National

Content Creator Lukmee Rasmi Files Charges Against Pu Manthana Over Harsh Online Language

Content creator Lukmee Rasmi filed charges against Pu Manthana at Khok Khram Police Station for repeated harassment and defamatory posts on social media spanning several weeks. Rasmi claims she lost over 2 million baht in a dispute that has lasted more than two years, while Manthana denied the allegations and claimed she never witnessed the business ventures Rasmi described. The case marks Rasmi's sixth court case and second police station complaint, with lawyer Kung submitting documentation to pursue defamation and insult charges.

8 May Khaosod

At 12:30 PM on May 8, 2025, at Khok Khram Police Station, content creator Lukmee Rasmi Thongsiripirasri disclosed that she decided to file the complaint due to continuous verbal abuse spanning several weeks, with social media posts appearing every 2-3 hours. The attacks targeted not only her but also other individuals, prompting her to exercise her legal rights. Pu Manthana denied accusations of sabotaging her business, stating that since meeting Rasmi, she has never witnessed any of the claimed business ventures including handbags, watches, cars, collagen products, or other enterprises mentioned. When asked how many cases this represents, Lukmee stated it is her sixth case in court but only her second at the police station. She acknowledged experiencing accumulated stress over the past week due to the prolonged dispute lasting over two years and lack of financial reimbursement. Lukmee provided an example of an incident during a trip to Krabi province with lawyer Kung and lawyer Decha, when Decha was live-streaming and someone asked if EM bracelets could be brought on airplanes. After researching and finding that EM bracelets could interfere with aircraft systems, she posted this information without naming anyone, but was immediately attacked and criticized afterward. When asked if she felt frustrated, Lukmee admitted to being somewhat irritated recently and sometimes needing to go out, dance, or eat to manage her emotions, though she occasionally cries when the accumulated problems weigh on her. She confirmed this situation has not reached the point of destroying her life, only resulting in a loss of over 2 million baht, and believed that if all parties cooperated, everything could be resolved. She accepted her misfortune in encountering such a counterparty and chose to continue doing good deeds. She also wished her counterpart would reflect on herself, noting the other party has never resolved the money issue and has many ongoing cases. Lawyer Kung stated that she submitted certification documents and evidence to the investigating officers today to proceed with the case through completion, with charges of defamation through advertisement and insult through advertisement.

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National

End the lottery system for state-funded doctors! Health Ministry overhauls physician retention, adjusts internship criteria with new compensation tied to workload

Thailand's Health Ministry is scrapping the lottery system for assigning state-funded doctors, instead offering volunteers priority access to preferred training and study grants. The new approach combines workload-based compensation tied to

8 May Khaosod

On May 8, 2569, Dr. Somruks Chungsaman, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, revealed new guidelines for physician workforce allocation and management. He explained that Thailand's current healthcare challenge is not simply a shortage of doctors but rather a distribution problem and the need to align workforce management with actual workload demands across different regions.

Thailand currently has a physician-to-population ratio of approximately 1 to 900, compared to developed countries at around 1 to 600. While workload assessments indicate a shortfall of 20,000-30,000 full-time equivalent physicians, the ministry believes allocation decisions should be based on actual hospital workload rather than population ratios alone.

"The ministry is currently surveying all regions within three months to determine how many physicians each hospital—from 30-bed community hospitals to 600-700 bed regional centers—should have based on actual workload, including bed capacity, patient volume, and population served," Dr. Somruks said.

The primary issue is that most physicians work in the private sector or large hospitals, leaving Ministry of Public Health facilities, particularly in remote areas, severely understaffed. The ministry is implementing a new compensation system based on workload and productivity rather than uniform salaries, especially for high-demand specialties such as internal medicine, surgery, obstetrics, pediatrics, and emergency medicine.

Many specialist physicians work considerably harder than their counterparts in less demanding fields but receive equal salaries, prompting younger doctors to pursue easier specialties or careers in cosmetic medicine instead. The ministry is considering increasing special hardship allowances for positions in areas with over 40% physician shortages from 5,000 baht to 15,000 baht, and 10,000 baht for areas with 20-40% shortages.

Regarding state-funded physicians and medical interns, the ministry has implemented a new system allowing medical students and interns to voluntarily work in shortage areas first in exchange for priority selection of further study grants and preferred training locations.

"Previously, many state-funded physicians drew lots, got assigned to unwanted areas, and quit after the first year. This year we announced 30 shortage hospitals needing 205 physicians total. Those who volunteer get immediate priority in selecting further study opportunities. As a result, 180 first-year interns and 180 graduating medical students have already volunteered," Dr. Somruks stated.

Provinces with severe physician shortages include Bueng Kan and Sisaket, where the ministry is accelerating solutions, particularly regarding work systems and support from senior physicians and staff.

Dr. Somruks noted that the most common complaint from state-funded physicians is not compensation but lack of mentorship and teaching support. The ministry has received formal complaints through the Medical Council and established a fact-finding committee to address the issue.

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National

Ling and Om Plan Fan Meet Birthday Party Celebration; Pleased with Talk Show Reception, Hoping for Season 2

Thai entertainment duo Ling and Om, newly appointed brand ambassadors for MEGA We Care, are planning special birthday celebrations in May with fan meets and parties. The pair recently hosted a talk show with Kanchai that received positive fan feedback, with hints of a potential second season if the show continues to gain traction.

8 May Khaosod

Rising stars Ling-Siriluk Kong and Om-Kornukas Setharutpong officially debuted as the first brand ambassadors for MEGA We Care at the "Care-mitment x LingOrm" event at CentralWorld shopping mall. Hundreds of devoted fans turned out to celebrate, surprising Ling with an early birthday celebration.

During their media interview, the pair revealed plans for May birthday celebrations. Ling's birthday is May 11, while Om's is May 27. They plan to celebrate with dinners, fan concerts, fan meets, and birthday parties with their supporters.

Om shared an amusing story about attempting to surprise Ling's birthday, but the plan failed because Ling is exceptionally observant. Om joked that she staged an elaborate argument with actress Dew Pinkaew to distract, but Ling caught the act by noticing her smile and hearing her voice sounded insincere. When asked about birthday gifts, both admitted they hadn't decided yet, with Ling playfully hinting at durian as a gift.

Regarding their recent talk show "HEART TALK: LINGORM x KANCHAI" with Kanchai, both expressed delight at the unexpectedly positive fan reception. While discussing a potential season two, they hinted that if Kanchai joins their concert with a dance performance, there could be another installment. Despite Ling typically being reserved, she spoke more openly than ever on the show, suggesting chemistry that fans enjoyed.

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National

March Chuthaput Just Learned 'Nam Prik Kapi' Is a Popular Dish; Netizens Question If He Was Raised in Isolation

Young Thai actor March Chuthaput faced netizen backlash after claiming on his YouTube channel that nam prik kapi (shrimp paste chili dip) isn't a popular dish, with critics questioning whether he was raised in isolation. In a recent interview on Channel 3's talk show, March addressed the drama while discussing his unplanned adventure series featuring fishing trips and island explorations with various celebrity guests. The actor revealed that most of his trips are done with minimal planning, often not knowing destinations in advance, though guests like JJ and Ice have expressed interest in joining future expeditions.

8 May Khaosod

Drama erupted immediately after young actor March Chuthaput's YouTube channel released a clip questioning whether nam prik kapi is actually a popular dish. The post triggered a wave of netizen backlash, with comments ranging from 'Was he raised in isolation?' to 'Nam prik kapi is more famous than March' and 'This shows some celebrities are just good-looking.' Recently, March appeared on Channel 3's talk show 'Rak Dai Rue Young' at the Malinont building to address the drama and discuss his latest content series.

When asked why he paddles so hard, March explained: "Did you want to go? It's exhausting. (Is it a nice view trip worth paddling?) Oh, I get it now, that's not me. This is someone with sharp eyes." Regarding the viral moment, he shared: "People on set joked about it. Honestly, the person who checked the footage didn't see it. We were just focused on the fishing segment, but eventually we watched it and didn't notice anything. Don't zoom in on still frames—it's a moving image. (Were you embarrassed? Maybe it's just the wrong angle?) I really want people to see my first fishing attempt and how I succeeded with Ice and Paris. Thanks for supporting me on the fishing."

When asked what fish he caught, March replied: "I caught mackerel and butterfly mackerel. (No catfish or snakehead?) Stop teasing, I'm embarrassed. No, really, I want people to watch the fishing."

Regarding how each trip is planned, March revealed: "I don't plan anything. I really don't know. Most guests who come just ask where the crew is, but there isn't really one. I hold the camera myself, and sometimes guests help film. The team that plans doesn't tell me much—just the province, but not what we'll do or what to prepare. That's it."

When asked if he at least knows the location: "Honestly, I had no idea on the Ice trip—I was completely lost. But it was fun. (Did you not plan the previous trips either?) Maybe. Like when I went with P'O, I knew we were going to Doi Luang Chiang Dao, but I didn't know what the conditions would be like there."

March laughed when reminded that P'O (Mario) mentioned he never briefs the guests: "That's so funny! I met P'O at the airport like, 'Hey, why?' and P'O said, 'This is the one, younger brother.'"

When asked if he briefs guests beforehand: "The team communicates. I don't know. But P'O is so sweet—he walks and has so much fun. (So he brings luggage on the hiking trip?) Well, it works because we use porters."

Regarding guest selection, March explained: "The team contacts them. We do follow proper procedures, but before that, we might chat separately saying, 'Want to go on a trip? It's fun. We get life experience. I guarantee you'll come back with meaningful lessons. Everyone comes back with meaning.'"

When told that everyone who goes mentions it afterward, March said: "JJ did too. Everyone gets hooked. I won't just say JJ and Ice got super hooked. (Does that mean more fishing trips?) They want to go again with me. I'll take them somewhere harder."

Asked if he's invited Fern (Fern Phimchanok), March answered: "I did invite her. Let's challenge her a bit. I really want her to go, but she's busy filming and just wrapped a drama. If Fern finds time, it should be the trip where I'm deaf—probably get the most criticism."

When asked if he'll get criticized from start to finish: "I got criticized from the phone call invitation, but I still want to travel with her. It's fun. I want to see Fern suffer."

Asked what he'll do with Fern, March said: "She has to hike. Fern definitely has to hike. But actually, Fern is pretty tough. I think she can handle it."

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Police

Elderly Drug Gang Arrested After Neighborhood Complaints: Some With 12 Prior Convictions Return to Old Ways

Police arrested four elderly gang members in Suphan Buri, including one with 12 prior drug convictions, after residents complained about drug use and disturbances at rental houses.

8 May Khaosod

On May 8, 2025, the Mueang Suphan Buri administrative team, led by Subdistrict Chief Sithiporn Khonghom, responded to neighborhood complaints about a rental house in Talat Thaisap Soi 2 where residents reported the strong smell of drugs and loud music from occupants who had been arrested before but released, only to resume causing disturbances. The subdistrict chief ordered Deputy Chief Chaitach Jetsadapakorn to lead a joint operation with provincial security personnel, police investigators, and municipal officials.

Upon arrival, officers found an elderly man identified as Chaiyong, 64, using drugs inside a room that reeked of narcotics. A search discovered three methamphetamine pills. The suspect admitted to recent drug use and had two prior drug convictions. His urine tested positive, and he was handed over to police for prosecution.

The operation then expanded to another location on Khun Krai Road, where officers found another elderly man, Somchai, 66, with 16 methamphetamine pills hidden in a plastic bottle. He confessed to drug use and disclosed 12 prior drug convictions but remained undeterred, returning to his old ways. Two additional gang members were arrested—Krokkot, 53, with two prior drug convictions, and Wanchai, 68, with previous convictions for armed robbery and attempted murder. All four suspects tested positive and were referred to police for legal proceedings.

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Tourism

Real Estate Deal of the Year: Luxury Penthouse in Monaco Sells for Over 16 Billion Baht

A Ukrainian billionaire has purchased a 21-room penthouse in Monaco for over 16 billion baht, setting a new world record for the most expensive residential real estate transaction ever. The luxury property in the prestigious Le Renzo project features panoramic Mediterranean views and high-end amenities, breaking the previous records held by properties in London and New York. This historic deal underscores the continued growth and strong demand in the ultra-luxury real estate market.

8 May Khaosod

Monaco has just set a historic record in the luxury residential market as Ukrainian billionaire Rinat Akhmetov's holding company, System Capital Management, purchased an ultra-luxurious 21-room penthouse in the Le Renzo project for over 500 million US dollars, or approximately 16 billion baht. This transaction has been registered as the most expensive residential real estate deal ever recorded in the world, immediately sending ripples through the global high-end real estate market.

The penthouse is situated on the top floor of a luxury building overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, spanning over 26,900 square feet across 5 levels with panoramic sea views. The lavishly designed interior features 21 bedrooms, 8 private parking spaces, multiple expansive terraces, a private swimming pool, jacuzzi, premium furniture, and cutting-edge smart home technology.

Monaco's exceptionally high property prices are no coincidence, as the country is among the most expensive locations in the world, with prices reaching over 70,000 euros per square meter or approximately 2.6 million baht. The Le Renzo project is considered an iconic landmark that has redefined Monaco's skyline in recent decades, making this penthouse even more exclusive and rare.

This purchase dramatically shatters the previous world record held by Nick Candy's London mansion valued at over 350 million dollars (approximately 11 billion baht) and Ken Griffin's New York penthouse worth around 240 million dollars (approximately 7.7 billion baht). Experts view this transaction as a clear reflection of growing trends in the ultra-luxury real estate market, with continued demand for iconic-level assets showing no signs of decline.

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National

Education Minister Pushes Forward New National Education Act with Multi-Sector Collaboration to Gather Ideas

Thailand's Education Minister is advancing a new National Education Act through multi-sector consultations, proposing three approaches: confirming a 2021 draft, amending the 1999 law, or creating entirely new legislation.

8 May Khaosod

Education Minister Prasert Chantharueangthong is spearheading efforts to advance a new National Education Act by bringing together stakeholders from all sectors to solicit ideas for the education law framework. On May 8, 2025, Minister Prasert chaired a public consultation meeting to drive forward the new draft National Education Act, with participation from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prawit Arayawannano, Secretary-General of the Education Council, experts, ministry officials, and representatives from political parties, government agencies, private sector, civil society, and other stakeholders.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Prawit stated that following the first joint parliamentary meeting of the regular session, five priority missions have been identified to move Thai education forward: teacher workload, budget inequality, curriculum and teaching methods, school safety, and the new National Education Act. The Education Council's Office has prepared three approaches for proposing the new National Education Act:

Approach 1 involves confirming the 2021 draft proposal and considering additional comments, allowing faster advancement without restarting the legislative process from scratch, as it has already been reviewed by the Constitutional Court.

Approach 2 entails amending and improving the 1999 Education Act by strengthening weaknesses to make it a more effective education charter, then entering a new review process that would take less time than a complete overhaul.

Approach 3 involves drafting a completely new education law, starting from the beginning with drafting, public consultation, proposal, and review processes. This would produce a more concise and flexible law aligned with modern education management contexts.

The meeting engaged in broad exchange of ideas to achieve a new education law as quickly as possible, highlighting challenges in each approach and proposing additional integrative strategies, including establishing special committees, promoting all-sector participation, flexibility in adjusting legal details to keep pace with social and technological changes, and linking subsidiary laws and policies with various knowledge areas in teaching and learning. Curriculum adjustments will be made to align with current global conditions in collaboration with relevant agencies.

Education Minister Prasert concluded by announcing that the advancement framework for the new National Education Act has been set with three approaches: Approach 1 confirms the original draft previously submitted to the Cabinet that was halted due to parliament dissolution; Approach 2 involves revising and improving the 1999 Education Act; and Approach 3 involves drafting a completely new law. Each approach has distinct advantages and disadvantages. The ministry has opened opportunities for public input and alternative proposals, and has proposed establishing a special committee to accelerate the new National Education Act to meet all parties' needs and the current government's timeline. The working group will summarize all viewpoints clearly by the end of May to create effective legislation.

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National

Sabida Meets French Ambassador to Strengthen Cultural Cooperation and Enhance Thailand's International Image

Thailand's Culture Minister met with France's Ambassador to discuss strengthening bilateral cultural ties through art and film exchanges, with plans for an official visit to France in May 2025 including the Cannes Film Festival and a royal

8 May Khaosod

Sabida meets with French Ambassador to discuss elevating Thai-French cultural cooperation through knowledge exchange and promoting Thai creative industries on the global stage to enhance the nation's cultural image. On May 8, 2025, at the Ministry of Culture, H.E. Mr. Jean-Claude Poimbœuf, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the French Republic to Thailand, met with Ms. Sabida Taiseert, Minister of Culture, to discuss ways to strengthen Thai-French cultural cooperation through exchanges in art, film, and cultural heritage, as well as promoting Thai creative industries internationally to enhance Thailand's image and expand bilateral cultural relations. Both parties also discussed preparations for the Minister of Culture's official visit to France in May 2025 to attend major events including the 79th Cannes Film Festival (Cannes Film Festival 2026), bilateral talks with the French Minister of Culture, a ceremony to present the Legion of Honor to Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana, and the opening of the "La Mode en Majesté – Royal Thai Dress: From Tradition to Modernity" exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. The meeting was attended by Deputy Secretary-General of the Ministry of Culture Rani Ittharat, Director-General of the Department of Culture Promotion Yuthika Israngkur Na Ayudhya, Deputy Director-General of the Fine Arts Department Kanista Chotikvnich, Assistant Secretary-General of the Ministry of Culture Urutsaya Intarasuksri, Ministry of Culture executives, representatives from the French Embassy in Thailand, and relevant officials.

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National

Young Businessman, Victim of Renowned Fortune Teller "Ommangkorn Kaekham," Requests Witness Protection Amid Intimidation Fears

A 30-year-old businessman defrauded by fortune teller "Ommangkorn Kaekham" has requested witness protection, citing fears of intimidation from the suspect's network of nearly 100,000 influential disciples across Thailand.

8 May Khaosod

At 11:00 AM on May 8, 2025, at the Ministry of Justice on Chaengwattana Road in Bangkok, Ekaphop Luangprasert, founder of the "Sai Mai Tong Sai" Facebook page, brought a 30-year-old businessman (referred to as Mr. A) who was defrauded by the renowned fortune teller "Ommangkorn Kaekham" from Lamphun Province to file a request for witness protection. After filing a complaint with the Crime Suppression Division and with investigators expected to seek a court arrest warrant soon, the victim fears for his safety due to the fortune teller's extensive network of disciples across all professions including celebrities, actors, entertainers, military officials, and police officers. Officials from the Department of Rights and Liberties including Deputy Director Theeriyuth Kaewsing and Head of the Rights Protection Division Bunyapada Puengbun received the complaint.

Mr. A revealed that the fortune teller has nearly 100,000 disciples in a Facebook group, many of whom are influential figures including doctors, high-ranking civil servants, and entertainment personalities. When he visited the fortune teller, he had to provide his full name, phone number, and current address, causing concern about potential harassment or threats. Though no explicit threats have occurred yet, his elderly parents over 70 years old also live in the house, which deeply worries him.

Mr. A stated the news has significantly affected his mental state, causing him to cry at night and lose motivation. He even considered suicide but recalled a belief that such actions would result in karmic repetition for 500 lifetimes, which stopped him. He decided to come forward because he believes the fortune teller has used religious teachings as a cover and has likely victimized others multiple times—possibly 5 to 10 cases based on news reports. Regarding the fortune teller's claim of a smear campaign, Mr. A clarified he didn't know the fortune teller beforehand; his mother recommended seeking treatment after years of failed medical treatment for cluster headaches. He emphasized there's no reason two strangers would conspire to discredit someone. He urged full legal action, calling the fortune teller a social menace, and expressed hope he would be the last victim, wanting to prevent others from suffering similarly.

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National

Democrat MP Thanks Deputy Education Minister Akranon for Field Visit to Nakhon Ratchasima to Resolve Damaged School Building

Deputy Education Minister Akranon Kanakittinant visited Nakhon Ratchasima to inspect a deteriorating school building after Democrat MP Chatchai Supatrawanich raised the issue in parliament. The Deputy Minister committed to urgently coordinating with relevant agencies to secure funding and repair the damage at Surathampitaksa School. Local MPs praised the minister's efficient new-generation approach and quick response to parliamentary concerns.

8 May Khaosod

On May 8, 2026, Deputy Education Minister Akranon Kanakittinant led a team including officials and local MPs to inspect the damaged and cracked building at Surathampitaksa School in Muang district, Nakhon Ratchasima. The issue was brought to parliament by Democrat MP Chatchai Supatrawanich. Deputy Minister Akranon stated that he had heard about this problem multiple times in parliament and wanted to visit the site in person to understand the issue properly. He committed to solving the long-neglected problem by coordinating with all relevant agencies to find funding and address the situation urgently. He emphasized the Education Ministry's new approach of simplicity and pragmatism, without unnecessary ceremonies, to become a ministry of hope for the new generation. MP Chatchai praised the Deputy Minister's new-generation leadership style and his quick response, noting that within minutes of raising the issue in parliament, the team was already coordinated to visit the site. He expressed confidence that with such ministerial policies, the Education Ministry would become more accessible and responsive to problems nationwide.

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National

Delighted! Artist Tach Tachiya's 'Today a Year Ago' Makes a Roaring Comeback, Hitting #1 Across Multiple Platforms

Tach Tachiya's three-year-old song 'Today a Year Ago' has unexpectedly surged to number one across multiple platforms and radio stations as listeners rediscover the track. The artist expressed gratitude for the resurgence, calling it a wond

8 May Khaosod

Talented artist Tach Tachiya was pleasantly surprised when his song 'Today a Year Ago,' released three years ago, suddenly surged back into popularity with fans returning to listen in droves. The track has rocketed to number one for background music among content creators across multiple platforms, with radio stations throughout the country also receiving listener requests for the song.

Expressing his delight, Tach shared: "When an old song comes back and finds popularity again, I believe it's a wonderful gift for any artist who puts effort into their work, even if it didn't resonate with people when it was first released. It feels like winning a major award. I want to thank everyone for listening to 'Today a Year Ago' and my other songs. As for new music, I'm ready to deliver more very soon—you'll definitely hear it. I promise that every project and every song comes from our genuine effort to do our best."

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