The Electronic Transactions Development Agency (ETDA), through its Electronic Transactions Academic Service Center—a research hub providing consultation and AI & Digital Transformation skill development—has officially launched the FuEx: Future Readiness for Executive Networks program cohort 2. The program was inaugurated on May 15, 2026, at the Grand Ballroom of Radisson Blu Plaza Bangkok. Building on the success of cohort 1, which established a strong network of senior executives in digital strategy and strategic foresight, the program aims to equip public and private sector leaders to tackle digital-era challenges and strengthen the nation's foundation for future readiness.

Cohort 2 has been designed to be more intensive and comprehensive under the concept of "The Perfect Executive of the Future," with the goal of tangibly improving the nation's competitive capabilities. This is particularly crucial given Thailand's digital strategy gap, as reflected in its ranking of 38th out of 67 economic zones in the IMD World Digital Competitiveness Ranking 2025. Developing leaders with expertise in digital implementation and technology governance represents a strategic investment that directly contributes to elevating the country's competitive capabilities.

The inauguration ceremony was honored by Assoc. Prof. (Special) Dr. Polwarth Vithurklachit, Inspector-General of the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society, who delivered opening remarks. The event also featured remarks from Anna Pearson, Acting Deputy Head of Mission at the British Embassy Bangkok, as keynote speaker, and Himal Ojha, Global Cybercrime Programme Officer and Digital Forensics Expert at UNODC's Regional Office for Southeast Asia and the Pacific in Thailand, who lectured on the exploitation of artificial intelligence and automation in regional cybercrime and fraud. Professor Dr. Urs Gasser, Chair of the Foresight Working Group at the ITU Academic Advisory Board on Emerging Technologies and Chair of the ETDA International Policy Advisory Panel, also participated.

A panel discussion titled "How to Develop The Perfect Executive of the Future" featured distinguished speakers from both public and private sectors, including Nattachat Jintakanan, Country Director at Asia Group Advisors; Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Thamakorn Supathanrangsee, Vice President of Government Relations at Lazada Thailand; and Nuchnada Kunkhwamdi, Director of Business Knowledge Development at the Stock Exchange of Thailand. Dr. Chalittha Matthayamburi, Advisor and Director of the Electronic Transactions Academic Service Center at ETDA, emphasized the program's importance, stating: "The nation's challenge is not merely having modern technology, but having 'leaders who see the future'—those with agility, resilience, and adaptability who can develop integrated strategies together. This is the foundation for launching FuEx cohort 2."

TAKHLI — Thailand's top military commander flew aboard an F-16 fighter jet on Tuesday during a combat readiness inspection at Wing 4 in Nakhon Sawan province, as the Royal Thai Air Force reaffirmed its capability to defend the country and monitor border areas.

On May 19 at 09:00, Air Force Commander ACM Seksan Kanta welcomed Supreme Commander Gen. Songwit Noonpackdee to inspect the operational readiness of Wing 4 at Takhli air base. The visit included an F-16 performance demonstration and the presentation of a 403 Squadron F-16 patch to the Supreme Commander before the flight mission.

Gen. Songwit donned a full F-16 flight suit and participated in an aerial patrol alongside Wing Commander Chanon Sattayuk, commander of 403 Squadron. The approximately one-hour flight surveyed training areas and Thailand's western border region. Other senior Air Force officers participated in the operation, including Air Chief Marshal Rawin Thanomsingh, commander of the Air Operations Control Command, piloting another F-16, while Air Chief Marshal Anurak Romanarak, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, flew in a T-50TH trainer jet.

Before takeoff, Gen. Songwit addressed Wing 4 personnel, commending their dedication and sacrifice in protecting national sovereignty. He emphasized that the Air Force maintains robust operational capabilities and remains ready for missions in all circumstances, including coordinated operations with other military branches. ACM Seksan also thanked Wing 4 personnel for their service, calling Wing 4 "the real force protecting the country" and urging personnel to maintain professional standards across aviation, maintenance, and mission support operations.

The Supreme Commander operated under the call sign "UK Biker" during the mission and completed full aviation medical and safety screening before takeoff, including hearing and vision tests, cardiac monitoring, and hypobaric chamber training. The operation was part of ongoing combat readiness inspections and air exercises designed to strengthen Air Force capabilities and support national defense missions.

Industry Minister Verawut Silpaarch discussed proposals from government-private sector consultations held at the 'Entrepreneurs Speak, Government Listens' forum. During these discussions, CP Group Senior Chairman Thanin Chearavanont made an important observation that Thailand possesses 'surface oil'—agricultural resources—which are more valuable than underground oil. This aligns with the government's policy direction emphasizing agricultural industry development. On May 18, Verawut met with Deputy Prime Minister Supachai Suthammaphand and Commerce Minister to discuss preserving Thai fruit quality year-round and extracting high-value compounds for export, which he emphasized is crucial for Thailand's food security. The ministry is implementing comprehensive support measures for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), working with the Thai SME Development Bank to provide not only financial loans but also personnel development and knowledge transfer. The bank will implement a unified industrial policy using the ministry's resources to elevate SME operations.

Chinese, Pakistani nationals found packed in Sa Kaeo pickupLegacy

Sixteen Chinese and Pakistani nationals were arrested in Sa Kaeo today, May 19, after they were allegedly smuggled across the border from Poipet, Cambodia, and found packed inside a pickup truck with a Thai driver.

Military officers, district officials, and village security volunteers launched the operation after residents reported a suspicious vehicle circling in Non Mak Mun subdistrict, Khok Sung district, late at night. Officials intercepted the pickup near the border and found 16 foreigners inside, comprising 10 Chinese nationals and six Pakistani nationals. The Thai driver, 35 year old Surat Boonkrut, was also arrested. Initial questioning found the group had travelled to Poipet for work after being persuaded to take jobs linked to online businesses and restaurants. Photo via Khaosod They said they were not paid as agreed, while some claimed they were forced to work and controlled for more than six months before fleeing at night.

Officials said the group was allegedly moved in stages, first by vehicle from Poipet to an area near the border. Cambodian guides then led them through sugarcane fields and natural crossings into Ban Ang Sila, where a Thai broker was allegedly waiting to take them further into Thailand.

During the search, officials found multiple mobile phones, foreign SIM cards, and several passports. Some of the foreigners had no identification documents, leading officials to suspect links to a cross-border smuggling network and illegal labour activity along the border. Photo via Khaosod Surat reportedly confessed that he had been hired by a broker named Preeda to pick up the foreigners. He said he was paid 50 baht per person to take them to Aranyaprathet district, but was intercepted before reaching the destination. Khaosod reported that all suspects were taken to Khok Sung Police Station for legal action. Officials are expanding the investigation to track down the remaining brokers involved in the smuggling network. Similarly, last year, Thai border forces arrested a Chinese national linked to a call centre scam and found 1,000 mobile SIM cards near the Thai-Cambodian border. The equipment was reportedly being sent to an employer in Myawaddy. The story Chinese, Pakistani nationals found packed in Sa Kaeo pickup as seen on Thaiger News.

The Cabinet has approved the appointment of Somsak Anantawat as the new Revenue Department director, replacing Kulya Tantitemit who previously resigned. On May 19, 2025, the Cabinet approved the promotion of Somsak Anantawat, a tax collection strategy advisor for the energy business group at the Revenue Department, to director of the Revenue Department in place of Kulya Tantitemit. According to the Finance Ministry, Somsak is a career civil servant within the Revenue Department, and officials believe his appointment will provide advantages in policy continuity and administration since he has strong knowledge of the department's organizational structure, tax collection systems, and internal mechanisms, requiring minimal transition time. "Somsak's key strength is his experience in audit and inspection work, which is the department's primary responsibility, especially as the government seeks to improve tax collection efficiency and expand the tax base amid economic slowdown, along with challenges from digital business and cross-border transactions." Somsak has comprehensive qualifications in accounting, law, and public administration, which address the department's needs across multiple dimensions including legal matters, audits, tax interpretation, and large-scale organization management. He also has board experience with state enterprises and private companies, giving him deeper understanding of business structures and private sector constraints, which could be crucial for designing future tax policies that balance collection efficiency with the competitiveness of the business sector.

The Smart Water Operations Center (SWOC) under the Royal Irrigation Department reported that as of May 19, 2025, major and medium-sized reservoirs nationwide contain approximately 43,621 million cubic meters of water—57% of their total capacity—with additional storage capacity of 33,133 million cubic meters available. The four key dams in the Chao Phraya River Basin (Bhumibol, Sirikit, Khwae Noi Bhumrung Dam, and Pasak Cholasit dams) hold 13,483 million cubic meters of water, representing 54% of combined capacity, with 11,388 million cubic meters of additional capacity remaining.

As of 6 a.m. on the reporting date, water flow at the C.2 measurement station in Nakhon Sawan reached 563 cubic meters per second. Combined with flows from the Sakae Krang River and tributary streams, the total water volume managed above Chao Phraya Dam stands at 577 cubic meters per second, distributed to various irrigation systems as follows: Eastern region receives 189 cubic meters per second (69%) and Western region receives 258 cubic meters per second (55%).

The remaining water released through Chao Phraya Dam maintains a continuous rate of 130 cubic meters per second with no adverse impact on downstream areas. Current rainfall monitoring shows that from January 1 to May 17, 2025, the nation received 212.4 millimeters of rain—78.8 millimeters below normal, representing a 27% deficit. Multiple regions experienced below-normal rainfall, particularly the Eastern Southern region (49% below normal) and Central region (41% below normal). To prepare for potential impacts on residents and farmers, the Royal Irrigation Department continues closely monitoring rainfall and water flow, implementing comprehensive water management plans to maximize benefits while adapting to changing weather and rainfall patterns throughout the season. The department is readying machinery and equipment to assist flood-prone areas during the monsoon and strictly implementing 2025 monsoon season preparedness measures as directed by Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suryya Juengrungruangkit to minimize impacts on communities.