National

Princess Sirivannavari Opens Landmark Royal Dress Exhibition in Paris

Princess Sirivannavari opened a major exhibition of Thai royal fashion at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, showcasing over 200 pieces as Thailand and France marked 170 years of diplomatic relations. The exhibition runs until November

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Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana opened a major exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris titled "La Mode en Majesté: Royal Thai Dress from Tradition to Modernity," showcasing the evolution of Thai royal fashion and its global influence as Thailand and France celebrated 170 years of diplomatic relations.

The exhibition brings together more than 200 pieces spanning seven galleries, including royal garments, antique textiles, handicrafts, and contemporary creations by Thai designers. Princess Sirivannavari, dressed in traditional Siwalai Thai national costume, presided over the opening ceremony attended by Thai cabinet ministers, ambassadors, and international dignitaries, who were then guided through all seven gallery spaces.

Following the exhibition tour, guests attended a gala dinner prepared by CODA Bangkok, a Michelin one-star restaurant, featuring contemporary Thai cuisine prepared with modern culinary techniques. Tables were decorated with intricate handicrafts produced under the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques, including lacquer boxes repurposed as vases, woven baskets, and handcrafted silver animal sculptures by hill tribe artisans.

The exhibition is organized under Princess Sirivannavari's patronage through collaboration between the Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand, the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, the Royal Thai Embassy in Paris, and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. It will remain open to the public until November 1, 2026.

In recognition of her contributions to promoting French culture in Thailand and strengthening bilateral ties, the French government awarded Princess Sirivannavari the rank of Grand Officier of the Légion d'Honneur, one of France's highest honors. The recognition coincided with celebrations of the 340th anniversary of first contact between Siam and France in 2025 and the 170th anniversary of formal Thai-French diplomatic relations in 2026.

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National

BOI and Thai Team Hold Talks with Five French Industrial Giants on Strategic Investment

Prime Minister Anutin met with executives from five major French companies in Paris to explore strategic investments in Thailand's aerospace, battery materials, eyewear, and digital security sectors. The talks aim to strengthen Thailand's p

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BOI Secretary-General Narutt Therdsteerasukdi announced that on May 25, 2026, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Thai delegation, including BOI officials, met with senior executives from five leading French companies in Paris to advance investment cooperation in strategic industries amid the global supply chain restructuring. France is a European leader in advanced technology across aviation, smart electronics, advanced materials for battery production, and digital identity systems. The discussions represent a critical opportunity for Thailand to attract investment, technology, expertise, and industrial networks to strengthen the country's manufacturing base.

The five companies discussed were:

1. Airbus Group SE – Europe's largest aircraft and defense systems manufacturer, promoting Thailand's development as a digital aviation hub with modern aerospace expertise using Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality technologies.

2. EssilorLuxottica – the world's leading eyeglass and optical lens company owning brands like Ray-Ban, Oakley, and Varilux. Operating in Thailand for nearly 40 years with over 16,000 million baht invested, the company recently decided to expand AI Glasses manufacturing in Thailand.

3. Imerys S.A. – a global advanced materials leader producing graphite and Conductive Carbon Black, critical components for lithium battery electrodes in EV vehicles and high-performance energy storage systems. The company holds over 50 percent global market share.

4. Thales Group – a global leader in defense, aerospace, digital security, and cybersecurity technologies. The company proposed developing cybersecurity infrastructure for the Thai government, including electronic passport systems.

5. IN Groupe – France's digital identity verification system leader specializing in passports, digital national ID cards, driver's licenses, and Digital ID systems. The company proposed collaborating with Thailand to develop new Digital ID systems, biometric technology, and digital authentication systems.

PM Anutin invited these companies to consider investment in Thailand, noting that Thailand is the region's largest EV manufacturing base and offers strategic advantages in location and EV ecosystem readiness to support advanced materials manufacturers. The discussions reflect that leading French technology companies view Thailand not merely as a manufacturing hub but as a strategic partner in building a new regional supply chain across EV, aviation, and digital sectors.

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National

Cabinet Approves Stricter Controls on State Officials Secretly Charging Private EV Batteries at Government Facilities

Thailand's cabinet approved stricter enforcement of rules banning state officials from charging private electric vehicles at government facilities, with penalties to follow violations of existing Royal Property Department guidelines.

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The cabinet has acknowledged the National Anti-Corruption Commission's proposal to tighten supervision of state officials who illegally charge their personal electric vehicles using government electricity and to impose penalties as prescribed by law. On May 26, 2025, Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythale Luksameelangchan announced after the cabinet meeting that the cabinet approved a report on findings and actions to gather input from government agencies regarding recommendations aimed at preventing corruption and conflicts between private and public interests. The case concerns state officials who charge their private electric vehicles using government, state enterprise, or state agency electricity without authorization, as proposed by the Office of the Civil Service Commission and reported to the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Government agencies, state enterprises, and state organizations must comply with guidelines established by the Royal Property Department for installing EV charging equipment and charging stations for government and local administrative organization vehicles. They must also strictly adhere to relevant regulations and practices, including state official ethics, internal welfare provisions, and proper use of government property for official purposes. Agency heads must supervise their staff to comply with these guidelines, particularly those set by the Royal Property Department, for the benefit of the administration. The deputy government spokesperson stated that the Cabinet agreed to enforce the guidelines already established by the Royal Property Department since March 7, 2024. Violations will result in penalties under the law. Previously, the National Anti-Corruption Commission proposed making illegal free EV charging at government agencies a criminal offense for theft of government electricity, carrying both imprisonment and fines.

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National

CPF Showcases Food Innovation at THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA 2026, Positioning Thailand as 'World's Kitchen'

CPF showcases innovative food products at THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA 2026, including health-focused chicken and pork brands and ready-to-eat Asian meals already sold across Europe and America. The company is positioning Thailand as a global food in

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CPF is participating in THAIFEX-ANUGA ASIA 2026 to strengthen Thailand's position as a regional food innovation center, showcasing food innovations alongside building strong strategic partnerships.

On May 26, 2026, Prasit Boondwong, CEO of Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF), revealed that "today's global consumers are looking for food that is not only delicious and safe, but also convenient, nutritious, and produced responsibly. CPF is committed to continuously developing and applying innovation at every stage of our production to deliver better experiences, support good quality of life, and meet the ever-changing needs of consumers worldwide."

The event features award-winning products sold domestically and internationally. CPF's innovations highlight its achievement in elevating Thai chicken to meet space food safety standards, building Thailand's reputation as the world's kitchen. Featured products include Bencha chicken and Chiva pork, developed using innovations that promote internal health through flaxseed and probiotics without antibiotics, enriched with naturally high omega-3 levels.

The innovations also include convenient, diverse products with excellent taste. The event showcases products exclusively sold abroad, including Authentic Asia and Kitchen Joy authentic Thai and Asian cuisine in ready-to-eat formats such as green curry chicken, massaman curry chicken, tom yam chicken, spicy shrimp wontons, and laksa shrimp wontons. These are currently available in over 18 European and American countries.

Also featured is CP Nippon, a new brand resulting from collaboration between CPF and NH Foods, Japan's leading meat business. Hamburgers and cheese gyoza are on display and available for tasting.

Prasit added that this joint venture aligns with CPF's 2026 strategy to develop ready-to-eat food products meeting consumer demands, particularly the growing preference for convenience in accessing food both domestically and internationally.

CPF holds 51% and NH Foods holds 49% of the partnership, with plans to expand their ready-to-eat and processed meat products jointly. They have already expanded into the US market through Walmart's 1,500 retail and supermarket branches with positive reception, with plans to expand to 3,000 branches and other countries.

"With our 'World's Kitchen' vision, CPF is ready to use the THAIFEX-Anuga Asia 2026 platform to present various products including ready-to-cook meals, ready-to-eat food, high-protein healthy options, and Asian-flavored menus developed for global markets, to strengthen business partnerships and serve as an important mechanism for creating new opportunities for the food industry in the future," Prasit concluded.

Visit CPF booths 1-RR01 and 1-RR15 in Challenger Hall 1 at Impact Muang Thong Thani, May 26-30, 2026, 10:00-18:00.

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Tourism

Foreign Tourist Arrivals Surpass 13 Million in Five Months, Generating 653.9 Billion Baht in Revenue

Thailand welcomed over 13.4 million foreign tourists in the first five months of 2026, generating 653.9 billion baht in revenue, with Chinese visitors leading arrivals followed by Malaysia and India.

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Tourism officials project positive momentum for the coming week, with the Islamic holiday Eid al-Adha expected to drive increased visitor numbers from the Middle East as regional conditions stabilize. Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Panjarearnwalkul revealed that Thailand accumulated 13,428,857 foreign tourists from January 1 to May 24, 2026, generating 653,986 million baht in revenue. The top five source countries were China with 2,237,215 visitors, Malaysia with 1,552,217, India with 1,003,993, Russia with 928,774, and South Korea with 525,550.

This week saw 520,536 foreign tourists, up 51,363 arrivals or 10.95% from the previous week, averaging 74,362 visitors daily. Indian market arrivals have reached over one million cumulative visitors. The top five source countries this week were Malaysia (92,275), China (85,317), India (55,033), Taiwan (17,318), and the United States (16,937). Malaysian, Indian, Taiwanese, and American visitors showed increases of 32.87%, 10.07%, 8.08%, and 7.46% respectively, while Chinese arrivals declined 1.25%.

Minister Surasak indicated that next week should see further increases due to promotional factors including the Eid al-Adha holiday in the Middle East and Asian regions, Thailand's stabilizing energy situation, globally aligned pricing, and enhanced safety image initiatives under the Trusted Thailand program.

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National

Shrimp Industry Seeks PM's Help to Rescue Crisis as Exports Plummet by 720 Billion Baht

Thailand's shrimp industry has sought urgent government intervention as disease outbreaks and rising costs have slashed exports by 720 billion baht over 13 years. Industry groups propose an 11-point restructuring plan with 5.5 billion baht

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Thailand's shrimp industry associations have submitted an urgent letter to the Prime Minister and four relevant ministries requesting immediate intervention to address a deepening crisis. According to Akkarapoj Yodpinit, chairman of the Thai Shrimp Association, the letter was co-submitted by allied shrimp farmers and the Thai Frozen Food Association to the Ministries of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Commerce, Energy, and Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, urging coordinated action across the entire supply chain.

The industry is proposing a national-priority action plan comprising 11 measures with a budget allocation of 5.537 billion baht to restructure the entire shrimp sector. The proposals include expanding domestic and international markets, promoting solar-powered shrimp farms, researching disease solutions, and developing microbial management systems to reduce costs and improve competitiveness.

Akkarapoj explained that Thailand's shrimp industry was once a world champion, generating substantial export revenue and supporting over 2 million people across the production chain. However, since an acute disease outbreak began in 2012, annual shrimp production has plummeted to just 270,000-280,000 tons, with only 160,000 tons reaching processing factories. This has resulted in annual export losses of approximately 60 billion baht, representing a cumulative economic opportunity cost of over 720 billion baht across 13 years.

Despite farmers and industry stakeholders' independent efforts to address the crisis, they have been unable to reverse the decline. The primary obstacle remains disease, which constrains production and keeps costs uncompetitively high compared to rival nations. "This letter to the Prime Minister and four ministries is an urgent call for the government to recognize the severity of the situation," Akkarapoj stated. "Without implementing coordinated measures that all stakeholders agree on, Thailand's shrimp industry may collapse entirely, which would be tragic given our competitive advantages in production capacity, quality, food safety standards, and traceability systems."

Akkarapoj expressed confidence that with government support and implementation of the proposed measures, the structural problems plaguing the entire industry could be resolved, potentially restoring Thailand's shrimp sector as a major driver of national economic growth.

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Police

Overpass collapse during demolition kills one, traps workers in western Seoul

One worker was killed and another in cardiac arrest after a section of the Seosomun overpass collapsed during demolition in western Seoul, trapping approximately six people beneath rubble. Rescue teams pulled four people from the site by Tu

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SEOUL, South Korea — One person has been killed and another is in cardiac arrest after a section of an overpass collapsed during demolition works in western Seoul on Tuesday, trapping workers beneath the rubble.

The incident occurred at around 14:32 at the Seosomun overpass demolition site in Seodaemun-gu. Part of the road deck gave way while crews were carrying out demolition work, leaving an estimated six people and one demolition vehicle trapped underneath.

Emergency services reached the scene within six minutes. A Level 1 emergency response was declared shortly after, bringing 62 rescue personnel, 16 vehicles, and five additional ambulances to the site. Around 30 police officers were also deployed.

By Tuesday afternoon, four of those trapped had been pulled out. One died at the scene and another was found in cardiac arrest. Two people remained unaccounted for, with rescue teams still working to reach them.

The collapse forced a suspension of train services between Seoul Station and Sinchon Station, disrupting the Gyeongui Line and nearby routes, according to state railway operator Korail.

The incident cast a shadow over the city's upcoming mayoral race. Both frontrunners in the 3 June election halted campaigning and headed to the site. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok issued an emergency directive ordering all relevant agencies to maximise rescue efforts, identify nearby medical facilities, and ensure injured people were transported quickly to minimise casualties.

The Korea Herald reported that authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the collapse.

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Police

Pattani FC Slapped with 143,333 Baht Fine After Supporters Storm Field Following Thai League Promotion

Pattani FC was fined 143,333 baht after fans stormed the field following their promotion-clinching playoff victory over Nongbua Pitchaya FC, with penalties issued for inadequate crowd control and security management.

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Pattani FC, a newly promoted team from Thai League 2 to the Thai League, has been fined 143,333 baht by the Disciplinary Committee following the final playoff promotion match. The club secured their promotion ticket to the Thai League by defeating Nongbua Pitchaya FC with an aggregate score of 5-4 over two legs.

During the second leg playoff match at Pattani Provincial Organization Stadium, approximately 12,800 fans attended. After the match concluded, supporters and cheerleaders rushed directly from around the pitch onto the playing field to celebrate with the team's players.

The Disciplinary Committee has now issued penalties against Pattani FC for failing to prevent cheerleaders from occupying areas not designated for seating, in violation of penalty regulations Chapter 3, Section 2, Article 5.3.17, imposing an initial fine of 80,000 baht. Since this is a repeat offense within the same competition season, an additional 40,000 baht penalty was added, totaling 120,000 baht. However, due to this being a Thai League 2 competition, the fine was reduced to two-thirds, resulting in a 80,000 baht penalty.

The supporter group was separately penalized 50,000 baht for breaching the perimeter fence and entering the playing field, reduced to 33,333 baht under Thai League 2 regulations.

Pattani FC was additionally fined 30,000 baht for inadequate security management protocols under penalty regulations Chapter 3, Section 2, Article 5.3.18(3). Since the club had previously received penalties on August 16, 2568 and April 3, 2569 for similar violations in the same season, an additional 15,000 baht penalty was imposed, bringing the total to 45,000 baht, reduced to 30,000 baht under Thai League 2 competition standards.

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National

TTB Points Out Thai SMEs Trapped in 'Survival Mode' – Unable to Grow Despite Economic Headwinds and Chinese Product Surge; Bank Eyes Double-Digit Lending Expansion

Thai SMEs are trapped in survival mode due to sluggish economic growth, high debt, and Chinese import competition, with only a third contributing to GDP compared to 40% historically. Thai Military Bank plans double-digit lending expansion a

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Thai Military Bank (TTB) released its SME Insight 2026 survey showing Thai entrepreneurs facing mounting pressures from sluggish economic growth, high household debt, rising business costs, and intense competition from Chinese imports. Most SMEs remain stuck in "survival thinking" rather than growth planning, even as they begin adopting digital tools and AI. TTB is meanwhile pushing ahead with double-digit expansion of new SME lending after seeing signs the market has bottomed out, while maintaining strict control over non-performing loans at no more than 5%.

Pirpong Nitikraivut, head of TTB's business customer strategy group, revealed that while SMEs account for over 90% of all Thai businesses and employ more than 70% of the workforce—approximately 13.6 million people—they contribute only about one-third of the country's GDP. This reflects declining competitiveness among Thai SMEs compared to developed economies like South Korea, where SMEs generate 45-50% of GDP. Thailand's SME contribution has fallen from nearly 40% historically to just one-third today.

"SMEs are the backbone of Thailand's economy, but today they're stuck in place while the world moves forward," Pirpong said. "Their competitiveness is declining as a result."

Key pressures stem from Thailand's sluggish 2-3% annual economic growth, far below regional peers, while household debt remains near 90% of GDP, weakening domestic purchasing power. Thai entrepreneurs also face fierce competition from surging Chinese imports flooding the region as China's exports to the US slump. Geopolitical factors and trade tensions meanwhile continue pushing up operating costs for energy, transportation, raw materials, and online platform fees.

"Many entrepreneurs consistently report that rising costs are the biggest pressure. Some businesses barely make any profit but must maintain sales just to keep operating," Pirpong said.

The SME Insight 2026 survey of over 120 entrepreneurs across Bangkok and the provinces, covering businesses with annual revenues of 50-400 million baht, identified the first critical bottleneck: "Thinking to survive, not to win." Many entrepreneurs focus on short-term problem-solving rather than building competitive advantages or long-term planning. The survey found 33% of SMEs have virtually no long-term business plan or only year-to-year planning, while 27% say their primary goal is simply keeping the business running and meeting payroll. "Those focused only on survival saw revenue drops exceeding 30%, with some declining nearly 50%," Pirpong noted.

The second bottleneck is "Using digital tools but not transforming the business." While 87% of Thai SMEs have adopted digital systems for management and nearly 60% have begun applying AI, most use them at basic levels—payment systems, translation, or report summaries. Meanwhile, over 58% of businesses saw flat or declining revenues. Pirpong stressed that maximizing technology benefits requires integrating financial data, accounting, sales, personnel, and customer information for strategic analysis and management.

The third bottleneck involves "Knowing profit and loss but not managing risk." While 90% of SMEs now use accounting systems and better understand costs, they lack analysis of cash flow, credit, and volatile cost risks. A fourth bottleneck related to growth capacity was also identified in the survey.

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National

SANSIRI x SCB WEALTH Elevates Wealth-Living Ecosystem with 'Curated with WEALTH-MASTERY'

Sansiri and SCB WEALTH launched a partnership integrating luxury real estate with wealth management services across Thailand's top property developments, offering clients combined financial advisory, living privileges, and investment soluti

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In a first for Thailand, Sansiri (SIRI), the country's leading luxury real estate developer, announces a strategic partnership with SCB WEALTH, Thailand's leading wealth management business, launching 'SANSIRI x SCB WEALTH Curated with WEALTH-MASTERY.' The initiative seamlessly connects a Wealth Ecosystem by integrating wealth advisory expertise with luxury living to elevate the Seamless Wealth Experience for clients across asset management, investment, luxury real estate living, and world-class lifestyle experiences within a single ecosystem. The partnership delivers comprehensive services and privileges aimed at setting a new benchmark for Thailand's real estate and wealth management industries under The Ultimate Synergy strategy.

Sansiri customers purchasing homes in the Sansiri Luxury Collection and participating luxury projects across over 37 developments nationwide—including brands Narasiri, Sethsiri, Narunsiri, and VIA—who secure credit approval from Thai Commercial Bank will receive comprehensive wealth management privileges and solutions designed around three key dimensions: living, investment, and wealth management, all seamlessly integrated.

Customers will receive privileges across three dimensions: Wealth Privileges including comprehensive financial advisory, portfolio solutions, and liquidity planning tailored to individual goals; Living Privileges offering comprehensive services and benefits such as Sansiri Priority access and SLC Life Curator world-class luxury services and lifestyle experiences through Sansiri partners; and Financial Benefits including special interest rates, customized credit structures, and curated financial offerings.

Uthai Utaiyangsukhum, Chief Executive Officer of Sansiri Public Company Limited, stated that wealth clients maintain strong purchasing power and clearly seek quality flight strategies. These clients continue investing and value trusted brands alongside high-confidence assets and locations. Today's luxury market is not driven by price but by 'trust' and quality ecosystem. Amid economic volatility, luxury real estate remains a core wealth asset class that outpaces inflation, preserves value, and drives long-term growth through land scarcity and continuously rising land prices. The partnership with SCB WEALTH elevates strategic financial partnerships and sets a new benchmark for Thailand's real estate and wealth management sectors.

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National

Digital Economy Ministry Cracks Down on Scammers Impersonating Thailand Helps Thailand Plus Program, Uncovers 20 Fake Messages

Thailand's Digital Economy Ministry has identified 20 fake messages impersonating the Thailand Helps Thailand Plus program to defraud citizens. Authorities urge the public to use only the official "Pao Tang" app for registration and ignore

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Thailand's Digital Economy Ministry has launched an intensified crackdown on fraudsters illegally posing as the Thailand Helps Thailand Plus (60/40) program to commit online crimes. As of May 25, 2025, authorities have identified 327,346 messages related to the program, with 39 confirmed cases including 20 pieces of misinformation, 3 distorted reports, and 16 legitimate posts. The ministry is urging the public to be cautious and follow the "four don'ts" principle: don't click links, don't believe unverified claims, don't rush, and don't transfer money. Deputy Minister Boonthida Samchai emphasized that the only official way to register for the program is through the "Pao Tang" mobile application, while previous "Khon La Khreung Plus" participants can verify eligibility through the "Tung Ngern" app. New merchants must register at Bangkok Bank branches. The ministry clarified that government agencies will never send SMS messages or links requesting program registration, so citizens should disregard any such communications.

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