At 10:40 AM on May 14, 2025, during a parliamentary session chaired by House Speaker Sophon Sararum, Democrat Party MP Karan Chatigavanich questioned Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanaprasad about capital market problems and the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) handling of an oil refinery company allowing Thauvin capital group members to join its board in 2024.

Ekniti explained that regarding oil prices, the Finance Ministry reviewed refining margins and presented findings to the Cabinet on April 7, concluding that excess profit margins existed. He stated the proposal was to use excess profits for public benefit and create a transparent system by reducing refining margins and evaluating actual costs. The Cabinet approved these measures on April 8, reducing excess refining margins by 2 baht per liter for March and 5 baht per liter for April.

On the 400 billion baht emergency loan decree, Ekniti noted this crisis differs from 1997's currency crisis or the global financial crisis, as it stems from energy and cost-of-living issues affecting purchasing power. He characterized it as an urgent economic security matter.

Regarding the SEC, Ekniti stated it operates as an independent agency under Finance Ministry oversight. New regulations were approved prohibiting individuals from companies with legal violations from joining boards. He instructed SEC officials to enforce good governance, transparency, and clarity, directing the Finance Ministry's representative to support independent directors and remove representatives of legally-troubled companies from risk committees.

On the SEC chairman issue, Ekniti instructed the SEC secretary and Finance Ministry permanent secretary to strictly follow legal procedures. If investigation clearly proves wrongdoing and unsuitability for office, removal will proceed according to law. Regarding Thauvin capital, he confirmed close coordination with the Justice Ministry and stated he fulfilled his legal responsibilities without inaction.

Deputy National Police Chief Trairongpol Phonphisai, speaking as spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, announced progress on May 14, 2025, in the "dismantling foreign shell companies on Koh Phangan" operation. Following government policy and the National Police Office's directive to scrutinize foreigners engaged in tourism or business in Thailand within legal frameworks, authorities have been conducting targeted investigations in areas with high concentrations of foreign residents and investors. Koh Phangan has been identified as a priority target area.

Authorities conducting investigations on Koh Phangan identified a total of 3,754 registered companies, with 2,381 involving foreign shareholders. Two suspects have been arrested, three additional arrest warrants have been issued, and 37 land title deeds valued at over 150 million baht have been seized. Investigators will now accelerate efforts to trace financial flows and identify true beneficial owners.

While foreigners may legally conduct business in Thailand under legal frameworks, such as shareholding within legally prescribed limits, the primary issue identified is the use of "nominees"—Thai nationals holding shares on behalf of foreigners—to conceal foreign ownership of businesses and assets, which violates Thai law. Officers are currently investigating cross-shareholding patterns among various companies to determine if they constitute illegal fronting schemes, with evidence suggesting certain Thai individuals repeatedly serve as shareholders or directors across multiple companies, potentially qualifying them as "shell companies" or nominee entities.

Regarding potential involvement of state officials or law offices, Deputy Chief Trairongpol stated that investigators are examining whether relevant individuals or entities "knew or should have known" that business registrations facilitated foreign concealment of control over Thai businesses. This particularly applies to law offices and lawyers facilitating company formation, which will require careful evidentiary examination.

Thai nationals acting as nominees who are found to have knowingly assisted or facilitated foreign share-holding may face criminal liability. Two cases are currently under prosecution with additional charges pending. Deputy Chief Trairongpol emphasized that this operation aligns with government policy and the National Police Commissioner's directive to intensify suppression of foreign capital groups using Thai nominees, thereby preventing illegal foreign control and ownership of Thai businesses and assets.

A 37-year-old Taiwanese man's decision to file for divorce has become a hot topic on Taiwan's internet after his wife secretly gave away his Nintendo Switch 2 to someone else because she disapproved of how often he played games.

The story began when the wife anonymously posted to a Facebook page venting about her husband. She explained that he has worked at an industrial company for over 10 years and currently holds a manager position with an annual income of approximately 2 million baht. Although he has a stable job, she views him as lacking "ambition" because he spends his free time after work playing sports and games. She decided to give away his Nintendo Switch 2 without telling him beforehand.

She also mentioned that while her husband only keeps about 10,000 baht monthly for personal use, he was willing to spend 5,000 baht on a "mystery box" and was lucky enough to get a Nintendo Switch 2. He then plays Pokémon every night until late, which deeply upset her.

However, when the story spread online, the public response wasn't what she expected. Many netizens felt the husband was handling his family responsibilities and finances well, and that having a hobby to relieve stress is normal.

The husband later posted a response on the same Facebook page, revealing that he has already signed the divorce papers and is waiting for formal proceedings. He emphasized that the main reason for ending the marriage was his wife's disrespect—giving away his Nintendo Switch 2 without his consent.

He shared that his wife constantly criticized him for still playing games at 37 years old, saying he "doesn't know how to improve himself" and compared him unfavorably to people in the tech industry with higher incomes.

He explained that his daily life is filled with pressure from work, meetings, sales targets, managing subordinates, and family responsibilities. The only time he feels like himself again is at night after everyone goes to bed, when he quietly plays games alone in the living room.

He also revealed that since marriage, almost all his income has gone to his wife to manage. The house and car are both registered under her name, while he keeps only a small amount for himself. The 5,000 baht spent on the mystery box was the first time he wanted to "buy happiness for himself."

He admitted that what hurt most wasn't losing the gaming device, but his wife's lack of respect for his interests and feelings. When discussing the divorce, he was willing to give her everything—the house, savings, and all assets—asking only for the Nintendo Switch 2 and the mystery box contents back. But her response broke his heart. She said, "If you ask for it back, I'll lose face."

This made him realize that what mattered to his wife wasn't their relationship, but rather dignity and image. He decided to end the marriage with these parting words:

"This divorce may be the best and bravest decision of my life. I truly cannot spend my entire life with someone like this."

After reading the husband's account, most netizens expressed support for him, agreeing that the real issue isn't about gaming, but about a lack of mutual respect in the marriage.

Source: Oriental Daily Edited by the Online News Team

In a continuing report dated May 14, 2025, journalist sources confirm that Vinai (surname withheld by request) fatally assaulted Ms. Joy (surname withheld by request), his mistress, then placed her body in his car and drove to turn himself in at Bang Bua Thong Police Station. He claimed jealousy was the motive, alleging the victim had secretly met another man at a hotel, which provoked him to strike and kick her repeatedly before she was found dead the following morning.

Reporters spoke with Ms. A (pseudonym), age 44, the suspect's first wife of over two years. She revealed that while she was aware her boyfriend had recently begun seeing the victim, she remained uninvolved in the matter, though he frequently spent time with the other woman. This morning, he called to tell her he had accidentally killed the woman and was driving to the police station. She followed him but expressed relief that he admitted his guilt and did not attempt to flee, saying she would now leave the matter to the legal system.

Bang Bua Thong Police officers then escorted Vinai to a condominium room in Bang Bua Thong District, Nonthaburi Province, where the incident occurred.

Maj. Thassagon Khoanthong, superintendent of Bang Bua Thong Police Station, disclosed that officers received a report of fatal assault from the suspect's first wife. The suspect had called to confess to a heated argument with the victim over infidelity before losing control and attacking her with punches, kicks, and strikes, resulting in her death. The suspect was taken to identify the location at the residential building. Preliminary evidence suggests the motive was jealousy, with the assault committed without weapons.

The Board of Investment (BOI) hosted the BOI Symposium, bringing together leading EV manufacturers from China, Japan, and Europe to propel Thailand toward 'Smart and Green Mobility' and reinforce Thailand's position as ASEAN's EV Hub.

BOI Secretary-General Naruetom Terdsteerasukdi revealed that on May 13, 2026, the symposium titled 'Thailand Driving Toward Smart and Green Mobility' was held as part of SUBCON Thailand 2026, featuring China EV100, a leading electric vehicle think tank, alongside automotive executives and global component manufacturers from China, Japan, and Europe investing in Thailand. The event reflected global automotive industry direction amid the transition to the Smart and Green Mobility era.

The forum also served as a platform for exchanging perspectives on future technology, supply chain systems, and opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to connect with global supply chains, positioning Thailand as the region's future automotive industry hub. Over 500 investors and interested parties participated.

Secretary-General Naruetom delivered a keynote speech on 'Policies to Accelerate Smart and Green Mobility,' noting that the global automotive industry is transitioning to electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and digital technology, collectively known as ACES, comprising Autonomous, Connected, Electric, and Shared Mobility. Software, electronics, battery management systems, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have become competitive differentiators, presenting Thailand with an opportunity to leverage its strong automotive base to become a 'comprehensive future automotive manufacturing hub' for the region in both Green and Smart Mobility dimensions.

Middle East crises affecting global energy prices have accelerated the shift to electric vehicles, demonstrating that Green Mobility transcends environmental concerns and impacts energy security and national competitiveness.

Thailand prioritizes promoting EV adoption, energy efficiency improvements, and clean energy promotion to strengthen energy security and build long-term economic resilience.

'Thailand is not merely following the automotive industry's transition but is seizing the opportunity to lead it, attracting leading companies worldwide—from all types of EV manufacturers to advanced technology component producers—to establish manufacturing and export bases here,' Naruetom stated. 'We are also committed to supporting Thai entrepreneurs in connecting strongly with global supply chains. We have coordinated with four major automotive industry associations to develop further measures, including continuous support for Thai automakers, increased use of domestic components, and capacity building for Thai entrepreneurs.'

'From 2017 to March 2026, investment promotion requests in the EV automotive industry totaled over 182,000 million baht, covering EV manufacturing of all types, batteries, key components, and charging stations. This reflects global investor confidence in Thailand as the region's primary EV manufacturing base, advancing Thailand's goal to become the region's future automotive industry hub.'

Zhang Yongwei, President of the Institute for New Energy Vehicle Technology Development (China EV100), stated that the global automotive industry is entering an 'acceleration phase' of transition to electric vehicles, with projections that by 2030, EVs...

CHONBURI — Authorities in Chonburi province arrested 16 Chinese nationals during a late-night raid on an illegal poker den operating from a luxury house in Bang Lamung district on Wednesday night.

At 11:46 p.m., a coordinated task force led by Naphatphong Khositsuriyamanee (Chonburi Immigration Superintendent), Nattapol Pongsooksakul (Nong Prue Police Chief), and Prabda Suksoontree (Inspector General of Tourist Police Sub-Station 4, Subdivision 2, Tourist Police Division 1) raided a residence at 243/15 Soi Mab Yai Lia 24, Nong Prue Subdistrict. Officers from the Immigration Bureau, Tourist Police, and Bang Lamung Administrative Office participated in the operation.

Authorities arrested 16 suspected gamblers and seized approximately 100,000 baht in cash, gambling chips valued at several million baht, three poker tables, and large quantities of playing cards and gambling equipment.

The investigation began following complaints from local residents who noticed unusually large numbers of Chinese tourists entering the property. Residents expressed additional concerns about security, citing a previous incident in which Chinese nationals were allegedly found hiding C4 explosives in the area. Officers monitored the house, confirmed regular activity by Chinese nationals, and planned the late-night raid to catch the group off guard, given the property's perimeter surveillance cameras.

During the raid, three suspects attempted to escape by jumping from a second-floor window and sustained injuries when they hit the ground. Medical personnel provided first aid while officers secured the premises. Officers found 13 Chinese gamblers—both male and female—in a panicked state along with evidence of gambling activities and food and beverages prepared for the players.

All 16 suspects (13 men and three women) were taken into custody for questioning. Authorities are currently verifying their immigration status before they are transferred to investigators for further legal proceedings.