BANGKOK — 7 May 2026, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced his intention to continue his work following public recognition of improvements in the capital's administration over his four-year tenure, though he acknowledged the city's performance remains incomplete.

Speaking Wednesday at Bangkok City Hall during the final executive meeting of his administration's term, Chadchart expressed gratitude to officials and staff for their dedication throughout the past four years.

The meeting brought together Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) executives, Permanent Secretary Narong Ruangsri, directors from all 50 district offices, senior officials and related staff.

"This is our administration's final meeting. Thank you for working together. I have been very happy," Chadchart told attendees.

"I believe Bangkok has many capable people who work very well. Over the past four years, I have been impartial, but the public has told us that our work has improved. Many of our achievements have addressed people's needs, but we are still not at 100%, so we must continue."

Chadchart rated his own performance at five out of 10, while giving his team eight out of 10, commending their consistent efforts and cautioning officials to remain vigilant during the transition period.

He noted that the city's homelessness situation had improved through initiatives like the "Im Jai House" shelter program, which still has room to accept more residents, particularly given ongoing economic difficulties.

Chadchart warned officials to enforce existing street vendor regulations during the administrative changeover, cautioning that some traders might attempt to exploit gaps while a new administration takes office.

With the rainy season approaching, Chadchart directed agencies to assess flood prevention measures and carefully monitor construction projects that could worsen flooding, including Orange Line rail construction along Ratchadamnoen Road and projects near Banthat Thong Road.

Flooding had already struck 12 locations across Bangkok, prompting him to stress preventive action, including accelerated drainage and canal dredging during heavy rainfall periods.

The governor also ordered the Drainage and Sewerage Department to accelerate delayed projects, particularly the Thonburi wastewater collection and treatment system, noting that residents have suffered significantly.

Regarding foreign birth registrations, Chadchart instructed district offices to strengthen oversight and review whether registration procedures are sufficiently stringent, especially in districts showing unusually high registration numbers.

Ahead of upcoming elections, Chadchart directed all officials to remain politically neutral.

"We must build public confidence in the elections as much as possible," he said. "Whether it is the Bangkok governor election or council elections, everything must be handled equally. We must maintain neutrality and avoid any favoritism."

On February 6, 2025, Deputy Police Commissioner Samarani Nualma, along with Deputy Commissioner Krisda Kanchanalong and numerous other senior police officials, ordered the arrest of two suspects: a 26-year-old male named Rai and a 27-year-old female named Wari, both charged with theft and property damage using a vehicle.

The pair had a documented history of three theft incidents:

1. March 20, 2024: Theft from under a residential house in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 2. April 30, 2024: Theft of a squirrel monkey named "March" from Pae Mon Friend Zoo, the zoo's beloved mascot 3. May 1, 2024: Theft of one saltwater crocodile and one tiger-striped salamander from Pata Zoo

Police seized multiple animals during the search including squirrel monkey "March," one saltwater crocodile, one tiger-striped salamander, five snakes, one raccoon, one tortoise, and other animals still under investigation.

The arrest followed an unusual tip to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau that a husband and wife couple were seen carrying animals into drug distribution areas in the Don Muang district, attempting to trade a pangolin for narcotics. After investigation, authorities identified the suspects as teenagers living in the Don Muang area with a pattern of animal theft across Bangkok and its surrounding areas.

Detailed investigation revealed their latest crimes occurred on April 30, 2024, when they stole "March" from Pae Mon Friend Zoo in Bang Khun, and on May 1, 2024, when they stole the crocodile and salamander from Pata Zoo in Pin Klao. Police tracked them to their residence and discovered numerous stolen animals. Officers also found an apartment in Don Muang where the suspects were hiding animals for sale.

Deputy Police Commander Theeradej Thammasudeer stated: "This criminal activity goes beyond simple animal theft—it involves connections to drug trafficking, a serious threat to society. Officers must expand the investigation to cover both the animal theft network and drug trafficking routes that may be interconnected, in order to prosecute these crimes according to the law."

On May 7, 2025, at a police station in Nakhon Phanom Province, 53-year-old Kittipong (surname withheld), a former village headman, surrendered to investigating officer Pol. Lt. Yongyuth Phiwphannoi after the victim's parents filed a complaint. The alleged crime occurred on April 28, 2025, at the suspect's residence.

Police have charged the suspect with two serious offenses: sexual assault of a child under 15 years old and child abduction. The victim, a 13-year-old girl who worked part-time at a seafood restaurant, was from the same village and knew the suspect. He allegedly committed the crime while his wife was visiting a neighboring country. Additional charges are pending evidence collection.

The suspect initially denied all allegations and intends to defend himself in court. Police have opposed bail due to the severity of the charges and concern he may flee. The suspect was taken into custody pending a request for detention at Nakhon Phanom Provincial Court.

According to reports, the former village headman covered his face with a red hat while surrendering and refused interviews, only saying "I apologize." Previously, he had attempted to settle the matter by offering 600,000 baht in compensation to the victim's family, but the family proceeded with filing a police report when settlement negotiations failed.

Naewin Chidchob, chairman of Buriram United, posted on his Facebook page 'Uncle Naewin' inviting fans to join the celebration of the Thai League championship during the home match against Lampang Warriors on May 10.

Buriram United secured their 11th Thai League championship title and fifth consecutive championship before the final match of the season. The team will host Lampang Warriors at home on May 10.

Through the 'Uncle Naewin' Facebook page, Chidchob invited fans to attend the match and celebrate the championship together.

The post read: 'You must come because you are the champion. Come receive the Thai League trophy together. Raise the championship trophy once more. Let the voice of history's champions resound. Let's fill Chang Arena, the home of champions. Let's celebrate this championship worthy of the dedication, exhaustion, sweat, and tears we've fought through together all year. Because we fought together, because we had each other and gave our hearts to one another, we became champions together. We must come celebrate the night of the 11th Thai League championship on May 10. See you at Chang Arena, home of Buriram United. #WeAreAlwaysTogether'

The match between Buriram United and Lampang Warriors will take place on May 10 at 6:00 PM.

On May 7, 2025, Dr. Montatip Kanjasawasdi, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control under the Ministry of Public Health, announced heightened surveillance for mpox (Mpox), particularly the Clade Ib variant, following the holiday tourism season. The department has observed an increase in cases linked to travel and activities during the festival period. With an incubation period of approximately 5-21 days, additional cases may gradually emerge during this phase, and cluster outbreaks could occur in some areas. Contact tracing may be incomplete in certain cases, necessitating a dual approach of symptom monitoring and personal prevention measures.

According to the latest data as of May 3, 2025, Thailand has confirmed 48 mpox cases in 2025, consisting of 43 cases of Clade II and 5 cases of Clade Ib. The majority of patients are male, aged 18-39 years, with sexual contact being the primary transmission route. The overall situation remains manageable but requires continuous vigilance.

Dr. Montatip emphasized that mpox transmits through close contact with infected individuals, particularly through contact with rashes or pustules, body fluids, or prolonged close proximity. He urged both Thai and foreign tourists to maintain proper health practices, avoid close contact with symptomatic individuals, maintain personal hygiene, and reduce risky behaviors to minimize infection and disease spread.

Symptoms to watch for include fever, fatigue, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and rashes or pustules on the body. Anyone experiencing these symptoms, especially after recent activities or travel, should seek medical consultation and inform their doctor of relevant travel history.

Dr. Montatip reiterated that while the Clade Ib mpox strain requires continuous monitoring and the overall situation remains under control, risks persist during the disease's incubation period. He stressed the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration in prevention and symptom monitoring to reduce transmission and maintain public health confidence.

The Department of Disease Control is actively conducting public awareness campaigns on mpox prevention through various channels and distributing condoms to prevent sexually transmitted infections. The department has also prepared surveillance, screening, and treatment systems while coordinating with relevant agencies for effective disease control. For inquiries, the public can contact the Disease Control Department hotline at 1422.

One clever dog is making headlines for its sustainable side hustle! Xiaobai, a French Bulldog from Guangzhou, China, has captured hearts online with an impressive environmental habit—collecting discarded plastic bottles. Whenever Xiaobai spots a bottle, it quickly retrieves it, then intelligently unscrews the cap, pours out any remaining liquid, and flattens the bottle before giving it to owner Zhang for recycling.

The dog's heartwarming story gained traction starting last August. According to Zhang, over the past five years, Xiaobai has helped collect bottles worth more than 10,000 yuan (approximately 47,000 baht). As the story spread online, the buzz around Xiaobai's adorable diligence continued to grow, eventually generating over 100,000 yuan (around 470,000 baht) in total revenue.

After appearing in interviews, Xiaobai's popularity skyrocketed. The dog now has nearly 270,000 followers on Douyin, with income steadily increasing from video views. During the recent five-day Labor Day holiday period, Xiaobai collected bottles worth 216 yuan (approximately 1,025 baht) from its own efforts and donations from local shops.

Zhang explains that Xiaobai doesn't need the income to survive—he already runs a business and ensures the dog is well-fed and cared for. Rather, bottle collecting is simply a beloved hobby that Xiaobai enjoys. By documenting these adorable moments, Zhang hopes to inspire others to work hard and persevere in life.