National

Kasikornbank Partners with Visa to Offer Exclusive Fine Dining with 'World-Class Dining MOREMENT*'

Kasikornbank and Visa have launched the 'World-Class Dining MOREMENT*' campaign, offering Visa cardholders a chance to win free fine dining experiences at eight prestigious restaurants each month. Customers can earn entries by spending at restaurants nationwide, with 400 total prizes worth over 4.2 million baht available throughout the campaign running until December 31, 2026.

7 May Khaosod

Kasikornbank and Visa are transforming ordinary meals into world-class moments through the 'World-Class Dining MOREMENT*' campaign, offering exclusive fine dining experiences at eight prestigious restaurants. Kasikornbank Visa credit cardholders can enter monthly draws by registering through K PLUS and spending at restaurants across the country. For every 1,000 baht spent at restaurants from May 1 to December 31, 2026, cardholders earn one entry to win free fine dining vouchers (two seats per prize). A total of 50 prizes will be awarded monthly, totaling 400 prizes worth over 4.2 million baht throughout the campaign period.

Participating restaurants include: Wana Yook (Thai fine dining), Coda (modern Thai with contemporary techniques), Le Du (innovative seasonal Thai cuisine), Lan (holistic Thai dining), Resonance (boundless international cuisine), GOAT (fusion of Thai, Chinese, and Western), Juksunchae (modern Korean), and 80/20 (creative Thai using local ingredients).

Beyond exclusive experiences, Kasikornbank Visa cardholders enjoy additional benefits including up to 15% cashback using K Points, special discounts, and complimentary menu items at participating restaurants nationwide.

No. 01 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Land Transport Department Reports 191,547 New Vehicle Registrations, Down 16.55%

Thailand's Land Transport Department reported 191,547 new vehicle registrations in April 2026, down 16.55% from the previous month. The department highlighted that electric vehicles represented 13.83% of new registrations, with nearly 45.8 million vehicles cumulative registered nationwide. Citizens are encouraged to use online services for vehicle tax payments and license applications, with a 24/7 hotline available for inquiries.

7 May Khaosod

The Land Transport Department reported that new vehicle registrations totaled 191,547 units in April 2026, down 16.55% from the previous month, while emphasizing its commitment to public service. Somphong Paiturpongse, the department's director-general, stated that the agency's primary mission is to regulate and oversee Thailand's land transport system to ensure quality and safety, while also providing comprehensive public services including vehicle registration, annual tax payment through multiple channels such as online platforms (eservice.dlt.go.th, DLT Vehicle Tax Plus, kiosks, and service counters), drive-thru tax payment, the DLT Smart Queue app for appointment booking, and an e-learning driver's license training system at dlt-elearning.com.

As of April 30, 2026, the country had a cumulative total of 45,789,589 registered vehicles, comprising 44,415,476 motor vehicles and 1,374,113 commercial transport vehicles. Electric vehicles numbered 1,199,140 units or 2.62% of all vehicles (including 665,034 HEVs, 447,398 BEVs, and 86,708 PHEVs), showing a 2.24% increase overall.

In April 2026, 3,747,025 vehicles underwent registration and tax transactions, down 16.39% from the previous month, with 2,918,410 primarily paying annual vehicle tax. Of these tax payments, 84.07% were processed at transport offices, 11.13% through drive-thru facilities, and 3.77% through online channels. New vehicle registrations numbered 191,547 units, down 16.55%, with motorcycles comprising 71.52% and passenger cars (up to 7 seats) accounting for 22.01%.

Electric vehicles among new registrations totaled 26,498 units or 13.83% of all new vehicles, down 8.40%, consisting of 12,704 HEVs, 12,514 BEVs, and 1,280 PHEVs, predominantly passenger cars (23,887 units) followed by motorcycles (2,500 units).

Cumulatively, 35,309,188 driver's licenses and transport operator permits have been issued nationwide, comprising 33,501,316 automobile driver's licenses and 1,807,872 commercial transport operator permits. In April 2026, 180,912 new licenses and permits were issued, down 3.40%, with Bangkok issuing the most at 34,802, followed by Chonburi with 8,573 and Chiang Mai with 7,065. International driving permits numbered 17,900, of which 7,952 (44.42%) were processed through the Pao Tang application.

The department encourages the public to utilize online channels for vehicle tax payment and license application bookings for convenience and time savings. Citizens with questions about vehicle taxes can call hotline 1584, available 24/7. Additional transport statistics are available on the Land Transport Department's statistics website at web.dlt.go.th/statistics/.

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National

Education Ministry Appoints Deputy Minister Akkhananth as Director of Student and Teacher Rights Protection Center; Schools Must Be Safe Spaces

Thailand's Ministry of Education has established a new Center for Protecting Student and Teacher Rights and Freedoms, appointing Deputy Minister Akkhananth Kankhittinanth as its director. The center aims to make schools genuine safe spaces by coordinating legal experts, psychologists, and government agencies to protect the rights and freedoms of students, teachers, and education personnel nationwide.

7 May Khaosod

On May 7, 2025, Education Minister Prasert Chantharangtong issued Ministry of Education Order No. 324/2569 establishing the Center for Protecting Rights and Freedoms under the Ministry of Education. The order reflects the ministry's policy commitment to safeguarding the rights and freedoms of students, teachers, and education personnel, ensuring schools and educational institutions become truly "safe spaces." The center will serve as an information hub coordinating lawyers, psychologists, and relevant agencies. The center's primary responsibilities include developing policy recommendations and strategic plans to protect rights and freedoms, serving as a clearinghouse for information and cooperation among legal and psychological professionals, implementing programs to protect rights and build safety and welfare, and collaborating with other relevant organizations. Deputy Minister Akkhananth Kankhittinanth has been appointed as the center's director, with the Education Ministry Permanent Secretary serving as deputy director. The working committee includes the secretaries of the Basic Education Commission, Vocational Education Commission, Education Council, the Director-General of Learning Promotion Department, the secretary of the Private Education Promotion Commission, the Civil Service Commission secretary, and the Thai Teachers Council secretary, along with representatives from the Department of Mental Health and the Department of Children and Youth Affairs.

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National

Thailand's 2026 World Cup Broadcasting Rights Expected to Cost Up to 1.5 Billion Baht as China and India Remain Undecided

Thailand has not yet secured broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with licensing costs estimated at 1.5 billion baht. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul indicated the government would seek private sector partnerships rather than purchasing directly, acknowledging the economic pressures facing businesses. Major nations including China and India are also still negotiating their broadcasting deals, with India and FIFA significantly apart on pricing.

7 May Khaosod

As the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico approaches in just over a month—scheduled for June 11 to July 19—Thailand remains without a broadcaster for the tournament. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister previously stated that while the government cannot purchase broadcasting rights independently, they would work to secure private sector partnerships and support. However, acknowledging the current economic challenges facing the private sector, they have shown understanding of their constraints. Thailand's broadcasting rights are estimated to cost approximately 1.5 billion baht. International news agencies report that even China and India—the world's two most populous nations—have not yet acquired broadcasting rights. FIFA reportedly seeks 3.2 billion baht from India for rights to both the 2026 and 2030 tournaments, but India has countered with an offer of only 640 million baht for this edition alone.

No. 04 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Police

Tourist Police Arrest Two Foreigners for Illegal Drug Dealing in Phuket; Visa Overstay Also Discovered

Tourist Police arrested a Nigerian and a Belgian national in Phuket's Patong area for cocaine trafficking and visa overstay after receiving intelligence about foreigners illegally selling drugs to tourists.

7 May Khaosod

On May 7, 2026, Lieutenant General Saksira Phuakthum, commander of the Tourist Police, ordered strict enforcement and crackdown on criminal activities by foreigners in their jurisdiction. Officers under the investigation unit arrested two foreign nationals engaged in illegal drug trafficking in the Patong area who were also staying beyond their authorized period.

Investigators had received intelligence that foreigners were illegally selling drugs to tourists in the area, prompting them to plan and execute arrests of two suspects. The first arrest was Samuel, a Nigerian national, who was apprehended with cocaine weighing approximately 10.45 grams on Phra Mettanimit Road in Patong District, Kathu, Phuket. He was transferred to Patong Police Station for processing on charges of drug trafficking and entering and residing in the kingdom without valid authorization.

The second arrest was Brumo, a Belgian national, who was apprehended with 2.90 grams of cocaine near a convenience store on Ratsadornuthit 200 Pi Road in Patong District, Kathu, Phuket. He was also transferred to Patong Police Station for prosecution on charges of drug trafficking and illegal overstay.

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National

Expert Warning: Exhaustion Without Sleep May Signal Chronic Inflammation—Here Are 5 Foods to Avoid

Unexplained fatigue and body pain may signal chronic inflammation caused by stress, poor diet, and inadequate sleep, according to nutritionist Gao Minmin, who recommends avoiding sugary drinks, fried foods, and processed items while eating

7 May Khaosod

Many people today experience unexplained fatigue, body pain, and frequent sleep problems. Renowned nutritionist Gao Minmin points out these symptoms may signal that the body is experiencing chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation stems from stress, insufficient rest, and unbalanced eating habits, causing the immune system to enter a heightened state and continuously release inflammatory substances.

In a Facebook post on May 4th, Gao Minmin explained that chronic inflammation can be rebalanced through proper dietary choices. Key nutrients that reduce inflammation include:

- Omega-3 fatty acids from mackerel, flaxseeds, and walnuts, which strengthen cell membranes and reduce inflammation - Vitamin D from salmon, egg yolks, and dairy products, which helps regulate immune function - Colorful vegetables and fruits like berries and broccoli, rich in phytonutrients that eliminate free radicals - Whole grains and legumes that stabilize blood sugar and energy levels - Healthy fats from olive oil and avocado that fight free radicals and reduce bad cholesterol

Meanwhile, the nutritionist warns against five groups of "inflammatory foods" to avoid: sugary drinks and sweets, alcohol, fried foods, refined carbohydrates like white rice and biscuits, and high-sodium processed foods such as sausages and bacon. These foods can spike blood sugar and insulin levels, burden the liver, and trigger free radical and inflammatory substance production.

Beyond diet, mental stress directly contributes to chronic inflammation. Gao Minmin recommends six daily inflammation-reduction strategies: maintaining consistent sleep schedules, avoiding phones before bed to reduce blue light effects, practicing deep breathing, listening to music, meditation, and spending time in nature to lower stress hormones and restore body balance.

She acknowledges that even she cannot always avoid stress or late nights, but has found that symptoms improve dramatically when she returns to eating well and getting adequate rest. She emphasizes that chronic inflammation doesn't develop overnight but is a warning signal from the body worth heeding. Adjusting lifestyle and eating habits is the key to long-term health recovery.

No. 06 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Tony Rakaen Takes a Break from Entertainment to Garden, Admits Dark Skin Hurt His Career—Jokes About Mom Baan Yen's New Face Surgery Looking Like He Got a New Sister

Thai entertainer Tony Rakaen has stepped back from show business to pursue a simpler life gardening and farming with his wife, though he's now finding ways to balance both. He admitted that neglecting his skin during intensive gardening work darkened his complexion and cost him acting opportunities. During a recent Netflix film premiere appearance, he humorously remarked that his mother Baan Yen's cosmetic surgery made her look so young she seems like a new older sister.

7 May Khaosod

Tony Rakaen has made a comeback to public appearances after stepping away from the entertainment world to pursue a simpler life with his wife Kaew Charinya Sirimongkol. He shifted his focus to gardening and growing vegetables, becoming largely absent from the entertainment scene. Recently, he attended the Netflix action-romance film premiere 'Blood Love Killer' at Siam Paragon's fifth floor, opening up about finding better life balance. He humorously remarked about his mother Baan Yen's recent cosmetic surgery, saying she looks so much younger it's like having a new older sister. At 74, she rarely leaves the house.

When asked about his current lifestyle, Tony explained: "Things are going fine. Nothing major really. We cook and garden. I don't go out much. It's been a long time since an event like this—probably a year. I do talk to people though. There was a period when we were focused on completing the garden project, which didn't align well with entertainment work since the industry demands skin care. I wasn't taking care of myself during that time, and my skin darkened, which meant I wasn't getting work offers. Do I regret the trade-off? I think it's more of an ongoing feeling. We've found more joy in the peace and quiet than in chasing happiness. There are periods where we have to make choices, times when I was filming while also working on the garden, and my skin would change color, making it hard for cinematographers to light scenes properly. But once we understood the system and got everything automated, it required less work from us, allowing us to do more in entertainment."

When asked if economic concerns drove his decision to stay home, Tony responded: "Since COVID, we've been doing this for a while. It does have an effect—we still drive and buy imports; we can't produce 100% of our food at home. I've been affected like everyone else. If anything, it's more of a social issue than economic. We go out less and stay home more, reducing those expenses. Previously, we cleared all our debts—paid off the house, car, and everything. So we don't need to focus on making money the way we used to, though we still do. We've just become more economical. Kaew taught me that living this way is easier—if we want something, we wait until we can afford it, then buy it outright. That's always been her approach, and I've learned from her."

When asked if he's resisting technology and trends like others in the industry, he laughed and said: "I'm not better than anyone. I just go with the flow. My desires have decreased since I don't want to go out much. I don't need to dress up like before. I focus on what we'll cook and eat today and whether it tastes good. I don't see many people or go out often. My consumer spending isn't excessive—it's normal. Most of my spending goes toward the garden: soil, supplies, things like that. As for collectibles I like, I have some Supreme items for decoration, but I'm not buying more. Most of the spending goes to the garden rather than luxury goods."

No. 07 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Flash Express Celebrates 8th Anniversary with 'Happiness in Every Box, Endless' Campaign

Flash Express marks its 8th anniversary with the "Happiness in Every Box, Endless" campaign, offering customers discounts and prizes throughout May while introducing a new duck mascot character to represent the logistics company's brand val

7 May Khaosod

Flash Express, Thailand's leading comprehensive transportation and logistics provider covering the country and Southeast Asia, is celebrating its 8th anniversary with the 'Happiness in Every Box, Endless' campaign. The initiative reflects the company's role not merely as a parcel delivery service, but as a partner delivering opportunities, dreams, and success to customers across all routes through fast, accurate, secure, and continuously improved services.

To mark the milestone, Flash Express is offering special privileges throughout May to thank its customers and partners. These include an 8-baht discount on shipping fees and exclusive benefits for Flash Family members, who can redeem just 1 point for a 10-baht discount at participating restaurants. Customers can also participate in social media activities for a chance to win prizes worth over 100,000 baht.

Additionally, Flash Express is launching 'Nong Songthueng' (Sister Send), a new duck mascot character designed to embody the brand's approachable, vibrant, and friendly image. The mascot reflects the company's commitment to delivering parcels quickly and safely with every shipment. Customers can follow promotional details, eligibility conditions, and activities on Flash Express's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/FlashExpressThailand

No. 08 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

FIFA Unveils Prize Money for New ASEAN Cup Tournament; Champions to Earn Triple Previous Editions

FIFA has announced significantly increased prize money for the new 2026 ASEAN Cup tournament, with the Division 1 champion earning 32 million baht—three times more than previous ASEAN Cup winners. The tournament will feature 14 nations across two divisions held in Indonesia and Hong Kong, with teams also invited from India, China, and Hong Kong. Thailand will compete in the separate AFF Hyundai Cup in July-August.

7 May Khaosod

FIFA has announced the prize money structure for the new 2026 FIFA ASEAN Cup, scheduled for September-October, with the Division 1 champion receiving over 32 million baht—three times the prize money of previous ASEAN championship winners. The tournament will see 14 nations competing across two divisions, with the top eight teams based on FIFA rankings competing in Division 1 in Indonesia, while the remaining six nations compete in Division 2 in Hong Kong. FIFA has also invited non-ASEAN nations Hong Kong, India, and China to participate. All participating nations receive 125,000 dollars (approximately 4 million baht) in appearance fees, while the Division 1 champion will earn 1 million dollars (approximately 32 million baht)—triple the 300,000 dollars earned by previous ASEAN Cup champions. The Division 2 champion will receive 300,000 dollars (approximately 10 million baht), with additional bonuses for match wins and draws. Meanwhile, during July-August, ASEAN nations will compete in the 2026 ASEAN Football Championship (AFF Hyundai Cup), with Thailand in Group B scheduled to face Laos on July 25, Malaysia on August 1, the Philippines on August 4, and Myanmar on August 8.

No. 09 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Thawee Declares 400 Billion Baht Borrowing: Who Benefits? Private Electricity and Oil Companies Rake in Profits While Citizens Bear the Debt Burden

Thai opposition politician Thawee Sadsong criticizes the government's 400 billion baht borrowing decision, arguing that major corporations in energy and construction sectors benefit while ordinary citizens bear the debt burden. The analysis reveals that investment loans are heavily concentrated in just two sectors and controlled by a handful of large contractors, exacerbating economic inequality and geographical disparities across Thailand.

7 May Khaosod

On May 7, 2025, Police Colonel Thawee Sadsong, leader of the Prachathai Party, posted on Facebook questioning the government's 400 billion baht new borrowing added to existing debt of 860 billion baht, totaling 1.26 trillion baht for the fiscal year. He asked directly: who really benefits, while ordinary citizens pay the price.

Amidst severe financial crisis, the government is pursuing massive borrowing through two main channels: issuing a new royal decree for 400 billion baht, ostensibly to assist people, farmers, and businesses affected by the energy crisis (200 billion baht), and to support renewable energy and skill development (200 billion baht). Combined with budget deficit compensation loans of 860 billion baht under the 2025 budget law, total borrowing for the year reaches 1.26 trillion baht.

Public debt stood at 12.23 trillion baht at the end of fiscal year 2024 (September 30, 2024) and reached 12.68 trillion baht by March 2025. Once the full 400 billion baht is borrowed, public debt by September 30, 2025 is projected to reach approximately 13.49 trillion baht, representing 68.97 percent of GDP (estimated at 19.5 trillion baht). The current debt ceiling is set at no more than 70 percent of GDP.

The decree borrowing is an executive power exercised by the Cabinet, which deemed it an "emergency requiring urgent action to maintain national economic stability." After Cabinet announcement, the decree must be sent to Parliament for consideration.

Public debt remains a nationwide concern as these loans carry average interest rates of approximately 2.95 percent annually. Analysis of 2024 Public Debt Management Act implementation reveals critical issues:

First, borrowed funds are misallocated and concentrated. Most annual borrowing goes to "budget deficit compensation" rather than revenue-generating investments as public debt principles suggest. Instead, funds support long-term state contracts or concessions to just a few private entities, with severe budget concentration observed.

Imbalanced investment from 2024 data shows that over 88 percent of investment loans concentrate in just two sectors: rail/transportation (48.52 percent) and energy/electricity (39.40 percent). Benefits flow to large businesses, with major projects monopolized by a few large contracting companies receiving continuous budget commitments. Top three contractors receive contracts valued at over 337 billion, 315 billion, and 117 billion baht respectively.

Second, there is geographical inequality. Large borrowings are allocated to major urban areas and existing economic zones, while grassroots economic investments such as water systems remain underfunded.

No. 10 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

May 25 Confirmed! Ekniti Affirms Registration Opens for Kha-La-Khrung and State Welfare Card Programs

Registration opens May 25 for the merged Kha-La-Khrung and State Welfare Card programs, with benefits starting June 1 and lasting four months under the unified "Thai Help Thai Plus" initiative. Recipients will receive up to 4,000 baht total

7 May Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapasch announced that registration for the Kha-La-Khrung (One for One) and State Welfare Card programs will open simultaneously on May 25, with benefits taking effect on June 1 for a four-month period. Details regarding the total number of eligible beneficiaries are still being finalized, as the initiative consolidates two programs: the Kha-La-Khrung program which originally distributed 20 million allocations, and the State Welfare Card program serving 13.2 million people. Both will operate under the unified "Thai Help Thai Plus" banner, with new State Welfare Card registrations also opening.

The Kha-La-Khrung Plus program is projected to provide over 20 million allocations through a one-week registration period, distributing 1,000 baht monthly for four months, totaling 4,000 baht. The government will cover 60 percent while eligible recipients contribute 40 percent.

For the State Welfare Card (poorest households card), the first two months will prioritize the existing 13.2 million beneficiaries, with monthly spending allowance increased from 300 baht to 1,000 baht. After processing new registrations, those whose income exceeds the 100,000 baht annual threshold may instead access the Kha-La-Khrung program, while those previously excluded due to insufficient income will gain State Welfare Card eligibility in the remaining two months.

"We structured Thai Help Thai Plus as two-month plus two-month segments because we're reopening State Welfare Card registrations," Ekniti explained. "The original 13.2 million beneficiaries registered years ago. If new applicants exceed the income threshold, they'll use Kha-La-Khrung benefits instead. Those who fell short of income requirements will gain eligibility now, ensuring no one misses opportunity."

Ekniti stated that consolidating both programs into Thai Help Thai Plus enhances efficiency by integrating merchant networks from both the Kha-La-Khrung Plus program and the 1.45 million blue-flag merchants, allowing all beneficiaries from both programs to shop at all participating stores.

No. 11 of ∞ Read at source → Next