For over 20 years, the name Thaksin Shinawatra has been at the center of Thai political conflict, both as one of Thailand's most powerful populist politicians and as a rival to certain elite segments of society. This has kept Thai politics trapped in a cycle of conflict, military coups, party dissolutions, and the continuous use of legal processes as a tool of political power. The image of Thaksin receiving a sentence remission and walking out of prison on the morning of May 11, 2025, surrounded by his family and large crowds of red-shirt supporters, represents far more than the release of an ordinary prisoner. It suggests that Thai politics may be entering a new phase. The direction in which the political atmosphere will shift is worth watching closely. Many analysts believe the Pheu Thai Party will regain greater confidence and vigor. The return of this figure who serves as a rallying point for their movement will strengthen their political power in strategic terms, administration, and voter mobilization—particularly at a time when the government faces economic pressures and unstable public approval ratings. The Bhumjaithai Party, which has been both an ally and competitor to Pheu Thai, now finds itself in a delicate balancing position. Although both parties still need each other to maintain power, they are well aware that their voter bases and political influence substantially overlap, especially in the provinces and the Northeast region. The political drama to watch is not simply a clash between government and opposition, but rather the recalibration of power within the ruling coalition itself. Who will become the true "center of power" going forward? The reality is that regardless of whether one likes or dislikes Thaksin, it is difficult to deny that he is one of Thailand's former prime ministers with exceptional experience in economic policy and national administration. In an era of intense global economic competition like the present, Thailand should leverage Thaksin's knowledge, capabilities, and networks for the benefit of the nation, rather than pushing the country back into old patterns of conflict. While Thaksin remains a polarizing figure with both supporters and detractors, having served his prison sentence through due legal process and received a pardon according to legal provisions, Thai society should move forward. National stability does not come from eliminating political opponents, but from accepting differing viewpoints, competing on policy, and ceasing to use "litigation warfare" as a tool for mutual political destruction.

The 41st National Youth Sports Games in Surat Thani province on May 11 featured highlights in the track and field competition, particularly the men's 100-meter sprint. Anucha Songabankoke from Satun accelerated past his competitors to win the gold medal with a time of 10.55 seconds. Thanakrit Sutthakhom from Nan earned silver with 10.68 seconds, while Phatrakorn Insaeng, also from Nan, secured bronze in 10.74 seconds. In the women's 100-meter race, Chantelle Morissette from Surin captured gold with a time of 12.03 seconds.

The Bank of Thailand introduced the 'SMEs Secure+' measure on May 11, 2025, designed to increase SME lending by temporarily relaxing assessment criteria for 12 months, with collateral value substituting for cash flow analysis to support business liquidity. Bank of Thailand Governor Vithai Rattanakorn explained that amid high uncertainty in the Middle East, the central bank has prepared support measures, with 'SMEs Secure+' being a key tool that allows financial institutions to consider collateral value alongside borrowers' cash flow rather than relying solely on current financial status, which may be temporarily affected and not representative of normal conditions.

The 'SMEs Secure+' program targets businesses with collateral but unable to access credit under normal circumstances, accepting two types of collateral: existing collateral from customers affected by Middle East developments whose cash flow has been disrupted and business income or profits have declined, and new or unencumbered collateral. The program's distinguishing feature is that the Bank of Thailand is sending unprecedented signals to financial institutions to relax guidelines, allowing banks to treat temporarily reduced cash flow or income during the affected period as a secondary factor rather than the primary consideration in credit assessment. Banks will be allowed to evaluate borrowers' normal-period income-generating capacity instead, and existing collateral will not require reanalysis, increasing opportunities for both financial institutions to disburse credit and businesses to obtain approval. The relaxation will be temporary, lasting 12 months.

Governor Vithai noted this is unprecedented in the central bank's history, stating: "The Bank of Thailand has never before relaxed cash flow assessment criteria on a temporary 12-month basis, but to support SMEs affected short-term by rising oil and raw material prices that have reduced profits or disrupted cash flow, we're making credit access easier. Banks are expected to roll out products within one to two months and continue communicating through their branches." Sakdachai Peechapatana, TISCO Group CEO, said the 'SMEs Secure+' program is Bank of Thailand policy developed with the Thai Bankers Association to help customers needing liquidity, as SME liquidity has contracted. The central bank adjusted criteria to be more flexible, emphasizing collateral from those owning land, homes, or vehicles as personal assets or family-owned property.

Sakdachai explained that this customer segment may previously have been classified as Stage 2 or special mention (SM), with financial institutions hesitant to lend due to visible cash flow weakness. This group, needing credit but unable to obtain it, might otherwise turn to non-formal lending or non-bank financial providers offering higher interest rates than the formal banking system.

Renewed demands for accountability have emerged concerning the 2010 political assembly dispersal that killed nearly 100 civilians and state officials, with over 2,000 more wounded or disabled. Known as the "99 Deaths Red Shirt Dispersal Case," Senator Thewerit Monechai recently questioned Justice Minister General Rutthapol Naorat before the Senate about the DSI investigation's progress. Of 181 total cases under review, the breakdown shows 13 prosecuted, 16 dismissed, 140 investigations halted, and 12 consolidated cases. The Justice Minister provided substantial details, emphasizing that the 13 prosecution cases involve violence against civilians and state officials—an issue society and families of victims have continually demanded justice for. Among these 13 cases, the DSI completed investigations and recommended charging the former Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister at that time. However, the Supreme Court ruled this involved official duties, falling under the National Anti-Corruption Commission's jurisdiction, which then dismissed the charges against both former officials. Subsequently, military officials were accused, but investigators recommended non-prosecution, forwarding the matter to military prosecutors who ultimately declined to prosecute. Based on the Justice Minister's explanation, the criminal charges against the former Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister on intentional murder charges appear effectively concluded. This represents a tragedy for Thai society, unable to bring those responsible for suppressing civilians to court for judicial determination. Within four years, if the statute of limitations expires, the 99 Deaths case will implicitly close with no further legal recourse against those involved.

Actor Great Warinthorn discussed his upcoming cat welfare initiative, explaining that the project was inspired by the loss of his beloved three-legged cat, Khai Toon. Rather than letting this loss consume him, Great decided to transform his grief into positive action by helping sick and stray cats in need. He recently shared progress updates during his appearance at the "Broken-Hearted Love Fin Meeting" event at Channel 3's Malinton Tower.

When asked about the current status of the project, Great explained: "I'm still developing the concept. I want to help cats that are genuinely sick—not just cancer cases, but all types of ailments. Stray cats, all of them. Lately, I've been getting multiple requests through various pages asking for help. Personally, I've been quietly transferring funds here and there. We verify the pages to make sure they're legitimate. My own formal project hasn't started yet, but it will definitely happen because I'm thinking of Khai Toon and want to help underprivileged cats."

Great outlined his initial plan: "The main concept involves organizing a Run Club event—basically a running activity—that could also function as a fundraiser. The idea is to spread awareness and get these cat rescue efforts more attention. Last year, I was a presenter for The Voice Foundation run by P'Gaew, and I was impressed by how genuine their help truly is. Each case they handle is quite serious. I want to follow that model but emphasize spreading the word as much as possible."

When asked if he'd focus on sick cats or strays, Great replied: "Both, actually. Stray cats are definitely part of it, but I think prioritizing sick cats would be more impactful. The stray cat issue is so broad that it's hard to address comprehensively. But sick cats—especially those who are also strays—likely suffer tremendously. I'm not sure how much help we can provide, but we're working on it. I may also need to consult with The Voice Foundation."

Great estimates the project could launch within two to three months, currently in the planning stages. He plans to invite celebrity friends who are animal lovers to participate, noting that he has a list of people on Instagram who own cats and enjoy running.

Regarding his personal life, Great confirmed he remains single and is currently focusing on caring for his one remaining beloved cat. He also touched on receiving strange direct messages, saying: "I get weird messages, quite a few actually. Some people chat as if we live in the same house, but we've never even met or exchanged names. I don't think I get as many strange messages as my friend Boy, but I do get odd ones."

Spanish defence company Navantia has proposed building a new frigate for the Royal Thai Navy entirely in Thailand, alongside a technology transfer programme aimed at strengthening the country's shipbuilding industry.

Speaking at a briefing at the Bangkok Marriott Hotel on 8 May, Jose Ignacio Navas Rubio, Navantia's regional director for Asia in commercial and business development, said the company had submitted a "low-risk" proposal after being approached by the Royal Thai Navy over plans to build a frigate domestically.

Under the proposal, the frigate would be constructed 100% in Thailand through cooperation with local shipyards and Thai companies, while Navantia would provide the design, technical oversight and technology transfer needed for production, integration and testing.

Rubio said the project would maximise participation from local operators and help develop Thailand's capabilities in advanced naval shipbuilding.

Suradet Tanpaiboon, president of the Thai Shipbuilding and Repairing Association, said Thai industry was ready to support the project in areas including engineering adaptation, manufacturing engineering, construction and quality control. He added that technology transfer, supply chain development and construction experience from the project would benefit Thailand's future development of warships and other high-technology vessels.

Navantia is one of six companies that submitted proposals for the Royal Thai Navy's frigate procurement programme. Other bidders include South Korea's Hyundai Heavy Industries and Hanwha Ocean, Singapore Technologies Engineering, and Turkish firms Askeri Fabrika ve Tersane İşletmeleri and TAIS Gemi İnşa ve Teknoloji.

A navy-appointed committee is currently reviewing the proposals, including technical capabilities, industrial offset packages and pricing. The selection process is expected to take more than one month.