The Public Health Ministry reported on May 19, 2025, that Thailand has 1,074 accumulated confirmed mpox cases with 16 deaths. During weeks 18-19 (April 26-May 9), two new Clade Ib mpox cases were confirmed: the first was a Thai man who fell ill on April 22 with risk behavior involving sexual contact with strangers, and the second was a Thai man with close contact risk exposure at a crowded tourist destination during a festival.

Dr. Manthian Kanaswadi, Director-General of the Disease Control Department, reported that an international health coordinator also reported a foreign tourist visiting Thailand who engaged in risky sexual behavior with strangers in tourist areas. The patient was aged 25-40, with the primary risk factor being close physical and sexual contact, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM).

Mpox Clade Ib shows increasing transmission trends, with 18 accumulated cases since 2567 (2024), and no deaths. Since the beginning of 2569 (2025), six cases have been reported with no deaths, mostly male (four cases), with most transmission from close physical contact. The best prevention is avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals and avoiding sexual contact with strangers or those with suspicious skin rashes. The Disease Control Department has instructed all public health units to monitor, screen, and closely track patients, particularly in tourist areas and high-risk service facilities.

Dr. Direk Khamphaen, Deputy Director-General, emphasized that mpox is preventable if people avoid risky behavior, particularly sexual contact with strangers at exclusive tourist venues or arranged through social media. He stressed prevention measures including avoiding close contact with those showing rashes, not sharing personal items, frequent handwashing, consistent condom use, and avoiding sexual contact with strangers. Anyone with suspected symptoms such as fever, rash, or bumps, especially in genital or body areas with a history of risk within 21 days, should immediately consult a doctor and disclose their risk history for proper diagnosis and treatment. The Disease Control Department confirmed that Thailand has effective surveillance and treatment systems, and urged public cooperation in continuous disease prevention. For more information, call the Disease Control Department hotline at 1-4.

CHONBURI — 19 May 2026, Police detained a group of Myanmar teenagers accused of attacking a 16-year-old Thai boy in a street assault. The suspects, however, gave their account of events, claiming they had earlier been held at gunpoint and robbed of a pair of Converse sneakers by the victim's group. They are now asking police to review CCTV footage.

Following viral social media posts by the victim's sibling, a Facebook user claimed his younger brother was attacked by nearly 10 youths believed to be Myanmar nationals. The group allegedly beat the teenager, stole his shoes, damaged his motorcycle and spat on him. The incident occurred on Sukhumvit Road in front of Wat Chong Lom, inbound to Chonburi, in Moo 2 of Na Kluea subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province.

On Tuesday, Pol. Col. Sarawut Nuchanart, superintendent of Banglamung Police Station, said a joint task force detained the group for questioning on the evening of 18 May. The operation was led by Pol. Lt. Col. Yongyuth Wanneua, deputy investigation chief; Pol. Lt. Col. Wutthiphong Kasa, investigation inspector; and Pol. Lt. Natthathan Chanthawong, inspector at Tourist Police Station 4, Subdivision 2, Tourist Police Division 1, along with officers from local police, tourist police and immigration police.

During questioning, the suspects admitted attacking the Thai teenager. However, one member of the group alleged that the Thai youth had earlier threatened him with what he believed was a firearm and forced him to hand over a pair of Converse shoes. His friends later arrived and intervened, leading to the confrontation captured on security camera footage.

The group also asked police to examine CCTV footage recorded before the incident to support their claims, insisting they too had been victims. Investigators will question both sides in detail and review all available evidence before deciding whether to pursue charges. Because minors are involved in the case, the investigation will be conducted with relevant agencies and a multi-disciplinary team. Authorities said legal action would be taken against anyone found guilty to ensure fairness for all parties.

Meanwhile, the 'Thai Mai Ton' ('Thais Won't Tolerate') group, led by local figures Hia Tee Kratha Ron and Bird Pattaya, said they were satisfied with the arrests. The group thanked authorities for moving quickly to pursue the case and track down the suspects.

2 men attack woman with durian peel during exercise in ChachoengsaoLegacyA Thai woman is seeking justice after two men attacked her with durian peel while she was exercising outside Chachoengsao Provincial Hall on Sunday, May 17. The victim, identified as 48 year old Noi, submitted a police complaint and medical certificate to several Thai media outlets following the incident, which reportedly took place at about 9pm. Noi said she and her husband had gone jogging together outside the provincial hall, but later separated because he was running faster. She continued exercising alone near a motorcycle parking area. Photo via DailyNews According to Noi, she noticed a man wearing a white T-shirt staring at her while she exercised. She said she did not feel threatened until the man suddenly approached and pulled her shirt over her head. The suspect allegedly used the shirt to cover her face before repeatedly striking her with durian peel. A second man then joined the attack, beating her until she fell to the ground. People nearby reportedly intervened, causing the two attackers to flee the scene on a motorcycle. Noi suffered cuts and scratches to her face and arms from the durian peel during the assault. Photo via DailyNews She told reporters she did not know the motive behind the attack and said she and her husband had only recently started exercising in the area. Noi also stated that she had never had any disputes with people nearby. During interviews with local media, Noi urged police to arrest the suspects as quickly as possible. She said she wanted to know whether the attackers intended to rob her or had mistaken her identity. A similar incident was reported in 2022 when a woman told media outlets she was assaulted with durian peel by a loan shark over unpaid debt. The victim claimed the lender attacked her despite an earlier agreement to temporarily pause repayments. The story 2 men attack woman with durian peel during exercise in Chachoengsao as seen on Thaiger News.

The Chaiyaphum Provincial Police Commander has ordered the cancellation of all traffic checkpoints and alcohol breath testing stations, citing concerns about damage to public confidence following widespread social media criticism. Following public backlash online regarding police officers' conduct at various checkpoint operations, which raised suspicion and eroded confidence in the police organization, Pol. Maj. Gen. Suchart Phanlek, the Chaiyaphum Provincial Police Commander, issued an order canceling previous directives authorizing traffic discipline checkpoints, alcohol testing points, traffic law enforcement operations, and crime prevention checkpoints at all police stations under his jurisdiction. However, drug interdiction operations in designated areas remain exempt and may continue normally. The order takes effect immediately and remains in force until further notice. Traffic police are still instructed to facilitate traffic flow at congested areas and other locations where public assistance is required.

Army Region 2, through the Surin Nari Task Force, assigned Special Task Unit 2 to conduct a field investigation into the case of Mr. Yochon Saiyai, who was detained by Cambodian military near Ta Leng Pass in Kab Choeng District, Surin Province. The investigation was initiated after rumors circulated on social media that Cambodian soldiers had illegally arrested someone inside Thai territory, creating public confusion.

The field investigation, led by Major Thaninthorn Dohmhom, commander of Special Task Unit 2, accompanied by Major Kittisak Bangphimai and Major Nitithorn Sirikhram, was conducted with 58-year-old Mr. Yochon and his 21-year-old son Rathawut walking the route in transparent fashion before media witnesses to verify the facts.

Yochon acknowledged that on the day of the incident, he was so absorbed in collecting forest products that he unknowingly wandered into Cambodian territory before being detained on April 15, 2569. He was released and returned to Thailand on May 15, 2569, thanks to coordinated efforts between Army Region 2 and Cambodia's Regional Military Unit 4.

The investigation found that Yochon had walked approximately 5 kilometers past Thai barbed wire barriers and defensive positions into Cambodian territory from his motorcycle's parking spot. Yochon admitted that he initially was uncertain which country he had entered, but after officials showed him the actual boundary markers, maps, and locations, he confirmed he had indeed crossed by mistake. He expressed gratitude to all officials who worked tirelessly to help him return safely to his family.

Yochon also issued a public warning to forest foragers working near the border to exercise increased caution, avoid approaching the borderline without authorization, and always inform community leaders or military officers at local bases before entering the forest to prevent unforeseen incidents like his own situation.

The military reported that the operation proceeded smoothly, with units intensifying public awareness campaigns in border communities and installing additional barbed wire fencing along the border to prevent accidental incursions into Cambodian territory while continuously upgrading safety measures in the border region.

Kamphaengphet police are launching a full-scale manhunt for the suspect who ambushed and shot the temple abbot in a serious attack. Investigators found important clues in a cassava field behind the temple and are not ruling out personal disputes or financial problems as motives. The gunman remains at large as authorities work to bring him to justice as quickly as possible.

On May 19, a shocking incident that has alarmed Buddhist followers occurred when an assailant opened fire on Phra Athikar Bunlerng Akpunyo, 64-year-old abbot of Wat Krajom Thong in Kamphaengphet province, leaving him with severe injuries inside the temple residence. His condition remains concerning, and medical staff continue close monitoring while police intensify their search for the perpetrator. Investigators discovered significant clues in a cassava field near the temple.

Provincial police officers have meticulously collected evidence from the crime scene inside the abbot's residence, where Phra Athikar Bunlerng was shot with an unknown firearm, sustaining wounds to his right ear, neck, shoulder, and right hip. A major obstacle in the investigation is that "all CCTV cameras inside the temple are non-functional," forcing investigators to expand their search to security cameras in neighboring areas surrounding the temple instead.

During their sweep of the cassava field near the Ping River pier, officers discovered multiple human footprints, though it remains under investigation whether these are connected to the suspect. Temple caretaker Manoach Phubampoen affirmed that the abbot is a development-minded monk who has never had conflicts with anyone, and the incident has deeply shocked the local community. He urged police to apprehend the perpetrator and prosecute as quickly as possible.

At Kamphaengphet City Police Station, investigators have summoned associates for further questioning, focusing on potential motives including "loan disputes" and "romantic jealousy issues." Lamyai Bunpho, one of the abbot's close associates who helps with meal preparations, stated after giving her statement that she felt no pressure from police. She acknowledged the abbot had been asked for loans but completely denied rumors of romantic entanglement, clarifying that the man in question was not involved and was out catching fish on the night of the incident. She claimed she was unaware of allegations that the abbot had called a male masseuse for a massage without paying.

Nakorn Polpakdi, another close associate who was also questioned, maintained his innocence and affirmed he volunteered at the temple out of faith. He stated police questioned him respectfully without pressure and expressed his complete cooperation. He reiterated his pure intentions, saying he simply helps with temple work and cannot fathom why such an incident would happen to the revered abbot.

Currently, investigators have not ruled out any motives, including personal conflicts, financial problems from people who borrowed money, or other surrounding circumstances. They are awaiting results from evidence analysis at the crime scene and reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding areas to identify the perpetrator's escape route, so they can apprehend him and file charges as quickly as possible.