Two luxury Hermès Birkin handbags seized from Vietnamese businesswoman Dương Thị Lâm were auctioned for a combined total exceeding 535,000 US dollars, or approximately 18 million baht, within just 30 minutes. The 68-year-old founder and chairwoman of Vạn Thịnh Phát Holdings received a life sentence after being convicted in Vietnam's largest fraud case involving the takeover of Saigon Commercial Bank through nominee companies over more than a decade. During that period, Dương ordered bank officials to approve loans totaling around 44 billion US dollars to companies under her holding. She was originally sentenced to death in 2024 but the sentence was later commuted to life imprisonment after Vietnam abolished capital punishment for certain offenses, and she was ordered to pay damages exceeding 27 billion US dollars or approximately 931.675 billion baht.

During the trial, Dương attempted to keep both Birkin bags as inheritance for her descendants, claiming one was purchased from Italy and the other was a gift from a Malaysian businessman. However, both were confiscated and valued before being auctioned along with over 1,200 other items at the Ho Chi Minh City Asset Auction Center. The white Birkin fetched the highest price at 440,144 US dollars or approximately 14.5 million baht, while the other sold for 94,858 US dollars or about 3.1 million baht, reflecting the global collector demand for rare Birkin models. The top-priced bag was a size 25 Birkin decorated with crystals on the lock and edges, closing at nearly seven times its opening price. Fashion luxury expert Nicolas Parnell noted that Birkin bags remain highly sought-after because Hermès restricts product access, making many models become collector items and investment assets.

On May 22, 2025, the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC) held a forum at Lopburi Inn Resort in Muang District to address the Lopburi Provincial Administration's installation of stainless steel outdoor fitness equipment. The forum brought together relevant officials including NACC Lopburi Office Director Nantnapha Suebsamran, Education, Religion and Culture Department Head Wipavart Thomya, and Provincial Treasurer Kaewjai Kaditham to discuss the project's merit and budget allocation. Wipavart explained the initiative stems from the provincial administration's commitment to public health under its 2566-2570 development plan, with installations beginning in 2564. The project has been executed 11 times across fiscal years 2564-2568, establishing 161 sites with a total budget of 320,010,700 baht: 22 sites in 2564, 11 in 2565, 26 in 2565, one in 2565, 30 in 2566, 41 in 2567, and 30 in 2568. Wipavart acknowledged that the provincial administration has been overwhelmed by public inquiries following media reports suggesting only three sites received over 300 million baht, prompting questions about equipment origin and material quality. She emphasized the administration operates with transparency, guided by principles of value-for-money, and clarified that recent on-site inspections only sampled specific locations. The site selection process involves six criteria including public accessibility, community demand, legal compliance, safety lighting, scenic preservation, and cost-effectiveness. Wipavart noted that underutilized sites may be relocated based on future evaluations and community feedback. She reaffirmed the equipment's durability, emphasizing its lifespan exceeds initial expectations despite appearing costly.

Icon-level personalities like Kris Jenner are shifting their skincare choices to prioritize real results and effectiveness over brand prestige or luxury branding. The latest proof making Thailand proud is Kris Jenner's social media activity—the billionaire beauty empire matriarch of the Kardashian-Jenner family recently shared Instagram Stories featuring a Thai-brand sunscreen product as one of her everyday essentials.

Retracing back not long ago, Kris Jenner had already stirred excitement in both Thai and international beauty circles by endorsing and praising an ultra-light sun fluid facial protection product, which sparked widespread demand for the product name.

Her momentum continues as she reinforces her status as a genuine fan of Thai innovation by posting images of a new body care serum sunscreen product prominently displayed.

Nonetheless, global celebrities' endorsement of Thai-brand products validates the potential of these innovations to stand proudly alongside world-leading brands.

At 9:00 AM on May 22, 2026, at the Parliament building, Parliament Speaker Sopon Sarom issued new policies to parliamentary police, security officers, and vehicle and finance department staff. Sopon stated that parliamentary civil servants deserve equal honor and dignity as other government officials, but he perceives them as somewhat sidelined, treated more like support staff rather than recognized as professionals equivalent to prosecutors. He emphasized that parliamentary staff must conduct themselves properly to earn respect, and as the institution undergoes development, they must be ready to change and break old patterns. Security personnel must protect both the parliament building and individuals within it, while also exploring how to make the facility more accessible to the public beyond just parliamentary sessions.

Sopon noted that when the first parliamentary civil service committee meeting convened, he established a committee to review outdated regulations to enhance work efficiency and enable staff to work with dignity and satisfaction. While changing the behavior of parliament members is challenging, he as speaker will work to improve inappropriate conduct and promote capable individuals.

"Parliamentary police must conduct themselves like real police. If we diminish our own honor, our dignity diminishes with it. The public must find us trustworthy. We must continuously train for our duties and not wait until problems arise. We prioritize security in all aspects and must be ready for any situation," Sopon said.

He cited examples from his time as a parliament member to the present, noting that whenever the speaker has instructed members to leave the chamber, no parliamentary police officer has ever dared physically remove a member. Therefore, parliamentary police must be commanding and serve as role models, particularly in handling drug-related matters.

After the policy announcement, parliamentary police underwent urine testing. Sopon reiterated that this was not about catching wrongdoing or punishment, but about solving problems. Inviting officials from the Narcotics Control Board, an external agency, confirmed parliament's genuine commitment to addressing drug issues as an example to the nation.

Sopon further stated that today's testing included parliamentary police and parliament drivers due to current circumstances involving drug epidemics and security concerns. His principle is developing the efficiency of all civil servants here, starting with police through physical fitness improvements and discipline enhancement. The priority is ensuring no involvement with drugs. Parliamentary police discipline must match that of regular police to prepare for potential unrest situations. This location, being vital to the nation, requires parliamentary police to be vigilant in protecting both the premises and personnel.

MAE HONG SON — 22 May 2026, Security forces have tightened restrictions at the Huai Phueng border crossing, allowing pedestrian travel while suspending cargo exports and cross-border vehicle traffic amid efforts to curb drug trafficking and the movement of precursor chemicals.

On Friday, more than 20 border traders from Ban Huai Phueng in Huay Pha Sub-district, Mueang Mae Hong Son District, gathered at the Huay Pha Sub-district Administrative Organization office to protest the restrictions. The traders submitted a formal petition requesting coordination with the Mae Hong Son Governor and security agencies, saying the suspension of cargo transport to Myanmar had severely disrupted local businesses and halted daily shipments.

The operators called on authorities to reopen the temporary checkpoint for normal goods transport, arguing that the restrictions were causing significant economic hardship for border communities reliant on cross-border trade.

In response, security officials said the Huai Phueng crossing remains open for pedestrians, disputing claims that it had been completely shut down. However, all outbound goods transport and vehicle crossings into Myanmar have been temporarily suspended due to security concerns and revised inspection measures aimed at intercepting contraband and chemical precursors allegedly linked to illicit drug production.

Officials said the tightened inspections followed the recent seizure of suspicious chemical shipments allegedly destined for illegal drug manufacturing across the border. Authorities also alleged that some operators had submitted inaccurate customs declarations, prompting a temporary suspension of cargo movements while inspection and documentation procedures are reviewed.

Security officials said the measures are intended to strengthen oversight of cross-border trade and prevent illicit materials from being transported through the checkpoint.

Meanwhile, the Mae Hong Son Governor, alongside officials from the Singhanat Special Task Force, provincial commerce and customs offices, and other relevant agencies, is scheduled to visit the Ban Huai Phueng temporary border checkpoint in Huay Pha Sub-district on 25 May to inspect the situation and meet with local stakeholders.

The site visit is expected to focus on assessing transport disruptions and hearing concerns raised by local businesses as authorities seek to balance economic activity with border security measures.

Provincial authorities have also scheduled a joint committee meeting on 27 May to discuss long-term management of the crossing and possible adjustments to inspection procedures aimed at allowing legitimate trade to resume under tighter controls.

The Football Association has officially announced the appointment of 'Coach X' Wasapon Kaewphalaek as head coach of the Thai national men's under-17 football team. Coach X currently holds an AFC 'Pro' License and was selected by the association's technical department through a formal recruitment process aimed at elevating Thailand's U-17 team for all international football competitions moving forward.

Coach X brings extensive experience in Thai football across multiple roles. His club coaching background includes assistant coaching positions at Army United (2013-2014), Suphanburi FC (2014), True Bangkok United (2015-2020), and Thai League All-Stars (assistant coach). He also served as team manager at Port Authority FC (2025) and head coach at Phloengjchai FC (2026).

With Thailand's national team, Coach X previously worked as a team interpreter under Brian Robson (2009-2011) and Winfried Schäfer (2012-2013), and as an assistant coach under Mano Polking (2021-2023).

The coaching staff includes assistant coach Mika Chunwonsri (currently in AFC Pro License training), Natt Wetchabun (in AFC Pro License training), analyst Phan Winijjakul (with Thai League experience at Phloengjchai United and Siringhraj United), fitness coach Kritsana Kamutasen (with Phloengjchai FC background), and goalkeeper coach Vorawut Tipsaktworakul (pursuing AFC 'A' Diploma Goalkeeping Coaching Course).

Thailand's U-17 national team will compete in the AFC U-17 Asian Championship 2026 qualifiers scheduled for November 2025.