Government Deputy Spokesperson Lalida Perischvivat revealed on May 11, 2025, that the government through the Ministry of Public Health is closely monitoring the hantavirus situation. Thailand currently has no reported cases of the virus, and the risk to the general public is assessed as low.

Surveillance measures have been intensified at international disease control checkpoints and through domestic monitoring systems following a World Health Organization report of infections linked to a cruise ship in the South Atlantic Ocean.

According to Perischvivat, hantavirus is a contagious disease primarily transmitted by rodents such as field mice and house mice. Infection typically occurs through inhalation of dust contaminated with rodent urine or feces in poorly ventilated areas. Human-to-human transmission is rare and limited to specific strains.

Early symptoms resemble the flu, and some patients may develop respiratory complications. Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine available; management is supportive care only.

The government has ordered the Department of Disease Control to increase surveillance of travelers from high-risk areas through coordination with airlines, ports, and relevant agencies. Public health facilities nationwide have been instructed to screen individuals with histories of rodent exposure.

The National Communicable Disease Committee also approved further study of classifying hantavirus as a dangerous communicable disease under the 2015 Communicable Disease Act, along with risk assessment preparation and surveillance system development.

The government is urging the public to reduce exposure risk by avoiding poorly ventilated areas where rodents may live. When cleaning high-risk areas, disinfectant should be sprayed first, avoiding sweeping or vacuuming. Homes and workplaces should be kept clean and rodent-free.

"The government prioritizes close monitoring of emerging diseases. Although Thailand currently faces low risk, we have prepared surveillance systems, screening protocols, and communication strategies to ensure public safety and confidence," the statement said.

At 9:00 AM on May 11, 2569, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra arrived at his Moonlight Mansion residence, where red-shirt supporters from 50 Bangkok districts gathered to welcome him. Upon arrival, Thaksin stepped out of his car to greet and wave to supporters with a smile.

Thaksin had changed into a white and blue striped short-sleeved shirt, with his daughter, former Prime Minister Phaethongchai Shinawatra, seated beside him.

When asked if he was happy to return home, Thaksin said he spent eight months in monastic ordination. Responding to foreign media about how he felt after his release, he raised both hands above his head and said "Relief." When asked what he learned during his eight months inside, Thaksin said he spent time in ordination and joked that he can no longer remember anything. When pressed about his current health condition, he simply smiled and made a wai gesture without answering.

Family members including Passaman Damapong, Pintongtaa Shinawatra, and other relatives gathered to welcome Thaksin at the Moonlight Mansion, along with his siblings.

On May 12, Thaksin will travel to Rama 9 Hospital for a health checkup following his eight-month detention.

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra reported to Bangkok Probation Office 1 on May 11, 2025, and made a lighthearted jab at waiting media, saying "I can't remember anything anymore—I've got Alzheimer's," when asked if he recalled them from his initial prison entry. Accompanied by his sister Yingluck, also a former Prime Minister, and his attorney Viññyati Chatimonthon, Thaksin completed his probation check-in procedures on the second floor in approximately 10 minutes. After finishing the paperwork, he descended to greet the assembled journalists with a smile and wave before departing with Yingluck to their Changsonghlueang residence.

Under the terms of his probation suspension, Thaksin's conditions include residing at his designated address with his caretaker, maintaining honest employment, reporting to probation officers monthly, adhering to all laws and regulations, abstaining from drugs and weapons, avoiding contact with prisoners or detainees (except relatives), refraining from associating with individuals who might lead him to further wrongdoing, and remaining within provincial boundaries except when authorized for urgent matters.

Gold prices for May 11, 2025 have been announced by the Gold Traders Association, with prices declining compared to the previous close. Ornamental gold is selling at 72,700 baht per baht weight, down 50 baht from the final price on May 8. According to the latest data from the Gold Traders Association released on their website at 9:02 AM, gold bars are trading at 71,700 baht per baht weight for purchase and 71,900 baht per baht weight for sale in the first announcement. For 96.5% ornamental gold, the purchase price is 70,266.60 baht per baht weight and the selling price is 72,700 baht per baht weight. Global gold spot prices are currently at 4,691.50 USD per ounce. Gold bar prices: Buy at 71,700 baht per baht weight, Sell at 71,900 baht per baht weight. Ornamental gold prices: Buy at 70,266.60 baht per baht weight, Sell at 72,700 baht per baht weight. Gold traders predict that tomorrow's market opening could see prices surge by 1,000-2,000 baht per baht weight, potentially breaking through the 80,000 baht level.

A fire broke out in the medical technology laboratory on the second floor of the Vasana Karun Building at Somdet Phra Sangkharat Hospital in Bo Phong Subdistrict, Nakhon Luang District, Ayutthaya Province at approximately 2:00 AM on May 11, 2025. Lieutenant Colonel Charoenchai Phosarasat, the investigation officer from Nakhon Luang Police Station, responded along with firefighting units from local government organizations and emergency personnel from the Putai Sawanyai Foundation.

Thick smoke billowed from the building as firefighters immediately sprayed water to prevent the fire from spreading to other hospital buildings. The situation was brought under control after about 30 minutes of firefighting efforts. Staff, nurses, and rescue volunteers urgently evacuated approximately 20 patients on wheelchairs from the building to outdoor areas. Five critical patients were transferred by ambulance for temporary care while smoke was being ventilated and the situation controlled amid the chaos.

Initial investigation revealed the fire originated from a computer desk within the medical technology laboratory, which was completely destroyed along with ceiling and wall damage. Neing, 54, a patient's relative, reported hearing a fire alarm around 1:30 AM and initially thought it was a routine alert before nurses rushed in ordering an immediate evacuation due to the fire. She was deeply frightened by the massive smoke covering the entire building.

Fo Phong Subdistrict firefighters disclosed that upon receiving the alert, they immediately brought equipment to the site, discovering the fire on the second floor. They deployed water nozzles and had to open windows for ventilation while using smoke extraction equipment to control the situation. The computer desk was completely destroyed by the fire.

Investigation officers documented the incident scene as evidence and are examining the laboratory. The preliminary cause is suspected to be an electrical short circuit from a plugged-in computer combined with hot weather conditions, though forensic examination is still pending to confirm the actual cause. After the fire was extinguished, non-critical patients were transferred to other hospital buildings, while critical patients remained in rescue vehicles for safety. The incident resulted in no injuries or fatalities.

Thailand's Department of Foreign Trade revealed that Thai rice exports in the first quarter of 2025 reached approximately 1.79 million tons, representing a 2.87% increase from 1.74 million tons in the same period of the previous year. However, export value declined to 1.046 billion USD (approximately 32.4 billion baht), down 4.65% from 1.097 billion USD (approximately 37.1 billion baht) year-over-year. The Thai baht strengthened by 6.92% against the US dollar, averaging 31.61 baht per dollar during the period.

All rice varieties experienced price declines in March 2025. Jasmine rice fell 2.19% to $1,026 per ton, Thai fragrant rice dropped 6.52% to $645 per ton, sticky rice decreased 4.66% to $818 per ton, parboiled rice fell 6.05% to $404 per ton, and white rice declined 6.86% to $380 per ton.

White rice remained Thailand's largest export segment at 47.16% of volume, with primary markets including Iraq, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Mozambique. Jasmine rice accounted for 25.33% destined mainly to the United States, Senegal, Hong Kong, and Canada. Parboiled rice represented 18.34% going to South Africa, Yemen, and Congo. Thai fragrant rice comprised 6.11% to the US, Senegal, and Cameroon, while sticky rice made up 2.62% to China, Japan, the US, and Belgium. Brown rice represented 0.44% to South Korea, the US, and Canada.

Africa emerged as Thailand's primary rice export market, accounting for 43.48% of total volumes, followed by Asia at 23.48%, the Middle East at 13.91%, the Americas at 12.17%, Europe at 5.22%, and Oceania at 1.74%.

The first-quarter volume increase of 2.87% was driven by strong domestic rice supply from the dry-season harvest in March-April, combined with a weaker Thai baht that improved export competitiveness. Major importers like Malaysia and the Philippines are expected to increase purchases to meet domestic consumption and build food security reserves amid geopolitical uncertainties involving the United States, Israel, and Iran. These countries' proximity to Thailand shields them from shipping route disruptions in conflict zones, and their preference for white rice may partially substitute Thai white rice exports to Iraq.