National

Farmers Struggle as Rice Prices Plummet to 4.50 Baht per Kilogram, Forced to Sell Land to Pay Fertilizer and Chemical Debts

Off-season rice farmers in central Thailand face mounting losses as prices crash to 4.50 baht per kilogram while production costs soar, forcing some to sell land to cover fertilizer debts.

12 May Khaosod

Farmers cultivating off-season rice are experiencing severe difficulties as prices have fallen to 4.50-5 baht per kilogram, according to Chakrapruet Banjaedkij, a 59-year-old farmer from Nong Pla Lai subdistrict in Wang Sai Phun district, Phichit province. Despite this being early in the harvest season, prices are already critically low, raising concerns about even steeper declines as the season progresses. Farmers have invested 6,000-7,000 baht per acre, making the current prices entirely unprofitable and guaranteeing losses this year.

Compounding the crisis, production costs have surged dramatically. Fertilizer prices have jumped from 800-900 baht per sack to 1,200 baht, while harvesting costs have increased from 500-600 baht to 700 baht per acre. Fuel prices have also climbed significantly. Some desperate farmers are resorting to selling their land to pay off debts for fertilizer and chemicals. Chakrapruet criticized the current government, saying it has provided no assistance to farmers while they face mounting problems, and called for intervention on the falling rice prices.

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National

Cabinet Dissolves Energy Regulatory Board Selection Committee, Removes 8 Members Over Legal Qualification Issues

The Cabinet dissolved the Energy Regulatory Commission's selection committee and removed eight members citing failures to meet legal qualification requirements under the Energy Business Act.

12 May Khaosod

The Cabinet has approved the dissolution of a previous resolution that appointed the selection committee for the Energy Regulatory Commission (กกพ.), citing qualification inconsistencies with legal requirements. The decision also cancels compensation and operational expenses for the committee members. Government Spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek announced the decision at 2 p.m. on May 12, 2026 at Government House. The Ministry of Energy identified problems with the committee composition under Section 14 of the Energy Business Act, particularly regarding representatives from state universities and the industrial council who do not operate energy businesses.

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National

Government Savings Bank Delivers Letter Confirming No Asset Seizure, Clarifies Facts

Government Savings Bank has withdrawn a property seizure notice and apologized to a customer for procedural errors that led to the incorrect enforcement action against his real estate.

12 May Khaosod

The Government Savings Bank, represented by Phethai Sunchan, Director of the Debt Control and Management Division for Region 11, along with representatives from Suncharoen Law Office, delivered a letter withdrawing the real estate seizure notice to Mr. Kriengsak (surname withheld) to confirm that the property remains fully owned by the customer.

The bank provided clarification of the facts and apologized to the customer for problems resulting from procedural errors in the enforcement proceedings, which had caused seizure notices to be sent to the customer.

The customer has now been fully informed of the facts and understands the situation. The letter was delivered at the Government Savings Bank Chaiyaphum Branch on May 12, 2026.

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Breaking

Malaysia Intensifies Search for Migrant Boat Disaster Victims, 23 Rescued but Dozens Still Missing

Malaysian authorities rescued 23 Indonesian migrants but 14 remain missing after a boat sank off Pangkor Island on Monday, with search operations continuing.

12 May Khaosod

Malaysian maritime authorities have launched a comprehensive search and rescue operation for 14 people missing after an Indonesian migrant boat sank off Malaysia's western coast on Monday, May 11. According to Perak state maritime director Mohamad Shukri Khotob, local fishermen spotted survivors in the water near Pangkor Island and successfully rescued 23 Indonesian nationals, including seven women, who were brought to a marine police jetty for documentation and further investigation.

Initial investigations reveal the vessel was carrying 37 passengers when it departed from Kisaran, Indonesia on May 9, with multiple Malaysian destinations planned including Kuala Lumpur and Penang Island in the northwest. "As of now, the remaining victims have yet to be identified and search operations are continuing," Mohamad Shukri stated.

Maritime accidents between Indonesia and Malaysia occur frequently, typically involving overloaded vessels transporting workers seeking employment in Malaysian farms and factories. Migrant rights advocates warn that approximately 100,000 to 200,000 Indonesians undertake dangerous sea crossings annually, with many falling victim to human trafficking networks and exploitation upon arrival.

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National

Laos Lottery Results for May 12, 2025 - Pattana Lottery Latest Prize Drawings

The Lao government's Pattana Lottery held its May 12, 2025 drawing with results across multiple prize categories, offering payouts up to 6,000 times the stake for 4-digit numbers. Drawings occur Monday through Friday with live broadcasts at

12 May Khaosod

Latest results for the Lao government lottery, officially known as Pattana Lottery, operated by the state-owned Pattana Lottery Company under supervision of the Lao Ministry of Finance for the May 12, 2025 drawing. Prize results include 6-digit, 5-digit, last 4-digit, last 3-digit, and last 2-digit categories.

Pattana Lottery prize rates and prize calculation methods When checking the Laos lottery, buyers can calculate their winnings based on their purchase amount in kip as follows: 4-digit numbers: Prize payout of 6,000 times (example: buying 1,000 kip receives 6,000,000 kip) 3-digit numbers: Prize payout of 500 times (example: buying 1,000 kip receives 500,000 kip) 2-digit numbers: Prize payout of 60 times (example: buying 1,000 kip receives 60,000 kip)

Understanding the Lao Lottery or Pattana Lottery: What is it and when are results released? The Lao Lottery, officially called Pattana Lottery, is operated by the Pattana Lottery State Enterprise under supervision of the Lao Ministry of Finance. It is the legally recognized government lottery of Laos.

Laos lottery schedule and viewing channels Drawing days: Monday through Friday, with the 5/45 Pattana Lottery drawn on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays Time: Live broadcast begins at 8:00 PM Thailand time Viewers can watch on: Lao National Radio and Lao National Television Channel 1 (LNTV)

How to check the Laos lottery - 6-digit, 4-digit last numbers, dream book numbers, and animal name numbers The Laos lottery system begins with a single 6-digit prize drawing but can be broken down into multiple prize categories based on regional preferences. The most popular method uses the last 4-digit prize numbers as the primary category. There are also dream book lottery (4/40) and animal name number drawings, which are distinctive features of gambling in Laos.

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National

Cabinet Approves 'Gold Hero' Certificate to Support Families of 27 Soldiers Killed at Thai-Cambodian Border

The Cabinet approved the 'Gold Hero' certificate program to provide healthcare benefits to families of 27 soldiers killed along the Thai-Cambodian border, ensuring bereaved relatives maintain medical coverage equivalent to government employ

12 May Khaosod

At 2:00 PM on May 12, 2025, at Government House, Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Perisawiwat announced the Cabinet's decision to establish healthcare support guidelines for families of military personnel killed during combat operations along the Thai-Cambodian border. The decision was made to ensure families continue receiving medical benefits even after the servicemember's death.

According to Deputy Spokesperson Lalida, 27 military personnel have died while on duty at the Thai-Cambodian border, leaving 40 family members who lost their government healthcare coverage and had to revert to the national health insurance system. The government decided to prioritize appropriate and dignified medical care for these bereaved families.

The National Health Security Office (NHSO) has been tasked with implementing the 'Gold Hero' (UC Heroes) certificate program, allowing family members to access national health insurance benefits at the level equivalent to government employee healthcare benefits. The benefits remain in effect until recipients obtain other legal healthcare entitlements, and for the deceased soldier's children, coverage continues until they reach legal adulthood. The NHSO will manage and oversee the program's implementation.

The NHSO estimates an annual budget of 780,040 baht for program operations. For the 2025 fiscal year, funding will be requested from the central budget's emergency reserves, with future years' budgets submitted through the regular annual budget process.

Deputy Spokesperson Lalida emphasized that the government recognizes the supreme sacrifice made by military personnel and government officials who protect national sovereignty and public safety. She stated that caring for the families of the fallen is not merely a welfare benefit but a state responsibility to stand alongside the families of the brave. "Those who sacrificed for the nation should not be remembered only on the day they depart; their families must receive dignified care. This extends security from the frontlines to confidence for the families left behind," Lalida concluded.

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National

PM Orders Land Policy Board to Expedite Community Land Title Certification Within 60 Days, Identifies Legal and Accounting Professions as Loopholes for Nominee Schemes

The Prime Minister ordered the National Land Policy Committee to certify community land titles within 60 days while cracking down on nominee schemes, identifying lawyers and accountants as facilitating loopholes that will face professional

12 May Khaosod

At 2:00 p.m. on May 12, 2569 at Government House, Prime Minister's spokesperson Rachada Thanadirek announced directives from the cabinet meeting regarding the government's commitment to provide farmers and citizens with agricultural land ownership for livelihood security.

Last week, a Prime Minister's Office regulation on community land titles was repealed because existing legislation already empowers the National Land Policy Committee to oversee citizens' agricultural land issues. However, the Prime Minister has ordered the National Land Policy Committee to expedite the certification of community land titles previously issued under the now-repealed regulation into a fair land distribution format under Section 10 of the National Land Policy Committee Act. This legal status certification must be completed within 60 days.

Spokesperson Rachada stated that the Prime Minister is committed to decisively suppressing nominee schemes with concrete results. Previous enforcement efforts have been implemented in phases with multi-sector coordination involving the Justice Ministry, Commerce Ministry, the Anti-Money Laundering Committee (AMLC), and the Royal Thai Police.

The government has therefore instructed relevant agencies to accelerate measures against the use of nominee schemes in illegal business operations. Following the anti-nominee policy directive, reports emerged of certain lawyers and accountants providing advice or facilitating legal circumvention. These two professions have been identified as containing individuals misusing their expertise to create loopholes for nominee business activities. The Prime Minister has assigned the Justice Minister and Commerce Minister to consult with the Bar Association and Accounting Professions Council to consider professional ethics actions against involved practitioners, while instructing the AMLC to investigate financial trails of related persons to ensure concrete anti-nominee results.

On May 13, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Koh Phangan in Surat Thani Province and Phuket to monitor the situation and direct anti-nominee enforcement in key tourism areas, emphasizing the government's intensive nationwide inspection to prevent illegal groups from encroaching on professions or harming citizens and Thai entrepreneurs.

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National

Government Establishes Committee to Study Electricity Rate Structure and Private Power Purchase Agreements

Thailand's government has established a committee led by Deputy PM Pakorn Nilpraband to study and reform electricity rate structures, particularly addressing costly private power purchase agreements that have driven up household and busines

12 May Khaosod

Prime Minister Anuthim Charnvirakul's government, under the leadership of Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilpraband, has prioritized structural reforms to electricity pricing, particularly addressing costs stemming from private power producer contracts. Key concerns center on two pricing components: Availability Payment (AP) and Energy Payment (EP), which have become contentious issues as electricity rates have climbed.

On May 11, 2025, the Prime Minister issued an order establishing a committee tasked with resolving problems arising from private power purchase agreements. Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilpraband serves as chairman, with the Energy Minister as vice-chairman. The committee includes representatives from the Energy Ministry, Interior Ministry, Office of the Attorney General, the Constitutional Court Office, the National Development Council, Consumer Protection Board, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Metropolitan Electricity Authority, Provincial Electricity Authority, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, and civil society representatives.

The committee's mandate includes studying approaches to resolve irregularities in private power purchase contracts—both availability and energy payment components—and proposing policy recommendations that comply with law, treat all parties fairly, and align costs with public burden.

The government acknowledges that electricity is a vital cost for households and businesses but emphasizes that solutions must be comprehensive, not merely short-term fixes. Thailand's power system involves energy security, long-term investment, and business confidence. The government commits to a transparent process engaging all stakeholders to develop solutions aimed at creating a stable, transparent, competitive Thai energy system that maximizes public benefit while maintaining investment incentives.

"As the world faces an energy crisis, Thailand's government views this not merely as a crisis to manage but as an opportunity to reform electricity rate structures fairly," spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek stated. "Citizens deserve protection, and law-abiding businesses need viable returns and incentives to continue investing in and developing Thailand's power system."

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National

Army Chief of Staff Inspects Sai Yok Border Area, Visits Local Affected by Cambodian Military Encounter

Thailand's army chief inspected the Sai Yok border area in Buriram after a local man and soldier encountered armed Cambodian forces while gathering forest products, prompting deployment of enhanced surveillance to secure the region.

12 May Khaosod

On May 12, 2025, General Chaiyapruks Duangprathet, Chief of the Royal Thai Army and Commander of the Army Operations Center, conducted an on-site inspection of the Sai Yok border checkpoint area in Buriram Province to monitor security operations and evaluate safety measures in the region.

He subsequently visited and offered encouragement to Aphirak Butphet at his residence in Ban Kwad District, Buriram Province, following an incident in which both men encountered an armed group of Cambodian soldiers while gathering forest products. The encounter raised concerns among local residents living near the border.

The Army Chief directed the Suranari Command to adjust military deployment appropriately, deploy enhanced border surveillance equipment and support systems, and install additional monitoring devices to improve operational effectiveness and ensure comprehensive area coverage. He also ordered all units to maintain maximum readiness of personnel and equipment, capable of protecting national sovereignty and ensuring public safety at all times, in accordance with policies prioritizing security along all Thai border areas.

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National

Fourth Enforcement Action: Popular Isaan Sausage Vendor in Silom Fined for Sidewalk Sales

A popular Isaan sausage vendor near MRT Silom Station faces a fourth fine for illegal sidewalk sales in Bangkok's Bang Rak District, with authorities warning that further violations will trigger full legal prosecution.

12 May Khaosod

Fourth Enforcement Action: Popular Isaan Sausage Vendor in Silom Fined for Sidewalk Sales. Officials warn that further violations will result in full legal prosecution.

May 12, 2026 – The Bang Rak District Office's municipal enforcement team reports a continued crackdown on street vendors and mobile merchants operating along Silom Road. Officials have fined a well-known Isaan fried sausage vendor, which has garnered positive reviews for its taste and quality, for operating a cart on the sidewalk near MRT Silom Station.

The enforcement action has sparked online debate regarding whether sidewalk vending constitutes a legal violation. The Bang Rak District Office has proceeded with fining the vendor under the Cleanliness and Orderliness Act of 1992, Section 20, which carries maximum penalties of 2,000 baht.

District officials emphasize that this vendor has been fined multiple times previously by municipal enforcement staff but continues to violate regulations. In this latest action, enforcement officials have escalated their response and formally notified the vendor that sidewalk commerce is strictly prohibited. Officials warn that any further violations will trigger prosecution under all applicable laws and result in maximum fines.

Source: Bang Rak District Office (Facebook)

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National

Victorina Himeji Confirms Separation from 'Boombim' Chatchachon After Three Seasons Together

Thai volleyball player Chatchachon Moksoree, known as 'Boombim,' will leave Japanese club Victorina Himeji at the end of the 2025-26 season after three successful years together.

12 May Khaosod

Victorina Himeji, a Japanese volleyball club, has confirmed its separation from Thai national volleyball player Chatchachon Moksoree, known as 'Boombim,' after three seasons of partnership. The club announced that the 26-year-old player will depart at the end of the 2025-26 season. Since joining Victorina Himeji in 2023, Chatchachon has supported the team with her brilliant smile and powerful playing skills. The club expressed heartfelt gratitude, stating: "We are sad to announce that Chatchachon Moksoree will leave our team at the end of the 2025-26 season. Throughout the three seasons she has been with us, she has continuously dedicated herself to the team, and we all wish her continued success on her new journey. Thank you, BB."

In response, Chatchachon shared through the club's announcement: "I have decided to leave the club. Thank you for all the encouragement throughout these three seasons. I have spent wonderful time at this outstanding club and feel I have grown greatly as a person. I have always received support from our fans. Winning the V2 Division championship and promotion to the SV League, along with capturing the Emperor's & Empress's Cup in 2024 together with the team and fans, are invaluable experiences I will never forget in my volleyball career. None of this would have been possible without the support of our fans and sponsors. I am grateful to the coaches, staff, and all my teammates who have always taken care of me. Please continue supporting Victorina Himeji, a team I love very much. Thank you so much."

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