Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Srettha Thavisin gave an interview before a cabinet meeting on May 12 at Government House regarding the review of the tourist free visa policy. He stated that the Foreign Ministry believes the current 60-day duration for tourist free visas may be excessive, as some people may enter under this visa not for tourism but for residence, making stricter oversight necessary.

This matter was prepared for proposal during the Anutin government but was postponed during the election period. It is now being expedited through the cabinet secretariat, which must consult with relevant agencies. However, he expressed confidence there would be no major obstacles since the visa committee, chaired by the Foreign Ministry with participation from relevant agencies, is already reviewing the matter.

Thavisin mentioned discussing with the Prime Minister on May 11 that numerous visas are currently being promoted by various agencies. While some serve good purposes—such as expert visas or soft power visas—some may exceed necessity, requiring a review of the criteria and their actual needs.

When asked when consolidated visa guidelines would be finalized, Thavisin indicated that the immediate priority is the tourist free visa issue, particularly following the Chinese national case. He clarified that this review was planned before recent incidents, not because of them. The government will also examine the overall visa landscape to determine which categories are necessary and whether consolidation is possible.

Regarding whether the Chinese national case would lead to reduced or eliminated free visa status, Thavisin stated the government does not target specific nationalities but focuses on activities that may create problems for Thailand. Any visa issued should have an appropriate duration suitable for tourism—likely not exceeding 30 days—with criteria aligned to the visa's purpose. He emphasized the government is not discriminatory but must be strict with anyone engaging in undesirable activities, especially those posing security threats, citing the case of the Chinese national who was arrested.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Srettha Thavisin gave an interview at Government House before a Cabinet meeting regarding his appointment as chairman of the government's special committee to address southern border province issues. He stated that resolving problems in the southern border provinces requires integrated cooperation, with peace talks serving as one avenue among several important strategies including area development, identity issues, local development, and justice reform. "It's time for all efforts to move in the same direction," Srettha said, including dialogue with insurgent groups and addressing political issues through conversations with local communities. When asked if this approach represents civilian control over the military, Srettha responded that it involves political, military, and international dimensions—particularly involving Malaysia—but emphasized that unified direction remains paramount. Regarding whether peace talks are a new approach, Srettha clarified that while dialogue with such groups is part of the solution, it is not the complete answer. He stressed that any southern border strategy must be people-centered, and the government will coordinate efforts while recognizing that peace talks represent only one component of the comprehensive solution needed.

National Police Chief General Kittirat Panthapetch has ordered police in all areas to conduct intensive sweeps targeting foreigners engaged in criminal activity, according to Deputy National Police Commander Trairot Pichinan. The campaign will focus on preventing cross-border crime, illegal immigration, use of Thailand as a transit point, unlawful employment of foreigners, and illegal businesses operated through nominee arrangements that impact public safety and national stability.

The operation will be implemented in three phases:

1. Urgent three-month "X-ray sweep" phase: All police units will compile databases of foreign residents in their jurisdictions and identify target groups involved in drug trafficking, economic crimes, tax evasion, technology-related offenses, organized smuggling networks, human trafficking, and national-level trafficking routes. Police will conduct targeted raids on areas with concentrated foreign populations and enforce laws strictly, with arrests pursued in all cases. The National Police Office's Center for Combating Transnational Criminals will coordinate with related agencies including the Commerce Ministry, Finance Ministry, the Anti-Money Laundering Office, Bank of Thailand, Customs Department, Revenue Department, and Land Department to implement coordinated operations across policy and provincial levels.

2. Medium-term "root and branch" phase (6-9 months): The Immigration Bureau will work with other agencies to verify foreign databases, validate documents and visas, and review foreign business operations. Metropolitan and provincial police will collaborate with local security agencies to enforce immigration laws and consider revoking residence permits. Authorities will also study relevant laws and propose amendments to strengthen enforcement and close legal loopholes exploited by foreign criminals. Officials will investigate extended criminal networks thoroughly, and take disciplinary action against any state officials involved in these schemes.

3. Long-term sustainability measures focusing on continuous operations targeting illegal immigration and organized criminal networks.

The Gold Traders Association announced today, May 12, 2025, that gold prices have surged significantly. Act quickly and make your decision. Compared to yesterday's closing price, ornamental gold is selling at 73,250 baht per baht weight.

Today's gold price has jumped strongly by 850 baht compared to the final price on May 11. Ornamental gold is selling at 73,250 baht per baht, according to the latest information from the Gold Traders Association released through their website at 9:07 AM.

Gold bars have a domestic buying price of 72,250 baht per baht and a selling price of 72,450 baht per baht according to the first announcement.

For 96.5% ornamental gold, the buying price is 70,812.36 baht per baht and the selling price is 73,250 baht per baht. Meanwhile, the global gold spot market (Gold Spot) is trading at 4,728.50 USD per ounce.

Today's Gold Prices Summary, May 12, 2025 - First Announcement Gold Bars: Buy 72,250 baht/baht, Sell 72,450 baht/baht Ornamental Gold: Buy 70,812.36 baht/baht, Sell 73,250 baht/baht

Gold traders predict that tomorrow's opening will see gold prices surge by 1,000-2,000 baht per baht, potentially breaking through 80,000 baht. Traders recommend considering when to buy gold, citing various market trend factors affecting gold prices.

Police directing traffic outside a prominent secondary school on the first day of the new term spotted a suspicious modified motorcycle and discovered a gun and drugs after checking the riders.

At 6:45 AM on May 12, 2025, Pol. Col. Phontawi Somwong, Commander of Chokchai Police Station, conducted traffic management operations outside Satree Witthaya 2 School on Sukhon Sawasdi Road in Bangkok for the start of the new academic term. Deputy Commander Pol. Maj. Nrongsakdi Kunbuala and three traffic officers were on duty. Despite heavy traffic volume, vehicles moved smoothly and the congestion cleared by 7:30 AM.

While managing traffic flow, officers spotted a suspicious modified motorcycle and conducted an inspection. Police found an unregistered firearm with ammunition and drugs. Two additional suspects were also apprehended. The two main suspects are a romantic couple and were transferred to Chokchai Police Station for legal action.

Pol. Col. Phontawi stated that the traffic officers were well-prepared to facilitate the smooth opening of the school term. Simultaneously, whenever suspicious individuals or vehicles are spotted, officers will conduct inspections to prevent criminal activity in the area and ensure continued safety throughout the Chokchai Police Station jurisdiction.

The final six passengers and some crew of the Ocean Worldwide Expeditions cruise ship MV Hondius, affected by hantavirus and anchored off Tenerife, Spain, disembarked on Monday, May 11 local time. Captain Jan Doborowolski praised the passengers' patience and discipline during the extremely challenging weeks, stating in a video posted on the company website: "I cannot imagine navigating this situation with a better group of people—passengers and crew alike." The last group of passengers consisted of four Australians, one British resident of Australia, and one New Zealander, who were taken ashore to Tenerife by small boat and will fly to the Netherlands for quarantine. The Dutch Foreign Ministry confirmed that 19 crew members and three doctors who treated patients aboard will also travel to the Netherlands on an earlier flight. The MV Hondius, with 26 crew members, will sail to the Netherlands—the ship's registered country—for disinfection. This disembarkation marks the end of a complex operation that has involved evacuating and repatriating 94 people. The ship sailed from southern Argentina 41 days ago, and nine days after the first confirmed hantavirus cases were detected. The death toll remains at three: two Dutch couples and one German, with two deaths confirmed as hantavirus-related. The World Health Organization reported on Monday that seven cases have been confirmed as Andes hantavirus, with two suspected cases, including one person who died before testing and another on Tristan da Cunha, a remote Atlantic island with no known hantavirus presence.