On May 7, 2025, at Bangkok City Hall, Governor Chadchart Sittiphan gave an interview regarding his political direction and prospects for running in the second Bangkok governor election, indicating a strong likelihood he will seek re-election to continue his work. However, he stated he is currently focused on performing his duties as governor excellently until his term concludes, after which he will make an official announcement.

Regarding his administrative team, most will remain unchanged, though some consideration may be given to personnel adjustments for advisory positions in the future.

Chadchart said he is not concerned about other candidates announcing their bids, viewing it positively for democracy as it provides voters with diverse choices and sparks new ideas for urban development. He noted that since he currently serves as governor and receives a salary, he must give priority to performing his present duties to the best of his ability.

"Regarding running for a second term as Bangkok governor, I acknowledge there is a strong possibility I will continue," Chadchart said. "But I want to do my current job excellently first until my term is complete. As for a landslide—to be frank, there is no way. The latest parliamentary election clearly shows that the Pheu Thai Party is very strong and popular in Bangkok."

This election will be an intense competition, and his camp must perform at full capacity without viewing anyone as an enemy, but instead offering the best options for the public to decide. If they return to office, they can adopt good policies from others. If they don't return, their beneficial policies can be adopted by others as well.

When asked if Pheu Thai's candidate entry makes the Bangkok race difficult, Chadchart acknowledged that Pheu Thai makes things tough for him as well, as they have strong support in Bangkok. "That's good—it makes us work harder," he said.

Regarding confidence in this election, Chadchart said he cannot be confident as he must prioritize listening to the public's voice. He has no expectations or concerns, as his work is independent and involves no personal financial investment, so there is nothing to lose if he doesn't continue.

He believes his four-year track record will inform public decision-making. As a sitting official, it is natural that some people are satisfied and some are not.

When asked about the importance of Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) support in this election, Chadchart stated that the BMC is crucial for passing laws and budgets. He wants a quality, transparent council that genuinely works for the people. Currently, he has not announced special support for any particular faction, but in the future, if he finds candidates whose approach aligns well with his, he may consider supporting them.

Regarding future work policies, Chadchart confirmed he will continue advancing capillary economics alongside major infrastructure projects, using appropriate technology to maximize city efficiency. He noted that people have seen improvements in daily life from the capillary focus, but both elements must proceed together—like a body that needs both major and minor blood vessels to be strong.

On budget management, Chadchart stated that Bangkok followed balanced budget principles. In 2024, revenues exceeded projections by over 5 billion baht through cost savings and efficient revenue collection.

Bank of Thailand Governor Vithaya Rattanakorn stated that the central bank estimates the government's 400 billion baht emergency borrowing decree will add 0.6% stimulus to economic growth, bringing this year's overall GDP expansion to 2.1%, up from the previous 1.5% forecast based on a 300 billion baht borrowing plan.

Looking ahead to 2027, economic growth is projected at 1.6%, down from the earlier 2% forecast, due to the higher growth base this year. Regarding inflation, this year is expected to see 3.0-3.1% inflation, up from the previous 2.9% estimate, while next year's inflation is projected at 1.4%, compared to the earlier 1.5% forecast. As of April 2026, inflation stood at 2.89%, consistent with the Bank of Thailand's prediction that inflation will spike to 4-5% in some months before gradually declining in the second quarter of 2027.

Governor Rattanakorn stated that Thailand has not entered "stagflation" because, by definition, stagflation requires economic contraction combined with sustained high inflation. Currently, while inflation has risen moderately, it is expected to decline gradually in the second quarter of next year, meaning inflation will not persist long-term. Therefore, the country is not experiencing stagflation.

"However, circumstances change constantly, and there remains a stagflation risk that we must monitor and assess," the Bank of Thailand governor said. "That said, if we compare Thailand's inflation rate with other countries, Thailand's inflation remains on the lower end, while many countries are experiencing higher inflation rates."

On May 7, 2025, police conducted a traffic discipline checkpoint in front of Mae Nam Khwae Vocational College on Saengchuoto Road in Mueang District, Kanchanaburi Province. Officers stopped a Toyota sedan with Kanchanaburi registration traveling from the Kaeng Sian intersection toward downtown Kanchanaburi. While checking the driver's documents, officers observed suspicious behavior consistent with drug use and conducted a detailed search. They discovered 28 methamphetamine pills hidden in a glass bottle in the driver's seat cushion.

The suspect, identified as Songsakdi (surname withheld), age 56, was taken into custody. Upon interrogation at Mueang Kanchanaburi Police Station, a urine test came back positive. He admitted to purchasing 30 methamphetamine pills from a dealer named Naen from Ban Bong Dee, Sai Yok District, at 50 baht per pill. He had consumed two pills, leaving 28 remaining. He was driving to Kanchanaburi Provincial Prison to visit his wife, who is imprisoned on drug charges. The suspect had previously been arrested on drug charges by Sai Yok Police and was released approximately five years ago.

The suspect faces three charges: possession of Category 1 controlled substances without authorization, illegal consumption of Category 1 controlled substances, and driving under the influence of drugs.

The Intellectual Property Department and The One Enterprise are collaborating to promote geographical indication (GI) products through television dramas and series, while strengthening copyright laws and protecting performers' rights to advance Thailand's content industry. Ormon Sabtwitthidharm, director-general of the Intellectual Property Department, announced the partnership following meetings with Takol Kiattiwirawan, CEO of The One Enterprise Public Company Limited at GMM Grammy Place, where both organizations explored strategies to promote intellectual property use and create tangible value for the creative economy through comprehensive support of Thailand's content industry—from creation and talent development to commercial expansion and international market growth. The collaboration leverages the power of dramas and series as important tools to promote GI products both domestically and internationally.

"This discussion reflects the commitment of both public and private sectors to strengthen Thailand's content industry and enhance its global competitiveness, while developing personnel capabilities and content that can support growth in international markets," the director-general stated. The partnership emphasizes systematically linking storytelling, brand identity, and economic value, aligning with Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Sudhiramphunt's policy to strengthen Thai SMEs through intellectual property as a value-adding tool and to elevate Thai creative works and identity products to the global market.

Both parties discussed upgrading copyright laws and performer rights protections. The Intellectual Property Department is currently proposing amendments to the Copyright Act to enable Thailand's accession to the WIPO Performances and Phonograms Treaty (WPPT) under RCEP obligations, with completion targeted for 2025. This will enhance protection of performers' and sound recording producers' rights in the digital age. The department is welcoming private sector input and planning educational forums on copyright law to balance rights protection with sustainable development of the Thai film and drama industry.

The two organizations also identified opportunities to benefit communities by integrating GI products with local narratives into drama and series content through product placement and storyline connections—such as featuring GI products in dining scenes, using GI production facilities as filming locations, and linking character storylines to producers' lifestyles. Thai dramas, series, and news programs serve as soft power to convey local charm, lifestyle, and national identity to audiences at home and abroad, thereby creating tangible economic value.

At 10:30 a.m. on May 7, 2025, during a House session chaired by Sophon Saramoon, opposition MP Sirikanya Tansukul questioned Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister about a proposed emergency decree authorizing the Finance Ministry to borrow 400 billion baht to address energy crisis impacts and facilitate the country's energy transition. Anutin delegated Phruet Panisnanangkul, Prime Minister's Office Minister, to respond.

Sirikanya argued that the Cabinet's approval of the 400 billion baht borrowing was rushed through as a secret agenda, making it impossible to assess the decree's actual contents. She questioned the program's vagueness, noting only 11 articles exist in what appears to be just a few pages requesting public funds. She criticized the first 200 billion baht allocation targeting 30 million people through a half-and-half welfare distribution, using 1.2 trillion baht of existing budget and adding 528 billion baht to state welfare cards.

Sirikanya highlighted contradictions in the government's 5T framework, particularly the "Target" component. She noted the first-come-first-served registration system prevents identification of genuinely distressed individuals, making the relief appear random. She acknowledged understanding the government's financial constraints but argued that fiscal discipline should be tighter during economic hardship.

Sirikanya's main concern involved the government stuffing 200 billion baht for energy transition restructuring into an urgent emergency decree. She questioned why a non-urgent project required emergency status and what percentage of the energy transition goal could realistically be achieved within one year. She argued the government reduced its original 500 billion baht request to 400 billion baht while still attempting to combine unrelated energy projects with immediate relief measures.

Listen to Another Perspective: Gong from Hive Salon Posts Commentary as JJ and Ta-Heneng Announce Relationship Status Change, Drawing Agreement in the Comments

The breakup of this popular young celebrity couple continues to be widely discussed and lamented. JJ Krishnaputra and Ta-Heneng Kanyavee have finally announced their relationship status change.

Gong from Hive Salon Responds on the Day of the Announcement

From Gong Kriset's perspective—owner of the well-known Hive Salon who is close friends with numerous celebrities, including JJ and Ta-Heneng—when checking X (Twitter) under the handle G24 @Gonghive24, Gong posted the following message on the day JJ and Ta-Heneng announced their status change:

"The future is something we can't predict. It takes time to work things out. Why should they be forced to admit something? The conclusion is that when they get back together, it will have to be a couple that already changed their status once—because of other people. Why, when they've been apart and needed time from being together for 10 years, should they not be given space to figure things out? Why can't we respect their privacy?"

Commenters Strongly Agreed with Gong's Perspective

The comments showed overwhelming agreement with Gong's viewpoint, who is a close friend of JJ and Ta-Heneng, along with various criticisms:

- You're absolutely right, P'Gong. No one should comment on things the people involved haven't spoken about themselves, because some things really do take time. 10 years means so much. What they did was so ugly—they pressured them into making a statement about something that shouldn't have required a public announcement at all. - When love is no longer just between two people, I feel sorry for both of them, P'Gong. - P'Gong is right. This is between the two of them. They're working things out. Why force them to speak? That's so cruel. I want to encourage both of them. I've been following and supporting both of them for a long time. Sending hugs. - That's true. I understand both of them. Sometimes they might not be at the point of making an announcement yet. They might be at a point of trying to understand each other. 10 years—they may have gone through situations like this before. But this time it feels like they were forced to admit it. I feel so sorry for them. And so on.

Source: G24 @Gonghive24 Fresh News Team, May 7, 2026