Deputy Government Spokesman Ploythale Luksameesangchan on May 16 responded to criticism from Pheu Thai list MP Phakomlap Noonanunan and Pheu Thai party spokesperson, addressing comments about Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister opening Government House for discussions with 35 business leaders and CEOs.

The government, she stated, is prepared to listen to all voices and groups offering constructive opinions through coordinated government agencies. When problems arise that agencies can resolve, the Prime Minister expedites solutions to ease public hardship, neglecting no citizen concerns. The government practices no discrimination, she asserted, opening Government House to distribute government and Interior Ministry policies to village headmen and administrators to drive local implementation, and welcoming over 1,000 outstanding children and youth during National Children's Day celebrations.

Regarding the May 15 Government House meeting with business leaders and corporate CEOs, the government accelerated public input through the business sector, with many businesses raising concerns about cost of living, household debt, purchasing power, and economic conditions, allowing the government to identify issues more clearly and implement more targeted relief measures.

Ploythale emphasized the government did not choose to discuss with any particular group or attempt to break up monopolistic capital as Phakomlap understood. She appealed for an end to social confusion and misinformation about government intentions, stressing that the government never abandons citizens to struggle alone.

Throughout, the government has prioritized public interest, treating all citizen problems seriously while integrating cooperation from all sectors to address issues precisely, especially amid the U.S.-Iran conflict in the Middle East severely impacting Thailand's and the world's economies.

Most importantly, she emphasized the need for all-sector cooperation, urging Phakomlap to stop creating political narratives and instead fulfill her duty as an MP to benefit the people without bias against the government. The spokesman reiterated that the government never takes sides or discriminates; everything it does serves the public interest.

On May 16, content creators Teepee Wanphichit and Por Suphakarn attended the Praew Meet & Read x TeeTeePor 'Playdate Party' event at AUA Rajdamnri, where they gave media interviews before the event started. Both revealed they've been working intensely almost daily recently and shared touching moments, including candid shots TeeTeePor has taken of Por that haven't been posted yet, as well as a moment in Japan where TeeTeePor set up to photograph Por running up a hill. Regarding their decision not to do a zipline activity together, TeeTeePor admitted to being afraid of heights but confirmed they'd do it next time if given the opportunity. They closed the interview with playful banter, with TeeTeePor joking: 'Por is never wrong, I'm always at fault. If Por is ever wrong, rewind and watch it again. Por is always right.' When asked if they're working every day, TeeTeePor confirmed 'Yes.' Regarding Por's work schedule, he noted it's been getting busier, with energy typically coming in the afternoon, though it varies by day. TeeTeePor shared they support each other depending on their energy levels—sometimes TeeTeePor initiates conversation, sometimes Por does, and they've learned to balance it out. TeeTeePor revealed there's one unreleased photo of Por he particularly treasures—a candid shot taken while Por was sitting down, where the lighting hit his face just right, capturing a perfect angle of his nose bridge. He also described intentionally photographing Por running toward him from about 150 meters away in Japan, setting up specifically to capture that moment. When asked why he refused to do the zipline with Por, TeeTeePor clarified he wasn't rejecting outright but initially intended it as a joke for the camera. However, he admitted genuine fear due to the extreme height and the deep cliff below, promising to do it next time. He humorously noted that with multiple cameras rolling, he'd definitely go along with it. Por joked about how many cameras were set up. TeeTeePor explained the real reason was timing—they had to leave soon, and even their friend U didn't have time to finish before rushing back. TeeTeePor promised to join next time. When asked if they generally do whatever activities the other wants to do, Por simply said 'Yes.' TeeTeePor elaborated that Por sometimes does things he doesn't, which is fine as it's his own fun; TeeTeePor can support from a distance like with roller coasters. However, TeeTeePor believes Por will definitely join him in haunted houses since he loves them so much. When asked if Por is afraid of haunted houses, he confirmed he is. TeeTeePor humorously pointed out the irony of Por inviting him to things TeeTeePor fears while he invites Por to things Por fears. Por explained there's safety equipment like seatbelts, so he just stays still. TeeTeePor joked that he becomes the safety measure inside the haunted house, and Por quipped that TeeTeePor will probably scream first.

At 4:00 PM on May 16, 2569, Makkasan Police Station received a report of a train collision with an air-conditioned Route 206 bus (blue, registration 12-5641), along with several cars and motorcycles. The incident resulted in a major fire with multiple fatalities and injuries. The accident occurred near Makkasan Airport Rail Link station on Asoke-Din Daeng Road in Bang Kapi subdistrict, Huai Khwang District, Bangkok. Officers immediately coordinated with the Rak Krungthep Foundation and Bangkok's disaster prevention and relief office to provide emergency response. Initial reports show the passenger bus engulfed in intense flames, with periodic explosions. Firefighters worked together to contain and extinguish the blaze. Eight bodies have been initially recovered. The incident also injured additional people in nearby vehicles and motorcycles. Authorities are currently providing first aid and transporting the injured to nearby hospitals for urgent treatment while continuing to search for missing persons.

Prime Minister Anuthine Charnvirakul emphasized the government's firm and uncompromising stance on anti-corruption, declaring it is not merely lip service. Since taking office in October, the administration has consistently prosecuted corruption cases and applied anti-corruption laws rigorously, addressing scams, drug trafficking, illegal gambling, and human trafficking. The PM stressed that the government works seamlessly with enforcement agencies—police, military, and officials—united in purpose to combat illegal activities. Regarding a private sector committee's list of ten government agencies most susceptible to bribery, Anuthine clarified that such indices come from surveys rather than legal proceedings. The government's approach focuses on concrete law enforcement; for example, the land rights case in Chiang Mai expanded beyond dismissing a single district officer to prosecuting an entire corrupt network involving influential figures. Similarly, in Nakhon Pathom, a village headman was removed from office. The PM emphasized the government uses behavior-based prosecution rather than position-based enforcement, targeting anyone with illegal conduct regardless of rank. Corruption sources in Phuket, Koh Phangan, Koh Samui, and Surat Thani have been prosecuted after officials were found accepting bribes, land transfers, and salary kickbacks. When asked about potential countersuits from agencies ranked in the survey, Anuthine responded that if accusations are made, defendants have the right to sue back, which he considers fair. He acknowledged that corruption perception indices partly stem from feeling-based surveys, not prosecutable evidence. The PM framed anti-corruption as the government's karmic responsibility to cleanse past sins without compounding them. He stressed the government is serious and not making empty promises, citing strict inspections and support for officials combating corruption and illegal acts, with the goal of complete elimination.

The Department of Business Development has pledged to investigate allegations of improper benefit solicitation, stating 'if wrong, we acknowledge it; if right, we acknowledge it too,' while reaffirming its commitment to fully digitalized services. On May 16, 2025, Director-General Poonpong Naiyanaphakorn of the Department of Business Development under the Ministry of Commerce addressed the issue of corruption in government, emphasizing it as a key indicator of national competitiveness and investor confidence.

The department adheres to good governance principles and welcomes scrutiny of all operational procedures to demonstrate transparency. The department has maintained strict oversight of staff conduct with clear disciplinary measures for complaints from businesses and the public. Digital systems have been implemented across all business registration, financial filing, and licensing processes, which inherently reduce face-to-face interactions that could facilitate bribery.

Despite comprehensive digital service delivery—including DBD Biz Regist for business registration, DBD e-PCL for public company registration, DBD e-Filing for financial statements, e-Foreign Business for foreign business permits, e-Secured for secured transactions registration, and DBD DataWarehouse+ for corporate information—a recent private sector survey under the 'Thai People Will Not Tolerate Corruption' program ranked the department 21st out of 26 agencies for alleged bribery requests.

The director-general expressed surprise at these findings, noting that virtually 100% of services are fully digitalized. The department has continuously updated and secured its digital systems, established standardized service procedures, implemented transparent status-tracking systems, and instructed staff to conduct business with integrity while prohibiting any improper benefit solicitation. Clear penalties and strict internal controls are in place to prevent corruption.