Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin is accelerating enforcement against natural resource encroachment following directives from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Interior Ministry, which have instructed all agencies to strictly enforce laws against powerful groups and influential figures illegally occupying state land, particularly forest reserves and important tourism areas. On May 12, Suchat tasked Deputy Minister Nantachat Suphomongkol with traveling to Phuket Province alongside Provincial Administrator Roongrueang Thimabutr and Forest Department officials to investigate the encroachment of a national forest reserve at Freedom Beach, a world-famous tourist destination.

Deputy Minister Nantachat stated that this operation represents an escalation of law enforcement to reclaim forests and protect the nation's natural resources, with action taken impartially against all violators regardless of their influence or wealth. The government emphasizes protecting natural resources, and justice must apply equally to all parties, though those responsible for forest destruction will face strict legal consequences.

Suspect Prin, known as 'Sai Lek', met with Deputy Minister Nantachat during the investigation and submitted to questioning by Karon Police regarding four cases under the Forestry Act of 1941 and the National Forest Reserve Act of 1964. Officials confirmed unauthorized construction on approximately 10 rai within the national forest reserve, and despite the suspect's claims of long-term occupation and land title documents (Por Sor. 4-01), authorities proceeded based on evidence and facts applied fairly to all parties.

Forest reserve encroachment carries penalties of one to ten years imprisonment and fines ranging from 20,000 to 200,000 baht, with violators potentially liable for damages based on the value of affected natural resources.

The Army Deputy Chief of Staff has ordered enhanced border security to close smuggling routes, urging residents to notify officials, headmen, and village elders before collecting forest products.

At 10:00 a.m. on May 13, 2025, at Don Mueang Military Air Base, General Chaiyapruks Duangpraphat, Army Chief of Staff, discussed his inspection of the Sai Takoo checkpoint area in Buriram Province to monitor border security operations and visited Abhiruk Butpet at his home in Ban Krot District, Buriram Province. The resident had encountered an armed group of Cambodian soldiers while collecting forest products in the area.

General Chaiyapruks stated he visited the area to assess vulnerable gaps after receiving reports from residents that Cambodian soldiers may be using these passages to infiltrate. He confirmed discussions with military commanders about strengthening area control and announced plans to check surveillance equipment including sensors and drones to improve civilian protection.

When asked whether the intruders were Cambodian military or illegal smugglers, the general confirmed they were Cambodian soldiers because both residents affirmed the armed personnel stood at close range and displayed threatening body language. However, the residents' familiarity with the terrain allowed them to escape before the soldiers could apprehend them.

Local military commanders subsequently spoke with the Cambodian soldiers, cautioning them to be careful and refrain from any actions affecting Thai citizens.

When asked if the general assessed whether the Cambodian soldiers came to gather intelligence or for another purpose, he stated that given the complex jungle terrain, multiple scenarios were possible—they could be conducting reconnaissance, searching for forest products, surveying Thai military positions, or infiltrating the area deliberately.

Regarding whether this violated the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Statement, the general said if evidence existed, action would be taken, though currently they only had local residents' accounts.

Concerning Yot Sainoi, a Surin Province resident detained by Cambodian soldiers while collecting forest products near the Thai-Cambodian border, the general noted that the Thai consulate and Foreign Ministry are expediting assistance efforts. Local military and police are also coordinating to provide rapid help.

He urged residents to inform government officials, headmen, village elders, and local military and police before collecting forest products, even though it is a traditional livelihood. This allows officials to know where Thai citizens are located—if someone goes missing without notifying authorities, discovering their fate becomes too late.

The general pledged to inspect vulnerable areas prone to conflict and deploy soldiers for oversight.

Trai Skott releases audio clip claiming to have a conversation with his older brother Pai Sunisth. Following previous developments, Trai Skott had tearfully revealed allegations of abuse by his older brother and a lawsuit from his mother regarding inheritance. Recently, Pai Sunisth, husband of Mind Lapsalal and Trai's older brother, released a video response denying the abuse allegations, stating such behavior is despicable. Now, on May 13, 2567, Trai Skott has made another move on social media by releasing an audio clip claiming to be a conversation with his older brother Pai Sunisth. The audio recording reportedly discusses the current controversy, which allegedly occurred in the past when Trai was approximately 10-11 years old, as supportive comments continue to appear for Trai.

On May 13, 2025, the Phrae Muang task force, under the command of Police Colonel Sathit Waiyanon and Deputy Commander Pol. Major Dechathon Saiyahut, received intelligence from the ranger news unit regarding a drug trafficking group smuggling narcotics across the Myanmar-Thailand border. Pol. Major Kitti Najay, commander of the regional military command's ranger unit, deployed ranger company 3209 under First Lieutenant Twich Pikrueang along with long-range reconnaissance teams to intercept the smugglers.

The confrontation occurred in a natural passage area near Ban Rom Thai, Moo 14, Ta Ton Subdistrict, Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai. On May 12, 2025, at approximately 9:40 p.m., rangers detected a drug trafficking group attempting to move narcotics through their patrol route. When asked to stop, the suspects opened fire, triggering an exchange that lasted until dawn at approximately 6:00 a.m.

Upon inspection of the battle site, rangers found one body equipped with a modified rifle and a modified backpack. The deceased is believed to be a foreign national who illegally entered Thailand. Near the body were three backpacks total containing approximately 250,000 methamphetamine tablets and approximately 11.2 kilograms of raw opium. The location was near a rubber plantation road, suggesting the drugs were being held for pickup by a drug lord's vehicle.

The Phrae Muang task force has intensified border patrols, operating 24-hour rotations and coordinating with local government agencies to intercept further drug trafficking operations. All seized materials have been turned over to Mae Ai Police Station for legal proceedings.

The Democrats Party, led by party chairman Nattapong Rueangpanya and campaign advisor Thanathorn Chingrungruang, held an official campaign launch event on May 12 in Pattaya, Chonburi, introducing Itthiwat Wattanasatsorn as their mayoral candidate and 24 city council candidates. Nattapong stated that the upcoming June 28 election presents a choice between a Pattaya that offers opportunities for everyone or only certain groups, criticizing the city's shift toward gray economy practices and outside influence. He highlighted the party's eight-year track record of advancing labor protections and social security fund oversight.

Nattapong expressed confidence that Itthiwat, who was born and raised in Pattaya and previously served as a city councilor, has the budgetary knowledge needed to ensure Pattaya's annual 2.4 billion baht budget reaches residents effectively. Itthiwat then took the stage, pledging to implement real change and development in the city.

Thanathornoutlined key policy proposals under the 'Pattaya for Everyone' vision, including 24-hour childcare centers, improved water access, tourism-friendly traffic management, functional libraries, youth center development, and integrated public health services. He emphasized transparency in the city's budget management, proposing that all procurement data and contractor information be published online for public scrutiny—a practice the party successfully implemented in Lampang Province.

At 9:09 a.m. on May 13, 2025, a reporter documented the bustling scene at Wat Klang Bang Phra in Bang Phra Subdistrict, Nakhon Chai Si District, Nakhon Pathom Province, near the lottery drawing day. Beyond the usual lottery enthusiasts paying respects to the revered 30-meter-tall Buddha image Luang Pho Som Wang, crowds gathered densely around the sacred spirit Thao Wessuwanna.

Thao Wessuwanna is an ancient stone deity originally created during the time of the late Luang Pho Phut, a venerated abbot. The temple recently restored the statue with fresh paint to preserve its original appearance. The spirit's prominence is evident from the abundance of red cloth offerings, red incense, red candles, and red roses left by devotees.

The lucky-drawing atmosphere remains active daily, with crowds seeking blessings and shaking fortune-telling sticks to obtain lucky numbers. The temple provides seven colored incense sticks representing each day of the week—red, yellow, pink, green, orange, blue, and purple—allowing lottery seekers to select and draw lucky numbers while writing their names on red cloth tied to the spirit's shrine.

When interviewed, 83-year-old Chai Rat from Bangkok revealed that she and her family had faith in both Luang Pho Som Wang and Thao Wessuwanna. Previously suffering from age-related health issues, she made a vow to donate 3,000 baht to the temple if she recovered. After three years of occasional floods and obstacles preventing her from fulfilling this promise, her health deteriorated again. Determined to keep her word, she finally returned to complete the ritual. Before leaving, she drew lottery numbers 135 from the egg lottery, and the fortune-telling sticks yielded 7, 8, and 3—with the number 83 perfectly matching her age.