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No. 01 · ENDLESS
National

Spanish Media Reports World Cup Plan to Expand Final Tournament to 66 Teams

FIFA is considering expanding the 2030 World Cup to 66 teams, up from the 48-team format debuting in 2026, to increase opportunities for nations rarely qualifying for football's biggest tournament.

1d ago Khaosod

Spanish media outlet AS reports that a proposal to expand the World Cup from 48 to 66 teams has returned to FIFA's agenda once again. FIFA recently expanded the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams for the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico next month. However, Spanish media has revealed a proposal to further increase teams to 66 for the 2030 World Cup, which Spain, Morocco, and Portugal will co-host. This proposal emerged several months ago after CONMEBOL, South America's football confederation, sought to expand opportunities and make it easier for nations that have rarely appeared at the highest level of football to compete. The 2026 World Cup showcases examples of nations participating for the first time following the team expansion, including Cape Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan. Reports indicate the concept is gaining traction within FIFA's offices and among various football confederations as a way to celebrate the World Cup more broadly with greater national participation.

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Police

URGENT: Hotel Fire in Pattaya with Multiple People Trapped; Authorities Mobilize Rescue Efforts

A hotel fire in Pattaya's Chon Buri Province trapped multiple people on May 21, with firefighters actively conducting rescue operations as flames spread through the building.

1d ago Khaosod

URGENT: Hotel Fire in Pattaya with Multiple People Trapped; Authorities Mobilize Rescue Efforts. On May 21, 2569, the Facebook page 'Fire & Rescue Thailand' posted an alert about a hotel fire in the Pattaya area of Chon Buri Province, reporting a 'Pattaya Hotel Fire.' At 9:00 PM on May 21, 2569, a fire broke out at a hotel building in the Pattaya area of Chon Buri Province with a large number of people trapped inside. Firefighting officials are currently conducting rescue operations. Video footage shows visible flames at the hotel, with fire rescue personnel actively assisting those trapped inside while conducting continuous firefighting operations. Updates on the situation's progress will be reported shortly.

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Community

BG Pathum Signs Two Rising Stars from Wat Suthiwanaram School

BG Pathum United signed two young prospects from Wat Suthiwanaram School—18-year-old forward Santa Suphannath Chaiyaprapha and 16-year-old midfielder Nawin Krisdta Bangsungnoen—who will begin in the under-21 squad with hopes of advancing to

1d ago Khaosod

Coach Surachai Jaturapattapong, director of football at BG Pathum United, and Viboon Wonglersopark from BG Scouting Academy visited Wat Suthiwanaram School to sign professional contracts with two young players: Santa Suphannath Chaiyaprapha and Nawin Krisdta Bangsungnoen. School director Rewat Noksawang, deputy director Rupphrom, and team manager Solot Udomsompoong welcomed the delegation.

Coach Surachai stated that the team has been monitoring both players' performances and is confident this signing will be an excellent addition to the club. Both players will compete in the under-21 squad initially, with potential promotion to the senior team following continued development.

School director Rewat Noksawang expressed gratitude to BG Pathum United for their confidence in the school's player development program, calling it a promising future for the students. Team manager Solot Udomsompoong noted this is the result of the athletes' dedication and the coaching staff's efforts, adding this success will inspire other players to pursue professional careers.

The two players are: Santa Suphannath Chaiyaprapha, 18 years old, a Grade 12 student playing forward; and Nawin Krisdta Bangsungnoen, 16 years old, a Grade 11 student playing midfielder and wing.

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Police

Mother Speaks Out: 14-Year-Old Daughter Sexually Assaulted by Boyfriend, Case Goes Silent for Over a Year

A mother from Udon Thani filed a public complaint after her 14-year-old daughter's sexual assault case stalled for over a year without progress, despite a medical examination confirming the 2568 incident by her 17-year-old boyfriend.

1d ago Khaosod

On May 21, 2569, a 40-year-old mother from Wang Sam Mor district, Udon Thani province filed a complaint with media outlets after her daughter's case stalled without progress. A journalist accompanied her to submit a grievance letter to the Udon Thani Provincial Police Bureau, where Deputy Lieutenant Colonel Supatra Boonchan received the complaint on behalf of Provincial Police Commander Thawatchai Tungpao for further action.

The mother explained that the incident occurred on January 19, 2568, when her 14-year-old daughter was lured to a house by her 17-year-old boyfriend, Nai Win (name withheld), whom she had been dating for 6-7 months. The boy forced himself on her; though she initially resisted, his aggressive behavior and her emotional attachment caused her to comply. The mother noticed her daughter's depression and eventually learned the truth.

She attempted negotiations with the boy's family twice. The first settlement offer was rejected when she requested 250,000 baht in compensation; they counter-offered only 50,000 baht and demanded she let her daughter live with them. Refusing to hand over her child, the mother filed a report at Wang Sam Mor Police Station on February 3, 2568. A medical examination confirmed vaginal tears.

The mother has spent over a year following up on the case with only vague promises and no results. The original investigating officer, Tit Phongsakul, eventually left the force, and responsibility transferred to Deputy Lieutenant Colonel Kirattipong Saensrimahachai. Despite the officer's March 24 promise to complete the summary within a week, subsequent follow-ups were repeatedly delayed and deflected.

The accumulated stress over nearly two years and perceived injustice have caused the mother severe health deterioration: lupus, severe depression relapse, and insomnia requiring increased medication. Her lawyer advised escalating the complaint to provincial command, urging them to pressure investigators to submit the case to prosecutors and bring the suspect to trial without further delay, preventing the case from being forgotten and the perpetrator escaping justice.

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Police

Police Dismantle K2 Gang Drug Warehouse, Seize 8.9 Million Methamphetamine Pills Worth 300 Million Baht

Police arrested four suspects and seized 8.9 million methamphetamine pills worth 300 million baht during a joint operation across Saraburi and Pathum Thani provinces on May 21, dismantling a major drug warehouse network.

1d ago Khaosod

At 5 p.m. on May 21, 2025, Police Region 1 Commander Pol. Lt. Gen. Wattana Yiijeen led a joint operation with commanders from Saraburi and Pathum Thani provinces that resulted in the arrest of four suspects and the seizure of 8.9 million methamphetamine pills worth 300 million baht. The suspects are Virot (Pao), 42; Watchraphong (Tong), 31; Pricharut (Bii), 21; and Panattada (Pai), 26, a Laotian national. Police also recovered an illegal .38mm handgun with six rounds, one grenade, a white Mitsubishi van, and a red Toyota Yaris sedan used in the operation.

The investigation began after informants reported drug trafficking from Saraburi province. Officers discovered 8 million pills hidden in a house in Khlong Kuekot district, Pathum Thani. Further investigation led to a second location in Thanyaburi district where an additional 900,000 pills were found. The suspects admitted the drugs were stored temporarily before being transported to various destinations, with each suspect receiving 100,000 baht per shipment. The drugs originated primarily from northern Thailand.

All four suspects face charges of possessing Category 1 narcotics for sale, illegally possessing firearms and ammunition, and possessing explosives. Police Region 1 Commander emphasized this was a significant network bust and urged the public to report any suspicious drug-related activities to authorities.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Police

Security Command Urges Public to Avoid Old Market Area in Yala Following Manhunt for Suspect

Security forces are conducting a manhunt in Yala's old market area and have urged the public to avoid the zone in Muang District for safety reasons while operations continue.

1d ago Khaosod

The Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Front has requested public cooperation to avoid entering the law enforcement operation zone in the old market area (behind Municipal School 5) in Sateng Subdistrict, Muang District, Yala Province for safety reasons.

Security officials entered the area on May 21, 2026, to track a suspect who had been moving in the Sateng subdistrict. Officers are continuing security operations in and around the old market area to monitor and control the situation while ensuring maximum public safety.

All operations are being conducted according to legal procedures and security measures. Authorities have intensified area inspections and closely monitored the suspect's movements following tips from residents about unusual activity that could threaten public peace and safety.

For safety, the command urges the public to temporarily avoid using routes through the old market area and surrounding zones unless absolutely necessary. Residents are asked to use alternate routes and stay away from the operational area until the situation is resolved. The public is also encouraged to follow official government updates closely and refrain from sharing unverified information to prevent confusion or panic.

Meanwhile, officials are coordinating with local leaders and relevant parties to negotiate with the suspect group, offering them the opportunity to voluntarily surrender and leave the area. Authorities emphasize that all actions strictly adhere to legal frameworks and human rights principles, aiming to prevent violence, minimize loss of life and property, and restore public confidence.

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National

Viriya Insurance Launches 79-Year Commitment Campaign to Build Brand Through Social Values

Viriya Insurance launched a 79-year commitment campaign emphasizing its role as a duty-bound insurer supporting Thai society, using creative advertising films to communicate authentic brand values beyond traditional corporate messaging.

1d ago Khaosod

Viriya Insurance is advancing brand identity communication through the campaign "Steadfast in Duty for 79 Years," reflecting its role as a general insurance provider standing beside Thai people in all circumstances. The company is partnering with Choojai and friends creative agency and director Atta Hemvadi, known for directing "Goehang...Gohome," to convey the message through advertising films aimed at spreading positive energy.

Amorn Tongthiw, Managing Director of Viriya Insurance Public Company Limited, revealed that in 2569 the company launched a corporate image promotion campaign under the concept "Steadfast in Duty for 79 Years," presenting a new perspective that goes beyond merely promoting corporate image. Instead, it aims to communicate to the public the company's business approach, reflecting the role of "duty" as an insurance provider that has stood alongside customers and Thai society through all circumstances over its 79-year history—authentic brand identity communication. Given that consumers currently receive abundant information, clearly communicating Viriya Insurance's foundations and identity is crucial, enabling consumers to make informed decisions about service selection.

For this new campaign, Viriya Insurance collaborated with Choojai and friends creative agency to develop concepts, create content, and plan campaign communications, alongside advertising director Atta Hemvadi, whose recent directorial work on "Goehang...Gohome" helped convey the concept through the advertising film series.

In the first quarter, the company employed O2O (Online-to-Offline) communication strategy through the Pre-Campaign activity "Viriya Insurance Gives You the Strength to Do Your Duty," which received strong public response by inviting citizens to share encouragement for various individuals, professions, and roles in society—such as doctors, nurses, street sweepers, traffic police officers, and others—via the company's official Facebook page and offline communication through billboards at major Bangkok landmarks.

In the second quarter, the company officially launched the "Steadfast in Duty for 79 Years" campaign, unveiling advertising films that creatively conveyed stories reflecting the profound value of "duty." This marks another significant step for Viriya Insurance in advancing corporate communication through concepts that create social value, with hopes that this campaign will be a positive force spreading encouragement to everyone facing today's many challenges, both expected and unexpected.

"We believe there are many others in society who think like Viriya Insurance—to do their duty as well as possible in all circumstances. That's where this campaign of encouragement comes from," the company stated.

Pairat Ueophudungleert, Co-Founder and Executive Creative Director of Choojai and friends, noted that an organization that has stood alongside Thai society for nearly 80 years must possess strong organizational culture and inherent values.

For the advertising film, Choojai and friends invited viewers to question "duty neglect," incorporating real-life events to raise awareness before closing with a message thanking ordinary people who fulfill their duties fully every day.

"This advertising series doesn't aim to point fingers or judge anyone. Rather, we want to communicate to viewers that what you do every day has value," Pairat said.

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Community

Buddhist Monk Helps Young Student: First Grader Wears Kindergarten Uniform to School, Community Provides Living Essentials

A Buddhist monk and community officials in Rachaburi Province provided emergency relief to a 9-year-old first grader living in poverty with his deaf mother after he arrived at school wearing a kindergarten uniform.

1d ago Khaosod

Tan Gae, a 9-year-old first grader at Ban Rang Muang School in Chachoengsao District, Rachaburi Province, faced hardship on his first day of school when he had to wear a kindergarten uniform. His mother is deaf and illiterate, and the family of two lives in poverty with no money to buy him proper school clothes. After a teacher's home visit revealed the situation, Phra Kru Sophon Chanthorngsee, the abbot of Rang Muang Charoen Phol Temple, along with district security officials, education administrators, school staff, and local council members, launched a relief effort on May 21, 2025. They brought bedding, pillows, mosquito nets, dried food, and other necessities to help the struggling family. While these immediate provisions offer some relief, the community remains deeply concerned about the young boy's future educational opportunities and the long-term care he will need.

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Police

22 Cambodians and 3 Thai nationals arrested for illegal border crossing linked to 'Fi-Fa' scam network

Authorities arrested 22 Cambodians and 3 Thai nationals attempting illegal border crossing in Sa Kaew province; one Thai suspect was connected to a 'Fi-Fa' investment scam network operating in Cambodia.

1d ago Khaosod

On May 21, Burapha Forces and the 12th Ranger Regiment control unit conducted border patrol operations in the Pa Rai Noi area of Aranyaprathet district, Sa Kaew province, when they discovered a large group of people attempting to illegally cross into Thailand through a natural passage. Officers apprehended 22 Cambodian nationals with small children and 3 Thai citizens, all lacking travel documents and with no human smugglers found at the scene.

The 22 Cambodian workers stated they had previously worked in Thailand, returned home, and were attempting to sneak back in for employment. They admitted to paying 7,500 baht each to smugglers for border crossing fees.

One of the arrested Thai nationals revealed he had worked as an admin in the 'Fi-Fa' network, scamming people into investment schemes in Cambodia through Facebook and Line, earning up to 25,000 baht monthly. He was later smuggled across the border to work in the SKYDO and LPP SKY buildings in Poipet.

Another Thai woman disclosed she had been a nursing assistant in Chiang Mai before being recruited by a friend to work for the 'Fi-Fa' network in Cambodia under false promises of good income. She eventually fell into the illegal online scam cycle and escaped after a crackdown. All suspects were transferred to Khlong Luek Police Station for legal proceedings.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Thai Taekwondo Star Patcharkanya Falls to Taiwan in Asian Championship Final, Wins Silver Medal

Thai taekwondo champion Patcharkanya Poolkerd won silver at the Asian Championships in Mongolia, losing to Taiwan's Wang Jialing in the women's 46-kilogram final but securing Thailand's spot at the Asian Games.

1d ago Khaosod

The 2026 Asian Taekwondo Championships in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia (May 21-24) serve as qualification rounds for the Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan. Thailand sent 15 athletes, with two competing on the first day of sparring competition. In the women's 46-kilogram division, defending Sea Games champion Patcharkanya Poolkerd faced Vietnam's Huyền Thị Mỹ in the round of 16, a fighter who previously reached the Sea Games final. In a thrilling three-round match with the deciding round at 6-6, Patcharkanya executed a head kick for three points to win 9-6. She advanced through subsequent rounds, defeating East Timor's Silva da Costa 2-0 and the Philippines' Clarence Sarsa 2-0 to reach the final against Taiwan's Wang Jialing, a two-time youth world champion. In the final, Patcharkanya initially led 2-0 but suffered a fall and was counterattacked, losing the first round 2-4. The second round saw her trail 0-3, then equalize 3-3, but she was caught with a head kick late in the round, ultimately losing 3-6 and missing the gold medal. Despite the loss, Patcharkanya secured Thailand's taekwondo team a spot at the Asian Games in the women's 49-kilogram category. In the men's 54-kilogram division, Thanach Teacharat ("Asaan") defeated Brunei's Aburrar Hajji Bakar 2-0 in the first round but was eliminated by Jordan's Jaafar Aldaud in the round of 16. Thailand will field four more competitors on May 22.

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Police

Two Men Arrested for Luring Victims via Dating App, Impersonating Police to Extort Money and Steal Phones

Two men were arrested for using a gay dating app to lure victims, then posing as police to extort money and steal phones in Bangkok hotel scams.

1d ago Khaosod

On May 21, 2569, Deputy Commander Phuwadon Ounpodee of Buppharam Police Station announced the arrest of Kittipong Phumilaeng and Chaiyarat Visatakhet, who were wanted by Thonburi Criminal Court on charges of joint theft through deception posing as officials. The suspects targeted multiple victims using the Hornet gay dating app before defrauding them of valuables and cash.

In the first case (Criminal Case 98/2569), the victim met the suspect known as "Ice" on April 29, 2569 via Hornet and agreed to meet at a hotel on Lat Ya Road in Khlong San District, Bangkok. They spent time together in the room. The following morning on April 30, the suspect claimed police would inspect the victim's phone due to suspicious financial activity and tricked him into revealing his password. The suspects then transferred 13,600 baht from the victim's Kasikornbank account to a Krung Thai Bank account. The victim was later deceived again when someone posing as a police officer sent messages instructing him to hand over his phone for further investigation. After losing contact, the victim realized he had been scammed and filed a complaint.

In the second case (Criminal Case 97/2569), another victim met the suspect on May 1, 2569 and was invited to the same hotel. After leaving with the suspect, he received a message claiming police were searching the room and demanding 3,000 baht as a bribe. The victim only had 500 baht and transferred it as requested. The second suspect was captured on CCTV stealing the victim's backpack while leaving the hotel and escaped by motorcycle taxi. The first suspect also fled.

After gathering evidence, investigators obtained arrest warrants from Thonburi Criminal Court for both suspects, who were apprehended on May 21, 2569. The investigation is ongoing to determine if there are additional victims with similar experiences.

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