Thai entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia say Thai business and products still have significant opportunities in the Middle East despite recent regional conflicts. Akkarawut Tangsirikosolwong, chairman of the Asian and Middle Eastern Export Trade Association and CEO of Vega Group, revealed that while recent Middle East tensions negatively impacted Thai business for just one month, most regional countries have now adapted and returned to normal operations. Trade and investment in Saudi Arabia continue as usual, and the country's Vision 2030 development initiatives are proceeding on schedule.

"News coverage may have made the situation seem severe, but the impact was actually short-term," Akkarawut explained. "People in the region still conduct normal daily life, especially in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The economy continues to function well, and despite a temporary dip in tourism, it's now recovering. Rising oil prices have also boosted regional income and consumer spending."

While the closure of the Strait of Hormuz initially disrupted export operations, Akkarawut noted that businesses have adapted by rerouting shipments through Oman instead. Although this increases shipping costs, commerce continues. Airports have also resumed operations. "I see the Middle East market as a strong opportunity for Thai products and services because the economy is growing well. Thai exports should recover fairly quickly since consumers in the region prefer Thai goods," he said. Product categories with strong market expansion potential include food products, processed foods, herbs, cosmetics, fashion, and home decoration items.

Thai food service businesses, particularly restaurants, continue to expand throughout the Middle East, reflecting strong consumer demand, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. In the second half of the year, business events and trade shows postponed due to the conflict are expected to resume in July and August, presenting important opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs. Private businesses are preparing major projects including Global City in Dammam in eastern Saudi Arabia, offering showcase space for 40-50 Thai entrepreneurs and potentially generating 300-400 million baht in revenue.

At 10:30 AM on May 7, 2025 at the Central Police Investigation Center, Tonthong Sukkhen (Tone Bangkae) arrived with his lawyer Chalomshai Sriyuphakdi to present documents and evidence of innocence following reports of a fortune-telling scam ring involving fraud victims totaling over 5 billion baht.

After presenting his case, Tone Bangkae emphasized that he came forward proactively rather than evading the law. He stated he was prepared to cooperate with the investigation after learning from statements by Madam Keng and Deputy Police Commissioner Jarunyakiat Pankaew that he was identified as the third defendant. He noted that investigators had not yet confirmed formal charges against him and expressed his willingness to cooperate fully.

Tone Bangkae confirmed that more than nine individuals named in media reports were also prepared to demonstrate their innocence and had no connection to the alleged gang. Regarding Madam Keng's allegations, he acknowledged some points aligned while others did not, particularly concerning the debt figure. He confirmed the debt is genuinely over 800 million baht with properly executed contracts through 2023, and he has made advance payments through 2027.

Tone Bangkae revealed that he met Madam Keng in 2022 through an acquaintance who was a fortune-telling expert. Madam Keng initially approached him to sell a car. He has repaid approximately 500 million baht of the debt, with 300 million remaining, and maintains all contracts are properly documented. While acknowledging that some bounced checks occurred during this period, he stated these were cleared. However, he disputed Madam Keng's claim that a particular bounced check was his, stating this could be verified.

Regarding the claim that collateral property was valued below the loan amount, Tone Bangkae asserted the building used as collateral is worth more than 100 million baht, as he personally purchased and renovated it. He noted that an appraiser undervalued it. He subsequently restructured the debt from 100 million to 120 million baht, converting it from a property mortgage to a lease-purchase agreement with installment payments to Madam Keng. He expressed no concern about this arrangement, stating the borrowed funds were invested in business.

"Madam Keng provided the money because she expected interest, as she's a professional money lender—something people in the business already know," Tone Bangkae stated. He confirmed he personally purchased the Bentley and completed all payments, along with other branded assets.

Regarding the 180 million baht debt secured by sacred amulets valued at 400-500 million baht, Tone Bangkae revealed that a fortune-telling expert was present during the valuation. He viewed this person more as a close friend than a mere acquaintance, noting that this person documented the valuation price, while he only signed the debt acknowledgment.

Tone Bangkae also recounted events from April 17, when he heard that police would arrest fortune-telling experts and a friend informed him he was among those targeted. Rather than wait for police to find him, he decided to approach police directly. He coordinated through Pong Suphan, who is close to Big Tao, to request a face-to-face meeting, but after two coordination attempts without response, the timeline extended until April 10 when Pong Suphan called.

On May 6, 2025, at 12:30 PM in the second-floor conference room of Samraan Police Station, Pol. Maj. Gen. Chaikrit Pho-a, commander of Metropolitan Police Division 6, along with Pol. Col. Narisee Prathana Porn, deputy commander of Division 6, and Pol. Col. Prasit Wiratya Phon, superintendent of Samraan Police Station, received a budget allocation from Dr. Sikhro Chettha Ibsamut and Prof. Dr. Thanyanun Ibsamut, chairman and vice chairman of Thipsamai Group, in their capacity as members of the police station committee and Metropolitan Police Division 6. The funding of 310,091.35 baht will support the installation of 32 CCTV cameras at Samraan Police Station to enhance police efficiency in maintaining public safety. Pol. Maj. Gen. Chaikrit stated that this collaboration between government and private sectors aims to improve safety for detainees and suspects in the police station's detention facility, with cameras installed throughout the police station building, surrounding areas, and the front of the premises.

An 8-year-old British boy has become a small hero earning praise from people worldwide after successfully calming an intoxicated female passenger on a Jet2 flight, preventing the aircraft from having to divert for an emergency landing.

The incident occurred in early May on a Jet2 flight traveling from Turkey to England. The boy, named Phoenix, was returning home with his father. The flight was already delayed by about an hour waiting for some passengers to board. Approximately 30 minutes after takeoff, chaos erupted when a female passenger was found to have brought alcohol aboard and began behaving aggressively, shouting and causing a disturbance.

The boy's father, James, volunteered to speak with the woman, who was seated between him and his 8-year-old son. However, unexpectedly, it was Phoenix himself who managed to defuse the tense situation. The boy began singing to her, showed her his football cards, and gently engaged her in conversation. Whenever she became upset again, Phoenix would gently nudge her and say, "Come on, talk to me."

James later revealed: "The way my son handled the situation was amazing. He genuinely calmed her down. I'm not the hero—my son is."

After that, the female passenger remained calm for the rest of the flight, making it unnecessary for the pilots to divert for an emergency landing.

Jet2 airline rewarded both father and son with gifts and free plane tickets to express their gratitude. Phoenix's story touched many people worldwide, prompting individuals from England, Germany, and the Netherlands to send gifts to his home, including thank-you cards, toys, and even a PlayStation 5 console. His father expressed gratitude to everyone for their warm support.

BANGKOK — 7 May 2026, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt announced his intention to continue his work following public recognition of improvements in the capital's administration over his four-year tenure, though he acknowledged the city's performance remains incomplete.

Speaking Wednesday at Bangkok City Hall during the final executive meeting of his administration's term, Chadchart expressed gratitude to officials and staff for their dedication throughout the past four years.

The meeting brought together Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) executives, Permanent Secretary Narong Ruangsri, directors from all 50 district offices, senior officials and related staff.

"This is our administration's final meeting. Thank you for working together. I have been very happy," Chadchart told attendees.

"I believe Bangkok has many capable people who work very well. Over the past four years, I have been impartial, but the public has told us that our work has improved. Many of our achievements have addressed people's needs, but we are still not at 100%, so we must continue."

Chadchart rated his own performance at five out of 10, while giving his team eight out of 10, commending their consistent efforts and cautioning officials to remain vigilant during the transition period.

He noted that the city's homelessness situation had improved through initiatives like the "Im Jai House" shelter program, which still has room to accept more residents, particularly given ongoing economic difficulties.

Chadchart warned officials to enforce existing street vendor regulations during the administrative changeover, cautioning that some traders might attempt to exploit gaps while a new administration takes office.

With the rainy season approaching, Chadchart directed agencies to assess flood prevention measures and carefully monitor construction projects that could worsen flooding, including Orange Line rail construction along Ratchadamnoen Road and projects near Banthat Thong Road.

Flooding had already struck 12 locations across Bangkok, prompting him to stress preventive action, including accelerated drainage and canal dredging during heavy rainfall periods.

The governor also ordered the Drainage and Sewerage Department to accelerate delayed projects, particularly the Thonburi wastewater collection and treatment system, noting that residents have suffered significantly.

Regarding foreign birth registrations, Chadchart instructed district offices to strengthen oversight and review whether registration procedures are sufficiently stringent, especially in districts showing unusually high registration numbers.

Ahead of upcoming elections, Chadchart directed all officials to remain politically neutral.

"We must build public confidence in the elections as much as possible," he said. "Whether it is the Bangkok governor election or council elections, everything must be handled equally. We must maintain neutrality and avoid any favoritism."

On February 6, 2025, Deputy Police Commissioner Samarani Nualma, along with Deputy Commissioner Krisda Kanchanalong and numerous other senior police officials, ordered the arrest of two suspects: a 26-year-old male named Rai and a 27-year-old female named Wari, both charged with theft and property damage using a vehicle.

The pair had a documented history of three theft incidents:

1. March 20, 2024: Theft from under a residential house in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya 2. April 30, 2024: Theft of a squirrel monkey named "March" from Pae Mon Friend Zoo, the zoo's beloved mascot 3. May 1, 2024: Theft of one saltwater crocodile and one tiger-striped salamander from Pata Zoo

Police seized multiple animals during the search including squirrel monkey "March," one saltwater crocodile, one tiger-striped salamander, five snakes, one raccoon, one tortoise, and other animals still under investigation.

The arrest followed an unusual tip to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau that a husband and wife couple were seen carrying animals into drug distribution areas in the Don Muang district, attempting to trade a pangolin for narcotics. After investigation, authorities identified the suspects as teenagers living in the Don Muang area with a pattern of animal theft across Bangkok and its surrounding areas.

Detailed investigation revealed their latest crimes occurred on April 30, 2024, when they stole "March" from Pae Mon Friend Zoo in Bang Khun, and on May 1, 2024, when they stole the crocodile and salamander from Pata Zoo in Pin Klao. Police tracked them to their residence and discovered numerous stolen animals. Officers also found an apartment in Don Muang where the suspects were hiding animals for sale.

Deputy Police Commander Theeradej Thammasudeer stated: "This criminal activity goes beyond simple animal theft—it involves connections to drug trafficking, a serious threat to society. Officers must expand the investigation to cover both the animal theft network and drug trafficking routes that may be interconnected, in order to prosecute these crimes according to the law."