National

Bangkok Office Demand Rebounds, but Tenants Retain Strong Negotiating Power

Bangkok's office market demand is recovering as tenants increasingly prioritize quality and efficiency, but strong negotiating power keeps rents flat at 847 baht per square meter monthly while widening the gap between Grade A and older prop

7 May Khaosod

Knight Frank Thailand indicates that Bangkok office market demand is beginning to recover, with the crucial turning point being changing tenant behavior that values quality and long-term efficiency. This has created a widening performance gap between Grade A properties and older buildings, while average rental rates have declined slightly to 847 baht per square meter per month.

On May 7, 2025, Panya Chenkitvatanalert, partner and managing director of Knight Frank Thailand's office division, revealed that despite market concerns about future oversupply of office space, the latest Knight Frank report shows Bangkok's office market is undergoing a deeper transformation. Demand is gradually recovering, but the key turning point centers on tenant behavior adjustments.

Leasing activity has clearly improved, with approximately 111,000 square meters of space leased and net absorption at around 70,000 square meters. This pushed the market's overall occupancy rate to 77.6%, continuing its increase into the second quarter.

However, despite improving demand, the market faces intense competition from new supply entering continuously, keeping tenants in a strong negotiating position. Building owners cannot raise rents, with average asking rents declining slightly by 0.4% quarter-on-quarter to 847 baht per square meter monthly.

The market's key issue is the widening "efficiency gap" between new and older buildings. Grade A and new buildings continue attracting demand, while older properties face mounting competitive pressure.

Today's tenants are no longer simply expanding space for growth; they make more selective decisions prioritizing building quality, user experience, and long-term cost efficiency. This concentrates demand in high-quality buildings and intensifies market differentiation.

Meanwhile, high-quality office development outside the CBD provides tenants more options and opportunities to manage costs effectively while maintaining space standards.

Short-term market trends suggest Bangkok's office market will remain tenant-favorable, as significant new supply completing in 2025 continues creating competitive pressure. Even with recovering demand, market rebalancing may take time as tenants remain cautious about space expansion.

"This market's turning point isn't about leasing volume, but about tenant thinking," Panya stated, noting tenants are increasingly selective, considering quality, costs, and long-term suitability—widening the gap between premium and older buildings and reshaping the entire competitive landscape.

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National

What Should We Name Her? Khon Kaen Zoo Opens Voting to Name Baby Pygmy Hippo, Granddaughter of Moo Deng

Khon Kaen Zoo has announced a public voting campaign to name a healthy baby pygmy hippo born on April 5th, who is the granddaughter of the famous Moo Deng. The one-month-old calf has passed all health checks with excellent results and is being monitored closely by veterinary specialists. The zoo has presented five name options for the public to choose from.

7 May Khaosod

Khon Kaen Zoo is opening a public naming poll for a female baby pygmy hippo that opened her eyes to the world on April 5th. The calf was born to father Nadetn, a pygmy hippo from Khao Khiao Open Zoo, and mother Nanya, a pygmy hippo from Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo. Since Nadetn is the brother of the famous Moo Deng, this baby girl officially becomes Moo Deng's granddaughter.

On May 6th, Tipavadee Kittikun, director of Khon Kaen Zoo, revealed that the baby pygmy hippo passed her one-month health check with flying colors. She has fully healthy lungs, normal development for her age, and is under close care from a veterinary team and specialized staff. Physical examinations show normal tooth and tusk development, with two upper teeth and four lower teeth. She has been microchipped for systematic health monitoring.

The calf currently weighs 16.45 kilograms, up from her birth weight of 5.76 kilograms. Her measurements show robust growth: body length 72 centimeters, head length 15.5 centimeters, tail length 7.5 centimeters, waist circumference 67 centimeters, chest circumference 61 centimeters, and head circumference 40 centimeters.

Since the baby pygmy hippo still lacks an official name, Khon Kaen Zoo is launching a public voting activity to engage visitors and strengthen their connection with wildlife. Five name options have been proposed for voting:

Moo Yo Moo Waterfall Moo Deh Moo Ping Moo Drung

Khon Kaen Zoo is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visitors can follow the zoo's various channels for more information, updates, and details about the naming campaign.

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National

Sky and Nani Finally Collaborate! New Drama 'WU' Delivers Peak Entertainment from Premiere—The Chemistry Between These Two Men is Simply Incredible!

Thai actors Sky and Nani debut together in new drama 'WU,' premiering May 5th on GMM25, with viewers praising their explosive chemistry and intense performances in the fast-paced series.

7 May Khaosod

Sky and Nani Finally Collaborate!

【New Drama Coverage】Listen up, everyone! The most intense dual-lead drama of 2026 has arrived! Our talented powerhouse Sky and charming action star Nani bring their new series 'WU' to the screen!

This clash of passion and talent:

A peak showdown of looks and ability: Sky takes on a challenging role with absolutely stunning eye-acting, while Nani transforms into an action master with hard-hitting, visceral fight choreography that's truly impressive.

The premiere was electric: At the CentralwOrld premiere event, everyone agreed the pacing was incredibly fast—nobody could blink. Seeing how exhausted they were from their rigorous preparation for this drama really touched our hearts and showed their true professionalism!

Your Tuesday night appointment: Starting May 5th, tune in every Tuesday at 8:30 PM on GMM25. International viewers can catch replays on Viu at 9:30 PM—absolutely worth following!

Fans are saying: Everyone agrees Sky and Nani's chemistry is perfect together. A drama with this kind of dual-lead dynamic is endlessly rewatchable.

📅 Interactive moment: After watching the first episode, which actor's performance surprised you more—Sky or Nani? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let's show our support for 'WU'!

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Breaking

Mother Pursues Case of Hired Caregiver Who Swapped Her Newborn After 5 Months, Only Learning the Truth When Child Turned 1 Year 6 Months

A 24-year-old mother discovered that her 5-month-old daughter was swapped by a hired caregiver with another child when the girl turned 18 months old. The caregiver, who was arrested and sentenced to jail for the crime, allegedly gave the biological daughter to a Myanmar couple, but has refused to reveal the child's location. The case is now being pursued by police with assistance from a child welfare foundation to locate and recover the biological daughter.

7 May Khaosod

On May 7, 2026, Paveena Hongsukul, chairwoman of the Paveena Hongsukul Foundation for Children and Women, accompanied Ms. Nok (pseudonym), a 24-year-old from Mukdahan province, to Bang Lamung Police Station to meet with Major Sarawut Nuchnarote, the station commander, to request assistance in locating her 3-year-old daughter who was swapped by a 29-year-old hired caregiver. The caregiver had taken the biological daughter and returned a different child to Ms. Nok when the baby was just 5 months old. Ms. Nok only discovered the truth when the child turned 1 year 6 months old, when a stranger suddenly messaged her on Facebook claiming to be the biological mother of the child she had been raising.

The caregiver has been arrested and sentenced to jail by the lower court, and has been released on bail pending appeal. However, Ms. Nok has no knowledge of the whereabouts of her biological daughter. The caregiver has remained silent about the child's location, claiming only that a Myanmar couple took the child away. Ms. Nok appealed to Paveena Hongsukul to coordinate with police to find her biological daughter.

Paveena Hongsukul stated that this is a complex and sensitive case and immediately coordinated with Major Sarawut. She also arranged for Ms. Janchira Thai Bandith, the Chachoengsao provincial women's affairs officer, to be present. The investigation must locate the Myanmar couple, as the case may involve human trafficking if the child was sold. Police must also interview the woman who claims to be the biological mother of the child currently in Ms. Nok's care and determine her intentions. The Paveena Hongsukul Foundation will closely follow up with Bang Lamung Police Station and the provincial women's affairs office.

Ms. Nok recounted her story: In 2022, she became pregnant unexpectedly and broke up with her boyfriend, fearing her family would find out. She consulted a friend who introduced her to the caregiver living in a rented room with her husband and four children in Bang Lamung, Chachoengsao province. The caregiver claimed to love children and agreed to care for the baby. Ms. Nok gave birth to a daughter in October 2022 and arranged to pay the caregiver 8,000 baht monthly while she worked on construction sites in Chachoengsao.

After one month of care, the caregiver told Ms. Nok about a Myanmar couple willing to pay 20,000 baht for a child to raise as their own, but Ms. Nok refused. She continued paying the caregiver to care for her daughter. When her daughter was 5 months old, on March 1, 2023, the caregiver suddenly brought the child back, claiming she needed to run an errand. Days passed without the caregiver returning to collect the child.

Ms. Nok then left the child with her grandmother in Chachoengsao province and continued working.

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National

What is Thailand's Royal Ploughing Ceremony?

Thailand is preparing for its annual Royal Ploughing Ceremony, a 700-year-old tradition that marks the beginning of rice farming season and combines Buddhist and Brahmin rituals. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives recently completed the second full rehearsal at Sanam Luang, with the official ceremony scheduled for May 11. The ceremony features sacred oxen pulling a plough while their food choices and a selected cloth piece are interpreted as predictions for the coming year's agricultural conditions and rainfall.

7 May Khaosod

Thailand is preparing for the annual Royal Ploughing Ceremony, one of the kingdom's oldest and most symbolic royal traditions linked to agriculture and the rice-growing season.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives held the second full rehearsal for the ceremony at Sanam Luang on Thursday ahead of the official rite on May 11. Winairoj Subsongsuk, permanent secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, performed the role of Phra Ya Raek Na, or Lord of the Plough, during the rehearsal.

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony, known in Thai as "Phuetcha Mongkhon," dates back more than 700 years and marks the traditional beginning of the rice farming season in Thailand. The ceremony is traditionally presided over by the King or a senior member of the royal family and combines both Buddhist and Brahmin rituals intended to bring prosperity, favorable rainfall and abundant harvests for farmers across the country.

One of the ceremony's most closely watched moments involves sacred oxen pulling a plough around the ceremonial field while rice seeds are scattered onto the ground. The oxen are later presented with symbolic foods and drinks, including rice, corn, grass, sesame seeds, water and alcohol. What the oxen choose to eat is traditionally interpreted as a prediction for the year's agricultural conditions, rainfall and economic outlook.

Another symbolic stage involves the Lord of the Plough selecting one of three pieces of cloth of different lengths. The chosen cloth is believed to forecast the amount of rainfall expected during the coming farming season.

Large crowds usually gather at Sanam Luang to watch the ceremony and collect blessed rice seeds, which many believe bring prosperity and good fortune. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony Day is observed as a public holiday in Thailand and remains an important cultural event reflecting the country's deep historical connection to agriculture.

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Breaking

Fire reignites at popular Rangsit pub after blaze

A fire reignited at a popular pub in Rangsit on Wednesday morning, requiring firefighters to return to the scene with five fire engines after flames broke out again inside the enclosed venue. The initial blaze was reported around 4:50 a.m. in a storage room on the second floor, and while brought under control later that morning, residual heat trapped within the soundproofed building caused it to flare up again. No injuries were reported as the pub was closed at the time, though the interior sustained extensive damage and structural safety assessments are pending.

7 May Khaosod

PATHUM THANI — May 7, 2026 — Firefighters returned to battle a blaze at a popular pub in Rangsit on Wednesday morning after flames reignited inside the building, causing extensive damage throughout the venue.

Deputy Mayor Chayut Sinpoonphak of Rangsit municipality and municipal councillor Jamrat Chusuk led emergency crews and five fire engines to the entertainment venue in the Khlong Nueng area along the Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok canal road in Prachathipat subdistrict, Thanyaburi district, after reports of the reignited fire.

Firefighters discovered flames and heavy smoke spreading from the ceiling on the second floor. Crews sprayed water into the ceiling cavity, where soundproof foam panels had been installed, as authorities worried that trapped heat could cause another flare-up.

According to officials, the initial fire was first reported around 4:50 a.m., with firefighters and officers from Pratunam Chulalongkorn police station arriving at approximately 5:00 a.m. Large flames and thick smoke were found on the second floor, particularly in a storage room containing old chairs and other items. Firefighters brought the blaze under control later that morning.

Because the venue was an enclosed space fitted with soundproofing materials, residual heat caused the fire to reignite. The pub was closed when the fire broke out, and no injuries were reported.

Authorities have not yet assessed the full extent of damage. Municipal engineers will inspect the building structure to determine its safety following the fire.

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National

Newin Thanks Crown Prince Tunku Ismail of Johor Following Buriram's Victory

Buriram United president Newin Chidchob thanked Crown Prince Tunku Ismail of Johor for congratulating the Thai team on their 3-1 victory in the AFC Cup semi-final first leg against Johor Darul Ta'zim. Newin's statement emphasized cooperation between both clubs to elevate Asian football and extended a warm welcome to the Johor delegation for the second leg match in Buriram.

7 May Khaosod

Newin Chidchob, president of Buriram United, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim of Johor for congratulating Buriram United on their triumphant 3-1 victory over Johor Darul Ta'zim in the first leg of the 2025-26 AFC Cup semi-final.

"Competitor and ally," Newin's statement read, "we cannot thank Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim enough. We thank the Johor FC fans who attended the match and created such a magnificent and impressive atmosphere for us. Both our clubs—Buriram United and Johor FC—must work together to bring Asian club football to compete with Asia's finest in the AFC Champions League with honor and dignity in the future.

We must unite to make every club in Asia respect and not overlook ASEAN football. We must attract world-class footballers to play in our league in greater numbers to elevate Asian football and bring greater joy to fans with more exciting competition.

As president of Buriram United and on behalf of the Buriram people, we stand ready to warmly welcome the prince, Johor FC, and all their supporters to the second leg at Chang Arena with great pleasure. We hope you will be impressed from the moment you arrive in Buriram until you depart.

We hope Johor FC and Buriram United will be rivals that bring fans joy in the stadium and partners working together to develop and create a future where the global football community respects, takes interest in, and accepts Asian clubs even more."

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National

Pattharapongse Introduces 7-Point Aviation Policy to Support Operators and Airlines

Deputy Transport Minister Pattharapongse unveiled a seven-point aviation policy to cut airline costs, accelerate infrastructure projects, and modernize Thailand's airports amid Middle East crisis impacts.

7 May Khaosod

Deputy Transport Minister Pattharapongse Pattharaprasit announced the seven-point policy framework following a meeting with the Airports Authority of Thailand (AAT), emphasizing modernized, efficient, and integrated transport systems that connect all of the country's transportation networks. The comprehensive approach aims to provide citizens with modern, convenient, safe, and environmentally-friendly transportation infrastructure while fostering industrial growth and sustainable economic development.

The seven policies focus on making airports engines of regional development. The first policy directs the AAT to propose cost-reduction measures for airlines, operators, and stakeholders to mitigate Middle East crisis impacts without compromising service or safety standards. The second calls for supporting government's economic stimulus efforts by accelerating 2025 budget disbursement and preparing the 2026 budget allocation process.

The third policy mandates expediting ongoing construction projects, including runway extensions at Krabi and Surat Thani airports, terminal expansion at Narathiwat airport, and implementing drone detection and bird control technology. The fourth focuses on accelerating approved projects including runway extensions at Chumphon and Phrae airports, plus capacity expansion initiatives at Narathiwat, Phrae, Chumphon, Buriram, Ranong, and Trang airports to accommodate larger international aircraft.

The fifth policy involves upgrading public administration through modern automation technologies, including biometric systems, boarding pass verification services, and passenger pre-screening systems. The sixth directs developing a master plan for airport development and regional connectivity. Additionally, the AAT is tasked with exploring revenue-generating opportunities and studying guidelines for airport income development.

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National

Noraseth Criticizes Land Bridge Committee Composition, Warns Ekniti Not to Lend His Name as a Rubber Stamp

A Thai Senate official has criticized the composition of the Land Bridge study committee for including only three public representatives among many members, arguing the ratio fails to represent community interests adequately. He warned the committee's chairman not to use his name merely to rubber-stamp the project and expressed concerns about relying solely on a government transport ministry report that appears designed to support the project's advancement.

7 May Khaosod

At 1 p.m. on May 7, 2025 at Parliament, Noraseth Prachakorn, a Senate member and chairman of the Senate's Political Development Committee, addressed Prime Minister Anuthim Charnweerakul and Interior Minister regarding the establishment of a Land Bridge study committee chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithumrong. Noraseth stated that upon reviewing the committee roster, the public representatives number no more than three members, which he noted represents an imbalanced composition that fails to adequately reflect community interests.

Noraseth expressed uncertainty about using the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTTPP) under the Transport Ministry as the primary reporting body, noting concern that if this is indeed the case, the OTTPP report appears designed solely to support the project's advancement.

Noraseth urged Ekniti, as committee chairman, to ensure the committee composition better reflects affected communities, noting that three representatives among dozens of committee members cannot adequately represent or carry the weight of public voice. He emphasized the importance of meaningfully incorporating public participation and civil society input into the study process.

"I don't want Ekniti to use his name as a rubber stamp to approve this project regardless of its merits," Noraseth stated. "I want this report to be credible, with genuine and proportional public participation, and for it to have true legitimacy. This way, the government can make decisions based on fair and legitimate study findings." He noted that the Land Bridge bill will be presented to the Senate on May 12, with the Transport Committee also submitting its report.

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Community

Mazda Nurtures Dreams Through Golf: Youth Invited to Junior Golf Camp 2026

Mazda is offering 50 young golfers aged 9-18 a free training camp on June 6 in Nakhon Ratchasima, with coaching from American university professionals and potential U.S. college scholarships.

7 May Khaosod

Mazda is nurturing young people's dreams by offering them a chance to pursue professional golf careers. The company is accepting applications from Mazda Family customers' children (including friends and relatives), both boys and girls aged 9-18, with a total of 50 participants invited to join the free Mazda U.S. College PREP Junior Golf Camp 2026, valued at 15,000 baht. Participants will learn golf techniques directly from professional coaches from prestigious American universities, with potential opportunities to receive scholarships for further studies in the United States, paving the way toward becoming a world-class professional golfer. The camp will take place on June 6 at Rancho Charnvee Resort and Country Club in Nakhon Ratchasima province, with registration open until May 25. For more information, visit www.mazda.co.th under the Events and Activities section.

Mr. Phopnipith Jirawattananon, Director of Marketing and Digital Innovation at Mazda Sales (Thailand) Limited, stated: "Supporting people's potential and turning dreams into reality is what Mazda believes in and prioritizes. This reflects our business philosophy aimed at creating long-term value for both customers and Thai society. Through sports marketing activities, Mazda is not only creating brand experiences but also implementing an important mechanism to advance our corporate social responsibility mission, focusing on developing Thai youth by providing access to learning, training, skill enhancement, and advancement in sports they love."

"This event embodies Mazda's Challenger Spirit philosophy—the same spirit that drives our automotive innovation and continuous development to provide people with the best experiences. We hope that this combination of sports marketing and social activities will inspire Thai youth and help elevate their potential to reach the international stage, while building a stronger and more sustainable society together. Moreover, this event offers exclusive benefits to our Mazda Family as a token of appreciation for allowing us to care for you and your families throughout your vehicle ownership journey," Mr. Phopnipith said.

The Mazda U.S. College PREP Junior Golf Camp 2026 is part of the Mazda U.S. College PREP Junior Golf Championship program launched in 2024, a collaboration between Mazda Sales Thailand and The Agency College Recruit, an expert in securing sports scholarships for youth worldwide. The program aims to support young golf enthusiasts by providing opportunities to showcase their skills and pursue their dreams of becoming world-class professional golfers. The camp format allows young participants to learn skills and techniques from professional coaches from renowned American universities. This presents an excellent opportunity for talented young golfers to develop their abilities and gain exposure to international coaching standards.

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National

First VELA Longevity Forum Draws Crowds, Unveils New Perspectives on 'Gut Microbiome' as the Key to Healthy Aging

Thailand's inaugural VELA Longevity Forum highlighted gut microbiome diversity as essential to healthy aging, with Inter Pharma unveiling a line of probiotic and synbiotic products designed to support immunity, brain health, and longevity.

7 May Khaosod

On April 29th, the inaugural VELA Longevity Forum was held at Dusit Central Park Offices, with the theme "Microbiome-related Products for Empowering Healthspan." This event represents a significant milestone in advancing longevity knowledge and preventive healthcare awareness across Thai society.

The key highlight was a presentation by Dr. Tarun Thanitnidhipund, CEO of Inter Pharma Public Company, who cited research from Nature Medicine (2021) demonstrating that individuals with diverse gut microbiomes tend to have longer lifespans. Additionally, dysbiosis—an imbalance of gut microbiota—is linked to multiple chronic diseases through the gut-brain axis. Research shows that over 70% of the immune system resides in the intestines, and approximately 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut.

Inter Pharma Public Company presented its innovative probiotic and synbiotic products under the "Total Synbiotic Formula" concept to address diverse health needs, including gut care, immune support, brain and emotional health, weight management, and skin health. The product line includes: Probac 7, a synbiotic for gut health; Probac Mood, a specialized probiotic for brain and emotional wellness proven to enhance dopamine and serotonin levels while reducing anxiety and depression; Probac BL, which alleviates respiratory and skin allergies, reduces constipation, and strengthens overall health against pollutants; Probac Fit, a clinically-supported weight control formula that reduces visceral fat; and Probac Ultra Collagen, Thailand's exclusive synbiotic innovation combining bioactive collagen.

The forum brought together prominent medical experts including Honorary Clinical Professor Udom Kasinton, Assistant Professor Dr. Amornpun Seerimasakun, and Dr. Thisara Veeromsai, alongside physicians from leading hospitals, with television personality Kalamare Patchaonsri Benchamas as moderator.

The VELA Longevity Forum reflects Thailand's growing commitment to preventive healthcare, emphasizing that true health extends beyond mere longevity to encompass quality of life at every life stage.

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