Coaches and representatives of Bangkok's youth precision sport shooting team met with Thirachai Wuthitham, chairman of the Bangkok Sports Association, at the Watsn 1 Sports Building conference room at the Bangkok Youth Center (Thai-Japanese), Din Daeng, to receive encouragement and blessings before departing for the 41st National Youth Games, also known as the "Surat Thani Games," scheduled for May 7-17, 2025, in Surat Thani Province. The sports association chairman offered words of encouragement and blessings to all athletes, hoping they will achieve success and bring honor and pride to Bangkok residents. Regarding precision sport shooting, he noted that although many perceive it as risky, it operates under strict supervision with clear safety standards and receives strong parental support. Both mothers and fathers play crucial roles in promoting and encouraging their children, which strengthens family institutions alongside athletic development. He emphasized that athletes must perform their duties fully, with focus and care, follow all regulations, and uphold the true spirit of sportsmanship. He also invited all Bangkok residents to cheer on Thailand's youth precision sport shooting team and support them in achieving victory at this competition.

Operation Golden Pillow: Police Use Undercover Durian Truck to Crack Down on Drug Gang, Seize Narcotics and Slot Machines. Big Jo leads raid in Bangkok.

On May 2, 2569, Police Lieutenant General Siam Bunserm, Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, ordered the operation. Police Major General Theeradej Thamsuthee, Deputy Commissioner for Narcotics, Police Major General Witthawat Chinkam, Commander of Division 5, and other senior officers from the Narcotics Suppression Center under the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Bureau launched Operation Durian Toxin. They conducted a search of a community behind Udomsuk 30 School in Bang Na Nua Subdistrict, Bang Na District, Bangkok, using an undercover operation disguised as durian vendors to investigate the target area.

The operation followed the policy of Police General Kittiratchawit Panpetch, Police Commissioner, Police General Samran Nualmaa, Deputy Commissioner, Police General Sompraseang Yenthum, Special Advisor, and Police Lieutenant General Kritsada Kanjanaolongkorn, Assistant Commissioner, aimed at suppressing narcotics in communities, especially youth hangouts. This followed complaints from residents that a group was illegally selling drugs and luring youth during school breaks, causing trouble for local residents.

Investigation revealed that the hangout was operated by someone known as "Bang Dam," who sold narcotics and operated slot machines, pricing drugs low to attract youth in the Udomsuk 30 area near the school.

Investigators devised a plan using a modified pickup truck disguised as a durian vendor truck, parking it near the target house with officers concealed inside for surveillance. When they spotted the suspect inside the house, they revealed themselves and made the arrest, searching the premises.

Three suspects were arrested:

1. A 42-year-old Thai male (Bang Dam) charged with operating illegal gambling and Class 1 drug possession. Additional charges for drug dealing are being investigated.

2. A 32-year-old Thai female (Ms. May) charged with operating illegal gambling.

3. A 43-year-old Thai female (Ms. Porn) charged with possessing and using Class 1 methamphetamine (ice).

Police seized 2 slot machines, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.

Eight other people were found at the location, including three teenagers aged 15. Drug tests on the youth came back negative, and they claimed they came to play games with friends. Officers proceeded with child and youth protection protocols.

During initial interrogation, some suspects confessed that the slot machines belonged to someone else who installed them in exchange for revenue sharing, while the drugs were for personal use. The matter of luring youth is still under investigation.

Police revealed that the area is a densely packed community with multiple access routes, making it easy for offenders to escape. Strict surveillance of strangers made previous investigations difficult. The plan to use an undercover durian truck allowed officers to access the area and successfully make arrests.

After the arrests, many residents came out to observe, and community representatives thanked the officers, reflecting the community's appreciation.

Thailand's U-17 national football team, led by head coach Marco Gökçek with 23 players, departed for Saudi Arabia on the evening of April 30th to compete in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026. In the early morning hours of May 1st, the team completed their approximately 12-hour journey to Saudi Arabia, where Gökçek immediately arranged recovery sessions in the hotel pool to help players recuperate. Thailand is placed in Group A alongside Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Myanmar. The group winners and runners-up will advance to the knockout rounds, with the eight advancing nations eligible to represent Asia at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026 in Qatar in November 2026. Thailand will open their campaign against Tajikistan on the evening of May 5th (morning of May 6th) at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium B (Champions).

Suchai Pornchaiyasuksadom, president of the Lawn Tennis Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, announced that the association will host two major tournaments this May. The first is the ITF Asia U-12 Team Championship running from May 4-8, 2025, at the National Tennis Development Center in Muang Thong Thani, featuring eight nations: Malaysia, Vietnam, Brunei, Philippines, Indonesia, Singapore, Laos, and Thailand as host.

Thailand's boys team includes Oliver Bensen Berkhout (Thai-Dutch) from Chon Buri, Deer Sorprasit from Bangkok, and Prattakorn Pacheeratana from Ayutthaya, coached by Sahathat Supkij. The girls team features Wimuttinya Pongnu from Bangkok, Pakchira Horlersukul from Bangkok, and Loretta Lee Abrahamsen (Thai-American) from Nonthaburi, coached by Itthipol Srisena, with assistant coaches Anut Rueankoan and Boonmee Potpiajit.

Teams finishing in the top three of both boys and girls categories will represent Southeast Asia in the Asian Championships final. Suchai noted that Thai teams won both categories last year and advanced to the finals, and this year the team has prepared thoroughly with the goal of defending their championship titles.

The association is also currently hosting ITF World Tennis Tour professional events for both men and women at Kasetsart University's Kamphaeng Saen Campus in Nakhon Pathom, in collaboration with the International Tennis Federation. The first phase includes six tournaments (three for men, three for women) and concludes on May 17. Two additional phases are scheduled: the second from June 6-26 and the third from August 31 to September 20. These tournaments attract professional players and spectators from around the world, boosting the local economy and tourism through spending on food, accommodation, and other services.

According to BBC reporting on May 2, U.S. President Donald Trump informed Congress that hostilities between the United States and Iran have "ended" during the ongoing ceasefire, arguing that legislative approval is not necessary for this conflict. Trump's statement comes on day 60 since formally notifying Congress about military action against Iran—a critical deadline under U.S. law that requires him to "cease use of armed forces" within 60 days unless Congress approves continuation. In a letter to congressional leaders on Friday, May 1, Trump wrote that there have been no clashes between U.S. and Iranian forces since April 7, 2026, and that the conflict that began on February 28, 2026, has concluded. The War Powers Resolution requires the president to end military operations within 60 days unless Congress formally declares war or grants an extension of up to 30 days for troop withdrawal. Despite the ceasefire agreement, the U.S. and Iran have not reached a long-term agreement through negotiations, while Iran's IRNA news agency reports that a new proposal for resolving the dispute has been sent to Pakistan as a mediator, though details remain undisclosed and it is unclear whether the proposal has reached the United States. When speaking with reporters on Friday afternoon, May 1, Trump said, "We just spoke with Iran. We'll see what happens, but I have to tell you I'm not satisfied." Trump stated that reaching an agreement is difficult partly because Iran's government is "very confused" following the deaths of several senior military officials in the conflict. Trump added that he received various options from U.S. Central Command on April 30 ranging from complete destruction to negotiations. He further stated, "They won't comply with the agreement we want and we'll handle this properly. We won't withdraw prematurely and create problems over the next three years."

Seven years of the Defense Technology Act: Thailand's Strategic Turning Point—reducing import dependency and moving toward production and export. As the global context shifts rapidly with geopolitical conflicts, advancing military technology, and modern warfare driven by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), artificial intelligence (AI), and automation systems, national security no longer depends solely on military force but on technological capability and self-reliance.

To mark the seventh anniversary of the Defense Technology Act B.E. 2562, the Defense Technology Institute (DTI) hosted an event reflecting "Thailand's strategic turning point"—transforming from a weapons importer to a research, development, production, and export innovator. Since its establishment under this law, DTI has served as a "central mechanism" linking the country's research, technology, and industrial sectors with the military's security needs and related agencies, while driving the development of practical technologies that create long-term economic value.

The seventh-anniversary event of the Defense Technology Act B.E. 2562 was held on May 1, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Research Learning Center exhibition area of the Defense Technology Institute, honored by General Adul Buntham Chareon, Defense Minister, as the presiding official. Attendees included General Naphon Srangsamvoung, DTI Board Chairman; General Dr. Charait Umsumrit, DTI Director; advisors and executives; high-ranking military commanders; and representatives from government, private sector, and partner networks, who participated in sacred ceremonies and religious rites for the organization's prosperity.

The event showcased major research and innovations, including an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system—a collaborative effort between DTI, the military, and the private sector to enhance operational capabilities for the armed forces. Demonstrations included a Thai-made humanoid robot, a four-legged robotic vehicle, and indoor UAV flight operations. A presentation outlined the future direction of Thailand's defense industry, focusing on five strategic pillars: research and innovation, industrial development, quality human resources, international cooperation, and knowledge center establishment—key highlights of the event.

Beyond marking the seventh anniversary of the Defense Technology Act B.E. 2562, the event reinforced DTI's core role in integrated research and security cooperation across all sectors, continuing vital missions from past to present while reducing dependence on foreign technology. It aims to strengthen Thai private sector capabilities, build a robust defense industry ecosystem, create new economic opportunities, and prepare for global uncertainties—underscoring that possessing indigenous technology is not merely an option but "a national necessity."