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Regional

Preparing for Monsoon Season: Chao Phraya Dam Mobilizes Machinery to Clear Tens of Thousands of Water Hyacinths Upstream

The Chao Phraya Dam has deployed boats and heavy machinery to remove tens of thousands of water hyacinths and debris upstream before monsoon season, ensuring drainage systems operate properly during potential flooding.

14h ago Khaosod

Chai Nat – The Chao Phraya River Water Supply and Maintenance Project in Saraphi District, Chai Nat Province has mobilized water hyacinth removal boats, extended-boom backhoes, and various machinery to urgently collect tens of thousands of water hyacinths, weeds, and accumulated garbage in the area upstream of the Chao Phraya Dam. The operation aims to open water channels and prevent obstructions to the drainage system, implementing the Royal Irrigation Department's nine-point strategic plan to prepare for the 2025 monsoon season and ensure irrigation systems operate at full capacity before the flooding period begins.

Thalerngkitти Suwannachat, director of the Chao Phraya River Water Supply and Maintenance Project, explained that removing water hyacinths and weeds from the dam area is an annual routine task, particularly as the rainy season approaches when water hyacinth accumulation becomes denser than normal. The dam has therefore mobilized machinery for urgent collection and increased collection points to prevent these plants from obstructing or damaging water drainage structures. If left unmanaged, they could significantly impact water management during mid-monsoon or flooding periods.

Regarding overall water conditions in the Chao Phraya Basin this year, meteorological agencies forecast that Thailand may face scattered rainfall and possible El Niño effects in some periods. The Royal Irrigation Department has prepared contingency measures and comprehensive water management plans. Current water reserves in major dams, including Bhumibol and Sirikit Dams, remain adequate to meet the needs of all water users throughout the country.

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Police

Five Gunshots Echo at Surin Border; Military Says Cambodia Deliberately Provoked, Orders Forces to Maintain Rules of Engagement

Five gunshots were fired from Cambodian territory near Border Marker 18 in Surin province on May 21, with the Thai military characterizing the incident as deliberate provocation and vowing to lodge a formal protest through diplomatic channe

14h ago Khaosod

On May 22, 2569, Army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Winthhai Suwari disclosed that the Thai Army received a report on May 21 from Unit 2603 of the Suranari Task Force while conducting fortification improvements at Border Marker 18 in Kabchoeng district, Surin province. At 14:20, troops heard five small-caliber gunshots originating from the south at approximately 600 meters away, within Cambodian-controlled territory. After hearing the shots, the troops ceased activity and conducted thorough observation but detected nothing unusual and resumed their mission. No Thai personnel were injured and no return fire was initiated to avoid revealing Thai positions and troop deployment. The Suranari Task Force has ordered units to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to rules of engagement according to the situation. While Cambodia's actions appear to be long-range provocation, they clearly constitute behavior in violation of the joint statement. The Suranari Task Force will lodge a protest with Cambodia through established coordination channels in the area.

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Police

Drug-addicted brother grabs knife to stab mother; older sibling witnesses and intervenes, shoots him in the face and kills him at home

A man shot and killed his drug-addicted younger brother in Nakhon Si Thammarat after arriving home to find him attacking their mother with a knife.

14h ago Khaosod

On May 21, 2569, police from Chulaphon Station, Nakhon Si Thammarat province, responded to a homicide report at a residential home in Na Moh Bun subdistrict, Chulaphon district. Officers discovered the body of 33-year-old Aek lying face-down inside the house, shirtless and wearing gray shorts, with a large knife in hand. The body bore gunshot wounds to the face.

Investigators learned that Aek had a history of drug addiction and had quarreled with both his 66-year-old mother and his 44-year-old brother, Chai. When their mother called for help, Chai rushed home from Tung Song district, where he runs a clothing manufacturing and sales business. Arriving at the scene, he found Aek wielding a large knife and about to attack their mother. Acting in shock and desperation, Chai shot Aek fatally in the face before fleeing.

Police tracked down Chai and arrested him at his residence in Pak Phraek subdistrict, Tung Song district, recovering the firearm used in the incident. During interrogation, Chai explained that their mother had called him in distress, warning that Aek would harm her. Chai stated his younger brother had a longstanding drug problem and frequently became violent, attacking both their mother and household members. Despite previous attempts to get Aek treatment, he returned to drug use after each rehabilitation attempt. Chai believed that without his intervention, their mother would have been fatally stabbed.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Police

18-Year-Old Arrested for Forging Documents, Impersonating Government Official to Steal 600,000 Baht in Poor Housing Repairs Fund

An 18-year-old was arrested for forging documents and impersonating government officials to steal nearly 600,000 baht from a poor housing repair fund in Buriram Province, abandoning construction projects and embezzling welfare money.

14h ago Khaosod

On May 22, 2569, Piyanat Seangiam, director of Social Development and Human Security for Buriram Province, along with Tanaphon Muangchaleom, acting director of the Community Organization Development Institute (Public Organization) in the Northeastern Regional Office, Wutthipong Luongudonthai, chairman of the Community Organization Network for Buriram Province, and related agencies held a fact-checking meeting regarding Jetrin, 18 years old, who falsely claimed to be a government official and Zone 6 chairman to defraud a sufficient housing program for repairing homes of poor residents in Charoem Subdistrict, Prakon Chai District, Buriram Province.

On March 5, 2569, the Charoem Subdistrict Community Organization Council approved a budget of 375,000 baht for a housing repair program covering 11 homes. Jetrin claimed he would oversee all repairs but only completed 7 homes, leaving 4 unfinished, resulting in damage of approximately 140,000 baht. He then disappeared without returning the funds despite multiple requests from the council chairman.

Additionally, Jetrin is accused of defrauding members of the community welfare fund, embezzling over 426,000 baht, bringing total damages to nearly 600,000 baht. He allegedly befriended government officials and agency representatives, claiming he would build homes for elderly poor residents, convincing them to demolish their old houses, but then never constructed new ones while also stealing money from their accounts.

The Charoem Subdistrict Community Organization Council, the welfare fund, and affected elderly residents have filed complaints with Baan Bua Police Station. During an agency coordination meeting, Jetrin called community council chairman Eud Sanprakon requesting mediation and claiming he would repay the housing repair funds, but refused to disclose his location or provide specific repayment terms. He also alleged that others were involved.

Piyanat Seangiam revealed that investigation confirmed Jetrin is not a government official and has no affiliation with the Community Organization Development Institute as claimed. He gained credibility by being the grandson of a welfare fund vice-chairman and by posting doctored images on social media to appear legitimate before impersonating officials to various agencies to build trust and access information, enabling multiple scams.

Beyond the community organization complaint, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security has assigned lawyers to help affected elderly victims file additional reports. Related agencies will expedite securing additional budget to repair the remaining 4 homes and assist the affected elderly residents.

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Police

Father on Motorcycle Taking Child to School Struck Head-On by Pickup Truck, Three Killed

A motorcycle driver and two children were killed in a head-on collision with a pickup truck in Surat Thani on Thursday morning while the man was taking the kids to school.

14h ago Khaosod

At 7:26 AM on May 22, 2025, Deputy Superintendent Supanat Ponlaksa (Investigation Officer) of Mueang Surat Thani Police Station received a report of a vehicle collision on Soi Srivichai 21 (at Tha Khaek intersection), Makham Tia Subdistrict, Mueang District, Surat Thani Province. Officers and emergency responders from Surat Thani Hospital and rescue services immediately responded to the two-lane soi.

At the scene, two bodies were found: Kittipat (surname withheld), 47 years old, and a 6-year-old first-grade student referred to as "A." A third victim, an 11-year-old fifth-grade student referred to as "B," was also severely injured. Emergency personnel rushed the injured child to Surat Thani Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Investigators found a red Ford pickup truck bearing Sakon Nakhon license plates at the scene. The driver, identified as Niphaphat (surname withheld), was behind the wheel. A Honda Click motorcycle bearing Surat Thani license plates was found wedged underneath the pickup.

Preliminary investigation indicates that Kittipat was the guardian of both children and was riding his motorcycle to take them to school when the collision occurred. The pickup truck driver has been taken to Mueang Surat Thani Police Station for questioning and remains under police investigation.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
Police

Chai Chana Exposes Chinese Scammers Hiring Thai Nominee to Launder Money Through Unlicensed Entertainment Venues

Chinese nationals banned from their homeland are using Thai nominees to operate unlicensed entertainment venues and restaurants across Bangkok as fronts for money laundering, according to a Democratic Party deputy who has referred the case

14h ago Khaosod

Democratic Party deputy leader Chai Chana Detchdetcho announced on May 22, 2025, that the party's volunteer legal clinic received complaints about a Chinese gray-market group holding foreign passports who cannot return to China and have set up businesses in Thailand. The group operates multiple money-laundering fronts including restaurants, entertainment venues, noodle shops, KTV bars, and luxury karaoke lounges on Ratchada Road and in the Meng Chai and RCA areas, as well as a supermarket. These establishments belong to the Chinese group but are registered under Thai nominees, locally called "straw men." They employed a Thai man with the initials R. (nicknamed Ruea) to register the businesses and hold shares on their behalf. The businesses report revenues of 30-100 million baht despite insufficient investment, and the entertainment venues operate without proper licenses, staying open until dawn with drug use occurring inside.

The Chinese gray-market group members own luxury homes in upscale suburban areas and maintain a "straw man network." The straw man network leader, R. Ruea, was previously arrested in 2020 for illegally crossing into Cambodia. He was formerly based in Bangkok but currently resides in Nonthaburi Province. Chai Chana revealed the straw man network structure, showing how R. Ruea owns the operation while accounting staff manages funds and others hold assets. R. Ruea has placed vehicles and land with friends, and property with his parents. He registered companies but never filed financial statements, as has his mother. The group reportedly owns luxury homes valued at 20 million baht in Nonthaburi. Chai Chana said he will forward all evidence to Phitthak Detcha, a Democratic Party MP and chairman of the parliamentary anti-money laundering and drug trafficking committee, to coordinate law enforcement action.

Chairman Detcha stated that R. Ruea, approximately 30 years old, is uninvolved in politics, while the straw man network manager also faced similar charges. He noted the Prime Minister has ordered provincial police commanders and governors to strictly suppress such operations. As a legislator, Chai Chana pledged to closely monitor the case, emphasizing that without stopping scammer gangs, Thai society will continue facing serious crime problems.

Chairman Detcha also noted that the Chinese gray-market group modified KTV buildings, dividing them into private bar-like rooms where drugs are used, with construction costs exceeding 20 million baht. The group targets commercial buildings and converts them into small bars with illegal activities. He questioned whether Bangkok authorities, particularly former Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, knew about the structural modifications and whether inspection teams verified if these venues complied with Bangkok regulations.

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National

Chaiyachai Pud, Former Senior Official, Raises Concerns Over Unlicensed Clinics Conducting Foreign Worker Health Screenings Amid Ebola Fears

An ex-senior official warns that roughly 50 unlicensed medical clinics in Thailand are illegally conducting health screenings for foreign workers, creating public health risks amid Ebola concerns and potentially classifying screened workers

14h ago Khaosod

On May 22, 2025, Democrat Party MP and Deputy Party Leader Chaiyachai Detchdecho addressed concerns regarding the government's decision not to register Cambodian foreign workers. He revealed that unregistered Cambodian workers remain in Thailand with companies registered at the Department of Employment, with some failing to return home despite expired work permits—a violation of law. Regarding medical clinics, approximately 70 facilities are currently registered with both the Department of Employment and Ministry of Public Health, while another 50 operate with registration but lack proper licenses, making them unable to legally issue health certificates for foreign workers. Clinics must meet strict standards and possess certified laboratory facilities to issue valid certificates. Workers receiving screenings at unlicensed clinics are classified as illegal workers, creating public health risks, especially given current Ebola outbreaks and other infectious diseases. Chaiyachai cited the Hospital Act, Section 35(4), which mandates one-year imprisonment and license revocation for unlicensed facilities. He plans to submit his findings to Sakolthee Pattiyakul, chair of the parliamentary health committee, to investigate which clinics are legitimate and how many workers are affected. Chaiyachai emphasized the need to examine employment agencies, noting that some clinics registered with the Department of Employment but not the Ministry of Public Health belonged to former senior government officials, requiring thorough investigation for full public disclosure.

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National

TPQI, Sukhothai Thammathirat University, and Thai MOOC Join Forces to Launch Full EWE Platform

Three Thai organizations signed an agreement to launch the E-Workforce Ecosystem Platform, integrating professional certification with university education to support lifelong learning and workforce development nationwide.

14h ago Khaosod

On May 22, the Thai Professional Qualification Institute (TPQI), Sukhothai Thammathirat University (STOU), and the Thai MOOC project announced a significant collaboration by signing a memorandum of understanding to enhance workforce capabilities through an intelligent platform. The initiative focuses on professional standard certification and credit accumulation through both Credit Bank and Competency Credit Bank systems to support sustainable lifelong learning.

The academic cooperation signing ceremony was presided over by Dr. Wannee Nonthasiri, Inspector-General of the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. Leaders from all three organizations signed the MOU and participated in a panel discussion on directions and mechanisms for promoting lifelong learning and workforce development under the concept "STOU FOR ALL—One Worker, One Learning Opportunity."

Ms. Chullada Mejul, Director of TPQI, revealed that the core objective of this collaboration is to implement a professional qualification system as the primary mechanism for developing workers. TPQI will support the integration of professional standards with STOU's curricula, ensuring learners receive not only academic knowledge but also professional competency certification recognized by employers through the E-Workforce Ecosystem (EWE) Platform—the central hub for managing Thailand's workforce data.

The collaboration encompasses three main components: credential linkage that enables workers to convert work experience into professional and academic qualifications; a Competency Credit Bank system promoting skill-based credit accumulation for career advancement; and digital learning innovation that integrates TPQI's E-Training system with Thai MOOC and STOU to provide accessible reskilling and upskilling opportunities anytime, anywhere.

Prof. Dr. Jintavee Khlai Sangkha, Director of the Thai MOOC project, stated that Thai MOOC aims to serve as a bridge through the ThaiD system to develop people of all ages with lifelong learning opportunities in both academic and professional fields. He noted that STOU's pilot contribution of 75 courses to Thai MOOC exemplifies institutional commitment to data sharing.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewat Wattanakulchaiyaporn, Rector of STOU, added that the collaboration with TPQI will enable the university to address market demands by producing workers with skills aligned to labor market needs, leveraging Thai MOOC's innovative learning approaches to enhance Thailand's workforce competitiveness on the global stage.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Phibat Orders Thai Railways to Modify Prayer Rooms on Southern Line for Eid al-Adha Festival

Thailand's State Railway has converted passenger cars into dedicated prayer rooms on southern trains ahead of Eid al-Adha on July 28, 2025, accommodating Muslim travelers with facilities for ritual ablution and separate male-female sections

14h ago Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phibat Ratchakitprakarn has issued an urgent directive to the State Railway of Thailand to convert passenger cars into prayer rooms on southern route trains ahead of the Eid al-Adha festival. The initiative, which begins service on May 22, 2025, demonstrates the government's commitment to comprehensive and inclusive transportation that respects all religious practices.

Recognizing the importance of religious observance during travel and the needs of Thai Muslim citizens returning to their hometowns during this major festival, Phibat has prioritized the rapid conversion of standard passenger cars into dedicated prayer facilities. These specialized rooms will enable Muslim passengers to fulfill their religious obligations comfortably and in accordance with Islamic principles during their train journeys.

The railway has been instructed to implement strict safety measures, including comprehensive vehicle and equipment inspections, CCTV surveillance at all stations and onboard, and coordination with railway police to ensure passenger security throughout their travels.

Anant Phoothnindam, Acting Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, confirmed receipt of direct orders emphasizing passenger convenience and safety during the Eid al-Adha period, which falls on July 28, 2025. The railway has converted third-class passenger cars into open prayer spaces divided into four separate sections, clearly separated into male and female areas, with facilities for ritual ablution in compliance with Islamic requirements.

The prayer rooms will be attached to Express Train 171/172 (Bangkok-Sungaikolok-Bangkok) and Express Train 169/170 (Bangkok-Yala-Bangkok). Additionally, the railway has reserved seats for Buddhist monks on third-class trains, reflecting equitable accommodations for all passengers regardless of religion.

Beyond religious facilities, an additional passenger car has been added to Express Train 173/174 (Bangkok-Nakhon Si Thammarat-Bangkok) to reduce overcrowding during the holiday period, a service that launched on May 15 and has been well-received.

Eid al-Adha, celebrated in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah, is a significant festival for Muslims worldwide symbolizing sacrifice and faith. The addition of prayer rooms represents a meaningful gesture of state support and care for Thai Muslim citizens.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

G&LDH Launches CLOUD DREAM Project with Documentary Series Episode 1

G&LDH launches the CLOUD DREAM project documentary series following seven Thai-Japanese artists as they train together for the first time, with the eight-episode series premiering weekly on GMMTV YouTube. The doc captures their anxieties, d

15h ago Khaosod

G&LDH is advancing the CLOUD DREAM project to push seven Thai-Japanese artists onto the world stage, with their stories being told through an exclusive Documentary Series. Following GMM Music's partnership with LDH Japan to launch the cross-border "CLOUD DREAM project" under G&LDH, the time has come to unveil the opening chapter of the Documentary Series EP.1, featuring the first meeting of all seven artists.

The seven Thai-Japanese members include three Thai artists leading the charge: LOUIS (Thanawin Teeraphosukarn), FORD (Allan Asawasuebsakul), and FLUKE (Nattanon Tongsaeng) from FLIO, alongside four members from WOLF HOWL HARMONY from EXILE TRIBE: RYOJI, SUZUKI, GHEE, and HIROTO.

They will reveal their identities, dreams, and individual journeys through their first training session together, navigating excitement and challenges as they work toward a shared goal of becoming global-level artists. The documentary is directed by acclaimed filmmaker and screenwriter Mook Piyakant Butpreserth in her first directorial effort for a documentary series, bringing viewers close to every moment of the seven artists' journey—from their first meeting through training, adaptation, and the growing relationships and friendships that gradually transform them into one unified team.

The Documentary Series will expose every thought, emotion, and behind-the-scenes moment of all seven members in a perspective never seen before. FORD expressed anxiety, saying "I'm very stressed because I don't want to be a weak point for the team." GHEE shared their uncertainty: "We're still not confident about how much support we'll receive." LOUIS spoke about teamwork, noting "This project requires people who are ready to lead, ready to follow, and truly ready to listen to each other—and we can do that." SUZUKI revealed his motivation: "Because I received encouragement from all our LOVERED fans, I've had the courage to challenge myself until now."

Amid their differences, pressures, and shared dreams, how will these seven artists overcome everything and become one unified team?

The Documentary Series "CLOUD DREAM project by G&LDH," a collaboration between GMM MUSIC and LDH JAPAN, consists of eight episodes airing every Thursday on GMMTV Official YouTube channel at 7:00 PM (https://youtu.be/HawikuD4Xcs) and available for replay on WeTV at 10:00 PM (https://bit.ly/CloudDreamproject). The first episode aired on Thursday, May 21, 2025. Follow all G&LDH updates across official social media channels: Instagram @gldhofficial, X @GLDHofficial, and TikTok @gldhofficial.

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Police

19-Year-Old Arrested for Operating 'Quick Cash' Illegal Lending Network with Predatory 304% Annual Interest Rates

A 19-year-old was arrested in Chiang Mai for operating the "Quick Cash" illegal lending network, charging borrowers 304% annual interest rates far above legal limits. Police seized loan cards and equipment, with investigators now tracing th

15h ago Khaosod

On May 22, 2025, officers from the Crime Suppression Division, along with Natural Resources and Environment Crime suppression units and Border Patrol Police Unit 33, arrested a 19-year-old male suspected of operating the 'Quick Cash' illegal lending network in a village area of Chomphoo subdistrict, Saraphee district, Chiang Mai. Police seized over 700 loan cards, debtor account books, a mobile phone, and a motorcycle allegedly used in the operation.

During preliminary interrogation, the suspect admitted to distributing loan advertisement leaflets and disbursing loans for the 'Quick Cash' network for approximately one year under the direction of a network supervisor named 'Flame.' The network charged interest rates of 20% per 24 days, equivalent to approximately 304% annually, far exceeding the legal limit of 15% per year. For example, borrowing 10,000 baht required daily repayments of 500 baht for 24 days, totaling 12,000 baht within less than one month.

The suspect faces charges including operating an unlicensed personal credit business, illegally lending money at interest rates exceeding legal limits, and distributing advertisements through unauthorized posting of flyers in public areas.

The 'Quick Cash' network has been arrested multiple times in Chiang Mai but continues operating, prompting suspicions of powerful backers or capital groups. Residents have called for expanded investigation into major investors and networks nationwide. Police have received complaints about loan network operators based in Chanthaburi and Rayong provinces. Officers are currently expanding the investigation to trace financial flows, network participants, and investors in Chanthaburi, Rayong, and networks across the North, Central, and Northeast regions for further legal action.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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