Assoc. Prof. Parinnya Thaewanphimolkul along with law students from Thammasat University have submitted a draft amendment to Section 29 of the Criminal Code to abolish imprisonment in lieu of fines to representatives from five political parties.

The key proposal involves replacing imprisonment with systematic community service or public benefit work to address the "imprisonment due to poverty" problem—a long-standing inequality.

While current law appears neutral, identical fine amounts in practice affect people of different economic status differently. Between 40,000-50,000 people are imprisoned annually for unpaid fines. Although Section 30/1 provides for community service as an alternative, access is below 10%.

This means the legal "right" cannot be genuinely used by most people.

The stance of representatives from the five political parties showing principled agreement is a positive signal. Chaturon Chaisaeng from Pheu Thai Party, who has previously studied justice and poverty issues, pinpoints the core problem: identical fine systems have never truly been equal. He proposes expanding community service to all groups, not just the poor. This concept is important because it shifts the perspective from punishment as restitution to punishment that creates social value.

Allowing knowledgeable or skilled individuals to contribute public service time not only benefits society but makes punishment carry greater moral weight than mere financial payment.

Meanwhile, the Phalang Prachachon Party connects this to a larger issue: some defendants haven't been convicted yet but are restricted in freedom simply because they lack bail money.

However, the question for the five major parties is how to make this actually happen. Historically, many legal reforms have stopped at principled agreement but never became enforceable law.

Abolishing imprisonment in lieu of fines is not merely reducing the number of incarcerated people, but elevating Thailand's justice standards to align with true human rights principles and fairness.

With all political sides in agreement, what society expects is action, not just supportive words. If all five parties—Pheu Thai, Phalang Prachachon, Phum Jai Thai, Kla Tham, and Prachatipat—genuinely share this position, coordinating in Parliament should not be difficult.

It would also be important proof that Thai politics can still build consensus on matters benefiting the public.

Famous lukthung singer Surachai Samapatcharoen has sparked another online controversy by posting a video expressing doubt about his biological relationship with Rocky Surabordin Samapatcharoen. In the video, Surachai reveals that online commenters have questioned whether the two are truly father and son, and he openly admits, "I'm not sure either." He asserts that he is open-minded and willing to take a DNA test to determine the truth, saying he wants clear answers. He further states that if the test shows Rocky is not his biological son, he wants Rocky to change his surname and questions whether he can pursue legal action if Rocky refuses. He asks legal experts for advice and mentions he will return to Bangkok by mid-month. In a direct quote, Surachai says: "People have been commenting asking if Bordin is really my biological son or not. Honestly, I'm not sure either. I'm ready to do a DNA test. I want to know too. If he's not my son, I want him to change his surname. If he won't change it, can I take legal action? Anyone with legal knowledge, please advise me. I should be back in Bangkok by mid-month." Additionally, Surachai attached a clip from a lukthung radio show where Rocky gave an interview with harsh undertones, and he also shared song lyrics with paternity-related content, which sparked numerous comments from netizens.

At Palang Pracharath Party headquarters on May 4, Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul gave a statement following the party's weekly parliamentary caucus and executive council meeting. He explained the gathering was held to inform and secure party support for proposals to be presented in parliament and agenda items for tomorrow's cabinet meeting, which he described as routine procedure. When asked about the 400-billion-baht loan decree, Anutin confirmed it would be included on tomorrow's cabinet agenda, stating 'we say and we do.' When reporters brought up Dusit Poll's latest political popularity survey showing him leading as Thailand's most prominent politician, Anutin did not answer verbally. Instead, he raised his hand in a respectful wai gesture above his head, said 'sadhu' (an expression of appreciation), and immediately left the interview area.

Elderly Man Shoots Four Rounds, Dies on Scene Over Stolen Gold Ring Dispute Before Turning Himself In

On May 4, Deputy Lieutenant Kankaweah Meethram, Deputy Investigation Officer at Ko Kha Police Station in Lampang, received a report of a shooting incident resulting in a death within Sab Pueng Village, Moo 3, Tha Pha Subdistrict, Ko Kha District, Lampang. He coordinated with forensic doctors, the Ko Kha Hospital, evidence officers, Tha Pha rescue workers, and the Ko Kha Rescue Association to investigate.

The incident occurred at a dirt courtyard in front of an orchard house with a temporary shelter. One male body was found lying on the ground, wearing a red shirt and black trousers, with gunshot wounds to the head and blood pooled on the ground. The victim was identified as Weerachai, 76 years old. The suspect was Nopadol, 77 years old, who surrendered to police at Ko Kha Police Station after the incident.

During investigation, Nopadol stated that he and the victim had quarreled because he suspected the victim had stolen a gold ring from his house. When questioned, the victim denied it. Nopadol then warned him never to enter his property again. However, during the incident, the victim walked into Nopadol's orchard house, causing Nopadol severe displeasure. He used a .38-caliber gun to shoot the victim four times, resulting in death, after which he turned himself in. Police have taken him into custody for legal proceedings.

BANGKOK — The Department of Corrections has ordered a group of prison officials to be removed from service over allegations of providing special "VIP" treatment to Chinese inmates at Bangkok Remand Prison, following a probe by the National Human Rights Commission of Thailand.

The agency said the action was part of a wider disciplinary crackdown after investigations found serious misconduct, including accepting benefits in exchange for overlooking offences such as inmates' possession of mobile phones and facilitating improper access for lawyers. Officials implicated in the case have been suspended pending a serious disciplinary inquiry to ensure transparency.

The Department of Corrections said it had also forwarded evidence to the Department of Special Investigation, with the case now under consideration by the National Anti-Corruption Commission for further legal action.

Authorities said the measures were aimed at eliminating corruption within the prison system and restoring public confidence, stressing that all inmates must be treated equally under the law without exception.

On May 4, 2025, Deputy Education Minister Akkhnanth Kankittinanth received a factual report from Kesathip Supavanik, director of the Office for Promotion of Lifelong Learning (OKPED), ahead of a scheduled meeting on May 5. The OKPED is addressing the outdated textbook issue that has been in use since 2008 through three major initiatives aimed at creating correct understanding and improving learning system efficiency.

Regarding curriculum matters, OKPED clarified that the 2008 curriculum cannot be immediately discontinued due to administrative constraints regarding student record transfers and enrollment management. Additionally, since lifelong learning allows students to return at any time, over 60% of current learners are still completing the 2008 curriculum. The department is currently compiling lists for comprehensive nationwide transfers to transition to the 2024 curriculum, the latest version. The new curriculum has been piloted in 10 provinces and expanded to 12 additional provinces, totaling 22 provinces for preparation before nationwide implementation. Starting the first semester of the 2027 academic year, no new students will be enrolled in the 2008 curriculum, and the full transition to the 2024 curriculum will take effect.

On textbook quality, OKPED explained that there was previously no textbook quality inspection committee like the Basic Education Commission (BEC). A new oversight system has been implemented with two committees: one overseeing paper quality, cover design, and pricing, and another monitoring content quality. Additionally, responding to the deputy education minister's policy, a third committee will be established to set quality and pricing standards to ensure consistent production standards across all textbook manufacturers.

Regarding learning facilities and equipment, OKPED noted that due to budget limitations and its networking approach with local partners, some areas lack their own buildings and must use facilities from local administrative organizations, municipalities, temples, defunct or merged BEC schools, or rental spaces. In Bangkok, 45 of 50 districts rely on rented spaces, while the remainder use partner facilities. The resolution approach involves surveying nationwide areas to request unused government property from the Treasury Department. OKPED has also written to the Basic Education Commission requesting the use of 153 small schools that have been closed or merged. Future expansion will depend on whether the BEC allows use of its defunct or merged schools and future budget availability.

The Office for Promotion of Lifelong Learning will continue advancing all three areas while reporting progress to the Deputy Education Minister, ensuring that Thailand's education system maintains quality, accessibility, and genuinely supports lifelong learning.