On May 12, 2025, police commanders ordered an operation that resulted in the arrest of Tang Suai (33), Paolo Lee (30), and Chen Jiajun (25), all Chinese nationals, at a residential address on Nong Kra-bork Road in Pattaya, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri Province. They face charges of manufacturing and possessing acetamide (a Class 2 controlled substance) without authorization for commercial purposes and distribution to the public, as well as working without proper authorization as foreign nationals.

Officers seized extensive quantities of chemicals and manufacturing equipment, including Solvay Interrox ST 50 (2 drums), blue chemical drums (81), pip chemical drums (74), white chemical powder (10 trays and 1 bag), scales, sealing machines, sodium bicarbonate (4 sacks), pre-filled e-cigarette pod packaging (2,700 units), production machinery (3 units), white storage drums (3), and additional chemical drums and powder. The two-story, gated residence contained chemical supplies and manufacturing equipment hidden throughout both floors, with evidence suggesting preparations to pack these substances into "zombie" e-cigarettes for sale.

After forensic testing confirmed the substances as acetamide, a critical component in counterfeit zombie e-cigarettes, all materials were seized as evidence. All three suspects denied the charges and were detained pending further investigation by the prosecution.

A kindhearted woman volunteered to drive her neighbor, a seriously ill man with severe vision loss, to Gobinburi Hospital after learning he had no money or transportation. The patient, 51-year-old Sommai Chanpromma from Yan Ri District in Prachuap Khiri Khan, lives in a ramshackle wooden shelter next to his 80-year-old mother's home. Medical tests revealed he suffers from diabetes affecting both eyes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and an enlarged heart. Doctors urgently warned that without immediate treatment at Gobinburi Hospital, he risked complete blindness and life-threatening complications. However, his extreme poverty has forced him to rely on sharing his mother's elderly pension for daily survival. Though his family managed to scrape together 200 baht for transportation costs, he had no vehicle to reach the hospital. "My left eye is completely blind now, and my right eye is so blurry I can barely see," Sommai said, his voice trembling. "If this kind person hadn't brought me, I wouldn't have come to see the doctor because no one at home has a vehicle. I'm so grateful she took pity on me and brought me to use my gold card benefits today." His neighbor, Lakkhana Sinayakong, revealed she had watched this family struggle for years—a household plagued by illness and severe poverty. She noted that at the beginning of 2025, Sommai could still ride a motorcycle to see a doctor, but once his vision failed, he stopped seeking treatment. Moved by his situation and fearing his condition would worsen, she decided to volunteer to drive him for his medical appointment. Gobinburi Hospital has since issued a referral for Sommai to receive specialized treatment at Chaophraya Aphaiphubhet Hospital for urgent care of his diabetic eye condition and heart disease.

NAMA Japanese & Seafood Buffet, the popular long-queue restaurant famous for premium value dining, is known for its unlimited salmon roe (ikura), premium fresh seafood, signature dishes like wagyu sushi and foie gras sushi, and a DIY rice bowl station with customizable toppings.

The restaurant has recently launched a special collaboration menu titled "NAMA x TALAYJAI x SARATHUMB," featuring a "Sea-to-Table" concept that transforms ingredients sourced from traditional Thai fishermen through refined culinary techniques while emphasizing fine dining and omakase experiences.

This collaboration brings together NAMA (under The Food Selection Group, which also owns Shinkanzen Sushi, Nikkuritsu, and Katsu Midori Sushi) with two celebrated chefs: James-Theerapon Suppumpanyio (Jammy James) from Talayjai restaurant and Tam-Nattakorn Jaengraew, prominent figures in the business and culinary world.

Seven new menu items have been rolled out simultaneously, with the three partners aiming to prove that "Thai ingredients are second to none in the world." The menu features seven dishes: three from Talayjai and four from Sarathumb.

Talayjai's offerings include: "Crab Egg Khao Yam" (their signature dish packed with crab roe), "Uni Uni Udo Cream Shrimp" (a Thai-Japanese fusion with premium ingredients offering a rich, aromatic flavor), and "Korokke with Crab Curry Sauce" (a new interpretation of crab curry sauce with spicy, aromatic notes).

Sarathumb's four marinated seafood items include: "Thai Fish Marinated in Japanese Soy Sauce" (snapper or grouper with firm meat and aromatic soy notes), "Thai Fish Marinated in Fish Sauce" (snapper or grouper with fresh, sweet meat in fragrant fish sauce), "Razor Clams Marinated in Fish Sauce" (tender clams in savory-sweet fish sauce), and "Oysters Marinated in Fish Sauce" (premium fresh oysters in fragrant fish sauce).

All dishes are available at NAMA's buffet line, though with limited availability. Talayjai items are available through the end of May, while Sarathumb offerings run through June 20, 2025.

NAMA is located on the 24th floor of Centara Grand Central World, open daily 11:00 AM - 10:30 PM with a 2-hour limit. Reservations and inquiries: Line Official @namabuffet or 061-269-2561.

On May 12, 2026, Deputy Police Commissioner Chanannat Saratwalpaet ordered officers including Phanuphát Kittiphan and Phrasek Chaowsan to apprehend Amorn Thep, 35, based on a warrant from the Bangkok South Criminal Court. He faces charges of participating in a transnational organized crime ring, extortion, fraud through impersonation, inputting false data into computer systems, and forging official documents. The arrest was made in Chatuchak district, Bangkok, on May 11 following an investigation that began in mid-2024 when victims reported being threatened by scammers posing as police through phone and video calls.

The gang operated in three specialized cells: account holders, call operators, and money laundering specialists. The investigation revealed multiple accomplices, some of whom fled back to Cambodia. Intelligence indicated that Thep had re-entered Thailand in early May and was preparing to return to Cambodia when officers tracked and arrested him. During questioning, Thep admitted he was initially deceived into serving as a money mule before joining the operation, where he posed as a police officer during intimidating video calls to coerce victims into sending money.

A gas station attendant has recounted a harrowing incident where a customer fled without paying, dragging her alongside a motorcycle and causing her to strike her head on the ground, resulting in a laceration requiring two stitches and bruising across her body.

According to video evidence, the gas station employee attempted to hold onto the rear of a motorcycle that suddenly accelerated to escape after fuel was dispensed. The customer dragged the worker along the ground before she fell and hit her head hard, sustaining injuries before fleeing the scene. The incident occurred at 11:50 PM on May 11 at a gas station on Sukhumvit Road in the Pattaya-bound lane, in Ban Lamung District, Chachoengsao Province.

On May 12 at 4:00 PM, a reporter spoke with Ms. Poy, age 20, the gas station worker featured in the video. She bore facial scratches, a severe laceration on her head requiring two stitches, and bruising covering her body.

Ms. Poy explained that nearly at midnight, a customer on a motorcycle came to refuel, requesting a full tank of 95 Gasohol. She found it odd when the customer placed his hands together in a respectful wai gesture toward her. After completing the fuel transaction, she asked if he would pay by scanning, and he nodded in agreement. She then informed the cashier of this.

Shortly after, the customer mounted his motorcycle and immediately started the engine, wai-ing to her two more times before suddenly accelerating and attempting to flee. Startled by his attempt to escape, she instinctively grabbed the motorcycle's rear bumper. However, the force of the acceleration dragged her along the ground. She tried to let go but couldn't release her grip in time, causing her to lose balance, fall hard on her head, and sustain the injuries described.

Ms. Poy, who has worked at the gas station for over three years, stated this was the first time in her career she had experienced such an incident, and the trauma will stay with her for a long time. She is urging police to find and apprehend the suspect and bring him to justice under the law.