LAMPANG — 16 May 2026, Thai authorities raided an alleged illegal bitcoin mining operation in northern Thailand after discovering suspected electricity theft that caused losses estimated at more than 3 million baht ($81,000), officials said.

Provincial Electricity Authority officials and police officers executed a court-approved search at a commercial building in Lampang province after reports of abnormal electrical activity.

Investigators said neighbouring buildings experienced overheating electrical cables that began melting, prompting authorities to inspect the area.

Officals later discovered illegal connections to the main electricity supply allegedly used to power cryptocurrency mining equipment inside the building.

According to the Provincial Electricity Authority, the building's recorded monthly electricity bill was only about 400 baht ($11), despite evidence of extremely high power consumption.

Authorities began surveillance on the evening of 15 May but were unable to enter the property until obtaining a search warrant the following morning.

During the raid, officers found numerous bitcoin mining machines operating on the fourth floor of the four-storey building, along with internet systems and related equipment.

Several machines were still running during the inspection, officials said.

Authorities are assessing the total financial damage and investigating those responsible for the operation for possible legal action.

The Anupong Paochinda government has established a major committee to address the situation in the three southern border provinces and appointed a new peace negotiator to engage with insurgent groups in an effort to quell unrest in the South. The government's attention to the southern border crisis is commendable, as the prolonged conflict has caused immense suffering to lower-ranking military and police personnel, civilians, and resulted in significant loss of public and private property. However, one must question what perspective and understanding the southern unrest committee and peace negotiators truly possess about the three southern provinces. Without clear convictions, resolving the southern crisis will be difficult. Notably, current policy approaches appear deeply concerning, as evidenced by Region 4 Commander Lt. Gen. Nartip Phoynaok's statements following the shooting attack on Narathiwat MP Kamlashak Leewamueha of the Palang Prachachon Party. The military commander's stance on the southern problem appears outdated and reactionary. Security operations in the southern border region display a tone that breeds hatred and division, suggesting the current approach to southern unrest is military-dominated and hawkish in nature. Historical lessons clearly demonstrate that cracking down harder on insurgents only causes them to grow stronger. Yet the current approach brazenly seeks to eliminate BRN (Barisan Revolusi Nasional) entirely. The critical question is: where is BRN based? Where is their headquarters? The answer is: nowhere. So how can military campaigns be launched against them? The conclusion is that anyone proposing to eradicate BRN lacks genuine understanding of the southern border situation. The reality is that insurgents are not foreign terrorists but passionate Thai nationals. The key to success lies in establishing genuine justice and credible judicial processes that earn community support for the government. Consider the case of the MP shooting: the MP in question was elected by local residents and is a respected human rights lawyer defending villagers accused under security charges. If the case results in only seven arrests without reaching the masterminds, it alone undermines community confidence in the government—it demonstrates a complete absence of justice. By Wongthawan

Dr. Book and Khnom Sassikan recently appeared on the Khui Saep Show to address widespread online speculation, including questions about the 'van festival' connected to her ex-husband and concerns about her two children being raised by their grandmother. The couple brought their children, 4-year-old Tung Jai and 1.6-year-old Teum Tem, on air to demonstrate their close bond. Khnom shared that her older child recently passed the entrance exam for Khon Kaen University's international program, while her younger child was born prematurely at seven months but is developing well. Regarding their living situation in Khon Kaen, Khnom clarified she returns home frequently, about 3-4 times monthly, and both she and Dr. Book travel for work to earn income for their family. She explained the van purchase was intended to help her elderly parents transport the children safely, not related to any 'festival campaign.' The couple worked together on a two-day live shopping event with about 30 brands, generating nearly 3 million baht in sales. Khnom defended their parenting style, emphasizing they're not raising spoiled children but rather providing necessities and practical support while the children wear simple home clothes and learn the value of work alongside their business. She stressed that purchasing the van was about convenience and safety for the grandparents caring for the children, not about luxury.

In the women's individual woodball championship finals, Phinyyadawdee Pengpuech from Uttaradit defeated Patcharaporn Thungjai from Nakhon Sawan 4-2, claiming the gold medal. Assistant Professor Channi Kridiboon, vice president of the Thai Woodball Association, noted that young athletes showed clear skill development at the tournament, with many competitors at similar competitive levels, creating intense and engaging matches. The national youth sports championship functions as a critical platform for advancing both athletic and educational pursuits, as numerous universities continue to monitor athlete performances, and some young competitors have already been contacted by educational institutions. This demonstrates the championship serves not only to elevate athletic development but also to create educational pathways for participants. Beyond promoting individual athletes, the woodball competition at Bangdeuon Sathit Phitthayakham School raised community awareness of the sport. Teachers, students, and residents actively participated in organizing the event, and the school principal noted that most locals and students previously knew little about woodball. However, after witnessing the actual competition and experiencing the stadium atmosphere, many developed genuine interest in the sport and foresee it potentially becoming an established activity within their community and schools.

At 4 p.m. on May 16, 2026, the Government Lottery Office announced the results of that day's draw. The first prize number was 107387, with two three-digit front prizes of 298,091 and two three-digit back prizes of 602,716, plus one two-digit back prize of 08. After announcing the results, Lottery Plus officials quickly retrieved the actual winning tickets from the safe and showcased them live in just two minutes, bringing both joy and disappointment to participants.

Not Panthuawat Nakvisutthit, representing Lottery Plus, personally called to congratulate the winners. A total of eight first-prize Lottery Plus tickets worth 48 million baht were won by residents of Chainat and Phichit provinces, with four tickets per province. Not called Lee, a winner from Chainat province who won four first-prize tickets worth 24 million baht. Lee initially thought he had won an underground lottery but wasn't sure about Lottery Plus. Upon hearing the news of winning 24 million baht, Lee was delighted and mentioned he had recently moved to Bangkok to find work after losing his job four months prior.

Not then contacted Kung, a winner from Phichit province who also won four first-prize tickets worth 24 million baht. The team initially couldn't reach Kung, but later found him working on a rider app. Kung was thrilled that all four tickets he purchased were winning tickets. When asked if the money could be delivered, Kung graciously asked if it would be convenient for the staff. The team indicated they would deliver the prize money to Phichit province soon.

Lottery Plus also invited Ed 7 Wee to announce the prizes and serve as a witness for the lucky winners. A cute mascot character also performed an energetic dance to celebrate the occasion. Not extended congratulations to all winners and encouraged those who didn't win this round to try again next time. However, he reminded the public that lottery ticket purchases are merely games of chance and advised people to buy responsibly without causing themselves financial hardship.

On May 16, content creators Teepee Wanphichit and Por Suphakarn attended the Praew Meet & Read x TeeTeePor 'Playdate Party' event at AUA Rajdamnri, where they gave media interviews before the event started. Both revealed they've been working intensely almost daily recently and shared touching moments, including candid shots TeeTeePor has taken of Por that haven't been posted yet, as well as a moment in Japan where TeeTeePor set up to photograph Por running up a hill. Regarding their decision not to do a zipline activity together, TeeTeePor admitted to being afraid of heights but confirmed they'd do it next time if given the opportunity. They closed the interview with playful banter, with TeeTeePor joking: 'Por is never wrong, I'm always at fault. If Por is ever wrong, rewind and watch it again. Por is always right.' When asked if they're working every day, TeeTeePor confirmed 'Yes.' Regarding Por's work schedule, he noted it's been getting busier, with energy typically coming in the afternoon, though it varies by day. TeeTeePor shared they support each other depending on their energy levels—sometimes TeeTeePor initiates conversation, sometimes Por does, and they've learned to balance it out. TeeTeePor revealed there's one unreleased photo of Por he particularly treasures—a candid shot taken while Por was sitting down, where the lighting hit his face just right, capturing a perfect angle of his nose bridge. He also described intentionally photographing Por running toward him from about 150 meters away in Japan, setting up specifically to capture that moment. When asked why he refused to do the zipline with Por, TeeTeePor clarified he wasn't rejecting outright but initially intended it as a joke for the camera. However, he admitted genuine fear due to the extreme height and the deep cliff below, promising to do it next time. He humorously noted that with multiple cameras rolling, he'd definitely go along with it. Por joked about how many cameras were set up. TeeTeePor explained the real reason was timing—they had to leave soon, and even their friend U didn't have time to finish before rushing back. TeeTeePor promised to join next time. When asked if they generally do whatever activities the other wants to do, Por simply said 'Yes.' TeeTeePor elaborated that Por sometimes does things he doesn't, which is fine as it's his own fun; TeeTeePor can support from a distance like with roller coasters. However, TeeTeePor believes Por will definitely join him in haunted houses since he loves them so much. When asked if Por is afraid of haunted houses, he confirmed he is. TeeTeePor humorously pointed out the irony of Por inviting him to things TeeTeePor fears while he invites Por to things Por fears. Por explained there's safety equipment like seatbelts, so he just stays still. TeeTeePor joked that he becomes the safety measure inside the haunted house, and Por quipped that TeeTeePor will probably scream first.