On May 13, 2025, the Phrae Muang task force, under the command of Police Colonel Sathit Waiyanon and Deputy Commander Pol. Major Dechathon Saiyahut, received intelligence from the ranger news unit regarding a drug trafficking group smuggling narcotics across the Myanmar-Thailand border. Pol. Major Kitti Najay, commander of the regional military command's ranger unit, deployed ranger company 3209 under First Lieutenant Twich Pikrueang along with long-range reconnaissance teams to intercept the smugglers.

The confrontation occurred in a natural passage area near Ban Rom Thai, Moo 14, Ta Ton Subdistrict, Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai. On May 12, 2025, at approximately 9:40 p.m., rangers detected a drug trafficking group attempting to move narcotics through their patrol route. When asked to stop, the suspects opened fire, triggering an exchange that lasted until dawn at approximately 6:00 a.m.

Upon inspection of the battle site, rangers found one body equipped with a modified rifle and a modified backpack. The deceased is believed to be a foreign national who illegally entered Thailand. Near the body were three backpacks total containing approximately 250,000 methamphetamine tablets and approximately 11.2 kilograms of raw opium. The location was near a rubber plantation road, suggesting the drugs were being held for pickup by a drug lord's vehicle.

The Phrae Muang task force has intensified border patrols, operating 24-hour rotations and coordinating with local government agencies to intercept further drug trafficking operations. All seized materials have been turned over to Mae Ai Police Station for legal proceedings.

The Democrats Party, led by party chairman Nattapong Rueangpanya and campaign advisor Thanathorn Chingrungruang, held an official campaign launch event on May 12 in Pattaya, Chonburi, introducing Itthiwat Wattanasatsorn as their mayoral candidate and 24 city council candidates. Nattapong stated that the upcoming June 28 election presents a choice between a Pattaya that offers opportunities for everyone or only certain groups, criticizing the city's shift toward gray economy practices and outside influence. He highlighted the party's eight-year track record of advancing labor protections and social security fund oversight.

Nattapong expressed confidence that Itthiwat, who was born and raised in Pattaya and previously served as a city councilor, has the budgetary knowledge needed to ensure Pattaya's annual 2.4 billion baht budget reaches residents effectively. Itthiwat then took the stage, pledging to implement real change and development in the city.

Thanathornoutlined key policy proposals under the 'Pattaya for Everyone' vision, including 24-hour childcare centers, improved water access, tourism-friendly traffic management, functional libraries, youth center development, and integrated public health services. He emphasized transparency in the city's budget management, proposing that all procurement data and contractor information be published online for public scrutiny—a practice the party successfully implemented in Lampang Province.

At 9:09 a.m. on May 13, 2025, a reporter documented the bustling scene at Wat Klang Bang Phra in Bang Phra Subdistrict, Nakhon Chai Si District, Nakhon Pathom Province, near the lottery drawing day. Beyond the usual lottery enthusiasts paying respects to the revered 30-meter-tall Buddha image Luang Pho Som Wang, crowds gathered densely around the sacred spirit Thao Wessuwanna.

Thao Wessuwanna is an ancient stone deity originally created during the time of the late Luang Pho Phut, a venerated abbot. The temple recently restored the statue with fresh paint to preserve its original appearance. The spirit's prominence is evident from the abundance of red cloth offerings, red incense, red candles, and red roses left by devotees.

The lucky-drawing atmosphere remains active daily, with crowds seeking blessings and shaking fortune-telling sticks to obtain lucky numbers. The temple provides seven colored incense sticks representing each day of the week—red, yellow, pink, green, orange, blue, and purple—allowing lottery seekers to select and draw lucky numbers while writing their names on red cloth tied to the spirit's shrine.

When interviewed, 83-year-old Chai Rat from Bangkok revealed that she and her family had faith in both Luang Pho Som Wang and Thao Wessuwanna. Previously suffering from age-related health issues, she made a vow to donate 3,000 baht to the temple if she recovered. After three years of occasional floods and obstacles preventing her from fulfilling this promise, her health deteriorated again. Determined to keep her word, she finally returned to complete the ritual. Before leaving, she drew lottery numbers 135 from the egg lottery, and the fortune-telling sticks yielded 7, 8, and 3—with the number 83 perfectly matching her age.

On May 13, 2569, Police General Suriya Singhakamol, Secretary-General of the Office of the Narcotics Control Board, announced the arrest of six suspects along with 300 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine concealed in a van at a gas station in Bangkok's Ratchathewi district. The suspects, all from Narathiwat province, are accused of trafficking Class 1 narcotics without authorization for commercial purposes, endangering public safety and national security.

Authorities expanded their search across five locations in Narathiwat province (Chaiya Irong, Sukhirin, and Suhaikhohok subdistricts) and seized assets valued at 46 million baht, including real estate, coin-operated laundries, vehicles, jewelry, and branded merchandise. According to Police General Suriya, the arrest was the result of coordinated intelligence between the Narcotics Control Board and the Special Operation and Investigation Command Unit 191 of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, which tracked the network's activities of transporting methamphetamine to southern Thailand using vehicles with altered license plates to evade authorities.

On May 10, authorities received intelligence that the group was preparing to transport narcotics, leading to close surveillance. On May 12, when officers discovered the van at a gas station in Ratchathewi, they found 300 kilograms of ice inside and arrested all six suspects. Investigators believe the methamphetamine was destined for southern Thailand and further transport to a third country. Police General Suriya emphasized that the Office of the Narcotics Control Board will work with relevant agencies to expand the investigation, gather evidence, and prosecute all individuals involved up to the kingpin level, while pursuing asset seizures and dismantling the entire drug trafficking network in accordance with government policy.

The Royal Gazette has published a Royal Decree officially relieving two Special Royal Guard officers from their duties. Acting under authority granted by the Security Personnel Act of 2560 and sections 6, 7, and 11 of the Royal Guard Act of 2480, as well as section 6 of the Defense Ministry Regulations on Royal Guard Appointments of 2559, the decree removes General Somchai Pengkrood and Lieutenant General Wiracha Komlasila from their positions. The dismissal became effective on May 3, 2569 and was officially published on May 11, 2569, in the 11th year of the current reign.

On May 13, 2026, a group of over 20 affected customers approached the Thammanat Phrom Phai Foundation seeking assistance after being defrauded by a tour company in Payao province. The company had sold tour packages to Japan and China but ultimately could not deliver the trips as scheduled, while also demanding additional payments shortly before the departure dates despite customers having already paid in full according to agreed installment schedules.

Initial findings reveal victims scattered across multiple districts in Payao and Chiang Rai provinces, totaling approximately 250 people with combined damages potentially exceeding 10 million baht. Multiple parties are currently gathering evidence and verifying facts. Five groups of victims have filed formal complaints with the Thammanat Phrom Phai Foundation, with Lieutenant Colonel Boon Chaiyakham, Sub-district Chief of Dok Kham Tai, and foundation representatives receiving the cases to coordinate legal assistance and guidance.

One victim, Mr. Prasong (surname withheld), revealed that his group saw the tour package advertised on Facebook and Line, prompting them to purchase a Japan tour package at 39,888 baht per person, which included transportation, accommodation, and meals. The trip was scheduled for March 17-21, 2026.

The victim explained that they had made installment payments to the company's designated account from late 2025 through early 2026. However, as the departure date approached, they were informed of a postponement. Subsequently, they received notice that hotel bookings, meals, and foreign travel arrangements were incomplete, and additional payment would be required to proceed.

This caused significant distress among victims who had already completed full payment. Their attempts to contact the company for clarification and refunds proved unsuccessful.

Further investigation by the victim group revealed multiple other Japan and China tour groups that had not yet departed, raising concerns they may face similar fraud. This has resulted in continuously growing numbers of affected customers.

The Thammanat Phrom Phai Foundation stated they have accepted the complaints and will coordinate with police to gather evidence, liaise with relevant agencies to investigate financial transactions, and follow up with involved parties for clarification to ensure justice for all concerned.