Heavy rain triggered a mudslide from a construction site that blocked a main road on Koh Siray, prompting officials to respond urgently.
PHUKET: Heavy rain triggered a mudslide from a construction site in Ratsada, sending debris across a key road on Koh Siray and prompting urgent action from local officials.
Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has ordered all city agencies to prepare for severe "rainbomb" flooding from heavy downpours lasting three hours, while dismissing immediate threats from sea-level rise and river overflow over the next f
On May 5, 2025, at Bangkok City Hall, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt addressed online speculation about Bangkok flooding in 2030 due to global warming and rising sea levels, as well as claims that Bangkok subsides 2-3 centimeters annually. He questioned where floodwaters would originate, noting that if flooding came from the Chao Phraya River, Bangkok already has protective embankments measuring 2.80-3.5 meters in height along both banks, spanning approximately 88 kilometers. Regarding tidal surge over 4-5 years, there may be minor flooding at vulnerable points, but no sudden water rise in the short term. Chadchart stated Bangkok ranks 9th globally for climate risk, a long-term concern requiring government-wide planning across provinces bordering the Chao Phraya River, including Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, and Samut Songkhram. The immediate concern is rainbombs, which the city has analyzed for 300mm rainfall in 3 hours. He ordered all agencies to prepare for this more likely scenario. Current land subsidence in Bangkok is relatively low due to reduced groundwater extraction. Sea level rise from global warming is gradual, not sudden, and the 4-year assessment may be overly cautious. Bangkok's embankments are built 50cm-1 meter higher than normal, with additional water gates planned along canals as secondary defenses. Based on analysis, significant flooding is not expected within 4 years but is a long-term concern.
A hospital deputy director warns that skin changes like unexplained darkening, persistent itching, and spider-like blood vessels may signal liver problems before more obvious symptoms appear. Immediate medical attention is needed if jaundic
Dr. Jessada Bunyavongvarot, Deputy Director of Primary Care Services at Maha Rachachon Hospital, shared warnings on his Facebook page about skin signs indicating liver malfunction. Many people assume liver problems always come with abdominal pain, yellowing skin, or jaundiced eyes, but the liver can deteriorate silently. Your skin is often the first warning signal, as the liver handles waste elimination, hormone regulation, and toxin removal. When liver function declines, wastes accumulate and manifest through the skin without you realizing it.
Key warning signs include:
1. Unexplained darkening of skin - If your skin appears duller and darker without increased sun exposure or normal rest changes, this may indicate poor waste and hormone management by the liver, causing pigmentation changes particularly on the face, neck, and underarms. Dark patches resembling stubborn dirt stains sometimes correlate with fatty liver disease or insulin resistance.
2. Persistent itching without visible rash - Itching without rash or all-over itching, especially at night, may result from waste like bile accumulating in the body when liver or bile duct function is impaired, irritating nerve endings and creating a deep itch that scratching won't relieve.
3. Yellowing skin and eyes - This is a clear sign of elevated bilirubin caused by the liver failing to properly eliminate waste from red blood cells, causing yellow pigment accumulation in skin and whites of eyes. This requires immediate medical attention as it may indicate hepatitis, bile duct obstruction, or severe liver disease.
4. Red spider-like blood vessels (spider angioma) - Small branching red vessels resembling spider webs, typically found on the face, neck, or chest, result from hormone imbalance as the liver fails to properly regulate estrogen. This sign is common in people with chronic liver disease.
5. Abnormal redness in palms - Particularly at the base of the thumb and pinky, called "palmar erythema," caused by capillary dilation under the skin related to liver and hormonal abnormalities, often appearing alongside other liver dysfunction signs.
6. Easy bruising or prolonged bleeding - The liver is the "main factory" for producing blood clotting proteins. When the liver struggles, clotting protein production drops, resulting in large bruises from minor bumps or prolonged bleeding after brushing teeth. This signals the liver is "giving up" and affecting circulation.
If you notice multiple signs, don't just monitor symptoms—check and reduce liver stress simultaneously. Get blood tests checking AST, ALT, ALP, and bilirubin levels; eliminate alcohol immediately; reduce sugar, fat, and processed foods; ensure adequate sleep; be cautious with medications and supplements requiring doctor consultation; and seek immediate medical attention if experiencing jaundice, severe itching, or unusual fatigue. Your skin is truly a "mirror reflecting liver health."
Justice Minister General Rutthapol Naovaratne denied that political restrictions are imposed on Thaksin Shinawatra following his sentence commutation, while confirming electronic monitoring conditions will apply despite arguments about his
On May 5, 2025, at Government House, Justice Minister General Rutthapol Naovaratne addressed the electronic monitoring conditions imposed on former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra following his sentence commutation and prison release. The conditions were issued in accordance with a Justice Ministry committee resolution from April 29, requiring Thaksin to wear an electronic monitoring bracelet. Regarding arguments about his advanced age, the minister stated these do not meet legal eligibility criteria.
When asked about activist Dr. Tuhlob Sithisomwong's planned objection to the commutation—based on the argument that Thaksin is not a model prisoner due to two previous convictions—the minister said he had not yet reviewed those specific arguments.
Concerning whether sufficient grounds exist to prevent Thaksin's release on May 11, the minister stated that relevant parties would need to examine the legal issues involved and potentially request the committee to reconsider. However, he expressed confidence that the committee had thoroughly examined all details before reaching its decision.
When asked if Thaksin could engage in political discourse after commutation, the minister clarified that such restrictions are not part of the conditions. Regarding international travel, the minister indicated it would be unlikely without court approval, though he noted that Thaksin could petition the court if necessary.
Navy officers appeared for questioning in connection with an assassination attempt against MP Kamomsak in Narathiwat Province, with investigators expected to seek detention orders following the interrogation.
At 10:00 a.m. on May 5, 2026 in Narathiwat Province, Deputy Commander Thares Kaewlaeliead of Region 9 Police revealed that investigators had summoned Navy Lieutenant Montri Toppraserit and Navy Ensign Detcho Rattanapun. This followed an additional complaint filed by MP Kamomsak Leevamao (Phak Prachathai, District 5 Narathiwat) accusing both military officers of hiring or supporting an assassination attempt. Both men were scheduled to meet investigators at 10:00 a.m. at Narathiwat Provincial Police Command, with Deputy Commander Thares leading the investigation personally.
Reporters noted that Lieutenant Montri arrived with his lawyer, wearing his Navy dress uniform, though Ensign Detcho had not yet appeared. Following the interrogation, investigators are expected to formally charge the suspects. While both men arrived voluntarily on summons rather than arrest warrant, investigators are likely to request detention orders and have both presented before Narathiwat Provincial Court, which will decide on temporary release. The court proceedings are expected to conclude on May 6, 2026.
This is the first public appearance by either officer since the shooting incident against MP Kamomsak on March 20. The victim has requested police examine 10 phone numbers believed to be evidence connecting the shooting team to the person who ordered the attack.
Chinese snooker prodigy Wu Yize won the 2026 World Snooker Championship, defeating England's Shaun Murphy 18-17 in a thrilling final at Sheffield's Crucible Theatre, becoming the second-youngest world champion in sport history at just 22 ye
Rising Chinese snooker star Wu Yize has defeated England's Shaun Murphy 18-17 frames to claim the 2026 World Snooker Championship title, becoming the second-youngest world champion in the sport's history. The World Snooker Championship final was held at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England on May 4, 2026. The second day of the finals featured 22-year-old Wu Yize from China against Shaun Murphy, the former 2005 world champion from England. After day one, Wu Yize held a 10-7 frame lead. The match between Wu Yize and Murphy proved intensely competitive, ultimately coming down to a deciding final frame—the fourth decider of the championship—before Wu Yize clinched victory 18-17 frames with a break of 85 points. With this victory, Wu Yize becomes only the second Chinese snooker player to win the world championship, following Zhao Xintong's 2025 triumph. He also sets the record as the second-youngest world champion ever, behind Stephen Hendry who won in 1990 at age 21. After winning the title and claiming the prize money of £500,000 (approximately 22.1 million baht), Wu Yize, now ranked fourth in the world, said: "I've been trying to do this for a long time. Over the past few months, I've been living the same way. I'm very happy to play well today." "My parents are true champions. Since I decided to quit school, my father has always been by my side. My mother has also been through so much. They are my source of inspiration. I love them very much."
Urban birds play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance through insect control and pollination, but extreme heat in Thai cities threatens their survival.
Birds are not decorative extras in the urban frame. They are part of the mechanism that keeps urban nature functioning, helping hold the balance between insects, seeds, pollination and the fragile web of biodiversity that still survives between roads, towers and heat-soaked concrete. In Thailand, where extreme urban heat is becoming a sharper public issue, that warning suddenly feels urgent, not theoretical.
A Chinese woman and her teenage son sustained injuries in a knife attack during a domestic dispute at their Chalong home on May 4, with the suspected attacker fleeing the scene.
PHUKET: A Chinese woman and her teenage son were injured in a knife attack during a domestic dispute at a home in Chalong early yesterday morning (May 4), with the suspected assailant fleeing the scene, police have confirmed.
Thailand's Agriculture Minister says El Niño poses no threat to water supplies, with reservoirs fully stocked for farming and pumping equipment ready for non-irrigated areas. The ministry is also planning a major fruit expo to boost exports
Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Jurungrueangkit addressed concerns at Government House regarding the El Niño phenomenon, which has caused farmers to worry about potential water shortages. He assured the public that reservoir water supplies are fully sufficient for agricultural needs. For non-irrigated areas, he has ordered the Irrigation Department to prepare pumping equipment and other necessary tools for farmers outside irrigation zones.
Beyond water management, the ministry plans to organize a Fruit Expo to promote Thailand's fruit industry on the global stage, including initiatives for export promotion, fruit research advancement, and fruit logistics development. The ministry recently met with Gerald Bose of Koelnmesse, a world-renowned exhibition expert from Germany who has long collaborated with Thailand, including organizing Thaifex Anuga, the world's 4th largest and Asia's largest food trade show. Bose is scheduled to visit the Ministry of Agriculture on May 26 for further discussions.
Regarding durian exports, Minister Suriya noted that production is expected to exceed 30% this year. He has directed improvements in efficiency and expanded quality inspection timeframes before export to facilitate smoother trade. At the Nakhon Phanom checkpoint, authorities are requesting the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards to extend inspection hours for durian exports to ensure Thai agricultural products can be bought and sold smoothly.
A fireworks plant explosion in Hunan province's Liuyang city killed at least 21 people and injured 61 others on Monday, with authorities investigating the cause and detaining the company's manager.
BEIJING (AP) — An explosion at a fireworks plant in a central Chinese province killed at least 21 people and injured 61 others, state media reported Tuesday.
China's official news agency Xinhua said the blast occurred at a fireworks plant in Changsha city of Hunan province on Monday afternoon. State media China Daily said the plant was operated by the Huasheng Fireworks Manufacturing and Display Co. in the Changsha-administered, county-level city of Liuyang, a prominent fireworks powerhouse.
Aerial footage from state broadcaster CCTV on Tuesday showed white smoke still billowing in certain areas of the site, with facilities collapsed or damaged.
Nearly 500 rescuers were deployed to the scene and residents in danger zones were evacuated by authorities, citing high risks from two black powder warehouses near the explosion site, the Xinhua report said.
Authorities were investigating the cause of the blast and police have detained the person in charge of the company, Xinhua said.
Chinese President Xi Jinping urged "all-out efforts" to search for people who are still unaccounted for and save the injured. He called on authorities to investigate the cause swiftly and pursue serious accountability, the report said. Xi also ordered effective risk screening and hazard control in key industries and the strengthening of public safety management.
To prevent other accidents during the operation, rescuers adopted measures such as spraying and humidification to eliminate potential hazards. They also deployed three robots to help with the search and rescue operation.
Liuyang has a long history of fireworks production. The Guinness World Records organization said the first accurately documented firework, the Chinese firecracker, was attributed to Li Tian, a monk who lived near Liuyang during China's Tang dynasty dating to around 618 to 907 C.E. Li discovered that putting gunpowder in enclosed hollow bamboo stems created loud explosions and bound crackers together to create the traditional New Year firecrackers to drive out evil spirits, Guinness said.
In February, China reported two deadly explosions at fireworks shops around the Lunar New Year period.
Iran's navy claimed it blocked U.S. warships from entering the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, with state media reporting a vessel was hit by missiles near the port of Jask. Oil prices eased as markets assessed the risk to Middle Eastern supply
DUBAI — April 4, 2026: Iran's navy claimed it blocked the entry of U.S. warships into the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, issuing what it described as a "swift and decisive warning," according to state television.
The statement came as U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Washington would begin an effort on Monday morning to free ships stranded in the strategic waterway, calling it a "humanitarian gesture" to assist neutral countries amid the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.
Iranian news agency Fars reported that a U.S. warship sailing near the port of Jask at the southern entrance to the strait was hit by two missiles and forced to turn back while attempting to transit the area.
Iran's armed forces also issued repeated warnings on Monday to foreign naval vessels, saying they should not enter the Strait of Hormuz or face a "decisive response."
Meanwhile, oil prices eased on Tuesday after sharp gains in the previous session, as signs emerged that the U.S. Navy may be loosening Iran's control over the key shipping lane, raising hopes that Middle Eastern supply could resume.
Brent crude for July delivery fell 68 cents, or 0.6%, to $113.76 a barrel, after rising 5.8% on Monday. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude dropped $1.59, or 1.5%, to $104.83, following a 4.4% increase in the previous session.