National

Thai Help Thai Plus: Elderly Frustrated by Difficult Facial Recognition System, Worse for Those with New Phone Numbers

Elderly Thais enrolling in Thai Help Thai Plus struggle with facial recognition verification, with complications worsening for those who recently changed phone numbers, forcing many to visit banks in person.

1d ago Khaosod

Elderly citizens enrolling in the Thai Help Thai Plus government assistance program are complaining about difficulties with the facial recognition verification system, which becomes even more problematic for those who have recently changed their phone numbers. May 25, 2026 – A reporter covering the scene at Krung Thai Bank's Dan Khun Thod branch in Nakhon Ratchasima found the registration area bustling from morning through afternoon. The primary issue most people faced was identity verification, with many failing the facial scan, especially elderly applicants unfamiliar with the process or unable to pass the scan after trying. This forced them to visit the bank in person. Na, 68, from Dan Khun Thod District, said she came to the bank to re-verify her identity because the facial scan was very difficult and wouldn't go through. She missed the previous government assistance program registration deadline, so she didn't receive benefits. This time she rushed to complete the process in hopes of receiving the same assistance as others. Somjit, 54, from Phimai District, explained that some people who had already registered and completed identity verification earlier could claim their benefits immediately through the "Pao Tang" mobile application. However, her husband changed his phone number, which created a problem that forced her to come to the bank for help. Otherwise, she wouldn't be able to participate in the program.

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Tourism

Suriya Accelerates Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo, Driving Northeast Economic Stimulus of 32 Billion Baht

Thailand's Agriculture Minister accelerated preparations for the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026, which is projected to generate 32 billion baht in revenue and attract 3.6 million visitors to the Northeast's first world-sca

1d ago Khaosod

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit visited the site to monitor progress on the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026, scheduled from November 1, 2569 to March 14, 2570 at the Nong Daet wetland in Muang Udon Thani District. Deputy Minister Wachraphon Khaokham and representatives from government agencies, local bodies, private sector, and the public attended the inspection.

Suriya revealed that the expo represents an important international event for Thailand and marks the world's first full-scale horticultural exposition held entirely on a wetland area. Operating under the theme "Diversity of Life: Connecting People, Water and Plants for Sustainable Living," the event aims to integrate agricultural development with people, water, plants, ecosystems, technology, and a balanced green economy.

As of May 15, 2569, overall construction progress reached approximately 77.47 percent, with major structural works including reception buildings, pavilions, greenhouses, bridges, walkways, and utility systems nearing completion. Landscape architecture, systems work, and remaining display area preparations are underway to ensure the event opens on schedule with international standards.

Suriya instructed all related agencies that despite over 70 percent progress, the remaining time is critical to ensure quality and standards in all areas, creating beautiful, safe spaces that reflect Thailand's positive image. Budget management must be transparent and benefit the public and nation.

The minister emphasized preparing accommodations for visitors, including transportation, public transit, parking, safety systems, emergency medical services, dining, lodging, and connections to major Udon Thani attractions through public-private integration.

"Udon Thani is not merely a venue but reflects the potential of the Northeast to serve as a hub for horticulture, high-value agriculture, ecotourism, and green economy—ready to welcome visitors worldwide."

Suriya added that the 2569 expo is not merely an exhibition but a "new green economy engine" for the Northeast. It is projected to attract 3.6 million visitors, generate circulation revenue exceeding 32 billion baht, add economic value over 20 billion baht, and create approximately 81,000 jobs. Benefits will extend to the public and tourism sectors including hotels, restaurants, transportation, community enterprises, farmers, and local entrepreneurs.

The Agriculture Ministry also emphasizes post-expo development or Expo Legacy, preparing the Nong Daet area to become a world-class public garden, youth activity center, and additional community benefit facilities.

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Police

South Korean tourist's body found floating off Pattaya

A South Korean tourist was found dead floating in the sea near Pattaya on Monday morning, with authorities investigating whether he drowned or died under other circumstances.

1d ago Khaosod

Police in Pattaya are investigating the death of a South Korean tourist whose body was found floating in the sea near Koh Sak on Monday morning.

At around 10:00 on 25 May, officers from Pattaya City Police Station, marine rescue teams and disaster prevention officials travelled by rescue boat to waters north of Koh Sak near Koh Larn, about six nautical miles off Pattaya, after receiving reports of a body floating face down in the sea.

Rescuers found the body of a foreign man believed to be a South Korean national, aged around 50, wearing a white polo shirt with black stripes and green shorts.

Officals said the man had likely been dead for at least six hours. No signs of physical assault were found on the body.

Police recovered a wallet containing a South Korean driving licence identifying the man as Jeong Jun Hwan, three South Korean bank ATM cards and a room key marked with the number 10.

The body was transported to the Police General Hospital's Institute of Forensic Medicine in Bangkok for a detailed autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Police said authorities are continuing to coordinate with relevant agencies to confirm the victim's identity and investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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Police

4 dead, 17 mostly workers still missing, in collapse of unfinished hotel in the Philippines

An unfinished nine-story hotel collapsed in Angeles City, Philippines, killing four people with 17 workers still missing in the rubble. Rescue teams recovered three people Monday but struggled to save them as families of trapped constructio

1d ago Khaosod

ANGELES, Philippines (AP) — Rescuers pulled out three people Monday from an immense pile of rubble that was all that remained of a nine-story hotel which collapsed while under construction in a northern Philippine city, bringing the death toll to four with 17 others still missing, officials said.

Two of the men were dead, while emergency personnel struggled in the early morning hours to revive one in an ambulance near the pile of concrete slabs, twisted iron bars and aluminum scaffoldings that was all that remained of the building in Angeles City of Pampanga Province. They eventually gave up and drove away.

The poignant scene was witnessed by a small group of journalists, including from The Associated Press, who watched hundreds of rescuers led by firefighters and police scrambling for hours to extricate the men, who were at the time alive but trapped under concrete slabs and iron bars.

Rescuers carry a dog as they scale down toppled scaffoldings of a collapsed building where multiple people are believed to be trapped in Angeles city in Pampanga province, north of Manila Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Rescuers tried to provide water and medicine intravenously to one of the trapped men in a desperate effort to keep him alive in the scorching summer heat, regional police chief Brig. Gen. Jess Mendez told the AP.

"He never made it despite all the efforts," he said.

One of the three people pulled out from the rubble on Monday was unidentified and was not on the list of the 17 missing, who were mostly construction workers, according to Angeles city information chief Jay Pelayo.

The fourth dead victim was a Malaysian tourist trapped in a budget inn that was partly hit by the avalanche of debris from the collapsed building. Another guest at the inn was injured but managed to dash out, officials said.

A day after the unfinished building collapsed with a loud crashing sound after a fierce thunderstorm, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin said rescue efforts would still not be shifted to a body retrieval operation.

"My best hope is that we can rescue more people alive," Lazatin told the AP. "We don't want to give the families of the trapped workers any bad news."

Anxiety and fear among relatives of the trapped workers, who are waiting in sheds near the rubble, have deepened.

"I'm losing hope because of what I see — slow rescue work," said Lea Mendoza Casilao, a 47-year-old sardine factory worker whose boyfriend, a mason, was among those still trapped in the rubble.

She brought a week's supply of rice and sardines for him at the construction site, but she said they would never meet as scheduled over the weekend after the building where he was sleeping crumbled before dawn on Sunday.

Rescuers continue search operations at a collapsed building where multiple people are believed to be trapped in Angeles city in Pampanga province, north of Manila Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Lazatin said rescuers were moving carefully because huge

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Police

Two Workers Killed, One Critically Injured in Police Housing Complex Balcony Collapse

A concrete beam and scaffolding collapsed from the fifth floor of a police housing complex under construction in Sisaket on May 25, killing two workers and critically injuring a third, while a fourth worker survived by clinging to a beam.

1d ago Khaosod

SISAKET — On May 25, 2026, two construction workers died and another was critically injured when a concrete beam and scaffolding collapsed from the fifth floor of a police residential building under construction. A fourth worker narrowly escaped death by clinging to a beam as his colleagues fell to the ground below.

The accident occurred around 10:00 a.m. at the construction site on Sri Wiset Road, directly behind Muang Sisaket Police Station. Officers from Muang Si Sa Ket Police Station coordinated with emergency medical teams and rescue volunteers to respond.

At the scene, the deputy commander of Sisaket Provincial Police and other officials inspected the five-story complex. The building features open stilt ground floor with police residential quarters planned for floors two through five.

Wooden formwork debris, bent steel reinforcement rods, and shattered scaffolding sections were scattered across the fifth floor and ground level, showing signs of severe impact. Three injured workers were rushed to Sisaket Hospital: Sangwan Chaibamrung, 58; Nuay Rayabsri, around 55; and Phitak Phenjaem, 50. All three were in critical condition.

Sangwan and Phitak died from severe impact injuries. Nuay remains in critical condition in the emergency intensive care unit undergoing urgent brain scans, though he remains conscious and responsive.

Witness Siriwat Namwiset, 44, who narrowly escaped, explained that the four workers were on the fifth floor repairing concrete beam formwork. After concrete was poured, the crew discovered structural instability and halted work to reinforce the outer frame. While making adjustments, they heard a loud cracking sound. Before Siriwat could finish warning his colleagues, the entire beam structure and scaffolding collapsed instantly.

His three coworkers, positioned near the edge, plunged to the ground. Siriwat said he thought he was dead when the floor disappeared beneath his feet, but in a reflexive moment, he grabbed onto a remaining piece of beam structure with all his strength. He miraculously managed to hold on as his friends fell below.

Police have cordoned off the scene.

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Police

Six-Month-Old Puppy Beaten by Neighbor with Stick, Jaw Fractured and Leg Broken Over Alleged Damage to Expensive Plant

A six-month-old puppy in Hat Yai, Songkhla was beaten by a neighbor with a stick, fracturing her jaw and breaking her leg, over damage to an expensive plant. The neighbor faces animal cruelty charges carrying up to two years imprisonment un

1d ago Khaosod

A heartbreaking incident has shocked animal lovers in Songkhla after six-month-old female puppy Pingping was severely beaten by a neighbor with a stick, suffering a fractured jaw and broken hind leg that left her unable to walk. The attack occurred simply because the puppy had escaped into the neighbor's yard and damaged a plant worth several thousand baht.

On May 25, 2025, at 11:00 AM, Somkit Buhngachart, president of The Hope Songkhla animal welfare organization, coordinated with prevention police at Hat Yai Police Station to visit the scene at Soi 18 Rattanautit in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province. The team assisted the dog's owner and explained animal protection laws to the perpetrator, while allowing legal proceedings to proceed through official channels.

Pingping's owner tearfully revealed that the incident occurred on the evening of May 24 when her father let the puppy out as usual. The dog escaped into the neighbor's property and damaged a tree. The neighbor became angry, grabbed a stick, and beat the puppy repeatedly on the face and legs. The neighbor admitted to the beating, claiming the dog had damaged his plant worth thousands of baht.

According to Somkit, Pingping is a small breed puppy with no aggressive behavior. Her jaw is so injured she cannot close her mouth, and her leg bone is fractured. She is currently receiving treatment at a clinic. Somkit warned the public about the Animal Cruelty Prevention and Welfare Act: Article 20 makes injuring, disabling, or killing an animal punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment or a fine not exceeding 40,000 baht, or both. Article 358 applies additional property damage charges if the animal has an owner, carrying sentences up to 3 years or fines up to 60,000 baht, or both. This criminal case has a statute of limitations of 10 years and is not worth the risk.

Somkit advised that if someone's pet damages property or plants, owners should notify the pet owner to claim damages through legal channels rather than commit animal cruelty, which becomes a criminal matter affecting one's entire future.

According to reports, Pingping's owner posted on Facebook seeking help, stating that she is extremely stressed because the neighbor refuses to help pay for treatment now, claiming he will settle everything in court. Frustrated that she filed a complaint with the animal welfare organization, the owner is urgently fundraising to cover veterinary expenses to discharge the puppy from the hospital. She promised to provide all receipts for transparency.

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National

Editorial: Garbage Content

An explicit viral livestream highlights society's struggle with "garbage content"—material designed purely for views and shares without regard for harm, particularly to children and youth who may imitate such behavior.

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A viral live stream of explicit sexual content posted on an avatar page reflects a critical crisis in digital society: the spread of "garbage content" designed solely to generate views, likes, shares, and viral momentum without regard for social consequences. Beyond obscene material, garbage content includes worthless, harmful material in exchange for online attention—such as explicit livestreams, violence, misinformation, public humiliation, risky challenges, and excessive vulgarity. These contents prioritize shock value and emotional provocation over substance and public benefit, violating morality, law, and others' rights while pursuing viral rewards rather than social responsibility.

The explicit clip currently facing criticism exemplifies garbage content, spreading sexually provocative material easily accessible to large audiences, particularly children and youth. It promotes the harmful misconception that extreme or illegal behavior can generate fame and income online. The damage of garbage content is now spreading into society's behavior patterns, particularly among children and youth lacking digital maturity. Such content may lead to imitation, normalization of immoral acts, and the use of violence and sexual content as attention-seeking tools, degrading social standards and compromising the overall quality of online media spaces.

Addressing garbage content is not the sole responsibility of police or government. While cyber police accelerate investigations and legal action, coordinating with Facebook to enforce stricter community standards remains important, the critical factor is cooperation from all social media users. They must consume information responsibly, refusing to like, share, or support illegal or provocative content. Simultaneously, families, schools, and society must build digital immunity, teaching children and youth media literacy to distinguish appropriate from inappropriate content, protecting them from boundless viral culture. Everyone in society must collaborate to create a safe online environment, refusing to support garbage content that not only degrades social quality but also risks encouraging imitation and causing problems beyond what society anticipates.

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National

Exclusive Spoilers for THE TITANS CONCERT - See It Here First!

Four Thai artists—BAMBAM, JEFF SATUR, PP KRIT, and TIMETHAI—will perform together for the first time at THE TITANS CONCERT, featuring surprise collaborations and exclusive aerial stunts. The show takes place June 20-21, 2025, at Bangkok's S

1d ago Khaosod

Exclusive spoilers have emerged for THE TITANS CONCERT, touted as the year's biggest concert event packed with stunning content. Four hot artists—BAMBAM, JEFF SATUR, PP KRIT, and TIMETHAI—will share the stage for the first time, delivering a specially created collaborative show. Both the artists and production team are building anticipation with major reveals, including hints of collab stages featuring all four artists as well as paired performances, though the pairings remain a mystery until the concert.

The latest teaser involves a crossword puzzle game hiding special moments from the concert, raising questions like which artists will collab and what exclusive songs will be performed. Show Director Baangk Shinnatee Bhuvakul, BAMBAM's brother, has promised spectacular, one-of-a-kind performances you won't find anywhere else. All four artists guarantee this is no ordinary concert, with TIMETHAI recently sharing rehearsal footage featuring aerial stunts with twin swords.

The production team has spared no expense, preparing to transport audiences into the FUTURE OLYMPUS realm for an unforgettable experience. THE TITANS CONCERT is positioned as more than a festival—it's the ultimate concert event of the year with exclusive moments unavailable anywhere else. With only two shows scheduled for Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21, 2025, at the Sirikit National Convention Centre (Halls 1-3), tickets are available through Eventpop. Follow updates on Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, and Weibo @titansconcert.

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Police

Drunk Taxi Driver Crashes Into 5 Vehicles at Red Light, Dies in Police Custody; Wife Warns She Had Told Him to Stay Home

A 47-year-old taxi driver died in police custody in Pathum Thani after being arrested for driving drunk and crashing into five vehicles at a traffic light the night before.

1d ago Khaosod

A taxi driver was arrested for drunk driving after crashing into five civilian vehicles at a red light intersection. Police took him into custody, but when officers came to wake him for breakfast the next morning, they found him unresponsive. Emergency responders attempted CPR for nearly an hour but were unable to revive him, and he was pronounced dead.

At noon on May 25, 2569 (2026), Pathum Thani emergency responders received notification from Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station that a suspect in custody had become unresponsive in his cell. Multiple rescue units were dispatched to assist.

Upon arrival, responders found a 47-year-old man from Khok Muang Subdistrict, Phachi District, Ayutthaya Province, lying unconscious in the cell. Officers removed him and performed CPR with chest compressions for nearly an hour, but he could not be revived.

Acording to Lieutenant Colonel Patthaichai Phamorpiboon, superintendent of Pak Khlong Rangsit Police Station, the previous night officers received reports that the taxi had sideswiped five civilian vehicles at the Flat Pla Thong traffic light intersection in Bang Phun Subdistrict, Mueang Pathum Thani District. The driver was taken into custody and showed signs of alcohol intoxication. A breathalyzer test revealed an alcohol level of 375 milligrams per cent, leading to charges being filed and his detention according to legal procedures. No injuries were observed on the man's body at the time of arrest. Before police arrived at the scene, locals had helped him sit and rest on the sidewalk, and there were no signs of assault.

Upon questioning his wife, she stated that the man had been drinking throughout the evening until 8 p.m., then drove and collided with civilians' vehicles. CCTV footage reviewed regarding the in-custody death showed no one had attacked him. After being taken into custody, he collapsed and fell asleep due to intoxication. The following morning, officers attempted to wake him for questioning, but he did not respond. Officers noticed nothing unusual at the time, assuming he was simply exhausted from the previous night's drinking. At midday, they tried again to bring him food, but still received no response. Upon further inspection, they discovered he had died. His body was sent for autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Meanwhile, his wife revealed that on the night of the accident, she went to check on her husband after hearing about the crash and found him in police custody with handcuffs applied. He showed no signs of external injury, only appearing generally intoxicated. She stated she was unaware of any underlying health conditions or medical treatment he may have been receiving. She expressed uncertainty about the cause of death but said she must wait for her husband's relatives to arrive to discuss further arrangements.

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Police

Government Cracks Down on Knock-Down House Contractor Over Substandard Construction Affecting 50+ Victims with Over 30 Million Baht in Damages

A Kalasin contractor has defrauded over 50 people of more than 30 million baht by delivering incomplete knock-down house frames that didn't match social media advertisements, prompting Thai authorities to crack down and offer free legal ass

1d ago Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister's Office Minister Suphamas Isiraphakdi announced on May 25, 2569 that the Consumer Protection Board (OCPB) has received complaints from citizens harmed by purchasing knock-down houses from a Kalasin Province operator advertising 'Beautiful Applied Thai-Style Homes' on social media.

Victims reported ordering two houses at 170,000 baht each and transferring over 240,000 baht to the operator, but received only incomplete house frames upon contract completion that didn't match advertisements. The contractor became unreachable. The OCPB identified over 50 total victims with combined damages exceeding 30 million baht.

Minister Suphamas ordered the OCPB to closely monitor cases and assist victims. For consumers hiring contractors to build new homes on their own land, residential construction contracts fall under the 2559 Controlled Contract Announcement requiring legally compliant agreements. Knock-down houses—pre-built structures relocated to new sites—are treated as standard purchase agreements.

The OCPB confirmed full victim assistance through legal representation under Section 39 of the Consumer Protection Act, B.E. 2522. For knock-down house cases, procedures include complaint receipt, mediation, and free civil litigation representation if mediation fails—consumers bear no costs and don't fight alone. Since 2565, the OCPB received 99 knock-down and pre-fabricated house complaints, resolving 68 and processing 31 currently.

Consumers should verify company credibility, construction timelines per contract, and material quality matching advertisements. Non-compliance can be reported to OCPB hotline 1166, the OCPB Connect app, website ocpb.go.th, or nationwide justice centers.

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Tourism

Bangkok Airways Boutique Series Launches with Trat Half Marathon 2026, Showcasing Local Community Routes

Bangkok Airways launches its 2026 Boutique Series with the inaugural Trat Half Marathon on May 23-24, featuring 21km, 10km, and 5km routes through Eastern Thailand's distinctive landscapes. The airline is offering flight discounts and exclu

1d ago Khaosod

Bangkok Airways Public Company Limited is advancing sports tourism initiatives through the 'Bangkok Airways Boutique Series 2026' running competition, launching with the inaugural 'Bangkok Airways Trat Half Marathon 2026.' Designed to stimulate tourism and economic activity in Eastern Thailand, the event offers a unique running experience through distinctive landscapes while immersing participants in the local community culture of Trat Province. The competition takes place May 23-24, 2026 at Trat Provincial Stadium (Trat FC Club).

The 'Bangkok Airways Trat Half Marathon 2026' features three categories: 21-kilometer half marathon, 10-kilometer mini marathon, and 5-kilometer fun run. Half marathon finishers will receive a limited edition PUMA Finisher shirt as a memento. Thai actress Green-Atsadaporn Sirivatantakul will participate in the event, adding excitement for runners.

Beyond the main competition, a 'Kids Series' 800-meter fun run for children 12 and under will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2026, featuring adventure-style activities and family-friendly creative programs with an environmental conservation theme. Local children can participate free of charge to promote physical activity and health awareness.

Komkrit Gamwongwiroj, Director of Large Customer and Supplementary Revenue Products at Bangkok Airways, stated that the Trat Half Marathon is the first in the 2026 Boutique Series designed to continuously promote sports tourism. The company aims to deliver memorable running experiences while demonstrating commitment to environmental sustainability and local communities. The initiative incorporates circular economy principles, with race shirts made from recycled PET bottles and commemorative medals designed to reflect Trat's identity while serving as functional luggage tags for travelers.

Three additional 2026 events are scheduled: 'Samui Half Marathon' at Phru Cheweng Park (June 20-21, 2026) featuring actors Mike-Pattharadej Songwannakitti and Pook Luk-Funtip Watcharatrakul; 'Sukhothai Half Marathon' at Sukhothai Historical Park (August 22-23, 2026) with actor Phan-Nawat Phoophantachaseeh; and 'Chiang Mai Half Marathon' at Royal Agricultural Station Angkhang (September 26-27, 2026) featuring actress Yaya-Urassaya Sperbund.

Bangkok Airways ticket holders receive special 'Fly to Run' privileges including 500-baht flight discounts, complimentary race bibs, exclusive merchandise, and 200 bonus frequent flyer points. Benefits are location and date-specific, valid May 17-31 (Trat), June 14-28 (Samui, Surat Thani), August 16-30 (Sukhothai), and September 20-October 4 (Chiang Mai). One ticket provides benefits for one participant.

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