Tourism

Pop Mart Deepens Northern Thailand Push With MAYA Chiang Mai Store

Pop Mart opens its first official store in northern Thailand at Chiang Mai's MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Centre, expanding from a successful pop-up location that tested the market a year earlier. The move capitalizes on growing demand for desig

1d ago Khaosod

CHIANG MAI — 25 May 2026, Pop Mart is expanding its presence in Chiang Mai with the opening of a new official store at MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Centre, one year after testing the northern market with a pop-up store at Central Chiangmai.

The new branch marks the company's latest step in building a stronger foothold in northern Thailand, where designer toys and collectible figures have drawn growing interest among local fans, tourists and younger consumers.

Pop Mart opened its Pop-Up Store @ Central Chiangmai in May 2025, describing it at the time as its first pop-up store in the North. The MAYA branch, which held its grand opening ceremony on 21 May 2026, has been promoted as an official store and a larger destination for art toy collectors.

The store features a range of Pop Mart figures and characters, as well as large display pieces including a five-metre-tall HIRONO sculpture and large figures of SKULLPANDA and CRYBABY.

Siriporn Phlaengchanthuek, Head of Southeast Asia for Pop Mart, said Chiang Mai had shown strong market potential since the company first launched its pop-up store in the province.

"Chiang Mai has always been a key city for us. The response we received after debuting our pop-up store here was remarkable and showed strong enthusiasm from local collectors," Siriporn said. "That encouraged our decision to officially open the first Pop Mart official store in Chiang Mai and northern Thailand."

She also thanked provincial authorities, Chiang Mai International Airport and MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Centre for their support, saying the company hoped the store would help make Chiang Mai a destination for art toy collectors and travellers.

The launch was also tied to a tourism campaign with Chiang Mai International Airport called "Pop Mart: Unbox Joy @ Chiang Mai International Airport." From 21 to 22 May, special-edition Pop Mart art toys were distributed to passengers arriving on selected domestic flights from Bangkok and some international routes. Pop Mart Thailand also promoted the campaign through its official social media channels.

No. 01 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Cracked stupa reveals hidden trove of ancient Buddha statues

Workers excavating beneath a cracked stupa at a temple in eastern Thailand's Chachoengsao province discovered dozens of historic Buddha statues hidden in underground chambers, with experts estimating the artifacts date back to the early Rat

1d ago Khaosod

CHACHOENGSAO — On May 24, 2026, workers excavating beneath a damaged ancient stupa at a temple in eastern Thailand discovered dozens of historic Buddha statues hidden inside four underground chambers, with monks estimating the artifacts to be more than 100 years old.

The discovery was made at Wat Laem Tai in Na Mueang subdistrict of Chachoengsao province as construction workers prepared to relocate and restore the old stupa after cracks and structural tilting raised safety concerns.

Excavation work entered its second day on Saturday after workers uncovered several Rattanakosin-era Buddha statues made from brass and silver during the first day of digging. Additional small Buddha statues made from wood, brass and silver-coated metal were also found on Saturday and were later moved for safekeeping inside the residence of a former abbot at the temple.

Phra Khru Thammathon Chamlong Rojanathammo, abbot of Wat Laem Tai, said the stupa was believed to date back to the reigns of King Rama III or King Rama IV, making it more than a century old. He said it remained unclear whether the stupa existed before the temple was established or whether the temple had later been built around it. The temple itself was officially founded in 1933.

The abbot said elderly residents in the community recalled seeing the stupa since childhood. He added that Phra Thammapariyatmuni, an 88-year-old Buddhist scholar and former abbot of Wat Pitulatirangsan, had inspected the artifacts and believed them to belong to the early Rattanakosin period based on their artistic style and materials.

Temple officials said the stupa had initially been scheduled for relocation using structural lifting methods, but excavation became necessary after workers discovered that the ancient foundation extended deep underground. During the digging, workers found four small chamber-like cavities beneath the base containing large numbers of hidden Buddha statues.

The temple said the artifacts would later be cleaned, preserved and displayed in the temple museum for worship and historical study. The abbot also said local residents had already approached the temple seeking to rent or purchase some of the statues after news of the discovery spread, but insisted the artifacts would remain temple property and would not be made available for commercial purposes.

Some residents visiting the site on Saturday said they believed the discovery was auspicious, with some attempting to interpret lucky numbers from the uncovered artifacts ahead of Thailand's next lottery draw.

No. 02 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

NIA Launches SITE 2026 to Position Thailand as the Year's Investment Game Changer

Thailand's National Innovation Agency launches SITE 2026, a June investment summit at Siam Paragon designed to transform innovations and networks into concrete business deals and foreign investment. The three-day event will focus on connect

1d ago Khaosod

On May 25, the National Innovation Agency (NIA), a public organization, announced the SITE 2026 event under the concept 'Global Innovation Impact: The Year of Investment,' scheduled for June 25-27, 2026 at Paragon Hall with expanded space at Nex Hall (5th floor) and SCBx Next Stage (4th floor) of Siam Paragon shopping center.

Dr. Krichapakh Boonfueng, Director of the National Innovation Agency, stated that SITE 2026 this year will evolve from a networking platform to one focused on delivering concrete results. Building on the previous year's emphasis on building networks and cooperation, this year aims to transform those networks into actual investments, new collaborations, and genuine business opportunities—both in attracting foreign investors and supporting Thai entrepreneurs to grow and access regional and international markets.

"This year, we want SITE 2026 to be a platform where opportunities meet capital and innovations meet global partners, because innovation impact isn't measured by novelty alone, but by the real value and results it generates," Dr. Krichapakh said.

The NIA has structured SITE 2026 around five core pillars: Frontier Tech & Future Industries, Investment-Ready Innovation, Global Connectivity, Multiplier Effect, and Strategic Alliances. These aim to connect Thailand with major innovation city networks worldwide and help Thai startups establish clearer global presence.

The NIA director added that SITE 2026 also targets systemic innovation impact across five areas: economy, society, environment, innovation ecosystem, and global cooperation—through focus industries including AI, Deep Tech, Sustainability, and Wellness Economy, alongside innovations ready for practical application in economic and social sectors.

"The key reason this year's SITE 2026 uses 'The Year of Investment' is because investment is the critical mechanism to transform Thai innovation potential into real growth. Recent data shows that in 2025, investment in Thai startups reached approximately 120 million US dollars or around 4 billion baht, while available capital in Thailand's innovation system totals over 1 billion US dollars or more than 32 billion baht. This shows 2026 is a crucial moment to concretely connect innovations with funding sources," Dr. Krichapakh stated.

For SITE 2026 highlights, the NIA has designed activities covering the future forum, investment opportunity platform, and Thai ecosystem stage. These include global-level forums and discussions, gathering 100 future technology startups and 100 ready-to-use innovations, pitch stages and business matching activities, international pavilions, the next-generation Startup Thailand League, unified state agency support, new collaboration through SYNC Design & Innovation, and the creative Maker Faire Bangkok to intensify hands-on creation and innovation culture.

No. 03 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Breaking

Indonesian Woman's Water Slide Fright: She Races a Giant Snake Down the Same Slide, Screaming Uncontrollably

A woman screaming down a water slide in Jakarta discovered a large snake racing ahead of her in the same chute, though both reached the bottom safely in the viral 47-second video.

1d ago Khaosod

A startling incident occurred at a water park in Jakarta, Indonesia, when a woman enjoying a water slide was frightened to discover a large snake sliding down the same chute. The 47-second video was quickly shared across social media platforms.

In the footage, the woman initially appears cheerful as she rides down on a rubber tube before spotting a snake ahead of her. As she accelerates down the slide due to water pressure and the slope, the distance between her and the snake rapidly closes to near-collision. The woman screams throughout, gripping both sides of the slide tightly while attempting to dodge the snake in her path.

Fortunately, the woman reached the bottom safely with no reported injuries. However, it remains unclear whether the snake sustained any damage from the mishap, though authorities have since captured it.

The video has been widely shared across social media platforms, with many calling it "the most unlikely situation in the world" and expressing concern for the woman. Other internet users have reacted humorously, joking that she received a 200% more thrilling experience than other visitors for the same entrance fee, with some suggesting the snake was equally frightened and merely wanted to enjoy the slide too.

Indonesian media outlets report that such incidents can occur in tropical, humid areas, particularly at water parks near natural environments where reptiles may accidentally wander in. This has prompted facility managers to increase safety inspections and wildlife monitoring in the area.

No. 04 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Police

Foreign Man High on Cocaine Hits Motorcycle Into Renowned Doctor 'Dr. Toom' on Koh Phangan

British tourist Duncan Wilcock, 51, tested positive for cocaine after hitting renowned respiratory specialist Dr. Theerasak Kaewamontavong with his motorcycle on Koh Phangan and fleeing by boat; the doctor remains in critical condition.

1d ago Khaosod

A 51-year-old British man was arrested after striking renowned physician Associate Professor Dr. Theerasak Kaewamontavong with his motorcycle on Koh Phangan on May 23 at 9:21 p.m., before fleeing on a tour boat. The suspect, identified as Duncan Wilcock, tested positive for cocaine though no alcohol was detected. Dr. Toom, a respected internal medicine professor at Mahidol University's Ramathibodi Hospital and respiratory specialist, remains in critical condition at Bangkok Samui Hospital and is being airlifted to Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok for continued treatment.

The incident occurred on the road between Koh Phangan Hospital and Sala area when the motorcycle struck the pedestrian. Officers tracked down the suspect on a tour boat at Vak Toom Pier and recovered the blue Honda Dream motorcycle used in the hit-and-run. The suspect initially confessed to the collision. He faces legal proceedings and was scheduled for bail hearing at Koh Samui Provincial Court on May 26.

Dr. Theerasak is a highly respected physician specializing in respiratory diseases and critical respiratory conditions, and has dedicated himself to community health initiatives on Koh Phangan.

No. 05 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Paradorn Pledges Support for Pheu Thai's Constitutional Amendment Draft, Dodges Timeline Questions Pending First Reading

Deputy PM Paradorn pledged government coalition support for constitutional amendments but declined to set a timeline, saying multiple drafts remain under review and procedural steps must play out before the first reading.

1d ago Khaosod

On May 25, 2025, at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister's Office Minister Paradorn Prissananantkul spoke about the constitutional amendment timeline and second referendum raised by Nikorn Chamnong, a Bhumjaithai Party list MP. Paradorn stated that it remains unclear and impossible to predict how the first reading consideration will proceed. Currently only Bhumjaithai's draft has been submitted, but it's unknown how many other constitutional amendment drafts will be submitted and whether the Pheu Thai Party will submit combined signatures as well. Therefore, setting a timeline would be difficult—it's entirely parliament's matter.

When asked about Natthapon Ruengpanyawat, Pheu Thai Party leader and list MP, who stated that Bhumjaithai's constitutional amendment draft doesn't meet Pheu Thai's three conditions, Paradorn said he hasn't yet seen what Pheu Thai's draft looks like. However, Bhumjaithai's draft was presented first for public scrutiny, though it's not a final draft. A committee must be established to discuss and produce a committee draft before moving to second reading consideration. There are still many procedural steps, but today the party has clearly demonstrated its sincere intention to amend the constitution.

When a reporter asked whether negotiations with the opposition could secure 20 percent opposition support in the third reading, Paradorn said that's too far ahead and suggested waiting to see how the first reading debate proceeds and how much discussion occurs in committee, and whether people concede or hold firm on positions. If everyone agrees in committee, there would be no problem.

When asked if all sides must compromise, Paradorn stated that making a constitution is a public law matter requiring unanimous consent. The constitution clearly stipulates the conditions needed for a draft to pass, so any amendment must proceed with all parties' approval.

Regarding whether he has spoken with Pheu Thai about supporting their draft, Paradorn said he had an informal discussion with Chusak Sirinil, Pheu Thai deputy party leader, because Pheu Thai's 71 MPs are insufficient to propose a constitutional amendment draft alone. The government coalition parties, particularly Bhumjaithai, are ready to support. It depends on what kind of draft Pheu Thai proposes.

When asked if the budget for the second referendum is sufficient, Paradorn said that whenever the law requires the government to act—and the Prime Minister always emphasizes the government is prepared to take all necessary measures to fulfill the intent of 26.7 million voters from the referendum results—the government will use all resources to support it. It's the government's responsibility to comply with the law.

No. 06 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Community

Mystery Solved! Why Public Toilet Seats Have That Front Gap—It's Not a Manufacturing Error, It Has a Real Purpose

Public toilet seats have a front gap by design, not by accident—it's mandated since 1955 to reduce germ transmission and contact points in shared restrooms.

1d ago Khaosod

Have you ever noticed why public restroom toilet seats have a gap at the front? While some might think it's an odd design choice or manufacturing flaw, the truth is this shape has a clearly defined purpose connected to public health standards. Since 1955, the open-front toilet seat design has been mandated as the standard for public restrooms across much of the United States under the American Standard National Plumbing Code, which specifies that fixtures must be made from smooth, non-absorbent material and have an open front. The main idea behind this design is to reduce direct contact with surfaces that many people use, based on the belief that minimizing contact points helps reduce the accumulation and transmission of germs between users. Social media user @aakashgupta, whose explanation went viral, noted that the gap design also reduces unnecessary body contact points, making the overall experience feel cleaner. Another benefit is that it helps certain users maintain personal hygiene more conveniently by reducing direct contact with the seat and increasing space for personal sanitation management. The open gap also helps prevent liquid buildup at the front, ensuring the next user encounters a drier, cleaner surface. However, this design has become a topic of online debate, with many questioning whether it's truly necessary and offering various opinions ranging from genuine curiosity to humorous takes on public restroom experiences. One user commented, 'We're not sitting on that gap anyway, we sit on the rest of the seat, so what's the point?' while another joked, 'I always thought it was for men who don't lift the seat.'

No. 07 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Police

Opposition Shadow Cabinet Exposes Illegal Immigration Scheme, Names 23 Companies as Chinese Proxy Fronts, Challenges Deputy PM Anutin to Prove His Courage by Cracking Down on Gray Capital

Thailand's opposition shadow cabinet exposed an illegal immigration scheme involving 23 companies allegedly serving as Chinese proxy fronts, accusing the government of allowing bureaucrats to become part of international criminal networks h

1d ago Khaosod

On May 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Parliament, the opposition Pheu Thai shadow cabinet, led by Nathpong Rueangpanya, Sirikanya Tansukul, Picharn Chaowpatanawong, and Piyarat Jongtep, held a joint press conference exposing the illegal immigration corruption scheme and proposing a review of Elite Card criteria. Nathpong stated that while the Prime Minister claims to address corruption, the government has negligently allowed Thai bureaucracy to become part of international criminal networks involving immigration bribery, money laundering, scammer operations, and arms trafficking.

The opposition pointed to the Ming Chen Sun case as evidence that without accidents, Thai police would never discover gray networks operating in Thailand under the guise of tourism promotion. Piyarat described this as a "gray triangle" involving criminals, corrupt officials, and large gray capital, functioning as a "leech-parasite cycle" where state agencies abuse their power. He identified two entry points: religious institutions and NGOs used by Chinese nationals to obtain long-term visas, and shell companies using Thai nominees to hold shares for Chinese investors.

Piyarat disclosed 23 companies suspected of holding assets as Chinese proxies, including one shareholder across all firms with Chinese-sounding names registered on April 23, 2565, that purchased large residential projects in the Ladphrao area by April 29, 2565, worth at least 50 million baht. At least 10 of these 23 companies hold property rights in housing developments, with nominee shareholders holding over 49 percent equity, raising questions about money laundering origins.

No. 08 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Weather

Royal Irrigation Department Joins Forces with EGAT to Gradually Reduce Discharge from Bhumibol and Sirikit Dams to Mitigate Flooding in Lower Chao Phraya Basin

The Royal Irrigation Department and EGAT are gradually reducing water discharge from Bhumibol and Sirikit dams from May 25-31 to prevent flooding in the lower Chao Phraya basin following heavy rainfall in northern Thailand.

1d ago Khaosod

The Smart Water Operations Center (SWOC) of the Royal Irrigation Department reported on May 25, 2025, that water from upper regions continues flowing into the Chao Phraya River basin following accumulated rainfall in the Northern and Upper Central regions, causing the Chao Phraya water level to trend upward. At 6:00 AM on May 25, the C.2 station in Nakhon Sawan recorded a discharge of 1,095 cubic meters per second, while the C.13 station at Chao Phraya Dam in Chai Nat measured 690 cubic meters per second, currently causing no impact to areas along the lower Chao Phraya riverbank.

The Royal Irrigation Department is collaborating with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) to adjust water management plans by gradually reducing discharge from Bhumibol Dam in Tak Province and Sirikit Dam in Uttaradit Province in a stepped manner from May 25-31, 2025, to moderate water flow into the lower Chao Phraya basin according to local rainfall conditions.

Bhumibol Dam will reduce its daily discharge from 25 million cubic meters to 15 million cubic meters, while Sirikit Dam will reduce from 20 million cubic meters to 12 million cubic meters daily, respectively, to minimize impacts on downstream areas.

The Royal Irrigation Department has emphasized that all irrigation projects in the Northern and Central regions (Chao Phraya River basin) must continuously monitor water conditions, weather patterns, and rainfall amounts, and coordinate with relevant agencies to alert residents in low-lying areas along the Chao Phraya River to closely follow official government updates and prepare for potential changes in water conditions during this period.

No. 09 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Police

Cambodian Soldiers Stir Trouble! Military Region 2 Releases Timeline of 9 Shots Fired in Border Provocation Late at Night

Cambodian soldiers fired nine shots near the Thai border in Surin's Huay Tamamaria area on May 24, prompting Thailand's Military Region 2 to warn the incident could provoke misunderstandings and threaten regional stability.

1d ago Khaosod

Cambodian soldiers cause border disruptions in the Huay Tamamaria area. Military Region 2 warns against provocations and urges peacekeeping measures. Cambodian troops fired 9 shots during the night, raising misunderstanding risks. On May 25, 2569, reporters noted that on May 24, Military Region 2 received reports from the Surin Forces operating at Huay Tamamaria base detecting gunfire from Cambodian military in the area with the following details: At 19:59, four rifle shots were heard in the Huay Tamamaria area approximately 200 meters south of Thai positions at coordinates VA641923. At 20:10, five rifle shots were heard in the Huay Tamamaria area approximately 1 kilometer south of Thai positions at coordinates VA641931. The use of weapons during this timeframe under the current sensitive situation is considered inappropriate behavior that may constitute provocation and risks creating misunderstandings, which could negatively impact peace and stability and relations between both sides. Thailand expresses concern over the incident and calls on all parties to exercise caution, avoid actions that could escalate tensions, and maintain commitment to coordination mechanisms and peaceful approaches to preserve border area peace and stability.

No. 10 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Police

Second fatal shark attack in two weeks: 39-year-old man dies while spearfishing off Australian coast

A 39-year-old man died from severe head injuries sustained during a shark attack while spearfishing near Kennedy Shoal off Queensland, marking Australia's second fatal shark attack in two weeks.

1d ago Khaosod

In the second deadly shark attack within two weeks, a 39-year-old man was attacked by a shark and sustained severe head injuries before dying while spearfishing off the Australian coast. His friend brought his body back to shore.

On May 25, BBC reported a tragic incident in Australia where a 39-year-old man was attacked by a shark while spearfishing near Kennedy Shoal before dying. His friend retrieved his body from the water.

Police confirmed the incident occurred around midday on Sunday, May 24, off the coast of Queensland in northeastern Australia, marking Australia's second fatal shark attack in just two weeks.

The victim, a 39-year-old man, was spearfishing near Kennedy Shoal, approximately 45 kilometers from shore, aboard a private boat with three friends.

Rescue officials were notified and found the victim had been brought from the water by his fellow trip participants, but he died before the boat could return to shore.

Police stated the victim suffered severe head injuries from the shark attack. Officials described the incident as deeply distressing for those who witnessed it and provided psychological support to all trip participants.

However, just one week earlier, a 38-year-old man died after being bitten by a shark while spearfishing near Perth in Western Australia.

He was bitten on both legs and could not survive, renewing concerns about the safety of marine activities in Australia.

A 12-year-old boy "died" after being bitten on the leg by a tiger shark while swimming in Sydney Harbor.

No. 11 of ∞ Read at source → Next