BANGKOK — 15 May 2026, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt is expected to submit his resignation ahead of launching a bid for a second term, local media reported. The resignation letter is expected to be filed with Thailand's Interior Ministry before Chadchart formally re-enters the Bangkok gubernatorial race. Officials at Bangkok Metropolitan Administration headquarters said Chadchart was absent from a scheduled briefing on revisions to the city's comprehensive urban development plan, with Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon appearing in his place. When asked whether the governor's absence was linked to plans to resign before the end of his term, Wisanu said Chadchart had multiple engagements. Wisanu declined to confirm whether he would remain part of Chadchart's administration if the governor wins another term, saying Chadchart had yet to formally announce his candidacy. According to reports, Chadchart plans to travel to the United States after resigning to visit his son and attend celebrations marking his graduation. One of Chadchart's campaign slogans is "Invite you to work, to make the city work". He is expected to officially register his candidacy and unveil his deputy governors and campaign team on 28 May 2026. Officials said Chadchart's resignation would automatically dissolve the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's political executive team, including deputy governors, advisers and secretaries. During the transition period until a new governor is elected, the Bangkok permanent secretary, as the city's highest-ranking civil servant, will oversee the administration. City officials are also expected to finalise Bangkok's 2027 fiscal budget proposal worth 93 billion baht before the new governor takes office and submits it to the Bangkok Metropolitan Council for approval.

A man named Winai fatally beat his girlfriend Joy after discovering she had secretly checked into a hotel with another man. Enraged, he repeatedly kicked and struck her before discovering her lifeless body the next morning. He then transported her body to a police station in Bang Bua Thong to turn himself in. On May 15, 2569, the family held a Buddhist spirit summoning ceremony at her lodging before preparing for religious rites at Pai Luang Temple in Nonthaburi Province. Joy's 49-year-old aunt, Kanchana, recounted that on the night of the incident, she had advised them to settle their dispute peacefully, but later lost contact with her niece after midnight. In a dream the following night, she saw Joy sitting at a restaurant without a head. Meanwhile, a 65-year-old friend of the deceased reported hearing her call out at around 3 a.m., keeping him awake. After the spirit summoning ceremony, the family retrieved Joy's body from the forensic institute to proceed with religious funeral rites at the temple.

The 12th Border Patrol Police School Sports Competition for 2569 concluded with great success, with students from border patrol schools nationwide competing for the royal trophy presented by Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana. The event was supported by the National Sports Development Fund and the Sports Authority of Thailand to develop youth potential through sports and ensure equal educational opportunities.

The closing ceremony was held on April 25, 2569 at Rajanivet Stadium at Camp Rama VI in Cha-am District, Phetchaburi Province, presided over by Pol. Lt. Gen. Rungrot Thakurpunvassiri, Commander of the Border Patrol Police. Deputy Director-General of Physical Education, Surath Charnothien, and personnel from border patrol schools across the country attended.

Beyond athletics, the Young Elephant Games demonstrated the power of unity, sportsmanship, and forgiveness, using sports as a vehicle for improving the quality of life for youth in remote areas. The event also provided opportunities for students to exchange knowledge about languages, culture, traditions, and experiences.

Region 4 Border Patrol Police athletes excelled, winning the overall championship with 30 gold medals, 30 silver medals, and 23 bronze medals—their third consecutive title. The closing ceremony included the presentation of the championship flag to Region 3 Border Patrol Police for hosting the 13th Young Elephant Games, followed by the ceremonial extinguishing of the torch, concluding the competition in an atmosphere of warmth and gratitude.

On May 15, 2025, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that the agricultural economy grew 2.4% in Q1 2025 (January-March) compared to the same period in 2024. The growth was supported by continuous rainfall throughout 2024, which ensured adequate water in reservoirs and natural water sources for crop cultivation and growth, combined with favorable overall weather conditions. Although March 2025 was affected by Middle East tensions that pushed crude oil prices higher globally, domestic fuel price controls during early March and existing stock levels of agricultural inputs such as chemical fertilizers and pesticides limited production cost increases. The crop, livestock, and forestry sectors all showed expansion.

The ministry projects full-year 2025 agricultural growth of 0.5-1.5% compared to 2024, supported by adequate water levels in major and medium-sized reservoirs and comprehensive water management, disaster preparedness, disease control in crops and animals, and promotion of agricultural technology and innovation. However, the minister warned of several risk factors requiring close monitoring, including climate variability—particularly El Niño conditions expected in the second half of 2025 that could cause irregular rainfall and drought—as well as fluctuations in oil and fertilizer prices, stringent trade measures from key trading partners, baht volatility, and global economic slowdown.

The ministry will implement both urgent and continuous development measures to address these risks. Immediate priorities include managing diesel and B20 fuel distribution through cooperatives, promoting balanced use of chemical and organic fertilizers based on soil analysis, utilizing biofertilizers and precision agriculture technology, improving water management, conducting cloud seeding operations, and preparing water pumps in drought-prone areas. Long-term efforts will focus on improving production efficiency, reducing costs, and strengthening Thai agriculture's competitiveness through precision agriculture technology, farmer training programs, and low-interest credit for agricultural machinery.

A male patient sought treatment for months of persistent ear fullness and discomfort. Detailed examination revealed a yellow fungal infection on the eardrum, appearing as thick, hair-like strands in large rings.

The Hongyu Ear, Nose, and Throat Clinic shared the case on Facebook, noting that ENT specialist Dr. Lin Fuhmin used an otoscope to examine the patient's ear canal. The fungus had developed on the previously surgically-treated eardrum area, forming thick, fluffy, hair-like growths. However, after the doctor used specialized techniques to remove the fungus, the patient's ear fullness and fullness symptoms improved and resolved completely.

According to the clinic's interview with ET Today Health, the suspected cause of the infection stemmed from the patient's habit of using cotton swabs to clean his ears after bathing. While this seems like a cleaning practice, it can actually cause microscopic wounds to the ear canal's inner skin, leading to bleeding and moisture accumulation—conditions that promote fungal growth. Additionally, the patient's previous ear surgery increased the infection risk in that area.

Doctors explain that humid weather conditions favor fungal growth, and the ear is an environment where fungi thrive. In clinical practice, fungi from the outer ear can spread to the eardrum, making treatment more difficult. Removing fungus from the eardrum requires specialized medical skills, so patients should consult an ENT specialist directly.

To prevent ear fungal infections, doctors recommend using a hair dryer on low heat to dry the ear after bathing if water enters. Avoid repeatedly using cotton swabs. Those who frequently get water in their ears while bathing should consider using earplugs for additional protection.

If ear fullness or pressure persists without improvement, seek prompt evaluation from an ENT specialist. Do not delay treatment, as complications can become severe.

The Democratic Party's candidate selection committee has finalized its choice for Bangkok governor candidate following the debut of potential candidates at the AI Demo Day event promoting digital economy advancement through AI on May 12. The selected candidate is Anucha Burpachaisri, a former Bangkok MP from the Democratic Party and former list candidate for Bhumjaithai Party, from which he has since resigned.

Dr. Pichai Rukprecha, or Dr. Aung, executive advisor for LINE Plus and former CEO of LINE Thailand and Google Thailand, as well as former spokesperson for Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, was initially considered. However, speculation arose that Pichai would be the candidate due to his qualifications matching what party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and deputy leader Sakoltee Pattiyakul had outlined: experience in politics, under 60 years old, capable of working with the government, and knowledgeable in IT.

Ultimately, the Democratic Party selected Anucha because Pichai cannot run due to contractual restrictions with LINE, despite the party's attempts to recruit him since the February parliamentary elections. The party also approached several other potential candidates to challenge incumbent governor Chadchart Sittipunt, but faced rejections due to concerns about the difficulty of competing against him or contractual obstacles with their current employers.

Anucha, though considered a familiar face, was chosen because he previously served as Bangkok MP for Khlong Toei District 2 and served as deputy spokesman for the Prime Minister's Office under General Prayut Chan-o-cha. The party believes he may secure more seats than the 9 seats won in the 2022 elections. Anucha's official unveiling and vision presentation will take place on May 16 at 2 p.m. at the Democratic Party headquarters.