Thailand is rallying ASEAN nations to tackle the Middle East crisis, emphasizing cooperation in energy, food security, and supply chains to strengthen regional trade and establish ASEAN as a stable region in a volatile world. Thailand's Commerce Ministry joined a special meeting with ASEAN economic ministers to address economic impacts from the Strait of Hormuz situation, agreeing on joint energy cooperation, cross-border electricity linkages, and joint oil reserves. The group also committed to leveraging emergency rice reserves and maintaining open markets while pushing for ASEAN to become a secure haven amid global instability.

Deputy Commerce Minister Kireeya Phaophichit revealed that she attended a special ASEAN Economic Ministers Council meeting on April 30, 2025, alongside representatives from all 10 ASEAN member states. The meeting issued a joint statement addressing regional economic impacts from the Strait of Hormuz crisis, emphasizing cooperation on food and energy security to counteract rising energy costs affecting agriculture, particularly fertilizer prices and production risks.

The group will leverage regional mechanisms including APTERR (ASEAN Plus Three Emergency Rice Reserve) and AFSIS (ASEAN Food Security Information System) to strengthen reserves and monitoring systems, while promoting sustainable agriculture for long-term resilience. ASEAN will also explore joint regional energy reserves, accelerate energy source diversification, and strengthen energy infrastructure connectivity through projects like the ASEAN Power Grid (APG) and the ASEAN Gas Pipeline Network (TAGP), aligned with frameworks including APSA (ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement) and APAEC (ASEAN Plan of Action for Energy) 2025-2029.

Thailand proposed elevating ASEAN's role to become a "region with a stable and reliable economy" globally, maintaining open trade systems, adhering to international rules, and avoiding unnecessary trade barriers. Member states will deepen intra-regional economic connectivity by expediting enforcement of pending economic agreements, reducing trade barriers, and ensuring continuous flow of essential goods. Efforts will also focus on diversifying trading partners and completing negotiations on the ASEAN Digital Economy Framework Agreement (DEFA) this year to unlock new trade opportunities, with recommendations to be presented at the ASEAN leaders' summit in May.

Brazilian striker Dennis Murillo of Nakhon Ratchasima FC has posted an emotional goodbye to the fans of Nakhon Ratchasima following his inability to help the team avoid relegation from Thailand's top division.

Dennis Murillo played in almost every match this season for Nakhon Ratchasima FC except when injured, but ultimately the club could not escape relegation, finishing 15th in the standings and starting fresh in Thai League 2 next season. The talented striker shared his message with Korat fans, saying:

"First of all, I sincerely apologize to all Nakhon Ratchasima fans."

"I know well that in football, players and staff come and go, but what always remains is this club and all the fans."

"Throughout the 4 years and 3 seasons I spent with Nakhon Ratchasima, I built a very special bond with this club, including everyone working behind the scenes. We became like one family, and the fans are part of this family too."

"Here, there were beautiful moments, important goals, victories, and countless memories I will never forget."

"But yesterday, I felt the same as every fan—heartbroken seeing the team we love get relegated. I'm deeply disappointed and sorry that I couldn't help keep the club in Thai League."

"From my heart, I want everyone to know that I tried my absolute best every day, in training, in every match, and every moment wearing this shirt. But in the end, it wasn't enough."

"So I sincerely apologize again."

"But I still believe Nakhon Ratchasima will return to Thai League again, because I know the strength of this club and its fans."

"Whatever my future holds, Nakhon Ratchasima will always be in my heart. And wherever I am, I will always be a fan of this club forever."

"Finally, I want to thank everyone at the club, including all the fans. Thank you for making me part of this family. It has been an honor and great joy to work with all of you over these years."

"I hope what people remember about me is the moments of happiness, the goals, and the good memories we created together.

74 matches in this shirt 33 goals 7 assists

All of this will stay in my heart forever."

"I love you all and apologize again."

PHUKET — 11 May 2026, Authorities have increased patrols at Kata Beach after foreign tourists were reportedly seen spearfishing protected parrotfish and handling starfish in a marine conservation area.

Officials from the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, led by Naret Chuphueng, along with Phuket Marine Police Division 8, Phuket Tourist Police Division 2, forestry police and Karon municipality inspected the area near Kata Beach on the evening of 10 May following the circulation of social media videos showing foreign tourists diving and spearing parrotfish near Phuket Ska Bar.

The tourists had reportedly brought the fish onto the beach, attracting crowds of onlookers who photographed the incident. Videos also showed starfish being removed from the water and handled by visitors.

Authorities said no suspects were found during the inspection.

A local business owner told officials that on 9 May at around 20:00, a group of unidentified Chinese tourists were seen spearfishing among rocks off the southern end of Kata Beach before bringing parrotfish ashore. The owner said attempts had been made to stop the group, but they ignored warnings. He urged authorities to install information signs and increase monitoring in the area, which is popular for marine activities.

Karon municipality said warning signs would be installed along the beachfront and municipal officers would conduct more regular inspections. Police in Karon district also pledged to increase patrols.

Officials additionally warned businesses, residents and tourists that parrotfish are protected under Phuket environmental protection regulations introduced in 2024. The species, listed under the Scaridae family, is prohibited from being caught or possessed.

Violators face penalties under the Enhancement and Conservation of National Environmental Quality Act, including up to one year in prison, a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both.

Authorities urged the public to report illegal fishing or possession of protected marine species through the marine protection hotline 1362.

Watch tomorrow: Cabinet to urgently discuss 2026 World Cup broadcasting rights deal as Thais hope for free coverage, expected to coordinate with private sector. On May 11, 2025, government sources revealed that the Cabinet will discuss an urgent agenda item regarding the broadcast of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Cabinet discussion will need to address purchasing broadcasting rights from FIFA to meet the tight deadline, which is considered urgent since the tournament is scheduled for June 11 – July 19, 2026, and will take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The Cabinet is addressing this matter because the government's core policy is to enable Thai citizens to watch world-class football at no cost, aiming to bring happiness and inspire youth to engage in sports, which will benefit the physical and mental well-being of the nation. Previously, Prime Minister Anusit Charnveerakul and Interior Minister stated that the government will do its best to facilitate the World Cup broadcast. Although the government cannot directly purchase the rights, it will coordinate with the private sector. Last week, the Prime Minister met with the chairman of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) and disclosed that discussions about the World Cup broadcast have taken place, with greater clarity expected after tomorrow's Cabinet meeting on May 12.

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City's manager, has voiced his belief that Jeremy Doku has the quality to become one of the world's elite wingers, comparable to Vinicius Jr. and Lamine Yamal.

Doku recently showcased explosive form with a brilliant goal in Manchester City's 3-0 victory over Brentford last weekend.

When asked whether Doku could reach the same level as Vinicius and Yamal, Guardiola stated: "Yes, absolutely. You have to embrace the constant push—always embrace it. It's a good thing. We're very pleased. He's doing well now, but truthfully he's always done well."

Guardiola also emphasized that achieving elite status is a matter of mindset: "It depends on your mentality. You have to think that you want to be one of the best wingers in the world. Otherwise, you stay in your comfort zone and tell yourself it's fine as it is. Just keep doing what you're doing. But for me, that's not the way. You have to say you want to be among the very best. That's what will get you to that level."

Nevin Chidchob, chairman of Buriram United, has warned Thai League clubs competing in Asian tournaments to boldly invest in player acquisitions and prepare thoroughly to protect Thailand's league coefficient. Following Buriram United's 1-1 draw with Lamphun Warriors and their official clinching of the 2025-26 Thai League championship, Chidchob stated that today's result revealed areas needing improvement. With their 12th championship title secured, next season holds no greater priority than capturing another championship. "I'm telling all league competitors: if you don't prepare a strong enough team, you won't be able to keep up with Buriram," he declared. He also warned the top four teams competing in Asian or ASEAN competitions that inadequate preparation could result in Thai teams losing points and damaging Thailand's coefficient rating in the future. With three Thai teams now directly entering the AFC Champions League Elite, he stressed this is no simple matter. "Getting three direct spots in ACL Elite wasn't easy—it came through difficult work and dedication from everyone involved. I want to urge teams to prepare well for the ACL so Thai football doesn't face coefficient problems down the road." He called on teams like Port, Rajamitla, and BG United to boldly invest in their squads to maintain Thailand's coefficient in ACL Elite and even ACL 2 competitions, noting that competing in multiple tournaments requires larger and stronger squads than before.