National

Government Confirms May 25 Registration for Nationwide Subsidy Plus and State Welfare Card Programs, Details Two-Phase Timeline of 2+2 Months

Thailand's government has confirmed May 25 as the registration date for its Nationwide Subsidy Plus and State Welfare Card programs, with benefits starting June 1. The initiative will operate in two phases lasting 2+2 months, providing eligible citizens with 1,000 baht monthly, while welfare cardholders will receive supplemental payments to reach the same amount. The program, covering potentially 43 million people, will be reviewed by the Finance and Interior Ministries to reassess eligibility and transition those no longer in poverty.

7 May Khaosod

The Thai government has confirmed that registration for the Nationwide Subsidy Plus program and a new round of State Welfare Cards will open on May 25 under the "Thailand Helping Thailand Plus" initiative, with benefits beginning June 1. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapassorn announced this on May 7, though the total number of eligible participants—potentially 43 million people—is still under consideration.

The program will be divided into two phases (2+2 months) contingent upon necessity assessment and global conditions. In the first phase, all citizens will receive 1,000 baht per month for two months. Existing welfare cardholders, who currently receive 300 baht monthly, will have an additional 700 baht added to bring their total to 1,000 baht.

The second phase involves reviewing the eligibility of current welfare cardholders based on new registration criteria. Those who no longer meet poverty standards will transition to the Nationwide Subsidy Plus program instead, receiving 1,000 baht for two months like other participants.

The Finance Ministry will collaborate with the Interior Ministry to verify eligibility, aiming to complete the review process within two months of registration opening. This will allow authorities to identify and transition those who have risen above poverty levels into the second phase of the program.

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Police

Police Officer Arrested in Drug Trafficking Gang Bust; Methamphetamine Pills Found During Body Search

Police Lieutenant Phakaphum from Phayao Province was arrested during a raid on May 6 after 15 methamphetamine pills were found on him, as part of a nationwide operation targeting state officials involved in drug trafficking.

7 May Khaosod

On May 7, 2569, Police General Suriya Singhakamol, Secretary-General of the Department of Special Investigation, announced the success of "Cutting Out the Rotten Flesh Operation 6," a coordinated effort to address state officials involved in drug trafficking under the government's national-priority drug control policy. The operation began with a complaint filed through the hotline 1386 alleging that a police officer from Dok Kham Tai Police Station in Phayao Province was involved in drug use and distribution. Investigation revealed the officer had been under suspicion since 2567. On May 6, officials from the Department of Special Investigation's Region 5 office, working with investigators from Dok Kham Tai Police Station, conducted a raid on a rural hut in Ban Tham Subdistrict, Dok Kham Tai District. There they found Police Lieutenant Phakaphum with two other men. Urinalysis of all three tested positive for drugs. During a body search of Police Lieutenant Phakaphum, 15 methamphetamine pills were found hidden on his person, while one of his associates had 8 pills. All three were arrested and prosecuted immediately. The Department of Special Investigation's Secretary-General emphasized that this operation sends a clear warning to all state officials that no protection or leniency will be given to wrongdoers. Officials involved in drug trafficking severely undermine public confidence and the justice system. The department will expand the operation to dismantle all related networks and enforce maximum disciplinary and legal measures to maintain transparency standards and create a sustainable drug-free Thai society in accordance with the Ministry of Justice's objectives.

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National

Stop the Empty Talk! Pheu Thai MP Challenges Dr. Vorasakdi to Publicly Declare Rejection of Parliamentary Pension

A Pheu Thai MP challenged Dr. Vorasakdi to publicly reject his parliamentary pension instead of merely proposing benefit cuts during a House session appointing fund committee members for former legislators' pensions.

7 May Khaosod

Parliament appoints 8 fund committee members for former legislators' pensions. Dr. Vorasakdi proposes cutting pensions and education allowances for children studying abroad. Sanoeng challenges him to lead by example and become the first to publicly refuse a parliamentary pension.

On May 7, 2025, the House of Representatives held a session chaired by Deputy House Speaker Mallika Jirapanwanitch to consider appointing 8 committee members to the Former Parliamentary Members' Fund according to Section 8 of the Former Parliamentary Members' Fund Act, B.E. 2556.

The appointees include Sanoeng Thaepaksornarong (Buriram MP, Pheu Thai Party), Chuti Krairik (Phichit MP, Pheu Thai Party), Pakornwut Udomphipatsakul (Party-List MP, Pheu Thai Party), Prayuth Siripanichaya (Party-List MP, For Thailand Party), Bunyying Nitikaanchanaa (Ratchaburi MP, Kla Tham Party), Prasert Boonreung (former Kalasin MP, For Thailand Party), Suddawan Subunna Na Ayuthaya (former Nakhon Pathom MP, Move Forward Party), and Dr. Cherdchai Tantisirinthon (former Party-List MP, For Thailand Party).

During the appointment discussion, Dr. Vorasakdi Detkitvirogm, a party-list MP and Thai Loyalty Party leader, raised concerns about the appropriateness of the fund's generous benefits. He noted that 19 of the 21 fund committee members are current or former legislators, which creates potential conflicts of interest.

Dr. Vorasakdi highlighted that while MPs contribute only 3,500 baht monthly to the fund, they receive five significant benefits: monthly lifetime pensions, annual medical coverage up to 130,000 baht, education support for children including international schools, disability assistance of 15,000 baht, and death benefits of 200,000 baht for families.

He expressed particular concern about international school education benefits and lifetime pensions, arguing these are excessive. He noted that some former legislators become government ministers or Bangkok governor while continuing to receive parliamentary pensions—a situation he views as exploitative to taxpayers.

Dr. Vorasakdi called for committee members to eliminate unnecessary benefits, particularly international school allowances and parliamentary pensions, and urged current legislators to publicly demonstrate their commitment by refusing pensions as a starting point for parliamentary system reform.

Sanoeng Thaepaksornarong responded that as a fund committee member, he would consider Dr. Vorasakdi's proposals for future regulations.

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National

'Big Joke' Denies Knowing Thon Bangkae and Amulet Collector Group, Claims He Didn't Use Anyone as a Tool to Attack 'Big Turtle'

Former Thai Deputy Police Commissioner General Surachet Hakphaul, known as 'Big Joke,' appeared for questioning at the Central Investigation Police Office on charges of assault filed by two former aides. He denied knowing Thon Bangkae and an amulet collector group, claiming he did not use anyone as a tool to attack anyone and requested media not to connect the issues. His lawyer stated he provided supplementary testimony with medical witnesses while maintaining his innocence and indicating he plans to file a counter-complaint.

7 May Khaosod

'Big Joke' Denies Knowing Thon Bangkae and Amulet Collector Group, Claims He Didn't Use Anyone as a Tool to Attack 'Big Turtle' and Asks the Media Not to Connect the Dots

At 2:00 PM on May 7, 2026, at the Central Investigation Police Office, General Surachet Hakphaul, also known as 'Big Joke' and former Deputy Police Commissioner, gave an additional statement to suppression division investigators. This came after his former close aides Pol. Col. Aris Kurasertrat and Pol. Lt. Col. Krisada Periyakaetu filed a complaint accusing him of assault causing bodily or mental harm.

General Surachet revealed that he came today to provide supplementary testimony regarding the complaint filed by his former subordinates, though he asked that details be directed to his lawyer. He confirmed that all actions are being conducted within the framework of the law. Regarding his relationship with 'Thon Bangkae' and the amulet collector group in question, he stated he does not know either Thon or the collector group, and he did not coordinate with them to come to the suppression division.

When asked about reports suggesting that General Surachet may have used Thon Bangkae as a tool to file a complaint, General Surachet requested that the media not connect these issues. He emphasized that he does not know anything about Thon, does not know him personally, and did not use anyone as a tool.

According to Sanyaphach Samart, General Surachet's lawyer, today's supplementary testimony addressed allegations of assault and mental harm. The general brought outside witnesses, including 3-4 medical witnesses whose names he preferred not to disclose, as he came seeking justice and wanted investigators to examine the evidence and consider it in building the case. Initially, General Surachet has provided complete testimony to the investigators, though the investigator's decision on whether to file charges remains at their discretion.

The lawyer clarified that regarding previous reports suggesting General Surachet's testimony contradicted his lawyer's account, the investigators actually summoned General Surachet to provide supplementary information to police. General Surachet's intention that day was to also file a counter-complaint against his former subordinates, but due to other commitments and time constraints, he only acknowledged the facts and did not file the counter-complaint that day. However, he will proceed with filing the counter-complaint afterward.

'General Surachet has not yet discussed the case with the opposing party. He continues to deny assaulting his former subordinate. Whether today's testimony will be favorable to General Surachet remains unclear, but he has provided all facts and information, particularly the medical evidence that cannot be altered.'

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National

Liverpool Still Backing Arne Slot, Club Believes He Deserves Chance to Correct Season's Mistakes

Liverpool management has decided to retain manager Arne Slot despite a disappointing season where the club failed to win any major trophies and is fighting for Champions League qualification. According to reports from The Athletic, the club believes Slot deserves an opportunity to correct his mistakes next season, with Xavi Hernández remaining a backup option only if the club's stance changes.

7 May Khaosod

Reports indicate that Liverpool is maintaining confidence in manager Arne Slot and believes he deserves an opportunity to rectify mistakes made during this season. Slot has guided Liverpool to a disappointing campaign, failing to win any major trophies and leaving the club fighting to secure a Champions League spot for next season. However, major media outlets have previously reported that the Reds have no intention of removing Slot from his position. Most recently, James Pearce from The Athletic stated that Liverpool is continuing to back the 47-year-old manager. "Arne made mistakes this season, but their position right now is that he deserves a chance to correct what went wrong," Pearce said. Pearce also addressed rumors linking Liverpool with former Barcelona manager Xavi Hernández, stating: "Currently, everything points to FSG continuing to back Arne Slot. If that stance changes, Xavi Hernández would be a strong contender. However, my sources have indicated there's been a misunderstanding—he was Liverpool's first choice two years ago. Arne has consistently performed well across all the metrics Liverpool uses to identify a successor to Jürgen Klopp."

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National

Supachee Leads Thailand Team to America, Strikes New Deals to Expand Trade and Investment Base

Deputy Prime Minister Supachee Panitchpakdi led a Thai delegation to Washington, D.C. during the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026 to promote economic cooperation and investment between Thailand and the United States. The mission secured positive responses from U.S. government officials and private sector leaders from states like Texas and Utah, with focus on energy, technology, and advanced industries where Thailand has competitive advantages. Thai investments in the U.S. currently exceed $17 billion, with continued growth expected as both countries explore deeper supply chain integration in food innovation, digital economy, and tourism sectors.

7 May Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Panitchpakdi announced that her recent visit to Washington, D.C. with the "Team Thailand+" delegation from May 4-5, 2026, was aimed at promoting economic cooperation, trade, and investment between Thailand and the United States, an important economic partner. The delegation participated in significant activities and held comprehensive discussions with both U.S. government and private sector representatives.

The visit reflected the Thai government's commitment to strengthening economic relations with the United States across all dimensions including trade, investment, and public-private cooperation. Thailand is prepared to work closely with all U.S. sectors to drive economic relationships toward concrete and sustainable results.

Supachee stated that she participated in the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026 alongside Panpriya Pahithanakul, advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, and Poj Aramwattananont, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, representing "Team Thailand+" as a unified effort between the Commerce Ministry, Foreign Ministry, and Thai Chamber of Commerce, together with leading Thai business representatives. The delegation sought to create opportunities and promote Thai investment in the United States, particularly in sectors where Thailand has competitive advantages such as energy, agricultural processing, and advanced technology industries, reflecting Thai business confidence in the U.S. economy and Thailand's role as an important investment partner.

Supachee reported positive discussions with U.S. Commerce Department representatives, who expressed readiness to facilitate Thai private sector investments in the United States. She also met with private sector representatives from various U.S. states including Texas and Utah, which are potential hubs for energy, technology, and future industry investments, and all expressed willingness to welcome Thai investments.

Supachee noted that leading Thai private sector participants in the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026—representing energy, petrochemicals, food, and electronics sectors—demonstrated Thailand's plans for continued investment expansion in the United States. Current Thai investments in the U.S. exceed $17 billion with growing momentum. The summit participation also created opportunities for Thai private companies to connect with U.S. business partners and government agencies to expand cooperation in supply chains and target industries.

Additionally, Supachee held discussions with the U.S.-ASEAN Business Council (USABC), where she presented Thailand's vision and invited U.S. private sector companies to invest in Thailand. She emphasized Thailand's economic policies focused on enhancing competitiveness, restructuring the economy for the future, and promoting target industries such as Food Innovation and the Digital Economy—sectors with potential for supply chain linkages between Thailand and the United States.

U.S. private sector representatives expressed interest in expanding cooperation and investment in Thailand in mutually beneficial sectors including food technology and innovation, tourism and hospitality, and as partners supporting economic growth and development.

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Breaking

TSPCA Rescues 25 Abandoned Cats in Phetchkasem Area as Owner Faces Legal Issues

The TSPCA rescued 25 malnourished abandoned cats from a Bangkok housing community after their owner faced legal charges and could no longer care for them. The organization will rehome the animals after neighbors had been providing sporadic

7 May Khaosod

On May 7, authorities reported that 25 cats had been abandoned in a housing community on Soi 20, Phetchkasem 81, Nong Khem district, Bangkok. The TSPCA, led by Dr. Satit Prachyaariyakul, Secretary General and Director, mobilized staff to rescue the abandoned cats. The situation arose after someone requested help from TSPCA to find homes for the 25 cats, as their owner is currently facing legal charges with no one to provide proper care. The cats have been going hungry on many days, with compassionate neighbors occasionally bringing food—sometimes every other day, sometimes just one meal per day. The cats are now severely malnourished. Previous attempts to contact various foundations proved unsuccessful, as they reported being at full capacity, prompting the urgent appeal to TSPCA.

According to Dr. Satit, the cats' owner rents the house, and the landlord has given only 3-4 days to vacate. TSPCA will provide care and find appropriate homes for all 25 cats.

Dr. Satit emphasized that anyone deciding to keep a pet must be prepared to care for them responsibly throughout their lifetime, as animals have intrinsic value. Neglect or intentional cruelty may constitute a legal offense under the Animal Cruelty Prevention and Welfare Act, B.E. 2557. Those witnessing animal abandonment or improper care should contact local government authorities or the Department of Livestock's Animal Welfare and Veterinary Services for guidance.

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National

Bangkok Office Demand Rebounds, but Tenants Retain Strong Negotiating Power

Bangkok's office market demand is recovering as tenants increasingly prioritize quality and efficiency, but strong negotiating power keeps rents flat at 847 baht per square meter monthly while widening the gap between Grade A and older prop

7 May Khaosod

Knight Frank Thailand indicates that Bangkok office market demand is beginning to recover, with the crucial turning point being changing tenant behavior that values quality and long-term efficiency. This has created a widening performance gap between Grade A properties and older buildings, while average rental rates have declined slightly to 847 baht per square meter per month.

On May 7, 2025, Panya Chenkitvatanalert, partner and managing director of Knight Frank Thailand's office division, revealed that despite market concerns about future oversupply of office space, the latest Knight Frank report shows Bangkok's office market is undergoing a deeper transformation. Demand is gradually recovering, but the key turning point centers on tenant behavior adjustments.

Leasing activity has clearly improved, with approximately 111,000 square meters of space leased and net absorption at around 70,000 square meters. This pushed the market's overall occupancy rate to 77.6%, continuing its increase into the second quarter.

However, despite improving demand, the market faces intense competition from new supply entering continuously, keeping tenants in a strong negotiating position. Building owners cannot raise rents, with average asking rents declining slightly by 0.4% quarter-on-quarter to 847 baht per square meter monthly.

The market's key issue is the widening "efficiency gap" between new and older buildings. Grade A and new buildings continue attracting demand, while older properties face mounting competitive pressure.

Today's tenants are no longer simply expanding space for growth; they make more selective decisions prioritizing building quality, user experience, and long-term cost efficiency. This concentrates demand in high-quality buildings and intensifies market differentiation.

Meanwhile, high-quality office development outside the CBD provides tenants more options and opportunities to manage costs effectively while maintaining space standards.

Short-term market trends suggest Bangkok's office market will remain tenant-favorable, as significant new supply completing in 2025 continues creating competitive pressure. Even with recovering demand, market rebalancing may take time as tenants remain cautious about space expansion.

"This market's turning point isn't about leasing volume, but about tenant thinking," Panya stated, noting tenants are increasingly selective, considering quality, costs, and long-term suitability—widening the gap between premium and older buildings and reshaping the entire competitive landscape.

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National

What Should We Name Her? Khon Kaen Zoo Opens Voting to Name Baby Pygmy Hippo, Granddaughter of Moo Deng

Khon Kaen Zoo has announced a public voting campaign to name a healthy baby pygmy hippo born on April 5th, who is the granddaughter of the famous Moo Deng. The one-month-old calf has passed all health checks with excellent results and is being monitored closely by veterinary specialists. The zoo has presented five name options for the public to choose from.

7 May Khaosod

Khon Kaen Zoo is opening a public naming poll for a female baby pygmy hippo that opened her eyes to the world on April 5th. The calf was born to father Nadetn, a pygmy hippo from Khao Khiao Open Zoo, and mother Nanya, a pygmy hippo from Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo. Since Nadetn is the brother of the famous Moo Deng, this baby girl officially becomes Moo Deng's granddaughter.

On May 6th, Tipavadee Kittikun, director of Khon Kaen Zoo, revealed that the baby pygmy hippo passed her one-month health check with flying colors. She has fully healthy lungs, normal development for her age, and is under close care from a veterinary team and specialized staff. Physical examinations show normal tooth and tusk development, with two upper teeth and four lower teeth. She has been microchipped for systematic health monitoring.

The calf currently weighs 16.45 kilograms, up from her birth weight of 5.76 kilograms. Her measurements show robust growth: body length 72 centimeters, head length 15.5 centimeters, tail length 7.5 centimeters, waist circumference 67 centimeters, chest circumference 61 centimeters, and head circumference 40 centimeters.

Since the baby pygmy hippo still lacks an official name, Khon Kaen Zoo is launching a public voting activity to engage visitors and strengthen their connection with wildlife. Five name options have been proposed for voting:

Moo Yo Moo Waterfall Moo Deh Moo Ping Moo Drung

Khon Kaen Zoo is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visitors can follow the zoo's various channels for more information, updates, and details about the naming campaign.

No. 09 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Sky and Nani Finally Collaborate! New Drama 'WU' Delivers Peak Entertainment from Premiere—The Chemistry Between These Two Men is Simply Incredible!

Thai actors Sky and Nani debut together in new drama 'WU,' premiering May 5th on GMM25, with viewers praising their explosive chemistry and intense performances in the fast-paced series.

7 May Khaosod

Sky and Nani Finally Collaborate!

【New Drama Coverage】Listen up, everyone! The most intense dual-lead drama of 2026 has arrived! Our talented powerhouse Sky and charming action star Nani bring their new series 'WU' to the screen!

This clash of passion and talent:

A peak showdown of looks and ability: Sky takes on a challenging role with absolutely stunning eye-acting, while Nani transforms into an action master with hard-hitting, visceral fight choreography that's truly impressive.

The premiere was electric: At the CentralwOrld premiere event, everyone agreed the pacing was incredibly fast—nobody could blink. Seeing how exhausted they were from their rigorous preparation for this drama really touched our hearts and showed their true professionalism!

Your Tuesday night appointment: Starting May 5th, tune in every Tuesday at 8:30 PM on GMM25. International viewers can catch replays on Viu at 9:30 PM—absolutely worth following!

Fans are saying: Everyone agrees Sky and Nani's chemistry is perfect together. A drama with this kind of dual-lead dynamic is endlessly rewatchable.

📅 Interactive moment: After watching the first episode, which actor's performance surprised you more—Sky or Nani? Drop your thoughts in the comments and let's show our support for 'WU'!

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Breaking

Mother Pursues Case of Hired Caregiver Who Swapped Her Newborn After 5 Months, Only Learning the Truth When Child Turned 1 Year 6 Months

A 24-year-old mother discovered that her 5-month-old daughter was swapped by a hired caregiver with another child when the girl turned 18 months old. The caregiver, who was arrested and sentenced to jail for the crime, allegedly gave the biological daughter to a Myanmar couple, but has refused to reveal the child's location. The case is now being pursued by police with assistance from a child welfare foundation to locate and recover the biological daughter.

7 May Khaosod

On May 7, 2026, Paveena Hongsukul, chairwoman of the Paveena Hongsukul Foundation for Children and Women, accompanied Ms. Nok (pseudonym), a 24-year-old from Mukdahan province, to Bang Lamung Police Station to meet with Major Sarawut Nuchnarote, the station commander, to request assistance in locating her 3-year-old daughter who was swapped by a 29-year-old hired caregiver. The caregiver had taken the biological daughter and returned a different child to Ms. Nok when the baby was just 5 months old. Ms. Nok only discovered the truth when the child turned 1 year 6 months old, when a stranger suddenly messaged her on Facebook claiming to be the biological mother of the child she had been raising.

The caregiver has been arrested and sentenced to jail by the lower court, and has been released on bail pending appeal. However, Ms. Nok has no knowledge of the whereabouts of her biological daughter. The caregiver has remained silent about the child's location, claiming only that a Myanmar couple took the child away. Ms. Nok appealed to Paveena Hongsukul to coordinate with police to find her biological daughter.

Paveena Hongsukul stated that this is a complex and sensitive case and immediately coordinated with Major Sarawut. She also arranged for Ms. Janchira Thai Bandith, the Chachoengsao provincial women's affairs officer, to be present. The investigation must locate the Myanmar couple, as the case may involve human trafficking if the child was sold. Police must also interview the woman who claims to be the biological mother of the child currently in Ms. Nok's care and determine her intentions. The Paveena Hongsukul Foundation will closely follow up with Bang Lamung Police Station and the provincial women's affairs office.

Ms. Nok recounted her story: In 2022, she became pregnant unexpectedly and broke up with her boyfriend, fearing her family would find out. She consulted a friend who introduced her to the caregiver living in a rented room with her husband and four children in Bang Lamung, Chachoengsao province. The caregiver claimed to love children and agreed to care for the baby. Ms. Nok gave birth to a daughter in October 2022 and arranged to pay the caregiver 8,000 baht monthly while she worked on construction sites in Chachoengsao.

After one month of care, the caregiver told Ms. Nok about a Myanmar couple willing to pay 20,000 baht for a child to raise as their own, but Ms. Nok refused. She continued paying the caregiver to care for her daughter. When her daughter was 5 months old, on March 1, 2023, the caregiver suddenly brought the child back, claiming she needed to run an errand. Days passed without the caregiver returning to collect the child.

Ms. Nok then left the child with her grandmother in Chachoengsao province and continued working.

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