On May 21, special operations officers from the Department of Local Administration conducted a raid on a major gambling den located inside a hotel in Nai Klong Bang Pla Kod, Phra Samut Chedi District, Samut Prakan Province. Officers discovered numerous gamblers actively engaged in gambling activities and apprehended all suspects at the scene. The search yielded nearly 7 million baht in cash and gambling chips. Investigators were stunned to find that the operation had a daily cash circulation of 43 million baht. All evidence has been collected and all gamblers have been detained and will be turned over to police for further legal proceedings.

On May 21, 2025, Deputy Chanthaburi Provincial Police Commander Pol. Col. Arkpong Soonthavibat received a report of a shocking stabbing incident at the intersection of Rattanawit Road near Sarakaew Temple in Bang Kacha subdistrict, Muang district, Chanthaburi province. Officers from the Evidence Unit, on-duty doctors from Phra Pokklao Hospital, and Sawang Boriboon rescue volunteers arrived to investigate the fatal stabbing.

At the roadside food stall, authorities found the body of Malay Tangjai, 71 years old, lying face-up in a pool of blood. The victim had multiple stab wounds concentrated on her left buttock, left cheek, and left temple area. Near the scene, police arrested the suspect, Yarnyong, also known as Boy, 45 years old, the victim's biological grandson. He was subdued by civilians and officers and pinned to the ground, speaking incoherently.

A search of Boy's Honda motorcycle (license plate 1GF 9127, Chanthaburi) revealed a blood-stained one-foot-long pointed knife in the front basket. Amid the wailing and cursing of grieving relatives, the investigation proceeded.

During questioning, Malay, 72-year-old mother of the suspect and sister of the victim, tearfully revealed that Boy suffered from mental illness and had been taking medication from Phra Pokklao Hospital for over 20 years. Recently, he experienced severe hallucinations and exhibited paranoid behavior, believing people were plotting to harm him and suspecting relatives wanted to kill him.

Boy had a history of going on destructive rampages and picking fights with the victim's household located nearby. He had even threatened to "kill the whole family." Unable to endure his behavior further, family members had previously filed a police report for his arrest. On the day of the incident, the victim had set up her durian stand along the roadside when Boy rode by on his motorcycle. He suddenly became mentally unstable, drew a knife, and repeatedly stabbed his biological aunt until she died.

Police initially detained Yarnyong for psychological evaluation at the station and conducted a urine test to check for drug use. They coordinated with authorities to obtain his psychiatric treatment history to support the case file. Police formally charged him with premeditated murder and proceeded with legal proceedings.

On May 21, 2026, at Ratchadaphisek Criminal Court, investigative officers brought 67-year-old Paisal before the judge. He faces charges of sexual assault against a person unable to resist and abducting a minor between 15 and 18 years old from their guardians with intent to commit indecency. After preliminary detention proceedings, Paisal requested temporary release, which the court granted.

The court cited his fixed residence, age of 67, chronic health conditions requiring medical appointments, and his consistent denial of charges throughout the arrest and investigation phases as reasons for the approval. The court set bail at 150,000 baht and imposed multiple conditions: he must report to court every two months, is prohibited from committing similar acts against others, cannot contact or approach the victim or their family, cannot interfere with witnesses or evidence, and cannot leave Thailand without court permission. A bail contract must be executed to formalize these conditions.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said his upcoming visit to France will focus on artificial intelligence, energy, trade and investment opportunities, as Thailand seeks to strengthen ties with French businesses and political leaders.

Speaking at Government House on 21 May before departing for France from 21-27 May, Anutin said he had already assigned responsibilities to relevant agencies ahead of the trip.

The prime minister said French President Emmanuel Macron had invited him to a dinner meeting, which he described as a sign that France attaches importance to Thailand despite the visit not being an official state trip.

Anutin said informal discussions between leaders could sometimes produce better results than formal meetings.

He added that Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas and Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Minister Yodchanan Wongsawat would also join discussions while carrying out missions in France. The permanent secretary for foreign affairs will attend to help coordinate follow-up work after the talks.

According to Anutin, the discussions will cover AI, energy cooperation, trade value enhancement and Thailand's readiness to serve as an investment hub for French businesses.

He said Thailand also hopes to expand cooperation with France in fashion, design and food industries by promoting Thai raw materials, local wisdom, technology and creativity.

"France is a global leader in fashion. Thailand may not yet compete in branding, but we can present our raw materials, local wisdom, design technology and knowledge to French entrepreneurs," he said.

Anutin also stressed Thailand's strength in food security, saying the country could use it as leverage in international negotiations.

Asked whether he would discuss Cambodia with Macron following the French leader's talks with Cambodia's prime minister, Anutin said he was prepared to clarify Thailand's position if asked.

He said he oversees the issue directly and was ready to explain the situation to the international community, noting France's influential role globally.

Thailand's government is continuing negotiations over broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but a senior minister said football fans may seek alternative online channels to watch matches if no agreement is reached.

Supamas Isarabhakdi, the minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office overseeing the Public Relations Department, said on 20 May that the Cabinet had assigned the department to negotiate with FIFA, sponsors and the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC).

She said FIFA's proposed licensing fee was considered unreasonable and difficult to justify to the public, prompting Thai authorities to negotiate for a lower price.

"There are still people who want live World Cup broadcasts, but we must consider economic conditions first," Supamas said.

She added that the government would move forward only if it could explain to the public that the price represented fair value.

Supamas said the 2026 World Cup schedule poses additional commercial challenges, with matches expected to kick off at around 03:00, 05:00 and 09:00 Thailand time, limiting opportunities for restaurants, bars and businesses to benefit from screenings.

Unlike previous tournaments, sponsors have shown limited interest in supporting the rights purchase because advertising revenue is expected to be weaker, she said.

Asked whether Thailand could wait until after the tournament begins to purchase the rights at a lower cost, Supamas said it would likely be difficult by that stage.

"People would probably try to find other ways to watch," she said. "Nowadays there are many online channels where viewers can access broadcasts."

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Siam Piwat Group is hosting a Biodiversity Week with photo exhibitions, panel discussions, art and craft workshops, and a superfood festival in honor of International Day for Biodiversity. The "NEXTOPIA Biodiversity Week: Wild Wonders & Local Harvest" runs from May 18-24, aimed at raising awareness about biodiversity as one of today's most crucial global issues, since nature, ecosystems, food, health, and human quality of life all depend on and support each other. NEXTOPIA has chosen biodiversity as the festival's main theme to transform this distant concept into an accessible experience everyone can engage with through activities, exhibitions, panel discussions, workshops, and creative cuisine throughout the week.

Key highlights include:

1. International Day for Biodiversity 2026: "Acting Locally for Global Impact" (May 19-24) - Co-organized with the United Nations Development Programme, this initiative transforms NEXTOPIA into a Local-to-Global Hub for exchanging knowledge, inspiration, and collaboration on biodiversity conservation. Distinguished international representatives, academics, leading organizational executives, and civil society organizations will participate, including Neef Collier-Smith (UNDP Resident Representative in Thailand), Cecilia Sunilda Galarreta Bazan (Peru's Ambassador), and Salya Na Songkhla (B.Grim Power PCL), among others. The week also features the "Crafting for the Planet" workshop (May 22-24, 11:00-17:00) where participants learn about ecosystems through art, crafts, and science while embracing the concept that "changing the world starts with our own hands." On May 23, a Bangkok Urban Biodiversity forum will discuss making Bangkok a green city. Visitors can also view a nature photography exhibition by documentary photographer Jittithevas Praprasertsai, showcasing forests, communities, and seas through photos linking scientific data with human emotion (May 19-24). On May 23, Jittithevas will discuss the stories behind the displayed photographs.

2. Superfood Festival (May 18-24) - In collaboration with the Department of Agricultural Extension and Thailand Gastronomy Network, NEXTOPIA brings together producers and farmers to promote consumption that benefits both body and planet. The festival features superfood products from across Thailand, including honey and honey products for World Bee Day, with proceeds supporting sustainable grassroots economies for producers and communities. Exclusive workshops with limited seating available through ONESIAM SuperApp include "Cook, Dye, Rewear: A Superfood Sustainable Workshop" by Saripros x Parry Pie, and "Yoga with Honey Wine" by Thailand Gastronomy Network and Fitness First, where participants energize before yoga classes with local superfoods and honey, concluding with tasting special Honey Wine formulas showcasing the charm of Thai local ingredients.