National

Central and Robinson Launch Major Back to School 2026 Campaign Supporting Government's Thailand Helps Thailand Cost-of-Living Reduction Initiative

Central and Robinson department stores launch Back to School 2026 campaign with discounts up to 4,600 baht, introducing exclusive Australian stationery brand Smiggle to support Thailand's cost-of-living reduction initiative through June 202

12 May Khaosod

Central and Robinson department stores under Central Retail are supporting the Ministry of Commerce's 'Thailand Helps Thailand Cost-of-Living Reduction Plus' project through the Back to School 2026 campaign, designed to reduce expenses for Thai families during school opening season while creating a valuable and lifestyle-appropriate back-to-school experience for modern children across all dimensions.

The campaign is built on a one-stop shopping concept, featuring carefully selected essentials for school-aged children including stationery, school supplies, fashion, and lifestyle items. This allows parents to shop confidently while children find the products fun and practical for daily use.

A major highlight is the introduction of products from Smiggle, an Australian children's stationery and lifestyle brand renowned for its vibrant colors, modern design, and diverse functionality, popular among children worldwide. Smiggle products are available exclusively at Central and Robinson department stores and through the stores' online channels.

The Back to School 2026 collection includes items for all age groups and genders, such as wheeled school bags, backpacks, water bottle carriers, fancy pencil boxes, and ID lanyards combining practicality with appealing designs to boost children's confidence. The range also includes shoes, socks, undergarments, t-shirts, children's smartwatches, stationery sets, and art supplies for developing creative skills, serving both classroom and extracurricular needs.

To reduce families' financial burden, Central and Robinson are offering special promotions during the Back to School 2026 campaign from April 30 to June 2, 2026. These include special-priced items, value-packed school opening sets, ongoing special offers, and discount coupons totaling up to 4,600 baht from Central Retail partner stores. The promotions are available at all Central and Robinson locations nationwide and through multiple shopping channels including the Central App, www.central.co.th, Central's Line chat service (@CENTRALOFFICIAL), Facebook Live, and direct messaging on Central and Robinson's Facebook pages.

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Breaking

Curry Rice Vendor Beaten with Sacred Whip, Wounds Still Unhealed After 10 Days, Fears Madness Following Decade-Long Feud with Neighbor

A 68-year-old curry rice vendor in Nonthaburi province remains bruised and unable to work 10 days after being beaten with a whip by a neighbor during a market dispute that has festered for nearly a decade.

12 May Khaosod

On May 12, 2026, a good citizen reported that a 68-year-old curry rice vendor had been struck with a sacred whip and suffered injuries that remained unhealed after 10 days, preventing her from conducting normal business and losing income. The incident occurred on the morning of May 3, 2026 at a market in Sai Noi district, Nonthaburi province.

When visiting the vendor, identified as Noi (pseudonym), reporters found extensive dark bruises on both her arms, two lacerated wounds, bruises on her shoulder and the back of her neck, and swelling on her head. She had filed a report at Sai Noi police station.

Noi recounted that on the day of the incident, she was sweeping under her table when the wife of the alleged assailant, a dried fish vendor, asked why she was sweeping, claiming her husband had already swept. Noi responded that she was only sweeping under her own table and it didn't concern them. She said her son told her to be quiet, but she couldn't help making a remark, though the neighboring family had been verbally abusive toward her for nearly 10 years. After the wife quieted down, the husband returned with a sacred whip and struck her multiple times while saying "It's good I'm not beating you to death." Someone intervened to stop him. He never came to help with her medical treatment afterward, and she paid for all her own expenses. Both her arms ached severely, making it impossible to cook or lift things.

Noi further explained that people told her the whip belonged to Luang Por Teh Kongthong of Watsamnguam Temple in Nakhon Pathom province. According to local belief, anyone struck with such a whip would go mad. Currently she experiences only arm pain, but during the first three days that Sunday, she felt disoriented and feared losing her mind. She has been unable to sell curry rice for nearly 10 days and doesn't know when she'll recover, with no income since she cannot work.

Aumruay, 85, a retired civic volunteer who intervened to stop the fight, said he witnessed them arguing before the altercation began. He noted that both shops frequently quarrel due to their close proximity, possibly over trash issues. The temple later called police to take the assailant for questioning. Last Sunday, neither shop came to sell because the temple has a rule that both parties cannot sell if they quarrel.

Somboon, 69, a temple monk, stated that this is now a police matter. He explained that the two have frequent disputes over various issues including sweeping garbage and boundary encroachment, though he hasn't been involved in the details. The temple generally issues warnings as it has no special measures, but this is now an assault case. The victim's injuries are severe with extensive bruising. Regarding the weapon, some say it was an electrical cable while others say it was a whip, but he didn't see clearly—only the wounds, which are pitiful.

Initially, police have gathered evidence and are awaiting medical results before summoning the alleged assailant to acknowledge charges and proceed with legal action.

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Community

Chinese Businessman Closes Restaurant for 13 Days to Donate Stem Cells, Customers Flock to Support Him Upon Reopening

A Chinese restaurateur closed his barbecue shop for 13 days to donate stem cells for a leukemia patient, sparking overwhelming customer support when he reopened. The surge in business became so intense he had to extend hours until 2 a.m. an

12 May Khaosod

A 33-year-old businessman named Xiao Sanhu from Anhui Province, China, closed his barbecue restaurant for 13 days to donate stem cells and help save the life of a 3-year-old girl suffering from leukemia. The inspiring story went viral and generated tremendous customer support when he reopened.

On April 18, he posted a sign saying "Business closed for one week," but customers didn't know he was actually traveling to Hefei to donate stem cells for a young patient. The entire process took 13 days, completing on April 27. After the story spread, numerous customers rushed to support his restaurant. Even after expanding to 50 tables, it wasn't enough—the restaurant had to operate from 8:30 a.m. until 2 a.m. due to constant crowds.

When staff shortages became apparent, the local restaurant association, Red Crescent Society, and rescue teams sent chefs and volunteers to help. Xiao Sanhu plans to relocate his restaurant to a larger space to avoid inconveniencing neighboring businesses.

Xiao Sanhu registered for the stem cell donation program in 2019 and was notified in 2025 that his bone marrow matched a patient. After a health check in early 2026, he completed the donation and recovered well with only minor low blood sugar. "I'm just doing a small thing," he said. "Stem cell donation is a safe process, and I hope more people will participate."

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National

Easy Money Launches 'Vision of Merit' Project to Improve Quality of Life Through Access to Better Vision, Advancing Long-Term CSR for Thai Society

Easy Money launched the 'Vision of Merit' CSR project to provide free eye exams and glasses to underserved children and elderly across Thailand, targeting 1,500-2,000 participants annually across its 98 branches.

12 May Khaosod

Easy Money is advancing its corporate role through the 'Vision of Merit' project, a quality-of-life CSR initiative aimed at creating opportunities for children, youth, and elderly people to access quality vision care. The company provides free eye examinations and glasses to children and seniors in communities around its branches, with plans to expand nationwide 3-4 times annually, serving 1,500-2,000 participants per year.

On May 12, 2025, Sithiwich Tangthanakiart, Chairman of Easy Money Group, revealed that the company has been conducting CSR activities consistently for 21 years across health, religion, environment, and community assistance. However, most previous projects were implemented according to specific local contexts and needs. A major turning point came when the company recognized that 'vision problems' are a quality-of-life obstacle affecting people of all ages, particularly vulnerable groups unable to access eyeglasses.

"We believe that 'good vision' is the starting point for life opportunities," said Sithiwich. "When people can see clearly, they have greater opportunities to learn, work, and live confidently. We developed the 'Vision of Merit' project to help disadvantaged groups who cannot access proper eye examination and eyeglass services."

Easy Money selected 'Kehara Rom Klao' community in Bangkok as the pilot area for the first Vision of Merit project due to its concentration of elderly residents, children, and low-income families. The team spent over two months surveying needs and conducting eye examinations.

Suthee Panavorn, Chief Executive Officer of Easy Money Group, stated that vision problems are a 'basic necessity' for everyone, but income limitations prevent many from accessing quality services. The company's vision is to serve as a platform unlocking Thai people's potential, not just financially but also in quality of life. Easy Money specifically targets the elderly and youth, as these two groups are most affected by vision problems—youth face impacts on education and future prospects, while elderly face impacts on quality of life and safety.

The first Vision of Merit project successfully distributed glasses to 252 participants at the Kehara Rom Klao branch within 30 days of eye measurement. The company aims to make this a long-term program, distributing glasses 3-4 times annually, totaling approximately 1,500-2,000 glasses per year, with expansion across all 98 Easy Money branches nationwide.

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Regional

Natural Resources Department Cracks Down on Freedom Beach Encroachment in Phuket, Reclaiming Public Shoreline

Thailand's Natural Resources Department is cracking down on decade-long encroachment at Freedom Beach in Phuket, where systematic illegal occupation has blocked public shoreline access and charged tourists unauthorized fees since 2015.

12 May Khaosod

The Natural Resources Department is taking action against systematic encroachment at Freedom Beach in Phuket, moving to reclaim public beach access. On May 12, Deputy Natural Resources Minister Nantchat Suphongkhun led an integrated task force including inspectors, provincial administrators, and relevant agencies to investigate land encroachment at Freedom Beach—a persistent problem spanning over a decade, acting on direct orders from Natural Resources Minister Suchart Chomklin to expedite investigations and prosecutions.

Deputy Minister Nantchat reported that in-depth investigations revealed a sophisticated, systematic encroachment pattern beginning in 2015 when individuals assumed land management roles for the original owner, later seizing control after the owner's death. A government official involved in illegally issuing land documents faced prosecution. Influential figures were subsequently brought in to expand the encroached territory and monopolize beach access by leveraging steep terrain to block public pathways, while collecting 200–300 baht per tourist under the guise of maintenance and garbage management fees. Investigators also discovered attempts to forge land title documents in the database.

Previously, under Governor Nirati Pongsittavon's direction, Phuket provincial authorities inspected the Naka Range National Forest Reserve and identified clear encroachment of approximately 57 rai, leading to 23 criminal cases filed under the Forestry and National Forest Reserve Acts—representing destruction of natural resources in a strategic area for Phuket province.

Deputy Minister Nantchat affirmed the government's commitment to preventing encroachment of forests and public beaches for personal gain, ordering relevant agencies to accelerate prosecutions, ensure thorough investigations, and swiftly bring offenders through the justice system to preserve Thailand's natural resources for current and future generations.

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Police

PM Says Chinese National Ming Chen Sun Not a Terrorist; Police to Trace Root Causes; Gun Permits to Be Revoked This September

Prime Minister Anutthin Charnvirakul said Chinese national Ming Chen Sun, accused of weapons and explosives violations, is not a terrorist but an ordinary person under investigation. All civilian gun permits will expire in September, after

12 May Khaosod

On May 12, 2569, Prime Minister Anutthin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister held a press conference at the Narcotics Control Bureau addressing the case of Ming Chen Sun, a Chinese national accused of war weapons, explosives, and security violations involving Thai politicians. The PM stated the suspect is undergoing investigation and that any involvement with Thai politicians would depend on whether they participated in criminal activity. He noted that knowing someone is normal, and the suspect has lived in Thailand for years, but anyone involved in criminal conduct will face prosecution.

When asked about the suspect's level within criminal networks, the PM referred questions to the Royal Thai Police, stating it was an investigative matter. Regarding alleged coordination with Cambodian authorities, the PM emphasized the focus is on criminal charges resulting from the investigation, using interrogations of the suspect and witnesses. He stated that if anyone is implicated, they will all face prosecution.

Regarding the discovered equipment and the suspect's intentions, the PM indicated some details are sensitive information. Addressing public and tourist safety concerns, he assured that citizens and visitors can continue normal activities, with the Thai government and police guaranteeing public safety.

The PM described the suspect as an ordinary person, not a terrorist or someone seeking to harm the general public. Police have the capability to trace the case to its roots, extending investigations to the suspect's wife and networks. When asked if the suspect could be a mercenary, the PM stated he appears to be an ordinary person.

Regarding politicians connected to the suspect, the PM said nothing should be stated and hoped no one would provide support for illegal activities. On whether decisive action would be taken, the PM responded rhetorically that no one has ever successfully fled.

Addressing whether security measures failed to prevent the suspect from storing C-4 explosives and ten firearms, the PM clarified this was not a security lapse but criminal conduct. Private individuals cannot legally possess firearms unless they are government officials, and storing explosives at home is illegal. Carrying weapons anywhere is illegal.

The PM announced that as Interior Minister he did not renew gun permits, maintaining the same policy as Prime Minister with oversight from police, the Interior Ministry, and Defense Ministry. Currently there are no active gun permits, and all existing permits expire this September. After that, only authorized government officials may carry firearms.

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Regional

Nara United Calls for Quality Fan Support in Crucial Thai League 2 Promotion Playoff Against Suratthani

Nara United's president urges fans to support with dignity ahead of a crucial Thai League 2 promotion playoff against Suratthani, warning that throwing objects onto the pitch has already cost the club a 60,000-baht fine and future penalties

12 May Khaosod

Nara United club president Affan Hayyiyusoh has issued a warning to fans to support the team with quality and dignity during the decisive Thai League 2 promotion playoff against Suratthani FC, urging them not to throw objects onto the pitch.

After Nara United defeated PT Suratthani FC 1-0 at home on May 9, the club secured second place from three Thai League 3 Champions League groups and advanced to the semi-finals for another matchup with Suratthani FC.

Club president Affan Hayyiyusoh recently posted to fans requesting their cooperation to support the team with quality conduct and refrain from throwing objects onto the field.

"Following the specific incident of a fan throwing a water glass onto the pitch in the previous match, Nara United received a fine of 60,000 baht. Fortunately, since we are currently in Thai League 3, we are only paying one-quarter of the penalty amount."

"However, if we advance to Thai League 2 one day, the penalties will be much more severe and carry significantly higher fines."

"The club requests the cooperation of all fans to refrain from throwing objects onto the pitch in all cases, for the image of our home team and the future of the club. If such incidents occur again, the club will take action to identify individuals and pursue legal proceedings in all cases. This is considered a rule for attending matches together. Good football starts with quality fan support."

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National

Opposition Parties File Petition with Constitutional Court to Rule on 400 Billion Baht Emergency Decree

Opposition parties challenged a 400 billion baht emergency decree in Thailand's Constitutional Court, arguing that long-term energy transition projects don't meet the legal threshold for emergency measures that bypass parliament.

12 May Khaosod

On May 12, the opposition coalition submitted a petition requesting Constitutional Court review of the 400 billion baht borrowing decree issued to address energy crisis impacts and facilitate the country's energy transition. The opposition contends that emergency decrees can only bypass parliament during genuine special circumstances involving national security, public safety, economic stability, or disaster relief—and only when there is an unavoidable urgent necessity. The petition questions whether energy transition, a long-term strategic plan spanning multiple years, genuinely qualifies as such an emergency. The opposition notes that many components of the decree—transitioning from fossil fuels, developing energy infrastructure, promoting clean technology, workforce development, and supporting green innovation—are all medium and long-term initiatives requiring years to implement. The petition cites examples such as the difficulty of immediately reducing natural gas-based electricity generation (currently 69% of total) due to existing private power plant concession contracts, and the need for smart grid upgrades before significantly increasing rooftop solar adoption. The opposition argues that while energy transition is desirable, it should proceed through normal budgetary mechanisms rather than emergency decrees circumventing parliament, and that such structural development requires 4+ years of phased investment based on priority needs.

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Police

Love Triangle Stabbing: New Wife Stabs Old Wife Three Times in the Chest at Molam Festival, Resolved Peacefully Because They Share the Same Husband

A 24-year-old woman was stabbed three times in the chest by her ex-husband's new girlfriend at a molam festival in Udon Thani on May 2, with the attacker claiming self-defense in a dispute over their shared husband who is currently in jail.

12 May Khaosod

On May 12, 2569, 24-year-old Ms. Base from Ban Muang, Ban Dung District, Udon Thani filed a complaint after being stabbed in the chest by an older acquaintance with a short knife on May 2 during a molam festival celebration at Kham Chanoei. She reported the incident to Dong Yen Police Station, but the case has not progressed.

When reporters met Ms. Base after her hospital discharge, she showed three knife wounds to her chest and one long gash from the blade. She explained that she is still experiencing chest pain and has a follow-up appointment to have stitches removed. Video footage from villagers showed her lying on the ground covered in blood before paramedics rushed her to the hospital.

Ms. Base recounted that on the evening of May 2, she went to the molam festival at Kham Chanoei around 5 PM when she was about to head home. Suddenly, a woman—the new girlfriend of her ex-husband—approached her and accused her of hiring someone to harm her. Without further words, the woman pulled out a knife and stabbed Ms. Base three times in the chest, then made one long slash across her chest. Ms. Base struggled to grab the knife and managed to wrest it away, but then collapsed and only regained consciousness at the hospital.

Ms. Base identified her attacker as 26-year-old Ms. Nook from Khamphoeng Village, who is the new girlfriend of her ex-husband, who is currently in jail. She explained that the attack stemmed from tensions and resentment between the two women over the same man.

"Nai Tai was my ex-husband, but I don't know where he went," Ms. Base said. "In January 2569, Nai Tai secretly got together with Ms. Nook. The three of us fought many times. I eventually stepped back and tried to move on, thinking it was his affair. But when I went to the molam festival at Kham Chanoei, I ran into his new girlfriend, and Ms. Nook rushed at me with a knife and almost killed me. I'm not asking for much—just justice. I want the police to arrest the person responsible and pursue charges."

Ms. Base's mother, 57-year-old Nang Nark, said she was devastated when she learned her daughter had been stabbed. The doctor initially told her to prepare for the worst, as the stab wounds were near her daughter's abdomen and heart. However, the doctor miraculously saved her daughter's life. Regarding the case, she said they filed a report but nothing seems to be progressing and they want justice.

When reporters met Ms. Nook to hear her side of the story, she claimed she encountered Ms. Base, a younger acquaintance, by chance at the molam festival. She said Ms. Base appeared drunk and was holding a knife, intending to attack her first. Ms. Nook said she wrestled the knife away and stabbed in self-defense. She acknowledged responsibility for the stabbing and attributed it to the love triangle involving their shared husband, who is now in jail. She said she wants to resolve the matter without further conflict because both women share this unusual circumstance.

When reporters facilitated a conversation between the two women, they both apologized to each other. Ms. Nook said she was sorry for what she did, while Ms. Base said she wasn't angry at her and was worried that if they went to court, it would be difficult for both. They decided not to pursue charges against each other, with Ms. Base's father planning to withdraw the report. The two forgave each other and ended the conflict, bringing their love triangle to a peaceful resolution.

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National

Chiang Mai University Dental Faculty and Thai Children No-Sugar Network Study 'Sugar Literacy' Finds Elderly Score Low, High-Income Groups Most Health-Conscious

A Chiang Mai University study on sugar literacy reveals Thai elderly have low awareness of healthy sugar consumption, while high-income groups show significantly better dietary knowledge across four regions.

12 May Khaosod

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pinpinat Vanitchai Saitong from Chiang Mai University's Faculty of Dentistry and academic lead for the Thai Children No-Sugar Network unveiled findings from a 35-question assessment tool measuring food and health literacy with specific focus on reducing sugar consumption among students and elderly people. The test comprised 10 true-false knowledge questions and 25 attitude assessment questions covering topics such as recommended sugar intake, beverages, food labels, nutritional information access, food selection ability, and environmental factors.

When tested across four Thai regions, results showed that Thais possessed moderate to fairly good health literacy levels. The research discovered a significant relationship between Sugar Literacy scores and oral health, with functional natural teeth correlating strongly with sugar awareness. People scoring higher on the Sugar Literacy assessment added sugar to food only 1-2 times weekly, compared to low-scoring individuals who did so more than 3 times weekly.

Key findings revealed that literacy scores decreased with age, while high-income groups demonstrated significantly better health awareness than other income brackets. Working-age adults showed increased awareness as they aged, attributable to better access to health information and societal health trends. The study emphasized that the No-Sugar Network's comprehensive approach—from upstream policy advocacy including sugar taxes to downstream behavior change—has successfully prompted manufacturers to develop low-sugar beverage alternatives, even if price mechanisms alone don't directly alter consumer behavior. Assoc. Prof. Saitong stressed that health literacy fundamentally stems from building strong foundational knowledge, with the measurement serving as an outcome indicator of the network's campaign success and Thai consumers' capacity for informed dietary choices.

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National

True VIP Materials Required! AIS Launches New Game to Win Premium Customers with "5G VIP Ultra" Package

AIS has launched "5G VIP Ultra," a premium 5G package featuring Network Slicing technology for consistent high-speed connectivity and exclusive VIP privileges designed for premium customers seeking superior digital experiences.

12 May Khaosod

True VIP materials required! AIS launches a new game to win over premium customers with the first-ever "5G VIP Ultra" package—offering the next level of connectivity with superior privileges across all dimensions.

AIS is advancing digital experience with the launch of "AIS 5G VIP Ultra," a premium monthly package specifically designed for VIP customers under the concept of "a new definition of speed and VIP-level privileges." The core promise of AIS 5G VIP Ultra is delivering exceptional connectivity paired with superior privileges through faster, stronger, and more stable 5G internet experience, enhanced by Network Slicing technology that maintains consistent high performance like a perpetual Boost Mode 24/7, even in high-traffic areas. Mobile screens will display the "AIS VIP" symbol, confirming the user's special connectivity experience level.

Kanadhip Thiratip, Head of Product and Postpaid Customer Marketing at AIS, stated: "Today, mobile networks can no longer be just 'general signal transmission networks.' They must be digital infrastructure that understands customer differences and delivers increasingly personalized solutions. AIS is advancing toward becoming an Intelligent Digital Platform that leverages network and data capabilities to create experiences matching each customer group's lifestyle. Our data shows a segment of heavy digital users—who communicate, access digital services, and use various daily applications—who don't just want internet speed but a complete experience: strength, stability, premium service, and privileges reflecting their identity. Everything about their usage must be VIP."

AIS has introduced the AIS 5G VIP Ultra package, representing the next evolution of 5G packages designed for customers seeking premium-tier experiences. It embraces the concept of "Ultra Connected, Ultra Privileged," emphasizing both superior connectivity and enhanced privileges. The "AIS VIP" symbol appears on customer screens when using 5G SA, not merely indicating network status but confirming genuine access to AIS's special experience level.

Regarding superior connectivity, AIS leverages AIS 5G-ADVANCED technology through Network Slicing, enabling precise network resource design, analysis, and allocation across speed, stability, and low latency, providing confident usage like continuous 24/7 Boost Mode, especially in high-traffic scenarios such as concerts, events, stadiums, and exhibitions. This elevates mobile networks from one-size-fits-all service to personalized experiences across all customer segments.

Beyond superior connectivity, AIS 5G VIP Ultra includes premium privileges spanning services and lifestyle benefits, including instant Serenade status, access to special Personal Assistant care services for supported packages, and number selection rights.

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