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Tourism

NCT's Jaehyun Announces First Solo Fan Concert in Thailand—Ticket Sales Open May 15 and 17!

NCT's Jaehyun announces his first solo fan concert tour in Thailand, with shows scheduled for June 27-28, 2026 at Bangkok's Thunder Dome following his military discharge. Ticket pre-sales for fan club members begin May 15, with general sale

8 May Khaosod

NCT's Jaehyun is returning to meet Thai fans! After completing his military service and officially being discharged on May 3, the talented artist has announced his first solo fan concert tour in Thailand. SM True is thrilled to welcome back Jaehyun with the Jaehyun Fan-Con Tour in Bangkok, taking place on Saturday, June 27, 2026 (6:00 PM) and Sunday, June 28, 2026 (4:00 PM) at Thunder Dome.

After fulfilling his mandatory military duty, Jaehyun is ready to reunite with Thai fans for a memorable experience. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional versatility as a member of the popular boy group NCT, NCT 127, and the NCT DoJaeJung unit, earning global admiration. Beyond his group activities, he has established himself as a compelling solo artist with distinctive charm and artistry, showcasing meticulous attention to detail in every project.

His dedication is evident in his official solo debut album 'J,' where he was deeply involved in every aspect—from songwriting and composition to artistic direction and album conceptualization. His first solo fan concert in October 2024 at Seoul's Jamsil Indoor Stadium was a huge success, with tickets selling out immediately. The concert's theme 'Mute' reflected a serene atmosphere that allowed listeners to focus on the music with complete clarity.

The 2026 Jaehyun Fan-Con Tour continues this narrative by 'unlocking the silence' and returning to the vibrant colors and distinctive sounds of Jaehyun's artistry. The tour kicks off June 6-7 at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul, followed by stops in Macau, Jakarta, Bangkok, and Taipei—five cities across Asia in total. Fans can expect an immersive experience featuring songs, performances, and heartfelt conversations that will resonate deeply.

Ticket sales for NCTzen 127 members (GL) pre-sale begin Friday, May 15, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 11:59 PM. General public sales (General Sale) start Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM onwards. Tickets are available through All Ticket counters at 7-Eleven stores nationwide and via www.allticket.com/event/JAEHYUN_Mono_in_BANGKOK. Prices range from 2,700 to 6,600 baht for various tiers, with special perks for ticket holders.

For more information, follow SM True on social media: Facebook (facebook.com/smtruethailand), Instagram (instagram.com/smtruethailand), X (x.com/SMTrueThailand), and TikTok (tiktok.com/@smtruethailand). Additional ticket inquiries can be directed to support@allticket.com.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

Bangkok Develops Future 'Global Citizens' with Large-Scale Training Program to Upskill 1,215 English Teachers Across Four Language Skills

Bangkok is training 1,215 English teachers across eight intensive batches through May-August 2025 to improve language skills and digital teaching methods, addressing a critical need as only 3% of current students achieve baseline proficienc

8 May Khaosod

Bangkok is rolling out a major educational initiative to transform future "global citizens" through eight batches of intensive training aimed at upgrading 1,215 English teachers' language skills across all four competencies and equipping them with modern digital teaching techniques.

Deputy Bangkok Governor Sanont Wangsa-angbuul chaired the opening ceremony for the English language teaching quality improvement program, designed to elevate English proficiency among Bangkok's educators. The initiative focuses on developing all four language skills while incorporating digital-era teaching methods to prepare students to become true "global citizens" in an era where single-language communication is no longer sufficient for future success.

Director Pismay Ruangsil of the Education Office collaborated with expert lecturers and Engenius Group, with Dr. Mueanfun Kroratana overseeing the training delivery. A total of 1,215 participants are enrolled in the program.

Deputy Governor Sanont noted that Bangkok, as an international city attracting over 30 million visitors annually, requires strong English language capabilities among its workforce. However, current CEFR assessment results show only 3% of students achieve A1 level, highlighting the urgent need to simultaneously develop teachers, learners, and administrators.

The program's highlight is the use of "Engenius English OnLearn" platform by Engenius Group as the primary learning tool. This platform supports personalized learning through interactive lessons, learner level analytics, and CEFR-aligned assessments, enabling real-time teacher monitoring and 24/7 student access.

The training comprises three main activities: (1) Eight batches of practical workshops developing English language abilities and teaching techniques from May 5 to August 6, 2025; (2) Online teacher training for English educators from May 5 to September 5, 2025; and (3) CEFR proficiency testing using the E-ELT English assessment in August 2025.

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Police

Tragic Accident: Mother Dies After Pickup Truck Crashes Into Parked Car, Son Injured

A 41-year-old woman died after a drowsy driver in a pickup truck crashed into her parked sedan on a Lamphun road, injuring her teenage son and the truck driver.

8 May Khaosod

A 41-year-old mother died after a pickup truck, allegedly driven by a sleepy driver, crashed into the rear of her parked sedan on the Ngao-Mae Tib Road in Lamphun province. Her 16-year-old son, who was in the vehicle, sustained injuries.

At approximately 1:00 PM on May 8, 2026, officers from Ngao Police Station responded to a collision between a pickup truck and a sedan on the Ngao-Mae Tib Road in the Ban Pae area of Ban Pong Subdistrict, Ngao District, Lamphun Province. Multiple people were injured, prompting emergency responders from the Ngao District Rescue Association to provide urgent assistance.

Three injured individuals were found at the scene. The first victim was a woman trapped in the driver's seat of the sedan, which had been knocked into the middle of the road. She showed no vital signs. Rescue workers used equipment to extract her body from the wreckage and performed CPR at the scene before transporting her to Ngao Hospital by ambulance. However, she was pronounced dead at the hospital. She was identified as Nipaporn, 41 years old.

The second injured person was a 16-year-old boy, the victim's son, who was traveling in the sedan. He suffered injuries to his left leg, chest tightness, and disorientation. Rescue workers transported him to Ngao Hospital. The third injured person was the pickup truck driver, an Isuzu truck operator. He sustained minor injuries and was identified as Piyakarit, 23 years old. First aid was administered, and he was transported to Ngao Hospital for a thorough examination.

Initial investigation revealed that the sedan was parked on the roadside when it was struck forcefully by the pickup truck, which is believed to have been driven by a drowsy driver. The impact was so severe that the sedan was pushed into the middle of the road, with the rear half of the vehicle crushed. Police from Ngao Police Station will continue investigating the exact cause of the accident.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
National

Naphatthorn Makes It Clear! Turning 30 and Sold Out – Dating Someone Outside the Industry, Pleads for Privacy

Thai actor Naphatthorn Siangsambuun confirmed he is dating someone outside the entertainment industry and turned 30 this year, urging media and fans to respect his privacy and that of his partner.

8 May Khaosod

On May 8, 2025, at the Auditorium of Eastin Grand Phayathai Hotel during the SHOKZ Brand Ambassador Launch Event, Naphatthorn Siangsambuun was officially unveiled as Thailand's first brand ambassador.

After the event concluded, Naphatthorn gave an interview to media about his personal life, following speculation from popular social media pages suggesting he was seen with a woman, before he came forward to clarify the situation.

Naphatthorn revealed: "The truth is I'm dating someone outside the entertainment industry. I want everything to happen naturally and gradually. I want to keep this relationship private, and I want privacy for her and her family as well."

"I'm not closed off, but I want everyone to respect my privacy. I won't be disclosing details because I want to keep our relationship in a private space. I place great importance on privacy and I want people to respect her privacy too."

Is Naphatthorn single anymore? "I'm sold out. I'm protecting her privacy. She's a lovely person outside the industry. I want to keep this relationship in my private corner and ours. I'm letting everything happen naturally. I'm a human being with a heart and feelings. I'm asking everyone to be kind and respect this for me and for her."

"She should be proud to have me as her boyfriend. Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes, but this year at 30, I'm sold out."

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Palang Pracharath Threatens Legal Action Against False Accusations of Casino and 99-Year Land Leases in Land Bridge Project

Palang Pracharath denied false accusations that its proposed Land Bridge project includes casino operations and 99-year foreign land leases, threatening legal action against those spreading misinformation about the Southern Thailand develop

8 May Khaosod

On May 8, 2025, Nattachon Sri-Ko-Kueoa, a Songkhla MP and Palang Pracharath party spokesman, addressed allegations that the Land Bridge project would incorporate casino operations and foreign 99-year land leases, calling such claims distortions meant to damage the current government. He noted that critics were citing an old legislative draft submitted by Noppadol Kaew-Supatana of the Thai Local Power Party during the 25th parliamentary session, which had already been rejected in two previous sessions. Nattachon explained that Palang Pracharath's Special Economic Zone bill for Southern Thailand is modeled on the EEC framework but adapted to the region's context and potential, and deliberately excludes casino operations and 99-year land lease provisions.

The party spokesman stated that Palang Pracharath proposed the legislation with good intentions for Southern development, but the bill was previously rejected because the Prime Minister at that time did not endorse it. He noted that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Interior Minister have established a committee to study the Land Bridge project comprehensively. If the study determines the project lacks sufficient benefit and local people do not support it, the project will not proceed, nor will the broader southern economic corridor development occur. The decision rests with southern residents.

"If anyone continues to falsely accuse Palang Pracharath with lies causing misunderstanding and damaging the party, we will pursue all legal remedies," Nattachon stated.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Energy Price Structure Overhaul Set for 60-Day Results

Thailand's Ministry of Energy has launched a 60-day initiative to restructure energy pricing, with civil society groups calling for controls on fuel prices that have exceeded approved limits. The working group proposes suspending fuel fund collections, redirecting refinery profits, reforming electricity pricing structures, and accelerating solar rooftop incentives while demanding transparency on energy sector data previously kept confidential.

8 May Khaosod

Panteep Puavpongphand, Rosana Tositrakul, and representatives from the Consumer Council, Watchdog Foundation, Thai Energy Reform Network, and civil society groups held their first joint session with the Ministry of Energy to restructure energy pricing. A 60-day working timeline was established per Energy Minister Anucha Prom-on's directive to analyze data from government, private sector, and civil society sources.

Panteep noted that some fuel prices have skyrocketed to 4 baht per liter, far exceeding the previous 1.85-baht ceiling. He proposed temporarily suspending fuel fund collections and redirecting refinery windfall profits instead of taking on a 200-billion-baht loan. The group also flagged biofuel subsidies, noting palm oil prices at 37 baht per liter versus diesel at 31 baht, costing the fund 454 million baht daily in compensation.

On electricity, the group urged halting tiered pricing structures until base costs are reduced, specifically targeting reductions in the Adder charge and standby payments. They called for accelerating Net Metering solar rooftop systems to help households recover installation costs faster, currently limited to Net Billing under 5-25 year contracts.

The working group demanded transparency on previously classified trade secrets, including crude oil manifests, refining yields, and the net profits of six refineries from the past three years. Subsequent meetings are scheduled for May 22 on fuel and biofuel funds, June 5 on gas reforms, and June 19 on solar rooftop net metering and final recommendations.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Alarmed ASEAN leaders discuss crisis plan to mitigate backlash from Middle East war

ASEAN leaders meeting in the Philippines are developing an emergency plan to protect their economies and citizens from fallout of the Iran-Israel conflict, which threatens the region's oil and food supplies and puts over a million Southeast

8 May Khaosod

CEBU, Philippines (AP) — Southeast Asian leaders met in an annual summit Friday under intense pressure to mitigate the impact on their people and economies from the Iran war, which one top minister said, "should not have occurred in the first place."

The alarm by the heads of state of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations was underscored by their decision to focus discussions on a contingency plan to ensure their fast-growing region, which imports most of its oil and gas from the Middle East, will have stable fuel and food supplies.

The Philippines is hosting the summit on the central island province of Cebu. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the summit to be stripped of the traditional pomp and pageantry in keeping with the economic headwinds worldwide.

From left, Myanmar's Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs U Hau Khan Sum, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, Vietnam's Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone stand on stage for a group photo during the opening ceremony of the 48th ASEAN summit and Related Meeting in Cebu, Philippines, on Friday, May 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila, Pool)

A key dilemma of the ASEAN leaders is how to carry out large-scale evacuations from the Middle East, where more than a million of their citizens work and live, if widespread hostilities flare up again.

Several Southeast Asian citizens have been killed since the United States and Israel launched military strikes on Feb. 28 against Iran. The hostilities have continued sporadically despite a month-old ceasefire, especially in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

A draft of a joint declaration by the leaders which outlines a contingency plan and which was seen by The Associated Press, called on the regional bloc's 11 state members to share information and strengthen coordination with international organizations "to ensure the safety and welfare of ASEAN nationals in affected areas."

Marcos told fellow leaders in a closed-door meeting that the Iran war exposed the weaknesses of Southeast Asian nations to external shocks and warned that recovery could take years even if the war ends now.

"We have seen firsthand the vulnerability of our nations to external factors," Marcos said. "The domino effect of oil supply disruptions on the various sectors of our countries has affected how we conduct business, how we work, how we live."

"Even if the tensions de-escalate in time, the damage to critical infrastructure, to vital systems and trust in general will continue to be felt for years to come," Marcos said.

Known for their conservative and careful rhetoric, top delegates to the ASEAN summit avoided blunt expressions of their disap

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Transport Minister Orders Urgent Repairs at Trang Airport After Roof Leaks and Ceiling Collapse During Heavy Rain

Heavy rain caused water leaks and ceiling damage in Trang Airport's new terminal on May 7, prompting the transport minister to order urgent repairs and a full inspection of the drainage system.

8 May Khaosod

May 8, 2025 — Deputy Transport Minister Patthrapong Patthaprasoet announced that the Airports Authority reported heavy rain in Trang Province on the afternoon of May 7, which caused water leaks inside the new passenger terminal building at Trang Airport.

Patthrapong ordered the Airports Authority to expedite repairs and conduct a thorough inspection of the building's drainage systems to prevent future incidents. He emphasized the need to upgrade Trang Airport's infrastructure and facilities to international standards.

All systems in the passenger terminal must pass safety and construction quality inspections and be capable of efficiently serving passengers to build confidence among Thai and foreign visitors, he said.

Airports Authority Director General Danai Rueangson explained that the heavy rainfall overwhelmed the drainage system, causing water to seep into the building, particularly in two areas of the departure lounge as well as retail and office sections, though passenger services were unaffected.

Danai noted that the structural defects are the responsibility of the original contractor, and the Airports Authority has begun legal proceedings by securing the contractor's performance bond of 53.5 million baht to cover repairs and damages.

Currently, relevant agencies are conducting detailed inspections of the drainage and structural systems while assessing damage values to proceed with repairs promptly. Repair costs will be deducted from the seized performance bond.

As of May 8, 2025, Trang Airport continues normal operations with no impact on passenger services or flight schedules. The Airports Authority apologized for the inconvenience and committed to accelerating repairs while closely monitoring the situation to ensure public safety.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Chinese Woman Fired Over Husband's Job at Rival Company; Court Orders Employer to Pay Over 3 Million Baht in Compensation

A Shanghai court ruled that a real estate company unlawfully fired an employee solely because her husband worked at a rival firm, ordering the company to pay over 3.2 million baht in compensation after finding no evidence of any actual brea

8 May Khaosod

A Shanghai court has ordered a real estate management company to pay 690,000 yuan (approximately 3.2 million baht) in compensation to a female employee after ruling that her dismissal was unlawful. The company had terminated the employee, identified as Liu, citing concerns that her husband held a general manager position at a competitor and posed a "negative impact" to the organization.

Liu had worked for the company since 2006 before being fired in late 2023. She filed a labor arbitration claim in February 2024 seeking salary compensation, annual bonuses, and paid leave compensation totaling hundreds of thousands of yuan. The arbitration panel initially ruled in her favor, awarding 680,000 yuan in salary compensation and 10,000 yuan for unused leave.

The company challenged the decision in court, arguing that Liu, as operations manager, had access to sensitive company information that her husband could potentially exploit for competitive advantage. Liu's legal team countered that she never accessed any confidential information and held only a support role, and that her husband's employment title was merely listed for administrative convenience and was not a genuine position at a competing firm.

The Shanghai Suzhou District People's Court found the company lacked sufficient evidence to prove that Liu or her spouse had engaged in any breach of confidentiality or harm to the business. The court upheld the arbitration decision, declaring the termination unlawful.

The court further noted that it is common for spouses to work in different companies within the same industry. It emphasized that non-compete agreements can only be enforced against senior management, high-level specialists, or employees with specific duties to safeguard company secrets, and only when there is a clear written agreement in place.

The case has become a trending topic online, with public opinion divided between those sympathetic to the company's concerns and those advocating for stronger employee protections under labor law. Some internet users expressed understanding of the company's position, while others argued that while companies may dismiss employees, they must provide lawful severance compensation.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Q1 Gold Prices Down 16%, But Global Demand Surges to Record $193 Billion, Bolstering Long-term Price Outlook

Global gold demand reached a record $193 billion in Q1 2025, up 74% year-over-year, despite gold prices declining 16% from their all-time high. Asian investors, particularly China, are driving unprecedented demand for physical gold, signaling a structural shift in the global market that supports long-term price appreciation. Major financial institutions forecast gold prices ranging from $5,400 to $8,000 per ounce in the coming years.

8 May Khaosod

YLG Bullion International revealed that although gold prices fell 16% in the first quarter from the record high of $5,595 per troy ounce set on January 29, 2025, the World Gold Council reported that global gold demand reached 1,231 tonnes worth $193 billion—up 74% from the same period last year and marking an all-time high.

Key drivers include:

1. Retail investor purchases of gold bars and coins surged 42% to 474 tonnes, the second-highest level on record, while central banks worldwide continued accumulating gold with net purchases of 244 tonnes in Q1, up 3% year-over-year and marking 17 consecutive months of net buying. China alone accounted for 207 tonnes of bar and coin purchases, up 67% from the previous year and setting a new quarterly record, far exceeding the previous mark of 155 tonnes in 2013. India, South Korea, and Japan also significantly increased their gold investments.

2. Asian investor demand represents the most interesting signal this year. Asian investors continue purchasing physical gold while U.S. investors began reducing ETF holdings in March, offsetting all inflows from January and February. This reflects a "Structural Turning Point" in the global gold market, revealing clear differences between Western and Asian investor behavior and suggesting a fundamental shift in long-term gold price trends. Western investors view gold's opportunity cost relative to high U.S. Treasury yields differently than Asian investors, who regard gold as a safe haven asset and currency hedge rooted in centuries-old cultural values, independent of interest rate fluctuations.

3. Long-term trajectory continues upward. As of May 8, 2025, gold prices hovered around $4,700 per ounce, with major global financial institutions maintaining positive outlooks. Goldman Sachs projects 2025 prices at $5,400 per ounce, while JPMorgan and BNP Paribas target $6,250-$6,300, and Deutsche Bank estimates prices could reach $8,000 within five years, driven by de-dollarization trends and continued central bank accumulation.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Alec Theeradej Maintains His Golden Physique, Admits He Used to Be So Overweight His Thighs Would Chafe – Excited Preparations for Cannes Festival

Thai actor Alec Theeradej credits his impressive transformation to recent film and TV projects, maintaining his physique through balanced eating and calorie counting as he prepares for his debut at Cannes Film Festival.

8 May Khaosod

Actor Alec Theeradej is riding high with a packed schedule and an enviable physique, preparing for his first-ever trip to the Cannes Film Festival. The young star has captured attention for his impressive transformation, having committed to serious weight loss for his recent series.

At a press conference for "Crash Course in Romance" at True Alpha Hub, Alec opened up about his fitness regimen, weight loss journey, his sweet moments with co-star Bow Meldaa, and his excitement about attending Cannes for the first time.

When asked if his physique came solely from this project, Alec explained: "It actually came from this series, and then I lost even more weight for the film 'The Confessions of a Haunted House.' I'd say the past year had projects that required significant weight loss."

Regarding the dramatic results from both projects, Alec admitted: "It was tiring, but now that I've finished both projects, I'm gradually gaining some weight back and regaining a bit of softness."

Will the golden physique disappear? "It'll stay," he assured fans. "I want to maintain it."

Alec revealed that before his weight loss, he had struggled with chafing thighs when walking on the beach. "When I was overweight, my thighs would actually chafe," he said with a laugh. "Now I can walk anywhere without that problem."

On the difficulty of maintaining his current physique, Alec explained the difference between losing weight and maintaining it: "Losing weight is different from maintaining it. When I was losing weight, I had a clear goal and stayed focused. But during maintenance, it's easy to think one slip-up is okay, and if you slip up often, you gain weight again."

Despite traveling frequently abroad, Alec tries to stay disciplined. However, he emphasized the importance of balance: "I eat the same way I always did, but I balance my lifestyle. During my intense weight-loss phase, I was too strict – eating almost no fat – which isn't good for health and isn't sustainable long-term."

Alec noted that the extreme diet affected his energy levels. "I didn't feel depressed, but I lacked energy. I didn't want to do anything. After exercise, I just wanted to sit. I didn't want to talk to anyone because I didn't want to expend energy."

For someone who loves eating, Alec's strategy is practical: "I schedule which days I can eat freely and which days I can slip up. Days when I'm filming food content count as cheat days."

On the challenges of maintaining a celebrity physique, Alec was honest: "Being a celebrity isn't easy, especially when you're someone who gains weight easily. Many people ask me if I use weight-loss supplements, but I don't. I count calories, and it just happens to work well for me."

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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