National

Cabinet Approves 1.667 Billion Baht for State Welfare Fund, Benefiting 13 Million Eligible Citizens

Thailand's cabinet has allocated 1.667 billion baht in central budget reserves to support the State Welfare Fund, extending welfare benefits to 13 million registered citizens through the 2025 fiscal year. The decision, announced on May 12, 2025, continues the government's 2022 State Welfare Registration Program. The Prime Minister has authorized the Ministry of Finance to distribute the funds to maintain welfare services for eligible program participants.

12 May Khaosod

At 2:00 p.m. on May 12, 2025 at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister Spokesperson Ploythalay Laksameesangjun announced that the cabinet has approved 1.667 billion baht from the central budget's emergency reserve fund for state welfare expenses. This allocation will support beneficiaries of the State Welfare Fund registered under the 2022 State Welfare Registration Program throughout the 2025 fiscal year, as recommended by the Grassroots Economy and Social Welfare Committee. The Prime Minister has authorized the Office of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance to disburse 1.667 billion baht from the emergency reserve fund to provide welfare benefits to 13.33 million eligible citizens enrolled in the 2022 program, beginning from October 2024.

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National

Labor Ministry Deploys 597 Thai Workers Abroad to Build Income and Gain Experience

Thailand's Labor Ministry is deploying 597 workers to overseas jobs in South Korea, Taiwan, Israel, and Japan under government programs designed to boost income and international experience. Labor Minister Julphand Amornviwatana highlighted the initiative as an opportunity for workers to gain skills and knowledge that will help them become successful entrepreneurs upon returning home. The deployment is part of the ministry's broader effort to send 130,000 workers abroad this fiscal year, with approximately 200,000 Thai workers already employed internationally generating significant remittances for the country.

12 May Khaosod

On May 12, 2026, at the job seeker training center of the Social Security Office Bangkok Area 3, Labor Minister Julphand Amornviwatana met with and encouraged 597 Thai workers preparing to work abroad under the EPS system in South Korea, as well as in Taiwan, Israel, and Japan. Amornviwatana stated that the Labor Ministry prioritizes sending Thai workers overseas not only to generate income and remittances, but also to allow them to learn and accumulate experience from abroad—valuable human capital for national development. He emphasized that workers gain knowledge of foreign work practices, technology, culture, and lifestyles to apply upon their return, enabling them to advance their careers and improve their quality of life and that of their families. Many Thai workers have successfully returned to become entrepreneurs with stable businesses.

Of the 597 workers receiving pre-departure training, 220 are headed to South Korea under the EPS system, while 377 are going to other destinations through private employment agencies. Amornviwatana assured workers that the Labor Ministry does not merely send them abroad but also protects their rights and welfare both domestically and internationally, standing ready to assist those facing problems or accidents. He urged them to travel safely and succeed in their work.

According to Somchai Morgadsirivon, Director-General of the Department of Employment, approximately 200,000 Thai workers currently work in 142 countries worldwide, generating roughly 200 billion baht in remittances annually. Major destination countries include Taiwan, Israel, South Korea, Malaysia, and Japan. In fiscal year 2026, the Department aims to deploy 130,000 workers, having already sent 69,983 (generating approximately 99.155 billion baht in remittances).

Today's training covered labor law, worker benefits, the SMART TOEA system for monitoring and emergency assistance, and drug screening conducted in cooperation with Thailand's anti-narcotics office to build confidence with destination countries and elevate Thai labor standards to international levels. Interested workers can find job openings at doe.go.th/overseas or contact provincial employment offices, Bangkok employment offices (areas 1-10), or call the hotline 1506 press 2.

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Breaking

Female Influencer Warns of Scam: Criminal Gang Dupes Her Out of Two Rolex Watches Worth Nearly 2 Million Baht

A Bangkok-based female influencer lost two Rolex watches worth nearly 2 million baht in a sophisticated online scam involving fake payment and courier service manipulation. The scammers used a coordinated approach, posing as legitimate buyers and then disappearing after the package was sent, relaying it through delivery riders to cover their tracks. Police are investigating the incident, and the victim is urging the public and courier services to strengthen security measures against such fraud.

12 May Khaosod

On May 12, Ms. Praewa, owner of the 'Praewa Reviews Whatever' page, recounted her ordeal to online news outlets after posting two Rolex watches for sale valued at approximately 2 million baht. A man contacted her through Line expressing interest in purchasing the watches and, after negotiating, they agreed on a price of 1.8 million baht. The buyer claimed to live in Kanchanaburi province while Ms. Praewa resides in Bangkok.

The buyer eventually requested that a close friend pick up the watches in Bangkok instead. When delivery day arrived, the buyer changed plans again, asking that the package be sent via private courier service instead. Though initially hesitant due to the high value, Ms. Praewa agreed after the buyer claimed to have used this method many times before.

While bringing the package to the shipping company, Ms. Praewa remained in contact with the buyer by phone. Upon arrival at the branch, she provided the account number, but the buyer requested she first send the package and tracking number before transferring payment. Ms. Praewa thought this was acceptable since she could still retrieve the package if needed.

The buyer then claimed the shipping employee shouldn't hear about the high-value item and asked Ms. Praewa to take the call outside near her parked car. During the call, the buyer stalled with excuses about banking app issues and facial recognition problems, eventually claiming he needed to hang up to complete the transfer. He then disappeared and became unreachable.

When Ms. Praewa rushed back to retrieve the package, staff informed her it had already been picked up by a man. Security footage revealed the recipient was a delivery rider, who later passed the package to another person. Ms. Praewa believes this was an organized criminal operation with a systematic approach. Police are currently investigating the case.

Ms. Praewa also questioned the shipping company's security measures, asking why they released the package so easily without verifying the recipient's information. She called for stricter delivery protocols to prevent similar incidents and urged police to apprehend the perpetrators, suspecting she is not their only victim. She warned the public to exercise caution when buying or selling high-value items through online channels.

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National

Farmers Struggle as Rice Prices Plummet to 4.50 Baht per Kilogram, Forced to Sell Land to Pay Fertilizer and Chemical Debts

Thai farmers growing off-season rice face financial crisis as prices have crashed to 4.50-5 baht per kilogram while production costs have surged, including fertilizer prices that jumped to 1,200 baht per sack. Some desperate farmers are selling their land to pay off debts, and farmer representatives are criticizing the government for failing to provide relief during this agricultural emergency.

12 May Khaosod

Farmers cultivating off-season rice are experiencing severe difficulties as prices have fallen to 4.50-5 baht per kilogram, according to Chakrapruet Banjaedkij, a 59-year-old farmer from Nong Pla Lai subdistrict in Wang Sai Phun district, Phichit province. Despite this being early in the harvest season, prices are already critically low, raising concerns about even steeper declines as the season progresses. Farmers have invested 6,000-7,000 baht per acre, making the current prices entirely unprofitable and guaranteeing losses this year.

Compounding the crisis, production costs have surged dramatically. Fertilizer prices have jumped from 800-900 baht per sack to 1,200 baht, while harvesting costs have increased from 500-600 baht to 700 baht per acre. Fuel prices have also climbed significantly. Some desperate farmers are resorting to selling their land to pay off debts for fertilizer and chemicals. Chakrapruet criticized the current government, saying it has provided no assistance to farmers while they face mounting problems, and called for intervention on the falling rice prices.

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National

Government Savings Bank Delivers Letter Confirming No Asset Seizure, Clarifies Facts

The Government Savings Bank has formally withdrawn a property seizure notice and apologized to a customer for errors made during debt enforcement procedures. The bank confirmed that the customer retains full ownership of the property and clarified the circumstances that led to the mistaken seizure notice being sent.

12 May Khaosod

The Government Savings Bank, represented by Phethai Sunchan, Director of the Debt Control and Management Division for Region 11, along with representatives from Suncharoen Law Office, delivered a letter withdrawing the real estate seizure notice to Mr. Kriengsak (surname withheld) to confirm that the property remains fully owned by the customer.

The bank provided clarification of the facts and apologized to the customer for problems resulting from procedural errors in the enforcement proceedings, which had caused seizure notices to be sent to the customer.

The customer has now been fully informed of the facts and understands the situation. The letter was delivered at the Government Savings Bank Chaiyaphum Branch on May 12, 2026.

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Breaking

Malaysia Intensifies Search for Migrant Boat Disaster Victims, 23 Rescued but Dozens Still Missing

Malaysian maritime authorities are conducting an intensive search operation after an Indonesian migrant boat capsized off the western coast on May 11, with 23 survivors rescued but 14 people still missing. The vessel, carrying 37 passengers from Kisaran heading to Malaysian destinations, sank under circumstances still under investigation. These maritime disasters between Indonesia and Malaysia are recurring incidents, often involving overcrowded boats transporting migrant workers and highlighting the dangerous routes taken by hundreds of thousands seeking employment annually.

12 May Khaosod

Malaysian maritime authorities have launched a comprehensive search and rescue operation for 14 people missing after an Indonesian migrant boat sank off Malaysia's western coast on Monday, May 11. According to Perak state maritime director Mohamad Shukri Khotob, local fishermen spotted survivors in the water near Pangkor Island and successfully rescued 23 Indonesian nationals, including seven women, who were brought to a marine police jetty for documentation and further investigation.

Initial investigations reveal the vessel was carrying 37 passengers when it departed from Kisaran, Indonesia on May 9, with multiple Malaysian destinations planned including Kuala Lumpur and Penang Island in the northwest. "As of now, the remaining victims have yet to be identified and search operations are continuing," Mohamad Shukri stated.

Maritime accidents between Indonesia and Malaysia occur frequently, typically involving overloaded vessels transporting workers seeking employment in Malaysian farms and factories. Migrant rights advocates warn that approximately 100,000 to 200,000 Indonesians undertake dangerous sea crossings annually, with many falling victim to human trafficking networks and exploitation upon arrival.

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National

Laos Lottery Results for May 12, 2025 - Pattana Lottery Latest Prize Drawings

The Lao Pattana Lottery held its drawing on May 12, 2025, under the oversight of the Lao Ministry of Finance. Winners can claim prizes ranging from 60 to 6,000 times their stake depending on the number category matched, with results broadcast on national radio and television at 8:00 PM Thailand time.

12 May Khaosod

Latest results for the Lao government lottery, officially known as Pattana Lottery, operated by the state-owned Pattana Lottery Company under supervision of the Lao Ministry of Finance for the May 12, 2025 drawing. Prize results include 6-digit, 5-digit, last 4-digit, last 3-digit, and last 2-digit categories.

Pattana Lottery prize rates and prize calculation methods When checking the Laos lottery, buyers can calculate their winnings based on their purchase amount in kip as follows: 4-digit numbers: Prize payout of 6,000 times (example: buying 1,000 kip receives 6,000,000 kip) 3-digit numbers: Prize payout of 500 times (example: buying 1,000 kip receives 500,000 kip) 2-digit numbers: Prize payout of 60 times (example: buying 1,000 kip receives 60,000 kip)

Understanding the Lao Lottery or Pattana Lottery: What is it and when are results released? The Lao Lottery, officially called Pattana Lottery, is operated by the Pattana Lottery State Enterprise under supervision of the Lao Ministry of Finance. It is the legally recognized government lottery of Laos.

Laos lottery schedule and viewing channels Drawing days: Monday through Friday, with the 5/45 Pattana Lottery drawn on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays Time: Live broadcast begins at 8:00 PM Thailand time Viewers can watch on: Lao National Radio and Lao National Television Channel 1 (LNTV)

How to check the Laos lottery - 6-digit, 4-digit last numbers, dream book numbers, and animal name numbers The Laos lottery system begins with a single 6-digit prize drawing but can be broken down into multiple prize categories based on regional preferences. The most popular method uses the last 4-digit prize numbers as the primary category. There are also dream book lottery (4/40) and animal name number drawings, which are distinctive features of gambling in Laos.

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National

Cabinet Approves 'Gold Hero' Certificate to Support Families of 27 Soldiers Killed at Thai-Cambodian Border

Thailand's Cabinet has approved the 'Gold Hero' certificate program to provide healthcare benefits to families of 27 soldiers killed at the Thai-Cambodian border. The program allows surviving family members to access medical care equivalent to government employee benefits at an estimated annual cost of 780,040 baht. The government describes this as both a responsibility to honor those who sacrificed their lives and ongoing support for bereaved families.

12 May Khaosod

At 2:00 PM on May 12, 2025, at Government House, Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Perisawiwat announced the Cabinet's decision to establish healthcare support guidelines for families of military personnel killed during combat operations along the Thai-Cambodian border. The decision was made to ensure families continue receiving medical benefits even after the servicemember's death.

According to Deputy Spokesperson Lalida, 27 military personnel have died while on duty at the Thai-Cambodian border, leaving 40 family members who lost their government healthcare coverage and had to revert to the national health insurance system. The government decided to prioritize appropriate and dignified medical care for these bereaved families.

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has been tasked with implementing the 'Gold Hero' (UC Heroes) certificate program, allowing family members to access national health insurance benefits at the level equivalent to government employee healthcare benefits. The benefits remain in effect until recipients obtain other legal healthcare entitlements, and for the deceased soldier's children, coverage continues until they reach legal adulthood. The NHSO will manage and oversee the program's implementation.

The NHSO estimates an annual budget of 780,040 baht for program operations. For the 2025 fiscal year, funding will be requested from the central budget's emergency reserves, with future years' budgets submitted through the regular annual budget process.

Deputy Spokesperson Lalida emphasized that the government recognizes the supreme sacrifice made by military personnel and government officials who protect national sovereignty and public safety. She stated that caring for the families of the fallen is not merely a welfare benefit but a state responsibility to stand alongside the families of the brave. "Those who sacrificed for the nation should not be remembered only on the day they depart; their families must receive dignified care. This extends security from the frontlines to confidence for the families left behind," Lalida concluded.

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National

PM Orders Land Policy Board to Expedite Community Land Title Certification Within 60 Days, Identifies Legal and Accounting Professions as Loopholes for Nominee Schemes

Thailand's Prime Minister has ordered accelerated certification of community land titles within 60 days and launched a crackdown on nominee schemes, particularly targeting lawyers and accountants who facilitate legal workarounds. The government plans to coordinate with professional bodies to pursue ethics violations and conduct financial investigations into those involved in nominee business practices. The Prime Minister plans field visits to major tourism areas including Phuket and Koh Phangan to oversee enforcement efforts.

12 May Khaosod

At 2:00 p.m. on May 12, 2569 at Government House, Prime Minister's spokesperson Rachada Thanadirek announced directives from the cabinet meeting regarding the government's commitment to provide farmers and citizens with agricultural land ownership for livelihood security.

Last week, a Prime Minister's Office regulation on community land titles was repealed because existing legislation already empowers the National Land Policy Committee to oversee citizens' agricultural land issues. However, the Prime Minister has ordered the National Land Policy Committee to expedite the certification of community land titles previously issued under the now-repealed regulation into a fair land distribution format under Section 10 of the National Land Policy Committee Act. This legal status certification must be completed within 60 days.

Spokesperson Rachada stated that the Prime Minister is committed to decisively suppressing nominee schemes with concrete results. Previous enforcement efforts have been implemented in phases with multi-sector coordination involving the Justice Ministry, Commerce Ministry, the Anti-Money Laundering Committee (AMLC), and the Royal Thai Police.

The government has therefore instructed relevant agencies to accelerate measures against the use of nominee schemes in illegal business operations. Following the anti-nominee policy directive, reports emerged of certain lawyers and accountants providing advice or facilitating legal circumvention. These two professions have been identified as containing individuals misusing their expertise to create loopholes for nominee business activities. The Prime Minister has assigned the Justice Minister and Commerce Minister to consult with the Bar Association and Accounting Professions Council to consider professional ethics actions against involved practitioners, while instructing the AMLC to investigate financial trails of related persons to ensure concrete anti-nominee results.

On May 13, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Koh Phangan in Surat Thani Province and Phuket to monitor the situation and direct anti-nominee enforcement in key tourism areas, emphasizing the government's intensive nationwide inspection to prevent illegal groups from encroaching on professions or harming citizens and Thai entrepreneurs.

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National

Government Establishes Committee to Study Electricity Rate Structure and Private Power Purchase Agreements

Thailand's government has established a committee led by Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilpraband to address structural issues in electricity pricing, particularly controversial availability and energy payment charges in private power purchase contracts. The committee, comprising representatives from energy, law enforcement, and consumer protection agencies, will study comprehensive reforms to balance public interest with maintaining investment incentives in the power sector. The move reflects government efforts to tackle rising electricity costs while ensuring fair treatment of all parties and energy system stability.

12 May Khaosod

Prime Minister Anuthim Charnvirakul's government, under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilpraband, has prioritized structural reforms to electricity pricing, particularly addressing costs stemming from private power producer contracts. Key concerns center on two pricing components: Availability Payment (AP) and Energy Payment (EP), which have become contentious issues as electricity rates have climbed.

On May 11, 2025, the Prime Minister issued an order establishing a committee tasked with resolving problems arising from private power purchase agreements. Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilpraband serves as chairman, with the Energy Minister as vice-chairman. The committee includes representatives from the Energy Ministry, Interior Ministry, Office of the Attorney General, the Constitutional Court Office, the National Development Council, Consumer Protection Board, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Metropolitan Electricity Authority, Provincial Electricity Authority, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, and civil society representatives.

The committee's mandate includes studying approaches to resolve irregularities in private power purchase contracts—both availability and energy payment components—and proposing policy recommendations that comply with law, treat all parties fairly, and align costs with public burden.

The government acknowledges that electricity is a vital cost for households and businesses but emphasizes that solutions must be comprehensive, not merely short-term fixes. Thailand's power system involves energy security, long-term investment, and business confidence. The government commits to a transparent process engaging all stakeholders to develop solutions aimed at creating a stable, transparent, competitive Thai energy system that maximizes public benefit while maintaining investment incentives.

"As the world faces an energy crisis, Thailand's government views this not merely as a crisis to manage but as an opportunity to reform electricity rate structures fairly," spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek stated. "Citizens deserve protection, and law-abiding businesses need viable returns and incentives to continue investing in and developing Thailand's power system."

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National

Army Chief of Staff Inspects Sai Yok Border Area, Visits Local Affected by Cambodian Military Encounter

Thailand's Army Chief of Staff visited the Sai Yok border area in Buriram Province on May 12, 2025, following a local resident's encounter with armed Cambodian soldiers. The military official emphasized the need for enhanced border surveillance, increased troop deployment, and additional monitoring equipment to strengthen security in the region. All units have been ordered to maintain maximum readiness to protect national sovereignty and public safety along the border.

12 May Khaosod

On May 12, 2025, General Chaiyapruks Duangprathet, Chief of the Royal Thai Army and Commander of the Army Operations Center, conducted an on-site inspection of the Sai Yok border checkpoint area in Buriram Province to monitor security operations and evaluate safety measures in the region.

He subsequently visited and offered encouragement to Aphirak Butphet at his residence in Ban Kwad District, Buriram Province, following an incident in which both men encountered an armed group of Cambodian soldiers while gathering forest products. The encounter raised concerns among local residents living near the border.

The Army Chief directed the Suranari Command to adjust military deployment appropriately, deploy enhanced border surveillance equipment and support systems, and install additional monitoring devices to improve operational effectiveness and ensure comprehensive area coverage. He also ordered all units to maintain maximum readiness of personnel and equipment, capable of protecting national sovereignty and ensuring public safety at all times, in accordance with policies prioritizing security along all Thai border areas.

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