ASEAN and China Join Forces to Combat Cryptocurrency-Based Online Gambling with Digital Money Trail Tracking Strategy

On May 5, 2025, Deputy National Police Commissioner Trairongpipattanayon, Region 4 Police Commander Kritachaya Bamrungratanyos, and their delegations participated in an ASEAN-China workshop to exchange knowledge and expertise in combating technology-enabled crime on an international stage.

The workshop took place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from May 5-6, 2025, with the objective of enhancing law enforcement officials' capacity to address online gambling operations utilizing digital currencies as primary instruments.

The workshop curriculum emphasized knowledge transfer on cryptocurrency transaction tracing and analysis techniques, which represent the core of investigating modern online gambling networks characterized by complexity and cross-border connections.

Additionally, the forum served as a critical platform for strengthening international cooperation through information, best practice, and technology sharing to improve effectiveness in "following the money" strategies and ultimately achieve systematic arrests of criminals at the organizational level.

Deputy Education Minister Akkhananth Kankhitinant addressed progress on reviewing the Office of the National Education Commission (ONEC) on May 5, 2025, at Government House. He acknowledged concerns raised by opposition Pheu Thai Party lawmakers regarding outdated ONEC curricula and ordered ONEC Director-General Keattipat Suphavanich to explain why the old curriculum remained in use and to establish an expert committee to resolve the issue.

Akkhananth noted that ONEC currently operates two curricula: the 2008 version and the 2024 version, which has been piloted in 12 provinces. Field visits to Chaiyaphum Province revealed that the outdated 2008 curriculum was still in use, containing obsolete content. "We must stay current with global developments and changing circumstances," Akkhananth stated. "With over 800,000 students annually in ONEC programs, using substandard curricula creates long-term problems we must address now."

Regarding the timeline for curriculum development, Akkhananth explained that ONEC operates a continuous curriculum model. On May 9-10, students will transition from the old to the new 2024 curriculum. The complete nationwide transition to the new curriculum is expected by the first term of the 2027 academic year.

Akkhananth disclosed that an expert committee for textbook inspection and another for establishing quality standards have been established to ensure no future neglect. These committees will work long-term, as education requires continuous improvement. He emphasized this is not a temporary policy that changes with governments but a permanent educational standard.

When asked about cooperation between himself and the ONEC director-general, Akkhananth praised her diligent work and noted their similar policy approaches, citing collaborative efforts with the Department of Corrections regarding vulnerable groups. He stressed that effective collaboration requires constant communication and mutual respect, and that he avoids interfering in her administrative duties, allowing her to work freely.

Regarding Pheu Thai Party's plan to submit parliamentary questions or gazette inquiries, Akkhananth expressed gratitude for their oversight, noting that he considers education a critical national matter. When asked if he worried about the scrutiny affecting his ministerial position, Akkhananth laughed and responded that he will do his best today, believing that improved work over the next decade will benefit Thailand, regardless of temporary dissatisfaction.

PP Kritaphat and Biwking Putipong were the standout winners at the Weibo 2026 International Entertainment Awards. Actor Fay Phatthradon revealed his girlfriend Earn Arissa has claimed his heart, and he's planning to take her to visit a sacred shrine in Hong Kong as part of a proposal. When asked about proposal details, Fay confirmed he's quite busy but will make the trip happen, noting Repulse Bay as the planned location.

Meanwhile, Fay's co-star Top Thosapon is taking a different approach with his shrine prayers, focusing on health rather than romance. "I'm not asking for a soulmate," Top explained. "Instead, I'm asking for good health and clear skin. I've been sleeping poorly lately, so I'm praying for that to improve. I want to keep things simple and natural-looking."

At the Weibo International Entertainment Awards 2026, PP Kritaphat claimed the title of Favorite International Artist, while Biwking Putipong won the Impactful International Artist award.

HBO Max is rolling out a lineup of films and series this May including "Wuthering Heights" starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, "Bugonia" with Emma Stone, and "The Running Man" featuring Glenn Powell and Josh Brolin. Japanese drama "Song of the Samurai" stars Yuki Yamada and Shuhei Uesugi, while Korean offerings include "Yumi's Cells Season 3" with Kim Go-eun, "Filing for Love" featuring Shin Hye-sun, and "The Legend of Kitchen Soldier" with Park Ji-hoon.

Fans can look forward to the "2026 Butterbear Camping Club Fam Meeting" on June 13, 2026 at Union Hall, starting at 6 PM. Tickets range from 990 to 5,900 baht and are available through ThaiTicketMajor.

At 9:10 a.m. on May 5, 2569 at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yossakorn Wongsawat commented on the Suan Dusit Poll results measuring the most prominent government politicians. Yossakorn ranked second, behind Prime Minister Anupong Paochinda and Interior Minister in first place. He expressed gratitude for the results, calling them good encouragement for his work. He stated he is personally committed and determined to do his best in fulfilling his responsibilities and to improve further.

When asked if he believes he is on the right track, Yossakorn said he thinks so, but more improvement is needed since people are still facing many urgent problems and hardships across different provinces and areas. He emphasized the need for greater effort.

Asked if he expects to reach first place, Yossakorn said his duty is to work with full dedication and that the public's assessment will depend on his performance.

Regarding the controversy over Suriya Juengrungruangkit, the Agriculture Minister, transferring civil servants in his ministry, and whether this would impact Pheu Thai, Yossakorn said he doesn't view it from that angle. Instead, he focuses on what the immediate problems are and what the long-term issues are. He emphasized that the government needs to establish foundations across various structures, whether ministerial or party-level, guided by a philosophy of solving urgent problems for the people while laying groundwork for long-term solutions.

At 9:30 AM on May 5, 2025, police from Muang Phatthalung Station arrested Veeryuth (surname withheld), 44, at his home following the death of his father Wiang (surname withheld), 74, from injuries sustained in an alleged assault. During initial questioning, Veeryuth claimed the conflict arose because he wanted to transfer 9,000 baht from his mother's bank account to his own. However, he denied assaulting his father, claiming instead that his father attacked him first and then fell and died on his own. He expressed remorse and admitted to drug addiction and previous arrests. Police charged him with assaulting a parent resulting in death. Additional drug charges are pending toxicology results. Veeryuth has a criminal history including drug possession for sale charges in 2011, 2016, and 2024.

International Entertainment: Park Bo-young transforms her image and clashes intensely with Kim Sung-chol in the series 'Gold Land' now streaming on Disney+. The original crime thriller 'Gold Land' poses a provocative question: if gold bars worth over 3 billion baht appeared before you on your darkest day, would you choose what's right or what makes you wealthy? Disney+ challenges you to find the answer at the cost of your own life. 'Gold Land' explores the dark corners of the human psyche through a survival story driven by greed and ambition. Park Bo-young's major role transformation marks her first full entry into the world of crime drama, shedding her previous image to play a young woman fighting for survival while carrying the weight of hope from possessing massive gold. She delivers an intense performance opposite Kim Sung-chol, whose powerful and multi-dimensional portrayal guarantees quality. Legendary screenwriter Hwang Jo-yun from 'Old Boy' ensures the series questions the essence of morality, ethics, and humanity—where no one is purely good or evil. Every decision in the story carries tension and keeps you on the edge of your seat. Now streaming every Wednesday on Disney+.