Japan's embassy in Jakarta has issued a stern warning to Japanese nationals living in or traveling to Indonesia, cautioning them against engaging in child sexual exploitation. The embassy stated that offenders will face prosecution not only in Indonesia but also in Japan. According to the embassy's warning posted on its website, local authorities can investigate anyone suspected of violating child protection laws or committing rape. Sexual relations with minors can be prosecuted as rape even with the minor's consent. Japanese citizens who exploit minors in Indonesia will also face prosecution in Japan under domestic child protection laws. The warning comes after reports of Japanese-language social media posts that appear to boast about episodes of child sexual abuse in Jakarta and surrounding areas, despite knowing the victims were under 18 years old. On May 13, Jakarta police announced that their cybercrime unit is investigating cases mentioned in these social media posts.

Nissan Thailand is inviting customers interested in the all-new Nissan KICKS e-POWER to experience real-world driving through the "The All-New Nissan KICKS e-POWER – KICKS ON. GAME ON. Showroom Test Drive Event" running May 15-17, 2025 at Nissan showrooms nationwide.

Beyond test drives, participants can experience the performance of the exclusive e-POWER technology, which delivers an electric vehicle driving experience without requiring external charging or changes to daily driving habits. The new model offers enhanced comfort with a premium interior design featuring Zero Gravity seats and spacious cabin space for both driver and passengers.

Nissan is offering special promotions for customers who book during the event to make ownership more accessible, including an attractive interest rate of just 1.49%, or starting with only a 5,555 baht down payment with flexible financing options up to 84 months. Existing Nissan customers receive an additional 10,000 baht discount. Event participants also receive exclusive Nissan merchandise including a stylish bag and insulated tumbler (limited quantities, subject to terms and conditions).

The all-new Nissan KICKS e-POWER features modern, refined, and premium design with Japanese quality standards, combined with Nissan's exclusive e-POWER technology powered by an electric motor that delivers responsive acceleration, fuel efficiency, and environmental friendliness. It's equipped with the advanced ProPILOT driving assistance system that enhances comfort and confidence on every journey, creating an exciting driving experience under the concept "KICKS ON. GAME ON." or "New Freedom Kicks Style."

Interested customers can participate at Nissan showrooms nationwide between May 15-17, 2025.

Infinit Automobile has made history as the first Thai company executive to share success insights on the global stage, while sweeping the AVATR sales awards with outstanding growth. Anuwat Intraphuwasakthi, Chairman of Infinit Automobile, was honored to deliver a keynote address and share the success story behind the AVATR brand in Thailand at the CHANGAN Group Global Partner Conference 2026. He became the first and only Thai executive invited to take the stage and share experiences and vision on CHANGAN's global platform alongside partners and investors from around the world, reflecting the parent company's strong confidence in the management capabilities of Infinit Automobile's team in the Thai market.

Beyond the recognition on the major stage, Infinit Automobile reinforced its leadership position by winning the AVATR Outstanding Sales Growth Award 2025, given to the dealer with the highest sales and the most exceptional operational growth in the world. The success reflects not only strong sales growth but also continuous customer trust in Infinit Automobile and the company's commitment to development aligns with AAS Group's core values of Growth & Greatness. This achievement demonstrates customer confidence built through Infinit Automobile's consistent dedication to building trust and transparency, earning high credibility in the premium electric vehicle market.

Additionally, Infinit Automobile partnered in signing a cooperation agreement titled "Collaboration to Drive Dental Profession toward Sustainability" with the Thai Dental Council and other partners across multiple dimensions, including finance, clean energy, and infrastructure. Through innovative electric energy technology solutions, this collaboration reflects a unified effort to create an ecosystem in the electric vehicle industry and demonstrates readiness to help transform government agencies toward clean energy-powered operations in support of government policy under comprehensive and sustainable service standards.

Prime Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul has ordered Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchati Chomklin to lead a team to Noi Beach in Phuket to reclaim state land and demolish illegal structures within seven days, while advancing forest restoration efforts.

On May 14, 2025, Minister Suchati revealed that following PM Anuthin's directive to the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry to investigate encroachment on Khao Naka Range National Forest Reserve at Noi Beach in Karon Subdistrict, Muang District, Phuket, he has ordered relevant agencies to proceed strictly to reclaim forest areas and regulate land use according to law.

Minister Suchati stated that demolition notices for structures within the target area at Noi Beach must be completed within one week under Section 25 of the National Forest Reserve Act B.E. 2507, and demolition of encroaching structures must proceed urgently without waiting for criminal cases to reach final judgment.

Additionally, he has ordered thorough inspection of all areas and structures. If any additional construction is found beyond the original court-adjudicated case, immediate seizure or additional prosecution will be conducted to prevent further law violations.

For areas with state forest enterprise concessions showing no utilization or improper use, these will be seized and returned to Forest Department management for proper state land administration and public benefit.

Minister Suchati has also tasked the Forest Department with considering declaring the Noi Beach area as a "recreation forest zone" to allow residents and local communities to participate in forest stewardship and appropriate utilization while ensuring sustainable natural resource conservation.

Regarding Freedom Beach recreation forest, Forest Department Director General Nikorn Siroroanannont and Deputy Director General Pattapong Smittipatthana have been assigned to work with Phuket Province in community engagement, coordinated through Karon Subdistrict headman Winai Chidchiao, to build public understanding of government operations.

In areas where the Forest Department has already conducted arrests, Section 25 of the National Forest Reserve Act B.E. 2507 will be expedited per the PM's directive to strictly protect forest resources and ensure public justice.

BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's House of Representatives has delayed consideration of a 400 billion baht ($11 billion) emergency borrowing decree pending a Constitutional Court ruling on a challenge filed by opposition lawmakers.

During a parliamentary session on May 14, 2026, Second Deputy House Speaker Lertsak Pattanachaiyakul informed lawmakers that the Cabinet had approved a royal decree authorizing the Finance Ministry to borrow funds to address the impact of the energy crisis and support the country's energy transition.

Before House Speaker Sophon Saram could place the decree on the parliamentary agenda, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the opposition People's Party, submitted a petition signed by 135 lawmakers requesting a Constitutional Court review.

The petition contends that the emergency decree may violate Section 172 of Thailand's constitution, which governs the issuance of emergency royal decrees.

According to Section 173 of the constitution, parliamentary consideration of the decree must be suspended until the Constitutional Court issues a decision.

The constitution requires the court to rule within 60 days of receiving the petition and notify the House speaker of its determination.

Should the court find that the decree violates the constitution, the measure will be declared null and void from the beginning. Such a ruling requires approval from at least two-thirds of the sitting Constitutional Court judges—currently six of the court's nine members.

According to local media reports, Sophon filed the petition with the Constitutional Court on May 12, 2026, and the court's office has confirmed receipt of the case.

Wat Koh Lak in Muang District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province is an ancient temple constructed around 1757 that originated as a monastic community during the Ayutthaya period. It was elevated to the status of a royal temple in 1972. The temple is widely respected for "Luang Por Piem Chantachoto," whose monastic name was "Phra Kru Sumedhivorakun," a distinguished abbot and provincial ecclesiastical leader of Prachuap Khiri Khan. He was renowned for his accurate fortune-telling abilities and expertise in astrological practices, and was also skilled in treating illnesses with herbal medicine.

Born into the Thawarnanan family at Ban Na Huai in Tambon Muang Kao, Amphoe Pranburi on Thursday, May 25, 1883, his family worked as farmers. At age five, his mother enrolled him to study Thai and Khmer script with the abbot of Wat Na Huai. At age nine, after a house fire, the family relocated to Ban Sra Chaeng in Nong Chok District, Phetchaburi Province. At age eleven, he studied magic water incantation with Mo Khiao, a renowned master, and learned multiple skills from famous teachers including architecture, drawing, and sculpting.

He was ordained at Wat Lad in Muang District, Phetchaburi Province in 1903 under Phra Kru Suvanmuni as preceptor and Phra Plad Bun as the ceremonial master, receiving the name Chantachoto. He spent five years at Wat Lad studying Buddhist teachings and performing monastic duties diligently. He assisted in constructing Wat Na Huai's ordination hall. In 1915, Phra Kru Suthajarakun transferred to Wat Koh Lak as abbot and provincial ecclesiastical leader, and Luang Por Piem was appointed acting abbot of Wat Na Huai, becoming full abbot in 1916.

While at Wat Na Huai, he studied astrology from Phra Suvanmuni at Wat Mahathat in Phetchaburi and began gaining his reputation in astrological sciences. He governed monks and novices with virtue and renovated temple buildings and facilities systematically. In 1919, he received the rank of Phra Kru Chao Thawan. In 1920, he became a preceptor. In 1930, he became abbot of Wat Koh Lak. In 1931, he was appointed as acting provincial ecclesiastical leader.

In 1924, he was elevated to Phra Kru Sannyabat Phra Kru Sumedhivorakun, serving as assistant provincial leader. In 1941, he was elevated to Phra Kru Medhivorakun and became provincial ecclesiastical leader. In the same year, he received the rank of Phra Rachakhanachao Third Class.

As abbot of Wat Koh Lak and provincial ecclesiastical leader, he demonstrated his full capabilities by utilizing his knowledge for various projects, most notably constructing the magnificent ordination hall, establishing a Buddhist studies school, and developing water facilities for the temple. Beyond his administrative duties conducted with moral principles, he undertook numerous renovation and monastic complex construction projects at various locations. He passed away peacefully on May 29, 1949 from intestinal illness.