National

Netiwit Faces Prison Time as Constitutional Court Unanimously Rules Military Draft Law Constitutional

The Constitutional Court has ruled that Thailand's mandatory military conscription law is constitutional, rejecting a challenge from activist Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal who refused to serve on human rights grounds. Netiwit, who publicly defied the draft in April 2024 claiming the system violates human rights and creates inequality, now faces up to three years in prison for his refusal to participate in military selection screening.

12 May Khaosod

On May 12, 2025, the Constitutional Court unanimously ruled that Sections 27 and 45 of the 2024 Military Service Act do not violate Articles 26 and 31 of the Constitution. The ruling came after activist and political movement leader Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal challenged the law in case number Sor.3118/2568, accused of evading military conscription under the 1954 Military Service Act, Section 45. On April 5, 2024, Netiwit traveled to the military selection screening location at Bang Pu Municipality in Samut Prakan Province and publicly declared his refusal to participate in mandatory military service, arguing it contradicts human rights principles and creates inequality among Thai citizens, as all Thais should have the freedom to choose military service without coercion. The Samut Prakan District Court completed witness examination on September 11, 2024, when Netiwit filed a petition requesting the Constitutional Court review whether Sections 27 and 45—which mandate the conscription of Thai males aged 18 and above for military selection screening and impose penalties for non-compliance—violate the Constitution. Section 27 requires conscripts to appear before the selection committee with proper documentation, with exemptions only for civil servants on urgent state business, overseas students, government workers during wartime, those working with military units on active operations, those with legitimate hardship, those taking screening elsewhere, or those with verified illness. Section 45 imposes penalties on anyone who evades or refuses to appear for military screening, refuses screening when summoned, fails to complete the screening process, or otherwise evades conscription service, with maximum punishment of three years imprisonment.

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National

Chang Thailand Junior Golf Circuit 2026 Offers Exclusive Dream Prize Opportunities

Chang launches the 12th edition of the Chang Thailand Junior Golf Circuit 2026, offering young Thai golfers the opportunity to compete on an internationally-recognized platform and pursue professional golf careers. The tournament is endorsed by Thailand's Department of Physical Education and recognized by leading global golf ranking institutions, with special mentorship from PGA Tour coach Dr. Rick Sessinghaus, who trained world-ranked professional Collin Morikawa. Selected youth will enter the ThaiBev ThaiTalent program to develop comprehensive skills for international professional golf competition.

12 May Khaosod

Chang advances further with the "Chang Thailand Junior Golf Circuit 2026" competition, offering exclusive Dream Prize opportunities to develop golf skills and strengthen both body and mind with world-class professionals. "Chang natural mineral water" continues to develop Thai golf sports potential by organizing the "Chang Thailand Junior Golf Circuit 2026" for its 12th year, guaranteeing world ranking standards from three leading institutions—Junior Golf Scoreboard (JGS) and World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR). It is Thailand's only tournament endorsed by the Department of Physical Education, allowing credits to be applied toward university education both domestically and internationally. Competitors can win exclusive Dream Prizes by enhancing their golf skills under PGA Tour-level coaching, with the addition of renowned coach Dr. Rick Sessinghaus from Flow Code Golf Academy—the mentor of world-ranked professional golfer Collin Morikawa (ranked 6th globally, 2-time major champion)—who will strengthen participants' mental resilience to handle competitive pressure professionally during special camps. Outstanding youth will be selected for the "ThaiBev ThaiTalent" program, developing them on a comprehensive path to world-class professional golf. The "Chang Thailand Junior Golf Circuit 2026" launched its first qualifying round spectacularly at Siam Country Club Bangkok, a five-star standard golf course, with Marketing Director Jessadakorn Coaches of Chang natural mineral water and Pattarisorn Thasomsingh, Manager of Activity Projects at Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, present alongside famous golf influencers Tao – Sethpong Piangpo and Art – Marut Chuencham on May 7, 2025. Jessadakorn Coaches, Marketing Director of Chang natural mineral water, stated: "Chang is committed to developing and continuing to elevate Thai youth's potential toward professional golf careers. We believe that creating world-class golfers requires comprehensive preparation—both technical skills and mental strength. Over the past 20 years, Chang has genuinely supported Thai golf through creating international-standard competition venues like the Chang Thailand Junior Golf Circuit to provide Thai youth opportunities to develop and advance to international competitions. Last year's success, including championships across all age categories in the International Championship round, demonstrates Thai junior golfers' potential. With proper platforms and development systems, they can compete and build international reputations, just like senior athletes from this program who have succeeded globally, such as 'Fever' Nitidhon Thippong, winner of three Asian Tour events, and many others excelling on the world stage. We hope this platform will be a crucial starting point for pushing Thai youth toward professional golf careers and building Thailand's reputation internationally." Pattarisorn Thasomsingh, Manager of Activity Projects at Thai Beverage Public Company Limited, stated: "The Chang competition..."

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Regional

Research Reveals Lead Contamination in Diseased Catfish from Chiang Khan

Diseased catfish from the Mekong River in Chiang Khan, Loei Province show lead levels slightly above safety standards, though healthy fish remain safe to eat when properly cooked. Researchers from Naresuan University recommend avoiding visi

12 May Khaosod

On May 12, 2025, a research team from Naresuan University, led by Associate Professor Dr. Thanapol Penyarrat, director of the digital database and systems unit at the Office of the Science, Research and Innovation Promotion Committee (TSRI), released research findings on bloated catfish caught from the Mekong River in Chiang Khan District, Loei Province. The team tested five types of heavy metals including arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, and manganese. The lead levels in the tested catfish slightly exceeded the standard of 0.3, with samples measuring 0.31 mg/kg.

Initial inspection results of catfish from Chiang Khan, Loei Province found elevated lead and mercury content in the flesh, with lead contamination most prevalent in diseased catfish. In contrast, samples from Nong Khai Province showed levels below safety standards and are safe for consumption. Diseased fish should not be eaten due to the high parasite burden in their intestines. While healthy catfish typically contain moderate levels of heavy metals, diseased fish show higher concentrations of arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, and manganese, though only lead approached standard limits.

Statistical analysis shows that diseased fish contain significantly higher heavy metal levels than healthy fish, consistent with international research indicating that diseased fish have compromised immune systems and are susceptible to infections and parasites. Blood tests conducted by Dr. Nathawut Charoenphol on diseased fish from Nong Khai Province confirmed exposure to heavy metals, DNA damage, red blood cell abnormalities, numerous parasitic infections, elevated white blood cells, and bacterial infections.

Catfish from both Chiang Khan and Nong Khai require continued monitoring. However, the public should not panic as only visibly diseased fish are affected, while healthy-appearing fish remain safe for consumption when properly cooked. The research team will collect additional water, sediment, and fish samples weekly for further testing to determine heavy metal contamination levels and will coordinate with provincial authorities on management strategies.

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Breaking

Twin Mother Nearly Dies After Accidentally Picking Up Emerald Green Insect, Loses Consciousness Three Times

An American mother of twins nearly died after accidentally touching a shimmering emerald green insect while visiting a historical park, suffering a severe allergic reaction that caused respiratory failure and multiple episodes of unconsciousness. The woman required four adrenaline injections to survive the incident. Medical experts note that the reaction was extremely rare, as the insect—identified as a six-spotted tiger beetle—is typically non-toxic to humans.

12 May Khaosod

An American mother of twins nearly lost her life after accidentally picking up a shimmering emerald green insect while visiting a historical park with her 9-year-old twins. She suffered a severe allergic reaction that caused respiratory failure and required four adrenaline injections to survive. Antoinette Webb, 44, recounted the terrifying incident, explaining that she spotted what she thought was the most beautiful green insect she had ever seen and picked it up to admire it. Within seconds of touching the insect, she felt a burning sensation spreading across her body and experienced a sudden, severe allergic reaction. Webb rushed up a grassy slope with her twins to a gift shop at the park to seek help, but lost consciousness after that point. Dean Martin, the organization's director and former military physician, reported that Webb collapsed in front of him with breathing difficulties, hives covering her entire body, lips turning blue, tremors, and losing consciousness multiple times before entering respiratory failure and losing consciousness three times. Martin and his team administered allergy medication at the scene while waiting for an ambulance. Webb was taken to the hospital and required four injections of adrenaline or epinephrine to control the severe allergic reaction. Reports indicate the insect was a 'six-spotted tiger beetle,' a shimmering green insect commonly found in North America that is typically non-toxic, but in Webb's case triggered an extremely rare and severe allergic reaction.

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National

74-Year-Old Veteran Manager Claudio Ranieri Ready to Take Over Italian National Team

Legendary Italian manager Claudio Ranieri has signaled his openness to leading the Italian national team as either head coach or technical director, following his recent departure from AS Roma. The 74-year-old veteran is now available after previously turning down similar opportunities due to his Roma commitments. Ranieri's potential appointment comes as the Italian Football Federation seeks a replacement for Gennaro Gattuso, whose contract was terminated after Italy's failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup finals.

12 May Khaosod

Veteran Italian manager Claudio Ranieri has announced his willingness to take on a role with the Italian national team, whether as head coach or technical director. The Italian Football Federation is actively searching for a successor to Gennaro Gattuso, who parted ways with the team after failing to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Ranieri recently became available after stepping down as a consultant at AS Roma following a clash with manager Jean-Pierre Gasperini. Ranieri told Sky Sport Italia: "Previously I had to turn it down because I had a job at Roma and couldn't do two jobs at once, but now I'm free, so if someone contacts me, why not? Don't say it's impossible." When asked whether he would accept a coaching or director position with the Italian national team, he replied: "I don't know yet, but when your national team reaches out, you have to say yes. It's as simple as that." At 74 years old, Ranieri has previously announced his retirement twice. His impressive resume includes managing numerous clubs and most notably leading Leicester City to win the English Premier League championship.

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National

Phipat Denies Connection to Land Acquisition Company Linked to Land Bridge Project, Acknowledges Brother as CEO

Deputy Prime Minister Phipat Ratchakij denied any personal involvement with Ama Marine Co., Ltd., a company accused of acquiring land in Ranong Province for the Land Bridge megaproject, though he acknowledged his brother serves as its CEO. The company has issued statements denying any land purchases or involvement in the controversial project. Phipat refused to elaborate further on the matter, stating continued discussion could create additional complications.

12 May Khaosod

At 3:00 PM on May 12, 2025, at the Thai Pride Party headquarters, Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phipat Ratchakij addressed allegations concerning Ama Marine Co., Ltd.'s involvement in land acquisitions in Ranong Province for the Land Bridge project. Phipat questioned the media, stating, "I don't see how this involves me, and the company has already issued a statement." When pressed about company board members with the surname Ratchakij, Phipat acknowledged that the CEO is his younger brother, then asked if there was an issue with that. Regarding opposition claims that the company purchased land, Phipat stated the company had already clarified it was not involved and did not make any purchases, suggesting journalists contact the company directly if they had further questions. Phipat concluded by saying he preferred not to discuss the matter further, as continued discussion might complicate things.

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National

Elegant and Powerful… Miss World Thailand 2026 and Four Runners-Up Meet True5G Leadership

Miss World Thailand 2026 winner Ganthira Thechapatroetnakaul and her four runner-ups visited True Corporation executives to thank True5G as the official sponsor of the pageant. The visit highlighted the partnership between True5G and the Miss World Thailand 2026 platform in promoting Thai women internationally through advanced telecommunications technology and digital innovation.

12 May Khaosod

Bangkok, May 12, 2026 – To express gratitude to True5G as the official main sponsor of the Miss World Thailand 2026 pageant presented by True5G, Miss Ganthira Thechapatroetnakaul, Miss World Thailand 2026, along with the four runner-ups, visited and presented flowers to Sig Wee Brekke, Chairman of True Corporation's executive board. The reception was held at True Tower Ratchada with Oliver Kittipong Veeratecha, head of brand and media affairs at True Corporation, and other executives in attendance.

This visit reflects the collaboration between True5G and the Miss World Thailand 2026 platform in empowering Thai women to reach the international stage through True's capabilities in intelligent networks, AI technology, cybersecurity, and digital ecosystem that connects stories, talents, and inspiration to reach a wider audience. It reinforces True's role as a Telecom-Tech Company supporting meaningful beauty that shines brilliantly and with dignity on the world stage.

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National

Confirmed: PM Anutin to Lead First Mobile Cabinet Meeting in Songkhla on June 8-9, Inspecting Gulf of Thailand Region

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul will lead Thailand's first mobile cabinet meeting of 2025 in Songkhla province on June 8-9, with inspections focusing on infrastructure, tourism standards, agricultural exports, and water management in the lower Gulf coast region. Deputy PM Pipat Ratchakitprakarn has been assigned to chair an integrated coordination team to monitor government policy implementation and address local issues across the southern provinces.

12 May Khaosod

The cabinet has approved the first formal off-site cabinet meeting for 2025, scheduled as a mobile cabinet session in Songkhla on Tuesday, June 9, 2025, with royal inspections of the lower Gulf coast provinces from June 8-9. The inspection will focus on four key areas: infrastructure and logistics development, tourism standard improvements, agricultural product processing and agro-industry for exports, and water management with improved urban drainage infrastructure. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has tasked the cabinet to conduct field visits monitoring government policy implementation and addressing public concerns, with Deputy PM Pipat Ratchakitprakarn leading the integrated development coordination team for the lower Gulf region and collaborating with relevant government agencies. The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) will coordinate data collection from the cabinet's field work, and a joint coordination meeting will be held with all related agencies to present development issues and agendas, with the NESDC, Office of the Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister, Bureau of the Budget, and Interior Ministry serving as secretariat.

No. 08 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Thailand designates Ta Muen and Ta Kwai as protected ancient monuments

Thailand's Fine Arts Department has officially registered multiple historical temple sites in Surin province, including the notable Ta Muen and Ta Kwai complexes near the Cambodian border, as protected national ancient monuments. The designation, announced in the Royal Gazette on May 12, strengthens legal protection for these culturally significant archaeological sites under Thai heritage conservation laws.

12 May Khaosod

SURIN — Thailand's Fine Arts Department has officially added several historical sites in Surin province to the national register of ancient monuments, including the Ta Muen and Ta Kwai temple complexes near the Cambodian border.

The announcement was published in the Royal Gazette on May 12 under a Fine Arts Department declaration listing protected ancient sites across Surin province.

The declaration invoked the Ancient Monuments, Antiques, Objects of Art and National Museums Act of 1961, as amended in 1992, which defines ancient monuments as immovable properties with artistic, historical or archaeological significance, including archaeological sites, historical sites and historical parks.

The department stated that the listing aims to provide stronger legal protection for ancient monuments under Thailand's heritage conservation framework.

The newly registered sites include:

Kap Choeng district: Prasat Mon Charoen, Prasat Beng, Prasat Chem, and Prasat Nong Khana

Bua Chet district: Prasat O Thalan

Phanom Dong Rak district: Prasat Ban Nong Khanna, Prasat Ta Muen (also known as Prasat Bay Krim), and Prasat Ta Kwai (also known as Prasat Ta Wai)

Sangkha district: Prasat Tao Thong

The declaration was signed on April 9, 2026 by Fine Arts Department director-general Phanomboot Chanthachot.

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Police

Thai Police Link Arms Cache of Cambodian Suspect to Scam Gangs

Thai police linked a Chinese-Cambodian suspect's arsenal of military weapons and explosives to Cambodian scam gangs, rejecting claims he planned terrorist attacks in Thailand. Investigators say the weapons were meant for gang-on-gang violen

12 May Khaosod

BANGKOK — May 12, 2026: Thai police have revealed evidence and financial records that clearly link Chinese-Cambodian suspect Mingchen Sun to Cambodian scam networks, while insisting there is no indication he planned terrorist attacks in Thailand.

On May 12, at the Royal Thai Police Headquarters, Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairong Phiwphan, spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, provided an update on the investigation. The probe began after Mingchen Sun was involved in a vehicle rollover accident in Chon Buri province that led authorities to uncover a cache of military-grade weapons at his residence. Police later raided properties linked to the suspect and seized explosives, including C4, M16 assault rifles and numerous grenades.

Significant progress has been made in the case. Trairong said forensic and digital evidence, including chat records, weapons training images and evidence of arms accumulation since late last year, clearly showed connections between the suspect and scam syndicates operating in Cambodia. Investigators believe the weapons were intended for use in violent conflicts between rival scam gangs.

Trairong stated that based on current evidence, there are no indications that the suspect or his network aimed to carry out attacks against Thai citizens. Police also rejected the suspect's claim that he suffered from depression and collected weapons with suicidal intentions, saying investigators would rely primarily on forensic evidence for legal proceedings.

In the financial investigation, the Cyber Police has been tasked with tracing the suspect's financial transactions. Authorities found tens of millions of baht circulating through bank and cryptocurrency accounts allegedly linked directly to scam operations in Cambodia.

Trairong said police are also expanding the investigation into companies previously registered by the suspect and his former wife, as well as the circumstances surrounding their marriage registration to uncover further links to the broader criminal network.

Regarding the suspect's legal status and entry into the country, Trairong indicated that Sun entered Thailand legally using both Chinese and Cambodian passports and held a PE (Privilege Entry) visa designed for wealthy foreign nationals. Investigators also found he possessed long-term residency status in South Korea.

Trairong added that the Royal Thai Police will use this case as a lesson for future prevention. Authorities are considering closer coordination between security data integration and agencies responsible for visa issuance, including the possible introduction of a scoring system for foreign nationals to prevent criminals from exploiting investment-based privileges to enter the country.

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Regional

Young Man Steals 19-Baht Gold Ring, Sells It to Win Over Woman and Break Up Her Relationship—Owner Recognizes the Design

A 29-year-old factory worker in Chachoengsao Province was arrested for stealing 19 baht of gold and selling it to raise 100,000 baht to pay a woman to leave her boyfriend and be with him instead. Police identified the suspect after the factory owner recognized the distinctive design of the stolen gold ring when she spotted it on the man's girlfriend. The suspect confessed to the theft and was transferred for legal prosecution.

12 May Khaosod

A young man resorted to theft to win a woman's heart. The 29-year-old factory worker stole 19 baht of gold from his workplace, sold it, and used the proceeds to hire a woman to break up with her boyfriend and be with him instead. The scheme unraveled when the factory owner recognized the gold ring on his girlfriend.

On May 12, 2026, police led by Superintendent Sarawut Nuchnarot of Bang Lamung Police Station and Deputy Superintendent Yongyut Wanhuai arrested the suspect, identified as Thanakorn or "Louey" (surname withheld), age 29, at his rental room in Moo 9, Nong Pla Lai Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chachoengsao Province. Police recovered one gold ring as evidence.

The investigation began on January 19, 2026, when the wooden pallet factory owner reported that 19 baht of gold had disappeared from inside the factory. With no security cameras available, police questioned all 19 employees and workers. The investigation continued for months until May 11, when the factory owner spotted the girlfriend wearing a gold ring that matched the design of the stolen item. She immediately contacted police.

During interrogation, the suspect confessed. He said he committed the theft because he had fallen for a woman who was already in a relationship. He sold part of the stolen gold and gave his girlfriend 100,000 baht to hire her away from her previous boyfriend. He also gave her the remaining gold to wear and show to her parents. Police have since transferred him for legal proceedings.

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