Bangkok is preparing to light up in rainbow colors once again with the grand celebration of diversity and equality at Bangkok Pride Festival 2026 under the theme 'Patch the World with Pride,' championing three core principles: PEACE, PEOPLE, and PRIDE. This year, Nirmit Pride is joining forces with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and partners from civil society, the private sector, and government to take the celebration to an even grander scale. The centerpiece will be a spectacular 500-meter rainbow flag that will unfurl across Silom Road, Henriette Street, and Rama 1 Road, transforming the heart of Bangkok into a global landmark celebrating equality and diversity.

The five-day festival runs from May 28 to June 1, 2026, with the campaign 'Road to Bangkok WorldPride 2030' as its driving force to elevate Bangkok to a world-class Pride destination. The highlight is the Bangkok Pride Parade 2026 on Sunday, May 31, from 2 PM to 10 PM, featuring the magnificent 500-meter rainbow flag running the full length of Silom Road from Naradhivas intersection through key Bangkok landmarks including Sanam Luang, Rama IV Road, Chulalongkorn University, and terminating at Thammasat Stadium. The parade will include over 150 contingents covering 3.8 kilometers, plus a special 'PATCH OF GLOBAL PRIDE' procession from EM District.

This year's parade is organized into six color-coded sections representing six dimensions under the three main axes of PEACE, PEOPLE, and PRIDE: PATCH of HARMONY (green), PATCH of UNITY (blue), PATCH of IDENTITY (purple), PATCH of DIGNITY (orange), PATCH of LOVE (red), and PATCH of SPIRIT (yellow). The festival will conclude with a performance by Rabibvad Art reflecting the powerful fusion of Thai culture with contemporary expression. Organizers expect over 350,000 participants this year. The general public can join the parade for free without registration, while groups of 10 or more can apply to participate with special activities or presentations.

Beyond the spectacular parade, the festival features four major activities: Bangkok Pride Awards 2026 honoring individuals and organizations advancing equality across 11 categories and 24 awards; Bangkok Pride Forum 2026 hosting over 35 discussion sessions covering economy, health, technology, and human rights; the Bangkok Pride Parade 2026; and Drag Bangkok Festival 2026 promoting Thai drag art on the world stage with Asian-level competitions.

Waddao Chunmapha, founder and chairman of Nirmit Pride Company Limited, the event organizer, states that this year is significant for Thailand's LGBTQIAN+ community and another year of empowering LGBTQIAN+ youth to represent Thailand on the international stage.

On May 13, 2025, Supamas Israphakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and overseer of the Consumer Protection Board (CPB), disclosed updates on the case against Kriang Kai Raywaiklang, known as 'Chang Nueng,' a construction contractor and owner of the Facebook page 'Suan Jib Home Construction.' The defendant was summoned to provide a statement on May 12 but failed to appear as scheduled.

Supamas reported that while 40 of 60 alleged victims came to testify, the defendant's absence prevented mediation proceedings. She ordered the CPB to issue a second summons, warning that non-compliance would result in criminal penalties: imprisonment not exceeding one month, a fine not exceeding 20,000 baht, or both.

The CPB has been gathering evidence for a civil lawsuit on behalf of victims and coordinating with law enforcement agencies handling fraud cases and consumer protection violations. Supamas emphasized this action reflects the government's commitment to protecting consumer rights in housing, a fundamental human need.

The CPB requested a 15-day financial investigation from banking channels. Potential penalties for breach of contract include imprisonment up to one year, a fine up to 200,000 baht, or both. Advertising violations carry penalties of up to six months imprisonment, up to 100,000 baht fine, or both. The CPB's legal proceedings are expected to conclude within two months.

Regarding Modern Teej Co., Ltd., a separate housing construction case, the Consumer Protection Committee previously approved civil proceedings against one defendant. However, approximately 60-70 additional complaints have been filed, while the company has already registered for business dissolution. The CPB must gather additional evidence for the committee's further review.

Criminally, the CPB has forwarded 90 cases to law enforcement for further questioning and documentation. Two cases have already been forwarded for prosecution. The CPB continues investigating other construction contractors with similar patterns seen on online media and social platforms.

Supamas advised consumers to carefully verify online purchases or services match advertisements, research contractor and company history before signing contracts, and avoid paying large lump-sum deposits disproportionate to project scope. She assured that the CPB will pursue all legal remedies in both civil and criminal cases without exception.

Lionel Messi, Argentina's star striker for Inter Miami, continues to hold the top spot as the highest-paid player in Major League Soccer. According to the MLS Players Association, Messi's guaranteed salary for this season reaches $28.33 million, approximately 916 million baht, a significant increase from his previous $20.45 million in 2025 following his contract extension with the club through 2028. Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas previously revealed to Bloomberg in March that Messi's total annual earnings from all sources could reach $70-80 million, and it is anticipated that he may also hold equity in the club upon retirement. Son Heung-min, the South Korean striker for LA FC, ranks second among MLS players with guaranteed compensation of $11.15 million, followed by Rodrigo de Paul of Inter Miami, who earns $9.6 million.

Hidden Predator is a romantic-action drama featuring Ice Panutpong alongside Yam Matira as they launch a fierce revenge game, transforming from enemies into a dangerous love story. When truth must be exchanged for the heart, this intense romantic-action series from director Pao Jinchong tells the story of Taiga, a young Japanese designer whose yakuza father is murdered by the secret organization 'Phoenix.' To hunt down the boss 'Demon,' Taiga goes undercover at Three-C Group. But the major obstacle is Rin, a skilled bodyguard. The clash between Taiga and Rin becomes a high-stakes game where every step is fraught with danger. Who is a true friend and who is a hidden enemy? When truth costs both lives and love, how will this revenge game end? Taiga, a handsome young designer, comes to Thailand after Kenji, his yakuza adoptive father, is murdered by the secret organization Phoenix with Demon as the boss. Taiga goes undercover to work for Three-C Group, a company belonging to prominent businessman Neuribal, to hunt down Demon. But standing in his way is Rin, Neuribal's bodyguard. No one knows that Rin is the daughter of a police officer who was killed and silenced when reopening the brutal murder case of the former Three-C chairman. After her father's death, Rin transformed herself to find clues about the murder that was covered up, with Phallop helping her conceal her true identity. Taiga and Rin must clash throughout their investigation into the killer. Former police superintendent Kanin helps Taiga, while Taiga's friends Thammat, Ratee, and Aru, along with Rin's close friend Sun, piece together the puzzle behind the brutal murder case. The high-stakes game between Taiga and Rin intensifies as everyone around them is drawn into the dangerous game. Taiga traces his path to Demon himself. But Phallop orders Rin to eliminate Taiga. Rin cannot kill Taiga and decides to sacrifice herself as bait instead. Finally, the mystery of what truth Taiga must sacrifice with his beloved's life will unfold. Watch the intense revenge romance drama every Monday through Friday at 7:00 PM, premiering May 15, 2025 on Channel 33 and online on 3Plus.

CHONBURI — On May 12, 2026, Thai police arrested three Chinese nationals during a raid on a luxury house in Pattaya allegedly used to produce 'zombie vapes' containing the controlled sedative etomidate, authorities said.

The operation was carried out by officers from the Economic Crime Suppression Division under orders from Police Lieutenant General Natthasak Chaowanasai and Pol. Maj. Gen. Thatphum Charuprat, with Police Colonel Naruephon Karuna leading the arrest team.

The three Chinese suspects were arrested at a property on Nong Krabok Road in Bang Lamung district.

Police charged them with illegally producing and possessing etomidate, a Category 2 psychotropic substance, for commercial distribution. They were also accused of working outside the scope permitted for foreign nationals in Thailand.

Authorities seized a large quantity of chemicals and manufacturing equipment from the two-storey house, including industrial chemical containers, white chemical powder, sodium bicarbonate, production machinery, weighing and sealing equipment, and approximately 2,700 empty vape pod packages believed to be intended for sale.

Investigators said the property appeared to have been used as a production site for 'zombie vapes,' a term used in Thailand for e-cigarettes mixed with etomidate, an anaesthetic drug that can cause severe drowsiness and dangerous side effects.

Police said forensic officers later tested the substances found at the scene and confirmed the presence of etomidate, which is classified in Thailand as a Category 2 psychotropic substance and a key ingredient in the illicit vape products.

The suspects denied the allegations during questioning. They were taken into custody along with the seized evidence for further legal action by narcotics suppression investigators.

The cable car to Phu Kradueng Mountain is scheduled to open in February 2030, as the Loei Governor and provincial administration advance their roadmap into the environmental impact assessment (EIA) preparation phase alongside construction design. On May 13, 2025, Governor Chaiyapatch Jarunpong chaired a working committee to establish the roadmap and management framework for the cable car construction project, defining implementation strategies and oversight protocols. The Governor announced a five-phase roadmap for the project: Phase 1 (preparation and study permits) ran from October 2024 to May 2025; Phase 2 (EIA reporting and construction design) spans May 2025 to December 2025; Phase 3 (review and approval) occurs January to September 2026; Phase 4 (construction) begins October 2026 through January 2030; and Phase 5 (public opening) is targeted for February 2030. The project is currently in Phase 2, undergoing environmental impact assessment studies and design work, with expectations to meet the February 2030 service opening target.