A new phenomenon is gaining rapid attention across China's booming AI landscape: the creation of "virtual ex-partners" through technology known as Ex-partner.skill, which allows users to digitally reconstruct past lovers. Although AI developer Zhou Tianyi has cautioned against directly copying someone's identity, many users are applying the technology to deeper emotional memories and experiences. The feature has gained quick popularity among younger Chinese users, with some willing to pay 25-45 yuan (approximately 115-200 baht) for access despite technical complexity. Supporters view AI virtual exes as therapeutic tools for post-breakup healing, allowing users to voice unsaid words and gain clearer understanding of past relationships. Many report feeling lighter and finding it easier to accept reality, with some users noting that conversations with their virtual ex helped them see their past partner as imperfect, enabling them to move forward rationally. However, the trend faces criticism from those concerned it could enable new forms of "emotional infidelity," particularly when users continue engaging with virtual exes while starting new relationships. Guangdong marriage consultant Wan Xiao acknowledges that nostalgia shouldn't be viewed as betrayal if it doesn't affect current relationships, but warns this technology could create new attachments difficult to control with long-term consequences. Guangdong lawyer Zhang cautions that using ex-partners' conversation data and social media posts without consent may violate personal data protection laws, highlighting how technological advances are challenging ethical and privacy boundaries. The phenomenon extends beyond exes—users are increasingly creating AI models of deceased loved ones or family members, further blurring lines between "healing" and "clinging to the past." A parallel "cyber heartbreak" trend has emerged when users find updated AI versions feel colder and more distant than previous versions, creating emotional attachment to the changed technology itself. Ultimately, this trend reflects a critical question of the digital age: should technology help heal human emotions, or is it gradually replacing the essence of authentic human experience?

The Department of Corrections announced on May 3, 2569 that it is pursuing strict disciplinary action and anti-corruption measures following the National Human Rights Commission's investigation into complaints of special VIP treatment given to Chinese inmates at Bangkok Special Prison, which constituted discrimination and human rights violations. The Justice Ministry issued Order 240/2568 on November 24, 2568 establishing a serious disciplinary investigation committee for the prison commander and his personal secretary, with immediate suspension from duty pending the outcome of a transparent and fair investigation. Further investigation revealed that the involved officials engaged in extortion by deliberately overlooking disciplinary and criminal violations committed by inmates, including possession of mobile phones—constituting serious misconduct. The Department subsequently reported to the Justice Ministry, which issued Order 1562/2568 on November 28, 2568 establishing a serious disciplinary investigation committee for staff members involved in demanding benefits related to inmate contraband phones and those who improperly facilitated attorney visits in exchange for compensation. Criminal evidence has been submitted to the DSI, whose investigation is now complete and forwarded to the National Anti-Corruption Commission for legal proceedings. The Department of Corrections emphasizes that all actions are based on evidence and civil service regulations without favoritism, and has instructed all prisons nationwide to strictly comply with the Corrections Act B.E. 2560 and relevant procedures to ensure equal, transparent, and dignified treatment of all inmates.

On May 3, 2569, a funeral ceremony was held at a temple in Rai subdistrict, Muang district, Rayong province for Chanatip, nicknamed 'Not,' a 25-year-old man who weighed 198 kilograms. Because of his large frame, his body could not fit into the temple's crematorium, forcing officials to use 'chiang tako-on'—an ancient outdoor cremation method—instead. The ceremony was marked by deep sorrow as family members and friends wept with grief, while officials and villagers prepared the funeral pyre using firewood, charcoal, and oil as fuel. The cremation was conducted solemnly with screens placed around the area to minimize distress to attendees. The ancient 'chiang tako-on' cremation method is rarely seen in modern times but was necessary in this case due to the deceased's exceptional size. The event deeply moved all those in attendance as they bid final farewell to 'Not's' spirit.

A red-shirt group held a countdown event outside Khlong Prem Central Prison celebrating the conditional release and parole of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on May 11. On May 3, 2025, red-shirt leaders including Dr. Payoor Klongyot, Phomsai Chalemsaen, Worrachai Heme, and Atthachai Anantmek took turns delivering speeches to mark Thaksin's release and supervised probation. Large numbers of red-shirt supporters participated in the gathering, and organizers distributed 350 lottery ticket pairs to boost morale among participants counting down to Thaksin's return. A follow-up countdown event is scheduled for May 10 from 2:00 PM to midnight, with the main welcoming reception beginning May 11 at 7:00 AM.

Former Manchester United assistant Steve McClaren has revealed the rift between ex-manager Erik ten Hag and football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo was caused by the latter's refusal to participate in pressing drills.

After Ronaldo returned to Manchester United in 2021, he scored an impressive 24 goals in 37 matches during Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's tenure. However, when ten Hag took over in 2022, periodic conflicts eventually led to a complete breakdown between the two. Both ultimately departed Old Trafford, with Ronaldo launching media attacks on the club's internal and external systems before moving to Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, while ten Hag was removed from his post following disappointing performances.

McClaren recently revealed: "I told Erik from the start that one of you had to go. Cristiano isn't a difficult person to work with—he simply didn't want to do what ten Hag demanded, specifically helping with pressing in defensive situations. I myself told Ronaldo that if you want to play, you have to help squeeze the game in the opponent's half too. He said no one wanted to do that. Erik wanted his system, which created conflict with Cristiano. I tried to explain that we already had young strikers who were doing the pressing work."

These events caused the team to split into two factions, with some coaches building the team around Ronaldo while others supported the manager's approach, creating an imbalance that divided the squad between those who sided with Ronaldo and those who backed ten Hag.

On May 3, 2025, the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) summoned eight oil tanker shipping companies as witnesses and identified one additional leasing company, bringing the total to nine firms. The investigation followed discovery of irregularities in 20 vessel trips from 12 ships that loaded oil from Eastern Thailand refineries, with approximately 57-60 million liters of oil found missing at sea off Surat Thani. Violations are suspected under the Price of Goods and Services Act B.E. 2542, with allegations including illegal oil hoarding, transport delays, and refusal to distribute fuel.

Lieutenant Colonel Woranan Srilam, head of the Consumer Protection Division at DSI and chief investigator of Case No. 59/2569, revealed that representatives from all nine shipping companies have been interrogated. Two hiring patterns emerged: one where the refinery provides vessels according to transport plans, and another where destination companies arrange their own vessels or request the refinery to provide them.

Delays in vessel transit times were attributed to three factors: hydrographic conditions affecting channel depths and tides preventing scheduled docking; vessel repairs following breakdown reports that sometimes coincided with tidal issues; and situations where other vessels remained anchored during oil transfer operations or when oil remained in storage tanks, preventing cargo discharge. The Maritime State Command Center has submitted a vessel navigation analysis report to the investigation team.

Investigators will now cross-reference company statements with the Maritime Command Center's technical equipment details regarding transit delays, expected within the week. Separately, Thitiphat Chotidechachai, former Bangkok MP and chair of the Intensive Energy Reform Inspection Committee (Team Chudsoi), submitted 166 irregular fuel transport documents from March 2025 that do not comply with Energy Department announcements. These documents involved oil storage companies from Rayong and Chachoengsao shipping to Surat Thani, Chumphon, and Songkhla. The matter is under review to determine if it qualifies as a special case or should be referred to the Royal Thai Police.

Separately, DSI Case No. 66/2569 concerning fuel adulteration in Ang Thong Province is being handled by Colonel Niruit Pattanarat, the DSI's special case expert, who is currently gathering witnesses and evidence.