On May 7, 2569 at Bangkok City Hall, Governor Chatchai Sittiphand discussed the 2568 fiscal year budget surplus, which showed revenues exceeding expenditures by over 5 billion baht. He explained that Bangkok's budgeting approach aims for a balanced budget with equal revenues and expenditures, estimated conservatively in advance. Chatchai stated that rather than borrowing, the city generates additional revenue beyond projections and reduces unnecessary spending, creating surpluses like the 5 billion baht excess in 2568—a pattern that has historically occurred, though revenues declined during the COVID-19 pandemic period. He emphasized efforts to maintain maximum reserves because the city must allocate accumulated funds to pay BTS debts from reserves accumulated over decades, with over 60 billion baht already disbursed. Chatchai warned that if these reserves are depleted, future administrations would lack emergency funds, making efficient management essential to preserve buffers for unforeseen crises. He clarified he is not claiming credit for creating these reserves, noting that throughout history Bangkok has experienced both budget surpluses and deficits, and his policy focuses on maximizing revenue collection and minimizing procurement costs through competitive bidding, with the difference resulting from better-than-expected procurement results and higher-than-projected revenue collection. Regarding Democrat Party spokesman Pongskor Kwanmuang's (former Bangkok spokesperson) assertion that Bangkok has drawn from accumulated reserves since the era of former Governor Awin Kwanmuang to pay BTS debts, Chatchai acknowledged Pongskor spoke correctly about the continuation of accumulated reserves, though the city has had to supplement and manage debts from previous administrations. The article also references an earlier report where 'Earth Pongskor' showed Bangkok's reserves under former Governor Awin's administration totaled 76,000 million baht, not the 94 million baht cited elsewhere.

At 9:30 AM on May 7, 2026, Chayut Sinphunpakdi, Deputy Mayor of Rangsit Municipality in Pathum Thani, and Chamras Chusukhapat, an official of Rangsit Municipality, mobilized five firefighting vehicles with crews to extinguish a fire at a well-known entertainment venue in the Khlong Neung area along Khlong Rangsit Nakhon Nayok in Prachatipat subdistrict, Thanyaburi district, Pathum Thani province. After receiving reports of a fresh fire outbreak, firefighters discovered flames and thick smoke on the second-floor ceiling of the building. They sprayed water to control the fire, with the fire chief ordering crews to spray water through the ceiling panels due to soundproofing foam insulation, fearing the fire could reignite.

According to Chayut Sinphunpakdi and Chamras Chusukhapat, the fire began around 4:50 AM at the bar. Firefighters and police from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station arrived at approximately 5:00 AM. They found significant smoke and flames on the second floor, which housed stored old chairs and supplies. Firefighters contained the fire by morning, though the closed venue with soundproofing materials allowed the fire to reignite due to accumulated heat. The interior of the entertainment venue sustained total damage. The building's structural integrity now requires inspection by municipal engineers, while the cause of the secondary fire outbreak has been attributed to accumulated heat. Damage assessment is ongoing pending further structural evaluation.

At 11:50 a.m. on May 7, 2025, at Parliament, Dr. Worrung Dejakitvikrom, Thai Raksa Party leader and list MP, commented on former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra receiving a sentence suspension and his scheduled release from prison on May 11.

Dr. Worrung noted that Thaksin's situation involved breaking the law and abusing privilege by claiming illness to avoid imprisonment, which prompted public resistance and led to a court judgment requiring his incarceration. Having now served eight months, Thaksin has fulfilled the regulatory requirements and deserves the sentence suspension, a right that should be granted to him and others.

"Personally, I'm okay with it because it adheres to legal principles," Dr. Worrung stated. "Since he accepted responsibility and served time, I must commend him. But from here on, it's Thaksin's responsibility to plan his own future."

When asked about Thaksin's release impacting politics, Dr. Worrung observed that mass mobilization efforts—including lottery distributions and welcoming events—suggest Thaksin hasn't abandoned politics, which is his right. However, he expressed hope that Thaksin would learn from past mistakes and understand what should and shouldn't be done.

Dr. Worrung emphasized that if the rule of law is respected and everything proceeds legally, there should be no problems. However, given their age, Thaksin should understand that disrespecting the law creates social division. He acknowledged the release will impact politics but its severity depends on Thaksin's restraint.

Regarding potential complaints, Dr. Worrung said that since the court issued its judgment, he considers his duty fulfilled and rarely comments on Thaksin, as everything followed proper legal procedure. He respects Thaksin for respecting the court's decision and praised his conduct. However, if any future legal violations occur—whether by Thaksin, the government, or others—he will fight to protect the rule of law and justice.

Thai entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia say Thai business and products still have significant opportunities in the Middle East despite recent regional conflicts. Akkarawut Tangsirikosolwong, chairman of the Asian and Middle Eastern Export Trade Association and CEO of Vega Group, revealed that while recent Middle East tensions negatively impacted Thai business for just one month, most regional countries have now adapted and returned to normal operations. Trade and investment in Saudi Arabia continue as usual, and the country's Vision 2030 development initiatives are proceeding on schedule.

"News coverage may have made the situation seem severe, but the impact was actually short-term," Akkarawut explained. "People in the region still conduct normal daily life, especially in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The economy continues to function well, and despite a temporary dip in tourism, it's now recovering. Rising oil prices have also boosted regional income and consumer spending."

While the closure of the Strait of Hormuz initially disrupted export operations, Akkarawut noted that businesses have adapted by rerouting shipments through Oman instead. Although this increases shipping costs, commerce continues. Airports have also resumed operations. "I see the Middle East market as a strong opportunity for Thai products and services because the economy is growing well. Thai exports should recover fairly quickly since consumers in the region prefer Thai goods," he said. Product categories with strong market expansion potential include food products, processed foods, herbs, cosmetics, fashion, and home decoration items.

Thai food service businesses, particularly restaurants, continue to expand throughout the Middle East, reflecting strong consumer demand, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. In the second half of the year, business events and trade shows postponed due to the conflict are expected to resume in July and August, presenting important opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs. Private businesses are preparing major projects including Global City in Dammam in eastern Saudi Arabia, offering showcase space for 40-50 Thai entrepreneurs and potentially generating 300-400 million baht in revenue.

At 10:30 AM on May 7, 2025 at the Central Police Investigation Center, Tonthong Sukkhen (Tone Bangkae) arrived with his lawyer Chalomshai Sriyuphakdi to present documents and evidence of innocence following reports of a fortune-telling scam ring involving fraud victims totaling over 5 billion baht.

After presenting his case, Tone Bangkae emphasized that he came forward proactively rather than evading the law. He stated he was prepared to cooperate with the investigation after learning from statements by Madam Keng and Deputy Police Commissioner Jarunyakiat Pankaew that he was identified as the third defendant. He noted that investigators had not yet confirmed formal charges against him and expressed his willingness to cooperate fully.

Tone Bangkae confirmed that more than nine individuals named in media reports were also prepared to demonstrate their innocence and had no connection to the alleged gang. Regarding Madam Keng's allegations, he acknowledged some points aligned while others did not, particularly concerning the debt figure. He confirmed the debt is genuinely over 800 million baht with properly executed contracts through 2023, and he has made advance payments through 2027.

Tone Bangkae revealed that he met Madam Keng in 2022 through an acquaintance who was a fortune-telling expert. Madam Keng initially approached him to sell a car. He has repaid approximately 500 million baht of the debt, with 300 million remaining, and maintains all contracts are properly documented. While acknowledging that some bounced checks occurred during this period, he stated these were cleared. However, he disputed Madam Keng's claim that a particular bounced check was his, stating this could be verified.

Regarding the claim that collateral property was valued below the loan amount, Tone Bangkae asserted the building used as collateral is worth more than 100 million baht, as he personally purchased and renovated it. He noted that an appraiser undervalued it. He subsequently restructured the debt from 100 million to 120 million baht, converting it from a property mortgage to a lease-purchase agreement with installment payments to Madam Keng. He expressed no concern about this arrangement, stating the borrowed funds were invested in business.

"Madam Keng provided the money because she expected interest, as she's a professional money lender—something people in the business already know," Tone Bangkae stated. He confirmed he personally purchased the Bentley and completed all payments, along with other branded assets.

Regarding the 180 million baht debt secured by sacred amulets valued at 400-500 million baht, Tone Bangkae revealed that a fortune-telling expert was present during the valuation. He viewed this person more as a close friend than a mere acquaintance, noting that this person documented the valuation price, while he only signed the debt acknowledgment.

Tone Bangkae also recounted events from April 17, when he heard that police would arrest fortune-telling experts and a friend informed him he was among those targeted. Rather than wait for police to find him, he decided to approach police directly. He coordinated through Pong Suphan, who is close to Big Tao, to request a face-to-face meeting, but after two coordination attempts without response, the timeline extended until April 10 when Pong Suphan called.

On May 6, 2025, at 12:30 PM in the second-floor conference room of Samraan Police Station, Pol. Maj. Gen. Chaikrit Pho-a, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 6, along with Pol. Col. Narisee Prathana Porn, deputy commander of Division 6, and Pol. Col. Prasit Wiratya Phon, superintendent of Samraan Police Station, received a budget allocation from Dr. Sikhro Chettha Ibsamut and Prof. Dr. Thanyanun Ibsamut, chairman and vice chairman of Thipsamai Group, in their capacity as members of the police station committee and Metropolitan Police Division 6. The funding of 310,091.35 baht will support the installation of 32 CCTV cameras at Samraan Police Station to enhance police efficiency in maintaining public safety. Pol. Maj. Gen. Chaikrit stated that this collaboration between government and private sectors aims to improve safety for detainees and suspects in the police station's detention facility, with cameras installed throughout the police station building, surrounding areas, and the front of the premises.