Thirty-six business associations will meet with Labor Minister Julpan Amornvivat on May 25 to submit proposals addressing Thailand's labor shortage crisis. Vibul Suppakropongkul, vice chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Labor and Workforce Development Committee, noted that global economic volatility stemming from Iran-Israel tensions threatens Thailand's export, agriculture, and tourism sectors, potentially reducing GDP growth by 0.1-0.8%. While international tensions could create export opportunities for Thai goods, the private sector faces severe shortages in both domestic and foreign workers affecting construction, agriculture, industry, and services. Business leaders are urging the government to separate international conflicts from economic policy decisions, particularly regarding Cambodian workers. "On May 25, we will meet with Labor Minister Julpan Amornvivat to submit our proposals and request that the prime minister review them," said Suchart Chantranakrachai, vice chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries. The labor shortage threatens numerous SMEs. Thailand currently has 3.9 million foreign workers, but approximately 194,000 Cambodian workers have expired work permits. Without resolution, these workers will become illegal laborers, creating security concerns. The government should expedite work permit renewals for all foreign nationals. The five proposals are: 1) Renew work permits for all foreign workers in Thailand; 2) Deny permits for undocumented workers; 3) Reduce procedures and costs for importing foreign labor; 4) Resolve e-Work Permit system issues; and 5) Expand foreign labor sources to include Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.

Today (May 22, 2026), the Royal Irrigation Department partnered with the Thai Hydrological Society, the National Water Resources Office, and the Royal Irrigation Engineering Alumni Association to host an academic seminar on "Guidelines for Managing Water Crises and Disasters: Floods, Droughts, Water for Energy, Water for Ecosystems 2026-2027" at the National Water Resources Office's Mahanontee Conference Room. Presiding over the seminar was Sanchai Ketuwornchai, chairman of the Thai Hydrological Society, alongside Dr. Thaneshon Samborn, director of the Water Management and Hydrology Bureau, representing the Royal Irrigation Department, plus various experts and specialists serving as speakers to exchange knowledge and collaboratively establish national water management guidelines that address climate change and future global fluctuations.

The seminar's primary objective was to integrate knowledge, concepts, and expertise from water resources and disaster specialists to prepare for comprehensive water management across all dimensions—including flood control, drought mitigation, water management for energy production, and ecosystem balance preservation. It also aimed to strengthen water management approaches at the policy level, watershed level, and operational agency level to effectively handle rapidly changing situations.

The seminar was organized into three key sessions: the first focusing on "Water Crisis Trends" emphasizing forecasting and technology applications; the second addressing "Crisis and Disaster Management" from government agency and watershed management perspectives; and the final session on "Policy-Level Crisis and Disaster Management" reflecting national policy, economic, and multi-stakeholder engagement viewpoints.

Experts and specialists from various organizations served as speakers, sharing valuable knowledge and experience to support long-term development of the country's water management systems. The goal is to enhance the efficiency of national water resource management, mitigate impacts from water crises and disasters, and ensure sustainable water security for the Thai people.

On May 22, 2025 at Makkasan Police Station, Raksit Waitee, Director of the Legal Division of the Department of Rail Transport, filed charges with investigating officers after receiving authorization from the department's director to prosecute vehicle drivers who parked on railroad tracks starting May 16 at 3:33 PM until the time of the train-bus collision. Charges were filed under the Rail Transport Act 2568 and other criminal statutes.

Raksit stated that the department has filed charges with police to proceed under the Rail Transport Act after discovering damage to the transportation system affecting the general public. The specific number of violations or charges cannot be clearly determined at this stage as each case must be considered individually, similar to traffic laws. Investigation officers will be responsible for gathering evidence and examining facts in detail.

When asked whether the charges relate to obstructions preventing the train from operating, Raksit said this is an important factor, as the law establishes liability for causing damage to the rail transportation system or obstructing train operations. For cases where vehicles may have unintentionally parked on tracks without intent to violate the law, Raksit noted that circumstances must be examined case-by-case, including how the situation occurred and whether drivers could have avoided or moved their vehicles.

Raksit emphasized that the Rail Transport Act is new legislation that took effect March 27, making this one of the first cases prosecuted under it. Regarding bus operators, charges will depend on criminal law elements including the act, damage caused, and the perpetrator. If no damage occurred, charges might be limited to attempted violation.

On the issue of employee substance use, Raksit revealed that following the incident, orders were issued to test all involved employees, emphasizing that drug use is unacceptable in any form of transportation, though criminal charges depend on legal elements.

When asked about the primary cause of the accident, Raksit stressed that parked vehicles are only one factor, and negligence from multiple parties—including bus drivers, train staff, and relevant officials—must be investigated thoroughly. The department has no authority to determine guilt but has a duty to oversee and prevent recurrence.

Regarding operator licensing under the new rail transport framework, Raksit noted the law recently took effect and licensing is ongoing, with approximately 300-400 of 900 applicants processed. During the transition period, existing workers may continue operating normally to avoid disrupting nationwide rail service.

On May 22, 2026, at Thonglor Police Station, lawyer Nathawut Wongniam representing Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Choomklin filed additional charges against Ratchanok Srinork ("Ice"), a Pheu Thai party list MP. A previous complaint was filed on May 17 regarding social media posts that allegedly defamed the minister. Although Ice did not mention Suchat by name, the lawyer argues her posts contained derogatory remarks such as "evil person" and "low conduct" that distorted facts and damaged his reputation.

The lawyer stated that Suchat passed constitutional vetting upon assuming ministerial office and has no serious ethical violations, making legal action necessary to protect his reputation. Separately, authorities are investigating an AI-generated video account called "Khun Murf Chatter" that manipulated Suchat's image in clips viewed over 3 million times.

Additionally, legal teams are reviewing posts by Ratchanok allegedly referencing the monarchy through the "Sod Sroai Mala" poem, as well as her sharing of information about government officials and politicians, to determine if they violate laws. Other Pheu Thai MPs may also face legal action if wrongdoing is found. The lawyer stressed this is lawful action, not a silencing lawsuit, and warned the public to exercise caution when sharing information, as spreading false data could violate the Computer Crimes Act.

The cases against Ratchanok include four primary charges: posts about "evil person governing the city-taking bribes," posts about "low and disgraceful conduct," allegations of election fraud comments, and posts during a debate about the Social Security Office's SKYY9 building purchase. Most charges involve defamation by advertising and Computer Crimes Act violations, except the SKYY9 case which carries specific defamation charges. All cases remain under investigation with no final court judgment yet.

England has announced its 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final tournament, captained by Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, and Harry Kane, though Harry Maguire, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Cole Palmer missed the cut.

England will compete in the 2026 World Cup final tournament hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, placed in Group L with Croatia, Ghana, and Panama.

On May 22, England manager Thomas Tuchel announced the 26-man squad for the Three Lions' World Cup campaign. As expected, prominent players including Declan Rice, Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Marcus Rashford, and Harry Kane made the roster.

However, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Morgan Gibbs-White, Phil Foden, and Cole Palmer were omitted.

England's 26-Man World Cup Squad: Goalkeepers: Jordan Pickford (Everton), Jordan Henderson (Crystal Palace), James Trafford (Manchester City) Defenders: Reece James (Chelsea), Jade Spence (Tottenham Hotspur), John Stones (Manchester City), Mark Guéhi (Manchester City), Ezri Konsa (Aston Villa), Dan Burn (Newcastle United), Jarrell Quansah (Bayer Leverkusen), Nico O'Reilly (Manchester City), Tino Livramento (Newcastle United) Midfielders: Elliott Anderson (Nottingham Forest), Jordan Henderson (Brentford), Declan Rice (Arsenal), Kobbie Mainoo (Manchester United), Jude Bellingham (Real Madrid), Morgan Rogers (Aston Villa) Forwards: Harry Kane (Bayern Munich), Ollie Watkins (Aston Villa), Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli), Bukayo Saka (Arsenal), Noni Madueke (Arsenal), Eberechi Eze (Arsenal), Anthony Gordon (Newcastle United), Marcus Rashford (Barcelona, on loan from Manchester United)