According to Nanthapong Jiralertpongsa, director of the Office of Trade and Investment Policy (OTIP), Thailand's producer price index for April 2025 stood at 117.5, representing a 9.1% increase from the same period last year due to rising global energy prices. This surge particularly affected mining products and industrial products, which climbed 10.7%, with petroleum products, related industrial goods, and gold experiencing the sharpest increases driven by Middle Eastern tensions affecting global supply chains and shipping costs. Chemical products, plastics, fertilizers, rubber products, and plastic packaging all saw price increases stemming from higher energy and raw material costs, while agricultural products declined slightly by 0.5% due to ample domestic supply, with decreases in rice, sugarcane, fruits, livestock, and shrimp prices reflecting weak global demand and domestic economic conditions.

Looking ahead to May 2025, the OTIP expects the producer price index to expand at a slower rate, though production costs remain elevated due to persistently high global energy prices and logistics expenses. While manufacturers face continuous cost pressures, their ability to pass these increases to consumers is limited by weak domestic economic recovery and consumer purchasing power, with competitive pricing pressures preventing full price adjustments across industries. Director Nanthapong noted that April's overall price increase reflects the sustained volatility in global energy markets, which has driven up domestic refined oil prices and shipping costs, significantly impacting production costs across multiple industrial sectors.

A 60-ton gross cargo tugboat belonging to Pairat Rungroj Company capsized in the sea near Tao Lae Island in Prachuap Khiri Khan province on May 11. The vessel, which had departed from Bang Pakong Port headed for Samui Island in Surat Thani province, was carrying three crew members. After being rescued this morning around 8 AM by a local fisherman nicknamed "Tai Keem," two crew members—18-year-old Wu from Nakhon Sawan and 15-year-old Wa from Buriram—were hospitalized in exhausted condition after spending two days and nights adrift. The third crew member, 18-year-old Phu from Samut Prakan, remains missing at sea. According to survivors' accounts, the vessel encountered severe rain squalls and strong gusts starting around 2 PM on May 11 near Tao Lae Island. Water leaked into the engine room, and despite the captain's attempts to navigate away from the waves toward the island's headland, the vessel could not withstand the powerful waves and wind, ultimately capsizing. Rescue authorities are currently conducting coordinated search efforts with local fishing vessels and marine police to locate the missing crew member.

At 12:30 PM on May 13, 2569, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister, accompanied by officials, arrived at Samui International Airport in Surat Thani Province. Surat Thani Governor Piphit Rattanaraksa and Bhumjaithai party representatives were on hand to greet him. The PM then traveled by black Toyota Alphard to Bang Rak Pier on Koh Samui before taking a speedboat to Koh Phangan.

During the boat ride, he called Transport Minister Surraphet Bunyamani to order improvements to the aging ferry bridge and streamline procedures for better public and private sector use.

When arriving at Koh Phangan's pier, residents greeted him with signs reading "Support the PM," "PM come solve our problems," "PM's visit makes Koh Phangan people happy and smiling," and "Happy to meet PM Anutin," while presenting flowers.

At one moment, the PM greeted children waiting at the pier and asked for their names. When one child answered "Jah" and another said "Beauty," the PM jokingly remarked with good humor, "I'm so tired just hearing those names."

On May 13, 2025, a spirit veneration ceremony (bua rung sawang) was held at Wat Thar Uthumphon in Pak Chong district, Nakhon Ratchasima, to invite two ancestral spirits said to be 200 years old into a wooden statue at the Golden Tamarind Tree shrine at 9:49 a.m. According to reports, villagers had previously come to light incense and request lucky numbers from the spirits, and several won lottery prizes consecutively, prompting them to organize this grand ceremony. A female statue dressed in traditional Thai silk was offered, along with nine dancers performing in gratitude.

The spirits, known as Mae Ya Takhian Kaew Phutakhong and Mae Ya Takhian Kaew Busbong, are believed to inhabit a giant tamarind tree over 200 years old that was discovered buried in the riverbed of Lampactakhong River several years ago. The tree was over 29 meters long and was brought to the temple on a trailer. Village head Phra Somdej (Luang Pee Doi) explained that after the spirits came to people's dreams, villagers established a shrine for them.

Lottery seekers attending the ceremony reported seeing numbers in incense ash, with some planning to buy tickets for the May 16 lottery draw using numbers like 843-384-34-84. Many lottery vendors set up at the venue to serve the crowds of hopeful players.

A fried fish vendor has come forward to deny using a leather strap in a violent altercation with a neighboring curry rice vendor at a market in Thon Buri, Nonthaburi province on May 3rd. The 62-year-old vendor, S. Phawothai, a former hospital employee, allegedly struck 68-year-old Nang Noi with a rubber strap, causing injuries. When interviewed on May 13th, the vendor displayed the restraining strap and explained the circumstances leading to the incident.

According to his account, on the morning of the incident, he and his wife were opening their stall and cleaning the fish vendor stand as well as the adjacent curry rice stall. When Nang Noi arrived, she began sweeping underneath the stall, sending dust flying into his fish display and cooking area. With customers present and fresh dried fish ready for sale, he became stressed about contamination. He remonstrated with Nang Noi, but she responded with verbal abuse, continuing to complain and scold for approximately ten minutes without ceasing. While he was frying and selling fish, she persisted in her complaints. Overwhelmed and at his breaking point after years of tolerating her behavior, he grabbed the rubber strap—which he regularly carried for securing items—and struck her. He expressed regret and offered to cover her medical costs.

Regarding claims that he used a leather strap, the vendor denied owning one, stating he was unfamiliar with such a tool. He has already met with police following the May 3rd incident and awaits further notification of charges. He also mentioned that the temple committee might consider separating the vendors' stalls.

His wife, Nang Thitapha, 61, corroborated his account, explaining that she and Nang Noi had exchanged words, though she clarified she had not scolded Nang Noi directly. Rather, she had been criticizing her own granddaughter for not helping her husband open the shop, leaving him to manage alone while frying fish and setting up the stall. Her concern was that he would fall behind and the fish would burn. She denied having insulted Nang Noi. However, Nang Noi continued complaining incessantly. Even when the vendor's daughter asked her to stop, she persisted in her tirade until the vendor's patience finally broke.

The charity concert 'Sing History: Songs of Love from the Past,' the opening chapter of the 'The Giving Concert' 3 Generations 1 Heart series presented by Donation HUB and the Thai Red Cross in partnership with Workpoint Group at Siam Piwat Hall, 7th floor of Siam Square One, filled the venue with generous donors and music fans alike.

Two charismatic hosts, Senaling Somkiat Chanthaphrahman and Gluay Kitti Chiewwongskul, guided the audience on a journey through time to discover 133 years of Thai Red Cross history alongside Thai society, told through beautifully arranged timeless songs divided into captivating performance segments.

The Faith Reverie segment opened with theatrical drama transporting viewers to the founding era of the Siamese Red Cross Society in 1869, featuring the graceful melody of 'Samakkhi Chumnuem' by Nan Satheeda and the sweet vocals of 'Hadpetch' by Sunari Ratchasima, accompanied by stunning backdrops of the Anantasamakom Throne Hall. Entertainment continued with popular songs including 'Rose Red' and 'Doctor Khrap' performed by Tuk-Siriporn, Hy-Aphaporn, and Mong Arai, drawing thunderous applause.

The Charm of Lukthung segment revived the vibrancy of past Red Cross field charity events through the soft vocals of Aliss The Golden Song and new generation artists including Tuch Kittituch, Bank Chalermrat, and Bot Prachaya, performing classical duets like 'Ussaswat,' 'Lan Lanthom,' 'One in a Hundred,' and 'Ruean Paen' with emotional resonance.

The Merry Spectacle segment brought the legendary winter Red Cross festival to the concert stage through a surprise performance by the hosts, who shed their roles as emcees to perform as live film dubbing artists, recreating classic sound effects and comedic entertainment. The festive atmosphere continued with Tuk Siriporn, Royal Kachboondit, and Bank performing eternal countryside and duet songs like 'Jut Tai Tamtor' and 'Sanen Saep,' complemented by special performances from Purim and Bank in 'Phu Yai Lee,' reflecting the authentic Thai way of life.

The segment concluded with 'Ram Vong Gachad,' where all artists taught the audience to dance the traditional circle dance together, transforming the entire hall into a joyous celebration of friendship and happiness across all generations.

The Flower of Life, a composition by Professor Prapas Chollsranon, served as both a thank-you gift and a reminder of the power of sharing. Led by Nan Satheeda, the powerful and faithful performance conveyed profound meaning through golden verses emphasizing 'give to you, give to me, give to each other, pass it along,' because giving is a magnificent and beautiful thing, accompanied by stories conveyed through charitable missions.