Japanese news outlet sanyonews.jp published an interview with Nobuyuki Sakakibara, CEO of Japan's leading mixed martial arts organization RIZIN, addressing questions about potentially signing renowned Thai boxer Rodtang Jitmuangnon. Rodtang became caught in contractual drama with ONE Championship before his fight against Japanese boxer Takeru Segawa, which he lost by knockout. Recent reports have circulated about the possibility of Rodtang being barred from competing in other organizations, particularly in MMA. Following RIZIN.53, Sakakibara addressed the issue in an interview. When asked by reporters after 37-year-old fighter Koji expressed interest in fighting a Thai boxer, Sakakibara responded: "I'm aware of the contract issues between Rodtang and ONE, and I see he's moved to Buakaw's camp. Personally, I have no interest in arranging a kickboxing match for Rodtang at RIZIN—if it were to happen, it would have to be MMA only. However, I believe Rodtang should stay with ONE. Many problems have occurred, but he's a symbol of ONE, and I'd like to see ONE make a full effort to resolve the contract dispute with him. Additionally, there's risk involved in signing an athlete with contractual issues, and we don't want to get entangled with athletes who might face legal disputes."

The National Sports Development Fund is accelerating the upgrade of Thai sports fund management systems to international standards, advancing reforms toward a 'strategic sports investment mechanism' through a second Self-Assessment workshop. Held in Surat Thani province for fund applicants, the initiative aims to create a 'strategic investment mechanism' for developing fund management systems that are efficient, transparent, and auditable while addressing long-term Thai sports development strategy.

The fund also seeks to establish systematic project monitoring and evaluation standards, maximize budget effectiveness for Thai sports, and drive sports economics, professional sports, and the sports industry as a new economic driver for the country. Surasak Keotjuntuk, Deputy Director of Sports Development at the Sports Authority of Thailand, stated that the fund is transitioning from a 'budget supporter' to a 'strategic sports investment mechanism' for the nation, comprehensively elevating Thai sports capabilities across competitive, economic, social, and human resource development dimensions.

"The second consecutive training workshop reflects our commitment to creating an efficient, transparent fund management system with measurable results," he said. "The fund has an important mission in strategic management to systematically enhance Thai sports performance, promote sports economics, develop sports personnel, create fair funding access, and reform digital database systems for effective decision-making."

The event also included a review of the National Sports Development Fund's strategic plans and operational plans for fiscal years 2027-2030 to coordinate efforts across all sectors of the Thai sports system. The fund has established nine key strategies covering elite sports development, professional sports, the sports industry, Muay Thai as a global brand, athlete and personnel development, and modernizing fund management systems.

The fund aims to develop Thai sports in alignment with government policy within four years to create economic value and enhance the nation's international image through popular sporting events and elevate Thai athletes' achievements in the Olympic Games, Asian Games, and SEA Games. It targets medal wins at the LA 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and plans to promote Muay Thai's international ecosystem while providing fair and equitable fund access to sports associations under the Sports Authority of Thailand's oversight per the Thai Sports Act.

The fund expects to drive Thailand's sports industry economic value (Sport GDP) to approximately 218 billion baht by 2027. A special lecture by Suphannath Samneang, a project evaluation expert, addressed 'Self-Assessment: Progress Reporting and Project Self-Evaluation' for fund applicants.

At 10:00 AM on May 13, 2025, Deputy Provincial Police Commander Saraphad Kampanich, along with Muang Singburi Station Commander Patikoron Hanyatthakij, conducted an investigation at the police holding facility following reports that a suspect had died by suicide in his cell. Investigation revealed that 44-year-old Tiao was detained on charges of assaulting his wife, following a report of battery in Tambon Ton Phi, Muang District, Singburi Province. He was taken into custody the previous day.

Today, as officers were preparing to take Tiao out of the holding cell for fingerprinting as part of standard legal procedures, they discovered he had used a long-sleeved shirt to hang himself from the cell bars. Officers immediately reported the incident to their superiors.

Tiao's wife stated that when she last spoke with her husband, he appeared severely stressed due to multiple outstanding legal cases, including assault and theft charges, along with a history of drug-related issues. The family expressed their shock, noting that the deceased had been extremely anxious and worried since his detention.

Initially, the Muang Singburi Station Commander stated that a thorough and fair investigation would be conducted according to proper procedures, with oversight from the Deputy Provincial Police Commander. The body will subsequently be returned to the family for religious funeral rites.

Innovation never stops! Leading Chinese robotics company Unitree has unveiled the 'GD01,' a human-operated mecha technology that turns Gundam dreams into reality—but at a starting price of 18 million baht.

The global tech world is watching the launch of Unitree's ultra-advanced GD01 mecha robot, which has generated buzz with its 'piloted mecha' design that allows humans to control it directly, as if it stepped straight out of sci-fi films and acclaimed anime like Pacific Rim or Gundam.

Unitree has previously earned recognition as a leader in Chinese humanoid robotics, particularly for robots capable of running, jumping, backflipping, and even engaging in combat-style movements. However, the GD01 launch represents a significant milestone that many believe marks humanity's entry into the true 'mecha era.'

Interest surged following a video clip of Wang Xingxing, Unitree's CEO, that rapidly spread on Chinese social media. The clip shows him climbing into the GD01's control cabin before commanding the mecha to move and crash through a wall, astonishing viewers worldwide.

The GD01 stands approximately 2.7 meters tall and weighs around 500 kilograms including the pilot. Its standout feature is the ability to seamlessly switch between bipedal and quadrupedal locomotion with a single button press, making it resemble a combat mecha from anime or sci-fi games more than a conventional robot.

While Unitree hasn't officially revealed all the GD01's capabilities, many regard it as the 'world's most advanced mecha' at present, not only because it actually moves but also because it's designed at a level ready for commercial production.

However, this cutting-edge technology comes with a substantial price tag. The GD01 starts at 3.9 million yuan, roughly equivalent to 18 million baht, leading many to view it as an expensive toy exclusively for mecha enthusiasts and high-tech aficionados.

Unitree states it is accelerating manufacturing efficiency improvements and attempting to reduce costs to make this mecha accessible to more people in the future—potentially representing the first step toward a new robotics industry previously seen only in film. Although no official release date has been announced, the GD01 has already generated worldwide discussion. Many are excited about the prospect of piloting a 'future combat robot' themselves, while others question its practical applications, including mobility, boarding and exiting procedures, and battery life limitations.

RANONG — On May 13, 2026, Thai cybercrime police dismantled a major online gambling network operating from Ranong province in southern Thailand, arresting a woman accused of serving as an administrator for the platform. Led by the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau (CCIB) under Pol. Lt. Gen. Surapol Prembutr, the operation executed a search warrant at a residence in Bang Non subdistrict, Muang district, where they arrested 24-year-old Thipsiwan and seized computer equipment and mobile devices.

Investigators determined that the gambling website, operating under the name "AM 08," had been active for over two years with more than 36,000 members, generating approximately six million baht in monthly transactions totaling more than 72 million baht annually. The platform offered multiple forms of illegal gambling including lotteries, slot machines, overseas football betting, baccarat, dragon tiger, and poker games. To evade detection, the operation repeatedly changed its platform name while maintaining its customer base.

During questioning, the suspect admitted to working as a customer service administrator for over a year at a monthly salary of 15,000 baht. She now faces charges for organizing and promoting unauthorized gambling activities through electronic media.

Informa has cracked the success code: customers need to feel they're getting value for money, having memorable experiences, and receiving clear communication. The organizers are preparing to bring world-class gurus and leading food and hospitality companies to share their expertise at Food & Hospitality Thailand 2026.

The restaurant sector is adapting after facing multiple challenges. Thailand's total food service market is valued at 660 billion baht, with food delivery growing 22% to reach 165 billion baht. Informa Markets reveals the winning formula for thriving businesses: while taste and food quality remain crucial, they're not the only factors for success. Multiple elements matter, including creating memorable customer experiences, offering exceptional service that provides a sense of exclusivity and value for money—serving properly portioned meals that leave customers 80% full while encouraging additional orders.

Communication and relationship-building are equally vital tools. Restaurants and brands need a compelling story to showcase their identity, uniqueness, and appeal—whether it's flavor, ambiance, service, or something competitors lack. They must leverage online communication tools like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Google Maps, while also attracting YouTubers, influencers, and vloggers to share their story.

Back-of-house management cannot be overlooked. Restaurants should implement Lean management principles to improve efficiency and reduce resource waste, combined with Kaizen philosophy where everyone contributes to continuous daily improvement. When investing in restaurant upgrades and equipment, focus on value rather than just price or expense. Modern equipment and solutions with accessible technology are available for even small entrepreneurs.

For food delivery, packaging is both brand image and cost—it must protect food well, avoid over-packaging, and communicate memorably. Restaurants should also leverage AI technology to analyze customer data and behavior, identify new sales opportunities, and conduct feasibility studies before investing.

The food and beverage industry should focus on three key trends:

– Multi-sensory dining experiences (sight, taste, smell, sound) that tell a compelling story aligned with the restaurant's strengths – Health, wellness, and longevity, with the health-conscious segment growing over 20% and customers seeking authentic, minimally processed plant-based foods – Demonstrating sustainability and expanding through retail channels while taking responsibility for environmental impact