SISAKET — 19 May 2026, A senior Thai military commander has inspected the Ta Maria frontline border base at Phu Makhuea in Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province, linked to reports of an explosion near the Thai-Cambodian frontier earlier this month, and distributed morale-boosting supplies to troops and local residents along the border.

Maj. Gen. Kampanart Wapansu, the chief-of-staff of the Operations Centre of the Second Army Region, led a delegation at 10:00 on Monday to the Ta Maria Operational Base near Phu Makhuea in Sao Thong Chai Subdistrict, Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province, to investigate the incident following reports of a blast-like sound inside Thai territory on 14 May. The delegation was welcomed and guided through the inspection area by Lt. Col. Samart Kaewsiwai, Commander of the 14th Infantry Battalion under the Suranaree Task Force.

Military personnel examined terrain surrounding the base, which consists of dense jungle and deep ravines. Investigators located a suspicious site in a low-lying bamboo forest approximately 200 meters from the compound. Due to the rugged terrain, access to the site was severely restricted. However, military officials confirmed that no ordnance or impact marks were found within the perimeter of the operational base itself.

Kampanart said this site visit was aimed at thoroughly verifying the facts on the ground and providing clarity regarding the reported incident. The military delegation later travelled to the Chong Khan Ma checkpoint to meet with frontline personnel. They also distributed care packages and praised the troops for their dedication to securing the Thai-Cambodian border.

Meanwhile, local residents continue to monitor the situation through community leaders and government channels, while expressing full confidence in the military's ability to maintain surveillance and ensure safety along the border.

At 10:30 a.m. on May 19, 2025 at Parliament, the Senate met with Bunsong Noisophan, Second Vice President of the Senate, presiding. Two urgent motions were proposed regarding the train-bus collision at the Asoke-Din Daeng railway crossing on May 16. Senator Wuttichat Kalyanamit introduced the first motion, while Rear Admiral Wutthipong Pongsuwarn presented the second motion focused on safety and compensation issues.

Wuttichat presented video clips of the collision and raised flag signals, noting that trains are legally limited to 30 kilometers per hour in such areas but the train continued despite stop signals, indicating poor coordination. He emphasized that while regulations exist from the Department of Land Transport, Railway Act, and traffic laws, enforcement is insufficient. He proposed that cooperation from all sectors—including police strictly enforcing laws and railroad improvements to barriers—is essential to prevent future incidents.

Wuttichat highlighted that the new Railway Transport Act, effective March 2025, contains comprehensive rules but questioned their enforcement. He noted that even after the collision, vehicles still park on railway tracks with no oversight. He called for Senate coordination with the government to ensure integrated cooperation and reduce such incidents.

Regarding train operator licenses, Wuttichat referenced the Railway Transport Act requirements and urged strict implementation. He noted that within 5 meters on either side of railway tracks, vehicles are prohibited, and proper barriers must be installed without gaps. He stressed the need for serious law enforcement across traffic, vehicle, and railway regulations.

Rear Admiral Wutthipong also presented a motion characterizing the incident as a tragedy requiring urgent safety measures and compensation remedies.

At 9:50 AM on May 19, 2025, at Government House, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chamklin addressed private sector survey results regarding government transparency. The Zero Corruption working group and allies reported that the Pollution Control Department ranked first among agencies with the highest average bribery amounts at 102,160 baht.

Chamklin stated that while polls and criticism are permissible, if a poll damages someone's reputation without evidence or data, one should question what is being sought. "As a family head, I must protect my agencies," he said, comparing his 9 subordinate departments to having 9 children. "Why would we know if our child is bad without evidence? To punish our child, we need proof. To sue our child, we need evidence of wrongdoing."

He noted he does not support unethical officials and cited examples of removing corrupt personnel from the National Parks, Wildlife, and Plants Department within months of taking office. Regarding the Pollution Control Department case, Chamklin delegated the matter to the Permanent Secretary as "family guardian" to clarify the situation.

Chamklin clarified that the department director has requested documents showing what payments were allegedly made for, since the Pollution Control Department has no licensing authority as it is a technical agency. When asked if the ministry should have investigated before the news broke, Chamklin framed it as a political issue, stating that some politicians had seized upon it as a controversy. He argued that one cannot simply accept poll results that suggest someone is corrupt without proper evidence, just as one would not accept polls judging media outlets' families.

The Public Health Ministry reported on May 19, 2025, that Thailand has 1,074 accumulated confirmed mpox cases with 16 deaths. During weeks 18-19 (April 26-May 9), two new Clade Ib mpox cases were confirmed: the first was a Thai man who fell ill on April 22 with risk behavior involving sexual contact with strangers, and the second was a Thai man with close contact risk exposure at a crowded tourist destination during a festival.

Dr. Manthian Kanaswadi, Director-General of the Disease Control Department, reported that an international health coordinator also reported a foreign tourist visiting Thailand who engaged in risky sexual behavior with strangers in tourist areas. The patient was aged 25-40, with the primary risk factor being close physical and sexual contact, particularly among men who have sex with men (MSM).

Mpox Clade Ib shows increasing transmission trends, with 18 accumulated cases since 2567 (2024), and no deaths. Since the beginning of 2569 (2025), six cases have been reported with no deaths, mostly male (four cases), with most transmission from close physical contact. The best prevention is avoiding close contact with symptomatic individuals and avoiding sexual contact with strangers or those with suspicious skin rashes. The Disease Control Department has instructed all public health units to monitor, screen, and closely track patients, particularly in tourist areas and high-risk service facilities.

Dr. Direk Khamphaen, Deputy Director-General, emphasized that mpox is preventable if people avoid risky behavior, particularly sexual contact with strangers at exclusive tourist venues or arranged through social media. He stressed prevention measures including avoiding close contact with those showing rashes, not sharing personal items, frequent handwashing, consistent condom use, and avoiding sexual contact with strangers. Anyone with suspected symptoms such as fever, rash, or bumps, especially in genital or body areas with a history of risk within 21 days, should immediately consult a doctor and disclose their risk history for proper diagnosis and treatment. The Disease Control Department confirmed that Thailand has effective surveillance and treatment systems, and urged public cooperation in continuous disease prevention. For more information, call the Disease Control Department hotline at 1-4.

CHONBURI — 19 May 2026, Police detained a group of Myanmar teenagers accused of attacking a 16-year-old Thai boy in a street assault. The suspects, however, gave their account of events, claiming they had earlier been held at gunpoint and robbed of a pair of Converse sneakers by the victim's group. They are now asking police to review CCTV footage.

Following viral social media posts by the victim's sibling, a Facebook user claimed his younger brother was attacked by nearly 10 youths believed to be Myanmar nationals. The group allegedly beat the teenager, stole his shoes, damaged his motorcycle and spat on him. The incident occurred on Sukhumvit Road in front of Wat Chong Lom, inbound to Chonburi, in Moo 2 of Na Kluea subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province.

On Tuesday, Pol. Col. Sarawut Nuchanart, superintendent of Banglamung Police Station, said a joint task force detained the group for questioning on the evening of 18 May. The operation was led by Pol. Lt. Col. Yongyuth Wanneua, deputy investigation chief; Pol. Lt. Col. Wutthiphong Kasa, investigation inspector; and Pol. Lt. Natthathan Chanthawong, inspector at Tourist Police Station 4, Subdivision 2, Tourist Police Division 1, along with officers from local police, tourist police and immigration police.

During questioning, the suspects admitted attacking the Thai teenager. However, one member of the group alleged that the Thai youth had earlier threatened him with what he believed was a firearm and forced him to hand over a pair of Converse shoes. His friends later arrived and intervened, leading to the confrontation captured on security camera footage.

The group also asked police to examine CCTV footage recorded before the incident to support their claims, insisting they too had been victims. Investigators will question both sides in detail and review all available evidence before deciding whether to pursue charges. Because minors are involved in the case, the investigation will be conducted with relevant agencies and a multi-disciplinary team. Authorities said legal action would be taken against anyone found guilty to ensure fairness for all parties.

Meanwhile, the 'Thai Mai Ton' ('Thais Won't Tolerate') group, led by local figures Hia Tee Kratha Ron and Bird Pattaya, said they were satisfied with the arrests. The group thanked authorities for moving quickly to pursue the case and track down the suspects.

2 men attack woman with durian peel during exercise in ChachoengsaoLegacyA Thai woman is seeking justice after two men attacked her with durian peel while she was exercising outside Chachoengsao Provincial Hall on Sunday, May 17. The victim, identified as 48 year old Noi, submitted a police complaint and medical certificate to several Thai media outlets following the incident, which reportedly took place at about 9pm. Noi said she and her husband had gone jogging together outside the provincial hall, but later separated because he was running faster. She continued exercising alone near a motorcycle parking area. Photo via DailyNews According to Noi, she noticed a man wearing a white T-shirt staring at her while she exercised. She said she did not feel threatened until the man suddenly approached and pulled her shirt over her head. The suspect allegedly used the shirt to cover her face before repeatedly striking her with durian peel. A second man then joined the attack, beating her until she fell to the ground. People nearby reportedly intervened, causing the two attackers to flee the scene on a motorcycle. Noi suffered cuts and scratches to her face and arms from the durian peel during the assault. Photo via DailyNews She told reporters she did not know the motive behind the attack and said she and her husband had only recently started exercising in the area. Noi also stated that she had never had any disputes with people nearby. During interviews with local media, Noi urged police to arrest the suspects as quickly as possible. She said she wanted to know whether the attackers intended to rob her or had mistaken her identity. A similar incident was reported in 2022 when a woman told media outlets she was assaulted with durian peel by a loan shark over unpaid debt. The victim claimed the lender attacked her despite an earlier agreement to temporarily pause repayments. The story 2 men attack woman with durian peel during exercise in Chachoengsao as seen on Thaiger News.