BANGKOK — 20 May 2026, Thailand's Central Investigation Bureau and the Food and Drug Administration have raided locations linked to an illegal skin-whitening serum operation accused of registering injectable products as cosmetics to evade stricter drug controls.

Authorities seized more than 35,000 items worth over 22 million baht (£470,000), including cosmetics, unregistered medicines and medical devices, during searches at a beauty clinic, a storage facility and a residence in Bangkok, police said on Wednesday.

The operation followed complaints from members of the public and Thailand's Food and Drug Administration (FDA) about a cosmetic brand allegedly being misused by mixing it with saline solution for injection into the body. The products were promoted online and supplied to cosmetic clinics, investigators said.

Police said the investigation found that the product owner had hired a Thai company to manufacture glutathione-based substances, commonly marketed for skin whitening, but registered them as cosmetics rather than medicines because cosmetic approval procedures were easier.

The products were then allegedly sold to aesthetic clinics as injectable glutathione treatments and falsely marketed as imported goods. According to authorities, clinics used the products for skin-enhancing injections administered to clients.

Investigators said those involved would face charges under multiple laws covering cosmetics, medical devices and pharmaceuticals. Potential offences include importing cosmetics without Thai-language labelling, false or incomplete product labels, imports that bypassed FDA checkpoints, selling unlicensed medical devices and distributing medicines without approval or registration.

Supatra Boonserm, secretary-general of Thailand's FDA, said offenders had exploited the easier cosmetic registration process instead of seeking drug approval.

"They were promoted as imported products or injectable skin vitamins," she said. "Using products in ways that differ from their approved purpose is extremely dangerous because they have not undergone safety assessment for injection into the body."

She urged clinics, hospitals and consumers to scrutinise labels and verify injectable products carefully, warning that products intended for injection are classified as high-risk and must undergo rigorous evaluation for safety, quality and effectiveness.

Central Investigation Bureau Commissioner Lt. Gen. Natsak Chewnasai said the operation aimed to prevent potentially serious harm to the public.

"Cosmetics are designed to be applied, not injected," he said. "Injecting unapproved and non-standard products into the body exposes consumers to risks including bloodstream infections and severe allergic reactions."

The FIVB has confirmed that Thailand's women's volleyball team roster for the 2026 Nations League consists of 100 percent female athletes based on chromosome testing results. On May 20, 2025, the Thai Volleyball Association announced that the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) recognized the gender chromosome test results for the national women's volleyball team competing in the 2026 Nations League, with testing conducted on May 12, 2025 at Mahidol University's Siriraj Genomics Center.

The Thai women's volleyball team is currently in training camp at the Thailand Sports Science Center under head coach Kiarti Pongsarak (Coach Ot). The team's 2026 Nations League schedule begins in Nanjing, China on June 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM against Serbia, followed by matches against China (June 4 at 6:30 PM), Belgium (June 6 at 2:00 PM), and the Czech Republic (June 7 at 10:30 AM).

At 4:20 p.m. on May 20, 2025, at Government House, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister departed early from the National Security Council meeting, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Saehkdi Phungketkao taking over as chairman. Reporters asked Anutin about allegations from Pheu Thai deputy leader Sirikanya Tansakul claiming the government has misused loans connected to the state welfare card program. Anutin only said to direct questions to Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanpong. When asked if the National Security Council meeting went well, Anutin responded that it went very well and everything was approved.

Arsenal legend Thierry Henry has expressed his deep emotions following the Gunners' Premier League championship victory this season—their first title in 22 years.

Arsenal has officially secured the 2024-25 Premier League title despite one final match remaining, after second-place Manchester City could only draw 1-1 with Bournemouth. With 82 points from 37 matches, Arsenal leads third-place Chelsea by 4 points, which cannot be overcome. This marks their first Premier League title in 22 years.

Henry, who was part of Arsenal's last championship-winning squad in 2003-04, spoke emotionally about the achievement: "Twenty-two years... a long 22 years of waiting, dreams, suffering, hope, and belief. Think about it—today Arsenal are Premier League champions again. And honestly, this feels different. It's full of emotion."

"I know what this football club means to people. I know what the fans have been through. People mocked Arsenal, people ridiculed the club, questioned the players, questioned the process, questioned whether this team could ever reach the top again. But they never stopped believing."

"And I must say... without Mikel Arteta, this would not have been possible. What he has done for this football club is incredible. He has brought back identity, discipline, connection with the fans, and most importantly, belief. He suffered, he learned, he was strong under pressure, and today he deserves all the credit."

"I must also pay respect to Jorge Kronke and Stan Kronke, because they believed in the manager when many wanted change. They backed the project, they were patient, and today they are seeing the rewards of that trust."

"To every player... thank you. You gave everything for this badge. You fought for each other, for the fans, and for the history of this football club."

"And to Arsenal fans around the world... enjoy this moment. Celebrate with your family, with friends, with everyone who has remained loyal over these years. Because tonight, Arsenal are back where they belong. Champions of England once again."

Sikao Giatsakdi Senamuang, former Thai national team striker and devoted Liverpool supporter, has weighed in on global fan calls for manager Arne Slot's removal following disappointing results this season. At the launch event of Liverpool's latest 2026/27 home kit at Siam Discovery's Land Discovery Plaza, Sikao addressed the topic when asked for his opinion as a longtime Reds fan about the push to replace the manager.

Sikao explained that this has been a difficult year for the club. While Liverpool won the championship last season, they faced significant challenges this year, including the death of Diogo Jota and integrating expensive new signings with high expectations attached. He noted that typically when other clubs bring in new players at premium prices, they perform well immediately, but Liverpool's situation has been different—when performances falter, the team reverts to relying on older players and other options. This lack of harmony throughout the season has ultimately fallen on the manager's shoulders, he said, adding that the new season will be important to assess.

On whether Slot should be replaced, Sikao advocated for patience: "Personally, I think he deserves a chance. Terminating a contract comes with significant financial costs, and we'd need to evaluate if it's worth it. Even if we bring in someone new, who can guarantee they'll be better? Yes, if we listen to fan sentiment, many would prefer he wasn't there. But if we look at it objectively, if a change doesn't work out, we'd have to change again, like other rival clubs have done. That's something to consider too."

Four political parties submitted an urgent motion to address urban rail transport safety issues. A Democrat Party MP advised the Prime Minister to perform a new ritual blessing of an amulet, questioning whether the Prime Minister's practice of binding an amulet around his waist might be causing accidents.

At 1:30 p.m. on May 20, 2025, during a House of Representatives session chaired by First Deputy Speaker Mallika Jiraphunthawanich, representatives from four parties—Bhumjaithai, Pheu Thai, Move Forward, and Democrat Party—verbally submitted an urgent motion. The motion requested the House to study and develop solutions to improve safety standards in urban rail transport and provide compensation to victims affected by the recent accident involving a train collision with a public bus at the Asok-Din Daeng intersection on May 16.

After the representatives explained their rationale, the floor was opened for debate. Pitthakit Detdetecho, a Democrat Party MP representing Nakhon Si Thammarat, raised several critical safety concerns, including: (1) Substandard railroad infrastructure and grade-level crossings with faulty signal systems; (2) Staff errors and failure to follow safety protocols strictly; (3) Reckless driving and signal violations by vehicle operators; (4) Law enforcement issues; and (5) Lack of coordination between rail authorities and local governments. He emphasized the need for urgent victim compensation and systematic reforms to prevent recurrence.

"With great concern, I see events that shouldn't happen actually happening—like landslides, major floods, train collisions, and border instability. Like the Prime Minister, based on real experience, I don't know if the ritual amulet he brought to bless is correct or not. The way the Prime Minister ties an amulet cord around a replica amulet—I'm unsure if this is making the amulet uncomfortable, causing these disasters. I urge the PM to fix this and perform a new blessing. I'm worried these bad events will keep repeating," Pitthakit said.