On May 9, 2025, former Thai for Thais Party spokesperson Prompong Nopradit stated that former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is set to receive a sentence remission on May 11, but some activists and groups continue to oppose it.

Nopradit noted that these same groups previously urged Thaksin to return to Thailand and face the justice system. After Thaksin complied, proceeded through all legal channels, and served two prison terms, they remain unsatisfied. The Justice Minister has clarified that the remission process follows proper procedures and does not violate political speech restrictions.

He argued that Thai society has been trapped in conflict for over 20 years because some people harbor grudges and refuse forgiveness. At 76 years old, Thaksin has followed all regulations without resistance, even accepting an electronic monitoring bracelet. Nopradit questioned what activists expect and urged society to forgive, move forward, and let go of past grievances.

Nopradit emphasized that during Thaksin's time abroad, business leaders and politicians frequently consulted with him, reflecting his continued influence. He noted that Thaksin's experience managing large international corporations and relationships with global leaders could benefit Thailand's future direction.

He expressed confidence that a 76-year-old man with seven grandchildren would prefer spending time with family rather than plotting revenge. He stated that Thaksin, who has forgiven those who threatened his life, would not seek vengeance. Nopradit called on those spreading doubts to stop and urged Thai society, as a forgiving society, to let go of what can be released.

Nopradit announced he would join red-shirt supporters in welcoming Thaksin's return on May 11, while emphasizing that only Thaksin or his family could clarify his future role. However, he noted that many people still remember Thaksin's policies—such as the 30-baht healthcare program, village funds, drug suppression, and systematic solutions to poverty—that directly benefited ordinary citizens and represented practical democracy.

Police Chief Orders Expanded Investigation into Chinese Man's Weapons Cache Following Home Raid with Full Network Check and Financial Trail Review. On May 9, 2025, a Chinese national's vehicle overturned, leading police to discover a handgun and subsequently uncover a cache of military weapons, explosive-laden body armor, and prepared explosive devices in the Nakhon Chachoen area of Chachoengsao Province. National Police Chief General Kittiratha Punthavetcr announced he has assigned Deputy Police Chief General Samran Nualmaa, overseeing security affairs, to direct this case. He ordered Region 2 investigation teams to accelerate their inquiry into the suspect's details, travel history, employment, associates, weapon origins, acquisition methods, possession intent, phone communications, and financial accounts with strict legal enforcement and regular progress reports until the entire network faces prosecution. General Kittiratha further instructed Deputy Police Chief Samran to obtain data from immigration authorities to identify foreign nationals with suspicious entry-exit patterns and prolonged stays for police investigation, conducting both intelligence and surveillance operations on foreign individuals and their residences to prevent similar incidents.

On May 9, 2569, authorities reported that at 6 p.m. on May 8, officials from the Nong Phai Mutual Aid Foundation received a report from the village headman of Moo 3, Non Si Thong, Bo Thai subdistrict, Nong Phai district, Phetchabun province, regarding an assault involving a machete that caused severe lacerations to the ears and face. Officers and the subdistrict headman rushed to the scene and found the victim, Mr. Adul (surname withheld), 65 years old, suffering from deep wounds to the ear and left side of his face. He was given first aid and transported to Nong Phai Hospital.

Investigators discovered a wooden stick with bloodstains near a wooden cot at the scene. The suspect, Mr. Yut (surname withheld), 60 years old and the brother-in-law of the victim, was apprehended at his adjacent home. He was found intoxicated and admitted to the attack. According to preliminary questioning, the victim had been resting in a hammock when the intoxicated brother-in-law suddenly entered wielding a sugarcane cutting machete and slashed the victim's face repeatedly without warning. The victim grabbed a wooden stick to defend himself before the suspect fled back to his house with the machete.

Investigating officers from Na Chaleang Police Station have charged him with assault causing serious bodily injury. Whether charges of attempted murder will be filed depends on further medical examination. A more detailed investigation is underway.

The government is preparing to submit a 'Old-for-New Vehicle' program to cabinet for approval, aimed at incentivizing truck and public transport operators to adopt electric vehicles (EVs) and reduce pollution from the transport sector.

On May 9, Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Perchvivattana announced that the government, through the Ministry of Transport, is advancing Thailand's road transport and logistics systems under a Digital Government policy. This involves leveraging information technology to develop modern, convenient, safe, and increasingly efficient transport management systems, designed to enhance the competitiveness of Thailand's logistics sector and support sustainable economic growth.

A key initiative is the development of the DLT-TMS (Transport Management System) by the Department of Land Transport, which will serve as a centralized database for road transport. This enables operators to use data for transport planning, cost reduction, and service quality improvement to meet international standards. Simultaneously, the government can analyze data to formulate accurate cargo transport policies and identify opportunities to improve national transport efficiency and cost structures.

The government is also preparing to revise freight rate and fare calculation formulas to reflect actual costs while tackling 'empty truck trips' through transport management data, ultimately reducing logistics costs and improving service efficiency.

Looking ahead, the government will propose a 'Vehicle Trade-In Program' for trucks and public transport buses for cabinet consideration, to encourage operators to transition to electric vehicles, promote environmentally-friendly transport, and reduce transport sector pollution. This effort will be coupled with pushing the Truck Service Quality Mark (Q Mark) standard, which currently certifies 462 operators managing over 64,000 trucks.

"The DLT-TMS system will help operators, particularly SMEs, access crucial transport data, reduce costs, and boost competitiveness," the spokesperson said. "The government will continue advancing digital logistics to elevate Thailand's transport system to international standards and support the modern economy."

Police arrested Ming Chen Sun, a 31-year-old Chinese national, on May 9, 2025, following a car accident in Na Jomtien police precinct, Sattahip district, Chon Buri province, where a Glock handgun and ammunition were discovered in his vehicle. A search of his residence revealed military-grade rifles, high-explosive devices, anti-personnel grenades, and other explosive materials including C4 plastic explosives totaling 4,832.4 grams. Senior police officials inspected the scene and coordinated with the provincial bomb disposal unit and forensic teams to thoroughly document and collect all evidence. The suspect, who has been living in Thailand for approximately two years on a renewable visa since 2020, is currently under investigation for weapons possession and potential national security threats. Authorities are conducting a multi-agency investigation involving immigration police, the Chinese embassy, and security agencies to determine the source of the weapons and whether any criminal activities were planned. The suspect was reportedly diagnosed with depression, and psychiatrists have been invited to assess his mental state. The complete inventory includes two M16 rifles, a Glock 26 pistol, approximately 801 rounds of various ammunition, and multiple explosive devices.

Yamaha Thailand Racing Team made a strong start to the 2026 Asia Road Racing Championship Round 2 with excellent form during Friday's first day of practice at Chang International Circuit in Buriram. Team leader Tee Anupap Samuul, piloting the YZF-R6 number 500, dominated the Supersport 600cc class by setting the fastest times in all three sessions under clear skies. His lap times improved progressively: 1:40.162 in the first session, 1:39.529 in the second, and 1:39.402 in the third, establishing the quickest pace in the category.

In the Asia Production 250cc class, rising Thai star Idea Kritphat Khueankham of Yamaha Thailand Racing Team faced a penalty reduction of 200 rpm on his engine displacement due to championship point regulations. Despite this handicap, Idea showed strong form by leading the first two practice sessions and finishing the day in second place with a lap time of 1:52.116, just 0.323 seconds behind the leader. Fellow Thai rider Gas Theeranai Tabtim, competing on a wildcard entry, finished 14th with a time of 1:52.961 as he continued to gain familiarity with the circuit.

Qualifying for grid positions takes place Saturday morning, May 9, with the first race scheduled for Saturday afternoon. The second race will be held on Sunday, May 10, with live coverage on PPTVHD36 and online through the Asia Road Racing Championship official page.