Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Panitchpakdi is heading a delegation of 15 Thai entertainment companies—including film production, animation, and related services businesses—to participate in the Marché du Film at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival in Cannes, France. The Commerce Ministry's International Trade Promotion Department (DITP) aims to generate trade negotiations worth at least 1.4 billion baht while creating opportunities to promote Thai content on the world stage and expand cooperation with international film industry partners.

On May 14, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. (French local time), Deputy PM Supachai, Culture Minister Sabida Tayyaetr, Permanent Secretary of Commerce Vuthikrai Levirraphan, and DITP Director-General Sunanta Kangwalkulgij visited the Thailand Pavilion at the 68th edition of the Marché du Film (May 12-20, 2026). This marks Thailand's 19th participation in the event, showcasing an 82-square-meter pavilion designed to create commercial opportunities, open new foreign market channels, and build networks with global film industry partners.

The 15 participating companies are divided into two groups: 12 film production and distribution companies including Bibbidi Entertainment, Fear Works Entertainment, Film Frame Productions, GDH 559, GMM Studios International, M Distribution, Mono Streaming, Nualnart Nimet, Plaablabla, Sahamonkol Film International, Chayaes Adventure, and T&B Media Global (Thailand); and three production and post-production service companies: Benetton Films, Second Skin Studio, and White Light Studio.

Deputy PM Supachai and Culture Minister Sabida discussed market expansion strategies and international partnership opportunities with Thai entrepreneurs to elevate Thailand's entertainment industry on the global stage. The Commerce Ministry aims to facilitate at least 250 business matching meetings, with expectations to generate trade negotiations exceeding 1.4 billion baht. Last year's 2025 Marché du Film saw 12 Thai companies participate as Thailand's 18th delegation, attracting over 15,000 participants from 140 countries including directors, producers, investors, distributors, artists, actors, and agents.

Swedish man reports over 100,000 baht stolen by Pattaya transwomenLegacyA Swedish tourist reported losing more than 100,000 baht in cash after being robbed a group of Thai transwomen at a condominium in Pattaya early today, May 15. Police from Mueang Pattaya Police Station received the complaint from the victim, identified as 67 year old Mahmoud, at around 3.40am before travelling to the condominium to investigate the incident. According to Mahmoud, he had visited entertainment venues along Pattaya Walking Street before meeting two Thai transwomen. He later invited them back to his accommodation at My View Condotel on Pattaya Sai Song Road and agreed to pay them 1,000 baht each. The group reportedly arrived at the condominium at around 2.20am. Mahmoud told police that one of the transwomen later contacted two additional friends and invited them to the room. Photo by gionnixxx via Getty Images Signature After the other two individuals arrived, an argument reportedly broke out among the group, creating confusion inside the condominium room. During the disturbance, one of the suspects allegedly took a key to Mahmoud’s safe before fleeing with cash valued at approximately 111,000 baht. The stolen property included 67,500 baht in Thai currency, 800 euros, 2,000 Swedish krona, and 8 million Vietnamese dong. Investigators have launched a search for the suspects involved in the Pattaya theft case, although no arrests had been announced at the time of reporting. Photo by Roman Lashkin via Flickr The Swedish man is not the only victim targeted by transwomen in Pattaya. His case follows multiple, similar crimes reported previously. In March, CCTV footage captured two Thai transwomen stealing a motorcycle and mobile phone from an intoxicated Russian tourist before leaving him outside a convenience store in the city. Another incident in the same month involved a transwoman attempting to pickpocket a German tourist while crossing a road in Pattaya. According to reports, the suspect approached and hugged the tourist in an attempt to distract him before a Thai bystander intervened. In February, a Chinese tourist was also robbed by three Thai transwomen after inviting them to a hotel room in Pattaya. The victim alleged the group assaulted him before escaping with approximately 20,000 baht in cash. The story Swedish man reports over 100,000 baht stolen by Pattaya transwomen as seen on Thaiger News.

BANGKOK — 15 May 2026, Chinese actress Zhao Lusi has inadvertently sparked fresh interest among Chinese tourists after sharing photos featuring a Thai fragrance diffuser in her hotel room, prompting fans online to add this fragrance item to their "must bring home" checklists for future Thailand trips.

A recent social media post by Chinese superstar Zhao Lusi quickly gained traction on Weibo, where many fans flooded the enthusiastic comments with plans to purchase the exact same scent during future trips to Thailand.

What began as admiration for the actress's relaxed and cheerful holiday atmosphere soon evolved into growing attention for Thai consumer products, with social media users describing the fragrance item as a popular souvenir choice from Thailand. The product shown beside Zhao was identified by fans as the new REUNROM Room Diffuser Luxury Hotel Collection, a Thai-made fragrance product inspired by local scents and hospitality experiences, producing aromatherapy and personal care products that combine traditional Thai ingredients with modern manufacturing techniques.

Fans noted that the diffuser is more than a decorative piece; it represents Thai taste, relaxation, and fond travel memories. These qualities they said were reinforced by Zhao's endorsement. To accommodate the expected surge in demand from visiting fans, the product is readily available at REUNROM retail counters.

The BL series 'Fulfill: Complete Love' has captured audiences both domestically and internationally since its premiere just a few episodes in, thanks to the perfect chemistry between leads Uim Isaya Hosuwan and Bam Saralee Sadue. On May 15, 2026, the two actors gave an exclusive interview discussing the viral moments from each episode and revealed a surprise introduction of their on-screen daughter 'Blossom,' nicknamed 'Ob,' a character brimming with charm and meaningful symbolism.

When asked about the most talked-about moments across episodes, Bam highlighted that each episode has generated significant buzz. The first episode featured a surprise performance that was particularly memorable, while subsequent episodes introduced new dramatic elements. In Episode 2, the focus shifted to family dynamics—specifically the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law relationship, which initially seemed contentious but evolved into something audiences found deeply touching. Uim explained that this storyline resonated because it reflects real family struggles where miscommunication and differing perspectives can create distance.

Episode 3 featured the actors' first intimate love scene together, which Bam described as challenging due to limited space but ultimately enjoyable, even spanning across multiple days of filming. In Episode 4, viewers learned that the character Phafun desires to have children, prompting a deeper conversation between the couple about their future and exploring various options available to them as a same-sex couple—details the actors playfully refused to fully spoil.

Uim's character Aioun appeared shocked by Phafun's revelation, as motherhood hadn't previously been part of their life plan. Bam noted that Aioun tends to overthink decisions and worry about how new variables might affect their relationship. The introduction of the character Phi Kij, Phafun's childhood friend and neighbor, is expected to create significant relationship turbulence in upcoming episodes.

Regarding their on-screen daughter 'Blossom' or 'Ob,' Bam enthusiastically described the character as 'an easy-to-care-for child—completely silent with no complaints.' The name 'Blossom' combines elements representing a rabbit, penguin, unicorn, and bear, making it a unique hybrid character. Uim joked that the child requires no actual parenting effort, adding humor to the character introduction.

On May 15, 2569, Paradorn Prishnanantakul, a Bhumjaithai Party member and Deputy Prime Minister, addressed concerns from opposition lawmakers questioning whether the cabinet had properly consulted parliament members before advancing the draft laws. He responded to criticism from Prasit Wattcharasindhu of the Phak Pracharachon (People's Party), defending the government's consultation process and clarifying that bills are brought before the Cabinet Legal Affairs Department for review before approval consideration.

Paradorn emphasized that bills submitted to parliament become the property of parliament itself once they pass the first reading. Regarding constitutional amendment drafts, he noted it would be inappropriate to detail substantive matters while representing the cabinet. He explained that accepting the Bhumjaithai Party's draft as the primary framework could resolve complications, particularly regarding Senate voting requirements.

"When seeking cooperation from colleagues, we cannot abandon them," Paradorn stated. "We must work together and communicate. Otherwise, nothing will succeed. If we only follow our own agenda without listening to others, we will not achieve our goals."

He responded to Democrat Party member Abhisit Vejjajiva's concerns by clarifying that once bills pass first reading, they belong to parliament—not to individual parties. The government would consider whichever draft would provide the greatest benefit to the people.

The assembly then voted on the proposal to conduct a single collective vote on all 34 draft laws rather than individual votes. Parliament approved the collective voting method with 611 in favor, 3 opposed, and 1 abstention, allowing all 34 draft bills to proceed according to Article 147, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution.

Osamu Sudo, Deputy Executive Officer of Amata Vietnam Public Company Limited (AMATAV), disclosed the company's Q1/2026 operational results, reporting combined revenue of 688 million baht, down 19% year-over-year, resulting in a net loss of approximately 2 million baht. The revenue decline stems from reduced land transfer income, which follows normal cycles in property transfer transactions.

Despite this, the company maintains steady recurring income from utility service operations, generating continuous cash inflow aligned with business development plans. The company continues to face challenges from shifting global economic geopolitical factors, rising energy costs, and their impact on new investment expansion.

Sudo stated that the company maintains efficient financial cost management, resulting in a 30% increase in financial income to 16 million baht. As of Q1/2026, total assets stood at 13,887 million baht, up 1.98%, with shareholders' equity at 6,511 million baht, up 3.66%. The debt-to-equity ratio remained at 1.1 times, at a manageable level.

Amata Vietnam is developing the Amata City Phu Tho project (Doan Hung Industrial Park) on 475.67 hectares (approximately 2,970 rai), focusing on advanced technology and green industries. The project is divided into two phases: Phase 1 (2025-2029) covers 239.43 hectares for infrastructure development, while Phase 2 (2029 onwards) encompasses 236.24 hectares with a 50-year concession period.

The project targets attracting global investors, particularly in advanced technology and environmentally friendly industries. "Global economic pressures may slow foreign direct investment in the short term," Sudo noted, "but long-term positive factors remain, including manufacturing base shifts from China seeking industrial park land for continued operations."

Vietnam's economy grew 7.83% in the first quarter, the highest in Southeast Asia, despite facing energy cost pressures, inflation, and U.S. tariff risks. FDI inflows continue to rise, reflecting global investors' confidence in Vietnam as Asia's new manufacturing hub.

According to Vietnam's Finance Ministry statistics, actual FDI disbursements in Q1/2026 reached $7.4 billion, up 9.8%, while new FDI including capital increases and share acquisitions totaled $18.24 billion, up 32% year-over-year.

Amata Vietnam remains committed to developing industrial cities following an "ALL WIN" approach, targeting the transformation of these industrial cities into Carbon Neutral Cities by 2040.