ROME (AP) — The Baths of Caracalla, the sumptuously decorated public baths complex near the Colosseum, were long a place of leisure, healthcare and relaxation for ancient Romans. On Sunday, the place provided a different sort of decompression to a group of Palestinian children and their families who had been evacuated from Gaza for medical care, thanks to Italy's humanitarian corridors program. "We brought families with children so they could experience visiting an ancient archaeological site," said Luisa delle Fratte, a tour guide with Guides for Gaza, in an interview with The Associated Press. "We also offered them a snack, some games and moments of social interaction and togetherness." Ordinary Italian families mingled throughout the sprawling site, some settling on the grass to enjoy the springtime sun. The Palestinian families, all now residing in Rome, blended in seamlessly—following their tour guide and translator, taking selfies amid the ruins, and watching water jets shoot upward from the newly installed reflecting pool. Organizers designed the outing as a respite from medical treatments and the memories of war. "I was injured and lost my ability to speak, as well as mobility and normal function in my hand and leg," said 13-year-old Ahmed Skena, struggling to form his words. He added that he also lost his father and brother in the war. Mariam Dawwas, 25, attended with her husband and four young children, one of whom is ill. The family arrived in Italy after being displaced more than 10 times. "Thank God, I am still in a better situation than in Gaza, away from the bombing. At least I am safe, I have shelter, and there is light for my children," she said. Some of the families at Caracalla on Sunday knew each other from Gaza but hadn't seen one another since their evacuation, according to Delle Fratte. Guides for Gaza, a network founded last year in Umbria and Tuscany, has recently expanded to Naples and Rome. "It was very beautiful to see them there embracing again and meeting one another once more," she said. While the Palestinian families toured the ruins, other guides offered tours to Italians in exchange for donations to support Gazelle, a nonprofit involved in child protection projects in the Gaza Strip. The war in Gaza began with a 2023 Hamas-led attack on southern Israel, in which the militants killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted others.

The identity of the man found dead beside a school bathroom has been confirmed. He had recently escaped and returned home, staying for just one day before vanishing for three weeks, ultimately being discovered in his current condition.

On May 4, authorities found the decomposing body of an unidentified man, approximately 40-45 years old, lying beside the bathroom of a school in Glanthai subdistrict, Muang district, Buriram province. The discovery caused significant alarm among police and residents, as there had been no missing person report and no prior signs of trouble before the body was found. Concerns arose about whether this could be a concealed murder case.

Police Colonel Warayus Chanyiam, commander of Buriram Provincial Police, subsequently ordered the investigating officers to urgently resolve the case to reassure the local community. Inspector Jarut Siriliang, superintendent of Muang Buriram Police Station, directed a detailed investigation into both criminal and public health records, leading to the identification of the deceased as Niphorn, 34, from Phrakru subdistrict, Muang district, Buriram province.

According to Natthrika, 49, a friend of the deceased's mother, the victim had a history of psychiatric treatment and drug rehabilitation in Pathum Thani province for over five years. He subsequently escaped from the medical facility and returned to Buriram, staying with relatives for only one night before disappearing for more than three weeks until his body was found.

Inspector Jarut reported that preliminary investigation of the scene revealed no signs of struggle. The cause of death remains unconfirmed pending a detailed autopsy report from the medical examiner.

SURAT THANI — A shop owner on Koh Phangan has warned fellow operators after two foreign youths allegedly took drinks without paying, according to a post shared on a local Facebook page. The owner posted on the public page "Koh Phangan" describing the incident, which occurred while a young female employee was alone in the shop. According to the post, the two youths had earlier purchased items and later returned, asking for a refund and claiming the products were fake. The employee refused, saying the shop sells only legitimate goods with proper tax stamps. The pair then turned to a refrigerator, took two cans of beer and told the employee they would take them instead, the owner said. The owner added that the employee, being young and not wanting trouble, allowed them to leave. The post was shared as a warning to other business operators, noting that "tourists come in many forms". The incident drew online reactions, with some users urging the owner to report the case to police, warning that failing to act could encourage repeat behaviour.

On May 4, 2026, singer Wonderframe posted a complaint stating that her electric vehicle suddenly wouldn't open. When she contacted the service center, she was given a technician's phone number, spoke with them for hours, but the technician never showed up and claimed they couldn't help. She was told to contact a locksmith to open the car herself.

Changan Thailand has now issued a statement regarding the inconvenience experienced by Wonderframe. The company acknowledged receiving the complaint and expressed deep regret over the incident, offering a sincere apology for the inconvenience and dissatisfaction caused to their customer. The company emphasized they have not been idle, stating they immediately dispatched a service team to address and resolve Wonderframe's issue, and will coordinate to schedule a formal apology meeting.

Changan reaffirmed their commitment to prioritizing customer safety, trust, and satisfaction, pledging to take full measures to resolve the situation appropriately. The company stated they will use this incident to improve and enhance their service quality moving forward. They also thanked customers for their feedback and suggestions, which will be used to improve service and ensure maximum customer satisfaction.

On May 4, 2026, Lt. Col. Damrong Swanggam, commander of Traffic Division 5, along with Deputy Commander Pol. Col. Theerawit Busbun, Section Chief Pol. Col. Nutthasit Sanphaphop, and other officers jointly arrested Mr. Thanon and seized a .38 caliber handgun from a restaurant parking lot in Soi Pathanavikul 105, Prawet District, Bangkok. The arrest came after police had established an alcohol testing checkpoint at the entrance to Soi Pathanavikul 105 on May 3, 2026. When Thanon drove up and turned into the soi, officers became suspicious of his behavior and conducted an inspection. They discovered the vehicle parked at the said lot and found the firearm in the car's storage compartment. Thanon claimed he obtained the gun from an acquaintance and admitted to drinking alcohol. A breathalyzer test registered 61 milligrams percent, after which he was taken in for legal proceedings.

NAKHON PHANOM — Durian farmers in Si Songkhram district have been left reeling after a brief summer storm toppled trees and knocked fruit to the ground, causing heavy losses estimated at several million baht.

Farmers from three orchards in Sam Phong subdistrict said strong winds lasting about five minutes uprooted Monthong durian trees and damaged large numbers of fruit just days before harvest. One grower, 65-year-old Wanchai Tiyabut, said around 1,200 durians fell from 130 fruit-bearing trees in his 30-rai orchard, with some weighing up to 4kg. He estimated losses at 500,000–600,000 baht after previously agreeing to sell the crop to a buyer scheduled to harvest on 10 May.

Other farmers reported similar damage. A grower in nearby Nat Thom district said about 30 of her 120 trees were knocked down, while another orchard owner said around 3,000 durians fell prematurely, with losses possibly reaching 600,000–700,000 baht. Farmers have called on the government to provide urgent assistance, citing rising labour and fertiliser costs and the high risks faced by durian growers.