National

Royal Thai Air Force and SAAB Advance Offset Cooperation to Strengthen Defense Industry Capabilities

The Royal Thai Air Force and Swedish defense company SAAB held their first Offset Program Management Review meeting in Sweden on May 14, 2025, to assess progress on cooperation related to the Gripen E/F aircraft procurement. The meeting focused on technology transfer, personnel development, education partnerships, and establishing action items for future collaboration, with both parties planning another meeting in Thailand in September. This offset cooperation is viewed as a key mechanism for advancing Thailand's defense industry capabilities and national security.

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The Royal Thai Air Force and SAAB are advancing their offset cooperation and developing Thailand's defense industry capabilities to reinforce national security and strengthen the country's defense competence.

On May 14, 2025, the Royal Thai Air Force participated in the first Offset Program Management Review (Offset PMR#1) in Sweden with SAAB and relevant agencies to assess the progress of offset cooperation and establish joint guidelines for future operations. Air Vice Marshal Prapas Sonjaidee, Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Air Force, chaired the meeting alongside Ms. Lena-Marie Ilestrand, Head of Offset Contract for Gripen Thailand, and Mr. Robert Björklund, Campaign Director for Gripen Thailand, representing SAAB.

This meeting served as an important forum for monitoring ongoing offset activities and discussing avenues for expanding cooperation in personnel development, technology transfer, education, and collaboration with educational institutions. Under the cooperation framework agreed by both parties for the Gripen E/F Phase 1 procurement offset, the delegation visited SAAB's Aeronautics division and Linköping University in Linköping, as well as KTH Royal Institute of Technology and SAAB Headquarters in Stockholm.

The Royal Thai Air Force emphasizes the strong relationship between Thailand and SAAB, and is committed to promoting cooperation that yields mutual benefits in defense capability development, industrial growth, and knowledge advancement in modern technology. Both parties have established action items for future operations, focusing on continuous progress monitoring, information exchange, and close coordination to ensure the offset program delivers sustainable long-term results.

The meeting also demonstrated the solid cooperation between the Royal Thai Air Force and SAAB in developing technological capabilities and innovation, while preparing for future collaboration. Both parties plan to meet again in Thailand in September to continue discussions.

The Royal Thai Air Force is confident that offset cooperation will serve as a crucial mechanism for advancing knowledge, technology, and personnel development to sustainably strengthen national security and defense capabilities.

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National

Ekniti Clarifies Thauvin Capital Issue; Pledges SEC Chief Removal if Investigation Proves Wrongdoing

Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanaprasad defended his government's handling of the Thauvin capital controversy and oil refining margins during a parliamentary session, pledging strict enforcement of new regulations and promising removal of the SEC chairman if investigation proves wrongdoing. Ekniti explained that the Cabinet approved reducing oil refining margins by 2-5 baht per liter to address cost-of-living pressures, while tightening corporate governance rules to prevent individuals from legally-troubled companies from joining company boards.

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At 10:40 AM on May 14, 2025, during a parliamentary session chaired by House Speaker Sophon Sararum, Democrat Party MP Karan Chatigavanich questioned Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanaprasad about capital market problems and the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) handling of an oil refinery company allowing Thauvin capital group members to join its board in 2024.

Ekniti explained that regarding oil prices, the Finance Ministry reviewed refining margins and presented findings to the Cabinet on April 7, concluding that excess profit margins existed. He stated the proposal was to use excess profits for public benefit and create a transparent system by reducing refining margins and evaluating actual costs. The Cabinet approved these measures on April 8, reducing excess refining margins by 2 baht per liter for March and 5 baht per liter for April.

On the 400 billion baht emergency loan decree, Ekniti noted this crisis differs from 1997's currency crisis or the global financial crisis, as it stems from energy and cost-of-living issues affecting purchasing power. He characterized it as an urgent economic security matter.

Regarding the SEC, Ekniti stated it operates as an independent agency under Finance Ministry oversight. New regulations were approved prohibiting individuals from companies with legal violations from joining boards. He instructed SEC officials to enforce good governance, transparency, and clarity, directing the Finance Ministry's representative to support independent directors and remove representatives of legally-troubled companies from risk committees.

On the SEC chairman issue, Ekniti instructed the SEC secretary and Finance Ministry permanent secretary to strictly follow legal procedures. If investigation clearly proves wrongdoing and unsuitability for office, removal will proceed according to law. Regarding Thauvin capital, he confirmed close coordination with the Justice Ministry and stated he fulfilled his legal responsibilities without inaction.

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Breaking

A Cautionary Tale for Parents: 12-Year-Old Boy Bored at Office, Sets Tissue on Fire and Destroys Entire Floor

A 12-year-old boy accidentally set fire to an entire office floor in Ningpo, China after being left unattended while his parent worked. The boy used a lighter to ignite tissue paper out of boredom, causing sparks to spread to nearby items and escalate into a major fire that caused tens of thousands of yuan in damages. The incident has sparked widespread online debate about parental supervision and child safety awareness.

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A 12-year-old boy in China has become a hot topic online after his parent brought him to the office, where he played with fire and caused a major office fire in Ningpo, Zhejiang Province on April 30th. The parent had brought their son to the office to spend quality time together and strengthen family bonds, but left the boy unattended while working. Out of boredom, the boy picked up a lighter and lit tissue paper, not realizing that the sparks would fly onto items near a desk and quickly escalate into a major fire. The boy called his parent for help when he saw the flames spreading, and the parent immediately notified firefighters. Employees attempted to control the situation using dry chemical powder fire extinguishers, but the office suffered severe damage despite their efforts. Fortunately, no one was injured or killed, though damages are estimated at tens of thousands of yuan. Fire officials warned about the dangers of leaving children unattended, noting that children are naturally curious but lack safety awareness, and that parental negligence can lead to catastrophic losses. This is not the first such incident in China—similar cases involving children playing with lighters have occurred previously, including one in Zhejiang Province last year and a 9-year-old who set fire to foam boxes in 2023. Chinese netizens have heavily criticized the incident, with some arguing the 12-year-old was old enough to know better and may be overly indulged, while others joked that companies will likely become hesitant to allow employees to bring their children to work.

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Police

Police crack down on foreign shell companies, investigating money trails and true shareholders following Koh Phangan raid

Thai police arrested two suspects and seized 37 land deeds worth 150 million baht while investigating 2,381 foreign-linked companies on Koh Phangan, targeting the use of Thai nominees to illegally conceal foreign business ownership.

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Deputy National Police Chief Trairongpol Phonphisai, speaking as spokesperson for the Royal Thai Police, announced progress on May 14, 2025, in the "dismantling foreign shell companies on Koh Phangan" operation. Following government policy and the National Police Office's directive to scrutinize foreigners engaged in tourism or business in Thailand within legal frameworks, authorities have been conducting targeted investigations in areas with high concentrations of foreign residents and investors. Koh Phangan has been identified as a priority target area.

Authorities conducting investigations on Koh Phangan identified a total of 3,754 registered companies, with 2,381 involving foreign shareholders. Two suspects have been arrested, three additional arrest warrants have been issued, and 37 land title deeds valued at over 150 million baht have been seized. Investigators will now accelerate efforts to trace financial flows and identify true beneficial owners.

While foreigners may legally conduct business in Thailand under legal frameworks, such as shareholding within legally prescribed limits, the primary issue identified is the use of "nominees"—Thai nationals holding shares on behalf of foreigners—to conceal foreign ownership of businesses and assets, which violates Thai law. Officers are currently investigating cross-shareholding patterns among various companies to determine if they constitute illegal fronting schemes, with evidence suggesting certain Thai individuals repeatedly serve as shareholders or directors across multiple companies, potentially qualifying them as "shell companies" or nominee entities.

Regarding potential involvement of state officials or law offices, Deputy Chief Trairongpol stated that investigators are examining whether relevant individuals or entities "knew or should have known" that business registrations facilitated foreign concealment of control over Thai businesses. This particularly applies to law offices and lawyers facilitating company formation, which will require careful evidentiary examination.

Thai nationals acting as nominees who are found to have knowingly assisted or facilitated foreign share-holding may face criminal liability. Two cases are currently under prosecution with additional charges pending. Deputy Chief Trairongpol emphasized that this operation aligns with government policy and the National Police Commissioner's directive to intensify suppression of foreign capital groups using Thai nominees, thereby preventing illegal foreign control and ownership of Thai businesses and assets.

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National

Cambodian Soldiers Fire Daily Provocations! Thai Military Says It Understands Their Game, No Heavy Weapons Detected Yet—Public Urged Not to Panic

Thailand's Army spokesman confirmed that Cambodian soldiers continue daily small arms fire provocations along the border in Surin Province, but stressed there is no evidence of heavy weapons deployment or intent to harm Thai civilians. The military assesses the incidents are primarily provocative harassment designed to provoke Thai retaliation for international propaganda purposes, and says Thailand fully understands Cambodia's tactics and is monitoring the situation closely.

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On May 14, 2025, Thai Army spokesperson Pol. Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvarī revealed that Cambodian soldiers fired 11 rounds of small arms fire across the border at Ban Or Samet, opposite Chong Jom border checkpoint in Gapcheng District, Surin Province. He noted a pattern where Cambodian senior commanders and government officials speak one way publicly but act differently on the ground.

Since the ceasefire, gunfire and occasional explosions continue regularly along the border, which the spokesperson characterizes as provocative behavior designed to harass rather than cause casualties or property damage. He emphasized this is not a new occurrence but has been happening continuously along the Thai-Cambodian border, with local units reporting incidents constantly.

The main cause is assessed to be lack of discipline among Cambodian troops, though some incidents appear intentionally designed to provoke Thai retaliation that could then be used to claim Thailand fired first. The Army spokesman also noted Cambodia sometimes brings foreign media—particularly to international news outlets—close to restricted areas, and when Thai soldiers fire warning shots as protocol dictates, the footage is used to claim Thailand initiated weapons use. Thai military says it recognizes and counters these tactics.

Overall, Cambodia appears focused on an "information warfare" campaign more than military confrontation. The spokesman noted that whenever incidents occur, Cambodian leaders or military spokespeople quickly deny facts, suggesting communication and command chain problems between policy levels and field units.

When asked how Thailand would respond if shots actually impacted Thai territory despite Cambodian denials, the spokesperson said Thailand is ready to retaliate immediately, with response decisions based on the judgment of responsible units in each area, as contexts and relationships differ locally.

Regarding border residents' concerns from rapid social media reporting, the Army spokesman stressed the gunfire consists of provocative shots that don't threaten civilian lives or safety. He advised following official alerts from village headmen and local administrators—if no warning is issued, people can continue normal life.

"We confirm the military is not complacent and monitors the situation daily and weekly, but there's currently no indication of escalation to heavy weapons use. So far, communication remains Cambodia's primary tool," the spokesman stated.

On fake news and deepfakes, particularly a fabricated audio clip of the Prime Minister circulating in Cambodia about opening border checkpoints, the Army spokesman said all sectors must help educate the public. He urged citizens to follow official government information and exercise critical judgment in consuming news, as many such cases aim to damage Thailand's reputation.

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National

Game Over, Marriage Broken: Taiwanese Man Demands Divorce After Wife Secretly Gave Away His Nintendo Switch 2

A 37-year-old Taiwanese man filed for divorce after his wife secretly gave away his Nintendo Switch 2, claiming the gaming console represented her disrespect for his personal boundaries and interests. While the wife initially posted online criticizing his gaming habits as lacking ambition, the husband's response garnered public sympathy as he revealed he had devoted nearly all his income to family finances and the house and car were registered in her name. The incident sparked debate about mutual respect in marriage, with most netizens siding with the husband and supporting his decision to end the relationship.

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A 37-year-old Taiwanese man's decision to file for divorce has become a hot topic on Taiwan's internet after his wife secretly gave away his Nintendo Switch 2 to someone else because she disapproved of how often he played games.

The story began when the wife anonymously posted to a Facebook page venting about her husband. She explained that he has worked at an industrial company for over 10 years and currently holds a manager position with an annual income of approximately 2 million baht. Although he has a stable job, she views him as lacking "ambition" because he spends his free time after work playing sports and games. She decided to give away his Nintendo Switch 2 without telling him beforehand.

She also mentioned that while her husband only keeps about 10,000 baht monthly for personal use, he was willing to spend 5,000 baht on a "mystery box" and was lucky enough to get a Nintendo Switch 2. He then plays Pokémon every night until late, which deeply upset her.

However, when the story spread online, the public response wasn't what she expected. Many netizens felt the husband was handling his family responsibilities and finances well, and that having a hobby to relieve stress is normal.

The husband later posted a response on the same Facebook page, revealing that he has already signed the divorce papers and is waiting for formal proceedings. He emphasized that the main reason for ending the marriage was his wife's disrespect—giving away his Nintendo Switch 2 without his consent.

He shared that his wife constantly criticized him for still playing games at 37 years old, saying he "doesn't know how to improve himself" and compared him unfavorably to people in the tech industry with higher incomes.

He explained that his daily life is filled with pressure from work, meetings, sales targets, managing subordinates, and family responsibilities. The only time he feels like himself again is at night after everyone goes to bed, when he quietly plays games alone in the living room.

He also revealed that since marriage, almost all his income has gone to his wife to manage. The house and car are both registered under her name, while he keeps only a small amount for himself. The 5,000 baht spent on the mystery box was the first time he wanted to "buy happiness for himself."

He admitted that what hurt most wasn't losing the gaming device, but his wife's lack of respect for his interests and feelings. When discussing the divorce, he was willing to give her everything—the house, savings, and all assets—asking only for the Nintendo Switch 2 and the mystery box contents back. But her response broke his heart. She said, "If you ask for it back, I'll lose face."

This made him realize that what mattered to his wife wasn't their relationship, but rather dignity and image. He decided to end the marriage with these parting words:

"This divorce may be the best and bravest decision of my life. I truly cannot spend my entire life with someone like this."

After reading the husband's account, most netizens expressed support for him, agreeing that the real issue isn't about gaming, but about a lack of mutual respect in the marriage.

Source: Oriental Daily Edited by the Online News Team

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National

Got Him! Seripisut Digs into Khao Krachong Land Scandal, Hunting 50 MPs to File Motion to Unseat Anuthin and Chaiyachanok

Gen. Seripisut Temiywes, leader of the Free Thai Party, announced plans to file a petition with the Constitutional Court to remove Prime Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul and Digital Economy Minister Chaiyachanok Chidchob over alleged integrity violations and ethical breaches related to the Khao Krachong land controversy. The petition requires 50 MP signatures and includes evidence that the disputed land belongs to the State Railway, not the ministers, backed by Land Department documents and court rulings. Seripisut is seeking support from opposition parties to gather the required signatures.

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At 10:45 AM on May 14, 2025 at Parliament, Gen. Seripisut Temiywes, list MP and leader of the Free Thai Party, announced he is preparing to submit a petition to the Constitutional Court asking it to rule whether Prime Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister, and Digital Economy and Social Minister Chaiyachanok Chidchob, lack manifest integrity and engage in serious ethical violations warranting removal from office.

The petition requires at least 50 MP signatures. Since the Free Thai Party has only one MP, Seripisut said he must seek cooperation from opposition parties. He has held preliminary discussions with the Democrat Party and Thai United Power Party, with plans to negotiate with other opposition parties. Evidence has been compiled and is ready for submission.

Gen. Seripisut stated he has gathered evidence on three matters simultaneously: the Khao Krachong land issue, the use of public funds to support a world motorcycle flat-track racing championship since 2561 with an additional 4 billion baht approved, and illegal use of land for seminars. Due to the volume of evidence, the land issue will be submitted to the Constitutional Court first.

When asked about pressure to drop the matter, Seripisut compared it to catching a thief but being told to let him feed his family first, saying that if someone breaks the law, the law must be applied.

Gen. Seripisut revealed key evidence including maps and a Land Department document dated May 27, 1955 identifying the land as belonging to the State Railway of Thailand. Currently, the land hosts homes of influential figures, ministers, and former ministers. The Supreme Court and Court of Appeals have previously ruled it belongs to the State Railway and ordered occupants to vacate.

Additional documents show an agreement from 1970 between Chai Chidchob and the railway's landowner regarding encroachment for a stone mill operation. Chai sought to later formalize a lease, but never followed through after returning to Surin Province.

Gen. Seripisut noted that the Bhumi Jai Thai Party consistently demands three ministries: Tourism and Sports to fund the motorcycle track, Transport to control railway land to prevent lawsuits, and Interior to control the Land Department to prevent revocation of rights despite court rulings. He pointed out that previous Interior Ministers from other parties would have revoked the rights, but Anuthin halted the process.

Regarding Chaiyachanok, Seripisut said he also holds land in the area and should return it, as keeping it violates the law and warrants removal as well.

Gen. Seripisut said it is unclear how long collecting signatures will take as MPs must review the petition first.

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Breaking

First Wife Speaks Out: Husband Who Killed Mistress Admits to Crime, She Says She's Relieved He Took Responsibility

A man has confessed to fatally assaulting his mistress at a condominium in Nonthaburi Province's Bang Bua Thong District and turned himself in to police. His first wife revealed she was aware of the affair and said she is relieved he admitted guilt rather than fleeing. Police say jealousy over the victim allegedly meeting another man motivated the attack.

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In a continuing report dated May 14, 2025, journalist sources confirm that Vinai (surname withheld by request) fatally assaulted Ms. Joy (surname withheld by request), his mistress, then placed her body in his car and drove to turn himself in at Bang Bua Thong Police Station. He claimed jealousy was the motive, alleging the victim had secretly met another man at a hotel, which provoked him to strike and kick her repeatedly before she was found dead the following morning.

Reporters spoke with Ms. A (pseudonym), age 44, the suspect's first wife of over two years. She revealed that while she was aware her boyfriend had recently begun seeing the victim, she remained uninvolved in the matter, though he frequently spent time with the other woman. This morning, he called to tell her he had accidentally killed the woman and was driving to the police station. She followed him but expressed relief that he admitted his guilt and did not attempt to flee, saying she would now leave the matter to the legal system.

Bang Bua Thong Police officers then escorted Vinai to a condominium room in Bang Bua Thong District, Nonthaburi Province, where the incident occurred.

Maj. Thassagon Khoanthong, superintendent of Bang Bua Thong Police Station, disclosed that officers received a report of fatal assault from the suspect's first wife. The suspect had called to confess to a heated argument with the victim over infidelity before losing control and attacking her with punches, kicks, and strikes, resulting in her death. The suspect was taken to identify the location at the residential building. Preliminary evidence suggests the motive was jealousy, with the assault committed without weapons.

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National

Cuba's Government Announces Diesel and Fuel Shortage Nationwide as Power Grid Faces Crisis

Cuba faces a severe fuel crisis after a four-month US blockade left the country without diesel and fuel reserves, crippling its power grid. The energy shortage has triggered repeated blackouts affecting major cities like Havana, with some areas experiencing over 20 hours without electricity daily. The government's attempts to import fuel have been hampered by the US embargo and rising global oil prices amid ongoing conflicts.

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On May 14, 2025, Cuba's Minister of Energy and Mines Vicente de la O revealed that the country has completely run out of diesel and fuel reserves, with the national power grid now in critical condition following major blackouts. Multiple power outages have plagued the Havana area recently, leaving numerous locations without electricity for more than 20 hours daily, while the power system relies on domestic crude oil, natural gas, and renewable energy sources. Despite attempting to negotiate fuel imports, Cuba faces complications from the ongoing US blockade and volatile global oil prices amid international conflicts, as the American embargo on fuel shipments to Cuba enters its fourth month and impacts public services nationwide.

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National

BOI Partners with Chinese, Japanese, and European EV Manufacturers to Drive Thailand Toward 'Smart & Green Mobility'

Thailand's Board of Investment hosted the BOI Symposium on May 13, 2026, convening leading EV manufacturers from China, Japan, and Europe to advance Thailand's position as ASEAN's electric vehicle hub. The event showcased Thailand's strategy to transition toward 'Smart and Green Mobility' while attracting global automotive companies and helping Thai entrepreneurs integrate into worldwide supply chains. With over 182,000 million baht in EV industry investment promotion requests since 2017, Thailand aims to become the region's future automotive manufacturing center.

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The Board of Investment (BOI) hosted the BOI Symposium, bringing together leading EV manufacturers from China, Japan, and Europe to propel Thailand toward 'Smart and Green Mobility' and reinforce Thailand's position as ASEAN's EV Hub.

BOI Secretary-General Naruetom Terdsteerasukdi revealed that on May 13, 2026, the symposium titled 'Thailand Driving Toward Smart and Green Mobility' was held as part of SUBCON Thailand 2026, featuring China EV100, a leading electric vehicle think tank, alongside automotive executives and global component manufacturers from China, Japan, and Europe investing in Thailand. The event reflected global automotive industry direction amid the transition to the Smart and Green Mobility era.

The forum also served as a platform for exchanging perspectives on future technology, supply chain systems, and opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs to connect with global supply chains, positioning Thailand as the region's future automotive industry hub. Over 500 investors and interested parties participated.

Secretary-General Naruetom delivered a keynote speech on 'Policies to Accelerate Smart and Green Mobility,' noting that the global automotive industry is transitioning to electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and digital technology, collectively known as ACES, comprising Autonomous, Connected, Electric, and Shared Mobility. Software, electronics, battery management systems, and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have become competitive differentiators, presenting Thailand with an opportunity to leverage its strong automotive base to become a 'comprehensive future automotive manufacturing hub' for the region in both Green and Smart Mobility dimensions.

Middle East crises affecting global energy prices have accelerated the shift to electric vehicles, demonstrating that Green Mobility transcends environmental concerns and impacts energy security and national competitiveness.

Thailand prioritizes promoting EV adoption, energy efficiency improvements, and clean energy promotion to strengthen energy security and build long-term economic resilience.

'Thailand is not merely following the automotive industry's transition but is seizing the opportunity to lead it, attracting leading companies worldwide—from all types of EV manufacturers to advanced technology component producers—to establish manufacturing and export bases here,' Naruetom stated. 'We are also committed to supporting Thai entrepreneurs in connecting strongly with global supply chains. We have coordinated with four major automotive industry associations to develop further measures, including continuous support for Thai automakers, increased use of domestic components, and capacity building for Thai entrepreneurs.'

'From 2017 to March 2026, investment promotion requests in the EV automotive industry totaled over 182,000 million baht, covering EV manufacturing of all types, batteries, key components, and charging stations. This reflects global investor confidence in Thailand as the region's primary EV manufacturing base, advancing Thailand's goal to become the region's future automotive industry hub.'

Zhang Yongwei, President of the Institute for New Energy Vehicle Technology Development (China EV100), stated that the global automotive industry is entering an 'acceleration phase' of transition to electric vehicles, with projections that by 2030, EVs...

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Police

Man surrenders after killing woman, driving body to police

A man surrendered to police in Nonthaburi after allegedly killing a woman and driving her body to Bang Bua Thong police station. The suspect, who had a close relationship with the victim, called his wife before turning himself in.

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NONTHABURI — 14 May 2026, A man surrendered to police after allegedly killing a woman and driving her body to a police station in Nonthaburi province, authorities said. Emergency responders from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation were alerted to the incident at about 10:10 after reports that a homicide suspect had placed the victim's body inside a sedan and covered it with a cloth. The suspect later drove the vehicle to the front of Bang Bua Thong police station, where officers took him into custody while investigators examined the scene. Preliminary police questioning indicated that the suspect had been in a close relationship with the woman. Authorities said he allegedly killed her before calling his wife to say he was driving to Bang Bua Thong police station to surrender with the body in the car. Police said the motive and circumstances surrounding the killing remain under investigation.

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