Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angsukulkiattiwong acknowledged driver negligence in the incident and ordered mandatory comprehensive drug screening for all transport system employees, rejecting accusations of selective enforcement. During a parliamentary session on May 21, 2026, he responded to questions from Samakhom Daengchote, a Phumi Thai Party MP from Prachuap Khiri Khan, regarding the freight train collision with a bus at the Asok-Dinhaeng intersection that killed eight people.

Samakhom questioned why the train could not stop in time, what enforcement mechanisms would ensure drug testing compliance, how the proposed ban on trains entering inner Bangkok would be implemented, and what compensation measures would be provided to victims.

Siripong explained that the train was traveling at 34 kilometers per hour, below the standard 40 km/h limit, and had received a yellow warning signal to slow down at Makkasan Station before the collision, where impact speed was 18 km/h. The investigation revealed the driver was negligent and tested positive for multiple drugs. Thai State Railway (SRT) has dismissed the driver and established a fact-finding committee, describing the situation as unacceptable.

The deputy minister stated that the Transport Ministry has mandated strict drug testing of all public transportation employees through comprehensive screening rather than random checks. Initial tests have detected more drivers using narcotics, requiring confirmation through official hospital testing. If confirmed, the ministry will take action in all cases without leniency.

Regarding why the freight train operated during daytime hours instead of the required nighttime window (9 PM to 5 AM), Siripong clarified that the train's scheduled 11 PM departure on May 15 was delayed by 900 minutes (15 hours), resulting in daytime operation when the collision occurred.

For the proposal to ban trains from inner Bangkok, Siripong said the ministry will consider public feedback on operational burdens and delays before implementing solutions. Short-term measures are already in place, while medium-term plans (1-2 years) involve integrating signal systems between SRT, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, and traffic police using technology. Long-term solutions could include an ideal rail system with elevated tracks exclusively for trains and ground-level roads for vehicles only.

Regarding compensation, both the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority and SRT are actively visiting injured persons, offering apologies, and providing compensation ranging from 130,000 to 1 million baht depending on injury severity. Victims' families receive 2.39 million baht in compensation per person.

The Ban Khlong Suan agritourism community enterprise has found an innovative solution to the invasive black-chin tilapia problem by processing the fish into 'pla chiang,' a traditional fermented fish product that generates income while reducing the invasive species population in local waterways.

The black-chin tilapia, an invasive aquatic species, has caused ecological damage and disrupted community life in many areas, including Khlong Suan Subdistrict in Phrasamut Chedi District, Samut Prakan Province. Rather than viewing this as merely a problem, the Ban Khlong Suan community enterprise chose to adapt and turn crisis into opportunity through food processing.

Therdsakdi Sonsathian, chairman of the community enterprise, explained that the group was established to promote livelihoods and income for local residents. The enterprise currently operates two main activities: community-based tourism and product processing. On the tourism side, they have developed 'Cha Len Camp' as a nature-based tourism destination near Bangkok. Their product processing maintains local raw materials and blends traditional community knowledge with modern technology.

The 'pla chiang' production process begins by grinding deboned and skinned fish meat, mixing it with seasonings like garlic, black pepper, sugar, and spices according to community recipes. The mixture is then kneaded until firm, stuffed into casings, formed into portions, and dried in the sun or oven to preserve shelf life and maintain distinctive flavors.

The turning point came with the black-chin tilapia infestation, prompting the community enterprise to adopt a new approach by using this invasive species as the primary raw material for processing. Through careful selection and preparation, they have developed multiple products including 'pla chiang,' boneless dried fish, and fish flakes that meet commercial standards. These products are also adapted into dishes served to tourists.

Although the black-chin tilapia population in Khlong Suan Subdistrict has decreased due to continuous removal efforts, the group's chairman emphasizes that success requires cooperation from all sectors. Widespread promotion of consumption and processing of this invasive species is the key to effective management.

The Ban Khlong Suan model is more than just business—it demonstrates how a resilient community with innovative solutions can transform seemingly intractable environmental crises into sustainable food security and income. Interested visitors can contact the 'Cha Len Camp Ban Khlong Suan' Facebook page or call 093-162-6478.

The heartwarming story of Huong Lan, a Vietnamese bride, has gone viral because her ex-husband's parents organized her new wedding ceremony and provided unwavering support with love and good intentions, moving many people's hearts.

According to reports, her husband died in a car accident in 2016, while she suffered severe injuries including a fractured right femur and required hospitalization. At that time, their daughter was only a toddler.

The tragic loss plunged her into deep sorrow, but what helped her overcome the pain was the love and care from her late husband's parents, who treated her like their own daughter.

In the immediate aftermath of the accident, she could not walk, and her late mother-in-law cared for everything—cooking, doing laundry, and helping raise her granddaughter—so she could fully recover. When she regained strength and returned to work, her daughter continued to receive loving care from her grandparents, who never demanded any financial contribution. Their kindness became the driving force that helped her gradually open her heart and return to living.

Years later, she began to consider starting a new romantic life. Her late husband's parents never opposed this and encouraged her, saying that if she found someone good and suitable, she should pursue happiness again.

Then in 2023, while working abroad, she met her current husband. After carefully getting to know each other, she decided to introduce him to the family. Her late husband's parents continued to be a strong support system, fully encouraging her to begin this new chapter.

The wedding took place in early 2026. What impressed many people was that her late husband's parents organized the entire event, from welcoming the groom's family to preparing the ceremony. Though described as a small affair, there were 40 tables of guests.

Another deeply moving moment came when the late husband's parents stood on stage alongside the bride's biological parents to give her away to her new husband. They spoke with simple but heartfelt words: "If anything ever happens, you can always come back to us." This only reinforced the enduring love they have always shown their daughter-in-law.

Source: emdep.vn Compiled by Online News Team

KANCHANABURI — May 21, 2026: A Moo Kata (Thai BBQ) restaurant owner has released security camera footage and demanded swift disciplinary action after a police sub-lieutenant allegedly sexually assaulted a 20-year-old waitress and members of his party allegedly dismissed the incident as a "normal" occurrence.

CCTV footage shared on Facebook on Wednesday appeared to show a male customer inappropriately touching the young waitress at a local Thai BBQ eatery. According to the accompanying caption, the incident occurred on the night of Tuesday. Legal action is being pursued, with the restaurant management vowing not to overlook the offense and pledging to seek justice for their staff member.

Reporters visited the "Ton Pradoo Mookata" restaurant, a Thai BBQ establishment located in Lat Ya Sub-district, Mueang District, Kanchanaburi Province, to speak with the victim, Jane, 20, a server. She told reporters that at approximately 21:30 on Tuesday, she was attending to a large party of approximately 12 customers, consisting of both men and women.

One male customer, wearing a shirt featuring an emblem resembling a military or police insignia, called her over and asked her to sing. After consulting management, Jane said she was instructed to decline the request in order to avoid disturbing other patrons. She said she then returned to inform the customer, who allegedly asked her to step closer before reaching out and touching her inappropriately without her consent. Jane said she was shocked by the incident and immediately stepped away from the table before reporting the matter to the restaurant owner, who then contacted police.

Jane admits she is deeply shaken by what happened. Moreover, she expressed deep anxiety over her safety after learning her attacker is an active-duty police sub-lieutenant. She is just working a part-time job, having to ride a motorcycle home alone late at night.

Meanwhile, the restaurant owner, Phanupong, 31, informed reporters that after learning of the assault from his employee, he immediately contacted local authorities to handle the situation. When responding officers arrived, he led the victim to identify her attacker. The suspect denied the allegations and challenged the owner to check the establishment's CCTV network. He played the footage directly in front of the entire gathering.

Instead of apologizing, members of the accused officer's party allegedly shrugged off the footage, reportedly suggesting the act was "just a normal matter." Their reaction angered the owner, who said his employees work hard to earn a living and that he would not tolerate such conduct toward his staff. He said he would continue supporting the employee throughout the legal process. An official report has been lodged at the Lat Ya Police Station.

Furthermore, the owner called on the accused officer's superiors to intervene and ensure appropriate action is taken. He said police officers are expected to protect the public and uphold professional standards.

A 57-year-old abbot from a temple in Nong Hoi subdistrict, Mueang district, Chiang Mai has been accused of improper conduct with a hired housekeeper. Controversial footage shows a monk in robes lying on a bed in a monk's quarters, with a woman identified as a housekeeper standing beside the bed before embracing him for nearly a minute, then removing her shirt and leaning down toward the reclining monk. While the monk's face is not clearly visible in the video, authorities consider it significant evidence for their investigation. The abbot denies involvement and claims the person in the video is not him, citing severe illness and denying any such conduct.

Most recently, the former abbot has renounced his monastic status at the Nong Hoi subdistrict office at Wat Mueang Sattron Noi on May 20 at approximately 6 p.m., citing health reasons and to prove his innocence. However, he neither confirmed nor denied involvement with the bedroom footage. Areey Panthawijun, director of the Chiang Mai Provincial Buddhist Office, stated that the subdistrict monastic council will proceed with investigating the temple's assets and accounts according to procedure. The investigation into monastic disciplinary violations will be terminated since the former abbot has renounced his status, making it a monastic disciplinary matter rather than a criminal one.

The Prime Minister assigned security policies to provincial governors and police commanders to work together in problem-solving, cracking down on influential figures and criminals, and protecting all workers, with readiness to take responsibility for failures. On May 21, 2026 at 09:00 at Santi Maitri Building, Government House, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Interior Minister chaired a workshop on advancing government security policy implementation, attended by the Interior Ministry Permanent Secretary, National Police Commander, provincial governors, and provincial police commanders from all 76 provinces reporting on their agencies' security roles.

Before the meeting, the PM inspected mobile units for tourist police ensuring tourist safety in tourism areas and civil registry office mobile ID card service units. The PM then viewed the security policy implementation exhibition.

At 10:05, the PM outlined the policies, explaining that using Government House emphasized that the government prioritizes national security. Current security situations are complex and rapidly changing. The government has adopted a policy promoting national security free from all internal and external threats. The Interior Ministry, National Police, Justice Ministry, and security agencies form four pillars of internal security.

The PM outlined security operation guidelines for unified inter-agency cooperation:

1. Prevention Dimension: The Interior Ministry through provincial governors and National Police through provincial police commanders must work closely as provincial teams, exchange information, and continuously conduct proactive planning using village headmen and local administrations as surveillance networks protecting citizens, especially from drug threats, technological crime, and influential figure threats. Work must be serious and planned in advance for sustained crime suppression and prevention, not reactive responses only when news breaks.

The PM stated officials must awaken to their duty protecting citizens and feel the pain of public suffering. Such consciousness creates well-being and happiness, aligning with the Interior Ministry's slogan of protecting people, adding drug suppression and defeating criminals.

In tourism areas and important economic zones, safe areas must be created for tourists and local workers. All provinces must be crime-free. The government will support budgets and equipment for all officials to perform their duties.

2. Suppression Dimension: Crime suppression must intensify for all types, internal and external, investigating to reach masterminds and large networks. Technology crimes like call centers and online gambling sites must be arrested and financial routes cut decisively. Active measures must suppress armed influential figures. The Interior Ministry has ordered civilians not to carry weapons. Therefore, apprehending armed gangsters today requires arrest.