Labor Minister Chulphan Amornvivat announced plans to overhaul social security laws to bring platform workers and gig workers into the social security system with appropriate protections aligned to modern work arrangements.

Amornvivat stated that the rapid changes in the global economy, particularly the growth of e-commerce and food delivery platforms, have led to a continuous increase in rider workers. Currently numbering over 300,000 people, the minister projects this could reach 1 million within 3-5 years.

"The key challenge is how to ensure this workforce receives social security protections and benefits, as the labor market landscape has fundamentally changed and laws must adapt accordingly," Amornvivat said.

The Labor Ministry is currently consulting with rider groups, private platform operators, and studying international models for potential adaptation in Thailand. Amornvivat acknowledged that platform workers have unique characteristics distinct from traditional employees—for instance, a single rider may work for multiple platforms simultaneously and may not work full-time.

"A critical question is who would be considered the employer, as some countries have designated the food ordering customer as the employer, but we must study whether such a model would work in Thailand," Amornvivat explained.

Regardless of the approach taken, amendments to social security law will be necessary—either by modifying existing definitions or introducing new provisions specifically for platform workers.

"There are two concepts under consideration: incorporating them into existing provisions, or creating entirely new provisions specifically for platform workers, since their work structure is genuinely different," Amornvivat stated.

When asked if this means adding new categories of self-insured persons beyond the existing sections 33, 39, and 40, Amornvivat confirmed that the Labor Ministry has established a joint working group between political and administrative branches to study legislative approaches. No specific timeline has been set, though the ministry pledged to accelerate the process while soliciting input from all stakeholders.

"We cannot make unilateral decisions; we must engage with all parties—workers, platforms, and relevant agencies—to reach consensus," Amornvivat concluded.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed allegations that security authorities and the Ministry of Interior have been lax in issuing ID cards to Chinese nationals, leading to document fraud cases. Speaking at Government House on May 11, 2569, the PM stated that ID registration and nationality transfer procedures have been tightened since these issues emerged, though he declined to name specific cases out of respect for personal rights. He confirmed no improper nationality grants have been made.

When asked if new parliamentary legislation was necessary, the PM emphasized existing regulations are adequate, stating authorities simply need to prevent individuals with legal issues or criminal records from entering the system. He dismissed concerns that problematic cases could slip through, noting that government review and vetting processes prevent evasion, and those responsible for failures—such as an official in Chiang Mai involved in selling ID cards—face prosecution and dismissal.

Regarding the arrest of a Chinese national possessing numerous firearms, the PM noted the case began Saturday, May 9, with ongoing investigation expansion. He stressed that under Interior Ministry orders issued 2-3 years ago, firearm possession is prohibited with no exceptions, particularly for foreigners. The PM instructed police to expand the investigation to dismantle associated networks and ensure no security threats remain to the country or Thai citizens.

Sukhumvit Asset Management Company Limited (SAM) has unveiled a Smart Self Service system on LINE @samsocialamc to help low-income debtors resolve their debts independently through the "Clear Debt and Move Forward" program. On May 11, 2025, Ms. Naratnarida Rattapat, Managing Director of SAM, announced that the new platform allows borrowers to manage their entire debt resolution process from start to finish—including eligibility verification, registration, identity confirmation, selecting repayment measures, and finalizing contracts and payments—all through LINE.

The Smart Self Service platform aims to make debt resolution accessible, convenient, and dignified. SAM believes that when individuals break free from debt, their families gain improved quality of life, stability, and economic security. The system offers two flexible repayment options: the "Pay, Close, Done" measure with up to 50% principal reduction and immediate account closure, and the "Installment Repayment" measure with 30% principal reduction, no interest, and repayment periods up to 3 years.

The self-service process involves six steps: adding the LINE friend, verifying eligibility and registering, confirming identity via ID scan and facial recognition, setting access codes and OTP verification, selecting an appropriate repayment plan, reviewing and signing the contract, and making payments via QR code scanning. Eligible participants must be individual debtors with non-performing loan (NPL) status from credit cards, personal loans, or secured debt exceeding 90 days as of September 30, 2024, with combined debt not exceeding 100,000 baht per person, and must not be bankrupt or sanctioned. SAM assures that all transactions through the LINE platform are secure and comply with anti-money laundering standards set by the Office of the Anti-Money Laundering Commission.

A woman who adopted a puppy took the young dog for a walk that passed by her workplace just once. Remarkably, the puppy remembered the route and now attempts to sneak away from home nearly every day to visit her, becoming an adorable viral moment that has delighted internet users.

The heartwarming incident took place in Guizhou Province, China. A young woman adopted a four-month-old puppy from an animal shelter, with her home located only about a five-minute walk from her workplace. She recounted that on one outing, she took the puppy past her office building, just that single time. Yet the clever pup memorized the entire route and now persistently tries to escape home to find her almost every day, regardless of family members' attempts to prevent it. Some days, the determined puppy even makes multiple round trips, and occasionally brings other dogs along.

Footage shot by her coworkers shows that each time the puppy arrives, it rushes straight to its owner, wagging its tail and wiggling its body with unmistakable joy, bringing smiles to all who witness it.

After the video was shared online, netizens offered affectionate comments such as "The pup must be checking if mom is really working" and "Maybe it's too hot and wants to enjoy the air conditioning at the shop."

However, some users issued cautions: while the dog's ability to remember the route is impressive, letting it roam alone still carries risks including traffic accidents, encounters with strangers, and unforeseen dangers. Pet owners should use a leash or provide supervision to ensure their pet's safety.

CHANTHABURI — The Thai military is constructing a new border fence along part of the Thai-Cambodian frontier in Chanthaburi province, aiming to strengthen border security and improve safety for local residents, according to a security source. The construction is taking place between border markers 52 and 54 in Pong Nam Ron district, covering a distance of about 1,310 metres near a permanent border crossing.

The source said the area is mostly flat terrain with a clearly demarcated boundary. Both Thailand and Cambodia already maintain patrol roads running along the border. The new fence is being built with reinforced concrete foundations and steel mesh, with a total height of about 170 centimetres. Concrete panels measuring around 150 centimetres high are topped with an additional 20 centimetres of steel fencing to improve surveillance and security along the border.

Authorities said around 900 to 1,000 fence posts are being installed at intervals of roughly three metres. The source added that some Cambodian soldiers had monitored and photographed the construction work, but Thai authorities insisted the project is being carried out entirely within Thai territory and falls under Thailand's sovereign right to manage its own border areas. Construction on the first phase began in late April and is expected to be completed within 45 days.

Photos of the fence construction, reportedly taken by Cambodian soldiers, have also been widely shared on Cambodian social media platforms.

Another proud achievement! Thai artists C, Nunew, Thomas, and Kong from Domundi Entertainment have won awards at the Weibo International Entertainment Awards, representing another milestone for Thai talent on the Asian stage. The four artists—C Pruksa, Nunew Chawarin, Thomas Theerathat, and Kong Kongphop—received the honor of participating and winning awards at the Weibo International Entertainment Awards, a prestigious event organized by China's most influential social media platform, Weibo, held at Galaxy Arena in Macau. The event drew numerous Asian-level artists from across the region.

The four artists took the stage to receive four awards across different categories:

C Pruksa won the 2026 WIEA Anticipated International Artist award Nunew Chawarin won the 2026 WIEA Notable International Artist award Thomas Theerathat won the 2026 WIEA Promising International Artist award Kong Kongphop won the 2026 WIEA Emerging International Artist award

All four artists expressed their feelings about the awards, stating: "It is a great honor for us to receive this award from the Weibo International Entertainment Awards. This is our utmost pride and serves as another motivation for us to continue producing quality work in the future. We would like to thank our partners who have worked with us, Domundi Entertainment, and our fans who have continuously supported us."

The four artists also performed several songs for the audience, leaving a lasting impression. C performed "Super Secret" and "Breaking Heart Station," while Nunew performed "NEW SEASON" and "True Love." Thomas sang "Pretend" and "Send a Star," and Kong delivered an energetic set with "Witchcraft," "SERIOUS BACON," and "How Many Stars." It was a special moment for attendees to enjoy Thai music through these Thai artists on an Asian-level stage.

The achievement of Domundi Entertainment's artists—C, Nunew, Thomas, and Kong—winning Asian-level awards demonstrates the potential of Thai artists who shine and gain popularity across Asia through their diverse works, while continuously developing their abilities and creating quality content.