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National

Rom Threatens Section 157 Charges Against Justice Minister Over Failure to Prosecute Hunto in Huione Pay Case; Cambodian Non-Cooperation Cited

Thai Justice Minister Rutthapol explained parliamentary questioning about the Huione Pay money laundering case, revealing that red notices have been issued for Jim Leak and Ben Smith and his wife. The minister reported three ongoing criminal cases with 900 million baht in alleged fraud, along with asset seizures totaling 200 billion baht, though he cited Cambodian non-cooperation as a limitation in the investigation.

5d ago Khaosod

Rom has threatened Section 157 charges against the Justice Minister, alleging knowledge that Hunton owns Huione Pay without taking action. Justice Minister Rutthapol explained that Cambodia is not providing cooperation and supporting evidence is required before parliamentary disclosure. Red notices have been issued for Jim Leak and Ben Smith along with his wife.

On May 14, 2025, during a parliament session chaired by Sophon Saramea, MP Rangsimun Rom from the People's Party list questioned the Prime Minister regarding efforts to combat scammers and money laundering involving the Huione company network. Justice Minister Rutthapol Naowarat answered on behalf of the Prime Minister.

Rom stated that based on the Central Investigation Police plan regarding money laundering and skyfalling schemes by Huione Pay (Huione Pay), which is linked to dark money in the CAI fund, he wanted answers on the progress of Ben Smith's case, whether red notices or Silver Notices have been issued for follow-up through Interpol, and whether politicians and political networks in Thailand—including former ministers now MPs and former premiers—would face expansion of the case.

Justice Minister Rutthapol explained that there are three criminal cases: First, arrest warrants issued for Jim Leak and his wife plus 42 others, with 30 suspects detained. The case has been forwarded to special prosecutors, but Jim Leak and his wife remain at large while Interpol red notices have been issued. Second, the Ben Smith and his wife fraud case involving 900 million baht in investment fraud, with arrest warrants and Interpol coordination for follow-up. Third, the Anti-Money Laundering Committee (AMLO) filed complaints against five individuals including Jim Leak, Wirinnya Yim, Ben Smith, Katherine Beaver, and Suparat Sngamnueng on money laundering charges, currently gathering evidence.

Regarding asset seizure, AMLO ordered confiscation of property belonging to Jim Leak, his wife, Ben Smith, and his wife plus 68 other items totaling 120 billion baht in the first instance. The court ordered seizure of 34 items valued at 8.2 billion baht in the second instance. AMLO has completed seizure of 103 items totaling 200 billion baht, currently under review. Upon completion, announcements will be published for affected parties to file compensation claims.

The Justice Minister noted that action against Huione Pay is under the Police Department with three agencies cooperating. Given public interest in this case, it should proceed through a committee format for clearer progress monitoring. In the Huione Pay case, arrests followed a 75-year-old victim's report to police. Initially, 46 million baht in suspect assets were seized. Investigators recommended prosecution, with documents sent to prosecutors. The case is under criminal court consideration.

"The limitation in this case is that Cambodia is not [cooperating]..."

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
Breaking

American Passenger Reveals Waymo Self-Driving Taxi Departed with Luggage Still in Trunk

A California passenger's first experience with Waymo's autonomous taxi turned problematic when the vehicle drove away from San Jose airport with his luggage still in the trunk after a malfunction prevented him from retrieving it. After attempting to contact customer service unsuccessfully, he had to continue his business trip to San Diego without his belongings. Waymo initially claimed no responsibility for the abandoned luggage but agreed to return it free of charge after media coordination.

5d ago Khaosod

An American passenger shared a bewildering experience after using a driverless taxi service for the first time, only to have the vehicle drive away from the airport with his luggage still in the trunk. The unexpected incident occurred at San Jose Mineta International Airport in California when the passenger encountered problems with Waymo's autonomous vehicle service. The passenger, D. Jin from Sunnyvale, was trying a robot taxi for the first time in late April to travel to the airport. The trip went smoothly with no issues until the vehicle reached its final destination at the airport. The problem arose when Jin attempted to remove his luggage from the trunk by pressing the trunk release button, but the door did not function as expected. At that exact moment, the Waymo self-driving vehicle began moving away from the parking spot, inadvertently taking his suitcase with it. Jin immediately contacted Waymo's customer service to request that the vehicle be stopped or the situation be resolved, but was informed that the car had already traveled to a parking facility and could not be recalled. He then had to continue his trip to San Diego for work without a change of clothes or important documents, causing considerable inconvenience. Waymo later reported that his luggage was found safely at a service center in San Francisco and offered options for him to retrieve it himself or use a free ride, but the company subsequently agreed to return the bag at no cost following additional coordination with the media. Waymo stated that according to company policy, it does not accept responsibility for items left in vehicles and does not provide compensation for damages. However, the system is designed to automatically open the trunk when passengers exit the vehicle, though Jin confirmed that this feature did not function on this occasion. Similar incidents have occurred before, with reports that a tennis coach in San Francisco experienced his equipment being taken away by a Waymo vehicle in the past year, reflecting the challenges of customer service systems in the era of autonomous vehicles that still need further development to handle unexpected situations comprehensively. San Jose Mineta Airport became the first airport in California to officially offer Waymo's driverless vehicle service starting in November 2025.

No. 02 of Read at source → Next
Police

Police Dismantle Drug Network in Surin, Arrest 3 Suspects, Seize Over 100,000 Methamphetamine Pills and 833,000 Baht in Assets

Police in Surin Province arrested three suspects and seized over 106,000 methamphetamine pills and 833,000 baht in assets during a major drug network crackdown on May 14. The operation targeted dealers operating across Sangkha and Sikhoraph

5d ago Khaosod

On May 14, 2026, Surin Province Police Commander Pol. Col. Sukont Srirun, accompanied by Deputy Commander Pol. Lt. Col. Chaiyanrong Bundwuang and officers from Sangkha and Sikhoraphum police stations, announced the arrest of a major drug trafficking network in Surin Province. Three suspects were arrested and assets totaling 833,000 baht were seized.

The suspects are: Theerphol, 41 years old; Chollatharn, 27 years old; and Vanthewei, 25 years old.

Pol. Lt. Col. Chaiyanrong revealed that the operation followed directives from Regional Police Commander 3 Pol. Gen. Pruthiphong Prrayurnsiri and Deputy Commander Pol. Col. Chusuadsi Chanrochakij to intensify drug suppression efforts in target areas.

Police arrested Theerphol near a resort in Sangkha District while concealing methamphetamine pills under a motorcycle seat. A follow-up search of a target residence in Sikhoraphum District yielded 106,035 methamphetamine pills and three mobile phones.

The suspects were charged with possession and intent to distribute Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine hydrochloride) for commercial purposes. Theerphol faced additional charges of drug use and driving under the influence of drugs.

Seized assets included: one white Honda LEAD motorcycle without license plates, one red Isuzu pickup truck, one blue Honda Wave 125i motorcycle, one pink Honda Wave 110i motorcycle, one red Honda Wave 110i motorcycle without plates, one yellow Honda Wave 110i motorcycle without plates, and 78,000 baht in cash. Total asset value seized: 833,000 baht. The suspects were transferred to Sangkha police station for legal proceedings.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Breaking

Abdullah Dayakayev Misses Weight, Agrees to Pay Compensation to Superlek at The Inner Circle Event

Russian boxer Abdullah Dayakayev missed weight for his ONE Championship bout against Thailand's Superlek, coming in 3.2 pounds over the bantamweight limit. Dayakayev agreed to pay compensation to Superlek, and both fighters have consented to proceed with their match scheduled for Friday, May 15 at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium.

5d ago Khaosod

ONE Championship's The Inner Circle event takes place Friday, May 15 at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium (Rama Intra), featuring a matchup between ONE Kickboxing flyweight world champion Superlek and Russian boxer Abdullah Dayakayev under Muay Thai rules in the bantamweight division. The weigh-ins on May 14 revealed that Dayakayev tipped the scales at 148.2 pounds, exceeding the bantamweight limit of 135-145 pounds, while Superlek comfortably made weight at 143.2 pounds. Dayakayev has agreed to pay compensation to the Thai fighter, and both camps have agreed to continue with the fight.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Check Now: Civil Service Commission Announces 2569 Civil Service Exam Results for General Knowledge Section, Rounds 1-5

The Civil Service Commission (OCSC) has released the results of the 2569 Civil Service Exam for General Knowledge Section, Rounds 1-5, with passing lists available from May 14 at 1:00 PM. Candidates can verify their names and check scores starting May 15 at 9:00 AM, and may print official passing certificates from May 25 onwards through the OCSC website and mobile application.

5d ago Khaosod

Check Now: Civil Service Commission Announces 2569 Civil Service Exam Results for General Knowledge Section, Rounds 1-5. You can verify the list of successful candidates and view scores as follows:

On May 14, 2569, the Civil Service Commission announced the results of those who passed the 2569 General Knowledge Assessment via electronic system (exam rounds 1-5). Candidates can view the passing list from 1:00 PM onwards at https://job3.ocsc.go.th.

You can check the passing list and view scores starting May 15, 2569 at 9:00 AM. Certificates of passing the 2569 General Knowledge Assessment via electronic system (exam rounds 1-5) can be printed from May 25, 2569 onwards.

Certificates can be obtained through the websites https://job3.ocsc.go.th or https://job.ocsc.go.th and the "JOB OCSC" mobile application under the "Print General Knowledge Assessment Passing Certificates" section.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

End of Overworked Teachers: Akkhananth Announces Plan to Ease Teacher Burdens, Restore Teaching Time, with Clarity Statement Coming Next Month

Thailand's Deputy Education Minister Akkhananth Kannitinant announced a major initiative to reduce teacher workloads by consolidating overlapping school projects and eliminating redundant paperwork. The ministry plans to implement a 'one evaluation covering multiple programs' model to restore teaching time for educators who have been overwhelmed by administrative duties, with detailed implementation guidelines to be finalized by mid-May 2025.

5d ago Khaosod

At the second high-level meeting of the Education Ministry on May 14, 2025, Deputy Education Minister Akkhananth Kannitinant was tasked with leading discussions to review projects affecting schools and systematically reduce teacher workloads. Akkhananth stated that his priority is addressing teacher burden, a problem he personally volunteered to oversee after hearing consistent feedback from educators in the field who feel overwhelmed by redundant project documentation and want more time for teaching rather than paperwork assessments.

"I will urgently compile all projects from every department to consolidate those with similar objectives using a model of 'one evaluation covering multiple programs,'" Akkhananth explained. "For socially sensitive projects, we'll carefully plan communications to ensure smooth implementation and acceptance from all parties. Regarding the white school project that many teachers have raised concerns about, we cannot cancel it within this fiscal year's budget, but we will definitely address it in next year's budget."

"I take every teacher's voice seriously and want to show genuine commitment through concrete action, not just written policy," he continued. "We will send a clear signal to schools that the ministry will not operate as before. Whatever is redundant and can be eliminated, we will cut. Whatever can be integrated, we will consolidate—to reduce paperwork burden, restore happiness, and give teachers their time back to genuinely care for students in their classrooms."

The ministry also prepared to launch the "Center for the Protection of Rights and Freedoms" as an umbrella to comprehensively safeguard the rights, freedoms, safety, and remediation for both students and teachers across all dimensions. All departments have been ordered to integrate their work into a coordinated system with a revised direction to be completed by May 19.

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Breaking

Man Admits to Killing Girlfriend, Stayed Shocked in Car with Body All Day Before Calling Wife and Turning Himself In

A man named Vinai has confessed to fatally assaulting his girlfriend Joy after discovering she was seeing another man, then spent a full day in shock driving around with her body before calling his ex-wife and turning himself in at Bang Bua Thong Police Station. According to police, Vinai attacked Joy by slapping her face 3-4 times and kicking her following an argument that escalated when she made a sarcastic comment about his ties to his ex-wife. The case has drawn widespread attention due to the suspect's admission and the revelation that relatives had been searching for Joy while he remained hidden in the vehicle.

5d ago Khaosod

In a horrifying case, Vinai has confessed to fatally assaulting his girlfriend Joy, placing her body in his sedan, and driving it to Bang Bua Thong Police Station in Nonthaburi Province to turn himself in. He claimed he attacked her out of rage after discovering she was in a relationship with another man, someone younger whom he also knew. He had supposedly followed the pair to a hotel with frosted glass windows.

According to Deputy Police Chief Chockchai Kanacherjrajn's statement on May 14, 2025, after initially discovering the infidelity, Vinai sat down to eat with Joy, initially thinking they would forgive each other. However, after drinking alcohol and returning to their room, they discussed the matter and a confrontation erupted. Joy made a sarcastic comment suggesting Vinai hadn't cut ties with his ex-wife, which triggered his violent outburst beginning Tuesday night, May 12.

The assault occurred that night, followed by normal rest. The next morning around 8 a.m. on May 13, Vinai left to work his regular taxi job. When he returned around noon, he found Joy dead. In shock, he placed her body in his car and drove aimlessly. Around 8 a.m. on May 14, after regaining composure, Vinai called his ex-wife confessing to the killing. She advised him to surrender at Bang Bua Thong Police Station.

Vinai admitted to slapping Joy's face 3-4 times and kicking her, denying the use of any weapons. The severity of the assault resulted from his larger physical build. Regarding whether his voluntary surrender would mitigate punishment, authorities stated they would review evidence and witness statements more thoroughly, including testimony from his ex-wife, the victim's relatives, and a man named Kob, the friend Vinai claimed had a relationship with Joy.

Phone records revealed chat messages between Vinai and Joy's aunt at 12:04 a.m. Wednesday. At 1:06 a.m., the aunt sent a message saying she wanted to live alone without the two of them, citing her inability to handle their behavior and lack of consideration for her feelings. The aunt had learned Vinai had slapped Joy inside a restaurant.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
National

Bangkok United Releases Thai National Team Defender Nititphong Saelanon After Contract Expiration

Bangkok United has released Thai national team right-back Nititphong Saelanon after his contract expired, concluding a four-season tenure with the Thai League club. During his time with Bangkok United, Saelanon made 149 appearances and contributed to the team's FA Cup and Thailand Champions Cup victories in the 2023/24 season. The club thanked the defender for his professionalism, dedication, and positive influence both on and off the pitch.

5d ago Khaosod

Bangkok United, the Thai League giant, has announced the release of Nititphong Saelanon, a right-back capped by the Thai national team, after his contract has concluded. Bangkok United thanked Nititphong Saelanon for his dedication and important role with the team throughout his four-season tenure since joining the club in the 2022/23 season.

During his time with Bangkok United, Nititphong Saelanon made a total of 149 appearances for the club, scoring 8 goals and providing 11 assists across competitions: Thai League (97 matches), FA Cup (15 matches), League Cup (9 matches), AFC Champions League (23 matches), ASEAN Club Championship (4 matches), and Thailand Champions Cup (1 match).

Nititphong Saelanon played a significant role in helping the team win the Daikin Thailand Champions Cup and FA Cup in the 2023/24 season, and was instrumental in delivering outstanding performances in Asian football competition over the past three seasons.

Throughout his time with the club, Nititphong demonstrated unwavering commitment, professionalism, and fighting spirit whenever taking the pitch. He was also a player who brought positive energy, smiles, and camaraderie to his teammates, staff, and Bangkok United supporters.

Bangkok United extends its gratitude for all his contributions and cherished memories, and wishes Nititphong Saelanon continued success in his football career and future endeavors.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
Police

Family Grief-Stricken After Daughter Murdered by Husband: 'He Has the Heart of a Beast' — Vow to Pursue Justice to the End

A 40-year-old man named Winai has turned himself in after allegedly murdering his girlfriend, Ms. Joy, at a mansion in Nonthaburi. The victim's family expressed devastation and called him 'heartless,' noting that he had not formally divorced his legal wife and that Joy had been trying to end their relationship for months. The aunt revealed a pattern of jealous violence, culminating in a brutal attack at a restaurant days before the fatal incident.

5d ago Khaosod

On May 14, 2025, a 40-year-old man named Winai (surname withheld) turned himself in at Bang Bua Thong Police Station in Nonthaburi after allegedly killing his girlfriend, Ms. Joy, claiming she was his mistress. Later that same day at 1 p.m., the victim's parents and aunt arrived at the station to give statements and follow up on the case. Upon seeing the car still containing Ms. Joy's body, they broke down in tears. The victim's parents disclosed that Winai had never shown violent behavior in their presence and they were unaware of any physical abuse, as he regularly helped them by transporting goods to the market daily.

Ms. Kanjana, the victim's aunt, revealed that Winai had not ended his marriage to his legal wife, Ms. Nok, who had been calling to demand that Joy stop interfering with her husband. Over the past three to four months, Joy had attempted to break up with Winai, but he refused to accept the separation. When Joy admitted to seeing another man, Winai became jealous and angry, leading to physical altercations occurring three to four times in the previous month.

The aunt recounted a shocking incident on Tuesday, May 12, when she and Joy were dining at a restaurant and Winai arrived in an angry state. She advised him to calm down before he returned to his car. However, while she was in the restroom, Winai re-entered the restaurant and slapped Joy's face twice, leaving visible red marks and bruising around her eyes. Furious at the sight, the aunt wanted to intervene but Winai left first.

Shortly after, Winai called Joy and forced her to meet him at a mansion, threatening to destroy the restaurant if she refused. Joy left the restaurant around 10 p.m. to 11 p.m. The aunt attempted to contact both Winai and Joy but was unable to reach them. She sent a message scolding Winai, who responded that he was sorry to see Joy going to a hotel with another man, claiming she had caused him to lose control and assault her at the restaurant.

When the aunt tried to find out Joy's location through a video call, Winai answered and claimed Joy was unwell and sleeping—notably inconsistent with his usual routine of driving the aunt's mother to the market. It was not until around 11 a.m. on the day of the incident that the family learned Joy had been killed. The aunt added that Joy and Winai had known each other for approximately one year after meeting at a motorcycle taxi station near Khlong Thanon, following Winai's release from prison, though she was unaware of his previous case. He had since become a passenger transport driver.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

10 Thai Automotive Associations Submit 8 Emergency Measures to Government to Preserve Manufacturing Base

Ten major Thai automotive and parts manufacturing associations submitted eight emergency measures to the government, warning of an "industrial cliff" in 2027 when EV promotion incentives expire. The associations are concerned that without protective measures, automakers will increasingly import finished Chinese electric vehicles instead of manufacturing in Thailand, threatening the country's auto industry employment and economy. The coalition is urging the government to decide whether Thailand should remain a global automotive manufacturing hub or become merely a cheap EV market.

5d ago Khaosod

On May 14, 2025, at the Thai Subcon Activity Zone Hall 104 in the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre, the Thai Electric Vehicle Association (EVAT) and nine other automotive and parts industry associations, representing over 1,500 members, signed a joint statement urging the government to implement protective measures for Thailand's automotive industry, a key pillar of the national economy.

The coalition was led by Sompool Tanadamrongsakdi, chairman of the Thai Auto Parts Manufacturers Association (TAPMA); Chanin Kaojanthan, chairman of the Thai Subcontractor Promotion Association; Pornpisit Nitisupparattana, board member of the Thai Printed Circuit Board Association (THPCA); Chatchai Pholmun, vice chairman of the Thai Automation and Robotics Association (TARA); Oranung Jaiyern, chairman of the Thai Composites Association (TCA); Wiroj Sirithanasatra, chairman of the Thai Die and Mold Industry Association (TDIA); Associate Professor Virul Sribhoranarak, chairman of the Thai Embedded Systems Association (TESA); Dr. Natthanai Kunanusonti, vice chairman of the Thai Energy Storage Technology Association (TESTA); and Nithiphoom Pongsriangyos, vice chairman of the Thai Foundry Industry Association (TFA).

The statement indicated that Thailand's automotive industry faces a severe crisis from the EV transition, particularly as major automakers are shifting strategy to import finished electric vehicles (CBU) from China under 0% tariff privileges instead of establishing manufacturing bases in Thailand. This has caused Thai parts manufacturers to lose significant orders and risks disrupting the entire supply chain.

There is also concern that when the EV promotion measures expire in 2027, without mandatory domestic production requirements or state subsidies, manufacturers may choose to import vehicles entirely from China rather than invest in Thai production, potentially creating an "industrial cliff" that would impact employment and the broader economy.

"The ten associations are calling on the government to make a strategic decision on whether Thailand will be merely a 'cheap EV consumer market' or maintain its status as a 'global automotive manufacturing base,' and have requested an urgent meeting with the Prime Minister to discuss solutions."

The eight emergency measures include:

1. Reform excise tax to create significant tax differential between imported and domestically-produced vehicles, using a "real investment for import quota" system 2. Adjust local content criteria and free trade zones to reflect actual use of domestic parts and raw materials 3. Promote "common components" where Thai manufacturers are competitive, especially high-value parts like chassis and body 4. Adjust BOI policy to protect Thai operators and strengthen post-investment inspection 5. Address raw material cost issues through government-to-government negotiations and control scrap metal exports 6. Enhance product origin verification to prevent export frauds 7. Promote technology transfer and open channels for Thai software developers to participate 8. Promote domestic testing and upgrade ADAS safety standards to develop advanced knowledge in Thailand

Surot Sangsanit, chairman of the Thai Electric Vehicle Association, stated that all proposals do not aim to block imported electric vehicles or raise car prices, but rather to ensure fair competition between operators who invest genuinely, produce domestically, and use local parts, versus those focusing on importing finished vehicles without creating added value in Thailand.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Todd Piti Celebrates 16th Wedding Anniversary with Noon Voranuch, Jokes That Even His Suit is 16 Years Old

Thai actor Todd Piti celebrated his 16th wedding anniversary with actress Noon Voranuch with a humorous social media post, joking that his wedding outfit has also lasted 16 years. The couple's sweet family moments and anniversary celebration received an outpouring of congratulations from fellow celebrities and fans.

5d ago Khaosod

Todd Piti didn't forget the milestone, posting a photo from his wedding day with celebrated actress Noon Voranuch 16 years ago with the caption "Celebrating 16 years of marriage!!!" Entertainment friends and celebrities quickly flooded the comments with anniversary wishes. Todd proudly shared a recent photo with his wife and mother, adding a humorous caption: "Besides Noon being 16 years old, this outfit and my vest are also 16 years old." Noon responded with playful emojis while fans poured in congratulations and admiration for the couple, with comments like "So cute!!!, Happy Anniversary, wishing you both to stay together until old age, no matter how the world changes, may your love remain strong and eternal forever."

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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