National

Editorial - The Bangkok Governor's Election Gets Going

Bangkok is gearing up for governor and city council elections scheduled for June 28, with candidate registration opening May 28 through June 1. The Democrat Party has kicked off campaigns by nominating former MP Chaiywat Sawaravichit for governor alongside a full slate of council candidates, while current Governor Chadchart Sittipunt seeks re-election. Election observers note that voter engagement appears low, with policy and administrative vision likely to be decisive factors in the race.

10 May Khaosod

The atmosphere surrounding the Bangkok governor and city council elections is heating up with colorful campaigns unfolding. Candidates at both levels are gradually unveiling their platforms and assembling campaign teams. The Democrat Party has taken the lead by nominating former list MP Chaiywat Sawaravichit for governor, with a complete slate of 50 district council candidates. The Phalang Pracharat Party is preparing to announce its gubernatorial candidate mid-month but has already unveiled all 50 council candidates. The Pheu Thai Party is not fielding a governor candidate but allows party member council candidates to use the party name and symbol in this election. The governor and city council positions will have completed their terms on May 21, and elections must be held within 45 days under the 2019 Local Administration Election Act. Registration for both positions will run from May 28 to June 1, with election day set for Sunday, June 28, from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Wesan Building 2 sports facility at the Bangkok Youth Center (Thai-Japan) in Din Daeng District. Key timeline dates include June 2 as the final day for announcing electoral divisions and voter lists, and June 8 for announcing candidate names. Current Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has decided to seek re-election to continue his work for another four years, with some team members running for council seats. Several independent candidates not affiliated with any political party have also expressed intention to run. However, a Nida Poll survey found that Bangkok voters don't feel excited about national politics and candidates, noting that candidates and campaign teams don't significantly affect voting decisions. The election outcome will likely depend on solid voter bases, popularity based on past performance, and urban management policies and vision, making it crucial for Bangkok residents to turn out and cast their votes.

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Police

Man Posing as Woman Lures Young Man to Rendezvous Before Fatally Shooting Him

A 34-year-old man was fatally shot in Chon Buri after being lured to a meeting by someone posing as his girlfriend; police suspect the attack was orchestrated by a rival over infidelity, with three teenage suspects still at large.

10 May Khaosod

At 3:56 AM on May 10, 2025, Deputy investigator Aphinan Sitongrungtip of Bang Lamung Police Station received a report of a fatal shooting in Sukhumvit Soi Pattaya 15/12, Na Kluea Sub-district, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri Province. Commander Sarawut Nuchanath was informed, and rescue volunteers and police investigation units were dispatched to the scene. Officers discovered the body of Abhichai, also known as Nui, 34 years old, lying face-down in a pool of blood with a single gunshot wound to the head. A .38mm shell casing was found at the scene. The perpetrator fled, and nearby witnesses reported hearing one gunshot before discovering the victim had been killed.

The victim's nephew, who was present at the incident, stated that before the shooting, he and the victim had arranged to meet the victim's girlfriend. The young woman provided a location via messaging. They took a black sedan to the meeting point, where they found a white sedan already waiting. As the nephew was paying the taxi driver, a teenage man pointed a gun at him and told him to stop. The victim walked toward the white sedan, hoping to meet his girlfriend, unaware of the danger ahead. Moments later, a gunshot rang out, and the victim collapsed and lay motionless. The nephew quickly fled in the black taxi and later learned the victim had been killed.

The victim's sister provided additional information, stating that her brother had been dating a fair-skinned, attractive woman for about a year and they frequently met up. The night before the incident, they had arranged to meet, but the family never expected such a tragic outcome.

CCTV footage captured the incident at approximately 1:46 AM (according to camera time). A white sedan arrived and parked to wait. Three teenage men exited the vehicle—two wearing white shirts who paced around as if waiting for the victim, while a third in a black shirt hid in nearby bushes. When the black sedan carrying the victim arrived and parked, the victim got out and approached the white sedan. A man in a white shirt rushed in and punched the victim, who fell and lay still on the roadside. The victim's nephew quickly ran back to the black sedan and drove away. The man in the black shirt emerged from the bushes, retrieved the man in the white shirt, and both fled in the white sedan.

Police have yet to apprehend the suspects or locate the vehicles captured on CCTV. Initial investigation suggests the motive is related to infidelity, with the woman's other partner allegedly orchestrating the meeting through deception. The victim had also sent challenging messages to the perpetrators through the woman, which may have accumulated grievances leading to this fatal attack. Investigation is ongoing.

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Police

PM Cancels Freedom Beach Inspection, Rushes to Ranong to Check 50 Million Baht Smuggled Goods Warehouse

The Prime Minister canceled a Phuket beach inspection to personally oversee a major smuggling bust in Ranong, where authorities seized over 50 million baht in contraband electrical appliances and generators at an unlicensed warehouse operat

10 May Khaosod

On May 10, 2026, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Interior Minister canceled a scheduled inspection of Freedom Beach in Phuket and instead rushed to Ranong Province at 3:30 PM due to urgent business. They arrived at a warehouse belonging to 168 Transport Logistics Co., Ltd., an unlicensed facility on Route 4080 in Bang Rin Subdistrict, Ranong City, following reports of a major smuggling operation by Myanmar nationals.

Initial inspections revealed electrical appliances and large industrial generators for factories and hotels, as well as heating and cooling air conditioning units totaling over 50 million baht in value. Authorities seized the goods and coordinated with relevant agencies to identify the source of the contraband.

The Prime Minister personally inspected the warehouse, examining refrigerators, freezers, and other items. He expressed shock at the scale of the operation, noting that goods typically have a 30-day grace period when crossing borders, but these items appeared to have exceeded that deadline.

Anutin stated he would provide justice to business operators who can present tax payment evidence—legitimate tax payments would result in no issues, but those without proper documentation would face prosecution. He praised the arresting officers for their courage and warned would-be smugglers that no one of higher authority could intervene in this case. He assured officials they would pursue all available legal remedies and confiscate goods as state property if tax payment cannot be proven.

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National

Throwing in the Towel – No Clarity? The February 8 Referendum Verdict

The Thai government's decision to neither endorse nor clearly commit to advancing the constitutional amendment process has drawn criticism, despite over 21 million citizens voting in favor of a new constitution in February's referendum. The Cabinet's delay contradicts the clear political mandate from voters and raises questions about the government's commitment to implementing constitutional reform. Political analysts warn that prolonged inaction could accumulate public discontent and potentially destabilize the ruling coalition.

10 May Khaosod

The Cabinet's decision to 'not endorse' the constitutional amendment draft on Article 256 and Section 15/1 to pave the way for appointing Constitutional Drafting Assembly members is drawing scrutiny. This goes beyond simply letting the draft languish in the process—it signals the government's stance toward the more than 21 million voters who approved a new constitution in the referendum.

The February 8, 2026 referendum result represents a clear political mandate: despite over 11 million opposing votes, 21.6 million voted in favor, reflecting substantial social consensus that the 2017 Constitution has fundamental problems requiring a complete overhaul rather than piecemeal amendments.

Logically, the next step after the referendum should have been advancing the constitutional amendment to enable the assembly to proceed. Instead, the government chose not to endorse the original draft while offering no clarity on whether or when a new draft would be proposed.

From the ruling coalition's perspective, delays may serve political calculations, but procrastination carries its own political costs. The government attempts to justify the delay by citing urgent needs to address economic problems, energy crises, and cost-of-living issues first, but this explanation rings hollow. In practice, constitutional reform and economic fixes can advance simultaneously—they're not mutually exclusive.

This contradiction becomes glaring when the government is simultaneously pushing forward with a 400-billion-baht emergency loan decree for economic relief while providing no constitutional roadmap. This raises questions about how seriously the government takes the people's voice.

The Bhumjaithai Party, as a leading government coalition member, cannot escape responsibility for this. Constitutional reform is not merely a political promise—it's a matter on which the people have clearly expressed their will through the referendum. If the government remains indifferent and allows the constitutional reform process to stall further, public dissatisfaction may gradually accumulate and eventually erupt as broader political pressure. Ultimately, this could become a new flashpoint of conflict that directly threatens the stability of the Bhumjaithai-led government.

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National

Iran Sets 10 Conditions with FIFA for 2026 World Cup Participation

Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup only if FIFA and host nations meet ten demands, including visa guarantees for all players and staff plus enhanced security measures.

10 May Khaosod

Iran has confirmed its readiness to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup but is demanding ten guarantees from FIFA and the host nations of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Since the escalation of US-Iran tensions, questions have arisen about Iran's participation, particularly given that all of Iran's group stage matches are scheduled to be played in the United States, and FIFA has stated there will be no changes to the arrangements. Tensions increased further following the latest FIFA meeting held in Canada in April, after the Iranian Football Federation delegation failed to attend because Canada revoked their visas. Most recently, Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, confirmed that Iran's national team will definitely participate, but FIFA must meet ten specific conditions that Iran is demanding. Among the conditions Iran has proposed are guarantees for visa approval for all players and staff members, including those who have served as officials in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Additionally, Iran's demands include proper treatment of the national team by FIFA and the host countries, respect for the national flag and national anthem, as well as enhanced security measures.

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National

Viral: Japanese Mom and Friend Look Identical, Face Backlash Over Shared Cosmetic Surgeon

Japanese influencer Yoriko sparked a viral moment when she posted photos with a female friend who bears a striking facial resemblance, leading to 8 million views on social media. While some marveled at their twin-like appearance, critics suggested their similarity came from using the same cosmetic surgeon rather than genetics. Yoriko responded with grace and maturity, appealing for greater respect and truth-telling on social media.

10 May Khaosod

On May 10, Japanese influencer and mother Yoriko went viral after posting photos with a same-aged female friend who shares a striking facial resemblance. Yoriko playfully joked that their ancestors might be connected by blood, noting that both are mothers of two children with identical family compositions—each has one son and one daughter. The photos showed them wearing matching green outfits with similar hairstyles, hair color, and facial structures, leading many netizens to marvel at their twin-like appearance.

However, after the post garnered over 8 million views on X (formerly Twitter), negative comments flooded in. Some critics argued their similarity wasn't genetic but rather the result of using the same cosmetic surgery clinic, with harsh comments like "they're not relatives, they look like they came out of the same factory." Others suggested they simply weren't that similar—just styled identically with matching clothes and hairstyles.

Instead of responding emotionally, Yoriko handled the controversy with maturity. She posted another photo with her friend by a pool, smiling brightly, and acknowledged that she never expected the image to become such a hot topic online. She expressed gratitude for the attention while asking people to avoid making unfounded assumptions. She also appealed to social media users to refrain from posting false information anonymously and called for greater respect in online spaces.

Many praised Yoriko's gracious and dignified response, appreciating that she chose civility over emotional retaliation against the negative comments.

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National

Expert Reveals 5 Professions With Highest Risk of Infidelity—With Surprising Reasons

A relationship expert has identified five professions with heightened infidelity risks: healthcare workers, teachers, finance professionals, entrepreneurs, and airline staff, citing factors including high stress, ethical flexibility, contro

10 May Khaosod

Infidelity stands as one of the most destructive relationship problems. Recent expert analysis has identified five professions where people face heightened risks of cheating on their partners.

Infidelity destroys relationships in various ways. Sometimes it stems from feeling neglected or emotionally distant from a partner, leading someone to seek fulfillment elsewhere—a sign the relationship may already be deteriorating. When infidelity occurs, it reflects that something has gone fundamentally wrong in the relationship.

Relationship expert Tracey Cox has revealed five professions that may significantly increase the likelihood of infidelity:

1. Doctors and Nurses Many wonder how exhausted healthcare workers find time for affairs, but understanding their work environment clarifies this. The medical field is laden with intense pressure, requiring staff to constantly confront emotionally traumatic events and loss alongside colleagues. Stress and emotional fragility can lead to poor relationship decisions.

Cox also notes that healthcare professionals often receive high social esteem, sometimes fostering a "rules don't apply to me" mentality. As they advance professionally, they may develop a "God Complex"—a sense of being above ordinary people.

2. Teachers and Education Professionals While many perceive teachers as confined to classrooms, they face pressures comparable to other professions. Education brings long working hours, modest salaries, and enormous responsibility, causing many teachers to experience burnout.

Cox observes that outsiders may not understand this stress, creating relationship gaps. Some teachers become inappropriately close to colleagues, crossing professional boundaries.

3. Finance and Banking Professionals Those in banking, investment, and trading may normalize ethically "flexible" behavior to meet business goals—cutting corners and using shortcuts for profit and KPI targets. Such attitudes can transfer to relationship perspectives.

Cox references The Wolf of Wall Street, based on true events, which vividly illustrates the extreme lifestyle culture in finance.

4. Entrepreneurs and Business Owners Starting their own businesses shapes entrepreneurs' thinking differently from regular employees. Cox believes entrepreneurs typically need to "control everything according to their vision," and this controlling nature may extend to romantic relationships.

Their desire for autonomy and independent decision-making may prevent them from committing to exclusive partnerships.

5. Pilots and Flight Attendants This profession carries a longstanding reputation for infidelity, and Cox believes this stereotype has substantial basis. Unpredictable schedules, constant travel, and prolonged separation from partners increase infidelity opportunities significantly. Add their polished uniform appearance and natural access to meeting new people, and the risk multiplies considerably.

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Weather

Meteorological Department Issues Final Warning: Unsettled Weather Continues Tomorrow with Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Across Northern and Southern Thailand

Thailand's Meteorological Department warns of continued heavy rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms across northern and southern regions through May 10, with flash flooding risks and damage potential from severe weather.

10 May Khaosod

On May 10, 2025, the Thai Meteorological Department announced Weather Advisory No. 11 (60/2569) regarding unstable atmospheric conditions affecting Thailand through May 10. Northern Thailand will continue experiencing thunderstorms, strong gusty winds, and heavy rainfall in some areas, particularly in the North. Cooler air temperatures are expected as high-pressure systems and cold air masses from China move over the Northeast and South China Sea, combined with southerly and southeasterly winds carrying moisture from the Gulf of Thailand and South China Sea into upper Thailand.

Easterly winds strengthening over the South and Gulf of Thailand will bring heavy rainfall to some areas in the southern region. Residents are advised to stay alert for dangers from thunderstorms and strong winds by avoiding open areas, large trees, weak structures, and unstable billboards. Heavy rainfall may cause flash flooding and forest runoff. Farmers should reinforce fruit trees and prepare to protect agricultural products and livestock. The public is encouraged to monitor their health during this weather transition period.

Forecast for the next 24 hours: Northern Thailand will continue experiencing thunderstorms in 70% of areas with strong gusty winds and heavy rainfall, particularly in Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phayao, Tak, Mae Hong Son, Lamphun, and Lampang provinces. Minimum temperatures 21-24°C, maximum 32-37°C, with southeasterly winds 10-15 km/h.

The Northeast will be hot with 20% thunderstorm coverage, mainly in Loei, Nong Bua Lamphu, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani. Temperatures 22-25°C minimum, 34-36°C maximum, with northeasterly winds 10-30 km/h.

Central Thailand will be hot with 40% thunderstorm coverage and some strong wind gusts, affecting areas including Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, and Samut provinces.

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Police

Thanathorn Demands Thorough Investigation into Chinese Man's Weapons Stockpile; Police Chief's 'Collector' Explanation Raises Concerns

Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, a Chonburi MP, demands a thorough investigation into a Chinese national's cache of military-grade weapons and assembled explosives, rejecting police claims it was merely a collector's hobby and warning of pote

10 May Khaosod

On May 10, 2025, Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, a People's Party MP from Chonburi, posted on Facebook challenging Police Chief Kittarat Panthapetch's explanation that the arrest of 31-year-old Chinese national Ming Chen Sun was simply a case of weapons collecting rather than terrorism.

Thanathorn argues that the public deserves clearer answers. What authorities discovered was not ordinary firearms that collectors might own, but military-grade weapons, explosives, and C4 plastic explosives used in military operations. C4's destructive force is extreme—it detonates at speeds exceeding thousands of meters per second and can:

- Destroy building structures - Pierce or tear apart vehicles - Generate blast pressure and shrapnel causing severe injuries - Cause catastrophic damage in enclosed spaces like malls, transit systems, or crowded areas

Crucially, the explosives were not merely stored but had been assembled, wired, and installed into a vest ready for use. Thanathorn questions: if not for operational purposes, why would they be assembled this way?

He emphasizes that a gun enthusiast has no legitimate reason to possess such devastating explosives, since they cannot be used for recreational target practice like firearms. This case should not be minimized as personal preference but recognized as involving military-grade weapons and explosives—not ordinary collectibles.

Thanathorn stresses that the public has every right to be concerned and demand answers. If an incident occurred in a shopping mall, tourist destination, transit system, or residential area, who would be accountable for lives lost?

He calls on the national police office to conduct a thorough, transparent investigation into the suspect's intent, networks, connections, financial sources, and the purpose of possessing these weapons. The authorities must also implement serious measures against Thai shell companies, nominees, and transnational crime.

Thanathorn reiterates this is not an ordinary criminal case but directly impacts national security and public safety nationwide. The state must comprehensively assess the situation and give it the highest priority while investigating the network behind this Chinese suspect.

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National

Royal Irrigation Department Advances Development of Huai Mae Jai Dam (Huai Hok) to Combat Drought Sustainably, Supply Water to Communities, and Preserve Phayao's Ecosystem

Thailand's Royal Irrigation Department is advancing the Huai Mae Jai (Huai Hok) Reservoir Project in Phayao Province to address chronic water shortages and support drought-affected farming communities. The medium-sized dam project, with a budget of 490.31 million baht and a three-year construction timeline, is expected to increase farmer household incomes from 7,874 baht to 20,569 baht per rai while ensuring sustainable water security. The project is currently in the feasibility study and environmental impact assessment phase with active community participation.

10 May Khaosod

Amid climate variability and the Super El Niño phenomenon causing extreme weather changes, Thailand must prepare to manage water resources adequately for consumption and agriculture. Sri Thoe Subdistrict in Mae Jai District, Phayao Province, faces chronic problems with irregular rainfall and severe dry-season water shortages, while having no storage facilities during flooding seasons. The Royal Irrigation Department is now advancing the "Huai Mae Jai (Huai Hok) Reservoir Project" to ensure sustainable water security and revitalize farming communities, initiated by a public request letter.

Lieutenant Colonel Surachit Duangjanthorn, chairman of the Huai Mae Jai water users group, stated that in July 2013, water users formally submitted a letter to the Royal Irrigation Department requesting construction of the reservoir to store water for both consumption and agriculture, as over 80 percent of the area lies outside irrigation zones. He emphasized that "with the Huai Mae Jai reservoir, residents will have reliable drinking water, farmers can plan their planting schedules, water can be stored during flooding season to mitigate flood damage, and risks of drought from increasingly severe weather changes can be reduced."

Darini Chaiyaphet, environmental impact consultant for the Royal Irrigation Department, stated that the department has collaborated with government agencies, local organizations, and communities to thoroughly study the project and found it viable through reservoir construction. The project is expected to take three years to complete with a budget of 490.31 million baht, including 47.22 million baht for land and property compensation. The project shows strong economic value, with farmer household income projected to increase from 7,874 baht per rai to 20,569 baht per rai.

The Huai Mae Jai (Huai Hok) Reservoir Project will be a medium-sized facility with a storage capacity of 2.825 million cubic meters, covering 2,300 rai of both elevated and lowland areas in Sri Thoe Subdistrict, Mae Jai District, Phayao Province. The dam will be constructed as a compacted earth dam with clay core, reaching approximately 40 meters at its highest point and spanning 208 meters in length, equipped with spillways and water delivery pipes for efficient water management and distribution to agricultural areas.

Sithisong Petchaploy, village headman of Moo 6, Thung Pa Kha Village, Sri Thoe Subdistrict, Mae Jai District, Phayao Province, noted that farmers currently plant only during the rainy season, with many migrating for work during the dry season, leaving fields abandoned. With the reservoir, farmers will have sufficient water to plan additional planting cycles, reduce pumping costs, increase household income, and keep families from having to migrate for seasonal work elsewhere.

Currently, the Huai Mae Jai (Huai Hok) Reservoir Project is undergoing feasibility studies and environmental impact assessments with full public participation, from gathering public opinions to implementing environmental mitigation measures and monitoring implementation progress.

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National

Korn Chatikavanij Distributes 700 Lottery Tickets to Thank Red-Shirt Supporters Awaiting Thaksin's Release

Pheu Thai deputy leader Korn Chatikavanij distributed 700 lottery tickets to red-shirt supporters gathered outside Bangkok Special Prison to welcome former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who will be released tomorrow morning after his sentence was suspended. Thousands of supporters are camping overnight at the prison gates for his release. Korn appealed to opposing political factions to end their 20-year conflict and allow Thaksin to live peacefully with his family, while denying speculation that Thaksin plans to return to active politics.

10 May Khaosod

Red-shirt activists have been streaming to gather outside Bangkok Special Prison since early morning on May 10, 2025, to welcome former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, who will be released tomorrow morning. Supporters from across the country are expected to camp overnight at the prison gates. A stage has been set up with speeches beginning in the afternoon, with Pheu Thai deputy leader Korn Chatikavanij and red-shirt leader Natthawut Saikua alternating as speakers.

Korn arrived at the gathering and distributed 700 lottery tickets to red-shirt supporters as a token of gratitude from Thaksin, while announcing preparations for his welcome. Korn stated that red-shirt supporters will gather from this evening to receive Thaksin between 7-8 a.m. tomorrow, with stages, food, and overnight accommodation prepared for thousands of expected participants from other provinces.

Korn confirmed that Pheu Thai Party members, executives, MPs, and supporters will welcome Thaksin, acknowledging him as the founder of Thai Rak Thai Party and spiritual leader of Pheu Thai. All participants are coming voluntarily. Regarding speculation about Thaksin's return to politics, Korn insisted that Thaksin has no intention of returning to politics due to his age and desire to spend time with family. However, Korn acknowledged that as a former prime minister with extensive experience, people and media may seek his opinions on national issues, which would merely be sharing perspectives, not political involvement.

Korn appealed to opposing factions to end their 20-year political conflict and urged them not to drag Thaksin back into controversy, as he now wishes to live peacefully with his family in his final years. He emphasized that expressing social or political opinions should not be interpreted as political activity, and called on all parties to allow Thai society to move forward with harmony.

Korn acknowledged that many people still have confidence in Thaksin's abilities and want to see him return as the country's leader, but noted that Thai law prevents him from holding political office following his conviction. The Corrections Department will divide the area into two zones tomorrow—one for family and Pheu Thai leadership and another for supporters—to prevent overcrowding and maintain order.

Korn also disagreed with the electronic monitoring (EM) bracelet condition imposed on Thaksin, arguing that as a former prime minister who greatly benefited the country and founder of Thai Rak Thai Party and spiritual leader of Pheu Thai, such conditions seem inappropriate.

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