At parliament on May 6, MP Chris Potranantana addressed the Israeli community issue on Phangan Island. He stated that approximately 4,000 Israelis currently reside long-term on Phangan as visa holders and business operators, with an additional 3,000 tourists, totaling over 7,000 people.

While emphasizing this is not racial discrimination, Chris expressed concern that Israel's conflict with Iran could pose sovereignty risks for Thailand or potentially draw the country into Middle Eastern conflicts. He noted that Israeli-related nationals have been arriving through visa-free entry without proper vetting.

Chris cited social problems including parties, drug use, noise disturbances, and illegal business operations—hotels, shops, and schools—that operate through their own applications without generating tax revenue for Thailand. He questioned whether the financial benefits justify potential security and social risks.

He called on relevant agencies including the National Security Council, Interior Ministry, and Foreign Ministry to investigate and regulate the situation to prevent future incidents and minimize risks.

Police raid gambling den at temple funeral service in Chumphon, arresting 2 suspects and seizing 60,000 baht. On May 6, 2569, authorities reported that at 10 p.m. on May 5, officers from the Provincial Police Region 8 Investigation Division and Pa To Police Station in Chumphon conducted a surprise inspection of illegal gambling activities occurring during a funeral rite at a temple in Pa To District.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a large group of gamblers engaged in wagering. When officials identified themselves to make arrests, the suspects panicked and fled into the darkness in different directions, leaving chairs and belongings scattered throughout the funeral area.

Police initially detained two male suspects and seized approximately 60,000 baht in cash. Additional evidence included seven pieces of gambling equipment—dice, game boards, trays, and money baskets. The suspects and evidence were transferred to investigators for prosecution under the Gambling Prevention Act according to legal procedures.

On May 6, 2025, Kunakorn Sutthimok, District Chief of Phayuha District in Sisaket Province, ordered Pornchai Pokpong, Deputy Chief of Security, along with Sub-Lieutenant Prasert Wantong and officials from Phayuha Police Station, volunteers from the Territorial Defense Unit, and relevant agencies to inspect a residence in Village 8, Tamtai Subdistrict following complaints from residents about a woman suspected of drug involvement caring for a 9-month-old infant, raising safety concerns.

Upon arrival, officials observed the homeowner displaying suspicious behavior and incoherence, with a 9-month-old baby present in the home. A urine test of the woman came back positive for drug substances. Officers conducting a thorough search under legal authority found no contraband items. The woman was subsequently transferred to Phayuha Hospital to undergo drug treatment rehabilitation according to Ministry of Public Health protocols, with continuous assessment and treatment planning.

District Chief Kunakorn explained that although no drugs were found at the scene, this was treated as a sensitive situation due to the child's involvement. Rather than pursuing immediate legal action, authorities prioritized assistance by enrolling the woman in treatment to give her an opportunity to recover and rebuild her life. Regarding the 9-month-old, officials coordinated with the village headman and child welfare agencies from Sisaket Province's shelter and family services to immediately implement child protection measures.

Welfare officials will conduct a thorough assessment of family readiness, living environment, and potential risks before determining appropriate support measures, which may include temporary caregiver arrangements or close monitoring. District Chief Kunakorn emphasized that this approach balances assistance with law enforcement, prioritizing child safety and welfare above all else. "Drug users are patients; treatment gives them a chance to return to normal life, while simultaneously protecting the child from ongoing risk."

Bangkok, May 6, 2025: True Corporation, represented by Kanoksakdi Nimnavalratana, head of Government Affairs and Public Utilities, and Natthapop Sarakhet, head of the Smart Network Operations Center, welcomed executives from the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) led by Rachendr Anwech, deputy governor of digital technology and communications systems, for a visit and study of the Business and Network Intelligence Center (BNIC). The delegation came to exchange knowledge on developing and managing large-scale national network infrastructure while implementing AI technology and Big Data applications, including data management systems, to upgrade MEA's smart electricity grid management to the highest levels of stability and accuracy. This supports growing demands in the digital era. The executives received an in-depth briefing on BNIC's advanced capabilities in real-time monitoring of network infrastructure covering the entire country, utilizing AI technology to analyze and detect anomalies from large databases in order to provide timely and precise alerts and solution recommendations. This enables rapid and efficient problem management and resolution. MEA will leverage this knowledge to improve power system efficiency, strengthen energy security, and enhance the quality of life for Thai people, while expanding cooperation between both organizations in energy management.

A puzzling roundabout mysteriously sits in the middle of a Hungarian field between the towns of Szalagerszeg and Szalaszentivån, having become the subject of widespread discussion. This "field roundabout" appears to have emerged from some incomplete project and stands isolated, seemingly forgotten mid-construction.

When viewed from above, the roundabout looks extraordinarily strange because no roads or structures connect to it at all. The sight is reminiscent of someone simply "placing" a roundabout in the middle of a field and leaving it there without purpose.

However, this oddity didn't result from random error but rather from a major infrastructure development plan announced in 2021 involving the construction of a logistics center and container port by a major private company to facilitate cargo transportation across Central Europe.

The project's clear strategic goal is to enable rail freight from the Adriatic Sea to pass through Hungary toward countries like Slovakia, the Czech Republic, and Poland more quickly, bypassing Budapest as a central hub.

In February 2021, the Hungarian government formally announced the logistics center plan and urged local municipalities to apply for European Union funding to construct access roads and the roundabout as connecting infrastructure to the future project.

By 2023, the roundabout was completed with approximately 1.25 million euros (roughly 47 million baht) in EU support funding. However, the problem is that "what the roundabout should connect to"—the logistics center—has yet to begin construction at all.

Years have passed with little change and no concrete progress on the main project, leaving the roundabout to stand isolated, like a missing puzzle piece from the bigger picture.

Although plans call for a new railway line to eventually connect it and make the project functional, that railway project remains in the procurement phase with no clear timeline for construction start.

According to projections, if everything proceeds as planned, contractors would need more than two years for construction, and the railway might not become operational until 2029 at the earliest—meaning this field roundabout may have to "wait" for many more years.

Given all the delays and uncertainty, no one can say whether this roundabout will ever serve its intended purpose or simply remain as a curiosity known as Europe's "infrastructure project that looks like it's going somewhere but hasn't gotten anywhere yet."

It is a rare rainy day in Bangkok's dry season. The wet smell of petrichor rises off the asphalt as I stride down an alley off Sukhumvit from Nana station. In that moment, it feels like a place locals would rarely desire to patron.

Today is different. I am here to visit an esteemed Eastern Thai restaurant that I have read much about, but have yet to try: Burapa. I have come to sample its new lunch menu at the invitation of a friend.

'My Journey Has Just Begun' above the coordinates of Ack's hometown are subtly printed into the concrete below the sign.

Unlike many of the businesses along this alley which seem to cater more to one-time tourists than repeat visitors, Burapa stands out as an inspired icon amid a slurry of forgettable fluff. The restaurant, like much of Eastern Thai cuisine, is tucked away in an area that I would not normally visit without good reason. Located on the corner of Soi 11 in the heart of Bangkok, it could easily be missed amongst the hustle and bustle—but today I approach with anticipation.

A restaurant greets you before you walk in the door. This time it is not staff, but a friend that waves me in. As soon as I enter, I feel the warmth of Burapa. A reprieve from a rainy day, the foyer feels lived-in, and the naturally bright lunchroom immediately shines. Before I sit down it already feels like an excellent place for lunch.

The bottom floor of Burapa offers a sharp bright mood for lunchtime diners.

Like most visitors to Thailand, I do not know what to expect from Eastern Thai cuisine, but I am curious. I have tasted the strong fermented flavours of the northeast, experienced the sugar-laden dishes of Bangkok, and been overwhelmed by the intense spices of the south. Eastern Thai, as I am told, balances in-between all of those, forming something distinct.

Before I eat, I am introduced to the long teak bar, where house-made fruit syrups in glass vessels line the counter. Without saying anything, I watch the staff work. It is immediately clear that they are well-trained, attentive, and experienced. If not for the menu ahead, I could have spent the hour here simply appreciating their focused process.

My drink, like the staff and décor, did not disappoint. It is a balanced, slightly sweet cocktail made with Bussaba, a beer from Full Moon Brewworks. It is garnished with an orange slice, which I happily indulge in. It is fruity, aromatic, and effortlessly enjoyable. I would recommend it to anyone except those who prefer only the most bitter beverages. The snack pairing was equally well executed: elegant in texture and light. Some restaurants treat bar snacks as afterthoughts, but at Burapa even these elements are carefully considered.

A cocktail and snack pairing, priced at 380 baht, has been introduced alongside Burapa's new lunch menu.

A whole table of options are brought before me, some new and some familiar. I try everything I can while maintaining my manners. Unlike western restaurants, where dishes are typically prepared fo