Police

Found! Phra Khru Plad Sambutti, Abbot of Sanam Chai Temple, Cycles North and Hitchhikes Back to Bangkok, Reports Safe to Police

Missing Bangkok abbot Phra Khru Plad Sambutti has been found safe after cycling north through Thailand and hitchhiking back to Bangkok, where he turned himself in to police. The monk, who departed his Ayutthaya temple in March, expressed hi

5 May Khaosod

Found! Phra Khru Plad Sambutti Sirisuwanno, abbot of Sanam Chai Temple, has presented himself to Bang Rak police station. The monk has expressed his wish to no longer serve as abbot.

On May 5, 2569, reporters followed up on the disappearance of Phra Khru Plad Sambutti Sirisuwanno, abbot of Sanam Chai Temple in Ban Pom subdistrict, Ayutthaya province. Officials have now located him after the monk voluntarily appeared at Bang Rak police station for questioning.

Initially, Phra Khru Plad Sambutti Sirisuwanno indicated his desire to resign from his position as abbot, though formal details regarding the reasons remain unclear.

Investigation revealed that following his disappearance, Phra Khru departed Phitsanulok railway station on March 18, 2569, traveling to a forest monastery in Phitsanulok to prepare for monastic leave. He then purchased a bicycle and cycled through Chiang Rai and Chiang Mai provinces before hitchhiking back to Bangkok. Upon arrival, he presented himself to police and subsequently was collected by Ayutthaya provincial police.

Authorities are continuing to interview him and gather additional details. The reasons behind his monastic leave remain under investigation.

This appearance resolves the disappearance case that had caused concern among villagers and relatives for an extended period. Further details regarding Phra Khru Plad Sambutti Sirisuwanno's departure from the temple are awaited from questioning and disclosure.

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Breaking

Homeless Man Found Dead with Multiple Stab Wounds Following Altercation with Drinking Companion

A homeless man in his 40s, identified only as Saray, was found stabbed to death in a Bangkok condominium after an altercation with a drinking companion. Police discovered the victim with multiple stab wounds to his face and body, along with a trail of blood extending several meters from the scene. Authorities have detained a suspect and are investigating the circumstances of the killing.

5 May Khaosod

A homeless man was found dead with multiple stab wounds following an altercation with a drinking companion at a condominium on Phahon Yothin 48 Soi in Bangkok's Bang Khae district. At 9 p.m. on May 5, police officers including Deputy Lieutenant Colonel Phuridej Krairat and Colonel Anant Worsakul responded to the scene behind Building U5, where they discovered the body of a man identified only as Saray, approximately 40 years old. The victim was lying in a pool of blood with multiple stab wounds to his face and body, and investigators found a trail of blood droplets extending about 5 meters from where he lay.

Investigation revealed that the victim had no permanent residence, sleeping in markets and near convenience stores while working occasional odd jobs. He was a regular drinker, and on the night of the incident, he had become involved in a heated argument with another man while drinking together before being found stabbed to death. Police have taken a suspect into custody and are continuing their investigation to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the killing.

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National

Department of Corrections Clarifies Sentence Suspension for Thaksin Is Legal and Complies with Corrections Act

Thailand's Department of Corrections has released a statement asserting that the sentence suspension granted to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra is lawful and does not violate the Corrections Act. The department clarified that the Corrections Act does not require prisoners to have first-class status to be eligible for suspension, and that Thaksin, classified as a middle-class prisoner who has served two-thirds of his sentence, meets all legal requirements for the suspension consideration.

5 May Khaosod

The Department of Corrections has clarified that the sentence suspension granted to former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was conducted in accordance with the law and does not violate the Corrections Act of 2560. The clarification comes after reports suggested that sentence suspension eligibility requires first-class prisoner status under a ministerial regulation defining benefits for prisoners. Thaksin, classified as a middle-class prisoner, meets the legal requirements for sentence suspension. The Corrections Act of 2560, Section 52, outlines eight possible benefits for prisoners demonstrating good behavior, diligence, and academic progress, which do not specify prisoner class requirements. The 2564 ministerial regulation revision establishing sentence suspension procedures operates within the authority granted by Section 53(7) of the Corrections Act and received approval from the Corrections Committee. Thaksin's prison sentence of one year, following a royal pardon reducing his original combined sentence from three cases, does not constitute repeat offenses under criminal code provisions, qualifying him as a middle-class prisoner who has served two-thirds of his sentence and is eligible for suspension consideration.

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Regional

No One Left Behind: Khao Khram National Park Rangers Rescue Ill Patient from Forest

Khao Khram National Park rangers in Phetchaburi province successfully rescued a patient from a remote forest community after receiving an emergency call. The team cleared forest debris damaged by previous fires to reach the ill resident and transport him to Nong Hae Plong Hospital using a combination of four-wheel-drive vehicles and an ambulance. Despite initial concerns about malaria, the patient tested negative but required immediate medical attention for weakness and breathing difficulties.

5 May Khaosod

Phetchaburi — In a display of unwavering commitment, rangers from Khao Khram National Park trekked into the forest community of Ban Mae Khameyban to assist a patient experiencing weakness and shortness of breath, successfully transporting him to Nong Hae Plong Hospital on May 5th.

Mongokolkol Chaiyapakdee, director of Khao Khram National Park, reported that this morning park rangers received an urgent call to help a resident from Mae Khameyban community, Ta Sala village, Tambon Yang Nam Glat Nuea, Nong Hae Plong district, Phetchaburi province, who showed signs of severe malaria infection. The area had previously suffered significant forest fires.

Ranger rescue teams navigated into the affected area, clearing fallen trees along the way to reach the patient, identified as Noen Kingkai, who lives and works on land within the national park. Upon blood testing with mobile diagnostic equipment, the patient tested negative for malaria but exhibited symptoms of muscle weakness and difficulty breathing.

Two four-wheel-drive vehicles were deployed to transport the patient from deep within the Mae Khameyban forest to a pickup point, where he was transferred to an equipped ambulance operated by Khao Khram National Park for transport to Nong Hae Plong Hospital. The rangers successfully completed the rescue and medical transfer operation with full dedication and capability.

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Breaking

Khun Haad Launches Crackdown: Seven-Point Sweep Against Crystal Meth, Illegal Gambling, and Contraband Goods

Khun Haad District conducted raids at seven locations, arresting seven suspects for methamphetamine possession, online gambling, and smuggling contraband cigarettes as part of a drug suppression crackdown.

5 May Khaosod

On May 5, 2569, Khun Haad District Chief Sadis Nichakul ordered an operation under the 'Quick Big Win' integrated drug suppression plan, deploying administrative and security personnel alongside military cavalry and police to conduct raids at seven targeted locations in high-risk areas of the district.

The operation resulted in seven arrests across multiple subdistricts. The first suspect, Warayus, 34, was arrested for methamphetamine use. This led to the apprehension of Khwanmongkhol, 33, found with 97 meth pills. The third suspect, Prakob, 62, had one pill, while Khirakon, 25, possessed 11 pills. Boonchuwan, 42, was caught with eight pills and a mobile phone showing evidence of drug dealing and online gambling involvement.

The sixth suspect, Thanathorn, 19, was found with four meth pills and 70 cartons of smuggled foreign cigarettes, facing charges for drug possession, online gambling, and contraband trade. The final suspect, Sakdichaj, 26, had one meth pill. All suspects and evidence were transferred to Khun Haad Police Station for legal proceedings.

District Chief Sadis noted that several suspects were involved in both drug trafficking and online gambling, compounding community-level social problems. The operation represents the ongoing 'Quick Win' strategy emphasizing ground-level action, rapid arrests, and network expansion based on community intelligence. Residents reported concerns about illicit drug sales and gambling operations in certain areas, and authorities are urging public cooperation in reporting any suspected drug activity to prevent further spread.

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Breaking

Trump Accuses Iran of Attacking Cargo Ship, Pressures South Korea to Join Plan to Secure Strait of Hormuz

Trump claims Iran attacked a South Korean cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz on May 4, using the incident to pressure Seoul to join a U.S.-led naval coalition securing the vital waterway. South Korea's government said it would investigate t

5 May Khaosod

Trump accuses Iran — Reuters and AP reported on May 5 that South Korea's Foreign Ministry announced it would expedite an investigation into the fire aboard the HMM Namu, operated by HMM, South Korea's major shipping company, while in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, May 4 local time. Part of the statement noted that 'the true cause of the incident will be investigated after the ship is towed to port and damage assessed.' An HMM spokesperson confirmed the HMM Namu is a 35,000-ton general cargo vessel registered in Panama carrying no cargo, with the fire occurring in the engine room. The vessel has a crew of 24, including six South Koreans. The cause of the fire remains unclear and is under investigation via CCTV footage. The fire has been extinguished but may take several days to tow the ship to Dubai port in the UAE. Officials stated through Yonhapnews: 'our government will closely coordinate with relevant countries and take necessary measures to ensure the safety of our ship and crew in the Strait of Hormuz.' President Donald Trump claimed the incident resulted from an Iranian attack, emphasizing Iran fired on South Korea's cargo ship and other targets as the U.S. launches operations to open the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic, calling on South Korea to join U.S. efforts. South Korea indicated it would carefully consider Trump's request for countries to deploy warships to establish an allied fleet ensuring safe passage, stressing such action requires approval from South Korea's legislature. Earlier reports indicated several commercial vessels were attacked and a UAE port caught fire following Iranian strikes. Trump posted on Truth Social stating 'aside from the South Korean ship, there have been no other damages in the strait.' Meanwhile, China's Xinhua reported that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) revealed a new controlled area map in the Strait of Hormuz and warned that any vessel not complying with naval forces' orders would face serious risks. This controlled area extends from Iran's southern coast near Khormaksar to Fujairah in the eastern UAE and westward to the boundary between Iran's Qeshm Island and UAE's Umm Al Quwain in the Persian Gulf. IRGC spokesman Hosein Mohiebee stated the announcement does not represent a change in strait management procedures, and commercial vessels complying with navigation regulations set by the military will operate normally.

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National

Army Deputy Chief of Staff Visits Sisaket to Review Border Fence Construction Plan, Preparing to Present to Army Commander for Government Approval

Thailand's Army Deputy Chief of Staff visited Sisaket Province to assess a proposal for constructing defensive barriers along the border as part of the government's security enhancement initiative. The gathered information and recommendations will be forwarded to the Army Commander for review and submission to the Thai government for approval.

5 May Khaosod

The Army Deputy Chief of Staff visited Sisaket Province on May 5, 2026, to inspect operations and review proposals from Regional Army Command 2 and the Regional Army Operations Center regarding the construction of defensive barriers (border fence) along the Sisaket provincial border. The purpose of this field visit is to collect data and recommendations to present to the Army Commander and Regional Operations Center Commander for consideration and government submission in accordance with the assigned security policy.

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Breaking

Border Guards Nab Five Thai Online Gambling Site Administrators Attempting Illegal Return from Cambodia Following Crackdown

Border guards arrested five Thai nationals attempting to illegally return from Cambodia after fleeing online gambling operations shut down by Cambodian authorities during a crackdown on illegal casinos.

5 May Khaosod

On May 5, officers from the Chanthaburi-Trat Border Defense Command, operating under the Chanthaburi Naval Engineering Task Unit, conducted patrols along the Thai-Cambodian border to intercept illegal activities. While patrolling an agricultural area near the border in Ban Marum village, Po Phra National Park District, Chanthaburi, officers stopped a bronze-colored Toyota pickup truck with license plate Bh 8993 for suspicious driving behavior.

Inside the vehicle were six people—three men and three women, including the driver and five Thai passengers who had illegally crossed from Cambodia through an uncontrolled border crossing. Upon preliminary investigation, the five Thai nationals admitted they had fled from casino buildings after Cambodian authorities cracked down heavily on online gambling operations. They explained they had previously smuggled across the border to work as website administrators at Grand Pavilion Building and Tong Building in Poi Sampoem Market in Cambodia, earning monthly salaries in the tens of thousands of baht.

However, Cambodian authorities recently tightened visa document inspections, and many gambling websites were shut down with operations relocated to other countries, leaving the suspects jobless. They hired the driver to pick them up and smuggle them back into Thailand, where they were apprehended near Pine Bend.

Authorities also arrested the driver, Chamlong, at Tate Orchard area near Po Phra Canal. A urine test revealed drug use, resulting in charges of drug use and unlawful vehicle operation under the Motor Vehicle Act. The five Thai nationals face charges for entering Thailand through unauthorized channels.

Officers emphasized the arrest was conducted strictly in accordance with the Prevention of Torture Act before the suspects were transferred to Po Phra Police Station and Chanthaburi Immigration for further legal proceedings.

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National

Namtalay Tipnareee Apologizes to Moddham Again After International Fans Criticize Host for Alleged Harassment

Thai actress Namtalay Tipnareee apologized to host Moddham Kachapa after international fans criticized a talk show clip where the host touched her leg, alleging sexual harassment. Namtalay clarified that Moddham is a mentor figure who cares for her like a mother in the entertainment industry, and attributed the controversy to cultural misunderstandings among some international fans.

5 May Khaosod

Actress Namtalay Tipnareee addressed the major drama that erupted when international fans circulated a clip from her appearance on a talk show hosted by renowned personality Moddham Kachapa. In the clip, Moddham touched the actress's leg and made a comment questioning whether it constituted sexual harassment. Despite clarifications from Thai fans and the actress herself confirming that Moddham had no inappropriate intentions, the controversy persisted online.

At a recent appearance for a La Roche-Posay event at CentralWorld shopping mall, Namtalay reiterated that her relationship with Moddham is purely one of mentorship—akin to a mother figure in the entertainment industry—with no improper motives. She attributed the misunderstanding to cultural differences among some international fans.

The actress stressed that she is mature enough to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate behavior, and firmly stated she would never tolerate actual harassment. She urged all parties to better understand the context of working in the entertainment industry.

When asked about her relationship with Moddham and her international fans, Namtalay said: "I want to apologize to Moddham once more. I'm grateful that she understands my fans' concerns. Different cultures around the world have different norms, so there can be misunderstandings. My fans care about me, and Moddham cares for me like a mother would. When I'm with Moddham, I feel at ease. I want to thank 'Mother Moddham' for her care, and I apologize to the fans who may have been overly concerned. I hope they understand now."

Regarding whether she had spoken with Moddham after the incident, she explained: "When it first happened, I didn't think it would become such a big issue. But when I saw Moddham's discomfort in another interview, I wanted everyone to feel at ease, including myself. Some people don't know who I am, and when they saw this news, they realized Moddham cares for me. I wanted to use this opportunity to tell all my fans that Moddham loves and cares for me as a young person in the entertainment industry, just like all my other senior mentors do—similar to how P'Pom Pam, P'Aof, P'Golf and the G-House crew, and P'Jenny all care for me."

When humorously asked about a photo of Moddham that surfaced from a comedy skit, Namtalay bowed apologetically and joked: "I apologize to Moddham again. Honestly, Mom is beautiful—she doesn't need to be shy about her diverse roles. You're beautiful, P'Moddham."

Asked if this was just another story, she responded: "I believe all my fans now understand Moddham's good intentions and that she would never think anything bad about me. It's nothing more than her caring for me like a daughter in the entertainment industry context."

When asked if they had met since the incident, Namtalay said: "We haven't met yet. I wanted to bump into her at the building to apologize in person, but I have a series promotion coming up, so I'll see her again then."

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Breaking

Shocking Discovery: Body Surfaces at Sea as Wife Calls Out 'I'm Coming Home Now' After Searching All Day for Drowned Husband

A fisherman drowned after his boat capsized in rough seas near Maeklong Bay on May 4, and his wife discovered his body while searching from a boat in Samut Songkhram province.

5 May Khaosod

A wife spent the entire day searching from a boat for her husband after his fishing vessel capsized in rough seas near Maeklong Bay. Surindhorn, 61, drowned in front of local residents who attempted a rescue on the evening of May 4. His wife, Thitima, 59, persistently searched throughout the day without giving up. As evening approached and she was preparing to return home, calling out 'I'm coming home now,' she suddenly spotted her husband's body floating face-down at the exact location where the boat had sunk. She immediately alerted Lieutenant Colonel Anuruk Deekluai, an investigator from Samut Songkhram City Police Station, and rescue officers from the Sawaeng Benjadham Foundation. Thitima brought her husband's body ashore and invited Phra Kru Somuppichet, assistant abbot of Satthadham Temple, to perform a spiritual ceremony before transporting the body to the temple's pier in Bang Ja Krang subdistrict, Samut Songkhram province, amid the family's grief. Thitima recounted that before the incident, she experienced a premonition while working—hearing a strange gurgling sound and glimpsing her husband sinking momentarily. She didn't believe he would die as he was an excellent swimmer with strong luck, but upon learning the boat had capsized, she made an offering of 25 kilograms of kaeng jeen at a sacred shrine, hoping to find him quickly. When she went searching again that evening and said 'I'm coming home now' as darkness fell, that's when she spotted his body floating up. Authorities transported the body to a hospital for investigation before allowing the family to take him for religious rites.

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Breaking

50,000 Baht Reward Offered for Information on Shooter of Village Chief in Chaiyawan

Police are offering 50,000 baht for information on the gunman who shot dead village chief Bunyama Giewlai in Chaiyawan district on April 19, with no suspects arrested nearly two weeks later.

5 May Khaosod

Chaiyawan Police Station has announced a 50,000 baht reward for anyone providing information leading to the arrest of the gunman responsible for shooting and killing village chief Bunyama Giewlai of Non Muang Wan. The victim was shot on April 19, 2025 at approximately 7:20 PM while at his field hut near Ban Non Muang Wan in Kham Luao subdistrict, Chaiyawan district. Investigators believe the shooter used a shotgun, and the case has been classified as murder with two separate charges filed.

As of May 5, 2025, nearly 15 days after the incident, authorities have yet to apprehend the suspect. Multiple investigative teams, including Region 4 Police, the provincial forest ranger unit in Udorn Thani, and Chaiyawan Police Station, have been working the case but have found no solid leads.

Col. Rathaponchai Phuensongkram, Chaiyawan Police Chief, has called a meeting of investigating officers and announced the 50,000 baht reward for anyone providing information that leads to the arrest of the suspect. Anyone with information is urged to contact Chaiyawan Police Station at 042-265412 or call Col. Rathaponchai Phuensongkram directly at 081-6756355. All information will remain confidential and will significantly aid in the investigation, helping bring justice to the victim's family.

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