Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas presided over the opening of SUBCON Thailand 2026 at BITEC Bangkok, May 13-16, 2026, noting that global transformations—spanning geopolitics, security, environmental standards, energy crises, and the rise of AI—are reshaping how industries operate and compete. These changes present opportunities for Thai businesses, with SUBCON Thailand serving as a key mechanism to help local manufacturers meet international buyers, access new technologies and standards, and transition from subcontractors to becoming solution partners and future allies of global corporations.

Thailand possesses significant potential through its robust industrial foundation, experienced component manufacturers, ready infrastructure, and strategic geographic location, evidenced by record investment promotion requests to BOI exceeding 1.8 trillion baht in 2025 and over 1 trillion baht in the first quarter of 2026. The critical challenge is aligning Thailand's development with global trends through promoting digital and AI technology adoption, clean energy transition, human resource development across all business levels, and regulatory reform to support the business sector.

Ekniti emphasized the "5T" principles guiding Thailand's economic advancement: Target (resource allocation precision), Transition (shift to new economies), Transform (economic restructuring benefiting SMEs and communities), Transparency (digital technology implementation), and Together (unified collaboration among government, private sector, and citizens).

BOI Secretary-General Naruetom Terdsteerasukdi stated the organization has partnered to organize SUBCON Thailand for 20 consecutive years, connecting Thai businesses to global supply chains. This year's edition reflects the emerging global industrial landscape emphasizing advanced technology, sustainability, and production risk diversification, encompassing emerging sectors like electric vehicles, semiconductors, automation, medical devices, and aerospace. Thailand occupies an optimal regional position to capitalize on current supply chain restructuring, possessing infrastructure, workforce, 50 years of accumulated industrial base, and high-quality component manufacturer networks. BOI prioritizes creating business opportunities by linking Thai entrepreneurs with leading multinational corporations investing in Thailand, facilitating production transfers and technology advancement.

The Maha Sarakham Employment Office has clarified that six workers in the province fled their employers, resulting in the province becoming one of four Thai regions placed on South Korea's blacklist. South Korea has suspended the import of Thai workers from four provinces—Maha Sarakham, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, and Udon Thani—for one year (January 1 – December 31, 2025) due to some seasonal agricultural and fishing workers under E-8 visas absconding from their employers. The office stressed that the suspension applies only to E-8 visa workers and does not affect other visa categories. Jiraphon Saechan, Maha Sarakham Employment Chief, explained that the measure suspends worker placements in the E-8 seasonal agricultural program, which typically lasts about eight months. Though over 100 workers applied for positions in South Korea, only 18-19 were selected; however, six workers from Maha Sarakham subsequently fled their employers. The office contacted the families of the six workers, ordering their return to Thailand by July 30, 2568 (2025), or they would be considered illegal residents in South Korea. This suspension affects not only the absconding workers but also many legitimate workers who lost their opportunities despite passing the selection process. The E-8 visa is an important pathway for Thai workers as it does not require Korean language testing like some other programs. Worker abscondence has damaged the destination country's trust, resulting in all four provinces being suspended from the program for 2569 (2026). The Maha Sarakham Employment Office urged Thai workers to comply with the laws of destination countries, respect employment contracts, and not flee employers—ensuring legal work abroad provides labor rights protection, wages, benefits, and healthcare access, while illegal status risks exploitation, wage theft, and deportation, ultimately harming Thailand's reputation.

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia — Cambodia's Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts has demanded that Thailand withdraw its registration of several disputed ancient temples along the Thai-Cambodian border, calling the move a violation of Cambodian sovereignty.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry said it strongly protests and firmly rejects the decision by Thailand's Fine Arts Department to include the Ta Muen Thom temple complex, Ta Kwai temple, and other archaeological sites in Thailand's national register of ancient monuments. The official document asserts that these sites are located within Cambodian sovereign territory.

The ministry described Thailand's action as illegal, null, and without legal effect, arguing that unilateral registration cannot be used as evidence of territorial sovereignty or border demarcation. It maintained that unresolved border issues must be addressed through international law and existing bilateral mechanisms.

The statement specifically referred to the 1907 Franco-Siamese Treaty, the 2000 Memorandum of Understanding, the 2003 Terms of Reference, and the mandate of the Joint Boundary Commission as the only recognized frameworks for settlement.

Cambodia further accused Thailand of attempting to create an artificial legal appearance over the sites, claiming the move undermines the spirit of peaceful dialogue and mutual respect between the neighboring nations. The ministry called on the Thai government to immediately revoke the registration and refrain from further unilateral actions.

Behind the smiles and vibrant energy, Tee Wan Phichit and Po Suphakarn gave a heartfelt interview on Woody Talk, revealing lesser-known facets of their relationship and friendship, along with the pressures they face. They discussed handling negative feedback and how they serve as safe zones for each other.

When asked about their feelings regarding achieving their dreams, Tee Tee expressed surprise at exceeding expectations: "I felt it surpassed expectations significantly. At first, we had hopes of becoming somewhat famous, and I'm really happy with this level of response."

Tee Tee added: "I'm grateful the series took us this far, and this is our first leading role where people actually liked it. The happiness from hearing positive feedback is genuinely uplifting."

When asked what compliments touched them most, Po shared: "I think it's when people tell us we helped them get through difficult days." Tee Tee recalled a private talk event where both a psychiatrist and their patient attended. The patient brought them along to watch, and it seemed to give the patient courage. The psychiatrist later told them that meeting them made the patient smile more.

Discussing their characters' appeal, Po explained: "The characters connect with people—across friendships and relationships—in ways many people wish existed in real life." Tee Tee noted that Po's character, Duang, represents ideal qualities, while Duang's girlfriend Chin has a contrasting, more complex background.

Po revealed that Chin's character mirrors some of his own experiences, particularly regarding performance pressure and negative criticism. He shared that a turning point in his life came through close friends and a week-long immersive experience with a band that helped him unlock his ability to express himself—something that took nine years to develop.

Tee Tee acknowledged Po's journey: "He often shares stories from childhood about being a trainee and constantly fighting. Despite the challenges, he keeps pushing forward." Po reflected on initially pursuing acting before eventually embracing music, training at different agencies, and eventually finding his path.

Manchester United has ruled out appointing Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola as the club's new permanent head coach, with Michael Carrick being given the opportunity for the role instead. Although interim manager Carrick has guided United to an impressive finish, securing Champions League qualification for next season, the club has yet to finalize its decision on the permanent manager position. Iraola had previously been linked with United as a leading candidate, with the board impressed by his managerial approach at Bournemouth. The 43-year-old manager parted ways with The Cherries at the end of the season. However, recent reports from the Daily Mail indicate that Carrick is now closer to being appointed as Manchester United's permanent manager, while Iraola's chances for the position have diminished. Chelsea is also among the clubs interested in Iraola for their vacant head coach position.

Authorities have dismantled the AM 08 online gambling network based in Ranong, which operated for over two years with an average monthly turnover of 6 million baht, or approximately 72 million baht annually. On May 13, 2025, Police Lieutenant General Surpol Preembut, commander of the Investigation Bureau, ordered Police Major Tossak Panklinput and his investigation team to conduct a search operation targeting online gambling operations in Ranong. The team, equipped with a Ranong Provincial Court warrant (No. 26/2569), raided a residence in Moo 3, Bang Non Subdistrict, Muang District, and arrested Ms. Thipysiwan, 24, a Ranong resident. Investigators seized a computer, a mobile phone, and a router during the operation. Police discovered the AM 08 website had over 36,000 members and had been operating for more than two years, generating average monthly revenues of 6 million baht or 72 million baht annually. The site illegally offered various gambling services including lottery, slots, foreign football betting, baccarat, tiger-dragon, hi-lo, and other games. The investigation revealed the gambling network was based in Muang Ranong District and had changed names multiple times to evade detection while maintaining its original customer base. Previously under different names, the network generated approximately 10 million baht per month before operating as AM 08. Ms. Thipysiwan admitted to working as an administrator handling customer relations for the gambling site for over a year, earning 15,000 baht monthly. She faces charges of operating an illegal online gambling platform and soliciting others to participate in unauthorized electronic gambling.