Thailand's head coach Anthony Hudson views the AFC Asian Cup 2027 group stage draw as a positive opportunity for the national team to compete against Asia's top-tier opponents. Hudson commented following the draw for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 finals (to be held in Saudi Arabia between January 7 and February 5, 2027), revealing that Thailand has been placed in Group F with Japan, Qatar, and Indonesia. The tournament format allows the top two teams from each of the six groups, plus the four best third-place finishers, to advance to the Round of 16.

"Overall, I think it's very exciting for this group," Hudson said. "With such strong teams in the group, I believe it's a great opportunity for Thailand to face quality opponents, and anything is possible. I've told our players that if you want to test yourself against Asian Cup-level competition and face teams like Japan, this is a crucial moment for every player and our national team. Our opening match against Qatar will be good for us—we'll be facing opponents we respect at a higher level, which is significant for us."

Hudson also highlighted the importance of Indonesia in the group. "Having Indonesia in our group is positive, and it will be a big match," he noted. "Looking at them, they've developed their team well and have a good coach. It will be a meaningful regional derby for us."

Regarding team preparation, Hudson expressed confidence: "We want to enter the Asian Cup with our best performances and clear objectives. We must play with courage in every match—anything can happen. Even though some may view us as the smallest team, we have quality players with experience and previous Asian Cup exposure. The key to our preparation is ensuring that Thailand enters this tournament in peak condition."

Tailand's group stage schedule is as follows: Qatar vs. Thailand on January 11, 2027 at Imam Muhammad bin Saud Stadium; Thailand vs. Japan on January 16, 2027 at Al-Shabab Stadium; and Thailand vs. Indonesia on January 20, 2027 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

The Thailand Sepaktakraw Association has announced the national sepaktakraw team roster for the ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup 2026, scheduled for May 16-23, 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The 12-member team comprises: Phutawan Sopha, Jirasak Phakbuaengoen, Thanapol Satyayen, Pichetsathorn Punlasaen, Maruekinthorn Punmakorn, Wuthinun Kamneonha, Wichanya Temkotkot, Jakkakrit Thimbangbon, Kritada Sangwang, Sithipong Khamchan, Kridpong Nonthakot, and Phontep Thimbangbon. The team will be managed by Uaychai Srisuwan (team manager), Amnuay Chantramontree (assistant manager), and coaches Narichet Kalatcban and Sahanat Sakritsongcharoen.

Koh Pha Ngan resort crackdown probes nominee ownership claimsLegacyOfficials inspected four resorts in Sri Thanu on Koh Pha Ngan yesterday, May 9, arresting three hotel operators over alleged unlicensed hotel businesses as part of a wider probe into foreign-linked companies and possible nominee ownership. The operation involved officers from the Department of Provincial Administration, Surat Thani Immigration Bureau, and Koh Pha Ngan police. Sri Thanu, in Koh Pha Ngan subdistrict, Surat Thani, is known as a popular long-stay area for foreign residents and tourists, including a sizeable Israeli community. Photo via Matichon At Zama Resort, officials inspected a 23-room property operated by Honos Management Co Ltd, which was registered with Thai and Swiss shareholders. Natcha, a Koh Pha Ngan resident, was arrested and accused of operating a hotel without a licence under the Hotel Act. Officials also searched Sritanu Residences Resort, operated by Muthita Koh Pha Ngan Co Ltd, which was registered with Thai and Slovenian shareholders. Matichon reported that the resort closed shortly before officers arrived, and no arrests were made at the scene. Photo via DailyNews At Haad Chao Phao Resort, an eight-room property operated by Phangan Haad Chao Phao Resort Co Ltd, investigators found the business linked to Thai and Greek shareholders. Phakphum, from Nakhon Si Thammarat, was arrested over alleged illegal hotel operations, while two Myanmar nationals were detained for allegedly working outside the scope of permitted employment. The fourth target, Samma Karuna Beach & Wellness Resort, operated 12 rooms under Samma Karuna Co Ltd and was linked to Thai and Uruguayan shareholders. Constantino Von Kamnopoles Politis, an Uruguayan national, identified himself as the owner and was accused of operating a hotel business without a licence. Photo via DailyNews Officials said three of the four businesses inspected were found to have allegedly breached the Hotel Act B.E. 2547 (2004). They seized accounting records and shareholder documents as part of a wider investigation into possible nominee shareholding arrangements, financial transactions, and land ownership rights. Surat Thani Governor Jumphot Wannachatsiri said officials were monitoring reports of foreign nationals living long term on Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao, including allegations that some people entered Thailand on tourist visas before working or operating businesses. He said provincial authorities were working with police, immigration officers, labour officials, and security agencies to investigate possible nominee businesses, land ownership, tax compliance, and visa violations across the islands. Photo via Matichon Jumphot said the inspections were not focused on any single nationality and would apply equally to all foreign nationals and Thai citizens found violating the law. “Inspections and arrests have continued, although many cases were not reported in the news. Committees have been set up to work on these issues, and action will be taken against all nationalities, not any one nationality,” he added. Elsewhere, Phuket Immigration has launched a major crackdown on illegal nominee businesses, leading to the arrest of 11 foreigners and the seizure of substantial evidence. The coordinated raids targeted 15 suspected businesses across the island. The story Koh Pha Ngan resort crackdown probes nominee ownership claims as seen on Thaiger News.

On May 9, 2026, at approximately 2:30 a.m., traffic police conducted a sobriety checkpoint near Soi Rama Intra 60 in Bangkok's Kannayao District. Officers observed a white Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck approaching the checkpoint before suddenly pulling into a residential entrance on Rama Intra Road. Two men exited the vehicle and walked away quickly, prompting officers to pursue and apprehend them.

The suspects, identified as Anuchit (surname withheld), 44, and Chanakan (surname withheld), 33, both from Rayong Province, were brought back to the truck for investigation. Police discovered mobile phones, identification cards, and two old brown sacks containing methamphetamine pills hidden in the truck bed covered with canvas. Initial examination revealed 40 packages, totaling approximately 400,000 pills.

Upon questioning, both suspects admitted to collecting the drugs from Bang Pa-in District in Ayutthaya Province on behalf of an employer and were to deliver them to Rayong for 40,000 baht each upon completion. They confessed to recent drug use as well.

Anuchit was charged with drug distribution with intent to sell and cause public harm, drug possession for personal use, and driving under the influence of drugs. Chanakan faced identical charges for drug distribution and possession. The seized items included the white Mitsubishi Triton pickup truck bearing Rayong plates and one set of keys.

GMMTV held the "WU: The Fate Begins" event at CentralwOrld PULSE Hall on the 7th floor, giving fans an exclusive first look at the series "WU" starring Sky Wongravee Nanteethorn and Nani Hiranyakrit Changkhram. The event opened with a special performance of the series theme song "Destiny" by the trio FLIO—Louis Thanawit, Ford Aranyut, and Fluke Nattanon—setting an energetic atmosphere for attendees.

Sky delivered a captivating vocal performance with "Last Twilight," while Nani raised the temperature with "Numb." Host Gotchi Tatchakorn then invited the two leads and director Wasutep Ketupeach to discuss the intensive behind-the-scenes work that went into creating this high-quality series, including language training and rigorous action choreography.

Audiences were further entertained by special moments showcasing the chemistry between the co-stars, featuring improvised scenes that drew laughter and smiles from fans. The highlight came with the premiere screening of the first episode. The event concluded with both actors performing "Destined," where they thanked fans and urged them to follow the characters' journey in the series.

Watch "WU" every Tuesday at 8:30 PM on GMM25, with episodes available for streaming on VIU at 9:30 PM.

The People Plus program, or Thailand Helps Thailand Plus, has unveiled full details on cash distribution to the public, split 60 percent from the government and 40 percent from citizens. Registration opens Monday, May 25, 2025, accommodating 30 million benefit recipients, with benefits beginning June 1, 2025.

The Thailand Helps Thailand Plus program consists of two phases:

Phase 1 (June-July 2025): 2,000 baht total (1,000 baht per month)

State welfare card holders (approximately 13.25 million people) will receive an additional 700 baht on top of their existing 300 baht, totaling 1,000 baht monthly for two months with no matching contribution required and immediate spending availability.

Phase 2 (August-September 2025): 2,000 baht total (1,000 baht per month)

Program participants receive an additional 1,000 baht monthly for two months, totaling 2,000 baht. State welfare card holders must meet new registration criteria, proving annual income below 100,000 baht to receive 300 baht personally plus 700 baht government supplement, totaling 1,000 baht monthly for two months (2,000 baht total).

Program Eligibility Requirements: - Age 18 and above - 30 million benefits available - 4,000 baht total benefit - Government funds 60 percent, citizens fund 40 percent - Monthly disbursement of 1,000 baht - Four-month total benefit period

Registration and Usage Timeline: - Registration: May 25, 2025 - Benefits active: June 1 - September 30, 2025 via the Pao Tang app

Government Cabinet approval pending (May 19, 2025) System registration opens May 25, 2025 Money transfers to Pao Tang app June 1, 2025, available for spending June-September 2025

Approved and Prohibited Items:

Allowed purchases include regular restaurants and beverages, essential goods shops, general merchandise, and similar items.

Prohibited items include government lottery tickets, alcoholic beverages, beer, cigarettes, fuel and petroleum products, and similar items.

State welfare cards can be linked with People Plus partner merchants. Discounted goods are available through Blue Flag shops or the Commerce Ministry's Thailand Helps Thailand program.