The International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) has issued an official statement regarding the controversial decision in the men's team final between Malaysia and Thailand at the ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup Kuala Lumpur 2026. ISTAF confirmed that the referee's decision on a player stepping over the center line was made correctly according to competition rules, and the incident falls outside the scope of the Challenge Review System used in current competitions.

After one team refused to resume play within the designated time, Malaysia was officially declared the winner according to competition regulations.

At this level of championship competition, high emotions are commonplace. Malaysia and Thailand represent one of the most intense rivalries in world sepaktakraw, built on a long history of high-level competition, national pride, and countless memorable moments on the court. However, at the international level, the intensity of competition must remain within the framework of discipline and regulations.

Disputes at this level are inevitable, especially when critical decisions are made—this is part of elite professional sports. However, the true strength of a sports system is not measured solely by moments of victory, but also by how the sport handles pressure, conflict, and disappointment.

This incident will continue to be discussed throughout the region. But above all the controversy, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: sepaktakraw is entering a new era—one with greater global attention, higher standards, and closer scrutiny than ever before. In this new era, the credibility and integrity of the sport must be protected above all else.

MAE HONG SON — Ancient Lanna-era pagoda ruins dating back at least 400 years have been discovered deep in a forested area of Mae Hong Son province, prompting authorities to begin surveying the site for conservation. The Mae Hong Son Provincial Public Relations Office reported that Governor Wiboon Waewbandit led officials to inspect ancient sites in Mueang Mae Hong Son and Khun Yuam districts to gather preliminary information, assess conditions, and plan conservation measures.

On May 23, Governor Wiboon, accompanied by Deputy Governor Udomsak Khaonuna, government agency heads, district chiefs, and related officials, visited the sites to verify the discoveries. The inspection was prompted by reports from the village headman, local residents, and teachers, with information also shared on Facebook.

At Ban Mai Hung in Huai Pong subdistrict, officials found well-preserved ruins including two ancient stupas and one building-like structure. The first stupa is locally known as Doi Kong Mu Ban Mai Hung, while the second is called Doi Kong Mu Kham Soeng. Additional ancient building traces were scattered along the route between the two stupas. Authorities believe these discoveries hold significant historical and archaeological value, potentially revealing evidence of earlier settlements and civilizations prior to Mae Hong Son's establishment as a province.

Deputy Governor Udomsak and officials also visited the Doi Wiang La Wildlife Sanctuary office in Khun Yuam district to inspect another archaeological site featuring stone circles. Local residents call these formations "wong tee kai," or cockfighting rings. The largest circles measure 10 to 12 meters in diameter and are believed to indicate traces of ancient communities that once inhabited the area.

Following the inspections, Governor Wiboon instructed relevant agencies to gather preliminary data, assess site conditions, and develop conservation guidelines. The province will coordinate with the Fine Arts Department to establish long-term preservation and sustainable development plans for Mae Hong Son's ancient sites.

On May 24, 2026, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anusorn Thammjai, Bangkok MP from the Pheu Thai Party and Vice Chairman of the Finance, Banking, Financial Institution and Capital Market Committee, revealed that Thailand's financial and business sectors have become targets for shadow capital groups and illegal dirty money used as money laundering channels. Weaknesses stem partly from systems, mechanisms, and laws failing to keep pace with shadow capital groups' transaction innovations, and partly from weak law enforcement and corruption by those in power. Additionally, financial technology, digital finance, and cryptocurrency enable illegal transactions and money laundering to evade regulatory detection.

Shadow capital has deep roots and dramatically expanded its role and transactions since 2017, roughly two years after the coup, until Thailand earned the label "money laundering paradise" similar to some Latin American countries. Thailand ranks among the world's top 10 countries for shadow capital and money laundering problems, with these groups gradually infiltrating state power. Despite Thailand having anti-money laundering laws, enforcement is ineffective, officials are insufficient and unprepared for digital-era criminal operations, allowing dirty money to flow through diverse channels and methods.

Fraud data through the financial sector in 2025 and the first quarter of this year shows hundreds of thousands of cases with damage valued in tens of billions of baht, with conditions worsening. This has created capital flight, stalled foreign investment, and surging dirty money flows. Current shadow capital networks have built a large-scale money laundering industry in Thailand with organized division of labor, connections to state and political authorities, and massive interconnected transaction networks. These networks systematize and perpetuate money laundering by acquiring major shareholdings in financial institutions or listed companies, damaging legitimate business, distorting competition, warping market mechanisms, causing state revenue losses, and posing risks to financial system stability.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Anusorn Thammjai announced plans to propose serious solutions to the Finance Committee to address shadow capital money laundering and financial fraud through the financial sector, ensuring wrongdoers face justice, rapid victim compensation, and halting state power seizure by shadow capital. Proposed countermeasures include: 1. Establishing a Data Bureau and linking financial data across all sectors to plug digital asset transaction loopholes used for money laundering; 2. Conducting sweeps against "nominees" and shell bank accounts, and severing corporate shell account circuits to counter shell entity usage.

On May 24 at the Chatuchak Room of the Golden Tulip Soferin Hotel in Bangkok, Sompon Chuibangyang, President of the Thai Volleyball Association, presided over the opening of Thai Volleyball Family Day 2025 titled "United, Moving Forward Together," to honor coaches and athletes from Thailand's national volleyball teams—both indoor and beach volleyball of all age groups—as well as staff and supporters who contributed to the association's remarkably successful activities in 2025 and brought glory to Thailand. The event was attended by Air Vice Marshal Chairuit Vongprasert, Honorary Secretary and Executive Director of the Thai Volleyball Association, along with former and current national team athletes, coaching staff, and sponsor representatives.

During the event, awards were presented to both senior and youth athletes as well as coaches who dedicated themselves to bringing honor to the nation through sacrifice, perseverance, and commitment. Prize money totaling over 10 million baht from the association and the National Sports Development Fund was distributed to athletes and coaches. Special recognition went to the women's indoor team for exceptional performances, including a gold medal at the 2025 SEA Games, winning the 2025 SEA V.League championship, and achieving 13th place at the 2025 Women's Volleyball World Championship. The men's indoor team also won the 2025 SEA Games championship with continuously improving form.

Furthermore, Sompon Chuibangyang revealed details about preparations for the Thai national women's volleyball team for the 2026 Nations League, which begins its first week in China from June 3-7. Foreign-based athletes have already returned, and the association is initially calling up approximately 30 players before narrowing the squad to around 20 players according to the 2026 Asian Games quota, with the possibility of retaining 1-2 additional players as injury cover during the long Nations League campaign. The association also plans to bring in promising young talents to gain world-level competitive experience and prepare them as future replacements for senior players.

Regarding injured key players, particularly Chatchaon Moksoree, Hatthaya Bamlungsuk, and Wipavee Srithong, they will sit out the first week of the Nations League to recover. Medical and sports science staff from the Thai Sports Authority will treat their injuries to restore full strength. They are expected to potentially return for weeks 2-3, though likely not at full capacity, and the association will carefully manage their recovery to ensure they return fully prepared.

The 2569 Thailand National BMX Track Championship at Saranjiit Mongkhon Suk Cycling Stadium in Phichit Province drew an unprecedented crowd, with nearly 500 young riders and thousands of supporters creating a vibrant atmosphere. Phichit Governor Kritsadej Phaensupa, serving as opening ceremony chairman, noted that the international-standard facility and influx of athletes and families significantly boosted local revenue. General Decha Mekarasri, president of the Thailand Cycling Association, revealed that over 2,000 BMX and young riders with their parents traveled to Phichit, filling all provincial hotels and requiring some families to stay in nearby provinces like Phitsanulok. The event generated substantial income for local vendors and businesses, particularly around Bueng Si Fai. Mekarasri also highlighted the occasion's historical significance, recalling that on March 23, 2567, the King and Queen officially opened the stadium and demonstrated youth BMX cycling, with the Queen herself riding a BMX bike at the facility. He further noted Thailand's BMX sprint team's strong international ranking as the country prepares for the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.