Deputy Prime Minister Pracharya Prissananuntakul expressed satisfaction after the Thai Help Thai Plus registration surpassed expectations in nearly five hours, with 8 million benefits still available. He assured registrants not to worry about the three-day verification process, as benefits are already reserved for those awaiting review. The program will use the original 13.2 million welfare cardholders during the first two months before any adjustments.

Speaking at Government House on May 25, 2025, at 10:25 a.m., Prissananuntakul explained that Thai Help Thai Plus registrations fall into two categories: existing welfare program users can immediately confirm their eligibility, while new applicants must wait for verification through the Interior Ministry's online system, which may take up to three days.

When asked about the risk of benefits running out during the verification period, Prissananuntakul reported that 10 million benefits had already been claimed just 25 minutes after registration opened, leaving 8 million remaining. Those awaiting the three-day verification have their benefits reserved by the system, and once verification is complete, they are considered eligible recipients.

Acknowledging numerous complaints that truly poor people were excluded while ineligible individuals received benefits, the government plans to review the 13.2 million beneficiaries. The Interior Ministry will survey people outside this list to identify those below the poverty line, working with the Social Development Ministry before sending recommendations to the Finance Ministry. The Finance Ministry will apply additional screening criteria including annual income, land ownership, and business status. This process is expected to take approximately two months, during which the program will continue using the existing 13.2 million figures before any adjustments are made.

Online Station and zbing z., Thailand's number one gaming creator with over 21.7 million followers, have collaborated to launch 'Zimby Land,' a new virtual playground on Roblox featuring the 'Crash' map. Unlike a typical gaming space, Zimby Land blends zbing z.'s signature fun, vibrant personality and unique style with accessible, entertaining gameplay that still delivers hidden scares and challenges to keep players excited throughout their journey. The world welcomes both newcomers and longtime fans alike. Beyond gaming, Zimby Land features a dedicated community where players can engage in conversations, receive updates, and participate in special events. The platform brings together partners and brands to create limitless imaginative experiences for all, making it a true destination for Gen Z culture. Zimby Land is now open for everyone to explore a colorful world filled with surprises and countless activities waiting to be discovered. Players can follow updates and participate in the community through the official channels including Discord and Roblox Community pages.

At 9:45 AM on May 25, 2025, at Parliament, a group of 89 senators led by Pisit Abhiwatpongpanich, spokesperson for the Senate's ad hoc committee, held a press conference condemning Pita Limjaroenrat, list MP and leader of the opposition People's Party, for making Facebook posts alleging that the current Senate is 'blue-colored' and a product of the 2017 Constitution born from a military coup.

Pisit stated that Pita's accusations are false and constitute the worst form of behavior. He demanded that Pita issue a public apology to the Senate within three days, warning that legal action will be taken to protect the Senate from Pita's attempts to undermine public trust in the institution, which is a cornerstone of Thailand's democratic system with the Monarchy as head of state.

Pisit argued that Pita's claim that the Senate resulted from the 2017 Constitution is untrue. He noted that the 2017 Constitution was approved by public referendum and followed by three general elections in 2019, 2023, and 2024—elections in which Pita's parties (Future Forward, Move Forward, and now People's Party) all participated and accepted representatives elected under the Constitution. He specifically highlighted that in 2023, Pita himself was elected as the party winning the most seats.

Pisit emphasized that the Constitution was endorsed by the Thai people through referendum before implementation, making it a people's constitution rather than a legacy of the coup. He suggested that Pita's party's failure to form a government in the latest election has prompted them to attack and mislead the public.

Pisit confirmed that current senators were selected through professional group elections. While selection processes may face scrutiny, until authorities or the Constitutional Court rule otherwise, all senators must be considered legitimately elected under the Constitution. He stated that senators have faithfully performed their duties as neutral representatives of the Thai people without abuse of power or distortion.

Pisit countered that Pita's accusations against senators lack evidence and violate Senate conduct rules. He dismissed Pita's claim that the public cannot scrutinize or remove senators as false and intentionally misleading to damage the Senate, independent agencies, and the Constitutional Court. Pisit called on Pita to clarify what he means by 'blue-colored system,' which institution or person he is accusing, and to conduct politics with honesty and clarity.

Bank Sornnm Updates on BM's Condition After Surgery for Severe Sleep Apnea, Given One Month Rest

Bank Sornnm posted a photo of BM on Instagram with the message: "Stay strong, my talented nephew. You're recovering well and will have surgery soon." Fans sent overwhelming support for Bank Sornnm Angkhalabhum, the beloved million-baht leading man and pride of Thai mothers.

Reporters encountered Bank Sornnm at the "Phet Prakhai Rak Song Jai" event at Lido Connect Hall 2 and asked about his nephew's condition.

Has your nephew had surgery? "After the surgery, he's already looking bright and cheerful. I want him to focus on recovering first. Many people have been missing him. Before the surgery, as everyone could see, he was performing at his peak and went viral multiple times. He enjoys his work, so we've paused his performances for now to let him get stronger. The doctor recommended two weeks of rest, but our family decided on a month of rest."

What made you notice something was wrong before the surgery? "I had to sleep beside him—it was the first time we slept together. I noticed he was snoring very loudly. It wasn't just the snoring; it was like he couldn't breathe while sleeping. It was frightening to watch, so I recorded a video to show his sister. She asked what was wrong with him because he seemed to be having trouble breathing. That's when we learned he'd been dealing with severe sleep apnea for two years. He'd been taking medicine and using a spray, and we kept checking up on him. I told him we should get checked again to see if he'd improved or gotten worse. That's when we realized it was critical, so we decided to do the surgery urgently."

Did he understand when you told him he needed surgery? "He just kept telling his older sisters to come visit him. He had the surgery two days later, and he didn't seem scared about it at all."

Does he want to get back on stage? "I think he wants to come back and perform. Before the surgery, he told me: 'Wait a bit, I've already prepared some material. Just be patient with me.' Especially our host, because before the surgery, the host kept asking for him."

On another note, did you buy property recently? "Yes, in Nakhon Ratchasima. It's a gift to myself from my own earnings. I was thinking about it for a while because it's a considerable amount of money. (Why this location?) Given the current circumstances and uncertainty about the future, I figured I'd invest in it. Plus, I'm thinking about developing it into a pool villa eventually."

What kind of development are you planning? "Right now, I've already put down the money. I'm gradually accumulating resources and taking it one step at a time."

It seems like you want to buy multiple properties? "I'd love to buy many properties, but I don't have enough money. (Laughs) (Are you focusing on real estate?) I need to make another decision. I really want to invest and expand, but I don't know how long people will want to watch Bank on screen. I need to develop other businesses as backup."

PHATTHALUNG — 25 May 2026, Armed youths on motorcycles opened fire at a local journalist and a group of residents outside a roadside restaurant in central Phatthalung, alarming residents and renewing concerns over rising gun violence in the southern province.

The shooting occurred at about 00:40 on 25 May at a mala restaurant on Phadung Don Yo Road in Muang district, police said.

Investigators said four youths travelling on two motorcycles, armed with two guns, targeted a table outside the restaurant where local journalist Nitikorn Udomsin, 26, was sitting with the shop owner, staff members and friends.

No injuries were reported.

Police officer Sukrit Songsaeng, the investigating officer on the case, inspected the scene after receiving reports of gunfire. Authorities recovered suspected bullet fragments and began reviewing CCTV footage to identify and track down the attackers.

Nitikorn said he and six others had been sitting outside the closed restaurant when two young men rode past and fired three shots into the air in front of the premises before leaving.

Believing the incident was over, the group remained at the scene.

Less than three minutes later, the youths allegedly returned with another motorcycle. One bike rode past the restaurant and stopped further ahead, while the second stopped nearby before the group opened fire towards the restaurant area, forcing those present to run inside for cover.

The gunmen fled immediately after the shooting.

The incident has heightened fears among residents, who say gun-related violence involving youths has become increasingly common in Phatthalung.

Residents pointed to a recent shooting on 22 May in which a 15-year-old was killed and another person seriously injured.

A 53-year-old neighbour, identified only as "Kung", said she heard the initial gunshots and came outside to check whether anyone had been hurt, only to be forced to run for safety when the attackers returned.

"People don't feel safe any more," she said. "These youths are extremely brazen, shooting in the middle of town and coming back for a second attack as if they have no fear of the law."

Residents called on police to swiftly arrest those responsible and strengthen public safety measures, warning that escalating youth violence in the province is increasingly threatening civilians and members of the media.