Breaking

Chaos! Hundreds of Drug Rehabilitation Patients Flee Treatment Center; Authorities Intensify Manhunt

About 500 patients fled a drug rehabilitation center in Nakhon Si Thammarat province on May 6 after leaders forced open a door during a power outage, though all were accounted for by afternoon with 30 safely returning home.

6 May Khaosod

At 7:20 a.m. on May 6, 2025, Radio 191 received reports of a disturbance at the drug rehabilitation center in Kaew Saen subdistrict, Na Bon district, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, with approximately 500 patients attempting to escape. Police and officials from various agencies were dispatched to the scene, with Deputy Region 8 Police Commander Ponchai Khachakl and Na Bon District Police Commander's deputy Khajit Kongprab arriving to oversee the situation personally.

Initial investigations revealed no injuries or clear property damage. Officers were actively pursuing escapees while monitoring the surrounding area to prevent harm to local residents. Deputy Na Bon Police Commander Kasamsit Champathong confirmed that authorities were urgently resolving the situation and called on local residents to report any suspicious individuals.

By 1:00 p.m., Na Bon District Chief Virapan Sukawalli reported the situation had returned to normal, with all rehabilitation patients accounted for. Thirty had safely returned home, while others were being reunited with their families.

Investigations determined that approximately 10 core leaders, placed in the program for nearly a year by family members who refused to pick them up, had planned the escape. When the power went out in the early morning, they forced open the door seeking to leave and go home—not causing serious damage or destruction. When others saw the open door, they also exited. Authorities concluded the incident stemmed from stress related to confinement rather than violence.

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National

Sky and Nani Invite Fans to Watch Series 'WU' and Reveal Production Challenges

Stars Sky Wongsurawat and Nani Hiranyakrit unveiled their new supernatural series 'WU' at a May 5 premiere, revealing intense production challenges including Chinese ritual incantations, action sequences, and emotional performances. The ser

6 May Khaosod

Stars Sky Wongsurawat and Nani Hiranyakrit unveiled their new series 'WU' at a premiere event on May 5 at CentralwOrld PULSE Hall, Level 7, alongside the full cast and director. Both actors revealed that filming the series was extremely challenging, with Sky acknowledging he faced challenges across all aspects of production, while Nani had to manage both intense action sequences and deep emotional performances that demanded significant physical effort.

Nani described the series as follows: 'It's a story about people who gain power from heaven and earth to subdue demons. When they encounter these evil forces, various missions unfold. Sky plays Wu, and I play a character named Pete. In the story, Pete is eternally tasked with subduing demons, and when he encounters Wu at a location with evil power, the two meet and face missions that could affect the world.'

Regarding character development, Nani noted that Pete is a young man with a complex backstory, while Sky explained that his character is 'Wu Out of the Cage'—not following the traditional way of Wu but instead defying the natural order. He works for money and accepts any job to subdue demons, whereas Pete is an athlete who has lost himself in vice.

On the production challenges, Sky detailed that being Wu involves performing long ritual incantations in Chinese language, incorporating Chinese cultural elements, and coordinating extensively with the CG team on visual effects. Nani discussed how Pete's hot-headed nature, combined with an internal power, required her to handle both physical action and emotional depth simultaneously, draining both body and spirit.

Both actors emphasized the importance of the supporting cast, noting that every guest star plays a crucial role in advancing the storyline and missions. Sky and Nani's characters, who didn't know each other initially, gradually develop into partners—with Pete as a possessed athlete and Wu as an unconventional demon subduer.

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National

GC Opens New NatureWorks Plant Producing Full-Cycle PLA in Asia

GC has opened a second NatureWorks plant at Nakhon Sawan Bio Complex to produce 75,000 tons of PLA bioplastic annually from Thai sugarcane, positioning Thailand as a regional bioplastic manufacturing hub.

6 May Khaosod

GC opens new NatureWorks plant producing full-cycle PLA bioplastic in Asia, advancing Thailand toward becoming a bioplastic manufacturing base and providing fossil-fuel-free plastic alternatives.

Saroj Puddhathammawong, Chief Operating Officer of PTT Global Chemical Public Company Limited (GC), a chemical products leader, announced the company's expansion into low-carbon business under a strategy balancing business growth with sustainability. This is achieved through investment in NatureWorks, the world's largest polylactic acid (PLA) bioplastic producer. The second plant has officially opened at the Nakhon Sawan Bio Complex in Nakhon Sawan Province, marking a major step for Thailand's bioplastic industry and aligning with global sustainability trends.

The new facility opening reflects the company's vision for sustainable growth through developing products that meet innovation, performance, and environmental impact reduction standards. NatureWorks, a joint venture between PTT Global Chemical and Cargill, serves as a key mechanism driving the bioplastic industry while responding to market demand for alternative materials and enhancing supply chain flexibility, particularly as the world prioritizes managing raw material diversity risks amid geopolitical volatility.

This is NatureWorks' second PLA bioplastic facility under the Ingeo brand, utilizing world-class bioplastic technology and 100% Thai sugarcane as feedstock to produce environmentally friendly PLA bioplastic with a production capacity of 75,000 tons annually. This demonstrates Thailand's potential to develop a complete value chain industry from upstream to downstream, adding value to the agricultural sector and connecting to other industries.

Ingeo PLA biodegrades under appropriate conditions, has a low carbon footprint, and reduces environmental impact. Applications include tea bags, coffee capsules, food packaging, household items such as electrical appliance components, office equipment, phone cases, cosmetic cases, diapers, cleaning cloths, face masks, and 3D printing filaments.

Ingeo PLA holds international certifications across multiple dimensions, including USDA BioPreferred for biopreferred raw materials and circular carbon, and ISCC PLUS for sustainable raw materials.

"This plant represents another significant step for NatureWorks, reflecting the global growth trajectory of low-carbon materials amid high-volatility conditions. Biomaterials are playing an increasingly important role in providing industrial flexibility. We are confident NatureWorks will be a powerful force driving our Sustainable Portfolio strategy and elevating Thailand's bioplastic industry to the regional Asian level," said an NatureWorks representative.

Thattaphol Rangsitphol, Permanent Secretary of the Industry Ministry, noted that this bioplastic facility represents a meaningful investment for Thailand, as it leverages and adds value to the country's agricultural raw materials, particularly the sugarcane and sugar industries, enhancing competitiveness and resilience.

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National

Rayong FC Congratulates and Thanks Coach Bo on Appointment as Thailand U-20 National Team Head Coach

Coach Bo Chakrapan Panpi has been appointed head coach of Thailand's U-20 national football team, with his former club Rayong FC praising his nearly two years of dedication in building team discipline and player development.

6 May Khaosod

Coach Bo Chakrapan Panpi, former head coach of Rayong FC in Thai League 1, has been officially appointed by the Football Association of Thailand as head coach of the Thailand U-20 national football team. Rayong FC posted a statement on their official Facebook page expressing gratitude to their former coach and congratulating him on the national team position.

In their statement, the club praised Coach Bo's dedication over nearly two years with the team, describing him as a quiet yet earnest, determined, and truly professional worker. The club credited him with playing a crucial role in establishing the team's foundation in discipline, game understanding, and continuous player development, helping the club achieve its goals. The club emphasized that his success extended beyond match results to elevating the team in every dimension.

Rayong FC stated that working together as a professional family built on respect, listening, and mutual trust had been integral to their partnership. Club president expressed deep gratitude for Coach Bo's sweat, dedication, and accomplishments with the club, and offered sincere congratulations on this important career milestone in the national team role. The club pledged continued support and best wishes for Coach Bo's success in developing Thai football and bringing honor to the nation.

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National

Ice Sarunyu Opens Up About 20 Years in the Music Industry: Never Felt Good Enough Despite Nationwide Hit Songs

Veteran Thai singer Ice Sarunyu has revealed that despite two decades of hit songs, she has struggled with feelings of inadequacy, attributing the battle to industry pressures and evolving personal expectations.

6 May Khaosod

In an interview on Let's Talk, Ice Sarunyu opened up about her 20-year career in the music industry, revealing that she has never felt adequate despite her nationwide hit songs. She acknowledges that no one stays famous forever and has now matured in her thinking, choosing to create a new balance in her life.

Reflecting on her childhood, Sarunyu explained that she was drawn to singing from a young age, captivated by the sound of music. While other children had varied career aspirations, she had one unwavering dream: to become a singer. As she grew older, she briefly considered other careers like being a flight attendant or pilot, but music remained the central pillar of her life. By second grade, she was already volunteering to sing at school events—from flag ceremonies to Christmas celebrations and teacher appreciation days.

When asked what music gave her as a child, Sarunyu reflected that it provided every emotion. Even during difficult moments—when scolded or beaten by her father—songs would spontaneously come to mind. She grew up listening to diverse genres: her grandmother enjoyed traditional Thai music, her neighbors played country songs, and her parents favored classic hits like "Yesterday Once More."

Comparing her childhood vision of being an artist to the reality, Sarunyu noted similarities and differences. As a child, she imagined standing on stage entertaining people, making them sing and dance along. However, she hadn't anticipated the industry's pressures, expectations, or the unseen challenges. The dream of performing has come true, but the reality includes pressure from expectations—both from fans and herself—concerns about whether releases will succeed, competition for visibility, and the disappointment when new work doesn't match previous successes.

On the pressures of professional performance, she explained that being in this industry means dealing with expectations beyond oneself. The work behind each release is extensive, with numerous uncertainties: whether it will succeed, meeting audience expectations, ensuring the work meets her standards, dealing with release delays, and experiencing visibility barriers. She has experienced both emotional strength and vulnerability, with periods where casual encounters with people asking what she's been working on become reminders of her presence.

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National

Sirikanya Slams 400-Billion-Baht Loan Decree as Handout That Won't Help Vulnerable Groups; Opposition Considers Constitutional Court Challenge

Pheu Thai deputy leader Sirikanya Tansukul criticized the government's 400-billion-baht emergency loan decree, saying it lacks provisions for vulnerable groups and wastes funds through poorly-screened cash transfers. The opposition is consi

6 May Khaosod

On May 6, 2569 at Parliament, Sirikanya Tansukul, a Pheu Thai party list MP and deputy party leader, briefed reporters on her shadow cabinet meeting regarding the government's proposed 400-billion-baht emergency decree. She criticized the decree for containing no provisions to assist vulnerable populations, instead channeling 200 billion baht into the 'Buy Thai' cash transfer program, which lacks proper screening mechanisms. This creates the absurd situation where those who truly need help may not receive it, while those receiving aid may not actually be in need.

Sirikanya noted that the previous 'Thailand Helping Thailand Plus' program nearly exhausted its budget within four months, raising questions about whether the government believes the global crisis will end soon. She warned that if the crisis persists beyond four months and energy prices remain high, new borrowing may be required, suggesting this loan round could be the last possible one given current constraints.

Regarding the other 200 billion baht earmarked for economic restructuring, Sirikanya argued these funds should be allocated through a formal law rather than an emergency decree, as there appears to be no urgent justification for bypass normal legislative procedures.

When asked about filing a Constitutional Court petition, Sirikanya said the party is consulting internally and is aware the Democrat Party (Pheu Chai) also wants to request an interpretation ruling. Party coordination is needed before submission to ensure alignment on key issues.

Party Leader Nathpong Ruengpanyawit emphasized that the critical concern is ensuring the loan decree doesn't become wasteful spending, hidden subsidies, or blank checks, and that it includes clear debt management plans. He criticized the government for apparently trying to exploit constitutional loopholes rather than transparently distinguishing urgent measures requiring emergency decrees from non-urgent items that should follow normal legislative processes.

Deputy Party Leader Weerayut Kanchuchat expressed concern about the government's plan to spend 200 billion baht within four months. He questioned whether the government is genuinely preparing for the crisis or simply borrowing to boost fading political popularity and win back electoral support. He cautioned that if the government is truly crisis-prepared and wants to avoid future debt accumulation, it must use borrowed funds wisely.

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National

Somaphap School Wins Northern Region Championship at Chang Junior Cup 2026

Somaphap School claimed the northern regional title at Chang Junior Cup 2026, defeating NT Academy 2-0 in Chiang Mai to advance to the national championship for Thailand's top youth football talent.

6 May Khaosod

Chang natural mineral water continues its mission to champion Thai football through the Chang Junior Cup 2026, a youth tournament for 13-year-olds committed to developing young talent and discovering Thailand's best teams. Winners will receive the Most Talented Player award and two Sportsmanship Awards, plus an exclusive opportunity to experience world-class football in England.

The Chang Junior Cup 2026 northern regional qualifying round was held from May 1-3, 2025 at Alpine Golf Resort in Chiang Mai, with 36 teams participating. The championship match was attended by dignitaries including Vorpong Unchaleesakul, Sales Manager for Region 5 at Chang International Company Limited, and Natharat Sithikol, General Manager of Alpine Golf Resort Chiang Mai, who presented awards to the winners.

In the final, Somaphap School, a rising team from Bangkok that had defeated the two-time defending northern champion Nakhon Sawan Municipality Sport School 3-0 in the semifinals, faced NT Academy from Chiang Mai. Somaphap School's strong form carried through as they won 2-0 to claim the northern regional championship and earn a berth in the national championship round, where they will compete against Thailand's leading youth club teams.

The Chang Junior Cup 2026 is supported by the Football Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, Leicester City Football Club, Boothroom Limited (Ari sports brand distributor), and Molten (Thailand) Limited, all working to elevate Thai football to international standards.

Upcoming qualifying rounds include the Northeast region (May 8-9 at Buriram United's training facility with semifinals and finals on May 10), and Bangkok and surrounding provinces (registration May 4-8 for 48 teams, with matches May 19-24 at Thai Bev Football Academy). The top three teams from the final regional round will advance to the national championship. For more information, follow Facebook: ThaiBev ThaiTalent and Line: @ThaiBevThaiTalent.

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National

Rising Costs Push Back-to-School Spending to 66 Billion Baht, Highest in 17 Years; 27% of Parents Face Shortfalls and Turn to Loans

Thai families are projected to spend 66 billion baht on back-to-school costs this year, the highest in 17 years, but nearly 27% of parents lack sufficient funds and are turning to loans to cover expenses.

6 May Khaosod

According to Thanavon Polwichai, rector and advisor to the Economic and Business Forecasting Center at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, back-to-school spending reflects persistent cost-of-living pressures on Thai households. The projected 66-billion-baht spending figure represents a 6% expansion and the highest level since surveys began 17 years ago in 2010. Despite rising costs, most parents prioritize their children's education by increasing spending on tutoring, school supplies, and tuition, while cutting savings and reducing other household expenses. Higher-quality schools—including international, bilingual, and private institutions—are becoming increasingly popular, demonstrating that Thai families view education as a critical investment in their children's futures.

Umakamol Suntrsurati, assistant director of the forecasting center, notes that average back-to-school spending per family stands at 29,930 baht, varying significantly by school type: 10,975 baht for public school regular classes, 33,874 baht for public school special classes, 31,040 baht for Thai-language private schools, and 52,660 baht for bilingual private schools. Nearly half of parents (48.3%) report increased expenses this year, with primary causes being higher product prices (32.4%), purchasing more items (21.9%), and rising transportation and fuel costs (13.8%).

Parent buying patterns show that 84.4% purchase new textbooks entirely, and 61.4% buy new shoes and socks, while showing more flexibility with other items like school supplies and bags. However, the back-to-school burden strains household liquidity, with 27.1% of parents reporting insufficient funds. To cope, they resort to institutional loans (26.0%), pawning assets (21.7%), borrowing from relatives (15.7%), installment payments (15.4%), cash advances on credit cards (12.4%), and informal loans (3.6%).

Nearly half of parents (49.8%) believe the current economic situation significantly impacts education spending, forcing them to cut back in other areas: reducing travel and recreation (36.4%), personal expenses (26.9%), household food costs (20.9%), and drawing down savings (13.7%). When asked what government support they need most, parents prioritize increased tax deductions for education expenses (36.9%), direct financial subsidies (34.5%), student transportation allowances (21.9%), and price controls on school-related goods (6.7%), highlighting that tuition, supplies, and fuel costs remain the primary pressures on Thai households during the school season.

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National

Yossakorn Discusses Solutions to PM2.5 Crisis, Emphasizing Need to Understand Local Context and Blend Technology with Community Knowledge

Deputy PM Yossakorn said Thailand's PM2.5 crisis requires tailored local solutions that blend advanced technology with community knowledge rather than one-size-fits-all approaches, while the government pilots a circular economy framework in

6 May Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yossakorn Wongswasdi participated in a forum discussion on "Joining Forces to Resolve the PM2.5 Crisis – Rights Protection and the Next Steps for Clean Air Legislation" on May 6, 2025, at Rama Gardens Hotel.

Organized by the National Human Rights Commission, the forum brought together representatives from multiple sectors, including Prue Aw-dochao, a leader of the northern Karen network; Jen Chanyarong, chairman of the Bangkok Air Breath Council; Pricha Prommma of the Chiang Mai Air Breath Council; and Sombutti Boongyamornong, director of the Mirror Foundation.

Yossakorn stated that the PM2.5 crisis is an urgent priority the government is committed to addressing systematically. Through continuous field work in the northern region, it became clear that a one-size-fits-all solution won't work. Instead, solutions must be grounded in genuine understanding of local contexts and receptiveness to voices from affected communities, as many dimensions cannot be captured through data alone.

He emphasized that while advanced technology enables precise analysis of pollution hotspots and sources, these tools become most powerful when combined with local knowledge and community wisdom to design targeted and sustainable solutions.

The government is implementing a Circular Economy framework, piloting it in the upper northern region to transform the burden into economic opportunity while respecting local wisdom and community ways of life, ensuring balanced growth for both environment and livelihoods.

Yossakorn stressed that addressing this crisis requires transcending political considerations to prioritize people's suffering. He pledged openness to integrating information from all sectors and working closely together, expressing confidence that shared data and collaboration will improve policy implementation accuracy and fairness.

He highlighted the importance of continued policy initiatives, including decentralization and the Climate Change Act, as crucial tools for long-term protection of citizens' right to clean air.

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Community

Football Excellence Classroom Launched Under 'One Heart for Sports' Initiative

A new football excellence classroom has launched at Ubolratana Rajkananya Rajwitthayalai School in Nakhon Pathom under the 'One Heart for Sports' initiative, offering talented young players academic opportunities and professional training p

6 May Khaosod

Ubolratana Rajkananya Rajwitthayalai School in Nakhon Pathom, in partnership with Miracle of Life Foundation, has launched a football excellence classroom under the 'One Heart for Sports' program, providing talented young footballers opportunities to develop their abilities, build promising futures, enhance their academic studies, and compete in the GLO CUP, organized by the Government Lottery Office.

Air Vice Marshal Dr. Manas Nonucc, chairman of Miracle of Life Foundation and principal of Ubolratana Rajkananya Rajwitthayalai School in Nakhon Pathom, stated: "Sports build character; character builds the nation." Allowing young people to utilize their innate talents alongside their studies and use their free time productively is crucial, as football today can provide stable career opportunities.

School Director Darinna Pansane revealed that modern education offers diverse subjects and career pathways tailored to individual strengths. The school believes in utilizing students' potential as it brings them happiness in learning and helps them excel in sports. Every student receives good opportunities from the school.

Football coach Krishana Meedi noted that the school opened tryouts for talented youth and selected a limited number due to facility constraints. He encouraged all participants to commit to self-improvement for their futures.

Chayyanat Samakorkul, captain of the 13-year-old team, expressed gratitude for the school's opportunity and pledged to train diligently and maintain discipline for the team's future.

Kritmet Thongnoi, captain of the 15-year-old team, thanked everyone involved and expressed appreciation for the 'One Heart for Sports' project, hoping to help all athletes achieve their dreams of becoming professional footballers to support their families.

Air Vice Marshal Dr. Manas Nonucc emphasized that to give football athletes experience, the school entered teams in the GLO CUP, a Government Lottery Office competition that provides opportunities for talented young footballers to advance. Selected players will train with professional teams in Japan, with hopes that they will fully utilize their abilities.

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National

Big C Opens Over 111 EV Charging Stations Across 90 Branches, Accelerating Green Business Expansion

Big C Supercenters has installed over 111 EV charging stations across 90 branches nationwide in partnership with energy companies, allowing customers to charge vehicles while shopping and supporting Thailand's transition to clean energy.

6 May Khaosod

Big C Supercenters has launched EV charging services at over 111 locations across 90 branches nationwide, supporting the continued growth of clean energy vehicles in Thailand. The initiative is a collaborative effort with leading energy and technology partners including PTT-OR, EA Anywhere, Tesla, EVOLT, GINKA, ESPRO, and CHARGE PLUS, designed to strengthen the country's clean energy infrastructure and enhance convenience for EV users across Thailand. Customers can now charge their electric vehicles while shopping in-store, saving time and addressing modern lifestyle needs that prioritize both convenience and sustainability. The company views customers as a driving force in achieving its Net Zero emissions goal, encompassing not just operational emissions (Scope 1 and 2) but also indirect emissions (Scope 3) from supply chain activities and daily consumer behavior. Expanding EV charging stations across large retail areas aligns with Thailand's national transition toward clean energy, supported by coordinated government and private sector efforts, and strengthens the broader EV ecosystem. Beyond environmental benefits, the charging stations will increase foot traffic to stores and reinforce Big C's position as a retail leader driving business growth while maintaining responsibility toward society and the environment.

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