorcycle to buy supplies when a car suddenly collided with them from behind, killing the passenger and severely injuring both the driver and herself. They were rushed to the hospital.

Ms. Nathmol noted that investigators later determined the at-fault driver had alcohol content of 198 milligrams per percent and charges were filed. She subsequently filed a civil lawsuit seeking damages, and the defendant agreed to pay her and the injured friend 150,000 baht each. However, over two and a half years later, she has received no settlement funds—only hospital assistance payments of 5,000 baht on two or three occasions.

Ms. Nathmol stated that she had not followed up on the defendant, assuming he would contact her, but he never did. The criminal case has shown no progress from investigators. She is asking the Justice Ministry to help determine where the case is stuck. She emphasized that she and her friend still require medical treatment with ongoing expenses, and the injuries have affected their ability to work.

Attorney Ekchai said the case must be tracked to determine its current status at Khok Khraam Police Station. With nearly three years having passed and evidence being clear-cut, the case should have been filed within a year. He warned that if there is further delay or no action taken, they may file charges against the investigating officers themselves. Regarding the civil settlement, if the defendant fails to comply with the agreement, enforcement proceedings will be initiated. In the criminal case, he believes the delay stems from the investigators' failure to file charges. The victims have received no updates, prompting today's petition to the Justice Ministry for assistance.

Lao Lottery Today: May 15, 2025 Draw Results - Pattana Lottery Latest Winning Numbers

Here are the complete results for the Lao government lottery (Pattana Lottery) under the Ministry of Finance's supervision for the latest draw on May 15, 2025:

6-digit prize: XXXXXX 5-digit prize: XXXXX Last 4-digit prize: XXXX Last 3-digit prize: XXX Last 2-digit prize: XX

Pattana Lottery 5/45 Format Results for May 15, 2025 For the 5/45 format draw, the winning numbers are: XX, XX, XX, XX, XX

Lao Lottery Prize Rates and Payout Calculations Winners can calculate their winnings based on ticket purchase amount (in Lao Kip) as follows: 4 digits: Win 6,000 times the bet (example: bet 1,000 kip = win 6,000,000 kip) 3 digits: Win 500 times the bet (example: bet 1,000 kip = win 500,000 kip) 2 digits: Win 60 times the bet (example: bet 1,000 kip = win 60,000 kip)

What is the Lao Lottery or Pattana Lottery? When is it drawn? The Lao Lottery, officially known as the Pattana Lottery, is operated by the state-owned Pattana Lottery Company under supervision of the Lao Ministry of Finance. It is the legally authorized government lottery of Laos.

Lao Lottery Draw Schedule and Broadcast Channels Draw days: Monday through Friday; the 5/45 Pattana Lottery draws on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday Time: Live broadcast begins at 8:00 PM Bangkok time Broadcast channels: Lao National Radio and Lao National Television Channel 1 (LNTV)

How to Check the Lao Lottery: 6-Digit, Last 4-Digit, Dream Numbers, and Animal Numbers The lottery system begins with a single 6-digit draw that can be divided into multiple prize categories based on regional preference. The last 4-digit number is the most popular format used across most areas. Additionally, there are dream number lotteries (4/40) and animal number lotteries, which are unique gambling traditions in Laos.

Lao Lottery Today: May 12, 2025 Draw Results - Latest Winning Numbers Lao Lottery Today: May 13, 2025 Draw Results - Latest Winning Numbers Lao Lottery Today: May 14, 2025 Draw Results - Latest Winning Numbers

Chinese superstar Zhao Lusi has posted a video on Douyin after returning from a concert in Thailand, drawing fans' attention to Thai products featured prominently in the clip, including the iconic Yaa Dom Hanuman balm on her table.

The video shows Zhao Lusi relaxing and enjoying Thai seaweed snacks, which delighted her many fans. However, what particularly caught the eye of Thai viewers was the clear presence of Yaa Dom Hanuman on the table in the video.

Following the video's release, numerous fans flooded the comments section with playful remarks about Zhao Lusi's charm and the Thai products that appear to be favorites of hers, with many crediting it as another example of Thai soft power gaining traction among Asian celebrities.

Yaa Dom Hanuman is a long-popular traditional Thai herbal product that can be easily purchased at convenience stores and pharmacies throughout the country.

The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts heavy thunderstorms and increased rainfall across Thailand over the next 24 hours due to a strengthening southwest monsoon system. Heavy to very heavy rain is expected in the northern, central, and eastern regions, with the most severe rainfall predicted in provinces including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampoon, Lampang, Tak, and Kamphaeng Phet in the north; Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Nakhon Pathom, and Ratchaburi in the central region; and Chanthaburi and Trat in the east. The department warns the public to prepare for potential flash floods, landslides, and accumulated rainfall, particularly in foothill and low-lying areas near waterways. Residents are also advised to monitor their health during weather fluctuations. Maritime conditions are hazardous, with waves in the upper Andaman Sea reaching 2-3 meters (over 3 meters in thunderstorm zones), while the lower Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand see waves of 1-2 meters (over 2 meters in thunderstorms). Fishermen are urged to exercise caution and avoid thunderstorm areas, with small vessels in the upper Andaman Sea advised to stay ashore. Temperatures will range from 22-37°C depending on region, with southwest winds at 10-40 km/h.