Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul presided over Buddhist merit-making ceremonies at the International Buddhist Temple in Paris on May 23, 2025, to honor the late Queen Ramphai Barni. During informal talks with Thai expatriates, the PM responded to questions about border tensions by pledging that Thailand would never allow anyone to encroach, threaten, or take advantage of Thai territory.

Anutin revealed that he had discussed the matter with UNESCO's director-general the previous day, stating that should Cambodia request inspections of world heritage temples damaged by Thai-Cambodian border clashes, UNESCO must also inspect the Thai border area to ensure complete and accurate information.

The PM described the Paris visit as part of efforts to strengthen Thai-French diplomatic relations on the occasion of 170 years of bilateral ties. This marks the first time four deputy prime ministers have accompanied the PM on a single official visit to France: Deputy PM and Interior Minister Anucha Nakasai, Deputy PM and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeaw, Deputy PM and Commerce Minister Supachaya Sutthammaphan, and Deputy PM and Science Minister Yothin Wongsawat.

Anutin invited Thai expatriates to visit Thailand, which he said has improved significantly with better quality of life. He also called on Thais abroad to serve as cultural ambassadors, promoting Thai identity and building Thailand's positive international image.

On May 23, 2026, Thawee Sodsong, Prachathai Party leader, posted on Facebook stating: "65.8 million Thai people must collectively bear 400 billion baht in new debt... the state must spend according to law, not sentiment."

The Emergency Energy Crisis Loan Decree B.E. 2569, Section 5(1), clearly defines the borrowing purpose as "to assist people, farmers, and business operators affected by the energy crisis situation." However, the law contains no provision authorizing the government to use these funds for "state welfare card holders," of which approximately 13.18 million are registered according to the Finance Ministry's latest data.

According to the Department of Local Administration, Thailand has approximately 65.8 million registered citizens, all of whom bear legal responsibility to collectively repay the 400 billion baht loan plus future interest.

Thawee raises three key concerns:

1. **Blurring regular expenditure with special borrowing, violating fiscal discipline**: The 300 baht monthly living assistance is a "regular expense" the government should fund through normal welfare budgets under existing frameworks. The 2026 budget allocated 30,000 million baht to the grassroots welfare fund. On May 12, 2026, the cabinet approved an additional 1,667.68 million baht in emergency funding. However, instead of properly increasing the welfare budget through parliamentary review, the government is using approximately 18,800 million baht from the special emergency loan—potentially violating the State Fiscal Discipline Act B.E. 2561, which requires special borrowing only for urgent national crises that cannot wait for regular budget allocation. The government should propose a supplementary budget bill to parliament rather than circumvent democratic oversight.

2. **Outdated database and potential exclusion of the truly poor**: The 13.33 million welfare card holders figure relies on screening data from years past and has been criticized for both missing poor households and including non-poor card holders. The database is flawed because it counts "card holders" rather than "poor people," meaning some beneficiaries may not fall below the poverty line while truly impoverished citizens lack cards.

May 24 is designated annually as National Community Forest Day to encourage all sectors to recognize the importance of community forests as vital resources that support people's livelihoods in economic, social, and environmental dimensions.

Community forests form the foundation of Thai culture and way of life in many regions, while playing a crucial role in conserving natural resources for sustainability and balance. They also serve as significant carbon storage areas that help mitigate climate change impacts. Additionally, community forests generate income through forest resources, ecological tourism, and preservation of local wisdom, strengthening communities.

Currently, the Royal Forest Department has established over 12,000 community forests under the Community Forest Act B.E. 2562 across all regions, covering approximately 7 million rai and benefiting more than 5 million households.

This event aims to express gratitude to the Thai monarchy for promoting and developing forest resources, enabling people to coexist with forests and benefit from resources according to the sufficiency economy philosophy. It also raises awareness about the Community Forest Act B.E. 2562 and encourages communities to exchange knowledge on local wisdom and culture for economic value creation and income generation.

The event theme "Community Forest Based Wellness: Community Forest Creates Happiness, Income, and Future" emphasizes how community forests serve as resource bases that create well-being, economic benefits, and future prospects for the nation.

The Forest Department invites all community forest networks, organizations, and the public to participate in campaigns and activities such as social media promotion, tree planting, forest maintenance, water retention dam construction, forest patrols, and firebreak establishment on this day.

The objective is to build awareness of community forests as water sources, food supplies, habitats, and cultural heritage, while continuing the royal initiative to promote sustainable forest development for future generations.

In a tragic accident at 12:30 p.m. on May 23, 2569 (2026), a 22-year-old driver operating a bronze Isuzu pickup truck lost control in heavy rain on Khao Pib-Khao Thalu Road in Sawi District, Chumphon Province. The vehicle crossed into the opposite lane and collided head-on with a green Mitsubishi pickup truck, resulting in six deaths and three seriously injured.

The driver, Yodsawat Rodbunmueang, 22, and his wife Phimkhanok Rueangkhong, 24, were extracted from the severely damaged Isuzu using hydraulic rescue equipment and rushed to hospital.

The other vehicle carried Banjoang Yeunnaan, 65, and Jirawanwan Yeunnaan, 60, a husband-and-wife couple from Thung Takhao District in Chumphon, both pronounced dead at the scene. Four additional victims were ejected from the bed of the first truck due to the impact: Sumintra Rueangkhong, 23; Nalinnipha Rodbunmueang, 2 (the driver's daughter); Phawarin Noongtang, 18; and Natchai Rodbunmueang, 22. Several bodies sustained fractures and broken necks, with some found in drainage ditches and others caught on roadside barbed wire fencing.

Witnesses reported the high-sided pickup truck was traveling at excessive speed in the heavy downpour before losing control, spinning across the roadway and striking the other vehicle with tremendous force. Relatives disclosed the group had just returned from harvesting durian in the Khao Thalu area, with passengers in the truck bed consisting of family members and workers. They suspect the driver may have been speeding to minimize water exposure for rear passengers, but lost control on a curve.

Police have collected evidence at the scene and will conduct further interviews with the driver once his condition stabilizes to determine the cause and proceed with legal action.

Nicolas Mikkelson, a Thai-Norwegian striker, has opened up about the two national teams he will support during the upcoming FIFA World Cup, notably excluding his birthplace Norway. Mikkelson has become the second Thai national footballer to play in the German Bundesliga after his club secured promotion. Upon returning to Thailand, he gave his first media interview at the Adidas Brand Center, expressing gratitude to fans for their support and joy at his team's successful promotion following a grueling season. Regarding the World Cup, the half-Thai, half-Norwegian footballer revealed he will support Germany since he plays in the German league, and Argentina as his second choice because he is a personal admirer of Lionel Messi and hopes to see Messi win another World Cup title.

Police Spokesman Visits Traffic Officer Critically Injured After Student Driver Plows Through Checkpoint, Emphasizes Checkpoints as Critical Crime Prevention Tool. On May 23, 2569, Deputy National Police Chief Trairongpipatkul Piwphan and National Police Office Spokesman visited Warrant Officer Tharan, assistant traffic officer at Bang Na Police Station, who is hospitalized at Thai Nakornrinthara Hospital after suffering serious injuries from a young student driver who rammed through a checkpoint and struck him while on duty in the early morning hours of May 22.

Deputy Chief Trairongpipatkul conveyed concerns from National Police Chief Kittarat Panthet to the injured officer and his family, while instructing relevant agencies to provide comprehensive medical care and welfare support to boost morale among police personnel performing their dangerous duties for the public.

The incident began when a white Mitsubishi vehicle registered in Ubon Ratchathani Province drove at high speed and attempted to breach the checkpoint before violently colliding with the traffic officer's Yamaha NMAX motorcycle, completely destroying the vehicle.

Warrant Officer Tharan, who was performing his duties to maintain safety and manage the situation in the area, suffered serious injuries when his body was struck and thrown to the ground, losing consciousness in the roadway. Emergency responders had to rush to provide emergency assistance before transporting him to the hospital.

Nearby officers from Bang Na Police Station quickly controlled the scene and apprehended two suspects—the driver and passenger—who were taken into custody and handed over to investigators for legal proceedings.

This incident underscores the critical importance of checkpoints as mechanisms for preventing crime, intercepting offenders, and ensuring public safety on roads. Traffic officers manning these checkpoints constantly face risks to their lives and physical safety. Warrant Officer Tharan's case exemplifies the dedication, sacrifice, and courage of Thai police who stand ready to perform their duties for social order despite any dangers they may face.

It also reflects the concern of senior leadership at the National Police Office for the welfare and morale of frontline personnel.