Police

Koh Phangan Raid: Underground Nursery Operating Illegal School with High Tuition Fees

Authorities raided an illegal underground school on Koh Phangan operating under a childcare license, enrolling 163 students with tuition up to 32,000 baht per term and employing nine foreign staff without permits. Nine suspects including th

2 May Khaosod

On May 2, 2569 (2026), authorities reported that on May 1, immigration police in Surat Thani (Koh Phangan) coordinated with Koh Phangan Police Station, Koh Phangan District administration, and Region 4 military command to conduct a raid on a childcare facility in Moo 3, Koh Phangan Subdistrict, Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province, following evidence of illegal operations.

Inspection revealed the facility had a license to operate as a corporate childcare center for children aged 2-6 years with no more than 18 children. However, authorities discovered it was actually operating as a full-fledged unlicensed private school with four grade levels serving children up to age 12, enrolling 163 students total.

The facility operates three terms per year with tuition fees as high as 32,000 baht per child per term, with classes running from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Staff issue certificates to graduating students. Foreign nationals were found working as teachers without work permits. Nine suspects were arrested, including three owners—one Thai woman and two Iranians—and six foreign teachers from the United States, South Africa, and France.

The owners face charges including hiring foreign workers without permits, failure to register foreign workers, violating child protection laws, and operating an unlicensed private school. The foreign teachers face charges of working without proper authorization and failing to report to immigration authorities.

Colonel Suwat Suksri, Surat Thani Provincial Police Commander, ordered investigation into the company's shareholding structure, as it has four Thai shareholders and three foreign shareholders (Iranian and Estonian), raising suspicion of nominee shareholding arrangements used to conceal foreign business operations in a tourism area.

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Police

Tragic: Foreign Man Falls from High-Rise, Found Dead in Luxury Condo Pool in Phuket; Police Launch Investigation

A 37-year-old South African man was found dead in a luxury condo pool in Phuket after security footage showed him jumping from his seventh-floor balcony late May 1. Police are investigating the death.

2 May Khaosod

At 6:30 a.m. on May 2, 2025, Deputy Sergeant Major Fanthip Kaewsaen, investigative deputy commander at Wichit Police Station in Phuket, received notification from the Wichit Radio Center that a body had been discovered in the swimming pool of a condominium in Muang Phuket District. She proceeded to investigate and reported the finding to Police Major Somsak Tongkliang, commander of Wichit Police Station, while coordinating with investigative officers to the scene.

Initial investigation identified the deceased as a 37-year-old foreign male of South African nationality who had been residing in the condominium for approximately two years. The body was found in the building's swimming pool. Upon inquiry, authorities learned that the victim's room door had been left open for an extended period. Security camera footage from May 1, 2025, at approximately 11:55 p.m. showed the victim leaving his seventh-floor room toward the balcony area before jumping down to the sixth-floor balcony.

On the morning of May 2, 2025, at approximately 6:30 a.m., a security guard notified management that a body had been discovered in the condominium's pool. Investigators coordinated with a forensic pathologist from Vachira Phuket Hospital to conduct an initial autopsy to determine the cause of death. The body was then transferred by Kusol Dharma Phuket Foundation rescue workers to Vachira Phuket Hospital for a detailed autopsy.

Authorities have coordinated with the South African embassy to notify the deceased's family before the body is returned for religious rites. The cause of death remains under investigation by police.

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National

Heartwarming Reunion: 'Benjaa Keeta Rak' Cast Gets Back Together After 23 Years, Still Looking as Sharp as Ever

The cast of beloved 1990s Thai drama 'Benjaa Keeta Rak' reunited on May 1st after 23 years, with actor U Nawapol sharing moments from the gathering featuring the complete ensemble cast still looking sharp.

2 May Khaosod

'Benjaa Keeta Rak,' a legendary drama that still holds a special place in fans' hearts, marked a significant milestone when its cast reunited after over 23 years. Though each actor has grown and followed their own life paths—starting families and pursuing different careers—their bond remains as strong as ever.

On May 1st, 2025, actor U Nawapol shared touching moments from the cast reunion, featuring the complete group including C Siwarak, Phai Pathit, Big Phuchisasa, Nam Ropheepat, and special guest Amy Klinpratoom. U Nawapol's caption encouraged fans to watch Episode 22 of 'Emika Padeum,' which features a special segment on 'Benjaa Keeta Rak,' writing: "Episode 22 is here, everyone! Show your kids how cool Uncle was back in the day. #BenjaaKeetaRak #Nostalgia #MyChildhood #WishICouldFly."

Previously, U had posted throwback photos with captions joking about his younger days, sparking a wave of comments from early 2000s drama fans all expressing the same sentiment: missing those golden days of Thai television.

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Regional

Storm Damage! Commerce Ministry Brings Buyers to Durian Orchards, Purchases Over 100 Tons of Fallen Fruit to Aid Farmers

Summer storms destroyed over 100 tons of durians across Chanthaburi province, prompting the Commerce Ministry to purchase fallen fruit at 10-20 baht per kilogram and redirect it toward processing to support affected farmers.

2 May Khaosod

The Commerce Ministry assembled a team of buyers to purchase fallen durians at 10-20 baht per kilogram, helping durian farmers affected by summer storms in Chanthaburi province. Arunuch Phudungvit, Chanthaburi Commerce Director, is coordinating implementation under orders from Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Sutthiamphan, working with relevant agencies to assess damage and monitor impacts on farmers in the region.

According to the Provincial Agricultural and Cooperative Office, preliminary findings show 77 affected farmers in Khlong district, with damage across 58 rai and approximately 103 tons of fallen fruit. The ministry is collaborating with agricultural offices, the 6th Agricultural Research and Development Office, and the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards (ACFS) to prevent damaged and unripe durians from entering the market.

The Commerce Office coordinated with the Chanthaburi Chamber of Commerce to recruit buyers for damaged fruit destined for processing. Of the over 100 tons of affected produce, 80% consists of ripening durians being purchased by 2-3 companies at 10-20 baht per kilogram for cold storage and processing into durian ice cream. The remaining 20%, comprising unripe fruit unsuitable for fresh sale, is being used by farmers for compost and processed into durian candy.

The 6th Agricultural Research and Development Office and the ACFS are conducting field inspections and strict quality control at collection and packing centers to prevent substandard durians from reaching domestic and export markets, protecting Thailand's durian reputation and consumer confidence.

Chanthaburi's provincial governor assigned a special task force to inspect durian quality at packing houses, retail markets, fruit stalls, and buying points throughout the province to prevent low-quality durians from mixing with fresh consumption durians for both domestic and international sale.

Chanthaburi province is requesting cooperation from farmers, business operators, and all stakeholders to maintain quality standards for Thai durian products. Farmers in need of buyer assistance can contact the Chanthaburi Commerce Office at 039-311357 or inbox the office's Facebook page.

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National

Suchart Orders Nationwide Drought Crisis Response, Accelerates Water Supply Distribution to Over 21,600 Households

Thailand's Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has launched a nationwide emergency response to the ongoing drought crisis, directing the Department of Water Resources to accelerate water distribution and support to affected communities. So far, the relief efforts have assisted over 21,600 households and supplied nearly 2,000 bottles of drinking water to wildfire suppression personnel across multiple provinces. The government has committed to continuing these comprehensive assistance efforts to ensure adequate water supply and long-term water security for the nation.

2 May Khaosod

On May 2, 2569, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has accelerated urgent assistance to the public during the drought crisis by directing the Department of Water Resources to mobilize all available resources nationwide to increase drinking and domestic water supplies, support village water systems, and establish water reserves throughout at-risk areas. Minister Suchart stressed that the government places the highest priority on maintaining public quality of life, particularly during this widespread drought emergency, and has instructed all relevant agencies to provide full assistance including water supply procurement, agricultural support, and strengthening frontline personnel to relieve public hardship as quickly as possible.

Thirachunn Bunsit, Director-General of the Department of Water Resources, revealed that he has ordered the 11 regional water resource offices to closely monitor the situation while mobilizing machinery, water pumps, water trucks, and various support systems to immediately assist affected areas according to each location's specific needs. The focus includes securing drinking and domestic water supplies, water sources for water production systems, and systematically supporting the agricultural sector.

Operations across various regions nationwide are proceeding continuously, including in Lampang, Nakhon Sawan, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chanthaburi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phitsanulok, Chumphon, Krabi, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces, with water pumps being installed, clean water distributed, and comprehensive field support provided for both domestic consumption and agricultural use, including drinking water supplied to wildfire suppression personnel in at-risk areas.

So far, the Department of Water Resources has assisted over 21,600 households, representing approximately 43,200 people, and has supplied nearly 2,000 bottles of drinking water to frontline wildfire suppression personnel, reflecting the proactive efforts of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in addressing the impacts of the drought crisis concretely.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment confirms its commitment to continuing assistance efforts to ensure people have adequate water supply, reduce hardship during this crisis period, and establish long-term water security for the nation, standing alongside the public through every situation.

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National

Labor Minister Chumphon Steps Up Campaign Against Employment Fraud Targeting Vulnerable Workers

Thailand's Labor Minister Chumphon Amorwiwat announced a coordinated crackdown on fraudulent employment agencies that deceived over 100 workers into agricultural jobs in Australia and New Zealand, causing losses exceeding 20 million baht. The scam exploited vulnerable job seekers desperate for income during Thailand's economic and energy crisis by operating through fake online recruitment channels. The Labor Ministry pledged stricter enforcement alongside police investigations and urged workers to use only official government employment services.

2 May Khaosod

On May 2, 2025, Labor Minister Chumphon Amorwiwat joined senior police officials including Deputy National Police Chief Natthasak Chaowasinya, Anti-Trafficking Division Commander Withaya Sriprasertsapap, Labor Ministry Permanent Secretary Wannapong Kachoraksa, and Public Employment Service Director Somchai Morakatsrivun in announcing arrests of employment agencies that defrauded job seekers into agricultural positions in Australia and New Zealand. The scam affected over 100 victims with losses exceeding 20 million baht.

Chumphon explained that criminal syndicates operated through online channels posing as legitimate recruitment firms, employing tactics similar to scam networks but far more serious—exploiting people's hopes during the economic and energy crisis. He commended the Central Investigation Police and Anti-Trafficking Division for their swift action.

The Labor Minister urged workers seeking overseas employment to obtain information exclusively from government agencies such as the Public Employment Service, which continues placing workers abroad. He announced plans to expand Thailand's labor market further in the coming years.

Chumphon stated that the Labor Ministry would adopt a more aggressive approach, coordinating with Central Investigation Police to inspect and prosecute recruitment agencies violating the law, thereby reducing risks to Thai workers.

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Police

Tragic Intersection Collision: Pickup Truck Crashes Into Ten-Wheeler at Uncontrolled Junction, 2 Dead and 3 Critically Injured

A pickup truck and ten-wheeler collided at an uncontrolled intersection in Rayong on May 2, killing two people and critically injuring three others; neither vehicle slowed at the junction before the violent crash.

2 May Khaosod

At 9:00 AM on May 2, 2569, police officer Maleyphon Ayuyu from Nikhom Pattana Police Station in Rayong received a report of a multi-vehicle collision with fatalities and injuries at the intersection of Soi 6, Line 15, Phananikom Subdistrict, Nikhom Pattana District, Rayong Province. Investigating officers, rescue teams, and hospital personnel immediately rushed to the scene.

At the location, a black Toyota pickup truck was found with severe frontal damage and debris scattered throughout the area. Two bodies were recovered from inside the vehicle: a 28-year-old woman named Ms. Parinda (surname withheld) and the male driver. Rescue workers had to use cutting equipment to extract the bodies. Three additional injured individuals—one woman and two men—received emergency first aid before being rushed to Nikhom Pattana Hospital.

Nearby, a ten-wheeler truck showed significant side and front collision damage. The truck driver sustained minor injuries and remained at the scene to provide a statement.

According to eyewitness accounts, the intersection had no traffic signals. The accident occurred when the ten-wheeler was exiting the industrial area while the pickup truck was heading toward the fishing area. Neither vehicle slowed down at the intersection, resulting in a violent collision.

Police will conduct detailed interrogations of the truck driver and injured passengers from the pickup truck. Authorities are also rushing to obtain CCTV footage from nearby cameras to determine the exact cause of the accident and will proceed with legal charges of reckless driving causing death. The bodies have been taken to Nikhom Pattana Hospital for autopsy before being released to families for funeral rites.

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Local

Subdistrict Chief Celebrates Promotion, Clashes with Female Singer on Stage Over Extended Performance

A female band vocalist was allegedly pushed by a Krabi subdistrict chief during his promotion party when she refused to extend their performance beyond the agreed midnight end time on May 1st.

2 May Khaosod

Online criticism is mounting after Facebook user Nathrika Dechakul shared a video of a stage confrontation during a party in Mueang Krabi District, where a subdistrict chief and his entourage became involved in an altercation with a female band member. According to the video, the incident involved alleged physical assault and damage to the band's equipment.

The band's female vocalist, known as N'am, recounted that on May 1st, the band was hired to perform at the subdistrict chief's promotion celebration from 9 PM to midnight. As the clock approached midnight, the band was playing their final bonus song when the subdistrict chief came to the stage demanding they continue until 2 AM, threatening not to pay them if they refused. When N'am approached him with a respectful wai to apologize for their inability to extend due to another booking the next day, he allegedly pushed her. She pushed back, and a scuffle ensued. During the confrontation, a man in red allegedly threatened to shoot, saying he would actually do it if they tried to leave. Another man kicked their equipment. Fearing for their safety, the band quickly packed up and left. N'am was too afraid of retaliation to file a complaint at Mueang Krabi Police Station and instead filed a report at Ron Phibun Police Station in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Subdistrict Chief Surasak Keotsuk of Thap Prik Subadministration Organization disputed the account in a phone interview, claiming he only went on stage to discuss extending the performance, as the band had suddenly ended their song without notice despite their agreement that extended time would cost 5,000 baht per hour, which he was prepared to pay. He said someone grabbed him first, so he pushed back and was then pushed by the singer, causing his group to become upset. He acknowledged his associates damaged equipment but said he was ready to compensate for the damage. He questioned why the band wouldn't extend when guests were still enjoying themselves and noted there were other bands available for hire. Regarding whether he would file a counter-complaint, Surasak said it was the singer's right to file a complaint and that he was ready to face legal proceedings.

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National

World Snooker Championship Sets Unwanted Record with Nearly 2-Hour Single Frame

A World Snooker Championship semi-final between Mark Allen and Wu Yize set an unwanted record when a single frame lasted nearly 2 hours due to a problematic ball arrangement on the table. The unusual situation, where eight red balls clustered around one pocket with a black ball blocking access, required cautious play for 55 minutes before Allen conceded and potted the red ball into the black, allowing Wu to win the frame 88-66. The incident has sparked criticism and calls for rule changes, though World Snooker defended the referee's handling of the situation.

2 May Khaosod

The 2026 World Snooker Championship semi-final between Mark Allen of Northern Ireland and Wu Yize of China at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield on May 1 produced an unwanted record. During frame 14, with Allen leading 43-13, eight remaining red balls clustered around a single pocket, while a black ball sat at the pocket entrance. This forced Allen and Wu to alternate cautious shots for 55 minutes to avoid hitting the black ball, with referee Marcel Eckardt declining to restart the frame. After Allen finally potted a red into the black ball, Wu won the frame 88-66, but it took a record 100 minutes and 19 seconds to complete—breaking the previous championship record of 85 minutes and 22 seconds set by Mark Selby and Ding Junhui in 2022. The match ended the second session tied 7-7 at just 14 frames total instead of the scheduled 16, prompting criticism from various parties who called the situation embarrassing and called for rule improvements. The World Snooker organization responded by defending the referee's application of the rules, confirming that procedures were followed correctly.

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National

China Cracks Down on Vertical Drama Series Featuring Wealthy CEO Romance Plots, Citing Manipulation of Public Values

China's government has introduced stricter regulations on rapidly popular 'micro-drama' content, particularly targeting romanticized stories of wealthy CEOs pursuing ordinary women, citing concerns about distorted social values. Regulators are warning producers against glorifying wealth-driven relationships and have ordered deletion of thousands of problematic series, reflecting broader state efforts to control digital content. The multi-billion dollar industry, which reaches hundreds of millions of viewers, now faces reduced production targets and stricter quality oversight.

2 May Khaosod

The Chinese government has implemented new measures to regulate rapidly growing 'micro-drama' content, particularly romanticized plots depicting wealthy CEOs falling in love with ordinary women, which are viewed as creating distorted expectations about love, wealth, and life success.

Social media users have become familiar with 'CEO romance' short-series ads emphasizing relationships between powerful men and ordinary women. Chinese regulators have now issued new guidelines to reduce such content, warning producers against creating material that 'glorifies marriage to the rich and powerful' or uses luxury, power, and extreme lifestyles as selling points.

These guidelines, linked to China's radio and television regulatory body, also call for reducing production of such series while improving quality and avoiding exaggerated tags like 'dictatorial CEO'—a proven viral micro-drama formula.

The move comes amid explosive growth in China's micro-drama industry, valued in the billions and reaching hundreds of millions of viewers on short-video platforms. These series typically run just 1–3 minutes but emphasize rapid pacing, concentrated content, plot twists, and fantasies like romance, revenge, and sudden wealth.

However, rapid growth has prompted state agencies to worry about social impacts. Previous criticism has targeted micro-dramas for crude content, distorted values, and unrealistic presentations of relationships and social mobility.

In previous actions, Chinese regulators ordered deletion of over 25,000 micro-dramas for inappropriate content, reflecting state efforts to align online content with 'core social values.'

Industry analysts see the 'wealthy man loves ordinary woman' plot as a high-earning marketing formula fulfilling dreams of social advancement, especially as the economy faces pressure and youth unemployment remains significant.

While new measures don't outright ban such content, they clearly signal that the state wants producers to create more realistic stories under stricter oversight, preventing the cultivation of materialistic values or unrealistic expectations about love and success.

This latest action underscores a significant trend in China's media landscape: the state is playing an increasingly prominent role in directing digital content, even as the micro-drama industry continues growing both domestically and internationally.

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National

Thai Chamber of Commerce and 'Team Thailand+' Take Center Stage at SelectUSA 2026 with Commerce and Foreign Affairs Ministers

Thailand's Chamber of Commerce leads a 14-company delegation to SelectUSA 2026 in Washington this May, backed by the Commerce and Foreign Affairs Ministers, to boost trade and investment with the U.S., Thailand's largest export market.

2 May Khaosod

The Thai Chamber of Commerce is leading a private sector delegation through the 'Team Thailand+' initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expand Thai-U.S. trade and investment opportunities at SelectUSA 2026. Poj Aramwattananont, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Thai Chamber of Commerce Council, will bring 14 Thai companies to the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026 in Washington, D.C. from May 2-6, 2026.

The 'Team Thailand+' framework integrates work between the public and private sectors with the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strengthen trade and investment opportunities between Thailand and the United States. The delegation is honored to have Deputy Prime Minister Supachee Suthirampant and Commerce Minister, along with Paan Phithayanukulkij, advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, leading the Thai private sector delegation. This reflects close coordination between government and business sectors in advancing Thailand's economy on the global stage, with support from Suriya Chindawongse, Thai Ambassador to Washington, facilitating arrangements.

During the initial schedule (Saturday-Tuesday), the delegation will participate in major activities including meetings with U.S. government agencies, consultations with leading private sector representatives and investors, and participation in SelectUSA summit activities. The summit is a global platform for promoting U.S. investment, focusing on business networking, deep information exchange, and new opportunities for Thai investors.

Poj stated that the Thai private sector is confident that the 'Team Thailand+' collaborative approach will effectively enhance Thailand's capabilities on the global stage. Beyond promoting trade in exports and imports, expanding foreign investment, particularly in the United States—a large market with a strong economic ecosystem—will be an important mechanism for long-term growth.

The U.S. market is Thailand's most important and largest market. In the first three months of 2026, exports to the United States grew by approximately 42%, valued at around 720 billion baht, representing nearly 24% of total exports. This reflects the U.S. role as Thailand's primary market, with trends suggesting the full year could see about one-quarter of all exports, or 2.8 trillion baht.

"In a volatile global economic situation, particularly due to geopolitical factors in the Middle East, the Thai private sector must seek new opportunities and diversify business risks. Participating in SelectUSA this time is not only about creating business opportunities but also reinforcing confidence in Thailand's overall economic direction."

On policy collaboration, the Thai private sector also provides deep insights to government, particularly in trade negotiations with the U.S. Trade Representative's Office (USTR), reflecting Thai business perspectives and proposals to strengthen Team Thailand's negotiating capacity. The Thai private sector has continuously collaborated with the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM Thailand) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, having previously participated in SelectUSA Investment Summit to further concrete business and investment cooperation between the two countries.

"This participation is expected to be another significant step in connecting Thai business to global value chains and creating new opportunities in trade, investment, and innovation."

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