Weather

Disaster Prevention Department Warns 54 Provinces of Flash Floods and Strong Winds May 14-18

Thailand's Disaster Prevention Department has warned 54 provinces to prepare for heavy rainfall, flash floods, and strong waves from May 14-18, 2025, triggered by a strengthening low-pressure system and southwest monsoon. All provinces have been instructed to deploy emergency teams and equipment to vulnerable areas, with particular warnings for natural attractions including caves and waterfalls to close if conditions become hazardous.

5d ago Khaosod

On May 13, 2025, Theerapat Kachmart, Director-General of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation (DDPM), announced that the Central Operations Command for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation has been monitoring weather conditions. The Meteorological Department issued a forecast on May 13 at 5:00 AM warning of heavy to very heavy rainfall across Thailand and strong waves in the Andaman Sea from May 14-18, 2025. A strong low-pressure system over the lower Gulf of Bengal will move northward to cover the upper Gulf, while the southwest monsoon strengthens over the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, creating significant wave heights of 2-3 meters in the Andaman Sea and 1-2 meters in the upper Gulf of Thailand, with waves exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorm areas.

Seventeen provinces in the North are under watch, including Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Uttaradit, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phetchabun, Nakhon Sawan, and Uthai Thani. In the Northeast, 12 provinces are monitored including Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani. The Central Region includes 11 provinces: Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and others. In the South, 14 provinces are at risk including Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun.

For strong wind warnings in the South, six provinces are affected: Ranong (Muang, Suksamran, and Kapoe districts), Phang Nga (Koh Yao, Takua Thung, Thai Mueang, Takua Pa, and Kuraburi districts), Phuket (all districts), Krabi (Muang, Khlong Thom, Koh Lanta, North Khlong, and Ao Luk districts), Trang (Kantang, Sikao, Palian, and Hat Samran districts), and Satun (Muang, La-ngu, Tha Pae, and Thung Wa districts). The DDPM has coordinated with all 54 provinces to prepare emergency response teams and equipment in high-risk areas, with orders to closely monitor weather conditions, rainfall volumes, and water levels. Staff have been instructed to set up rapid response teams and machinery in vulnerable zones. Tourist attractions, especially waterfalls and caves, should close immediately if conditions become dangerous.

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Police

Nine injured as pickup truck carrying basketball team crashes into electrical pole in Nonthaburi

A pickup truck carrying a basketball team from Nonthaburi Witthayalai School crashed into an electrical pole on a curve, injuring nine people including eight students and one coach. The accident occurred on May 13, 2025, during the afternoon as the vehicle was heading to practice. All victims were transported to nearby hospitals with injuries ranging from bruises to a fractured skull.

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A pickup truck carrying basketball athletes from Nonthaburi Witthayalai School lost control on a curve and crashed into an electrical pole, leaving nine people injured—eight students and one coach. The accident happened at 4:45 p.m. on May 13, 2025, in Soi Bang Plab 2 on Chai Phruek Road, Pak Kret District, Nonthaburi. Police from Chai Phruek Station and Po Tek Tung Foundation volunteers arrived to find a gold Mazda pickup truck belonging to the school severely damaged against the pole on the curved section of road. The victims suffered bruises, leg and arm injuries, and in the coach's case, a fractured skull. Rescue teams transported them to Krungthep Pak Kret Hospital, Pak Kret Hospital, and Vibharam Pak Kret Hospital. Initial investigation indicates the vehicle was heading to basketball practice when it suddenly lost control for unknown reasons and struck the pole with significant force. Police will conduct further investigation and take legal action.

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National

Mai Rachanok Advances at Toyota Thailand Open 2026, Defeats Thidaporn in All-Thai Showdown

Top-ranked Thai badminton player Mai Rachanok Inthanon advanced to the second round of the Toyota Thailand Open 2026, defeating fellow Thai player Thidaporn Gleebunyun with a dominant 2-0 victory in the opening round. The World Tour Super 500 event took place on May 13, 2026 at Bangkok's Nimibutr Sports Hall.

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The Toyota Thailand Open 2026, a BWF World Tour Super 500 badminton tournament, took place at the Nimibutr Sports Hall on May 13, 2026 in the opening round. The women's singles draw featured an all-Thai matchup between world No. 7 Mai Rachanok Inthanon and world No. 71 Thidaporn Gleebunyun. Mai Rachanok maintained her commanding form, defeating Thidaporn with a clean 2-0 victory, winning the games 21-9 and 21-18, and advancing to the second round.

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Police

Relentless Brass Knuckle Assault: Witness Recounts Famous Amulet Dealer's Brutal Attack During Debt Settlement Meeting

Two men brutally attacked a prominent amulet dealer with brass knuckles inside a restaurant VIP room in Nakhon Pathom on January 14, 2568, during what was supposed to be a debt settlement meeting. The assault left the victim with severe head injuries and significant blood loss before staff intervened and the attackers fled on a motorcycle. Police have since identified the suspects and are working to apprehend them for prosecution.

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A witness account reveals how two men entered a VIP room at a restaurant where a renowned amulet dealer was conducting a debt settlement meeting. The assailants claimed to be looking for a friend, then attacked the victim by dragging him from his chair and repeatedly punching his head with brass knuckles until staff intervened and forced them to flee on a motorcycle. The incident occurred on January 14, 2568, leaving the victim severely injured with multiple head wounds and blood scattered throughout the VIP room. According to witness Ms. Pia (pseudonym), 25, a restaurant employee present during the attack, the perpetrators acted calmly and openly, and the victim was unable to defend himself as he was pinned to the ground. After the incident, staff called an ambulance and police, and the case has since stalled. Police have identified both suspects and are reportedly tracking them to proceed with charges.

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Regional

Thai man detained in Cambodia after border disappearance

A 58-year-old Thai man from Surin province who disappeared near the Cambodia border in April while collecting forest products is being detained in Oddar Meanchey province on charges of illegal entry and military trespassing.

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SURIN — Thailand's 2nd Army Region on Wednesday confirmed that a 58-year-old Thai man who went missing near the Thai-Cambodian border last month is currently being detained in Cambodia.

The man, identified as Yot Sainoi from Surin province, was reported missing after entering a forest area near the border in Kap Choeng district on 25 April to collect forest products. His family later filed a missing person report with Kap Choeng police after they were unable to contact him.

Authorities later found his motorcycle parked near the forest edge and launched a joint search operation with local administrative and security agencies.

Following coordination with Cambodian authorities, Col. Pov Peng, head of the O'Smach border coordination unit, informed Thai officials that Cambodian authorities had detained Yot and transferred him to Oddar Meanchey province for legal proceedings.

According to the Cambodian side, Yot is facing charges related to illegal entry and trespassing into a military area. He is currently being held at Oddar Meanchey provincial prison.

The 2nd Army Region said it is working closely with Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Thai Consulate-General in Siem Reap to provide consular assistance and ensure the man receives humanitarian care and legal support. Officials said he remains safe while in custody.

The army also urged residents living near border areas to exercise caution when entering forests or conducting activities near the frontier, advising them to inform local officials in advance to reduce the risk of getting lost or facing legal issues in neighbouring countries.

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Police

Both Sides Face Charges: Police File Case Against Former Mobile Network Executive in Hit-and-Run, Preparing Assault Counterclaim

A former mobile network executive faces hit-and-run charges after allegedly striking an online merchant's vehicle in Bangkok on January 7 and fleeing the scene; both parties have filed countersuits after failed mediation attempts.

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A case involving online merchant Aekkhalak, who submitted video evidence of being hit by a pickup truck driven by a former mobile network executive before the driver fled, has now resulted in formal charges. The incident occurred on the evening of January 7th. On May 13th, 2569, Pol. Lt. Col. Nusorn Krittyachotee, deputy investigation commander at Ladprao Police Station, announced that the executive, 55-year-old Saharath, was being formally notified of charges for reckless driving causing property damage and hit-and-run. Multiple mediation attempts between the two parties had failed since March 27th, with both sides missing appointments and productive discussions breaking down, causing case delays.

Regarding the defendant's claim that he mistakenly went to Khokkhram Police Station for three days before reporting to Ladprao station, he initially argued there was no intent to flee but rather a misunderstanding about jurisdiction. However, the three-day delay raises questions about potential avoidance of alcohol testing, though without scientific evidence from that time period, drunk driving charges cannot proceed. Hit-and-run carries penalties of up to three months imprisonment and 2,000-10,000 baht in fines.

The defendant has also filed an assault countercharge against the victim. While he claims to have dashcam and video evidence plus a hospital medical certificate, police note that regular hospital certificates cannot serve as legal evidence for assault cases—only forensic medical certificates can. The victim must obtain a forensic medical examination to properly support the assault claim. Despite months passing, forensic doctors can still analyze medical records from the original treatment to issue the required documentation.

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National

Editorial – The Team Tackling the South's Unrest

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has established a special government committee chaired by Deputy PM Seehasak Puangketkeaw to address longstanding problems in Thailand's southern border provinces. The committee will coordinate strategies combining peace negotiations, identity preservation, area development, and justice reforms, though Seehasak emphasized that dialogue alone is insufficient—people-centered development is essential. The appointment represents Anutin's continued commitment to achieving peace in the troubled region since returning to power.

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Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has appointed a special government committee to address problems in Thailand's southern border provinces, tasked with implementing strategies and action plans, coordinating between cabinet and central agencies with local units, and monitoring progress aligned with national security strategy and southern border development plans.

Deputy Prime Minister Seehasak Puangketkeaw chairs the committee, with Defense Minister and NSC Secretary-General as vice chairs. Former PM advisor Wanmuhammadnoor Matha serves as consultant.

Seehasak stated that resolving southern border issues requires integrated collaboration, with peace negotiations as one approach alongside addressing identity, area development, justice concerns, and dialogue with insurgent groups. He acknowledged the issue involves political, military, and international dimensions, but efforts will move in a unified direction.

Regarding peace negotiations, Seehasak clarified these are just one component—not the complete solution—as southern border resolution must center on the people as the foundation.

This initiative is significant and noteworthy for the Anutin government's efforts to resolve southern unrest. Since becoming a minority government and returning to power with Bhumjaithai's election victory, Anutin has signaled multiple attempts at creating southern peace, from appointing a National Intelligence Agency director to lead peace talks to now establishing this special committee. Success remains to be seen.

Particular focus should be on negotiations, which many view as the best path forward, along with justice provision in the region. Beyond insurgent activities, there are complications—including the shooting of Narathiwat parliamentarians involving security officials as accused parties. If this case doesn't reach the masterminds, it could undermine local public confidence and hinder peace-building efforts.

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National

Cornered: State Officials and Crime — Cases Like These Go Nowhere

Public scrutiny intensifies over two high-profile criminal cases where police investigations appear to be stalling, allegedly due to involvement of state officials. A Chinese national's massive weapons arsenal discovered in Chon Buri and the shooting of a Nakhon Ratchasima MP both involve government connections, leading critics to question whether investigators are conducting thorough probes or deliberately slowing progress to protect officials.

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Two criminal cases are drawing intense public scrutiny over how police are investigating them, raising questions about whether investigators will pursue perpetrators thoroughly or handle matters with kid gloves. Both cases involve state officials becoming implicated, suggesting they may not progress as expected.

One involves Ming Chen Sun, a Chinese national, found with a massive arsenal of military weapons and explosives—essentially a small ammunition depot—in a residential area of Bang Lamung, Chon Buri.

The discovery of materials capable of causing such serious harm understandably alarmed the public. However, police's initial statements disappointed many by attempting to downplay the severity, suggesting it was merely a collection hobby.

Later, when additional information emerged showing the suspect's connections to Cambodian scammer networks and his gunfire training in Cambodia, the case took on far greater significance.

Public pressure mounted for police to investigate more deeply, questioning what purpose such an arsenal was intended for in Thailand.

Critically, investigators needed to determine where the military weapons, explosives, and firearms originated. It was discovered that some weapons came through military officials, while some firearms belonged to police—though fortunately, they were personal weapons.

Once connections to government officials surfaced, public alarm grew. This perception that police were handling the case halfheartedly became widespread.

This brings to mind another case stalled in similar fashion: the shooting of MP Kamomsak Livamaoh, a Nakhon Ratchasima representative from the Bhumjaithai Party. Seven suspects have been arrested, including former and current naval personnel.

The key evidence is a government vehicle belonging to the Prime Minister's Office that the shooting team allegedly used.

Because government vehicles and active state officials were involved in the MP's shooting, this case also appears to be handled hesitantly by police.

The pattern is troubling: weapons and explosives in the Chinese suspect's possession may have come from state officials, and the government vehicle served as evidence in the MP shooting case.

Both cases have stalled without substantial progress.

Police work has faced severe public criticism, raising a critical question: Why are serious criminal cases so often entangled with state officials?

— Wong Tawan

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National

Peter Pan Nueahorn Swamped with Work as He Launches Major Stage Musical 'Nakaraj The Musical'

Thai actor Peter Pan Tassapon Vivitvoravut is making his stage musical debut in 'Nakaraj The Musical,' playing the role of Princess Petcharat Nakaraj while simultaneously preparing for two new television series. The grand-scale production by Phivatana Performing Arts Group will run on June 18, 20, and 21, 2026 at M Theatre, with tickets now available for purchase.

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Actor Peter Pan Tassapon Vivitvoravut is swamped with back-to-back work commitments, including his theatrical debut in the grand-scale musical 'Nakaraj The Musical,' produced by Phivatana Performing Arts Group. Beyond preparing for two new television series, Peter Pan is now taking on the role of 'Princess Petcharat Nakaraj' after the production recently held its ceremonial blessing.

"I'm absolutely delighted to have received this important opportunity," Peter Pan shared. "I need to prepare thoroughly in singing, acting, and character comprehension to convey a story of love, faith, and belief from a contemporary perspective in the best way possible."

He added, "This theatrical production is a new test of my abilities because I must seriously study musical theater craft—from building character, blocking, to vocal techniques."

'Nakaraj The Musical' will run on June 18, 20, and 21, 2026 at M Theatre. Tickets are now available for purchase at Thai Ticket Major branches nationwide or by calling 02-262-3456.

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National

Final Round – Awaiting Constitutional Court's Verdict

Thailand's Constitutional Court is set to rule on a controversial 400 billion baht emergency decree, with a 200 billion baht portion designated for energy sector restructuring at the center of the dispute. The opposition challenges whether the government met constitutional requirements for 'urgent necessity' under Article 172, arguing the matter doesn't warrant bypassing normal parliamentary procedures, while the government insists economic security concerns justify the emergency measure. The court's interpretation will have significant implications for how executive power is exercised in future crises.

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Political upheaval has emerged following the opposition party's request for Constitutional Court review of a 400 billion baht emergency decree, specifically the 200 billion baht portion intended for energy sector restructuring. The key dispute revolves around interpreting 'urgent necessity' under Constitutional Article 172—determining whether the government has adequate justification to issue an emergency decree instead of using normal legislative channels through parliament. The opposition contends that energy restructuring, though significant, doesn't constitute the level of emergency requiring immediate decree issuance. Additionally, the massive borrowing could become a long-term financial burden, creating room for excessive government spending beyond what's necessary. From the opposition's perspective, relief measures could be implemented through regular budget allocation or by drafting a loan bill for parliamentary submission, eliminating the need to 'bypass' legislative oversight. Using an emergency decree allows the government to proceed immediately before parliament conducts thorough deliberation. The government firmly maintains that this fully satisfies constitutional requirements, particularly regarding economic security amid global economic uncertainty, warfare, and volatile energy costs, necessitating reserved funds. The government clarifies that the 400 billion baht loan isn't separate packages but a single integrated program combining public relief and energy transition. Delaying structural reforms could expose the country to higher future energy costs. Crucially, this isn't 'blank check' issuance—if the court rules it unconstitutional, consequences are severe, invalidating the law retroactively, and the government faces immediate political accountability. Currently, the parliament speaker hasn't scheduled the decree for discussion, pending the Constitutional Court's ruling. With both opposition and government presenting arguments from their respective positions, the final answer lies with the Constitutional Court's interpretation of Article 172 and whether the 400 billion baht decree constitutes 'urgent necessity.' This ruling will establish an important standard for government authority exercise going forward.

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National

Thailand's First Gripen E/F Fighter Jet Enters Production

Thailand's first Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighter jet has officially entered production at SAAB's facility in Sweden as part of the "Peace Burapha 1" programme. Air Force Commander-in-Chief Seksan Kanta visited Stockholm to oversee the project, which aims to procure twelve jets total to replace aging F-16 aircraft. The first four jets are scheduled for delivery beginning in 2029 under a 19.5 billion baht contract.

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Thailand's first Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F fighter jet has officially entered the production line at SAAB in Sweden, while Air Force Commander-in-Chief Seksan Kanta travelled to Stockholm to monitor progress on the programme and discuss future cooperation.

The Royal Thai Air Force signed a contract in August 2025 to procure four Gripen E/F fighter jets under the first phase of the "Peace Burapha 1" programme, valued at 19.5 billion baht. The agreement was signed with Sweden's Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and SAAB.

On 13 May, Seksan, who also chairs the Thai-Swedish joint government project committee, attended a progress meeting at the FMV headquarters in Stockholm alongside members of the fighter procurement committee. The Thai delegation also held talks with FMV Deputy Director General Eva Hagwall regarding continued defence cooperation.

According to reports, the first Thai Gripen E/F aircraft has now entered the production line at SAAB's facility in Linköping, Sweden.

The first phase of the procurement programme runs from fiscal years 2025 to 2029, with deliveries scheduled to begin in 2029. Thailand also plans a second phase in fiscal year 2028 for an additional four aircraft as part of a long-term plan to acquire a full squadron of 12 Gripen E/F jets.

The new aircraft will replace ageing F-16 A/B fighters currently stationed at Wing 1 in Nakhon Ratchasima province.

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