CHONBURI — A Chinese man reportedly suffered severe adverse symptoms after trying cannabis for the first time, prompting an emergency response at a Pattaya shop. The incident was reported at 01:30 to the Sawang Boriboon Pattaya Rescue Centre. Responders were dispatched to a cannabis shop identified as "Bow Thailand" in Soi 15, Pattaya Second Road, South Pattaya, Nong Prue subdistrict, Bang Lamung district.

At the scene, a 35-year-old Chinese national was found experiencing muscle spasms, laboured breathing, chest tightness and persistent vomiting. Friends had attempted to assist by applying cold compresses, but his condition did not improve.

Rescue personnel provided initial assistance, including the use of ammonia inhalants in an attempt to revive him. However, the man refused further treatment and declined transport to hospital, leading responders to stand down.

According to Mr. Suriya Chamnan-yom, a volunteer with the Sawang Boriboon Pattaya unit, the call initially reported chest tightness at a cannabis shop on Pattaya Second Road. Upon arrival, responders found the patient in distress with convulsions and continuous vomiting.

Staff at the shop said the group had purchased cannabis and the man began experiencing symptoms shortly after taking a single inhalation. He was reported to have no known underlying medical conditions.

Health authorities note that while cannabis is widely used, first-time and inexperienced users may experience adverse effects, particularly with higher doses or potent strains. Experts generally advise first-time users to start with a very low dose, avoid mixing with alcohol or other substances, and use cannabis in a safe, supervised environment. Individuals with underlying health conditions or sensitivity to psychoactive substances may face higher risks.

At 9:45 AM on May 5, 2025, at Parliament, Prirsth Wachrsindu, a Palang Pracharath party-list MP, spoke about the party's apology statement regarding MP Pandith Nuamchaim's controversial remarks on drug issues and his implicit references to village headmen and community leaders. Wachrsindu stated that the party's primary concern was Pandith's blanket accusations, which the party views as inappropriate despite understanding the speaker's intent to highlight the drug problem. Pandith has been summoned into the party's disciplinary process, with a meeting scheduled for May 6 to consider proportionate sanctions. The party will clarify any further measures.

When asked about some village headmen saying an apology alone was insufficient and demanding Pandith reconsider his actions, Wachrsindu said that Pandith now acknowledges his inappropriate use of accusatory language and has publicly apologized. However, he emphasized that the party's disciplinary measures must be proportionate to the offense.

Regarding Deputy Progressive Movement Secretary Piyabutr Sangkanokkul's Facebook posts about Palang Pracharath's work, Wachrsindu explained that the party's credibility stems from clearly showing the public how Palang Pracharath differs from other political parties and how its agenda benefits the nation's future. Therefore, the party will continue presenting distinctive policy positions.

When asked if Palang Pracharath's new direction follows the correct strategy, Wachrsindu said the party held sufficient discussion at its general meeting. The party must provide clarity on personnel, present a vision for how it would govern differently if given the opportunity, and demonstrate benefits to the public. Moving forward, the party will focus on actions and proof through its opposition role in oversight, its recommendations to the government, work through shadow cabinet committees, and parliamentary committee contributions.

ASEAN and China Join Forces to Combat Cryptocurrency-Based Online Gambling with Digital Money Trail Tracking Strategy

On May 5, 2025, Deputy National Police Commissioner Trairongpipattanayon, Region 4 Police Commander Kritachaya Bamrungratanyos, and their delegations participated in an ASEAN-China workshop to exchange knowledge and expertise in combating technology-enabled crime on an international stage.

The workshop took place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from May 5-6, 2025, with the objective of enhancing law enforcement officials' capacity to address online gambling operations utilizing digital currencies as primary instruments.

The workshop curriculum emphasized knowledge transfer on cryptocurrency transaction tracing and analysis techniques, which represent the core of investigating modern online gambling networks characterized by complexity and cross-border connections.

Additionally, the forum served as a critical platform for strengthening international cooperation through information, best practice, and technology sharing to improve effectiveness in "following the money" strategies and ultimately achieve systematic arrests of criminals at the organizational level.

Deputy Education Minister Akkhananth Kankhitinant addressed progress on reviewing the Office of the National Education Commission (ONEC) on May 5, 2025, at Government House. He acknowledged concerns raised by opposition Pheu Thai Party lawmakers regarding outdated ONEC curricula and ordered ONEC Director-General Keattipat Suphavanich to explain why the old curriculum remained in use and to establish an expert committee to resolve the issue.

Akkhananth noted that ONEC currently operates two curricula: the 2008 version and the 2024 version, which has been piloted in 12 provinces. Field visits to Chaiyaphum Province revealed that the outdated 2008 curriculum was still in use, containing obsolete content. "We must stay current with global developments and changing circumstances," Akkhananth stated. "With over 800,000 students annually in ONEC programs, using substandard curricula creates long-term problems we must address now."

Regarding the timeline for curriculum development, Akkhananth explained that ONEC operates a continuous curriculum model. On May 9-10, students will transition from the old to the new 2024 curriculum. The complete nationwide transition to the new curriculum is expected by the first term of the 2027 academic year.

Akkhananth disclosed that an expert committee for textbook inspection and another for establishing quality standards have been established to ensure no future neglect. These committees will work long-term, as education requires continuous improvement. He emphasized this is not a temporary policy that changes with governments but a permanent educational standard.

When asked about cooperation between himself and the ONEC director-general, Akkhananth praised her diligent work and noted their similar policy approaches, citing collaborative efforts with the Department of Corrections regarding vulnerable groups. He stressed that effective collaboration requires constant communication and mutual respect, and that he avoids interfering in her administrative duties, allowing her to work freely.

Regarding Pheu Thai Party's plan to submit parliamentary questions or gazette inquiries, Akkhananth expressed gratitude for their oversight, noting that he considers education a critical national matter. When asked if he worried about the scrutiny affecting his ministerial position, Akkhananth laughed and responded that he will do his best today, believing that improved work over the next decade will benefit Thailand, regardless of temporary dissatisfaction.

PP Kritaphat and Biwking Putipong were the standout winners at the Weibo 2026 International Entertainment Awards. Actor Fay Phatthradon revealed his girlfriend Earn Arissa has claimed his heart, and he's planning to take her to visit a sacred shrine in Hong Kong as part of a proposal. When asked about proposal details, Fay confirmed he's quite busy but will make the trip happen, noting Repulse Bay as the planned location.

Meanwhile, Fay's co-star Top Thosapon is taking a different approach with his shrine prayers, focusing on health rather than romance. "I'm not asking for a soulmate," Top explained. "Instead, I'm asking for good health and clear skin. I've been sleeping poorly lately, so I'm praying for that to improve. I want to keep things simple and natural-looking."

At the Weibo International Entertainment Awards 2026, PP Kritaphat claimed the title of Favorite International Artist, while Biwking Putipong won the Impactful International Artist award.

HBO Max is rolling out a lineup of films and series this May including "Wuthering Heights" starring Margot Robbie and Jacob Elordi, "Bugonia" with Emma Stone, and "The Running Man" featuring Glenn Powell and Josh Brolin. Japanese drama "Song of the Samurai" stars Yuki Yamada and Shuhei Uesugi, while Korean offerings include "Yumi's Cells Season 3" with Kim Go-eun, "Filing for Love" featuring Shin Hye-sun, and "The Legend of Kitchen Soldier" with Park Ji-hoon.

Fans can look forward to the "2026 Butterbear Camping Club Fam Meeting" on June 13, 2026 at Union Hall, starting at 6 PM. Tickets range from 990 to 5,900 baht and are available through ThaiTicketMajor.

At 9:10 a.m. on May 5, 2569 at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yossakorn Wongsawat commented on the Suan Dusit Poll results measuring the most prominent government politicians. Yossakorn ranked second, behind Prime Minister Anupong Paochinda and Interior Minister in first place. He expressed gratitude for the results, calling them good encouragement for his work. He stated he is personally committed and determined to do his best in fulfilling his responsibilities and to improve further.

When asked if he believes he is on the right track, Yossakorn said he thinks so, but more improvement is needed since people are still facing many urgent problems and hardships across different provinces and areas. He emphasized the need for greater effort.

Asked if he expects to reach first place, Yossakorn said his duty is to work with full dedication and that the public's assessment will depend on his performance.

Regarding the controversy over Suriya Juengrungruangkit, the Agriculture Minister, transferring civil servants in his ministry, and whether this would impact Pheu Thai, Yossakorn said he doesn't view it from that angle. Instead, he focuses on what the immediate problems are and what the long-term issues are. He emphasized that the government needs to establish foundations across various structures, whether ministerial or party-level, guided by a philosophy of solving urgent problems for the people while laying groundwork for long-term solutions.