On May 15, the King Prajadhipok Institute (KPI Poll) released survey findings on Bangkok residents' priorities for the city and desired qualifications for a new Bangkok governor. The survey was conducted between May 8-11 among 1,600 residents aged 18 and above across all districts of Bangkok. Key findings include: 1) When asked what qualities matter most in selecting a new governor, 28.2% prioritized honesty, transparency, and accountability, while 28.0% wanted someone with clear policies and proven implementation ability—nearly tied for first. Other priorities included understanding Bangkok residents' problems (16.7%), tangible track record (8.9%), management experience (4.0%), modern innovative thinking (3.6%), cross-sector collaboration skills (3.0%), affiliation with trustworthy political parties (1.7%), with 5.9% citing other factors. The data shows residents don't just want good image or communication skills—more than half demand a new governor combining both trustworthiness and real capability. 2) Residents identified three major persistent city problems: flooding (74.3%), public safety concerns (73.3%), and PM 2.5 air pollution (73.2%), followed by traffic and public transport (66.1%) and waste management (65.8%). Bangkok residents view these as fundamental quality-of-life issues that remain unresolved. They don't want just grand projects but cities with solid basic infrastructure, as flooding, dust, safety, traffic, and garbage reflect overall municipal management. 3) Urban problems affect Bangkok's zones unequally, with outer districts bearing the heaviest burden. Outer districts report nearly universal concern with urban problems: 89.6% cite flooding issues, 87.8% traffic problems, 85.9% air pollution, 82.0% safety concerns, and 74.2% waste management issues. Middle districts also show high concern levels (86.3% flooding, 75.3% pollution, 73.4% safety, 72.7% traffic), while inner districts show lower percentages, particularly for traffic (47.2%) and flooding (54.4%). Bangkok's challenge isn't just solving citywide problems but addressing inequality in urban experience, as different districts face different severity levels. Solutions shouldn't apply uniformly across the entire city but require area-specific policy design.

The Thai Meteorological Department officially declared the start of the 2025 monsoon season on May 15, 2025, after confirming that meteorological conditions met Thailand's monsoon criteria: northern Thailand experiencing rain coverage exceeding 60% of the area, lower-level winds shifting to southwestern direction, and upper-level winds changing to easterly winds. The northern monsoon season will continue until approximately mid-October, while the eastern Gulf coast will maintain continuous rainfall through December.

Overall, this year's total rainfall nationwide is expected to be lower than 2024 and approximately 10% below normal. From mid-May to mid-June, rainfall will increase and become more consistent, particularly in the eastern and southwestern coastal regions where heavy rain is possible. Late June through early July will see reduced rainfall and distribution, creating dry spell risks in many areas, especially outside irrigation zones. Rain will return with intensity in August through September, a period requiring vigilance against heavy downpours, flash floods, flash flooding, and riverbank overflows in multiple areas.

**2025 Monsoon Timeline:**

**1. Mid-May to Mid-June** - Increasing and continuous rainfall - Rain covering 40-60% of areas - Eastern and southwestern coastal regions: 60-80% coverage with heavy to very heavy rain in some places

**2. Late June to Early July** - Reduced rainfall volume and distribution - Potential water shortage in some areas, particularly outside irrigation zones

**3. August to September** - Rain covering 60-80% of areas - Heavy rainfall in multiple locations - Very heavy rain in some areas - Risk of flash floods, flash flooding, and riverbank overflows

**4. October** - Northern and northeastern regions: declining rainfall - Cool mornings starting, especially in upper regions - Central, eastern, and southern areas: continued rainfall with heavy to very heavy rain in some areas

The latter half of the year shows a trend toward El Niño conditions. The Meteorological Department is closely monitoring ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation) phenomena, currently in neutral status but with indications of shifting toward El Niño in the second half, potentially resulting in below-normal rainfall and slightly above-normal temperatures for Thailand.

Despite overall lower annual rainfall, vigilance is necessary against periodic heavy rains from monsoon and low-pressure systems, which may cause flash floods, flooding, and agricultural impacts across multiple regions. Tropical cyclone activity is expected to bring one to two systems impacting or affecting Thailand, likely occurring between August and September, primarily affecting northern and northeastern regions.

The Meteorological Department will continuously monitor conditions and issue weather warnings, urging the public to follow forecasts and alerts closely throughout the monsoon season.

Chinese man blacklisted for aggressive behaviour at Bangkok airportLegacyThe Thai Immigration Bureau blacklisted a Chinese man after he damaged an automated immigration gate and verbally abused officers at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. Police from Suvarnabhumi Airport Police Station responded to the incident at around 2.35pm on Wednesday, May 13, at an immigration checkpoint in departure zone two. Officers at the scene reported that a foreign passenger damaged property and behaved aggressively towards immigration personnel. The suspect was later identified as Liwei Zheng, a Chinese national around 30 years of age. According to police, he was scheduled to board Spring Airlines flight 9C7282 from Bangkok to Shanghai. Witness statements and CCTV footage reportedly showed Liwei approaching automated border control gate DAE01 and placing his boarding pass on the scanner instead of his passport. Because of the incorrect document, the gate did not open. Photo via Matichon The  Chinese man then became frustrated and kicked the gate before moving to another gate, DAE06. At the second gate, Liwei reportedly scanned his passport incorrectly, causing the system to reject the document again. Liwei then kicked the gate open and entered the checkpoint area without completing immigration procedures. Airport security officers intervened and detained him shortly afterwards. Liwei reportedly became increasingly aggressive during the detainment and insulted officers in both English and Chinese. He also attempted to physically confront officers before his wife stepped in to calm the situation. KhaoSod reported that authorities charged the suspect under Section 358 of Thailand’s Criminal Law for damaging property belonging to another person. The offence carries penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment, a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both. Photo via Facebook/ NBT Connext In addition to criminal penalties, the suspect is required to compensate authorities for damage to the automated gate system, estimated at around 450,000 baht. Police also stated that Liwei may face additional penalties for insulting government officers while they were performing official duties. The offence carries a possible prison sentence of up to one year, a fine of up to 20,000 baht, or both. The case is scheduled to be submitted to Samut Prakan Provincial Court today, May 15. Immigration authorities have also placed Liwei on Thailand’s immigration blacklist, permanently banning him from re-entering the country. Officials confirmed he must remain in Thailand until legal proceedings are completed, although authorities have not clarified whether he remains in custody.

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Stuttgart, Germany and Bangkok, Thailand – The Bosch Group is committed to creating maximum growth opportunities in the global market through its innovation strength. For the current fiscal year, Bosch continues to maintain significant investment levels proportional to future growth, just as in previous years. In 2025 alone, Bosch invested over 12 billion euros in research and development, including fixed asset investments. Meanwhile, the company targets sales growth for 2026 between 2-5%, with EBIT margin and operating profit margin between 4-6%. Stefan Hartung, Chairman of the Board of Management of Robert Bosch GmbH, stated: "As a global technology leader, we are committed to setting the direction of critical technologies—automation, digital technology, electric power, and artificial intelligence—which are all essential foundations that will lead to business growth and profitability." Despite facing multiple challenges, Bosch achieved revenue of 91.0 billion euros in 2025, a slight increase from the previous year (2024: 90.3 billion euros). After adjusting for exchange rate impacts, this represents 4.1% growth, while EBIT margin and operating profit margin stood at 2%, down from the previous year (2024: 3.5%).

Bosch Thailand Business Development Bosch Thailand continued to maintain steady growth in 2025, with total operating revenue from all group companies reaching 463 million euros, or 17.2 billion baht, an increase of 1.3% compared to the previous year. As of December 31, 2025, Bosch Thailand employed over 1,850 people, reflecting the company's role as a key driver supporting the country's economy. Mr. Joseph Hong, Managing Director of Bosch Thailand, stated: "Growth in 2025 reflects our continued commitment to growing alongside Thailand, expanding operations in the country, strengthening partnerships, and investing in future technologies. We are conducting proactive business operations to establish a strong foundation supporting industry transformation and sustainable economic growth, even as the market continues to change." Bosch Thailand enters 2026 with a forward-looking and ambitious perspective, driven by continuous investment, strong domestic potential, and a focus on seizing new opportunities in high-growth industrial sectors.

2030 Strategy: Innovation and Differentiation Are Keys to Growth With China's automotive industry currently setting the price standard globally, Hartung sees expanding innovation leadership as a critical factor for success in business expansion, particularly in the automotive market. "In international competition, competitive advantage doesn't lie in cost alone, but most importantly in creating differentiation," Hartung said, pointing out that Bosch's global operational network is a competitive advantage. "We can adapt our offerings and supply chains to suit each region's conditions while simultaneously..."

Gold prices on May 15, 2025 have experienced a sharp continued decline according to the Gold Traders Association. Gold ornaments are selling at 71,900 baht per gram, down 850 baht compared to May 14's closing price. The latest information from the Gold Traders Association was posted on their website at 09:06 AM. Gold bars are being purchased at 70,900 baht per gram and sold at 71,100 baht per gram according to the first announcement. For 96.5% gold ornaments, the buying price stands at 69,478.28 baht per gram and the selling price at 71,900 baht per gram. Global gold prices (Gold Spot) are currently at $4,616.00 per ounce. Gold traders predict that tomorrow's market opening could see prices surge by 1,000-2,000 baht per gram, potentially breaking through the 80,000 baht mark.

Ratchaburi's featured dish of the week showcases traditional hand-rolled pork meatballs charcoal grilled—delicious, fresh, not gamey, and fragrant with charcoal smoke—priced affordably at 10 baht per stick with a special promotion of buy 10 get 1 free.

Ms. Sirikanjana Kunyanawashin from Nong Pla Mao subdistrict in Ban Pong district, Ratchaburi, hand-rolls approximately 10 kilograms of pork meatballs daily using traditional techniques. Her husband, Abhisit Sinseangium, operates a charcoal-grilled stand outside Nong Pla Mao temple. The meatballs' delicious, fresh taste and charcoal aroma attract steady daily customers, providing reliable family income.

According to Sirikanjana, the meatball-rolling technique requires kneading cold pork thoroughly before shaping to ensure uniform size. She uses a spoon to drop them into gently simmered water, then increases heat once the pot is full while continuously stirring so the meatballs float evenly and cook through with a distinct pork aroma.

The key to tender, evenly-cooked meatballs is patience and skill developed over months of practice. Proper technique is crucial during the simmering stage—using high heat causes uneven cooking, deformation, and hardened or torn surfaces.

Abhisit previously worked in a meatball factory but left due to health issues and struggled with various business attempts until having only 500 baht remaining from his mother. With limited capital, he invested in fresh pork and repurposed kitchen equipment—a pot and gas stove—to make hand-rolled meatballs, avoiding expensive commercial equipment costs.

He learned traditional meatball techniques through YouTube and tested his product at local merit ceremonies. After receiving positive feedback, he converted a motorcycle into a sidecar stand with a charcoal grill, which reduced costs while providing distinctive charcoal smoke aroma. He scores the meatballs before grilling to ensure deep, even heat penetration.

Abhisit credits his mother's support for helping him persevere through difficult economic times. Resourcefulness with available materials enabled him to create this meatball business. Interested customers can visit the stand outside Nong Pla Mao temple from afternoon until evening, then at the C.J. convenience store branch in Nong Pla Mao in the evening. Prices are 10 baht per stick (buy 10 get 1 free). For inquiries, call 0659832295.