National

PM Anutin Takes on Vendor Role, Rides Mobile Cart with Deputy PM Supachai to Launch Thailand Helps Thailand Plus Program

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul launched the Thailand Helps Thailand Plus program by playfully driving a mobile vendor cart with Deputy PM Supachai Suthiramphan, promoting the sale of essential goods at discounted prices to reduce living costs. The government initiative aims to reduce the cost of living by at least 280 million baht through a three-month campaign offering 14 essential products from 12 business operators at 10 percent below market rates via mobile carts, community shops, and postal service points.

12 May Khaosod

On May 12, 2569 at Government House, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Commerce Minister presided over the opening of the 'Thailand Helps Thailand: Reduce Living Cost Burden through Mobile Cart Commerce' program, with Deputy PM Supachai Suthiramphan in attendance. Upon arrival, PM Anutin drove a modified three-wheeled cart with Deputy PM Supachai riding along around Santimaitri Building before heading to Thai Koo Fah Building, where he took on the role of a mobile vendor selling consumer goods at affordable prices.

When asked what items were for sale, the PM listed cucumbers, Thai melons, breadfruit, custard apples, mangosteen, and other produce. Deputy PM Supachai urged all Thai people to participate in supporting local businesses. The PM noted that the mobile carts would travel through villages offering prices 10 percent lower than market rates, depending on promotions and merchandise. Products included seasonings, soy sauce, fish sauce, and instant noodles with verified quality and taste standards.

Deputy PM Supachai explained this was an expansion of efforts by the Department of Internal Administration to distribute these products across all districts and remote communities. The PM invited the public to shop, assuring them these are genuine bargains below market and department store prices, made possible through cooperation from various business owners without quality compromise.

Supachai emphasized the lower prices were intentional, designed to ease the financial burden on Thai citizens through products registered with the Department of Internal Administration. The PM added that businesses initially use the sales income to restock the carts, with government support including fuel card assistance. When asked if the program could continue even if the economy improves, Supachai confirmed it could, as they intend to incorporate small business consumer products and sustain the initiative long-term.

Toward the end, the PM demonstrated how to prepare dishes using the program's kale, sauces, and seasonings, as well as instant noodles. Afterward, both officials returned to Santimaitri Building to view products from various brands in the Thailand Helps Thailand program.

The 'Thailand Helps Thailand: Reduce Living Cost Burden through Mobile Cart Commerce' program will run for three months to align with the government's economic stimulus and cost-of-living relief measures, such as the 'Every Person 2,000 Baht Plus' scheme. The first phase runs from May 15 to June 14, 2569 for 30 days, offering 14 essential product categories from 12 business operators at special prices through community channels including mobile carts, community shops, and Thailand Post service points.

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Police

Local Sub-district Chief Shoots Pig Farm Owner in Head Over BMW with Fake License Plate Outside Nakhon Pathom Bar; Shooter Awaits Police

A sub-district chief shot a pig farm owner in the head outside a Nakhon Pathom bar early May 12 over a dispute that may have involved romantic jealousy, with the shooter remaining at the scene to cooperate with police.

12 May Khaosod

At 2:15 a.m. on May 12, 2025, police received a report of gunfire outside an entertainment venue in Sanam Chan Sub-district, Muang District, Nakhon Pathom Province. Investigators from Muang Nakhon Pathom Police Station, led by Lieutenant Kittipat Wilailaksan, immediately responded along with Captain Achirwatit Thawanreunwattana and representatives from the Suksala Foundation. At the scene, officers discovered a BMW with a fraudulent license plate. Inside the vehicle, they found a man shot in the head with a serious injury. Police later identified him as Udom Phong, 54 years old, a pig farm owner. Officers recovered a .38 caliber handgun from inside the vehicle. The shooter, Komsak (nicknamed "Jiew"), a sub-district chief of Don Yai Hom, remained at the scene and cooperated with police. According to the initial investigation, both men had argued inside the entertainment venue before security asked them to leave and settle their dispute outside, as the venue was closing. They continued arguing, which led to the shooting incident. Preliminary findings suggest the motive may have been jealousy involving a woman, though police will conduct further investigation.

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National

Permanent Secretary Leads Thai Delegation at UN Forest Forum, Discusses Sustainable Forest Management with 193 Nations

Thailand's Permanent Secretary of Natural Resources led the country's delegation at the UN's 21st Forest Forum in New York, where 193 nations discussed sustainable forest management policies and three primary global forest goals. Thailand highlighted its commitment through community forest programs covering 6.2 million rai and the integration of technology and innovation in forest protection and legal timber trade.

12 May Khaosod

Dr. Raveewan Phuridetcha, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, led the Thai delegation at the 21st United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF21), engaging 193 member countries in discussions to establish three key targets for sustainable forest management.

Reported on May 12, the UNFF21 meeting took place at United Nations headquarters in New York, with Dr. Raveewan Phuridetcha heading Thailand's delegation from May 11-15, 2025, alongside Nikon Sirrojananont, Director-General of the Royal Forest Department, and other forestry officials.

The meeting aimed to enable UNFF member countries to collectively formulate policies and guidelines for sustainable forest management, particularly to accelerate implementation of the UN Strategic Plan for Forests 2030 through three Global Forest Goals (GFGs): halting forest loss and restoring ecosystems (GFG 1), increasing the proportion of sustainably managed forests (GFG 3), and improving forest governance and technology to support forest management (GFG 5). These efforts target the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and other environmental agreements through global partnership collaboration.

Dr. Raveewan expressed Thailand's commitment to implementing the UN Strategic Plan for Forests, emphasizing the country's focus on sustainable forest management through cooperation mechanisms between government and local communities. Thailand promotes community roles through the Forest Act of 1941 and amendments, as well as the Community Forests Act of 2019. Currently, there are nearly 12,000 community forests covering approximately 6.2 million rai, which help conserve biodiversity, increase carbon sequestration, and improve quality of life based on bio-based economy principles.

"Furthermore, Thailand applies technology and innovation in wildfire prevention, forest resource protection, and promotes legal timber and timber product trade through a reliable traceability system to support continued achievement of global sustainable development goals," the Permanent Secretary stated.

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Breaking

Husband in Shock as Wife Goes Missing Mysteriously; Found Dead After Being Hit by Train

A 69-year-old woman was struck and killed by a train in Lopburi Province after going missing from her home on the evening of May 11. Her husband had searched throughout the night before being informed the following morning by residents that a body had been found along the railway tracks. Preliminary investigation suggests the elderly victim, who had hearing difficulties, failed to notice the approaching northeastbound train.

12 May Khaosod

Husband in shock as wife goes missing mysteriously; he searches all night and she is found dead after being struck by a train, thrown dozens of meters, and lying deceased in the grass beside the tracks. At 7:45 a.m. on May 12, 2025, Deputy Inspector Nophot Chiwhaem from Phatthananikom Police Station received a report of a fatality along the railway near the Pa Sak Chollasit Dam in Nong Bua Subdistrict, Phatthananikom District, Lopburi Province. Officers and on-duty medical staff from Phatthananikom Hospital along with volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation rushed to investigate.

At the scene in the grass beside the railway tracks, authorities found the body of Khong Mee (surname withheld), 69 years old, a day laborer. The body lay face up with severe lacerations to the face and torso, with broken limbs from blunt force trauma. Preliminary investigation indicates she was struck by an unidentified northeastbound train. Initial assessment suggests she had been deceased for approximately 6-7 hours.

According to questioning, her husband Somsak (surname withheld) tearfully recounted that on May 11, at 5:20 p.m., his wife said she was going to buy rice at a shop near the railway. When she did not return that evening, he went searching but found nothing. The next morning, residents informed him that a body had been found along the railway tracks. When he arrived and identified her, he collapsed to his knees. His wife had been struck by the train and thrown dozens of meters away.

Initial assessment suggests the elderly victim had hearing difficulties and failed to notice the approaching train in time, leading to the tragic accident. Her body was sent to the hospital for examination. Police and hospital medical staff conducted a preliminary autopsy, documented evidence, and took photographs.

Authorities will review CCTV footage from the area to determine the exact circumstances of the accident before sending the body for a full autopsy at Samed Sap Prasad Thai Royal Hospital in Nakhon Nayok to establish the official cause of death.

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Breaking

Border-Area Rubber Farmers Change Work Schedule, Fear Cambodian Soldiers' Gunfire and Abductions—Demand Increased Security Measures

Rubber farmers in Buriram's border region are changing their work schedules to daylight hours out of fear following recent Cambodian military incursions and the detention of local residents. Multiple incidents of armed Cambodian soldiers crossing into Thai territory and firing on villagers have prompted calls for increased security measures and border protection barriers.

12 May Khaosod

Buriram—Border-area rubber farmers in Ban Krot District, Buriram Province are banding together and shifting their rubber tapping schedules to early morning or midday hours following an incident on May 8 when over 10 armed Cambodian soldiers crossed into Thai territory, opened fire on forest foragers, and forced locals to abandon their motorcycles. The situation has been compounded by reports of Cambodian troops detaining residents from Surin Province and holding them in Udon Mueang Province, Cambodia, with no sign of release.

Farmers traditionally tap rubber in the early morning hours when latex flows more abundantly, but security fears are now forcing many to abandon this practice. Residents with rubber plantations near the border are postponing their tapping work entirely due to safety concerns.

Somphet Suphannya, 66, a rubber farmer in Sai Tho 1 South, expressed his worry over the border incursions and abductions. He explained that many farmers must now shift to daytime work, greatly impacting their livelihoods. He and other residents are urging authorities to implement stronger security measures and build barriers to prevent Cambodian soldiers from crossing into Thai territory.

Kittipat Sudchana, headman of Sai Tho 1 South in Prasat Subdistrict, Ban Krot District, stated that the incidents have caused significant alarm among border residents who depend on rubber, cassava, and rice farming. He has advised locals to avoid nighttime farm work, travel in groups rather than alone, and report any suspicious persons to village leaders or authorities immediately for community safety.

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National

Pakarun Confident 400 Billion Baht Emergency Decree Won't Violate Constitution, Dismisses Critics' Blank Check Argument

Deputy PM Pakarun defended the government's 400 billion baht emergency decree on May 12, asserting it meets constitutional requirements for economic security and will proceed to Parliament while awaiting the Constitutional Court's decision

12 May Khaosod

At 9:00 AM on May 12, 2025 at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister Pakarun Nilpraphan addressed concerns from the opposition about challenging the 400 billion baht emergency decree in the Constitutional Court. He stated that the government must carefully consider each decree issuance, as a Constitutional Court rejection would nullify it retroactively and create complications. The government is confident the measure maintains genuine economic security and meets urgent necessity requirements, citing insufficient existing funds despite thorough reviews by the Finance Ministry and Budget Bureau. Current uncertainties, including ongoing regional conflicts, necessitate the decree. Pakarun clarified that the law remains enforceable and projects will proceed unless the court orders otherwise. The government will submit the decree to Parliament for approval while awaiting the court's decision within 60 days. Regarding constitutional compliance, Pakarun explained that the 400 billion baht divides into two components that are interchangeable, serving dual simultaneous purposes: emergency relief and energy transition, which he characterized as inseparable objectives requiring parallel implementation. He referenced previous constitutional interpretations, noting that the 1997 Constitution examined only economic security without considering urgency, while the 2007 Constitution required both conditions—a standard that created complications during the Abhisit Vejjajiva administration and contradictions during Yingluck Shinawatra's government regarding her 2 trillion baht infrastructure investment. The 2017 Constitution reverted to the 1997 standard, examining only economic security while trusting the government's assessment of urgency, as the Finance Ministry functions as the nation's financial custodian.

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National

Mind Labhasphal Attends Wedding as Bridesmaid While Pregnant, Celebrities Celebrate at Jibbie's Joyful Ceremony

Thai actress Mind Labhasphal attended the wedding of renowned makeup artist Jibbie Rubie as a bridesmaid while expecting her first child. Despite recent family controversies, she made an emotional appearance at the celebratory event alongside other celebrities including Markie Rasri, Kimberly, and Deerna Felepo. The moment captured Mind sharing tearful congratulations with the newlyweds during the ceremony.

12 May Khaosod

Mind Labhasphal appeared as a bridesmaid at the wedding of Jibbie Avarinn, also known as Jibbie Rubie, a famous makeup artist, while visibly pregnant. Celebrities and actresses attended the joyful event, including Markie Rasri, Kimberly, and Deerna Felepo, who shared bright and happy moments as part of the bridal party. Mind was seen holding her pregnant belly while emotionally expressing her feelings to the bride and groom with heartfelt tears and a smile during the wedding ceremony.

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National

GPSC Posts Strong Q1 Earnings of 1.72 Billion Baht on Industrial Demand and Cost Management

Global Power Synergy posted a 51% jump in first-quarter profit to 1.72 billion baht, boosted by strong industrial energy demand and improved performance from hydroelectric and renewable projects across Laos, Taiwan, and India.

12 May Khaosod

Global Power Synergy (GPSC) reported first-quarter 2025 net profit of 1.72 billion baht, representing a 51% increase from the same period last year and a 15% jump from the previous quarter, according to CEO Vorawat Pithyasiri. EBITDA stood at 4.43 billion baht, up 6% sequentially, reflecting the company's ability to manage its business portfolio efficiently despite ongoing volatility in the energy sector.

The company maintained its core business strength while controlling financial costs, operational expenses, and continuously improving asset efficiency. Small Power Producer (SPP) business segment saw improved electricity and steam sales to industrial customers, with electricity sales rising 3% year-over-year and steam sales increasing 9%, reflecting steady industrial energy demand.

Investment in foreign operations continues as a key growth driver. The Xayaburi hydroelectric plant in Laos (XPCL) benefited from increased water volume and successful debt restructuring that reduced financing costs. The offshore wind farm in Taiwan (CFXD) adjusted seasonally but recognized revenue from wind turbine availability guarantees.

Renewable energy projects in India through Awada Energy Private Limited (AEPL) progressed on schedule, with approximately 1,099 megawatts of new capacity becoming commercially operational in Q1 2025, enhancing the company's international renewable portfolio. GPSC aims to achieve sustainable growth through operational excellence, investment portfolio management, and expansion of clean energy businesses both domestically and internationally, strengthening financial performance and shareholder returns while positioning itself as an innovation leader in the PTT Group's future energy initiatives.

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Tourism

King Power Duty-Free Offers Travelers Three Hot Services: Rent & Go, CARAT-to-Miles Exchange, and Seasonal Perfumes

King Power Duty-Free launches three May 2025 services: gadget rentals, a program converting loyalty points to airline miles through July, and seasonal perfumes with discounts up to 30% for purchases over 8,000 baht.

12 May Khaosod

King Power Duty-Free is welcoming May 2025 with three special services for travelers and shoppers. The first is "KING POWER RENT & GO," a new service offering convenient gadget and equipment rentals from leading brands with the concept of "easy rental, smooth travel, affordable pricing." Customers can inquire via the LINE Official Account @KINGPOWER or visit the Rent & Go service counter on the second floor of King Power Rangnaam.

The second service allows POWER PASS members to convert accumulated CARAT points into Royal Orchid Plus Miles (ROP MILE), exchanging for up to 1,000 miles from now through July 31, 2025. The redemption process is simple: log into POWER PASS, select Rewards, click Redeem and Confirm, and receive confirmation via SMS or email. New members who spend 25,000 baht or more on their registration day receive complimentary access to THE ATLAS CLUB lounge at King Power Rangnaam and Suvarnabhumi Airport.

The third offering is "Perfume Picks of the Season," running through June 30, 2025, featuring top seasonal fragrances at exclusive prices from premium brands. Shoppers spending 8,000 baht or more per receipt receive discounts up to 30%. The promotion encourages travelers heading to destinations like Kamikochi in Nagano Prefecture—a stunning national park in Japan's Northern Alps open April-November annually, featuring the pristine Taichō lake and the popular Kappa Bridge photo spot—to stock up on fragrances before departure. POWER PASS members accumulate CARAT points with every purchase, which can be converted to airline miles for flights worldwide.

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National

Deputy PM Srettha Vows to Review Tourist Free Visa, Capping Duration at 30 Days to Block Foreign Security Threats

Thailand's Deputy PM Srettha is pushing to cap the tourist free visa at 30 days instead of the current 60 days to tighten security screening, following concerns that some visitors exploit the extended duration for residence rather than tour

12 May Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Srettha Thavisin gave an interview before a cabinet meeting on May 12 at Government House regarding the review of the tourist free visa policy. He stated that the Foreign Ministry believes the current 60-day duration for tourist free visas may be excessive, as some people may enter under this visa not for tourism but for residence, making stricter oversight necessary.

This matter was prepared for proposal during the Anutin government but was postponed during the election period. It is now being expedited through the cabinet secretariat, which must consult with relevant agencies. However, he expressed confidence there would be no major obstacles since the visa committee, chaired by the Foreign Ministry with participation from relevant agencies, is already reviewing the matter.

Thavisin mentioned discussing with the Prime Minister on May 11 that numerous visas are currently being promoted by various agencies. While some serve good purposes—such as expert visas or soft power visas—some may exceed necessity, requiring a review of the criteria and their actual needs.

When asked when consolidated visa guidelines would be finalized, Thavisin indicated that the immediate priority is the tourist free visa issue, particularly following the Chinese national case. He clarified that this review was planned before recent incidents, not because of them. The government will also examine the overall visa landscape to determine which categories are necessary and whether consolidation is possible.

Regarding whether the Chinese national case would lead to reduced or eliminated free visa status, Thavisin stated the government does not target specific nationalities but focuses on activities that may create problems for Thailand. Any visa issued should have an appropriate duration suitable for tourism—likely not exceeding 30 days—with criteria aligned to the visa's purpose. He emphasized the government is not discriminatory but must be strict with anyone engaging in undesirable activities, especially those posing security threats, citing the case of the Chinese national who was arrested.

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Breaking

Abbot Khukkrit Acknowledges Charges of Embezzling Temple Funds to Distribute Bonuses to Disciples

Abbot Khukkrit Sottipholo of Wat Na Pa Phong has appeared before Buddhist Affairs Police to face charges of embezzling temple funds totaling hundreds of thousands of baht per disciple between 2012 and 2016. The abbot and his legal team voluntarily met with investigators to address allegations of embezzlement and official misconduct. He is currently undergoing interrogation regarding the misappropriation of temple resources.

12 May Khaosod

At 8:30 AM on May 12, 2026, Abbot Khukkrit Sottipholo of Wat Na Pa Phong in Pathum Thani arrived with his legal team to meet with investigators from the Buddhist Affairs Police to hear charges of embezzlement and dereliction of official duty. The investigation found evidence that the abbot used temple funds to distribute bonuses to his disciples, amounting to hundreds of thousands of baht per person between 2012 and 2016, constituting misuse of temple resources. He is currently undergoing questioning. The abbot's appearance was arranged voluntarily to provide clarification regarding the allegations.

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