On May 3, 2025, Ekwaranyu Amrapan, spokesperson for the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and assistant to the Bangkok Governor, issued a clarification following the appearance of social media images showing candidates for Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) positions gradually unveiling campaigns using green-toned graphics similar to Governor Chatchatchai Sittipan's branding. Multiple inquiries had been received asking whether Governor Chatchatchai was directly backing these candidates, as some used imagery, colors, slogans, and elements resembling the governor's previous campaign. "I want to clarify that Governor Chatchatchai is currently serving his term and has never publicly endorsed any BMC candidate. This is to maintain propriety, neutrality, and impartiality while performing his duties as Bangkok Governor," the spokesperson stated. "Candidates using green colors or the name 'Chatchatchai' may do so out of confidence in their ability to work effectively with the governor." However, no authorization has been granted to use the governor's name or image for campaigning purposes. The administration urged the public and media to follow official channels for accurate information, including the official Facebook pages of Chatchatchai Sittipan and the "Team Chatchatchai" page for official updates. Those interested in urban development work are also encouraged to follow the "Work Work Work Bangkok" network.

The Internal Trade Department, working with the Consumer Protection Police, has seized a total of 6,656 uncertified weighing scales from two online operations in Nonthaburi and Roi Et provinces. Officials have warned merchants and consumers that using scales without official certification marks is illegal and subject to criminal penalties and fines. All certified scales must display official seals and QR codes for verification.

On April 29, 2569, officials inspected a storage facility in Rai Thiao subdistrict, Thai Noi district, Nonthaburi, where uncertified scales were being stored and sold online. They discovered 4,471 uncertified spring and digital scales. On April 30, officials inspected another facility in Dong Dang subdistrict, Chaturat Phak Triphim district, Roi Et, and found 2,185 uncertified digital scales being sold through online platforms. Both online shops lacked proper business licenses.

According to Deputy Director-General Yanee Seemunee, uncertified scales pose serious risks to commerce. Using non-standard scales can result in inaccurate weight measurements, unfair transactions, improper price calculations, and damage to supply chain trust and overall business confidence.

The department urges businesses to use only certified scales bearing official certification marks. Penalties for selling uncertified scales without proper business licenses include up to one year imprisonment or fines up to 40,000 baht, or both. Selling scales without certification carries penalties of up to six months imprisonment or fines up to 20,000 baht, or both.

Legally certified digital scales must display an official seal indicating they have passed inspection and include a QR code sticker for transparent verification of certification status. Officials conduct annual accuracy inspections and attach annual verification stickers. Scale businesses can obtain business operation licenses at the Central Weights and Measures Office or provincial branch offices, with application forms available on the Internal Trade Department website (www.dit.go.th). The department reaffirms its commitment to continue these enforcement efforts.

At 10:40 a.m. on May 3, 2025, Chiang Mai Provincial Police Headquarters radio center received a report that a suspect in a drug possession case had escaped while being transferred from Mae Ping Police Station in Chiang Mai. The suspect fled toward the scrubland behind the station. All units were alerted to set up checkpoints throughout Chiang Mai. Shortly after, Mae Ping Police Station reported the suspect had been recaptured and was back in custody.

A reporter visited Mae Ping Police Station where they met with the sergeant who had been escorting the suspect and personally pursued and recaptured him behind the station. Speaking while visibly exhausted and sweating, the sergeant revealed that the suspect, identified as Mr. Chai (surname withheld), age 30, was facing drug possession charges filed on May 1, 2025. Today, investigators had ordered the sergeant to escort him to Chiang Mai Provincial Court for detention. While the suspect was handcuffed and being led from the holding cell, he bolted toward the scrubland and waterway behind the station.

The sergeant pursued him, noting that his prior experience with that type of terrain helped him successfully apprehend the suspect. Deputy Commander Pol. Col. Yanuphon Pattanachai of Mae Ping Police Station ordered investigators to file an additional charge of escape from custody. Investigators noted that the suspect was only facing minor charges and they were surprised he attempted to escape. Further questioning is ongoing to clarify the circumstances.

Austrian police arrested a 39-year-old man in connection with the discovery of rat poison in jars of baby food in the eastern state of Burgenland two weeks ago. The case prompted HiPP, a leading German baby food manufacturer, to recall all products. Five contaminated jars of potato and carrot puree were safely recovered in Austria, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia before consumption. Austrian media reported that HiPP did not notice the extortion email demanding €2 million until after the deadline had expired. The company chairman revealed the email was sent on March 27 and gave the company six days to pay. Burgenland police stated they cannot disclose further details about the suspect or arrest circumstances due to the ongoing investigation. Authorities believe at least one more poisoned jar remains in circulation and have issued guidance on identifying tampered jars by checking the cap, safety seal, product smell, and bottom label. Austrian health and food safety authorities have warned parents whose infants consumed the brand to consult a doctor immediately if their children show severe weakness, pallor, or bleeding.

BANGKOK — May 3, 2026. Thailand is deepening cooperation with the United States to dismantle call-centre scam networks and human trafficking rings, aiming to improve its global anti-trafficking standing and restore investor and tourism confidence, a government spokesperson announced.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek stated that Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has made suppressing transnational crime and scam operations a top national priority.

Authorities have achieved significant results, including taking legal action against Ben Smith, Yim Liak and their associates, with over 20 billion baht in assets seized or frozen. Investigations continue into other networks operating money laundering schemes from Thai territory.

Large call-centre scam operations along the Thai-Cambodian border have been dismantled, where investigators discovered more than 10,000 trafficking victims of various nationalities forced into labour through romance scams and fake investment schemes.

The prime minister has instructed all government agencies to eliminate call-centre gangs and trafficking networks in border regions both domestically and internationally, with Thailand refusing to serve as a transit point for such crimes.

Thai and US officials held discussions in Washington, D.C. from April 21-25 to enhance practical collaboration against transnational call-centre fraud, human trafficking and cybercrime. The Thai delegation was headed by Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, alongside representatives from the Foreign Affairs, Social Development and Human Security, and Labour ministries.

Both nations agreed to expand intelligence sharing and operational coordination. Ratchada noted that American victims lost over $6 billion (approximately 190 billion baht) to these crimes in the past year.

Thailand aims to upgrade from Tier 2 to Tier 1 status in international human trafficking rankings—where it has remained at Tier 2 for four consecutive years—to strengthen the country's reputation and boost economic, investment and tourism confidence.

The Royal Thai Police will launch the "SHIELD" system in June 2026, a data-sharing platform connecting over 10 countries to enhance regional prevention and suppression of call-centre scams and trafficking networks.

Thailand has earned US commendation for establishing the IAC War Room, which integrates information from financial institutions and mobile operators to enable faster account freezes and victim asset recovery. Ongoing FBI cooperation has resulted in numerous arrests and asset seizures.

"The measurable achievements, including expanded international partnerships, strengthened investigative capabilities and continued elimination of transnational criminal networks, demonstrate the government's commitment to combating these crimes," Ratchada concluded.

Pimjai Leeisaranukul, newly appointed president of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), has unveiled a comprehensive policy framework for 2026-2028 under the banner "The New Chapter of Thai Industry: Empowering Growth with 5I" to establish fresh growth foundations for Thailand's industrial sector. Thailand's economy is projected to expand modestly at 1.2-1.6% GDP growth in 2026 amid global economic volatility and rapid structural changes, forcing Thai businesses to contend with elevated production costs, supply chain uncertainties, and increasingly stringent trade requirements.

The TCC will execute five key initiatives: I1-Intelligent Industry aims to elevate manufacturing through AI and automation to reduce costs and enhance efficiency toward smart factories and original equipment manufacturing, supported by systematic access to capital, technology, and knowledge, particularly through partnerships with government and financial institutions to develop specialized financing tools like AI & Automation Transition Loans.

I2-Innovation & Creative Industry seeks to transform Thai industry from contract manufacturing into branded, high-value production by leveraging intellectual property and implementing industry-driven research and development to bridge the gap between research and commercial application, while promoting Thai brands and emerging sectors such as health and wellness and rail transport systems.

I3-International Alliance & Network leverages Thailand's neutrality to attract new investment and expand trade opportunities in high-potential industries, integrating supply chains domestically and regionally to position Thailand as an effective Regional Industry Hub.

I4-Industrial Infrastructure Reform restructures Thailand's industrial foundations to reduce costs, enhance competitiveness, and advance sustainable economics by addressing energy constraints through clean energy adoption and cost-effective alternatives like Direct PPAs, reforming outdated regulations via Regulatory Guillotine and Omnibus Law approaches, and protecting Thai industries from unfair competition through an AI-enabled Trade Remedy Early Warning System.

The initiative also emphasizes the Made in Thailand Plus policy to increase domestic product consumption and expand both domestic and international markets, while prioritizing human capital development through upskilling, reskilling, AI and robotics collaboration, and global talent attraction.