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Regional

Foreigner walks out of Phuket restaurant despite unpaid drink

A foreign woman left a Phuket restaurant without paying for an 80-baht strawberry smoothie she claimed didn't taste as expected, sparking online criticism and calls from local business owners for stricter payment policies.

1d ago The Thaiger Crime

Foreigner walks out of Phuket restaurant despite unpaid drinkLegacyA foreign woman was criticised online after refusing to fully pay a bill at a restaurant in Phuket, saying a drink did not match her expectations. The incident occurred at New Break Taek restaurant in the Chalong area of Phuket on Saturday, May 23, and was later shared widely on Thai social media. According to footage circulating online, the foreign woman visited the restaurant with her daughter and a Thai woman believed to be a babysitter. The video showed the tourist and her daughter leaving the restaurant after refusing to pay part of an 80 baht bill. The Thai woman later followed them outside. The bill dispute caused criticism online, particularly among local business operators, some of whom said similar incidents involving unpaid bills had occurred previously in Phuket. Photo via Workpoint News Some restaurant owners suggested businesses should request payment in advance, while others called for stronger legal action against customers who refuse to settle bills. Two restaurant employees later spoke to Thai media outlets to explain the situation. According to the staff, the foreign customer initially ordered shrimp satay and a pineapple smoothie before later requesting a strawberry smoothie without sugar. After the meals and drinks were served, staff presented the total bill of 455 baht. The employees said the woman refused to pay the bill, complaining that the shrimp portions were too small and the strawberry smoothie tasted different from what she expected. Restaurant staff reportedly apologised and offered to remake the strawberry drink to suit her preferences, but she declined the offer. Photo via Workpoint News After further discussion, the customer agreed to pay for the shrimp satay and pineapple smoothie, which totalled 375 baht, but continued refusing to pay for the strawberry drink before leaving the restaurant. The staff told reporters they initially expected they would have to personally cover the unpaid 80 baht under restaurant policy. However, they said the restaurant owner later reviewed CCTV footage and decided they would not be responsible for the cost. Employees also urged other restaurants in Phuket to remain cautious when serving customers, particularly foreign tourists. The workers added that the restaurant had operated for more than 20 years and this was the first time they had experienced a dispute of this nature.

The story Foreigner walks out of Phuket restaurant despite unpaid drink as seen on Thaiger News.

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National

Agriculture Minister Suriya Gives Victory Sign, Pledges Over 100% Commitment Despite Health Issues to Address Udon Thani Flooding Crisis

Agriculture Minister Suriya pledged over 100% commitment to solving Udon Thani's flooding and drought crisis despite recent hospitalization for exhaustion, assigning urgent repairs to water infrastructure to the Irrigation Department.

1d ago Khaosod

Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit gave a victory sign and rushed to the field in Udon Thani to tackle flooding and drought issues, declaring his commitment exceeded 100 percent despite health concerns. The minister had been hospitalized late on May 24 after experiencing exhaustion but was discharged on the morning of May 25 and posted on Facebook: "Although I'm not well, I've already made a commitment to the people that I will solve these problems—my heart is over 100 percent." During his field visit to the Sam Phrao water gate in Muang Udon Thani district, accompanied by Deputy Minister Wachraphon Khaokhram and other government officials and local leaders, Suriya was greeted with applause from civil servants and residents. He emphasized that the main issues—shallow water sources, deteriorating embankments, and malfunctioning water gates—have been assigned to the Irrigation Department for urgent resolution, with budget allocation and completion targeted during his tenure as minister to prevent recurring chronic problems.

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Breaking

Vietnamese President to Visit Thailand on First ASEAN Trip

Vietnamese President To Lam arrives in Thailand on May 27 for his first ASEAN visit since taking office, with talks focused on deepening the countries' Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and boosting bilateral trade that exceeded $22 billi

1d ago Khaosod

To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of Vietnam, will pay an official visit to Thailand from 27-29 May, according to Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

To Lam, accompanied by his spouse and a high-level Vietnamese delegation, is scheduled to meet Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand and hold bilateral talks with the Thai prime minister at Government House.

The visit will focus on advancing the Thailand-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), which covers cooperation in security, trade and economic integration, particularly through the "Three Connects" strategy aimed at strengthening links between the two economies.

The two sides are also expected to discuss cooperation in science, technology and innovation, as well as efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties.

The trip marks To Lam's first visit to an ASEAN member state since assuming his new position in April 2026. It also comes shortly after Thailand and Vietnam upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

During the visit, To Lam is also scheduled to travel to Udon Thani province to meet the Vietnamese-Thai community and visit the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site.

The year 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Vietnam.

Thailand is currently Vietnam's largest trading partner in ASEAN, with bilateral trade exceeding US$22 billion in 2025. Thailand is also among ASEAN's largest investors in Vietnam, particularly in energy, manufacturing, retail, logistics and infrastructure projects.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Pheu Thai to Submit Two Constitutional Amendment Drafts This Week, Opening Path for Charter-Drafting Assembly from Elections without Granting Special Powers to Senate

Pheu Thai plans to submit two constitutional amendment drafts this week to establish an elected charter-drafting assembly without expanding Senate powers, with members chosen through public elections or a two-stage electoral process.

1d ago Khaosod

The Pheu Thai Party plans to submit two constitutional amendment drafts to Section 15/1 this week, establishing a framework for an elected charter-drafting assembly without granting additional powers to the Senate. On May 25, 2025, Pricha Vatchrsindhul, a Pheu Thai list MP and deputy party leader, announced the party would submit both drafts to open discussion on forming the charter-drafting assembly through elections, including both geographical and issue-based representatives, without expanding Senate authority.

The party will present detailed drafts to parliament on May 26, with the following key features:

1. A 150-member assembly divided into geographical representatives and issue-based, professional, and social sector representatives

2. Assembly members selected through public elections. Draft 1 has voters directly elect all 150 members, then submit their names for parliamentary endorsement as a complete slate—if parliament approves all 150, they begin work; if not, a full new election is held. Draft 2 has voters elect 300 candidates, whom parliament then narrows to 150 using safeguards against monopolization and maintaining independence from political parties and parliamentary members.

3. The assembly can establish committees, including a mandatory constitutional drafting committee with both assembly members and outside experts selected by the assembly, plus other committees as needed such as a public consultation and participation promotion committee.

4. The assembly has authority to draft a new constitution as long as it does not change the system of government or state form, as stipulated in Article 255 of the current constitution.

5. The assembly has a maximum of 360 days to draft the new constitution.

6. The assembly continues operating regardless of parliamentary dissolution or the end of the current legislature's term.

7. Once the charter-drafting assembly completes the draft, it must submit it to parliament for approval requiring more than half of parliamentary members' support. If approved, the draft proceeds to a national referendum.

Pricha also noted that beyond the two Pheu Thai drafts, the party is willing to co-sign drafts from other political parties or other parliamentary members needing additional signatures, provided they align with Pheu Thai's core principles.

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Police

Police Spokesman Reveals Explicit Live Stream Bypasses AI Systems to Reach Feeds, Suspected Video Distributed via Streaming Platform

Explicit video content bypassed Meta's AI detection system and spread rapidly across Facebook feeds in Thailand after being distributed through large pages with millions of followers. Police are coordinating with Meta to investigate the per

1d ago Khaosod

The National Police spokesman revealed that explicit live streams, believed to be distributed through large Facebook pages with hundreds of thousands to millions of followers, managed to bypass Meta's AI detection system, causing the content to spread rapidly across user feeds. On May 25, 2569, at the National Police Office, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan, National Police Office spokesman, disclosed details following the broadcast of explicit content through a Facebook page. He reported that cyber police have been instructed to urgently coordinate with Meta, the Facebook platform provider, to investigate and remove the content. Initially, after Meta was notified, the page was removed from the system. The investigation into the perpetrators revealed preliminary findings that the performers in the clip and the language used do not appear to be Thai nationals, while the filming location is still under detailed investigation.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong further explained that based on preliminary findings, the incident may not have been a direct live broadcast, but rather a video released through a streaming system before being distributed through various pages. Meta is currently being asked for detailed information to expand the investigation to account owners and all involved parties. Regarding the first user who shared the clip, police are coordinating to verify whether proper user identity registration was conducted, and are preparing discussions with the platform on prevention measures to avoid similar incidents.

Meta has indicated that the content bypassed the platform's AI detection system because the perpetrators distributed it through large pages with hundreds of thousands to millions of followers, with some pages possibly cooperating in the illegal distribution while others may have been hacked or stolen accounts. The key mechanism allowing the clip to spread rapidly is that when many users view content simultaneously within a short period, the algorithm identifies it as trending content and automatically boosts it to broader feeds, even if the material is illegal.

Regarding how such content became widespread in Thailand, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong identified two possibilities: first, the uploader specifically targeted Thailand or selected Thailand as the location, which page owners can set themselves; or second, the content was released worldwide but happened to be discovered first by Thai page administrators or users with large followings, whose views and shares caused it to spread rapidly and become viral in Thailand.

After police informed Meta, the platform is working to improve its detection and mitigation measures. Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong stated that cyber police have been tasked with full investigation, with Pol. Maj. Gen. Niweshan Aphawasin, Deputy Commander of the Technology Crime Suppression Division, convening a meeting with the Ministry of Digital Economy for Society to request detailed information about page owners and related parties. If the page is not an avatar account and involves real personal information, even if located abroad but with impact or distribution in Thailand, it would constitute a violation of Thai law. For perpetrators outside the Kingdom, if evidence is sufficient, police can request an arrest warrant from the court, though arrest procedures require international cooperation.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong noted that for those who liked, shared, or viewed such clips, consideration of intent is paramount.

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Regional

Top Thai Beauty Queens Gather for PAKAIAN MELAYU 2026 Runway Walk Celebrating Local Textile Heritage

Thailand's top beauty queens showcase traditional Malay textiles at the fifth edition of "Pakaian Melayu 2026" in Yala province, celebrating Southern Thailand's cultural heritage and fashion soft power on an international stage.

1d ago Khaosod

Thailand's top beauty queens and national-level models are gathering for the spectacular "PAKAIAN MELAYU 2026: The Gold of Pakaian" event, where they will showcase traditional Malay fabrics on an international platform.

Yala province, working with Yala Municipality and domestic and international partner organizations, is hosting the 2026 "Pakaian Melayu" event on a grand scale to promote and preserve local Malay textile heritage while positioning Southern Thailand's identity as an international fashion and cultural soft power.

This year's event marks the fifth edition of "Pakaian Melayu," reflecting continuous efforts to bring local culture to national and international creative stages. The opening ceremony was presided over by Khongskul Chantarach, Yala Provincial Governor, at Yala Municipality Hall, with attendance from Pongsak Yingchonmjearng, Yala Municipality Mayor, representatives from Malaysian and Indonesian consulates in Songkhla province, Yala's cultural office, and various partner organizations.

This year's event stands out as one of the most ambitious cultural fashion platforms in the Southern Border region, featuring nationally renowned models and beauty queens showcasing the allure of "Pakaian" fabrics through stunning contemporary fashion shows. Leading models include Kanyalaksana Nukaew, Manita Farmer, Chotinpha Kaewjarun, Patharaporn Wang, Karina Mueller, Worangkhana Sirisat, Nanthiya Suvannsavaeng, Jennifer Jones, Neercha Darling, and Pornlapat Chansiri, who are creating a new phenomenon by transforming local Southern Border textiles into distinctive contemporary fashion at the national level.

Yala Governor Khongskul Chantarach stated that the project aims to instill pride in Malay culture among youth and the public, emphasizing that "Pakaian" fabrics represent more than just traditional clothing—they embody wisdom heritage reflecting the lifestyle, identity, and cultural roots of local communities. Additionally, they serve as an important soft power that can generate sustainable circular income for communities, improve living standards for artisan groups, and create long-term economic value.

The event includes competitions, design showcases, exhibitions, and various creative activities, providing youth, designers, entrepreneurs, and the public with platforms to demonstrate their talents by blending traditional wisdom with contemporary design, positioning Yala as a new center for Malay fashion in the region and on the global stage.

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Community

TSU Partners with Supersports to Launch National Amateur Tennis Community Framework

Tennis Summit Universe partners with Supersports to build Thailand's first nationwide amateur tennis community framework, aiming to systematically develop the sport beyond professional players through standardized competitions and player ra

1d ago Khaosod

Tennis Summit Universe (TSU) has announced a strategic partnership with Supersports to establish a nationwide amateur tennis community structure aimed at systematically and sustainably developing Thailand's amateur tennis scene. The partnership agreement signing and press conference took place on Saturday, May 23rd at the ALM X Impact Tennis and Sports Center, with executives, sports dignitaries, business leaders, professional tennis players, amateur players, artists, celebrities, and tennis enthusiasts in attendance.

"Hai" Nipitphon Perngthammathip, founder and CEO of Tennis Summit Universe Co., Ltd. (TSU), stated that this collaboration represents a significant milestone for Thailand's tennis community as it moves toward national-level growth. TSU has formally signed an exclusive strategic partnership agreement with Supersports.

Nipitphon explained that over the past 2-3 years, TSU began with the goal of creating a community for amateur tennis players, identifying a gap between professional athletes and casual players, including beginners seeking spaces to develop skills, compete, and connect with like-minded individuals. This aligns with the global Longevity trend, supporting TSU's belief that tennis can contribute to long-term health through exercise, social engagement, and quality lifestyle development.

TSU pioneered the adoption of the NTRP Rating system—originally developed by the United States Tennis Association (USTA)—adapted for Thailand's context, making player level designations like 3.0-5.0 standard terminology in Thailand's amateur tennis community.

TSU has also established standardized competition systems, amateur player classification, and appropriate ranking mechanisms, with official launch coming soon. This represents another crucial step in setting new standards for Thai amateur tennis.

Currently, TSU has over 1,000 players who have competed in its system, thousands of matches completed, and a continuously active community through TSU Club. This growth stems from TSU's main activities: TSU Tournament, TSU Arena, TSU Bootcamp, and the forthcoming TSU League.

Regarding the Supersports partnership, Nipitphon emphasized that Supersports is not merely a sporting goods retailer but a major driving force in Thailand's sports sector. With aligned visions, both parties aim to create a National Community Tennis Ecosystem and realize the concept of "A Future of Tennis Culture" in Thailand. This collaboration goes beyond typical sponsorship—it establishes the foundation for a national amateur tennis community, opening space for everyone to participate, and enhancing experiences through connections between competitions, people, activities, and sports products and services.

Nipitphon noted that multiple sectors increasingly recognize the importance of tennis communities, reflecting the direction of the industry.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Sophan Insists on Neutrality, Denies Supporting Government Over 400-Billion-Baht Loan Decree

House Speaker Sophan Sararum denied accusations of favoring the government over a 400-billion-baht loan decree, insisting he has maintained neutrality by referring the matter to the Constitutional Court and following standard parliamentary

1d ago Khaosod

On May 25, 2569, at Buriram Province, Sophan Sararum, Speaker of the House of Representatives, addressed the opposition's call for the parliament speaker to remain neutral and use the parliamentary forum to scrutinize the government's issuance of the 400-billion-baht loan decree. He confirmed that he has already submitted the matter to the Constitutional Court for constitutional review in accordance with his official duties and denied claims of government favoritism.

Regarding the opposition's proposal for an urgent bill to establish a special investigative committee, Sophan clarified that this is not a matter of procedural urgency. He explained that when a bill is submitted to parliament, a committee chaired by a deputy speaker reviews whether it qualifies as an urgent matter. He stated he did not interfere in this process and followed the committee's determination that the opposition proposal is not an urgent bill, but rather a standard procedure.

Sophan noted that as speaker, he has a duty to seek cooperation from both the opposition and government. For work to be truly effective, both sides must negotiate with each other. When they reach a consensus, they inform the speaker of their agreement. However, if agreement is not reached, the speaker must direct the parliamentary committee to determine whether a bill is urgent or not. If determined to be a regular bill, it follows the standard legislative process. If the sides can negotiate successfully, the bill can be postponed. He expressed confidence that members understand these working procedures.

Sophan emphasized that parliamentary operations involve coordination according to each entity's defined roles and legal responsibilities. The speaker, opposition, and government each have specific duties to fulfill. He stated that no speaker would want parliamentary sessions to become chaotic—everyone wants smooth proceedings. For smooth operations, both sides must communicate with each other. If all parties cooperate this way, the work will proceed smoothly without confusing the public.

He added that in politics, if one wants to achieve results, one must pursue substantive outcomes. If the goal is merely optics, then only optics will be achieved. However, understanding that politicians need both appearance and substantive results, both elements must be attained to truly benefit the people.

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National

Six Zodiac Signs Set to Receive Major Gifts as Money Flows Into Accounts

Pisces, Virgo, Sagittarius, Gemini, Libra, and Leo are in a period of heightened charm and magnetism that's attracting financial support and major gifts, according to astrological alignments favoring these signs.

1d ago Khaosod

Six zodiac signs—Pisces, Virgo, Sagittarius, Gemini, Libra, and Leo—are experiencing heightened charm and magnetism that draws people to want to help and support them. According to astrologer Mor Cake Dol Bandal, Venus and Mercury are in a favorable alignment, activating the most powerful "grace of compassion" energy of the year. During this period, the aura of beauty and charm is exceptionally strong, making everyone who sees these signs want to help them. The stronger their charm and kindness, the more money flows into their accounts, with potential for receiving major gifts or sponsorship from wealthy patrons in business and career matters.

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National

NIA Announces SITE 2026 Event to Elevate Thailand's Startup Ecosystem

Thailand's National Innovation Agency will host SITE 2026 from June 25-27 at Siam Paragon, bringing together startups, investors, and government officials to connect entrepreneurs with capital, partnerships, and market opportunities.

1d ago Khaosod

On May 25, the National Innovation Agency (NIA) announced the SITE 2026 event scheduled for June 25-27, 2026 at Paragon Hall, expanding into Nex Hall (5th floor) and SCBx Next Stage (4th floor) at Siam Paragon shopping center. The event operates under the concept "Global Innovation Impact: The Year of Investment" and will feature special panel discussions with participants from government, financial innovation, investment, and business sectors who collectively emphasize that innovation impact today means creating real results—not just generating new ideas—across business dimensions, capital access, competitive capability, and Thailand's expanded global role.

Parivarth Wongsamnuai, NIA's Innovation Systems Deputy Director, noted that SITE 2026 is designed as a platform connecting key players in the innovation ecosystem—startups, entrepreneurs, investors, businesses, government agencies, and international partners—to transform meetings into genuine opportunities and cooperation. Dr. Suruat Suphachaturos, NIA's Innovation Finance Deputy Director, emphasized that investment is not merely about capital but a critical mechanism enabling innovation to move from potential to practical application, business expansion, and economic growth. He pointed out that many Thai entrepreneurs face gaps in accessing capital, networks, and suitable opportunities, which SITE 2026 will address by concretely connecting entrepreneurs with investors, partners, and support mechanisms.

Thrit Jumlerungsart, Director of the Economic Information Division at the International Economic Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that SITE 2026 will enhance Thailand's image as a hub for opportunity, connecting Thai startups and innovation with foreign markets and investors. The Foreign Ministry will deploy economic diplomacy and its global network of embassies and consulates to support Thai entrepreneurs seeking overseas markets and business partnerships.

Thanaphong Na Ranong, Chairman of the Thai Venture Capital Association (TVCA), noted that today's investors seek not just interesting innovations but businesses capable of growth, market expansion, and real results, particularly in AI, Deep Tech, and Sustainability sectors. He emphasized SITE 2026 as a platform letting investors see startups, investment opportunities, and market direction within a single context.

Paem Bunyiem-suphachit, Chairman of the Thai Startup Association (TSA), emphasized that Thai startups need more than inspiration—they need real opportunities including capital, partnerships, markets, and appropriate support systems. SITE 2026 provides the space where these connections can genuinely happen.

The event runs June 25-27, 2026 with free admission. Registration available at site.nia.or.th

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

WLAF Launches Into BTL Basketball League Season 2026 Targeting Team Quality Upgrade

WLAF, rebranded from WHITE LIONs through a partnership with the Air Force, launches its 2026 Basketball Thailand League campaign with a focus on building sustainable team growth and a professional sports brand over 3-5 years rather than cha

1d ago Khaosod

WHITE LIONs has partnered with Air Force to rebrand as WLAF, launching their campaign for the 2026 Basketball Thailand League season with a vision centered on Sports Business and a comprehensive athletic ecosystem, targeting long-term team growth. The rebrand marks a significant milestone following WHITE LIONs' sixth-place finish in the 2025 Basketball Thailand League. The Air Force partnership aims to establish solid team foundations over 3-5 years across athlete development, staff, and management operations, pushing the team toward stronger and more sustainable performance standards.

WLAF team manager Kriengsak Chaiwirot stated that the Air Force collaboration represents a crucial starting point for long-term team development, focusing not just on single-season performance but on building a structurally sound team with continuous growth potential. For the 2026 season, WLAF will merge players from both White Lions and Air Force, supported by experienced coaching staff including former Thai national team player Danai Khongkhum, alongside national team athletes Nopachai Thongphul, Tacharin Daydeent Narbonne, and foreign players Marc Seylan-Anbo and Ray Miller. The team also plans to develop an academy for nurturing young athletes.

Beyond competitive performance, WLAF is establishing itself as a professional sports brand through branding and partnership management to elevate Thai basketball. Partnership & Brand Manager Alongkorn Rueanglek emphasized that modern sports team building encompasses more than competition results—it requires building a strong brand, community, and ecosystem. WLAF aims to become a sports brand with clear identity that can grow alongside partners and fans long-term. Current supporters include TA WHEEY as main sponsor, VOLT as apparel provider, Heal U Wellness Clinic for athlete care, Kanokrob sausage products, and FYB at The O2 Bangkok serving as the team's home venue.

The WLAF launch on May 23, 2025, at FYB Academy in Bangkok represented not just a team rebrand but a comprehensive sports ecosystem development initiative designed to drive sustainable growth and advance Thai basketball's long-term future.

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