National

NIA Announces SITE 2026 Event to Elevate Thailand's Startup Ecosystem

Thailand's National Innovation Agency will host SITE 2026 from June 25-27 at Siam Paragon, bringing together startups, investors, and government officials to connect entrepreneurs with capital, partnerships, and market opportunities.

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On May 25, the National Innovation Agency (NIA) announced the SITE 2026 event scheduled for June 25-27, 2026 at Paragon Hall, expanding into Nex Hall (5th floor) and SCBx Next Stage (4th floor) at Siam Paragon shopping center. The event operates under the concept "Global Innovation Impact: The Year of Investment" and will feature special panel discussions with participants from government, financial innovation, investment, and business sectors who collectively emphasize that innovation impact today means creating real results—not just generating new ideas—across business dimensions, capital access, competitive capability, and Thailand's expanded global role.

Parivarth Wongsamnuai, NIA's Innovation Systems Deputy Director, noted that SITE 2026 is designed as a platform connecting key players in the innovation ecosystem—startups, entrepreneurs, investors, businesses, government agencies, and international partners—to transform meetings into genuine opportunities and cooperation. Dr. Suruat Suphachaturos, NIA's Innovation Finance Deputy Director, emphasized that investment is not merely about capital but a critical mechanism enabling innovation to move from potential to practical application, business expansion, and economic growth. He pointed out that many Thai entrepreneurs face gaps in accessing capital, networks, and suitable opportunities, which SITE 2026 will address by concretely connecting entrepreneurs with investors, partners, and support mechanisms.

Thrit Jumlerungsart, Director of the Economic Information Division at the International Economic Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that SITE 2026 will enhance Thailand's image as a hub for opportunity, connecting Thai startups and innovation with foreign markets and investors. The Foreign Ministry will deploy economic diplomacy and its global network of embassies and consulates to support Thai entrepreneurs seeking overseas markets and business partnerships.

Thanaphong Na Ranong, Chairman of the Thai Venture Capital Association (TVCA), noted that today's investors seek not just interesting innovations but businesses capable of growth, market expansion, and real results, particularly in AI, Deep Tech, and Sustainability sectors. He emphasized SITE 2026 as a platform letting investors see startups, investment opportunities, and market direction within a single context.

Paem Bunyiem-suphachit, Chairman of the Thai Startup Association (TSA), emphasized that Thai startups need more than inspiration—they need real opportunities including capital, partnerships, markets, and appropriate support systems. SITE 2026 provides the space where these connections can genuinely happen.

The event runs June 25-27, 2026 with free admission. Registration available at site.nia.or.th

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National

WLAF Launches Into BTL Basketball League Season 2026 Targeting Team Quality Upgrade

WLAF, rebranded from WHITE LIONs through a partnership with the Air Force, launches its 2026 Basketball Thailand League campaign with a focus on building sustainable team growth and a professional sports brand over 3-5 years rather than cha

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WHITE LIONs has partnered with Air Force to rebrand as WLAF, launching their campaign for the 2026 Basketball Thailand League season with a vision centered on Sports Business and a comprehensive athletic ecosystem, targeting long-term team growth. The rebrand marks a significant milestone following WHITE LIONs' sixth-place finish in the 2025 Basketball Thailand League. The Air Force partnership aims to establish solid team foundations over 3-5 years across athlete development, staff, and management operations, pushing the team toward stronger and more sustainable performance standards.

WLAF team manager Kriengsak Chaiwirot stated that the Air Force collaboration represents a crucial starting point for long-term team development, focusing not just on single-season performance but on building a structurally sound team with continuous growth potential. For the 2026 season, WLAF will merge players from both White Lions and Air Force, supported by experienced coaching staff including former Thai national team player Danai Khongkhum, alongside national team athletes Nopachai Thongphul, Tacharin Daydeent Narbonne, and foreign players Marc Seylan-Anbo and Ray Miller. The team also plans to develop an academy for nurturing young athletes.

Beyond competitive performance, WLAF is establishing itself as a professional sports brand through branding and partnership management to elevate Thai basketball. Partnership & Brand Manager Alongkorn Rueanglek emphasized that modern sports team building encompasses more than competition results—it requires building a strong brand, community, and ecosystem. WLAF aims to become a sports brand with clear identity that can grow alongside partners and fans long-term. Current supporters include TA WHEEY as main sponsor, VOLT as apparel provider, Heal U Wellness Clinic for athlete care, Kanokrob sausage products, and FYB at The O2 Bangkok serving as the team's home venue.

The WLAF launch on May 23, 2025, at FYB Academy in Bangkok represented not just a team rebrand but a comprehensive sports ecosystem development initiative designed to drive sustainable growth and advance Thai basketball's long-term future.

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Police

Tragic Beam Collapse: Workers Fall from Fifth Floor of Police Apartment Building, Two Dead, One Critical, One Miraculously Survives

A concrete beam collapsed on the fifth floor of a police apartment building under construction in Si Sa Ket, killing two workers and leaving one in critical condition, while a fourth worker miraculously survived by gripping the remaining fr

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At 10:00 AM on May 25, 2569, police received a report of construction workers falling from scaffolding inside a five-story police apartment building under construction near Si Wised Road, behind Si Sa Ket city police station. Emergency responders and rescue officials quickly arrived at the scene. Deputy Provincial Police Commander Chayakorn Tesabamrung and other officials investigated the five-story residential building, which has an open ground floor with residential units on floors 2-5. The fifth-floor collapse site showed scattered construction debris, metal, and scaffolding fragments, with severe impact marks on the ground below.

Rescue workers transported three injured workers to Si Sa Ket Hospital: Sanguan Chaibamrung, 58; Noi Rayapsee, approximately 55; and Phitthak Penjaem, approximately 50. All suffered serious injuries from the impact. Sanguan and Phitthak later died, while Noi remains in critical condition requiring detailed brain imaging. Siriwat Namwised, 44, a worker at the scene who narrowly escaped, revealed they were repairing the beam framework on the fifth floor after discovering structural weakness during concrete pouring. As the group worked, they heard a loud crack, and the beam and scaffolding suddenly collapsed, causing three coworkers to plummet from the fifth floor before his eyes.

Siriwat stated he believed he would not survive, as the floor beneath him had completely given way. He desperately grabbed the remaining beam framework and closed his eyes, expecting to fall like his colleagues, but miraculously managed to hold on. Police have cordoned off the scene and coordinated with forensic experts, engineers, and relevant agencies to conduct a detailed investigation into whether the collapse resulted from structural defects, substandard materials, or improper work procedures. Preliminary inquiries will interview workers, supervisors, and contractors, along with a review of construction safety documentation. If negligence leading to deaths and injuries is confirmed, criminal charges will be filed against responsible parties.

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Weather

Meteorological Department Issues 7-Day Weather Forecast; Prepare for Heavy End-of-Month Rainfall and Risk of Flash Floods and Flash Flooding

Thailand's Meteorological Department warns of heavy rainfall and flash flood risks from May 28-31, with the eastern and western-facing southern regions facing the heaviest downpours as monsoon winds strengthen across the country.

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The Thai Meteorological Department released a 7-day weather forecast on May 25, 2569 (2026), covering May 25-31, 2569, warning the public to prepare for heavy rainfall at the end of the month and remain vigilant against the dangers of flash floods and flash flooding.

May 25-27, 2569: Rainfall across Thailand is expected to decrease, though heavy showers will continue in isolated areas of the eastern and southern regions due to moderate southwest monsoon winds covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. The Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand will see wave heights of 1-2 meters, with heights exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

May 28-31, 2569: Rainfall will increase across Thailand with heavy downpours in some areas, particularly in the eastern region and the western-facing southern region, which will experience heavy to very heavy rain in some areas. This is due to a monsoon trough moving across the central region, lower northeastern region, and eastern region, combined with increasingly strong southwest monsoon winds covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. Wind and wave conditions will strengthen, with wave heights of 2-3 meters in the upper Andaman Sea and exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. The lower Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand will experience wave heights of approximately 2 meters, with heights exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

Warnings: From May 28-31, residents of the northern, northeastern, central, and eastern-facing southern regions should be alert to heavy rainfall hazards. Residents of the eastern and western-facing southern regions should prepare for very heavy rainfall and accumulated precipitation that may cause sudden flash floods, flooding, and overflowing waterbanks. Mariners in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand should exercise caution and avoid areas with thunderstorms. Small vessels in the upper Andaman Sea should remain ashore from May 28-31.

Regional Forecasts (May 25-31, 2569):

Northern Region: May 25-28: Thunderstorms in 20-40% of areas May 29-31: Thunderstorms in 40-60% of areas with heavy rain in some places Southwest winds at 10-20 km/hr Low 23-27°C, High 32-38°C

Northeastern Region: May 25-28: Thunderstorms in 10-30% of areas May 29-31: Thunderstorms in 40-60% of areas with heavy rain in some places Southwest winds at 10-20 km/hr Low 23-26°C, High 32-37°C

Central Region: May 25-28: Thunderstorms in 20-40% of areas May 29-31: Thunderstorms in 40-60% of areas with heavy rain in some places Southwest winds at 10-20 km/hr Low 24-27°C, High 32-38°C

Eastern Region: May 25-27: Thunderstorms in 30-40% of areas with heavy rain in some places Southwest winds at 15-35 km/hr, sea waves 1-2 meters high, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas May 28-31: Thunderstorms in 40-60% of areas with heavy to very heavy rain in some places Southwest winds at 20-35 km/hr, sea waves approximately 2 meters high, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas Low 25-29°C, High 31-37°C

Southern Region (Eastern Coast): May 26-27: Thunderstorms in 30-40% of areas

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Community

Lamyai Thanks Captain Chaang for Coming Into Her Life; Fans Delighted Seeing the Couple Like They're House Hunting Together

Country singer Lamyai Hai Thong Kham and Captain Chaang are delighting fans with sweet moments together, including what appears to be house hunting, as the couple celebrates their relationship with constant laughter and genuine affection.

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Country singer Lamyai Hai Thong Kham posted a clip thanking Captain Chaang for entering her life, with fans delighted seeing the couple together as if they were house hunting. The singer wants to be seen happy in a loving relationship filled only with smiles and laughter. In her latest clip, Lamyai shared sweet moments with Captain Chaang that had her laughing constantly, captioning it: 'Thank you for being the incomplete person in our life @Kritsada Wongkeaw #LamyaiHaiThongKham #CaptainChaang'. The post received various comments from fans praising the couple's adorable chemistry, with many saying they loved seeing only laughter and couldn't help but smile along.

Meanwhile, Captain Chaang also posted a recent clip with Lamyai featuring sweet moments and genuine smiles of happiness. The couple appeared close and affectionate as usual, with the clip seemingly showing them house hunting at a property together, which delighted fans. Fans commented expressing joy at seeing Lamyai so happy, with comments like 'Life is short, love whoever you want. We don't know when we'll die, just don't take what belongs to others', 'I want to see Lamyai happy like this, it's so cute with both of them', and 'True love is the kind that makes you smile every day'.

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National

NESDB Recommends Regulatory Framework for Finfluencers as Personal Loans Surge Among Under-25s

Thailand's household debt surged to 16.44 trillion baht in Q4 2025, with the NESDB warning that young people under 25 are driving personal loan growth through online shopping trends, prompting calls for stricter regulation of financial infl

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The National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDB), led by Secretary-General Danuscha Pichayanan, revealed that household debt in Q4 2025 increased by 0.05% to 16.44 trillion baht, bringing the household debt-to-GDP ratio to 86.7%, up from the previous quarter. Personal loan non-performing loans (NPLs) exceeding 90 days overdue reached 1.31 trillion baht, representing 9.59% of total credit and up from 9.45% the previous quarter.

"The key issue is the consumption behavior of young people who purchase goods and services based on online reviews and trends, causing credit card debt and personal loans among those under 25 to increase significantly compared to other age groups in 2025," Pichayanan stated. "We should accelerate financial literacy education starting from primary school."

The council also flagged concerns about the launch of virtual banks, which could increase debt exposure similar to patterns seen in China and the Philippines. A major concern involves the influence of finfluencers on household financial behavior. Some finfluencers may spread incomplete or inaccurate information, necessitating closer regulatory oversight. The council recommends requiring finfluencers to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission and obtain licenses.

On employment, the situation showed improvement with 41.2 million people employed, a 4.6% increase year-over-year. However, the council identified three areas requiring monitoring: first, the potential impact of Middle East conflicts on employment and wages amid persistently high living costs; second, rising underemployment at approximately 220,000 people, a 17.8% increase, concentrated among low-education and agricultural workers; and third, employment risks in industries dependent on internal combustion engine manufacturing as the sector contracts due to the shift toward electric vehicles.

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Tourism

Pop Mart Deepens Northern Thailand Push With MAYA Chiang Mai Store

Pop Mart opens its first official store in northern Thailand at Chiang Mai's MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Centre, expanding from a successful pop-up location that tested the market a year earlier. The move capitalizes on growing demand for desig

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CHIANG MAI — 25 May 2026, Pop Mart is expanding its presence in Chiang Mai with the opening of a new official store at MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Centre, one year after testing the northern market with a pop-up store at Central Chiangmai.

The new branch marks the company's latest step in building a stronger foothold in northern Thailand, where designer toys and collectible figures have drawn growing interest among local fans, tourists and younger consumers.

Pop Mart opened its Pop-Up Store @ Central Chiangmai in May 2025, describing it at the time as its first pop-up store in the North. The MAYA branch, which held its grand opening ceremony on 21 May 2026, has been promoted as an official store and a larger destination for art toy collectors.

The store features a range of Pop Mart figures and characters, as well as large display pieces including a five-metre-tall HIRONO sculpture and large figures of SKULLPANDA and CRYBABY.

Siriporn Phlaengchanthuek, Head of Southeast Asia for Pop Mart, said Chiang Mai had shown strong market potential since the company first launched its pop-up store in the province.

"Chiang Mai has always been a key city for us. The response we received after debuting our pop-up store here was remarkable and showed strong enthusiasm from local collectors," Siriporn said. "That encouraged our decision to officially open the first Pop Mart official store in Chiang Mai and northern Thailand."

She also thanked provincial authorities, Chiang Mai International Airport and MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Centre for their support, saying the company hoped the store would help make Chiang Mai a destination for art toy collectors and travellers.

The launch was also tied to a tourism campaign with Chiang Mai International Airport called "Pop Mart: Unbox Joy @ Chiang Mai International Airport." From 21 to 22 May, special-edition Pop Mart art toys were distributed to passengers arriving on selected domestic flights from Bangkok and some international routes. Pop Mart Thailand also promoted the campaign through its official social media channels.

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National

Cracked stupa reveals hidden trove of ancient Buddha statues

Workers excavating beneath a cracked stupa at a temple in eastern Thailand's Chachoengsao province discovered dozens of historic Buddha statues hidden in underground chambers, with experts estimating the artifacts date back to the early Rat

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CHACHOENGSAO — On May 24, 2026, workers excavating beneath a damaged ancient stupa at a temple in eastern Thailand discovered dozens of historic Buddha statues hidden inside four underground chambers, with monks estimating the artifacts to be more than 100 years old.

The discovery was made at Wat Laem Tai in Na Mueang subdistrict of Chachoengsao province as construction workers prepared to relocate and restore the old stupa after cracks and structural tilting raised safety concerns.

Excavation work entered its second day on Saturday after workers uncovered several Rattanakosin-era Buddha statues made from brass and silver during the first day of digging. Additional small Buddha statues made from wood, brass and silver-coated metal were also found on Saturday and were later moved for safekeeping inside the residence of a former abbot at the temple.

Phra Khru Thammathon Chamlong Rojanathammo, abbot of Wat Laem Tai, said the stupa was believed to date back to the reigns of King Rama III or King Rama IV, making it more than a century old. He said it remained unclear whether the stupa existed before the temple was established or whether the temple had later been built around it. The temple itself was officially founded in 1933.

The abbot said elderly residents in the community recalled seeing the stupa since childhood. He added that Phra Thammapariyatmuni, an 88-year-old Buddhist scholar and former abbot of Wat Pitulatirangsan, had inspected the artifacts and believed them to belong to the early Rattanakosin period based on their artistic style and materials.

Temple officials said the stupa had initially been scheduled for relocation using structural lifting methods, but excavation became necessary after workers discovered that the ancient foundation extended deep underground. During the digging, workers found four small chamber-like cavities beneath the base containing large numbers of hidden Buddha statues.

The temple said the artifacts would later be cleaned, preserved and displayed in the temple museum for worship and historical study. The abbot also said local residents had already approached the temple seeking to rent or purchase some of the statues after news of the discovery spread, but insisted the artifacts would remain temple property and would not be made available for commercial purposes.

Some residents visiting the site on Saturday said they believed the discovery was auspicious, with some attempting to interpret lucky numbers from the uncovered artifacts ahead of Thailand's next lottery draw.

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National

NIA Launches SITE 2026 to Position Thailand as the Year's Investment Game Changer

Thailand's National Innovation Agency launches SITE 2026, a June investment summit at Siam Paragon designed to transform innovations and networks into concrete business deals and foreign investment. The three-day event will focus on connect

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On May 25, the National Innovation Agency (NIA), a public organization, announced the SITE 2026 event under the concept 'Global Innovation Impact: The Year of Investment,' scheduled for June 25-27, 2026 at Paragon Hall with expanded space at Nex Hall (5th floor) and SCBx Next Stage (4th floor) of Siam Paragon shopping center.

Dr. Krichapakh Boonfueng, Director of the National Innovation Agency, stated that SITE 2026 this year will evolve from a networking platform to one focused on delivering concrete results. Building on the previous year's emphasis on building networks and cooperation, this year aims to transform those networks into actual investments, new collaborations, and genuine business opportunities—both in attracting foreign investors and supporting Thai entrepreneurs to grow and access regional and international markets.

"This year, we want SITE 2026 to be a platform where opportunities meet capital and innovations meet global partners, because innovation impact isn't measured by novelty alone, but by the real value and results it generates," Dr. Krichapakh said.

The NIA has structured SITE 2026 around five core pillars: Frontier Tech & Future Industries, Investment-Ready Innovation, Global Connectivity, Multiplier Effect, and Strategic Alliances. These aim to connect Thailand with major innovation city networks worldwide and help Thai startups establish clearer global presence.

The NIA director added that SITE 2026 also targets systemic innovation impact across five areas: economy, society, environment, innovation ecosystem, and global cooperation—through focus industries including AI, Deep Tech, Sustainability, and Wellness Economy, alongside innovations ready for practical application in economic and social sectors.

"The key reason this year's SITE 2026 uses 'The Year of Investment' is because investment is the critical mechanism to transform Thai innovation potential into real growth. Recent data shows that in 2025, investment in Thai startups reached approximately 120 million US dollars or around 4 billion baht, while available capital in Thailand's innovation system totals over 1 billion US dollars or more than 32 billion baht. This shows 2026 is a crucial moment to concretely connect innovations with funding sources," Dr. Krichapakh stated.

For SITE 2026 highlights, the NIA has designed activities covering the future forum, investment opportunity platform, and Thai ecosystem stage. These include global-level forums and discussions, gathering 100 future technology startups and 100 ready-to-use innovations, pitch stages and business matching activities, international pavilions, the next-generation Startup Thailand League, unified state agency support, new collaboration through SYNC Design & Innovation, and the creative Maker Faire Bangkok to intensify hands-on creation and innovation culture.

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Breaking

Indonesian Woman's Water Slide Fright: She Races a Giant Snake Down the Same Slide, Screaming Uncontrollably

A woman screaming down a water slide in Jakarta discovered a large snake racing ahead of her in the same chute, though both reached the bottom safely in the viral 47-second video.

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A startling incident occurred at a water park in Jakarta, Indonesia, when a woman enjoying a water slide was frightened to discover a large snake sliding down the same chute. The 47-second video was quickly shared across social media platforms.

In the footage, the woman initially appears cheerful as she rides down on a rubber tube before spotting a snake ahead of her. As she accelerates down the slide due to water pressure and the slope, the distance between her and the snake rapidly closes to near-collision. The woman screams throughout, gripping both sides of the slide tightly while attempting to dodge the snake in her path.

Fortunately, the woman reached the bottom safely with no reported injuries. However, it remains unclear whether the snake sustained any damage from the mishap, though authorities have since captured it.

The video has been widely shared across social media platforms, with many calling it "the most unlikely situation in the world" and expressing concern for the woman. Other internet users have reacted humorously, joking that she received a 200% more thrilling experience than other visitors for the same entrance fee, with some suggesting the snake was equally frightened and merely wanted to enjoy the slide too.

Indonesian media outlets report that such incidents can occur in tropical, humid areas, particularly at water parks near natural environments where reptiles may accidentally wander in. This has prompted facility managers to increase safety inspections and wildlife monitoring in the area.

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Police

Foreign Man High on Cocaine Hits Motorcycle Into Renowned Doctor 'Dr. Toom' on Koh Phangan

British tourist Duncan Wilcock, 51, tested positive for cocaine after hitting renowned respiratory specialist Dr. Theerasak Kaewamontavong with his motorcycle on Koh Phangan and fleeing by boat; the doctor remains in critical condition.

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A 51-year-old British man was arrested after striking renowned physician Associate Professor Dr. Theerasak Kaewamontavong with his motorcycle on Koh Phangan on May 23 at 9:21 p.m., before fleeing on a tour boat. The suspect, identified as Duncan Wilcock, tested positive for cocaine though no alcohol was detected. Dr. Toom, a respected internal medicine professor at Mahidol University's Ramathibodi Hospital and respiratory specialist, remains in critical condition at Bangkok Samui Hospital and is being airlifted to Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok for continued treatment.

The incident occurred on the road between Koh Phangan Hospital and Sala area when the motorcycle struck the pedestrian. Officers tracked down the suspect on a tour boat at Vak Toom Pier and recovered the blue Honda Dream motorcycle used in the hit-and-run. The suspect initially confessed to the collision. He faces legal proceedings and was scheduled for bail hearing at Koh Samui Provincial Court on May 26.

Dr. Theerasak is a highly respected physician specializing in respiratory diseases and critical respiratory conditions, and has dedicated himself to community health initiatives on Koh Phangan.

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