HAVANA — Cuba has run out of diesel and fuel oil supplies as the country faces a worsening electricity crisis linked to U.S. restrictions on fuel shipments, Energy and Mines Minister Vicente de la O said on 14 May 2026.

The minister said prolonged fuel shortages had severely affected Cuba's power grid, contributing to major blackouts across the country in recent months.

In Havana, some areas have been left without electricity for more than 20 hours a day, officials said.

Cuba's electricity system relies on domestically produced crude oil, natural gas and renewable energy sources.

Authorities said Cuba has been attempting to negotiate fuel imports despite restrictions imposed by the United States, while global oil prices and ongoing conflicts have further complicated supply efforts.

U.S. measures blocking fuel shipments to Cuba have now entered a fourth month, affecting public services nationwide, officials said.

On May 14, 2569, reporters visited a motorcycle repair shop on Mittraphap Road (Udon Thani-Nong Khai route) in Muban Tha Toom, Mueang District, Udon Thani Province, after receiving complaints about an unusually high water bill. The shop owner, 35-year-old Nai Golf, showed bills indicating 20,593.76 baht for April and 21,245.39 baht for May—totaling 41,839.15 baht for consuming 922,000 liters of water. This seemed unreasonable for a rented room where the shop operated only during daytime hours, with the owner returning to his home in Phen District at night.

Nai Golf explained that he normally pays only 300-400 baht per month for water. In April, he received no bill and thus paid nothing. When the May bill arrived on May 7, it combined both months' charges, shocking him with the enormous total. Although he suspected a leak, there were no signs of water damage, and the above-ground pipes showed no visible ruptures.

Initial inspections by provincial waterworks officials found the meter functioning normally—it rotated when water flowed and stopped when the valve closed. No leaks were detected inside the house. Officials told him to pay according to the bill or submit a request for installment payments. Unsatisfied with this response, Nai Golf contacted the media for investigation.

A second inspection by Isarin, the service head of the provincial waterworks in Udon Thani, confirmed the meter was functioning properly and showed normal readings. However, officials noted there was an outdoor faucet and that the meter readings matched both months of readings taken by the meter reader. The case has been referred to the provincial waterworks office for further review and resolution, with the owner to be notified of the outcome.

Rom has threatened Section 157 charges against the Justice Minister, alleging knowledge that Hunton owns Huione Pay without taking action. Justice Minister Rutthapol explained that Cambodia is not providing cooperation and supporting evidence is required before parliamentary disclosure. Red notices have been issued for Jim Leak and Ben Smith along with his wife.

On May 14, 2025, during a parliament session chaired by Sophon Saramea, MP Rangsimun Rom from the People's Party list questioned the Prime Minister regarding efforts to combat scammers and money laundering involving the Huione company network. Justice Minister Rutthapol Naowarat answered on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Rom stated that based on the Central Investigation Police plan regarding money laundering and skyfalling schemes by Huione Pay (Huione Pay), which is linked to dark money in the CAI fund, he wanted answers on the progress of Ben Smith's case, whether red notices or Silver Notices have been issued for follow-up through Interpol, and whether politicians and political networks in Thailand—including former ministers now MPs and former premiers—would face expansion of the case.

Justice Minister Rutthapol explained that there are three criminal cases: First, arrest warrants issued for Jim Leak and his wife plus 42 others, with 30 suspects detained. The case has been forwarded to special prosecutors, but Jim Leak and his wife remain at large while Interpol red notices have been issued. Second, the Ben Smith and his wife fraud case involving 900 million baht in investment fraud, with arrest warrants and Interpol coordination for follow-up. Third, the Anti-Money Laundering Committee (AMLO) filed complaints against five individuals including Jim Leak, Wirinnya Yim, Ben Smith, Katherine Beaver, and Suparat Sngamnueng on money laundering charges, currently gathering evidence.

Regarding asset seizure, AMLO ordered confiscation of property belonging to Jim Leak, his wife, Ben Smith, and his wife plus 68 other items totaling 120 billion baht in the first instance. The court ordered seizure of 34 items valued at 8.2 billion baht in the second instance. AMLO has completed seizure of 103 items totaling 200 billion baht, currently under review. Upon completion, announcements will be published for affected parties to file compensation claims.

The Justice Minister noted that action against Huione Pay is under the Police Department with three agencies cooperating. Given public interest in this case, it should proceed through a committee format for clearer progress monitoring. In the Huione Pay case, arrests followed a 75-year-old victim's report to police. Initially, 46 million baht in suspect assets were seized. Investigators recommended prosecution, with documents sent to prosecutors. The case is under criminal court consideration.

"The limitation in this case is that Cambodia is not [cooperating]..."

On May 14, 2026, Surin Province Police Commander Pol. Col. Sukont Srirun, accompanied by Deputy Commander Pol. Lt. Col. Chaiyanrong Bundwuang and officers from Sangkha and Sikhoraphum police stations, announced the arrest of a major drug trafficking network in Surin Province. Three suspects were arrested and assets totaling 833,000 baht were seized.

The suspects are: Theerphol, 41 years old; Chollatharn, 27 years old; and Vanthewei, 25 years old.

Pol. Lt. Col. Chaiyanrong revealed that the operation followed directives from Regional Police Commander 3 Pol. Gen. Pruthiphong Prrayurnsiri and Deputy Commander Pol. Col. Chusuadsi Chanrochakij to intensify drug suppression efforts in target areas.

Police arrested Theerphol near a resort in Sangkha District while concealing methamphetamine pills under a motorcycle seat. A follow-up search of a target residence in Sikhoraphum District yielded 106,035 methamphetamine pills and three mobile phones.

The suspects were charged with possession and intent to distribute Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine hydrochloride) for commercial purposes. Theerphol faced additional charges of drug use and driving under the influence of drugs.

Seized assets included: one white Honda LEAD motorcycle without license plates, one red Isuzu pickup truck, one blue Honda Wave 125i motorcycle, one pink Honda Wave 110i motorcycle, one red Honda Wave 110i motorcycle without plates, one yellow Honda Wave 110i motorcycle without plates, and 78,000 baht in cash. Total asset value seized: 833,000 baht. The suspects were transferred to Sangkha police station for legal proceedings.

Check Now: Civil Service Commission Announces 2569 Civil Service Exam Results for General Knowledge Section, Rounds 1-5. You can verify the list of successful candidates and view scores as follows:

On May 14, 2569, the Civil Service Commission announced the results of those who passed the 2569 General Knowledge Assessment via electronic system (exam rounds 1-5). Candidates can view the passing list from 1:00 PM onwards at https://job3.ocsc.go.th.

You can check the passing list and view scores starting May 15, 2569 at 9:00 AM. Certificates of passing the 2569 General Knowledge Assessment via electronic system (exam rounds 1-5) can be printed from May 25, 2569 onwards.

Certificates can be obtained through the websites https://job3.ocsc.go.th or https://job.ocsc.go.th and the "JOB OCSC" mobile application under the "Print General Knowledge Assessment Passing Certificates" section.

In a horrifying case, Vinai has confessed to fatally assaulting his girlfriend Joy, placing her body in his sedan, and driving it to Bang Bua Thong Police Station in Nonthaburi Province to turn himself in. He claimed he attacked her out of rage after discovering she was in a relationship with another man, someone younger whom he also knew. He had supposedly followed the pair to a hotel with frosted glass windows.

According to Deputy Police Chief Chockchai Kanacherjrajn's statement on May 14, 2025, after initially discovering the infidelity, Vinai sat down to eat with Joy, initially thinking they would forgive each other. However, after drinking alcohol and returning to their room, they discussed the matter and a confrontation erupted. Joy made a sarcastic comment suggesting Vinai hadn't cut ties with his ex-wife, which triggered his violent outburst beginning Tuesday night, May 12.

The assault occurred that night, followed by normal rest. The next morning around 8 a.m. on May 13, Vinai left to work his regular taxi job. When he returned around noon, he found Joy dead. In shock, he placed her body in his car and drove aimlessly. Around 8 a.m. on May 14, after regaining composure, Vinai called his ex-wife confessing to the killing. She advised him to surrender at Bang Bua Thong Police Station.

Vinai admitted to slapping Joy's face 3-4 times and kicking her, denying the use of any weapons. The severity of the assault resulted from his larger physical build. Regarding whether his voluntary surrender would mitigate punishment, authorities stated they would review evidence and witness statements more thoroughly, including testimony from his ex-wife, the victim's relatives, and a man named Kob, the friend Vinai claimed had a relationship with Joy.

Phone records revealed chat messages between Vinai and Joy's aunt at 12:04 a.m. Wednesday. At 1:06 a.m., the aunt sent a message saying she wanted to live alone without the two of them, citing her inability to handle their behavior and lack of consideration for her feelings. The aunt had learned Vinai had slapped Joy inside a restaurant.