Phatthalung residents can expect relief as the Provincial Administrative Organization announces a 90-day suspension of fuel tax collection to ease the cost of living burden. Following an approved resolution, the organization will waive the previous tax rate of 4.54 satang per liter starting immediately.

At 10:30 AM on May 5th, 2026, Wisut Thammaphet, Governor of Phatthalung Provincial Administrative Organization, announced the suspension of the provincial fuel tax at the Provincial Administrative Organization meeting hall. The announcement was joined by Kuldida Petchwongse, President of the Provincial Administrative Council, Kamphu Petchtamrong, Phatthalung Energy Officer, alongside gas station operators, media representatives, and relevant agencies.

Wisut Thammaphet explained that instability in the Middle East has caused global and domestic energy prices to rise continuously, impacting production and transportation costs and driving up consumer prices, which broadly affects the public's cost of living. The Federation of Provincial Administrative Organizations from 14 Southern Thailand provinces held discussions to find relief measures and submitted proposals to the Association of Provincial Administrative Organizations of Thailand. The association voted to allow each province to implement assistance measures appropriate to its circumstances.

For Phatthalung, the Provincial Administrative Organization amended its fuel business tax collection regulations, reducing the tax rate from 4.54 satang per liter to 0.00 satang for 90 days to alleviate the public's financial burden.

The measure takes effect from May 6th, 2026 at 5:00 AM through August 3rd, 2026, with normal tax collection resuming from August 4th, 2026 onwards.

Wisut further stated that this measure represents collaborative effort from all sectors to reduce energy costs for the public and hopes to mitigate the impact of volatile energy prices to some degree.

Other officials present agreed that the measure will help reduce energy costs in the province and benefit the provincial economy, particularly in transportation and retail commerce sectors. The Phatthalung Provincial Administrative Organization hopes this tax suspension will be an important mechanism to assist citizens and build confidence in government management during economic volatility.

Major global PCB manufacturers have announced their readiness to drive Thailand toward becoming a regional center for advanced-level PCB manufacturing capable of supporting world-class artificial intelligence infrastructure. As global supply chains undergo restructuring and demand for AI processing power continues to surge, Thailand is emerging as an important new manufacturing hub for the electronics PCB industry at advanced production levels.

On April 27 in Bangkok, the Taiwan Printed Circuit Association (TPCA) partnered with the Thailand Printed Circuit Board Association (THPCA) to host the "2026 Thailand PCB Industry Summit," alongside the release of a survey report titled "Opportunities for Thailand's PCB Industry Amid the AI Wave and Geopolitical Shifts." The summit focused on critical practical business issues in Thailand, including work permits, workforce development, infrastructure, and government policies.

This strategic-level leadership forum received support from the Hong Kong Printed Circuit Association (HKPCA) and the China Printed Circuit Association (CPCA), with over 60 executives and representatives from manufacturers in Taiwan, China, and Thailand in attendance. Thai government agencies also participated, including the Board of Investment (BOI), Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT), National Science and Technology Policy Office (NXPD), and the Ministry of Labor, reflecting the Thai government's commitment to PCB industry development and international cooperation.

The cross-regional survey clearly indicates growth directions for the global PCB market and Thailand's potential. A key highlight was the launch of the industry survey report on "Opportunities for Thailand's PCB Industry Amid the AI Wave and Geopolitical Shifts," developed through collaboration between TPCA, THPCA, and HKPCA.

The report compiled survey data and gathered perspectives from industry players across regions, reflecting strategic issues commonly emphasized by PCB manufacturers in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Thailand, including investment strategy formulation for Thailand, supply chain strengthening in the region, and human resource development.

This not only elevates industry credibility and provides a genuine overview of the sector but also underscores that amid global industrial restructuring, Asia's PCB industry is moving toward closer regional cooperation integration.

AI is driving the global PCB market toward multi-billion-dollar growth, opening a window of opportunity for Thailand to advance into high-value manufacturing. The report indicates that the global PCB market continues to grow, benefiting from AI infrastructure investments. It is projected that the market will reach $92.4 billion USD in 2025 and is expected to grow to $113.7 billion USD by 2030, with an annual growth rate of 23.1 percent. The report shows that demand for AI processing capabilities is becoming the primary driver of global PCB industry growth, while also accelerating advanced manufacturing and supply chain restructuring, which will bring new waves of economic and industrial growth opportunities for Thailand.

To address human resource challenges, TPCA organized a "Thailand-Taiwan HR Network Meeting and Forum" in the afternoon of the same day.

Honda Big Bike invites motorcycle enthusiasts to experience the charm of classic bikes at Bangkok Hot Rod Custom Show 2026, Thailand's largest custom motorcycle event. Held May 16-17, 2026 at IMPACT Exhibition Center Halls 11-12 (12:00-22:00), the show will feature Honda GB350C Custom models from top customization shops in diverse styles. Event attendees have the chance to win a Honda GB350C Limited Edition by FatBoy Design—an exclusive, one-of-a-kind custom bike available only at this event.

Visitors can experience test rides of Honda's classic big bikes and participate in activities to win special prizes including Bangkok Hot Rod 2026 t-shirts and limited edition Honda GB350C stickers. To participate, simply download the My Honda Moto app, take a photo with your favorite Honda GB350C at the Honda BigBike booth, and post it on Facebook or Instagram with designated hashtags.

The first 30 Honda GB350C owners who ride their bikes to the event receive exclusive parking, a complimentary Bangkok Hot Rod 2026 t-shirt, and a free one-day event pass (limited availability for early arrivals). Join the celebration of classic motorcycle charm Honda-style and draw inspiration from Thailand's premier custom motorcycle showcase.

Robot malfunction at school sports day! A dancing robot went haywire during a color sports festival at a school in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region in northwestern China. What was meant to be a fun entertainment show became an unexpected and thrilling mishap when the robot malfunctioned on the field.

Online videos captured the bizarre moment when the dancing robot initially performed confidently, executing both dance moves and martial arts-style gestures while spectators cheered. However, the cheerful atmosphere quickly changed when students rushed onto the field to perform synchronized movements with the robot—apparently the beginning of an unforeseen chaos.

Just seconds into the joint performance, the robot lost its balance, stumbled, and fell to the ground. Reports suggest it became confused by the number of people surrounding it before beginning to move erratically.

The situation escalated when the robot started moving without direction and began throwing kung fu kicks resembling attacks at nearby performers, leaving several students bewildered before they cautiously backed away from the area.

The incident created some alarm on the field as the robot continued moving uncontrollably, as if its "combat mode" had activated on its own, leaving spectators anxiously wondering how the performance would end.

Eventually, the situation was brought under control when the robot's operator rushed onto the field and quickly removed the android to safety. Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident, which ended up being both funny and suspenseful during the school's color sports day.

Two suspects have been arrested in the killing of Pranee, a 73-year-old informal moneylender from Nakhon Si Thammarat, who was found dead near a concrete road in Khuan Kaew subdistrict, Ron Phibun district on the morning of May 1st. She was killed with a sharp weapon. Police initially suspect the motive was robbery and elimination of debts owed by some of her borrowers.

On May 5th at Ron Phibun Police Station in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Deputy Commander of Region 8 Pol. Lt. Col. Porchai Khachorklin announced the arrest of two suspects under court warrant: Charoen Yut (alias Ping), 52 years old, and Pornpol (alias Noun), 54 years old.

Pol. Lt. Col. Porchai stated that after gathering evidence, police obtained an arrest warrant from Thung Song Provincial Court for both suspects. They are charged with premeditated murder and robbery resulting in death using a weapon.

After arrest, both suspects initially denied the charges, but police possess clear evidence and are confident they can prosecute both cases conclusively. The suspects have been transferred to Ron Phibun Police Station for further legal proceedings.

Kenichi Yamato, Chief Executive Officer of Krungsri Ayudhya Bank, announced that Krungsri has signed an Asset Purchase Agreement to acquire auto and motorcycle loan portfolios from CIMB Thai Auto Limited and World Lease Limited, subsidiaries of CIMB Thai Bank. The acquisition is subject to contractual conditions and is expected to be completed by year-end 2025.

"This acquisition represents a strategic initiative to expand our customer base and strengthen Krungsri Auto's position as Thailand's leading auto finance provider, reflecting Krungsri Group's commitment to leveraging deep expertise in auto finance to drive sustainable growth," Yamato said.

Beyond portfolio expansion, the acquisition will enable Krungsri to deliver greater value to customers through enhanced access to diverse Krungsri Group products and services under the ONE Krungsri Collaboration strategy. This integrates internal cooperation and comprehensive digital platforms covering lifestyle and auto financing services in a single ecosystem, as Krungsri aims to provide seamless customer experiences.