BANGKOK — May 3, 2026. Thailand is deepening cooperation with the United States to dismantle call-centre scam networks and human trafficking rings, aiming to improve its global anti-trafficking standing and restore investor and tourism confidence, a government spokesperson announced.

Deputy Government Spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek stated that Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has made suppressing transnational crime and scam operations a top national priority.

Authorities have achieved significant results, including taking legal action against Ben Smith, Yim Liak and their associates, with over 20 billion baht in assets seized or frozen. Investigations continue into other networks operating money laundering schemes from Thai territory.

Large call-centre scam operations along the Thai-Cambodian border have been dismantled, where investigators discovered more than 10,000 trafficking victims of various nationalities forced into labour through romance scams and fake investment schemes.

The prime minister has instructed all government agencies to eliminate call-centre gangs and trafficking networks in border regions both domestically and internationally, with Thailand refusing to serve as a transit point for such crimes.

Thai and US officials held discussions in Washington, D.C. from April 21-25 to enhance practical collaboration against transnational call-centre fraud, human trafficking and cybercrime. The Thai delegation was headed by Deputy National Police Chief Pol Gen Thatchai Pitaneelaboot, alongside representatives from the Foreign Affairs, Social Development and Human Security, and Labour ministries.

Both nations agreed to expand intelligence sharing and operational coordination. Ratchada noted that American victims lost over $6 billion (approximately 190 billion baht) to these crimes in the past year.

Thailand aims to upgrade from Tier 2 to Tier 1 status in international human trafficking rankings—where it has remained at Tier 2 for four consecutive years—to strengthen the country's reputation and boost economic, investment and tourism confidence.

The Royal Thai Police will launch the "SHIELD" system in June 2026, a data-sharing platform connecting over 10 countries to enhance regional prevention and suppression of call-centre scams and trafficking networks.

Thailand has earned US commendation for establishing the IAC War Room, which integrates information from financial institutions and mobile operators to enable faster account freezes and victim asset recovery. Ongoing FBI cooperation has resulted in numerous arrests and asset seizures.

"The measurable achievements, including expanded international partnerships, strengthened investigative capabilities and continued elimination of transnational criminal networks, demonstrate the government's commitment to combating these crimes," Ratchada concluded.

Pimjai Leeisaranukul, newly appointed president of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC), has unveiled a comprehensive policy framework for 2026-2028 under the banner "The New Chapter of Thai Industry: Empowering Growth with 5I" to establish fresh growth foundations for Thailand's industrial sector. Thailand's economy is projected to expand modestly at 1.2-1.6% GDP growth in 2026 amid global economic volatility and rapid structural changes, forcing Thai businesses to contend with elevated production costs, supply chain uncertainties, and increasingly stringent trade requirements.

The TCC will execute five key initiatives: I1-Intelligent Industry aims to elevate manufacturing through AI and automation to reduce costs and enhance efficiency toward smart factories and original equipment manufacturing, supported by systematic access to capital, technology, and knowledge, particularly through partnerships with government and financial institutions to develop specialized financing tools like AI & Automation Transition Loans.

I2-Innovation & Creative Industry seeks to transform Thai industry from contract manufacturing into branded, high-value production by leveraging intellectual property and implementing industry-driven research and development to bridge the gap between research and commercial application, while promoting Thai brands and emerging sectors such as health and wellness and rail transport systems.

I3-International Alliance & Network leverages Thailand's neutrality to attract new investment and expand trade opportunities in high-potential industries, integrating supply chains domestically and regionally to position Thailand as an effective Regional Industry Hub.

I4-Industrial Infrastructure Reform restructures Thailand's industrial foundations to reduce costs, enhance competitiveness, and advance sustainable economics by addressing energy constraints through clean energy adoption and cost-effective alternatives like Direct PPAs, reforming outdated regulations via Regulatory Guillotine and Omnibus Law approaches, and protecting Thai industries from unfair competition through an AI-enabled Trade Remedy Early Warning System.

The initiative also emphasizes the Made in Thailand Plus policy to increase domestic product consumption and expand both domestic and international markets, while prioritizing human capital development through upskilling, reskilling, AI and robotics collaboration, and global talent attraction.

NANON (Nonnon Koraphattharakorn Kaetphanthoe) from RISER MUSIC unveiled his short film 'What's Wrong?' alongside actress Tu Tansayuan at the 'NANON 'What Wrong?' Movie Night' event, which drew a packed crowd of enthusiastic fans. The event featured the premiere of the music video for his latest single 'What's Wrong?' in a warm atmosphere on May 1, 2025, at 6 PM at Paragon Cineplex, Siam Paragon's sixth-floor cinema.

The evening's highlight included NANON inviting Tu Tansayuan, the leading actress from GMMTV who starred in the short film and music video, alongside director Om Athit Thammarucha for an intimate panel discussion hosted by Gotji Thatchakorn Boonlapyanant.

NANON expressed his pride in the project, stating: 'I feel this is a very significant step where I've handled almost every aspect of this music work from beginning to end. I hope everyone will enjoy what I've put my heart into.'

The artist gave his all for the fans and thanked everyone involved in making the event possible before guiding attendees through the premiere of the short film and music video 'What's Wrong?'. The evening concluded with an exclusive mini-performance that had fans screaming with excitement, followed by photo opportunities with attendees.

Fans can watch the short film and music video 'What's Wrong?' on YouTube at RISER MUSIC channel and stay updated through RISER MUSIC's Facebook, Instagram, and X accounts.

Dr. Jed Warns: 5 Vegetables People with Kidney Disease Should Avoid! Eating the Wrong Ones Burdens the Kidneys and Can Cause Heart Arrhythmias and High Blood Pressure

Dr. Jetsadej Bunyanvongvirocha, Deputy Director of Primary Care at Maha Sarakham Hospital, shares medical guidance on Facebook about vegetables to avoid due to their harmful effects on kidney health.

5 Vegetables People with Kidney Disease Should Avoid!

"Many people, once they learn their kidneys are declining, immediately try to eat more vegetables thinking it's definitely good for them. But for kidney patients, I need to tell you first: 'Some vegetables, if eaten incorrectly, can become a burden on your kidneys.' Especially concerning are potassium and sodium, which your kidneys can no longer eliminate as effectively. If these accumulate excessively, they can affect your heart and blood pressure. So it's not about avoiding vegetables entirely, but about 'knowing what to watch out for' and eating the right amount."

Bitter Greens / Amaranth Greens This vegetable group contains fairly high potassium, approximately 550-700 mg per 100 grams. If consumed in large quantities, especially when blanched or boiled, while these cooking methods reduce some potassium, the levels still remain high. People with stage 3 kidney disease and above should limit intake to no more than half a cup per meal and eat infrequently, as there's a risk of potassium accumulation that can cause undetected heart arrhythmias.

Piper Leaf / Young Peppery Leaf A homegrown vegetable many people enjoy, but it contains high potassium, approximately 400-600 mg per 100 grams. It's typically eaten in multiple servings, leading to hidden accumulation. Especially for those with kidney function below 60, caution is strongly advised. It's recommended to significantly reduce the amount or avoid it entirely if potassium levels are already elevated, as there's a risk of complications.

All Types of Mushrooms (Especially Oyster and Shiitake Mushrooms) Mushrooms contain fairly high potassium, approximately 300-500 mg per 100 grams, and are typically consumed in large quantities in soups, stir-fries, or hot pots. People with mid to late-stage kidney disease should limit consumption to no more than one small teaspoon per meal and avoid eating them multiple times in a single day, as potassium accumulation can occur unknowingly.

Broccoli / Cauliflower This vegetable group contains moderate potassium, approximately 250-350 mg per 100 grams. For the general population, this is considered excellent, but for those with kidney disease, portions must be controlled. It's recommended to eat no more than one small cup per meal and avoid consuming multiple servings in a single day, especially for those with elevated potassium levels. These should be alternated with other vegetable types.

Pickled / Processed Vegetables The concern here is 'sodium,' which is very high, approximately 700-1,200 mg per 100 grams, from the pickling process. This puts greater strain on kidney function to eliminate waste and increases blood pressure. This is especially dangerous for those with kidney disease. It's recommended to avoid these foods, or if you must eat them, rinse them first and consume only the minimum necessary amount.

Dr. Jed also recommends: How to eat vegetables safely?

- Choose low-potassium vegetables such as cucumber, zucchini, or light green Chinese cabbage (approximately <150 mg/100 grams) - Cut into small pieces, soak in water for 2-4 hours, and blanch before discarding the water to reduce potassium - Don't repeatedly eat the same vegetable or consume large quantities in a single meal - Avoid pickled and processed foods to reduce sodium accumulation in the body - If you have stage 4-5 kidney disease, consult a doctor or nutritionist to control portions appropriately

"People with kidney disease can still eat vegetables," Dr. Jed says. "But you need to understand that your kidneys' ability to eliminate potassium and sodium has declined. If you eat the wrong type or too much, mineral levels in your blood can become dangerously high, especially causing heart arrhythmias. So choose wisely, control your portions carefully, and you'll truly help preserve your kidneys and reduce your body's burden in the long term."

A retired police officer turned himself in to authorities after shooting and killing his 38-year-old son, a drug addict, at his home in Moo 7, Ban Takrud Phibal, Wang Nam Lad Subdistrict, Phaisali District, Nakhon Sawan Province. Officers responding to reports of gunfire on May 2 found the victim, Nathapol, with seven gunshot wounds to his torso and arms, still clutching a knife in his right hand. Eight 9mm cartridge casings were recovered from the scene.

The suspect, a 64-year-old former police officer and Phaisali Station regular, surrendered immediately and confessed to shooting his son. He provided his service-issued 9mm pistol as evidence. According to neighbors and the officer's account, the incident escalated when the son demanded money from his mother and was refused. The son became violent, attempting to stab his mother and other family members with a knife while also trying to access his father's gun. Fearing for his family's safety, the retired officer retrieved the weapon and fired, striking his son fatally.

Neighbors described the suspect as a calm individual who had recently retired two years ago. They noted that the son, living separately, frequently visited asking for money and would become belligerent and unstable when denied funds. The violence on this occasion apparently exceeded previous incidents. Police are conducting a detailed investigation and have filed homicide charges while the case proceeds through legal proceedings. Regarding the firearm, as it was a registered weapon used within his own home and the incident occurred on private property, no firearms law violations have been identified at this stage.