Red shirt leader Worachai Hema announced on May 2 that supporters have been regularly gathering on Sundays to encourage Thaksin Shinawatra. A special event will begin on the evening of May 10 at Bangkok Special Prison (Klong Prem Central Prison) to welcome Thaksin's release on the morning of May 11. The evening will include a shared dinner and a public forum where red shirts discuss their past efforts for democracy and the nation, with organizers expecting thousands of participants.

When asked about criticism that Thaksin should withdraw from politics after his sentence reduction, Worachai argued that Thaksin possesses the most relevant experience and connections to help resolve Thailand's current crises, including oil issues, geopolitical tensions, and economic challenges. He acknowledged that conservatives may believe Thaksin should step back, but countered that the country needs experienced leaders. Worachai suggested Thaksin could contribute by offering public advice rather than taking direct political roles.

Regarding the impact on Pheu Thai Party, Worachai noted that under Deputy Prime Minister Stithorn Thamsinthop's leadership, the party has demonstrated competence. He argued that having Thaksin's experience and expertise to support the party would restore its popularity and strengthen its position.

Koh Phangan Raid: Underground Nursery Operating Illegal School with High Tuition Fees

On May 2, 2569 (2026), authorities reported that on May 1, immigration police in Surat Thani (Koh Phangan) coordinated with Koh Phangan Police Station, Koh Phangan District administration, and Region 4 military command to conduct a raid on a childcare facility in Moo 3, Koh Phangan Subdistrict, Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province, following evidence of illegal operations.

Inspection revealed the facility had a license to operate as a corporate childcare center for children aged 2-6 years with no more than 18 children. However, authorities discovered it was actually operating as a full-fledged unlicensed private school with four grade levels serving children up to age 12, enrolling 163 students total.

The facility operates three terms per year with tuition fees as high as 32,000 baht per child per term, with classes running from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Staff issue certificates to graduating students. Foreign nationals were found working as teachers without work permits. Nine suspects were arrested, including three owners—one Thai woman and two Iranians—and six foreign teachers from the United States, South Africa, and France.

The owners face charges including hiring foreign workers without permits, failure to register foreign workers, violating child protection laws, and operating an unlicensed private school. The foreign teachers face charges of working without proper authorization and failing to report to immigration authorities.

Colonel Suwat Suksri, Surat Thani Provincial Police Commander, ordered investigation into the company's shareholding structure, as it has four Thai shareholders and three foreign shareholders (Iranian and Estonian), raising suspicion of nominee shareholding arrangements used to conceal foreign business operations in a tourism area.

'Benjaa Keeta Rak,' a legendary drama that still holds a special place in fans' hearts, marked a significant milestone when its cast reunited after over 23 years. Though each actor has grown and followed their own life paths—starting families and pursuing different careers—their bond remains as strong as ever.

On May 1st, 2025, actor U Nawapol shared touching moments from the cast reunion, featuring the complete group including C Siwarak, Phai Pathit, Big Phuchisasa, Nam Ropheepat, and special guest Amy Klinpratoom. U Nawapol's caption encouraged fans to watch Episode 22 of 'Emika Padeum,' which features a special segment on 'Benjaa Keeta Rak,' writing: "Episode 22 is here, everyone! Show your kids how cool Uncle was back in the day. #BenjaaKeetaRak #Nostalgia #MyChildhood #WishICouldFly."

Previously, U had posted throwback photos with captions joking about his younger days, sparking a wave of comments from early 2000s drama fans all expressing the same sentiment: missing those golden days of Thai television.

On May 2, 2569, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has accelerated urgent assistance to the public during the drought crisis by directing the Department of Water Resources to mobilize all available resources nationwide to increase drinking and domestic water supplies, support village water systems, and establish water reserves throughout at-risk areas. Minister Suchart stressed that the government places the highest priority on maintaining public quality of life, particularly during this widespread drought emergency, and has instructed all relevant agencies to provide full assistance including water supply procurement, agricultural support, and strengthening frontline personnel to relieve public hardship as quickly as possible.

Thirachunn Bunsit, Director-General of the Department of Water Resources, revealed that he has ordered the 11 regional water resource offices to closely monitor the situation while mobilizing machinery, water pumps, water trucks, and various support systems to immediately assist affected areas according to each location's specific needs. The focus includes securing drinking and domestic water supplies, water sources for water production systems, and systematically supporting the agricultural sector.

Operations across various regions nationwide are proceeding continuously, including in Lampang, Nakhon Sawan, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chanthaburi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phitsanulok, Chumphon, Krabi, and Ubon Ratchathani provinces, with water pumps being installed, clean water distributed, and comprehensive field support provided for both domestic consumption and agricultural use, including drinking water supplied to wildfire suppression personnel in at-risk areas.

So far, the Department of Water Resources has assisted over 21,600 households, representing approximately 43,200 people, and has supplied nearly 2,000 bottles of drinking water to frontline wildfire suppression personnel, reflecting the proactive efforts of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in addressing the impacts of the drought crisis concretely.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment confirms its commitment to continuing assistance efforts to ensure people have adequate water supply, reduce hardship during this crisis period, and establish long-term water security for the nation, standing alongside the public through every situation.

At 9:00 AM on May 2, 2569, police officer Maleyphon Ayuyu from Nikhom Pattana Police Station in Rayong received a report of a multi-vehicle collision with fatalities and injuries at the intersection of Soi 6, Line 15, Phananikom Subdistrict, Nikhom Pattana District, Rayong Province. Investigating officers, rescue teams, and hospital personnel immediately rushed to the scene.

At the location, a black Toyota pickup truck was found with severe frontal damage and debris scattered throughout the area. Two bodies were recovered from inside the vehicle: a 28-year-old woman named Ms. Parinda (surname withheld) and the male driver. Rescue workers had to use cutting equipment to extract the bodies. Three additional injured individuals—one woman and two men—received emergency first aid before being rushed to Nikhom Pattana Hospital.

Nearby, a ten-wheeler truck showed significant side and front collision damage. The truck driver sustained minor injuries and remained at the scene to provide a statement.

According to eyewitness accounts, the intersection had no traffic signals. The accident occurred when the ten-wheeler was exiting the industrial area while the pickup truck was heading toward the fishing area. Neither vehicle slowed down at the intersection, resulting in a violent collision.

Police will conduct detailed interrogations of the truck driver and injured passengers from the pickup truck. Authorities are also rushing to obtain CCTV footage from nearby cameras to determine the exact cause of the accident and will proceed with legal charges of reckless driving causing death. The bodies have been taken to Nikhom Pattana Hospital for autopsy before being released to families for funeral rites.

The 2026 World Snooker Championship semi-final between Mark Allen of Northern Ireland and Wu Yize of China at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield on May 1 produced an unwanted record. During frame 14, with Allen leading 43-13, eight remaining red balls clustered around a single pocket, while a black ball sat at the pocket entrance. This forced Allen and Wu to alternate cautious shots for 55 minutes to avoid hitting the black ball, with referee Marcel Eckardt declining to restart the frame. After Allen finally potted a red into the black ball, Wu won the frame 88-66, but it took a record 100 minutes and 19 seconds to complete—breaking the previous championship record of 85 minutes and 22 seconds set by Mark Selby and Ding Junhui in 2022. The match ended the second session tied 7-7 at just 14 frames total instead of the scheduled 16, prompting criticism from various parties who called the situation embarrassing and called for rule improvements. The World Snooker organization responded by defending the referee's application of the rules, confirming that procedures were followed correctly.