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.

At 7:30 PM on May 21, 2569, Interior Department officials launched Operation 'Close the Mouth of the River Game' to dismantle a floating gambling den on the 4th floor of a dilapidated hotel on Suk Sawat Soi 80, Mueang Phra Samut Chedi district, Samut Prakan province. The raid followed public reports of illegal gambling to the Department of Interior. After investigation and notification to the Prime Minister and Interior Minister, special operations units coordinated with volunteer territorial defense members to plan the arrest. Undercover officers posed as gamblers, and when they signaled, officials raided the operation. Some gamblers panicked and attempted to escape by climbing through windows to other rooms, but all were apprehended.

Authorities discovered illegal gambling activities with one large table featuring a dice game and a hi-lo game. In total, 63 people were arrested: 13 operators and 50 gamblers (40 male, 23 female, including 3 foreign nationals). Seized items included hi-lo and dice gambling equipment, 926,800 baht in cash, 6,934,800 baht in chips, and records showing daily circulation of over 43 million baht. Officers also found a 9mm pistol loaded with 14 rounds and additional ammunition (.38 caliber, 9mm, and shotgun shells) in the hotel office. The hotel, operated by a former local politician from Samut Prakan, lacked a business license that had expired over a decade ago. All suspects and seized items were brought to Mueang Phra Samut Chedi District Office for initial processing and transferred to Phra Samut Chedi Police Station for further legal proceedings.

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.

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.

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.