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National

Senators Oppose Committee Report Recommending Government Terminate MOU43 Following MOU44, Citing Concerns Over Lost Benefits

Thai senators debated a committee report recommending termination of a 26-year-old border agreement with Cambodia, with opponents warning it could surrender negotiating leverage and force international arbitration over disputed maritime res

1d ago Khaosod

At 11:50 a.m. on May 18, 2026, at Parliament, the Senate held a meeting chaired by Deputy Senate President General Kriangkrai Srirak to review a study report on the advantages and disadvantages of terminating MOUs 2543 and 2544 to resolve Thai-Cambodian border issues. The special committee, headed by Senator Nophdol Inna, completed its review. Nophdol reported that the committee unanimously recommended terminating both MOUs, citing that MOU 2543 has constitutional and legal compliance problems. The Cabinet in 2543 only took note of it rather than formally approving it, and the approval to sign and ratify MOU 2543 did not follow Prime Minister's Office regulations requiring Cabinet approval beforehand.

The acceptance of maps at 1:200,000 scale in MOU 2543 altered Thai territory or state authority but was never submitted to Parliament for approval as required by the Constitution. The border demarcation survey between Thailand and Cambodia has progressed minimally despite nearly 26 years having passed, currently only at the initial stage of five phases, with recent clashes occurring.

"The committee confirms that Thailand can unilaterally terminate MOU 2543 but must notify Cambodia at least three months in advance," Nophdol stated. "After notifying Cambodia of termination, Thailand still has at least three more months. Thailand can negotiate improvements with Cambodia, and if successful, withdraw the termination. If negotiations fail, Thailand can still terminate MOU 2543 without affecting previous agreements."

The meeting allowed senators to debate the report, revealing both supporters and opponents. Some senators opposed it, viewing it as having hidden agendas and believing MOU 2543 remains a crucial tool for negotiating with Cambodia, particularly regarding MOU 2544 on resources in overlapping maritime areas, which the Cabinet already voted to terminate on May 5.

Senator Pornchai Witthayaleartpun disagreed with the committee's recommendation, arguing that tearing up the MOU eliminates bilateral mechanisms and forces Thailand into binding arbitration with five foreign arbitrators, thus surrendering Thai sovereignty to outsiders. He contended that terminating MOU 2543 abandons the overlapping area negotiation agreement that allows maritime benefit negotiations simultaneously—an advantage Thailand holds over Cambodia. He urged careful consideration of whether Thailand should use diplomatic tools strategically or act out of unfounded nationalist sentiment.

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National

Coach Che Leads Thai Taekwondo Team's Charge for Asian Championship Gold, Eyes Olympic Qualification

Thailand's 15-member taekwondo team competes at the Asian Championships in Mongolia this week aiming to secure Olympic qualification spots for the Asian Games in Japan. Head coach Chatchai Che's delegation seeks at least one gold medal and

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Thailand's taekwondo team is competing at the 2026 Asian Taekwondo Championships from May 21-24 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Head coach Chatchai Che is leading a full-strength 15-member delegation featuring competitors in multiple weight divisions. Thai Taekwondo Association secretary general Thanadid Raksabut emphasized the championship's significance as a qualifying tournament for the 20th Asian Games in Japan later this year, requiring at least a semifinal appearance to secure spots. The athletes have undergone intensive training with no injuries reported, and both coaching staff and athletes expressed confidence in their physical and mental readiness. Coach Che noted the team previously competed at the Turkish Open with strong results, and emphasized the importance of maintaining focus without pressure while aiming for at least one gold medal and more than three Asian Games quotas. The coaching staff has been preparing athletes since January for the new ruleset changes. World champion Ballanngk Thapthimaedang, competing in the 68kg men's division, shared that he won silver at last year's Asian Championships and is now targeting gold this year. He acknowledged that Thailand's reputation means other nations study their techniques and style, making it necessary to continuously improve while addressing weaknesses. He added that the team has already trained and competed under the new rules at the Turkish Open and feels comfortable with the changes.

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Community

Plot Summary of Rose Playing with Fire Episodes 29-30 Monday-Tuesday on Channel 7HD

After Orm publicly cancels her wedding to Thanon, he prepares to leave the country, but a stabbing incident and misunderstandings between the characters intensify the drama in episodes 29-30 of Rose Playing with Fire, airing Monday-Tuesday

1d ago Khaosod

After Orm announces the cancellation of her wedding to Thanon through the media, Thanon decides to prepare for a business trip abroad. Rose Playing with Fire airs at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 7HD.

Plot Summary of Rose Playing with Fire (Episode 29) Broadcasts Monday, May 18, 2025

After Orm (Kesarin Noibeung) publicly calls off her wedding to Thanon (Thanwa Suriyajak), Thanon prepares to travel abroad for work. Seeing Orm's sadness and feeling guilty toward Thanon, Khwan (Kusuma Tansukul) teams up with Bee (Chongmaht Bangchawong) to arrange a meeting between Orm and Thanon to clear up misunderstandings before it's too late.

But an unexpected incident occurs when Mint (Phawadee Chansamon) is taken by Ekaphop (Thir Chutikhul) to handle a VIP client engagement. This time, Mint refuses and tries to escape. Thanon happens to see Mint running away and rushes to help, but ends up being stabbed severely by Mr. Wang's henchmen with a knife!

What happens next? Follow the drama in Rose Playing with Fire Episode 29 on Monday, May 18 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 7HD, available on digital TV channel 35.

Plot Summary of Rose Playing with Fire (Episode 30) Broadcasts Tuesday, May 19, 2025

Orm coincidentally finds Mint in Jao Sua Thian's (Trin Seththachok) room and misunderstands, thinking Mint has sacrificed herself to get a job from Jao Sua Thian to defeat her. Meanwhile, Thanon (Thanwa Suriyajak) is investigating the incident where he was attacked the day before and discovers that Ekaphop (Thir Chutikhul) forced Mint to take on the VIP assignment.

Thanon tries to find a way to help Mint and attempts to prove to Orm that Mint is in a terrible situation, hoping to stop Orm's revenge game.

Stay tuned for the intense drama in Rose Playing with Fire Episode 30 on Tuesday, May 19 at 8:30 p.m. on Channel 7HD, available on digital TV channel 35.

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National

Pheu Thai Reaffirms Three Principles for New Constitution Draft, Criticizes Constitutional Court Ruling as Undemocratic and Claims 2017 Constitution Fertilizes Military Regime

Pheu Thai Party outlines three principles for a new constitutional amendment draft, emphasizing public participation and equal parliamentary voting rights while criticizing the 2017 Constitution for enabling military influence through an un

1d ago Khaosod

The Pheu Thai Party reaffirmed three core principles for submitting a new constitutional amendment draft on May 18, 2025, at Parliament. Party leader and list MP Nattapong Ruengpanya announced the positions following a shadow cabinet meeting with civil society representatives regarding guidelines for drafting a new constitution. "We need a constitution that connects with the people as much as possible, not one that is drafted as quickly as possible," he stated.

The party's three foundational principles are: (1) Maximizing public participation, especially in selecting constitution drafters, despite operating within the framework of Constitutional Court Ruling 18/2568; (2) Preventing monopolization of the new constitution-drafting process; and (3) Not granting additional privileges to senators, ensuring all parliamentarians have equal voting rights throughout the process.

The party committed to proposing amendments to Article 256 of the Constitution to add Chapter 15/1 based on these three principles, and pledged to allocate some of its MPs to support compatible amendments proposed by other political parties. Pheu Thai also agreed to support civil society in gathering at least 50,000 signatures from eligible voters for alternative constitutional amendments.

Ying Chitpol Acharnnont, director of the Internet for the Law Project (iLaw), stated that the government must announce a complete roadmap for the constitution-drafting process, including at least two additional referendums, a process for selecting drafters, and public consultations. He warned that no political party should have disproportionate influence, particularly unelected senators without legitimacy from public elections. He emphasized that if political parties' proposals lack public participation, civil society has the right to submit competing alternatives.

Pricha Watcharasindhul, a Pheu Thai list MP, argued that the 2017 Constitution created a politically deadlocked system by allowing the government to collude with independent organizations through the appointed Senate, which was structured without public input and selected through mutual arrangement.

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Community

Port Authority Mini Marathon 2026 in Full Swing! PAT Celebrates 75 Years with Walking and Running for Health and Community

The Port Authority of Thailand hosted a charity marathon on May 17 at Bangkok Port, offering 5km and 10km routes to mark the organization's 75th anniversary and raise funds for social welfare programs.

1d ago Khaosod

The Port Authority of Thailand (PAT) organized a charity walking and running competition called the 'Port Authority Mini Marathon 2026' to promote strong health through physical activity and contribute to social and charitable causes. The official opening ceremony was presided over by Panittha Charoenphon, PAT Deputy Director-General for Human Resources and Corporate Governance, with the attendance of PAT executives, employees, service users, representatives from government and private agencies, media, and Thai and foreign participants on May 17, 2026 at Bangkok Port in Khlong Toei District, Bangkok.

Participants had the choice of a 5-kilometer Fun Run or a 10-kilometer Mini Marathon route that passes through cargo transport operations along the Chao Phraya River, allowing runners to experience the port atmosphere in the early morning while contributing to charitable causes. Panittha stated that on the occasion of PAT's 75th anniversary, the organization remains committed to both corporate development and continuous social care. The charity event reflects PAT's dedication to encouraging the public to prioritize their health through walking and running activities aligned with current fitness trends. Revenue from the event will support PAT's ongoing charitable and social welfare initiatives. Over its 75-year history, PAT has played a crucial role in driving the nation's logistics system while supporting communities and society for sustainable growth.

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Police

Crackdown on 52 Million Liter Oil Hoarding Ring – Fast-Track Cases on Ang Thong Oil Storage Facility with 3 Billion Baht in Suspicious Funds

Thai authorities are prosecuting oil traders accused of hoarding 52 million liters of fuel during a March 2025 Middle East crisis, deliberately withholding supplies to inflate prices and profit from shortages.

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Officials are prosecuting an oil hoarding operation involving 52 million liters of fuel, profiteering during the Strait of Hormuz closure. On May 18, 2025, at the National Police Office, Justice Minister Rutthapol Nao-uerawat, along with Energy Minister Eak-nart Prom-phanthoop, Deputy Police Commissioner Thatchai Pitaneelabutr, and DSI Director Yuthana Praidamm, announced results of investigations and prosecution against Section 7 oil traders with their own gas stations. The investigation found that these traders deliberately delayed fuel sales to hoard oil and profit from continuously rising prices, causing a severe fuel shortage crisis in March 2025 during Middle East conflicts.

The task force determined that fuel shortages, especially diesel, resulted from Section 7 oil traders deliberately withholding fuel from retail stations even though adequate supplies remained in storage during the March 20-25, 2025 Strait of Hormuz closure period. This caused significant hardship for the public. Diesel supplies disappeared from the system at approximately 29.2 million liters, representing 20.2% of total inventory.

Section 7 oil traders also hoarded fuel in maritime and road transport using deliberate delays to ensure fuel arrived at storage facilities when they could maximize profits from oil price speculation. Officials discovered 23 large tanker shipments (2-5 million liters each; normally 2 trips) deliberately delayed with 50.8 million liters of fuel aboard, and 662 unmarked truck trips carrying 2.1 million liters, believed to involve hoarding fuel on vehicles or in alternative storage facilities.

Justice Minister Rutthapol stated these Section 7 oil traders distorted market mechanisms through deliberate fuel hoarding in storage and transport by sea and road to profit at others' expense, lacking governance and showing disregard for public suffering and law.

Charges will include "delaying fuel sales under Section 30 of the 2542 BE Price of Goods and Services Act, carrying penalties of up to 7 years imprisonment or 140,000 baht fine or both" and "transport documentation not conforming to regulations under Section 30 of the 2543 BE Oil Trading Act, carrying penalties of up to 1 year imprisonment or 100,000 baht fine or both."

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has directed decisive prosecution against all involved parties without exception. Deputy Police Commissioner Thatchai noted the investigation found irregularities throughout the fuel distribution system including hoarding in storage facilities, maritime transport delays, and land transport delays intended to profit during the crisis affecting Thailand's oil infrastructure.

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Breaking

All the Drama! Woman Creates Netflix-Style Trailer to Request 10-Day Bali Vacation

A woman named Thalia created a Netflix-style documentary trailer to request 10 days off for a Bali vacation, complete with dramatic editing and suspenseful reveals that left her bosses both stunned and amused. The viral video has won praise

1d ago Khaosod

Going viral! A woman created a Netflix-style series trailer to request a 10-day leave for a Bali trip, leaving her boss stunned with her bold approach. Internet users are praising the hilarious idea and sharing it widely.

What typically amounts to a simple email or shy in-person request has been transformed into hilariously viral content when one woman decided to go big by creating a Netflix-style series trailer to request time off for a Bali vacation. The video sent social media into overdrive.

The woman, named Thalia, instead of simply typing "I'd like to request 10 days off" created a dramatic documentary-style video complete with cinematic editing, sound design, and emotional beats reminiscent of a major film production. Many joked that this wasn't a leave request but rather an Academy Award submission.

The clip opens with tense atmosphere as an interviewer asks Thalia why she's seemed stressed and odd lately. She responds with concern that there's something she wants to tell her two bosses, Frank and Jack, but hasn't been brave enough to say it. As the video continues, the atmosphere intensifies like a true crime documentary, with the interviewer pressing her on whether this is the source of her strange behavior. Thalia admits she hasn't found the "right moment" to bring it up.

Then the interviewer delivers the punchline: "The right moment is now." Viewers get caught up as if a major national revelation is coming, but what Thalia reveals is simply that she wants 10 days off to vacation in Bali and live life to the fullest.

Despite the ordinary reason, the video's boldness is anything but ordinary, ending like a season finale cliffhanger with the question of whether her bosses will approve or deny the request, leaving viewers eager for a follow-up.

Bosses Frank and Jack become another highlight of the clip when they humorously acknowledge that after watching the video, they finally understand why Thalia seemed stressed the whole time. They even jokingly ask whether they need to respond with a video as well.

Thalia, staying in character, suggests that if they do respond, a "documentary trailer" would suffice. The internet erupted in laughter, praising this creative, funny approach that turned typical office stress into an adorably viral moment.

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National

Dusit Thani Q1 2026 Profit Soars 419% on Hotel Growth and Dusit Central Park Unit Handovers

Dusit Thani Group's first-quarter profit surged 419% to 249 million baht, boosted by strong hotel revenues and residential unit handovers from its Dusit Central Park project despite global geopolitical challenges. The company expects 5-8% r

1d ago Khaosod

The Dusit Thani Group unveiled its first-quarter 2026 (January-March) financial results on May 18, 2026, reporting total revenue of 3,270 million baht, a 37.3% year-over-year increase. EBITDA reached 860 million baht, while net profit jumped to 249 million baht, up 418.8%, driven primarily by growth in hotel operations and residential unit handovers from the Dusit Central Park project.

Chanin Donavanik, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Dusit Thani Group, noted that Q1 2026 performance grew despite global geopolitical tensions. Key growth drivers included rising hotel revenues and residential unit deliveries from Dusit Central Park, with strong revenue growth and efficient fixed-cost management expanding operating margins significantly.

"Although foreign tourist arrivals in Thailand declined in the first quarter, our hotel business still grew, demonstrating our portfolio management and customer base diversification capabilities," Donavanik stated. Hotel properties achieved a 17% increase in revenue per available room (RevPAR) year-over-year, particularly Dusit Thani Bangkok, driven by higher occupancy rates and average room rates.

Hotel management contract revenues also grew despite geopolitical challenges in the Middle East impacting that region's performance. Moving forward, the company will closely monitor the situation and adjust operational strategies, placing greater emphasis on regional and domestic tourism while maintaining efficient cost controls.

For 2026, Dusit Thani projects overall revenue growth of 5-8% (excluding residential deliveries) and anticipates EBITDA margins of 18-20%. The company identified global geopolitical factors as the primary challenge, noting that any improvement in the global environment would benefit international travel and tourism, supporting future growth.

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Police

Train Driver Admits to Regular Methamphetamine and Cannabis Use, Last Used 10 Days Before Crash

A train driver involved in a deadly May 16 crash at Bangkok's Makkasan crossing admitted to regular methamphetamine and cannabis use, with his last use 10 days before the accident that killed 8 people.

1d ago Khaosod

Train driver admits to regularly using methamphetamine and cannabis, consuming multiple pills at a time, with his most recent use occurring 10 days before the incident. A background check revealed he had previously faced drug charges in 2562. The accident involved Cargo Train 2126 (Laem Chabang-Bang Sue) crashing into air-conditioned bus Line 206 at the Makkasan railway crossing below the Airport Rail Link station on Asoke-Din Daeng Road, triggering a massive fire that killed 8 people instantly and injured over 30 others on the afternoon of May 16.

At 12:15 p.m. on May 18, 2569, at Makkasan Police Station, Pol. Col. Worsakdi Pisitbannakorn, Deputy Commander of Police Region 1, revealed progress on the rail-bus collision case. An investigation team was established with divided responsibilities, and preliminary charges have been filed against the bus driver for reckless driving causing death, injury, and property damage to others. The train driver and signal man have also been charged with recklessness causing death and injury, though their accounts contradict each other—the signal man claims he gave clear signals while the train driver denies receiving any signal, which the defendant claims is his right.

Pol. Col. Worsakdi stated the investigation team will examine every crossing the train passed through to determine the train's speed and whether signal men provided clear warnings at each point. The team has sent documentation to the State Railway of Thailand requesting permission to recreate the accident and examine driver visibility. They will also consult railway legal officers regarding regulations for authorizing train operators, as currently no licensed train drivers are employed.

"The train driver claims regular methamphetamine and cannabis use, with the last use 10 days before the incident, but police remain skeptical," Pol. Col. Worsakdi said. "Background checks show he was previously prosecuted for drug offenses in 2562 in Thung Song District, Nakhon Si Thammarat." Police are coordinating with multiple agencies to enforce parking restrictions at designated points to prevent similar accidents.

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National

FDA Warns Against Popular 'Dietary Supplement' Claiming to Treat Diabetes

The FDA warned consumers against Kang Dong dietary supplement, which falsely claims to treat diabetes and was sold online with deceptive marketing. The product's registration was cancelled in March 2025, and authorities are pursuing legal a

1d ago Khaosod

On May 18, 2025, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that it received a complaint regarding the Kang Dong brand dietary supplement sold online, which claims benefits including rapid blood sugar stabilization, protection against diabetes complications, and complete health restoration without medication for over one million patients. The FDA's investigation confirmed that the Kang Dong supplement (Food License No. 13-1-16862-5-0217) had its product registration cancelled by the manufacturer on March 23, 2025, and the advertised health claims are false and deceptive. The agency urges consumers to be cautious and not be misled. The FDA and relevant agencies are currently pursuing legal action and conducting intensive market surveillance. Consumers can verify product information at www.fda.moph.go.th or through FDA's official social media accounts (@FDAThai). Those who encounter suspicious products can report them to the FDA hotline 1556.

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Police

Troops Clear Border Issue: Cambodians Using Undemarcated Border Land for Agriculture as Thailand Strengthens Monitoring

Thai troops are addressing complaints about Cambodian farmers using undemarcated border land in Surin province's Kok Sung district, where unclear boundary lines prevent authorities from determining rightful ownership. The military says coop

1d ago Khaosod

The First Army Region has deployed troops to address Thai public complaints about Cambodian nationals using agricultural land in Non Mak Mun subdistrict, Kok Sung district, Surin province—an area without clearly defined border demarcation. Army spokesman Polcol Windhai Suvatee stated on May 18, 2025 that soldiers have already engaged in talks with the parties involved. Since the area lacks clear border delineation, ownership cannot be definitively determined, and authorities have requested cooperation in suspending use of the land temporarily.

The military spokesman noted that prior to recent combat situations, neither side had strictly enforced border area usage restrictions. However, following the outbreak of conflict, stricter measures and heightened vigilance have become necessary.

When asked whether public requests for fence construction could be implemented immediately, Polcol Windhai stated that no mutually accepted border demarcation line currently exists between the two countries, though barbed wire fencing has been installed in areas under Thai control. The border area under the Second Army Region's responsibility spans over 400 kilometers, making it necessary to allocate adequate time for proper area management and operations.

"We ask the public to rely primarily on information from military and government agencies to prevent misunderstandings," the spokesman said. "Some people may not fully understand the theoretical boundary lines established by both nations' militaries, which are currently undergoing continuous adjustments. Thai agricultural areas have no issues because their boundaries are clearly defined. Similarly, Cambodian military officials must help their own citizens understand these matters as well."

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