Police

Buddhist Monks Accused of Human Trafficking: Children as Young as 5 Deceived into Ordination Scheme in Malaysia

Two Buddhist monks were arrested in Malaysia on human trafficking charges after a four-year scheme deceived Thai children as young as 5 into an ordination program; seven children remain detained in Kedah state while authorities work to secu

8 May Khaosod

On May 8, 2025, at 10:30 AM, three families visited the Paveena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women to seek urgent help repatriating their sons from Malaysia. The affected children were ages 5, 11, and 12. The families explained that Buddhist monks had approached them in April 2025, requesting permission to take the children to participate in a summer ordination program in Malaysia. The monks assured them there would be no issues and that the temple had extensive experience organizing such trips.

Two monks were arrested by Malaysian police on human trafficking charges after authorities discovered a four-year pattern of deceiving Thai children. The scheme targeted children aged 5-15, some without travel documents and without parental consent. While 17 children with proper documentation have been returned to Thailand, seven children—including the 5-year-old—remain detained in Kedah state, Malaysia.

Paveena Hongsakul, foundation president, has sent urgent letters to the Malaysian embassy in Thailand and assigned Diana Foo, the foundation's foreign affairs consultant, to contact the Malaysian embassy directly for immediate assistance. The foundation is also coordinating with Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to secure the children's safe return.

Ms. Ann, 40, mother of the 5-year-old, revealed she works as an engineer in the Philippines and left her son in the care of his grandparents in Prachuap Khiri Khan. On April 2, 2025, monks from a local temple—which the grandparents regularly patronized—requested permission to take the boy to Malaysia for the summer ordination program. Despite her concerns about the lack of a passport and the child's young age, the monks assured her there would be no problems and that the temple regularly organized such trips without incident. Due to the family's trust in the monks, they granted permission.

On April 4, contact with the child was lost. On April 6, a temple student informed the family that the children were at the border waiting for documents but would cross the next day. On April 8 at 5:08 PM, the family learned that seven children without passports—including Ms. Ann's son—had been detained at the Malaysian border, along with the monks and driver, while those with passports were allowed to return to Thailand. On April 29, Ms. Ann attempted to visit her son.

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National

Anutin says UNCLOS will guide future Thai-Cambodian negotiations

Thai PM Anutin says Cambodia has accepted Thailand's cancellation of their 2001 agreement, with both nations committing to use international maritime law as a framework for future border negotiations.

8 May Khaosod

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Cambodia has acknowledged Thailand's cancellation of the 2001 memorandum of understanding, with both sides agreeing to use the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the key framework for future discussions. Speaking after a trilateral meeting between Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Cebu on Thursday evening, Anutin said both countries shared a commitment to peace, stability and constructive dialogue while protecting their national interests. The talks were held at the invitation of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who sought to promote cooperation and mutual understanding within ASEAN, Anutin said. Thailand brought representatives from its foreign affairs and security agencies to reaffirm its position of pursuing peaceful approaches alongside safeguarding sovereignty and the interests of the Thai people, he added. Anutin said the meeting reviewed progress on security measures and military coordination between Thailand and Cambodia, noting that no violent incidents had occurred along the border during the past five months. Thailand also explained its reasons for terminating the 2001 MOU, formally known in Thailand as MOU 2544, with Cambodia acknowledging and understanding Bangkok's position, he said. "Both countries agreed to adhere to the principles under UNCLOS as an important framework for future operations," Anutin said, adding that further discussions would still be needed on practical details. The two sides also agreed to gradually resume discussions at all levels, including through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), General Border Committee (GBC), and talks between foreign ministers, with the aim of generating mutual benefits for both peoples. Anutin stressed that all negotiations must remain based on the existing ceasefire agreement and previously agreed mechanisms in order to build trust and maintain a peaceful atmosphere. He described the discussions as a positive signal for strengthening peace and stability between Thailand and Cambodia, while insisting that the dispute was between governments and not between the peoples of the two countries. The prime minister also urged both countries to ensure the safety of Thai nationals in Cambodia and Cambodians in Thailand, and to prevent discrimination or inappropriate actions. Anutin said Thailand and Cambodia should continue bilateral discussions through constructive negotiations without pressure from third countries, warning against any escalation of tensions. He clarified that the talks did not involve negotiations on border demarcation or border reopening, but focused only on agreeing to begin operational-level discussions, with Thailand's foreign minister and deputy chief of defence forces expected to continue detailed talks. Thailand would fully protect its dignity, sovereignty and national interests throughout the process, he said.

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National

Doctor Reveals 4 Bedtime Beverages to Reduce Fatty Liver, Warns What to Avoid

A doctor recommends four bedtime drinks—warm water, chamomile tea, unsweetened soy milk, and diluted apple cider vinegar—to help reduce fatty liver disease by supporting liver function during sleep, while warning against sugary drinks and a

8 May Khaosod

Dr. Jetsada Bunyavongsirojana, Deputy Director of Primary Care at Maha Rajachachon Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, shared on Facebook as "Dr. Jed" about beverages that help the liver manage fat more effectively. He outlined 4 bedtime drinks that help clear fat from the liver.

Many people have fatty liver disease without realizing it, as there are often no early symptoms. Some only discover the problem when liver enzyme levels rise or ultrasound reveals fat accumulation. The period before sleep is particularly important because it's when the liver begins repair and processes excess energy. Choosing the right beverages can reduce inflammation and help the liver manage fat better.

The 4 recommended beverages are:

1. Warm water - Supports metabolism and circulation. Drinking one glass of warm water before bed improves blood flow, reduces blood viscosity, and helps the liver and kidneys process waste more effectively. This is especially beneficial for those who drink little water throughout the day, wake with dry mouth, or have dark urine.

2. Chamomile tea - Reduces inflammation and improves sleep. Sleep is crucial for liver recovery, as poor sleep worsens fat management. Chamomile contains no caffeine, helps the body relax, improves sleep quality, and provides antioxidants that reduce inflammation. It suits those who are stressed, have trouble sleeping, or frequently wake at night.

3. Unsweetened soy milk - Provides satiety and reduces late-night snacking. Many people get hungry before bed and reach for sweets or fried foods, worsening liver fat accumulation. Unsweetened soy milk provides protein from soybeans, keeps you full longer, reduces nighttime cravings, and contains some beneficial fats that help the body manage energy better than sugary drinks.

4. Water mixed with apple cider vinegar - In proper amounts, some research suggests apple cider vinegar may help with insulin sensitivity and reduce some fat accumulation. However, use appropriately—such as 1-2 teaspoons mixed in one glass of water—and never drink it concentrated, as it can irritate the stomach and damage tooth enamel. This is not suitable for those with acid reflux, gastritis, or stomach ulcers, as the acidity may worsen symptoms.

Beverages to avoid before bed if you don't want more fatty liver: - Milk tea, sugary drinks, and high-sugar beverages - Alcohol, which directly increases liver inflammation - Sweet coffee or high-caffeine drinks at night - Late-night snacks like fried foods and crispy snacks - Late bedtimes, which disrupt liver recovery and metabolism

In summary, no beverage can "cleanse" the liver instantly. However, choosing appropriate drinks before bed helps reduce inflammation, improves sleep, and supports better long-term fat management. Most importantly, these habits must be paired with reducing sugar, limiting alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight.

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National

WHO Says Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Is Not a Pandemic Like COVID-19

The WHO has confirmed a hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondiusis with three deaths and five confirmed cases, but states it is not a pandemic-scale threat like COVID-19. The virus requires very close contact for human-to-human transmission, with this case marking the first documented instance of clear human-to-human spread. Health authorities are tracking dozens of passengers and crew who disembarked, while the WHO assesses overall public health risk as low, though cases could still emerge given the disease's six-week incubation period.

8 May Khaosod

The World Health Organization (WHO) has clarified that the hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondiusis does not represent a pandemic threat comparable to COVID-19, even with three fatalities recorded. Five confirmed cases have emerged from eight suspected patients, and health authorities are actively tracing dozens of passengers and crew members who left the vessel previously.

WHO epidemiologist Maria van Kerkhove stated that hantavirus transmission differs fundamentally from COVID-19 and seasonal influenza, requiring extensive close contact for human-to-human infection. This cruise ship incident represents the first clearly documented case of human-to-human transmission. The WHO has assessed the overall public health risk as low.

The MV Hondiusis, operated by Netherlands-based Oceanwide Expeditions, departed from Ushuaia, Argentina on April 1st with approximately 150 passengers and crew from 28 countries. Some passengers disembarked at Saint Helena, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic, on April 24th.

Multiple countries including the United Kingdom, United States, and Singapore have begun monitoring and tracking passengers returning from the vessel. Of the three deaths, one was a 69-year-old Dutch woman confirmed to have hantavirus infection, along with her husband, and a German woman who died aboard ship pending cause investigation. The Dutch government revealed the infected woman traveled to South Africa after leaving the ship before her death. Some passengers have been asked to monitor themselves closely for symptoms.

WHO cautioned that the disease's incubation period may extend up to six weeks, meaning additional cases could still emerge. Argentine authorities are preparing to survey rodents in the Ushuaia area, believed to harbor hantavirus-carrying rat species.

Symptoms initially resemble common flu—chills, muscle pain, weakness, headache, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases (uncommon), symptoms include hemorrhagic fever with kidney failure, or severe respiratory disease with potential pulmonary edema, which can be fatal rapidly.

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National

Opposition Parties Unite to Challenge Emergency Loan Decree, Insist Second Tranche Lacks Justification and Burden Falls on Half the Population

Opposition parties filed a Constitutional Court petition challenging the government's 400 billion baht emergency loan decree, arguing the second tranche lacks urgency and alternative funding exists. The Democrats and Thai Rak Thai claim spl

8 May Khaosod

On May 8, 2025, the Democrat Party and Thai Rak Thai Party jointly announced plans to submit a petition to the Constitutional Court challenging the interpretation of the 400 billion baht emergency loan decree, arguing it violates Article 172 of the Constitution. Korn Chatikavanich stated they will submit the petition to House Speaker Sophon Saramay between May 11-12, and they have coordinated with the Proud Thai Party to join the effort pending their party meeting. He confirmed that the number of MPs signing the petition meets constitutional requirements.

Korn noted that after submission, the House Speaker should forward it to the Constitutional Court within 2-3 days, likely before parliament considers the loan next week. Regarding the petition's substance, Korn said the opposition draft highlights concerns about the loan's necessity, particularly questioning the government's claim of an urgent oil crisis when alternative solutions exist, such as reducing excise taxes and adjusting oil price calculations.

On the government's claim that the loan is needed for the half-price scheme launching June 1, Korn argued the government has other options, including using the previously proposed 440 billion baht budget transfer authorization that requires only a regular budget bill, not an emergency decree. He emphasized that if the court invalidates the decree and the half-price scheme cannot launch on schedule, that burden falls entirely on the government to manage.

Korn further criticized the government's plan to split the 400 billion baht loan into two tranches—200 billion this year and another 200 billion next year for energy transition—as evidence of unnecessary urgency. He argued that energy transition funding could be included in the 2570 fiscal budget, and splitting the loan contradicts the constitutional requirement that emergency decrees address only immediate, unavoidable necessities. "I don't oppose the government's projects, but splitting the loan across two years shows it doesn't meet constitutional urgency standards," Korn stated. "I'm concerned that unnecessary borrowing could damage fiscal discipline and economic security."

No. 05 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Police

Two Daughters of Accused Demand Justice in 'Grandma Jook' Loan Shark Murder Case, Claims Father Made Scapegoat

Two daughters of murder suspects are demanding justice, claiming their fathers are scapegoats in the "Grandma Jook" loan shark killing in Nakhon Si Thammarat, citing insufficient evidence and a single witness against police charges of preme

8 May Khaosod

Two daughters of accused men in the murder of Pranee, known as 'Grandma Jook' a local loan shark, are demanding justice after police allegedly relied on testimony from just one witness while lacking scientific evidence. Police arrested Charoenyuth, 51, and Pholphol, 54, on warrants from Thungsong District Court on charges of premeditated murder and robbery in connection with Pranee's death in Ron Phibun District, Nakhon Si Thammarat. The victim was found dead on May 1, 2569, with bite wounds and lacerations to her head and arms.

On May 8, 2569, Suphaporn, 28, and Nopdol, 32, filed complaints requesting justice, asserting that both men are innocent. Nopdol revealed that on April 30, the day before the murder, witnesses saw Akkhom, Grandma Jook's foster son, in a heated argument with her. Akkhom disappeared for three days before returning on May 3 to tell police that Charoenyuth and Pholphol hired him to commit the murder. However, key evidence—a spray can, shoes, and two machetes—was found in Akkhom's house.

The family questions why police closed the case based on a single witness when locals know Akkhom owed Grandma Jook money, while neither Charoenyuth nor Pholphol had financial dealings or debts to the victim. They demand thorough DNA testing and forensic analysis before proceeding. Suphaporn confirmed the family had no debts to Grandma Jook and noted that regarding Pholphol, police suspected a 'debt-clearing' murder after finding watermelon rinds near his home, despite his wife only having borrowed money and sold goods near the victim's house.

The family also claims that during the suspected time of murder, Pholphol was riding his motorcycle in the village and stopped at a nearby shop, while Charoenyuth was ill and resting at home, with neighbors confirming both accounts. Suphaporn stated that the evidence police used to obtain the arrest warrant was insufficient, particularly the machetes seized from a neighbor on May 5—two days after the murder—which Charoenyuth had borrowed on May 3 for firewood. She noted suspicion over a police officer's comment asking why the machete owner hadn't claimed he lent it on another day.

She also mentioned that on the night of April 30, Akkhom's mother suffered shock and was rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night, and wants an investigation into what happened during that time. Since their arrest, both men have maintained their innocence to family members and vowed not to confess, even under pressure. Bail requests have been denied at both investigation and court levels, and family visits have been restricted.

Sirivarn, 29, Pholphol's daughter, revealed that the witness who claimed her father paid 7,000 baht as hush money at 18:05 contradicts CCTV footage showing Pholphol was in Khuan Chum sub-district at that time and later rode back into the village, stopping at a shop near his home at 20:27. She also questioned why police took her father for another interrogation, claiming it was for a urine test despite having tested him before, coinciding with the moment Akkhom entered Ron Phibun Police Station wearing a hat and mask.

The family maintains they have evidence and witnesses confirming both men's innocence, though some witnesses are afraid to testify due to fear of police testing.

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Breaking

Singapore Isolates Two Residents Who Disembarked Cruise Ship and Flew with Confirmed Hantavirus Patient

Singapore has isolated two residents who flew with a confirmed hantavirus patient from a cruise ship outbreak in the South Atlantic that has killed three people across multiple countries.

8 May Khaosod

Singapore's Communicable Diseases Agency announced on May 8 that it has isolated and is testing two Singaporean men, aged 67 and 65, who were aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship operated by Oceanwide Expeditions in the Netherlands, which experienced a hantavirus outbreak.

Multiple countries worldwide are tracking passengers who disembarked from the MV Hondius to prevent the spread of hantavirus. The ship's passengers who disembarked during a port call at Saint Helena, a volcanic island in the South Atlantic, on April 24, came from 12 countries, including 7 British nationals, 6 Americans, and 2 Singaporeans.

The WHO confirmed three deaths from hantavirus: a Dutch couple and one German national. There are five confirmed hantavirus infections and three suspected cases.

The Communicable Diseases Agency stated that the two Singaporean men are isolated at the National Infectious Diseases Centre. "One has mild nasal discharge but is in good overall health. The other shows no symptoms, and the risk to the general public in Singapore at this time remains low."

If hantavirus tests come back negative, the men will be isolated for 30 days from their suspected last exposure. If tests are positive, they will receive hospital treatment for monitoring and further care.

Reports indicate the two men disembarked from the MV Hondius and were on the same flight as a confirmed hantavirus patient, traveling from Saint Helena to Johannesburg, South Africa on April 25. The confirmed patient did not travel to Singapore but died in South Africa.

On the same day, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classified the hantavirus outbreak at level 3 in emergency response—the lowest level of enforcement in the emergency system.

No. 07 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Actress Denis Grieved! Years of Harassment From Rival Fan, Files Report Hoping to End the Behavior

Actress Denis Kauppinen has filed a police report after enduring nearly three years of harassment from a single person over false romance rumors linking her to actor Nadech Kugimiya, hoping the action will end the targeted abuse.

8 May Khaosod

Denis Jelischa Kauppinen, a rising Thai-American actress known for her role in the film "Tha," has become the target of prolonged harassment through hate comments and has officially filed a report with authorities. She previously discussed rumors linking her romantically to actor Nadech Kugimiya after they worked together. Most recently on May 7th, reporters encountered Denis at a poster shoot for the TV series "THREE MAN DOWN" where she opened up about the situation. "Honestly, there's nothing to the rumors," she explained. "But if I don't defend myself or take action, they won't stop. This has been happening for almost three years now. As actors, we normally receive many comments, but this has been going on for quite a long time and it's even involved my parents. I felt I had to do something to make it stop."

When asked if it's all from one person, Denis confirmed: "Yes, just one person. So I thought that's enough, mom. I also didn't want it to affect him since I respect both of them greatly, and it's an important time for his career." She revealed the harassment started around the time of the first installment of "Tha" nearly three years ago. "Wherever my face appears online, there are comments mentioning him. But mostly they attack me directly, saying things like I won't get work because of my behavior," Denis shared. "Some comments were quite harsh and affected me emotionally. I also didn't want adults to see this kind of content, and there were even curses directed at my parents."

When asked what specifically prompted her to file the report, Denis explained: "People around me started saying, 'Who is this person and why are they following you like this?' I felt I hadn't done anything wrong. I normally don't get involved with anyone. I never expected to have anti-fans like this. They followed me to multiple places, so I felt I had to take action."

Regarding comments about Nadech, Denis stated: "I honestly don't know why they think that. But I've noticed this person does this with other actresses who've worked with him too. Based on some investigation through social media, I have an idea of who they might be—possibly a fan of his. If they were a true fan, they wouldn't behave this way." She revealed she has evidence and noted the person's age is similar to her mother's, which she found disturbing.

When asked if she plans to press charges, Denis said: "Actually, I filed the report just to make them stop. Once I took action, they went quiet and disappeared. I'm not pursuing further legal action because I feel this whole situation is nothing serious—I just want them to stop this behavior and not bother him either. They're quite old already."

No. 08 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

LPN Launches Sizzling Promotions! Targeting Bangkok Civil Servants with 18 Projects at BKK Housing Expo – Discounts Up to 2 Million Baht

LPN Development is offering up to 2 million baht in discounts on 18 residential projects at the BKK Housing Expo this weekend, exclusively for Bangkok civil servants seeking affordable housing.

8 May Khaosod

On May 8, 2025, LPN Development Company Limited announced its participation in the BKK Housing Expo, presenting 18 residential projects with special promotions and discounts of up to 2 million baht exclusively for Bangkok civil servants. The company is supporting Bangkok's affordable housing initiative through the BKK Housing Platform, a collaboration between the Bangkok Housing Development Office and the Thai Real Estate Association, which aims to ensure sustainable housing for city residents.

LPN, as a real estate developer focused on creating livable communities, has selected 18 quality projects ranging from 890,000 baht to 3 million baht, including Venue 24 Westgate, Baan Lumpini Townvillas, Lumpini Villas, Lumpini Parks, Place 168, and Lumpini CondoTowns in various Bangkok locations such as Petchkasem, Rangsit, Chaeng Watthana, and Sukhumvit areas.

Beyond the maximum 2 million baht discount, the expo offers additional incentives including free transfer and mortgage registration fees, special interest rates from partner financial institutions, gifts packages worth up to 9 items, and an exclusive Members Get Neighbors referral program offering 5,000 baht rewards. On-site financial advisors will assist government employees in securing home loans tailored to their financial situations.

The BKK Housing Expo runs May 8-9 at the Wesn 2 Sports Complex, Thai-Japan Youth Center, Dindaeng, from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM. For more information, visit www.lpn.co.th, call 02-689-6888, or contact @LPNdev on Line or Facebook.

No. 09 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Community

Bride Sets Out Two Empty Chairs at Wedding Ceremony, Guests in Tears After Learning Why

A Vietnamese bride from Dong Nai province touched the hearts of wedding guests by placing two empty chairs at her ceremony to honor her parents, who passed away in 2021 and 2023 respectively. Joanna Vee, the youngest of three siblings, created this symbolic tribute with flowers and heartfelt messages to include her late parents in her special day. Supported by her siblings and husband, she transformed her grief into a meaningful gesture that reminded everyone that her parents remain an integral part of life's important moments.

8 May Khaosod

On the most important day of her life, Joanna Vee, a bride from Dong Nai Province in Vietnam, moved wedding guests to tears when she decided to place two empty chairs in the middle of her wedding ceremony to honor her most beloved family members.

Her wedding took place on April 26th. In the midst of celebration, Joanna Vee chose to set up two chairs, complete with flower arrangements and heartfelt messages, to let her late "mother and father" know that their youngest daughter was beginning a new chapter of her life.

She shared that she was the youngest of three siblings, raised surrounded by family love and warmth. But life changed when her father passed away from illness in 2021, and two years later, her mother followed, after being grief-stricken over losing her husband. When speaking about that period, she could barely hold back her tears. She recalled that her father passed away suddenly, while her mother embraced her before passing and said her goodbyes. Those memories remain as scars on her heart to this day.

Although she lost her pillars of support, she still has an older brother caring for her and an older sister who always worries about her. She has also received encouragement from her husband, whom she has been dating since 2020 and whom her family had known and supported all along.

Before the big day, she admitted to crying many times thinking about her parents. But with the support from her groom and relatives, she was able to overcome her sadness and transform it into positive energy to create this special space.

On her wedding day, tears streaming down her face, she said: "I wanted my parents to still be part of every important moment in my life, even if only through my memories of them."

No. 10 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Experienced Coach Withdraws from Pro License Course Over Inability to Pay 500,000 Baht Lump Sum

Renowned coach Samchai Chuaybuunchum has withdrawn from the AFC Pro License coaching program after the Thai Football Association refused to accept installment payments for the 500,000 baht fee. The 72-year-old coach cited the financial risk of paying the full amount upfront for a one-year course with no guarantee of completion. His withdrawal highlights a dispute over payment terms that has also affected other selected coaches.

8 May Khaosod

Samchai Chuaybuunchum, head coach of Lamduanpleung Sisaket United, has withdrawn from the AFC Pro License coaching course after the Thai Football Association set a non-negotiable lump sum fee of 500,000 baht. The Football Association of Thailand announced 18 coaches selected for the fourth AFC Pro License course, but both Chuaybuunchum and Janthaphen Srisoem, a former Thai national women's footballer, were excluded due to late payment. Although Lamduanpleung Sisaket United offered to pay the fee upfront, Chuaybuunchum decided against participating because the association insisted on a single payment of 500,000 baht despite his attempts to negotiate installments. He explained that the one-year training program carries significant risk—if he cannot complete the course for any reason, the entire fee would be forfeited. At 72 years old, he argued, the financial risk is substantial and unpredictable. He therefore advocated for installment payments or at least splitting the cost in half. With extensive experience coaching Thai League teams and having previously led Thailand's U-19 national team to the Asian Championship in 2011 before reaching the continental final, Chuaybuunchum believes that Thailand's football league should provide opportunities for A-licensed coaches to gain experience, noting that such qualified coaches are plentiful in the country.

No. 11 of ∞ Read at source → Next