Government spokesperson emphasizes Parliament's passage of new facilitation bill to streamline public permit applications, eliminate duplicate document requests, and integrate Super License system to reduce procedural steps and costs for businesses. May 22, 2025 – Government spokesman Ratchada Thanadirek revealed that the government is advancing legislation and regulations to facilitate services and permits for citizens and entrepreneurs from state agencies. Most recently, on May 20, 2025, the House of Representatives passed a new Bill on Facilitation of Permit Consideration and Public Services, with the next steps being royal endorsement and enforcement. This law will reduce the burden of state interactions, accelerate services, enhance transparency and accountability, and align with government policies on responsive administration and legal reform, ensuring citizens and businesses understand procedures, timelines, documents, and fees clearly. The law will eliminate redundant document requests when information already exists in state databases or can be linked through central systems, meaning citizens won't need to resubmit documents. Ratchada emphasized that importantly, the law enables the use of a primary permit or Super License system for businesses requiring permits from multiple agencies. Once a primary license is obtained, related secondary licenses are automatically granted under specified conditions, eliminating the need for entrepreneurs to submit documents to numerous agencies repeatedly. This approach represents part of broader civil service reform to support genuine business operations, reduce costs, minimize waiting times, and reduce unnecessary discretionary decisions, while raising public sector standards and supporting Thailand's goal of OECD membership. Additionally, the government is advancing parallel legislation and data integration systems, having approved a draft royal decree on disclosure of personal data among state agencies on May 5 to enable efficient information sharing between state agencies. "The government is not piecemeal in updating laws, but systematically reforming interconnected legislation to make state agencies more efficient, public services more accessible, and business operations faster, which directly impacts the economy, investment, and employment opportunities," Ratchada stated.

On May 22, 2569, authorities reported progress in the investigation into the shooting of Phra Athikan Bunlert Akpunyo, 64, the abbot of Wat Krajeom Thong in Muang District, Kamphaengphet Province. He sustained serious injuries while standing in his monk's quarters. Muang Kamphaengphet police continue to gather evidence to identify the perpetrator. Gunpowder residue tests were conducted on 12 close associates, with initial results from 9 individuals (6 monks and 3 lay people) showing no traces of gunpowder residue on their bodies or clothing. Three additional individuals await forensic results, including two suspects whose names are being withheld. Police confirmed that footprints discovered in the cassava field behind the temple represent a crucial lead, with approximately 10 distinct prints heading toward the Ping River area—a potential escape route. The footprints show clear sock impressions with a pattern suggesting the person paused mid-stride before continuing. The abbot subsequently spoke with reporters while recovering at a relative's home. He stated that the attack likely has nothing to do with money lending, as he has only loaned small amounts that have been repaid or are being repaid regularly. He expressed doubt about suspicions surrounding Phloen, as that individual has not frequented the temple recently and they maintain normal relations. Regarding the shooting itself, the abbot recalled that he was eating instant noodles when someone suddenly opened his door and fired. He could not identify the shooter as he did not recognize them. As for his relationship with the lay devotee Lamyai, the abbot confirmed they have been close for approximately ten years.

On May 22, 2569 (2026), it was reported that Luang Por Kim from Wat Nam Bo Luang in San Pa Tong District, Chiang Mai, passed away at Maharaj Nakhon Chiang Mai Hospital while undergoing skull surgery to treat his injuries. He died at 2:00 PM on May 21 after his injuries proved fatal. The incident occurred on the morning of May 21 when Luang Por Kim was walking back to his temple after his alms round. As he crossed the road in front of the water station in San Pa Tong District, a Toyota vehicle traveling from downtown Chiang Mai struck him with great force, throwing him approximately 50 meters. He suffered critical injuries witnessed by nearby residents. Rescue personnel from Nam Bo Luang Sub-district Administrative Organization transported him to San Pa Tong Hospital, and due to the severity of his condition, he was transferred to Maharaj Nakhon Chiang Mai Hospital. The driver was detained by police and tested for alcohol, which showed a blood alcohol level of 20 milligrams per cent. It is believed the driver may have been experiencing residual intoxication and claimed he did not see the monk at the time of impact.

Pop Pongkool, a popular singer, has posted a heated response to what he calls a damaging article filled with false information. In his post, he directly tagged a major media outlet, saying: "You posted about me in a damaging way, used AI to write complete nonsense, and the article contains many false statements. When I saw it, you closed the comments and deleted the post. Is this how you normally do your work?"

Pop also shared a screenshot of the original post about allegations regarding his creation of "two worlds," which contained the phrase "I created two worlds, recorded 12 years, a phrase of the era." His post has drawn extensive criticism in the comments section.

In a follow-up post, Pop wrote: "Under the claim 'the younger one cried while sitting,' under the claim 'Aoh ordered and approved it,' under the claim 'because we wanted engagement and didn't just do one thing—we also did this to several other celebrities as a series'—with all these claims, you don't know if anyone has been hurt by this. You don't know what effort it took us to get through this. The fact that you exposed faces and all kinds of information means I'm not the only victim. I'm just telling you this much."

Norway has announced its 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring several star players and marked by a special moment where Norway's King Harald V participated in revealing the team roster. Norway released the squad announcement through an official X account video, in which King Harald V connected the national team to stories within the country, with player names appearing one by one throughout the clip.

The squad is led by Arsenal midfielder Martin Ødegaard as captain, alongside major stars including striker Erling Haaland of Manchester City, Alexander Sørloth from Atlético Madrid, and Jørgen Strand Larsen of Crystal Palace. Other key players include Oscar Bobb (Fulham), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig), Sander Berge (Fulham), and Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund).

Norway will compete in Group I alongside Iraq, Senegal, and France in the tournament.

Norway 2026 World Cup Squad:

Goalkeepers: Orjան Nyland (Sevilla), Egil Selvik (Watford), Sander Tangvik (Hamburg)

Defenders: Christopher Ajer (Brentford), Julian Ryerson (Borussia Dortmund), Leo Østigård (Genoa), Marcus Holm-Pedersen (Torino), David Møller Wolfe (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Fredrik André Bjørkan (Bodø/Glimt), Torbjørn Heggem (Bologna), Sondre Langås (Derby County), Henrik Falksæner (Viking)

Midfielders: Martin Ødegaard (Arsenal), Sander Berge (Fulham), Patrick Berge (Bodø/Glimt), Kristian Thorstvedt (Sassuolo), Morten Thorsby (Cremona), Fredrik Aursnes (Benfica), Thelo Aasgård (Rangers)

Forwards: Erling Haaland (Manchester City), Alexander Sørloth (Atlético Madrid), Jørgen Strand Larsen (Crystal Palace), Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig), Oscar Bobb (Fulham), Andreas Schjelderup (Benfica), Jens Petter Hauge (Bodø/Glimt)

The Thai Meteorological Department warns of heavy continuous rainfall today affecting 70% of areas across two regions, with Bangkok experiencing 60% coverage. The 24-hour forecast from today at 6:00 AM to tomorrow at 6:00 AM shows nationwide rainfall will decrease, though heavy showers will continue mainly in western and eastern Thailand due to the weakening southwest monsoon combined with a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam.

Public warnings are in place for dangers from heavy rainfall and accumulated precipitation, which may cause flash flooding and runoff—particularly in foothill areas near waterways and low-lying zones. People are advised to monitor their health during weather changes. Wave conditions in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand are weakening, with the upper Andaman Sea at approximately 2 meters, while the lower Andaman and upper Gulf show waves of 1-2 meters. Areas with thunderstorms may experience waves exceeding 2 meters. Mariners are urged to exercise caution and avoid thunderstorm zones.

Regional forecasts (6:00 AM today to 6:00 AM tomorrow):

Northern Region: 60% thunderstorm coverage with heavy rain in some areas, particularly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lampoon, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun. Low 23-25°C, high 32-37°C. Southwest wind 10-20 km/hr.

Northeastern Region: 40% thunderstorm coverage with heavy rain in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Chaiyaphum, and Nakhon Ratchasima. Low 23-24°C, high 33-35°C. Southwest wind 10-20 km/hr.

Central Region: 70% thunderstorm coverage with heavy rain in Nakhon Sawan, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, and Samut Sakhon. Low 24-26°C, high 33-36°C. Southwest wind 10-20 km/hr.

Eastern Region: 60% thunderstorm coverage with heavy rain in Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chachoengsao, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Low 25-27°C, high 30-33°C. Southwest wind 20-35 km/hr. Sea waves approximately 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

Southern Region (East Coast): 60% thunderstorm coverage with heavy rain in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, and Surat Thani. Low 23-26°C, high 32-36°C. Southwest wind 15-35 km/hr. Sea waves 1-2 meters, approximately 2 meters offshore, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm zones.

Southern Region (West Coast): 70% thunderstorm coverage with heavy rain in Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Krabi. Low 23-25°C, high 32-36°C. From Phuket northward: southwest wind 20-35 km/hr, sea waves approximately 2 meters. From Krabi southward: southwest wind 15-35 km/hr, sea waves 1-2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

Bangkok and Vicinity: 60% thunderstorm coverage with heavy rain in some areas.