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Regional

Phuket Man Turns Himself In for Encroaching on Protected Forest at Freedom Beach, Facing Four Charges

A 51-year-old Phuket man surrendered to police to face four charges of illegally encroaching on protected forest at Freedom Beach in Karon, following an inspection by senior officials that prompted his voluntary turnover.

12 May Khaosod

On May 12, 2025, a Phuket reporter confirmed that Printon (surname withheld), 51, turned himself in at Karon Police Station to face charges related to encroaching on protected forest land in the Freedom Beach area, Karon Subdistrict, Phuket City. He is being charged in four separate cases. This development followed a field inspection conducted by Deputy Minister NanthaChat Suphamon of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, along with Phuket Parliament Member Chalerm Saengdee (District 2) and Deputy Provincial Police Commander Phakayot Thongsak, which led to the suspect's surrender. The four encroachment cases detail the following unauthorized land areas: Case 224/2569 covers 9 rai, 3 ngan, 40 square wah; Case 227/2569 covers 50 square wah; Case 228/2569 covers 1 ngan, 4 square wah; and Case 229/2569 covers 82 square wah. Following his surrender, investigators processed his charges, conducted questioning, and recorded his fingerprints according to standard procedures. Karon Police Station Commander Patpee Srichaiyon stated that all procedures were conducted with strict adherence to legal standards and transparency, with coordination from Phuket Provincial Forest officials to gather evidence for further judicial proceedings.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
Community

Woman Heading Home When Mother Cat Suddenly Bolts From Car—Security Guards Help Search and Discover 2 Newborn Kittens Born Inside

A Thai woman discovered a mother cat had given birth to two orange kittens inside her parked car after she returned from work, with security guards helping locate the newborns in the engine compartment. The incident, which the car owner indicated had happened before, became a viral TikTok moment that prompted online users to request the car's license plate number for lottery purposes.

12 May Khaosod

On May 12, TikTok user @srisuda_kie posted a video of a mother cat secretly giving birth to kittens inside her parked car after it had been parked for just one day. She wrote: "I parked my car at work from morning until evening. When I was about to head home, a mother cat ran out of my car. I stopped and listened. The security guard told me the cat wasn't finished yet (we could hear the kitten crying). I turned off the engine and we all helped search—so funny! In the end, two orange kittens on May 7. #CatGivingBirth #KittensInCar #OrangeCat."

In the video, text appeared saying: "About to head home when the mother cat ran out of the car. Turns out she gave birth in my car again!" Security guards surrounded her vehicle trying to locate the crying sounds of the newborn kittens before she exclaimed, "Again?!"

The guards then used flashlights to search for the source of the sound until they found two orange kittens in the engine compartment. The car's license plate was mentioned as "059." Apparently, this wasn't the first time a cat had given birth in this particular vehicle, which is why the owner's reaction was so exasperated.

After the post went viral, many comments poured in with people asking for the license plate number, hoping to use it as a lucky number for the upcoming lottery draw.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
National

Pep Insists Manchester City Won't Surrender Premier League Title Dreams – Dismisses West Ham Controversial Goal Incident

Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola insists his team will continue fighting for the Premier League title despite trailing Arsenal by five points. Guardiola dismissed questions about a controversial disallowed goal in West Ham's match, saying it's a matter for the referees to decide, as City prepares for their postponed match against Crystal Palace on May 13th.

12 May Khaosod

Pep Guardiola, Manchester City manager, has confirmed that his team will continue battling for the Premier League title while dismissing concerns about West Ham United's disallowed goal.

Manchester City finds itself in a tense title race situation, currently trailing Arsenal by five points but with one game in hand.

Ahead of their postponed match against Crystal Palace on May 13th, Pep reaffirmed his team's commitment to fighting for the league crown. "Crystal Palace is my focus right now," Pep stated. "As a manager, I must always learn and reflect on what I need to do. We must improve on the things within our control. Whatever we haven't done well this season, we need to do better. We will keep fighting."

When asked about the controversial moment when West Ham United's goal was ruled out and Arsenal equalized following a foul by David Raya, Pep deflected the question. "For me, that's not something worth discussing," he replied. "What's been said is in the past. It's a matter for the referees – how they make their decisions is not my concern."

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Tourism

P'Jong Opens BE;FREEK Pop-Up Store, Says He Wants to Be Thai, Reports 120% Better Health

South Korean YouTuber and entrepreneur P'Jong launched his BE;FREEK streetwear brand's pop-up store at Siam Center, showcasing modern streetwear that blends casual and premium elements with oversized silhouettes. P'Jong revealed his health has improved significantly and expressed his genuine desire to become Thai, engaging enthusiastically with fans at the grand opening. The brand's signature semicolon symbol represents the philosophy of continuing forward even when life pauses, reflecting BE;FREEK's mission to support freedom of expression and individual identity through fashion.

12 May Khaosod

P'Jong, the viral South Korean YouTuber, officially launched his BE;FREEK POP-UP STORE at Siam Center's ground floor on May 12, 2026, drawing enthusiastic fans. The young entrepreneur explained that BE;FREEK started simply from his love of wearing comfortable yet stylish clothes with identity and meaning. The modern streetwear brand blends casual with premium feel, focusing on oversized silhouettes with everyday wearability while maintaining strong brand character and details. P'Jong is heavily involved in the creative direction, from collection concepts and fitting to the brand's mood and tone. The semicolon serves as the brand's signature symbol, reinterpreted to represent "continue"—reflecting the idea that life may pause but doesn't end, allowing people to move forward in their own way. This philosophy aligns perfectly with BE;FREEK's mission to support freedom of expression without being bound by convention. The pop-up store offers oversized t-shirts as the main product, along with matching sets, sweatshirts, hats, socks, and everyday street essentials that can be mixed and matched for various looks. Future plans include expanding beyond fashion while maintaining the brand's core identity, with many new products coming soon. Customer feedback has been positive, with people appreciating that the clothes are beautiful, cool, and easy to wear for everyone. The store features a new collection with special items, and the product range now includes t-shirts, hats, pants, bags, and new boxy-style sweatshirts.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Sansiri's Contractor Training Program Partners with Supanimit Foundation on SAFER Work Project

Sansiri, one of Thailand's major real estate developers, has partnered with World Vision Foundation of Thailand on the SAFER Work project to improve employment practices and protect migrant worker rights in the construction sector. The initiative builds on previous successful programs and aims to create transparent, ethical hiring practices across construction supply chains while providing migrant workers with essential information about their legal rights, welfare, and access to government services. The project will focus on female migrant workers and their families across six provinces in Thailand.

12 May Khaosod

Sansiri's Contractor Training Program has partnered with Supanimit Foundation (World Vision Foundation of Thailand) to establish ethical employment practices and safeguard the rights and welfare of migrant workers through the SAFER Work project (Strengthening Accountability For Employing and Recruiting Migrant Workers in Thailand). In 2025, Thailand's construction sector continues to depend on migrant labor at high levels. According to the Department of Employment's first quarter 2025 data, Thailand has approximately 2.25 million construction workers, of which around 535,000 are foreign workers—meaning one in four workers on construction sites is a migrant.

As a real estate developer committed to equality and human dignity, Sansiri believes that "the quality of housing delivered to customers must begin with the quality of life of construction workers." Migrant workers in this sector continue to face multifaceted challenges including limited access to labor rights, social security, healthcare, workplace safety, language barriers, and accurate information.

Somchai Promsiri, Chief of Staff at Sansiri Public Company Limited, stated that the company's labor rights work did not begin overnight but has roots dating back to 2011 with the initiative "Support for Eliminating Child Labor on Construction Sites," including the creation of child-friendly spaces in construction camps. That experience shaped understanding that children's quality of life cannot be separated from the rights, welfare, and fair treatment that workers deserve, leading to deeper learning about labor conditions and obstacles migrant workers face in Thailand.

In 2022, Sansiri and World Vision Foundation of Thailand launched the REACH project (Reaching Women Migrant Workers and Their Families in Construction Camps) to reach female migrant workers and their families in construction worker accommodations, with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO). The initiative provided education on fundamental legal rights including wages, overtime, health insurance, women's rights, sexual violence prevention, reproductive health, complaint mechanisms, and access to government services, while building vocational skills for long-term economic security.

Based on lessons and results from REACH, which helped many workers gain knowledge of their rights and access essential information and services, the program expanded into SAFER Work, strengthening accountability in employing and recruiting migrant workers in Thailand with continued support from ILO and the European Union (EU). The project aims to extend impact from individual workers to improving employment practices across the entire Thai construction supply chain. Today, this commitment evolves through SAFER Work, transitioning from merely "supporting" to "building systems" for transparent and fair employment throughout the supply chain. The project targets female migrant workers and families in six provinces: Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, and Chachoengsao, through two key mechanisms:

1. Empowerment (Workers): Focus on female workers and families to access information on rights, welfare, social security, and reproductive health to reduce language and inequality gaps 2. System Change (Contractors):

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Pheu Thai Party Announces New 11-Member Executive Management Team

The Pheu Thai Party has appointed a new 11-member executive management team led by Julphan Amornvivatana as chairman. The team, approved on May 5, will oversee party administration and strategy implementation with a two-year mandate. The appointment aims to streamline the party's operations and enhance overall efficiency.

12 May Khaosod

May 12, 2026 – The Pheu Thai Party announced the appointment of a new executive management team to ensure the party's administration and operations proceed swiftly, flexibly, and efficiently. Acting under the authority of the Pheu Thai Party Regulations B.E. 2561, as amended (5th revision) B.E. 2566, Article 58, in accordance with the resolution of the Pheu Thai Party Executive Committee's 7th meeting held on May 5, the 11-member executive management team is composed of: 1. Julphan Amornvivatana - Chairman 2. Assoc. Prof. Chusak Sirinit - Vice Chairman 3. Bhumitham Wetchayachai - Committee Member 4. Dr. Phrompintr Loetsuriyadet - Committee Member 5. Manporn Charoensi - Committee Member 6. Jiraphon Sinthupai - Committee Member 7. Somsak Thepsuthin - Committee Member 8. Surawong Thianthong - Committee Member 9. Praserit Chantharuangtong - Committee Member and Secretary 10. Khattiya Sawasdipol - Assistant Secretary 11. Chanin Rungthanakirtti - Assistant Secretary

Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Consider, direct, and implement matters related to party administration, except for matters that laws and regulations designate as the responsibility of the party leader, executive committee, or party management committee, in which case recommendations shall be submitted to the party leader or executive committee for consideration. 2. Examine matters requiring executive committee approval and prepare recommendations for the committee's consideration. 3. Formulate and implement the party's strategies in various areas, potentially meeting with advisory bodies as deemed appropriate, and report monthly to the executive committee. 4. Attend meetings and provide opinions to the executive committee on matters the committee requests input on. 5. Appoint knowledgeable, capable, and experienced individuals to working committees as appropriate, with notification to the executive committee within the next meeting. 6. Other duties as assigned by the executive committee.

The term of office is two years from the date of appointment, effective immediately.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand Investigates 34 Suspected Nominee Companies on Island Resorts

Thailand's Department of Special Investigation has launched a major crackdown against 34 suspected nominee companies on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, where foreign investors are believed to be using Thai nationals as proxy shareholders. The investigation, ordered by the Prime Minister and Minister of Justice, will examine financial credibility and ownership structures to determine if Thai shareholders genuinely own their stakes. Authorities plan to expand the probe to other major tourist destinations including Phuket and Krabi.

12 May Khaosod

BANGKOK — May 12, 2026: Thailand's Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has launched investigations into 34 companies on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan in Surat Thani province, suspected of operating as nominee businesses using Thai nationals as proxy shareholders for foreign investors.

DSI Director-General Pol. Maj. Yutthana Praedam and Director of Bureau of Security Crime Pol. Lt. Col. Chanchai Likitkantason met with Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director-General of the Department of Business Development (DBD), to establish a collaborative framework for investigating and suppressing nominee businesses across Thailand's major tourist destinations. The crackdown follows direct orders from the Prime Minister and Minister of Justice to protect national interests and ensure fair business competition.

Data scans revealed widespread risks of nominee structures with increasingly complex ownership arrangements. Authorities cited complaints from local residents alleging that foreign groups had improperly exploited local resources and disrupted communities while disregarding Thai law. The DSI and DBD are now conducting a strategic audit of the suspected nominee firms.

Investigators analyzed over 11,426 registered companies and categorized them by risk level. The initial focus centers on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, with plans to expand investigations to other tourism hubs including Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, Pattaya, and Hua Hin.

The DBD submitted information on 34 companies with combined assets exceeding 100 million baht each to the DSI. Around 20 of these companies have been identified for further scrutiny. Investigators will examine shareholder structures, ownership proportions, and whether Thai shareholders have financial backgrounds consistent with their investments. A key part of the probe involves verifying whether shareholders' reported income matches their multi-million baht investments and whether ownership changes occurred suspiciously during company operations.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Thailand approves Dutch Embassy land purchase in Bangkok

Thailand's Cabinet has approved the Netherlands' purchase of land in Bangkok for a new Dutch ambassador's residence, covering approximately 1,500 square metres in the Pathumwan district. The agreement includes tax exemptions and other diplomatic benefits based on reciprocal arrangements between the two countries. All relevant Thai government agencies have approved the transaction, noting the site's suitability for diplomatic use and adequate security.

12 May Khaosod

Thailand's Cabinet has approved a draft exchange of letters allowing the Netherlands to purchase land in Bangkok for a new ambassador's residence, a government spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Phermsriwatthana said the Dutch Embassy plans to buy two plots of land and buildings covering a total area of about 1,500 square metres in Soi Ruam Rudi, Lumphini subdistrict, Pathumwan district, to serve as the new residence of the Dutch ambassador to Thailand.

She said the Netherlands currently owns more than 15 rai of land in Thailand, meaning any additional land acquisition must be considered by the Cabinet on a case-by-case basis under existing regulations.

The agreement sets out rights related to the ownership of land, buildings and condominiums for embassy or consular use, including exemptions on taxes, fees and related charges based on reciprocity between the two countries.

Relevant agencies, including the Treasury Department, Land Department, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Royal Thai Police, raised no objections, saying the site is suitable for diplomatic use and has adequate security measures.

Lalida said the move would help the Dutch Embassy better align its premises with modern diplomatic missions, while Thailand would receive reciprocal benefits should it seek to acquire additional property in the Netherlands in the future.

She said the agreement reflected stable Thai-Dutch relations based on mutual trust, legal principles and reciprocity.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Singer Keng Anucha Opens Up About Shocking Experience at Famous Temple Ritual Where He Was Ordered to Remove All Clothes

Singer Keng Anucha revealed during a Bangkok Pride Festival press conference that he experienced a similar controversial temple ritual about 10 years ago where he was forced to undress and marked with a pen. He called for society to approach the sensitive intersection of LGBTQ+ issues and religion through understanding and dialogue rather than judgment, while acknowledging the valid concerns of all parties involved in recent controversies.

12 May Khaosod

Following intense public scrutiny over a controversial 'karma-clearing' ritual in Pa Sang district, Lamphun province, where a victim reported being subjected to inappropriate conduct by a well-known ritual master, singer Keng Anucha shared his personal account at the Bangkok Pride Festival 2026 press conference at The Sukosol Hotel in Bangkok. Approximately 10 years ago, he participated in a similar ritual at a different temple where he was instructed to remove all his clothes. He described how the experience happened quickly, and due to his faith at the time, he didn't question it, though he now recognizes he may have been victimized.

Addressing the broader controversy involving the Muslim LGBTQ+ man who had his head shaved, Keng emphasized that both perspectives have valid reasons and emotions behind them. He advocated for society to engage in understanding-based dialogue rather than judgment, noting that both religion and sexual identity are globally sensitive issues. He stressed the importance of approaching such matters from multiple perspectives, as they could be viewed through either a gender lens or a religious lens, with both being sensitive topics that require the most clarification possible.

Keng recounted his own experience in detail, explaining how he was called into a room at a temple during a visit to pay respects to a Buddha image. He was told to undress completely, and the ritual master used a writing pen—not an ordinary pen but one with a special wooden handle—to mark his body with written characters. He acknowledged feeling embarrassed and shocked, noting that when he exited, the ritual master acted as if nothing had happened. Despite his discomfort, he chose to move past it since it had already occurred.

Regarding the recent Muslim man incident, Keng expressed understanding for all parties involved, emphasizing that different perspectives don't necessarily represent broader conflicts between LGBTQ+ communities and religion. He stressed this was an individual case requiring dialogue and resolution, urging that both religion and gender identity being global issues necessitates the utmost clarity and understanding to prevent the situation from escalating further.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
Tourism

AWC Targets Premium Tourism Market, Acquires Blue Ocean Dome from Osaka Expo to Launch World-Class Attraction at Asiatique The Riverfront by Year-End

Asset World Corp (AWC) is investing over 8 billion baht to elevate Thai tourism by acquiring the Blue Ocean Dome from Osaka Expo 2025, launching it as a world-class attraction at Asiatique The Riverfront by year-end. The company's 'Quality Tourism' strategy targets premium travelers seeking safety, world-class standards, and authentic experiences. AWC is repositioning its 58-property portfolio to cater to ultra-luxury and experience-focused tourists, creating distinctive lifestyle destinations rather than traditional real estate projects.

12 May Khaosod

Asset World Corp (AWC) is pushing forward with its 'Quality Tourism' strategy to elevate Thai tourism toward the premium market, highlighting its strengths in safety, international standards, and authentic Thai experiences. The company is committed to continuous investment, allocating over 8 billion baht to develop a new riverside landmark through the acquisition of the Blue Ocean Dome from the 2025 World Expo in Osaka, Japan. This 1,600-square-meter facility will open at Asiatique The Riverfront as a world-class attraction by late this year.

Vallabha Trisorn, AWC's President and Chief Executive Officer, outlined the company's 'Boost the Quality' strategy aimed at elevating Thai tourism standards to meet the evolving needs of high-value travelers who prioritize safety, international standards, and unique experiences. Despite global economic uncertainties, Thailand remains a key tourism destination, particularly for international conferences, seminars, and events, thanks to its strengths in safety, service quality, and distinctive cultural offerings.

AWC is focused on attracting quality travelers to Thailand while upgrading its assets and projects to cater to the premium market, especially the ultra-luxury and experience tourism segments that value experiences over accommodation alone. However, the company acknowledges that global tourism faces pressure from countries promoting domestic tourism, particularly India, a key Thai market, requiring operators to continuously adjust marketing strategies and expand their customer base.

Despite these challenges, AWC's performance exceeds targets in both customer volume and revenue growth, with the company optimistic about setting new records this year, though it continues to monitor global economic conditions closely. For 2026, AWC expects the second and third quarters to be low seasons by nature, but advance booking pace remains solid, particularly from the U.S. market and Thai domestic travelers.

Chinese tourist arrivals are growing at approximately 33%, while Thai domestic tourism has surged 36%, reflecting increased domestic travel behavior. Though some European markets like the UK and Germany are slowing, French tourists are partially compensating for the decline. AWC currently operates 24 hotels in its investment pipeline with a total portfolio of 58 projects, of which 27 are undergoing value enhancement studies through market repositioning to increase room rates, attract high-purchasing-power customers, and boost long-term asset returns.

The company's key strategy going forward is creating distinctive 'Lifestyle Destinations' unique to each location, rather than developing standard real estate projects. These will integrate cultural and artistic experiences, wellness and health services, sports, and entertainment. One major project is Pattaya Asiatique, which AWC is developing into an Active Wellness Lifestyle Destination to position Pattaya as a premier wellness tourism city.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Forgetfulness May Not Be Minor: Check Now—What Type of Memory Loss Signals Early Brain Decline

Dr. Jetsada Bunyavongvirocha from Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital warns that forgetfulness should not be dismissed as normal aging, as it may signal early-stage cognitive decline. He identifies seven warning signs ranging from forgetting recent events while remembering older ones, misplacing items in unusual locations, getting disoriented with time and place, to changes in mood and language difficulties. The doctor recommends regular exercise, mental stimulation through reading and brain games, and adequate sleep of 6-7 hours as proven methods to slow cognitive decline.

12 May Khaosod

Quick check: forgetfulness might not be trivial. Dr. Jed reveals which types of memory loss warn of early cognitive decline and offers proven strategies to slow brain degeneration.

Dr. Jetsada Bunyavongvirocha, Deputy Director of Primary Care at Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, shared insights on Facebook about warning signs of brain degeneration. He addressed the common refrain "It's just a bit of forgetfulness; it happens with age," which he hears frequently. However, the truth is that minor memory lapses in some people may signal the initial stages of cognitive decline without their awareness. Early cognitive decline doesn't manifest dramatically but develops gradually, leading many to dismiss it.

If parents or loved ones begin showing these symptoms, it suggests their brain may already be declining in its early stages. Here are the warning signs to watch for:

1. Forgetting recent events while remembering older ones clearly—like not recalling what was discussed that morning or repeatedly asking the same question shortly after answering it. This differs from typical forgetfulness; with cognitive decline, the frequency increases, requiring constant reminders and gradually disrupting daily life without the person's awareness.

2. Forgetting and being unaware of it—while typically forgetful people know they've forgotten something, those with cognitive decline often don't realize the loss or are confident their memory is correct despite being wrong. Some may even argue or refuse to acknowledge correction, creating frequent family misunderstandings. This is a critical warning sign.

3. Placing items in unusual locations—like putting keys in the freezer or money in inappropriate places, then being unable to find them and suspecting others took them. This differs from typical placement in familiar spots and reflects disrupted thinking and memory connections, occurring increasingly as the disease progresses.

4. Disorientation regarding time, place, or routes—like getting lost on a familiar market route or confusing dates, times, or locations. This signals that "brain processing begins malfunctioning." Some may become confused between day and night or frequently misremember dates, affecting safety through becoming lost or unable to find their way home later.

5. Inability to perform routine tasks—like forgetting steps in a familiar recipe or misusing everyday items despite previous competence. This indicates the brain regions responsible for planning and sequencing are deteriorating, gradually requiring dependence on others for minor matters, often without the person's clear awareness.

6. Changed emotions and behavior—some become easily irritable, withdrawn, or show behavioral changes like social withdrawal or mood swings. These result from brain changes; some may develop anxiety or depression, with surrounding people noticing changes increasingly clearly.

7. Language difficulties—like inability to recall words, stuttering, or frequently misusing words, making communication harder. Unlike typical temporary word-forgetting, some may mislabel objects or speak incomplete sentences, creating daily communication problems with others.

What genuinely helps slow cognitive decline: - Regular exercise like brisk walking, swimming, or light weight training improves blood circulation to the brain and stimulates new brain cell formation - Exercise the mind through reading, brain games, or learning new things to stimulate neural connections - Sleep adequately—at least 6-7 hours nightly, when the brain repairs itself

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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