Bangkok Mass Transit System (BEM) has reported first quarter 2026 net profits of 875 million baht, with toll and fare revenues continuing to grow as travel volume and economic activity remain robust, resulting in sustained increases in expressway and BTS Skytrain ridership. Dr. Somsak Kijcharalaksana, Managing Director of Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM), explained that despite slowdowns in tourist arrivals due to global economic conditions, Bangkok and its surrounding areas continue to see strong business activity and travel demand, enabling the company to achieve net profits of 875 million baht in the first quarter, a modest increase compared to the same period last year. Combined revenue from three business segments reached 4,283 million baht, up 24 million baht, with the expressway business generating 2,275 million baht (up 30 million baht) with average daily traffic of 1.13 million trips; the rail system business earning 1,784 million baht (up 35 million baht) with average ridership of 447,000 trips daily and 506,000 trips on weekdays; and commercial development generating 224 million baht (down due to reduced advertising revenue). Construction on the Orange Line extension (Cultural Centre to Ram Indra stations) has completed civil works with 49% progress on system installation, while the western section (Bang Khun Non to Cultural Centre) shows 29% progress on civil works and 8% on system installation. BEM expects to receive additional Blue Line trains and commence service by 2027 to accommodate increased ridership from the Orange Line opening and enhance capacity during peak hours. The company continues upgrading transportation infrastructure for convenience, speed, and safety while maintaining corporate social responsibility and environmental sustainability.

A bride is frustrated after her groom's friend repeatedly posts intimate photos with the groom and appears to be stealing the spotlight on her wedding day. Bride Thuy Linh explained that her family invested tremendous effort to make her wedding day beautiful and meaningful, but an unexpected situation arose when the groom's female friend constantly posted close-up photos with him on social media.

When the groom asked her to delete the photos to prevent misunderstandings, the woman responded with sarcastic posts suggesting "the bride is jealous because she looks better," and even boasted about being more prominent than the bride at the wedding.

After the story spread online, many netizens criticized the groom's friend's behavior, viewing it as disrespectful to the bride and her family. Comments included "The groom's friend is acting like she's the main character of the event" and "She might try to steal someone else's husband in the future."

Following the drama, the groom reportedly cut ties with his female friend to show his stance and respect for his wife.

The friend later posted an apology, admitting she acted emotionally and lacked restraint, causing the situation to escalate and impact her friend's special day. She apologized to the bride privately and expressed regret, apologizing to both families and everyone affected by her behavior. She acknowledged that her apology may not completely erase the negative feelings but hoped for a chance to improve herself.

Meanwhile, the bride responded under the apology post, asking netizens to stop attacking the other party and not let the situation escalate further. She confirmed that her husband stands by her and that the family does not want the problem to worsen.

Kasikornbank is organizing the 'Fit Every Wednesday, Conquer Your Shape, Healthy Society' initiative, inviting employees and the public to participate in exercise activities and build sustainable health. Ms. Kattiya Intrawisai, Chief Executive Officer, and Dr. Pipat Poonsayanont, General Manager of Kasikornbank, officially launched the 'Fit Every Wednesday, Conquer Your Shape, Healthy Society' program, transforming the area in front of the headquarters into a wellness activity space. The program invites employees, the general public, and nearby communities to join in aerobic dancing and various enjoyable exercise formats, held regularly every Wednesday from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Pad Duang Plaza, Kasikornbank Headquarters, Phahon Yothin Building. This is a fun, accessible activity for all ages and genders at no cost, aligning with the bank's commitment to promoting wellness and delivering sustainable value to society.

Interested participants can join the aerobic dancing activity 'Fit Every Wednesday, Conquer Your Shape, Healthy Society' with Kasikornbank every Wednesday in collaboration with Jetts Fitness. Professional instructors from the S.P. Building branch (BTS Ari) will lead the program, offering various formats including aerobics, aeromove, body combat, zumba, and more. The bank has prepared the Pad Duang Plaza space at Kasikornbank Headquarters to accommodate both employees and the general public. Additionally, live streaming will be available online for employees nationwide to participate in aerobic dancing and improve their health together.

Kasikornbank has continuously transformed Pad Duang Plaza at its headquarters into a community-benefiting activity space. In 2014, it hosted a Children's Day event where youth experienced their dream professions. In 2017, during the New Year festival, it displayed Santa Pib Jang as a QR code scanning point for donations to the 'King Bhumibol 84th Anniversary Medical Fund' at Siriraj Hospital. In 2018, the space was opened to online vendors to sell products free of charge, promoting a cashless society. Most recently, in 2025, the bank launched the aerobics plaza activity 'Fit Every Wednesday, Conquer Your Shape, Healthy Society,' reaffirming the bank's commitment to strengthening relationships between the organization, employees, and surrounding communities, and sustainably improving quality of life in society.

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul commented on a survey by the Private Sector Committee (PSC) that revealed 10 government agencies with the highest bribery demands. Anutin emphasized that no government agency should engage in such conduct. He spoke with the director of the Department of Public Works and Town and Country Planning, which ranked among the top 10, questioning how this was possible. He noted that the ministry currently handles inspections rather than permits, and that corruption involves various provincial and departmental public works units, not just the central department. However, Anutin stressed the critical need to eliminate such practices entirely.

When asked whether relevant agencies would investigate these private sector complaints, the Prime Minister said he would present the matter to the Cabinet for information and direct each ministry to follow up on the findings.

Anutin also addressed Thailand's historically poor corruption rankings, attributing them partly to perception-based indices rather than concrete evidence. He argued that in practice, Thailand has made significant progress through good governance principles and independent oversight institutions investigating corruption cases, with many offenders prosecuted. He acknowledged that negative perceptions have lingered from the past and emphasized the need to clear this "digital footprint" of wrongdoing from public consciousness. He stressed the importance of preventing such practices from occurring in the first place rather than repeatedly addressing them afterward.

CANNES — On May 15, 2026, Thai film 'The Confession of Shaman' drew significant international attention as Thai K-pop star BamBam joined acclaimed actors Alek-Theeradej Methawarayut and Denise Jelilcha Kapaun at the Cannes Film Festival 2026. The highly anticipated Thai production, created by M STUDIO, officially launched its international promotional campaign in France ahead of its domestic theatrical release on August 12, 2026. The delegation, led by BamBam (Kunpimook Bhuwakul) alongside co-stars Alek and Denise, included M STUDIO Chief Executive Surachet Asvaroenganan and director Ton-Natthanon Chollumpi, who presented the Thai production to global media and industry insiders.

On the festival's opening day, the team held an official briefing with representatives from Thailand's Ministry of Culture, followed by the grand opening of the Thailand Pavilion, which drew steady interest from international attendees. BamBam expressed his honor at representing Thai cinema on the global stage, stating: "For me, this is not just about promoting a single movie, but a vital step forward for the Thai film industry. I want the world to witness the unique charm and capability of our filmmakers."

Alek Theeradej shared his enthusiasm about the experience: "This is one of the very first times I have experienced the atmosphere of a world-class film festival so up close. Seeing people from so many different countries come together out of a shared love for cinema is incredibly special. I am incredibly happy to be part of 'The Confession of Shaman' team and to help bring Thai cinema to the global stage."

Denise Jelilcha described her feelings about attending Cannes: "Arriving here, I feel both excitement and immense pride. Here is a stage that filmmakers worldwide dream of. For our team and Thai cinema to have this opportunity is a milestone moment I want to cherish forever. I hope international audiences open their hearts to Thai cinema."

Surachet Asvaroenganan, M STUDIO's Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the company's commitment: "M STUDIO has always believed in the potential of Thai cinema and remains committed to expanding Thai film into global markets. Bringing 'The Confession of Shaman' to Cannes is more than presenting a single movie—it is an opportunity to demonstrate the quality and unique identity of Thailand's film industry on the international stage. We hope this journey will be a vital step toward creating new commercial opportunities."

On May 15, 2026, at the Justice Ministry on Chaengwattana Road, attorney Ekchai Mangtong appeared alongside two victims to petition the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Justice Ministry for justice in a drunk driving case that resulted in one death and two severe injuries since 2022. To date, the victims have received no compensation from the at-fault party, and the case has not progressed with no charges filed against the driver.

Victim Ms. Nathmol Lomrat recounted that the incident occurred in the early morning hours of December 30, 2022, in the Khok Khraam Police Station area. She and two friends were riding a motorcycle to buy supplies when a car suddenly collided with them from behind, killing the passenger and severely injuring both the driver and herself. They were rushed to the hospital.

Ms. Nathmol noted that investigators later determined the at-fault driver had alcohol content of 198 milligrams per percent and charges were filed. She subsequently filed a civil lawsuit seeking damages, and the defendant agreed to pay her and the injured friend 150,000 baht each. However, over two and a half years later, she has received no settlement funds—only hospital assistance payments of 5,000 baht on two or three occasions.

Ms. Nathmol stated that she had not followed up on the defendant, assuming he would contact her, but he never did. The criminal case has shown no progress from investigators. She is asking the Justice Ministry to help determine where the case is stuck. She emphasized that she and her friend still require medical treatment with ongoing expenses, and the injuries have affected their ability to work.

Attorney Ekchai said the case must be tracked to determine its current status at Khok Khraam Police Station. With nearly three years having passed and evidence being clear-cut, the case should have been filed within a year. He warned that if there is further delay or no action taken, they may file charges against the investigating officers themselves. Regarding the civil settlement, if the defendant fails to comply with the agreement, enforcement proceedings will be initiated. In the criminal case, he believes the delay stems from the investigators' failure to file charges. The victims have received no updates, prompting today's petition to the Justice Ministry for assistance.