Since May 11, when Thaksin Shinawatra walked out of the Central Prison at Khlong Prem to serve the remainder of his sentence under home confinement at his Sansiri residence, the story has dominated both Thai and international media. Since then, Thaksin has made no public appearances. The following day, he underwent a health check at Rama 9 Hospital with reports indicating he was in perfect health, though no photos were released.

Meanwhile, television and online commentators have been enthusiastically debating Thaksin's likely intentions – whether he'll reclaim the Thai Pride Party, shake up Thai politics, or push Pheu Thai to break with the government, or whether old enemies will seek to eliminate him or drive him from politics altogether.

In reality, when asked questions upon his release, Thaksin simply replied, "I was in monastic discipline for eight months and can't remember anything," signaling he won't discuss his prison experience. His subsequent low profile is partly due to the remaining four months of probation conditions that require him to keep a low profile.

Multiple high-profile political figures have reportedly requested to visit him, but he declined, asking to spend time with family first and not receive outside guests.

At minimum, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul gave an interview expressing his happiness at Thaksin's release, mentioning he may have a chance to visit as he respects his former commanding officer. The relationship between the blue and red factions, combined with Pheu Thai's recent struggles in late 2024, means Anutin's stance toward Thaksin bears close watching. For now, however, there are no scheduled meetings.

Notably, none of the current Pheu Thai deputies prime minister or cabinet ministers appeared when Thaksin was released. Only party members without official positions like Pumtham Wechayachai, Jaturon Chayaetaeng, and Chusak Sirinil greeted him. There was no sign of Yotchanan Wongwatdisai or Julapun Amornvivat. This indicates a carefully calculated approach to prevent any friction or criticism between Thaksin and current Pheu Thai leadership.

The saying goes: sitting too close isn't good, sitting too far apart isn't good either. You need just the right distance. Some commentators are already forecasting that Thaksin will return to lead and dominate the party.

The Anuthon government's confirmation that Thai citizens will watch the 2026 World Cup free of charge—with the Public Relations Department coordinating efforts with the NBTC, relevant agencies, and private companies—has become another politically scrutinized issue. While it appeals to football fans, the pledge raises concerns about financial transparency and political motivations. The government insists that no national budget or central funds will be used to purchase World Cup broadcasting rights, yet refuses to clarify funding sources or who will bear the burden. Opposition parties worry history may repeat the 2022 World Cup experience, which ultimately required funding from multiple sources including the Broadcast, Television and Telecommunications Fund (BTEF), sports development funds, and private contributions—raising accusations of fund misuse. The opposition's concerns are valid: the BTEF was originally established to support media access for vulnerable populations, not to provide free World Cup viewing nationwide. Similarly, the sports development fund should directly develop Thai athletic capabilities rather than purchase World Cup rights. Additionally, current NBTC regulations no longer mandate free World Cup broadcasts as they once did, making this action unnecessary. However, if the government proceeds, it must answer whether this is genuine public interest policy or political image-building. The World Cup reaches vast audiences, and providing free viewing would appear as an immediate tangible achievement. But the critical problem is that the government's hasty announcement before detailing implementation creates negotiating pressure on private parties and rights holders, who now know the government cannot back down. Ultimately, this transcends football—it's a test of whether the government can deliver free World Cup viewing without facing accusations of fund misappropriation or using state mechanisms for political gain. Football enthusiasts will continue monitoring, hoping the government finds a way to fulfill its promise without repeating past controversies.

On May 14, 2569, Speaker Sophon Sarum addressed the media after chairing a landscape improvement meeting and surveying the Parliament Building grounds, including the water garden and helicopter landing pad. He explained that the inspection was aimed at uncovering the true cause of the persistent water leakage plaguing the building so it can be resolved permanently and effectively.

Sophon noted that the Parliament Building's open design, combined with a small and limited drainage system and poor architectural choices, has allowed water to accumulate and seep into the structure. Without serious intervention, he warned, the problem will persist. He emphasized the need to thoroughly diagnose the actual issues—such as the helicopter landing area functioning as a water basin, which may be unsuitable for its current use—and to assess whether the water protection systems and design adequately account for the building's proximity to the Chao Phraya River.

Addressing the public, Sophon stated that this parliamentary session would tackle long-standing problems by getting to the truth of their causes and solutions, while ensuring the Parliament Building serves the people effectively and economically. "We understand the warranty period is nearing expiration," he added. "We are already pushing contractors to expedite repairs on damaged sections to ensure all steps comply with legal requirements, regulations, and contract terms."

Doctors are warning of 7 warning signs that may indicate your liver is experiencing problems. Even a single symptom could be a dangerous starting point for your health—know the signs and see a doctor promptly.

Compiled by Sanook Online News Team May 14, 2025

Based on international reports, the liver is an organ that plays a vital role in the body in many ways—including metabolism, digestion, and detoxification. However, the key problem is that when the liver malfunctions, it often doesn't show warning signs in the early stages.

Dr. Chalen Agarwal, a liver specialist from India, spoke with the Times of India, saying: "In treating liver disease, early detection is crucial. Many patients come to see doctors only when symptoms become obvious, at which point the liver may already be severely damaged and progressing into advanced stages."

Therefore, experts recommend watching for 7 warning signs that may indicate your liver is in trouble:

1. Chronic fatigue that doesn't improve even with rest Fatigue may start as a common feeling—similar to the result of working too hard or not getting enough rest. But if this symptom occurs continuously and frequently, and doesn't improve even after adequate sleep, you shouldn't ignore it. When liver function declines, toxins may stay in the bloodstream longer, affecting the brain and your body's energy levels. Many people blame stress, age, or poor sleep quality, missing the possibility that the liver may be having problems.

2. Yellowing of the eyes and skin Yellowing of the eyes or skin is one of the easier-to-notice symptoms, but it often appears only when the disease has progressed significantly. This occurs due to buildup of bilirubin in the blood because the liver cannot eliminate it normally. Doctors note that many patients seek medical care only when yellowing becomes obvious, which means the liver may already be severely damaged. So if you notice the whites of your eyes or skin turning abnormally yellow, don't take it lightly—see a doctor immediately.

3. Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss The liver plays a crucial role in digestion and metabolism. When the liver malfunctions, the body may lose its ability to receive and process food properly. Patients may start eating less, lose appetite, and experience weight loss unintentionally. This symptom is often attributed to stress, weather, or general digestive problems. But if it occurs alongside chronic fatigue or other abnormalities, be alert that it could be a warning sign from your body.

4. Feeling bloated, heavy, or swollen in the abdomen Not all cases of abdominal bloating are related to the liver, but if you frequently feel bloated, heavy, or swollen in the abdomen—especially when it differs from typical bloating after eating—be cautious. In advanced stages, fluid may accumulate in the abdominal cavity, a condition called ascites, which often signals severe liver damage. Even if the initial symptoms aren't severe, the underlying problem may be more complex than expected.

5. Dark-colored urine and pale-colored stools Dark urine or pale stools are often misunderstood as resulting from drinking too little water or dietary changes, but they may actually signal a problem with the bile system. The liver produces bile to help digest fats. If this process malfunctions, the color of urine and stools may change. While this might seem minor, it could be directly related to the health of your liver and gallbladder.

6. Bruising easily and difficulty stopping bleeding If a minor bump causes large bruises or small wounds bleed for a long time, don't overlook it. The liver is responsible for producing proteins that help blood clotting. When liver function declines, this system may malfunction as well. Many people begin noticing these problems...

A 21-year-old man loses all his savings to online slots, becomes severely stressed, disappears overnight, and is later found dead hanging from a tree in a forest. On May 14, 2025, police from Phan Thong Station in Chonburi province and rescue teams from the Dharma Radiance Manee Rat Foundation investigated the body of a deceased person found under a large iron wood tree in dense forest in Moo 7, Ma Bo Pong Subdistrict, Phan Thong District, Chonburi, after being notified by locals foraging for red ant eggs. Upon investigation about 100 meters into the forest, they found the body of Ang Thiad U, a 21-year-old Myanmar national, hanging from the tree branch. According to a language interpreter, the victim's brother reported that on the previous morning they had spoken normally before parting ways for work. That evening at 5 p.m., after work, the victim spent time playing online slot machines until all his money was gone. He then became angry and stressed, ran out of the room without saying anything, and disappeared all night. His brother tried to contact him but received no response and initially thought he had gone to a friend's house to calm down. Only later did they learn that someone had found him dead in the forest. Police instructed rescue teams to retrieve the body from the tree and transport it to Phan Thong Hospital for autopsy before releasing it to family for religious ceremonies.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives has engaged with the World Bank to advance collaboration on developing water management systems and flood prevention. The partnership includes knowledge sharing, grants, and technical assistance aimed at strengthening Thailand's water infrastructure to address future disaster risks and climate change impacts.

On May 14, 2025, Surawut Neuangchamnangh, Secretary to the Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, welcomed a World Bank team led by senior water resources management expert Sanjay Pahuja, accompanied by officials including Suriypol Nuchanong, Director-General of the Royal Irrigation Department, and Pairyya Sevatjinda, Director of the International Agriculture Office, at the Agriculture Ministry headquarters.

Both parties exchanged cooperation approaches on water management and flood prevention. The World Bank outlined its support for Thailand's project preparation phase, including knowledge transfer, technical advice, grants, and technical assistance to help the Royal Irrigation Department systematically study and develop detailed project proposals.

Surawut emphasized that both sides agreed water management and flood prevention are critical national infrastructure requiring accelerated system development to effectively manage future disaster risks. The Ministry plans to incorporate international knowledge and experience adapted to Thailand's context, coordinating with relevant agencies on budget and funding sources to proceed with the project.

The discussion also covered preparations for a meeting between Water Resources Minister Suraiya Jungrungruangjit and Saroj Kumar Jha, World Bank's Global Director for Water Resources, scheduled for June 2025 to discuss water resource cooperation and major projects.