Tourism

Similan Islands Takes the Spotlight Again! Donald Duck Bay Cracks the Global Top 10—Thailand's Crystal-Clear Waters Are Truly Healing

Donald Duck Bay in the Similan Islands has been ranked 10th on the 2026 World's Most Beautiful Beaches list, attracting travelers with its powder-soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. Three beaches from the Similan archipelago made the global top 30, with the rankings highlighting how Thailand's limited-access conservation policies have preserved the islands' pristine ecosystem and natural beauty.

8 May Khaosod

Similan Islands has reclaimed the spotlight with Donald Duck Bay securing the 10th position on the 2026 World's Most Beautiful Beaches ranking. The island features stunning powder-fine white sand that feels like walking on cotton candy, water so transparent it seems unreal, and the famous giant granite rock formation shaped like Donald Duck—a must-visit photo spot offering unforgettable views of Similan blue. Three beaches from the archipelago made the top 30 list, including Paradise Beach and Freedom Beach, thanks largely to Thailand's annual limited-access conservation policy that has preserved the area's pristine ecosystem. The combination of natural beauty and environmental stewardship makes Similan an ideal destination for 2026 island getaways.

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Breaking

Manhunt Underway for Escaped Inmate Seksorn from Thanyaburi District Prison

Thai authorities are searching for inmate Seksorn Rupthong, 37, who escaped from Thanyaburi District Prison on May 7 while participating in a vocational training program. With less than a month remaining on his sentence, he fled by boarding an unregistered truck after slipping away during the training session. The Department of Corrections has mobilized special operations units and police to locate him while establishing a fact-finding committee to investigate the escape.

8 May Khaosod

The Department of Corrections is launching a full-scale manhunt for escaped inmate Seksorn Rupthong, 37, from Thanyaburi District Prison, who fled on May 7, 2025 at approximately 10:47 AM while participating in an external vocational training program. Rupthong, convicted on assault charges, had only 23 days remaining on his sentence (scheduled release May 30, 2025) and was selected for the work-release program as a low-risk, long-term inmate preparing for reintegration. He escaped during the training session by slipping away from the prison front area, exiting through the back of the prison café, and boarding an unregistered pickup truck. Following the incident, the Department of Corrections' Special Operations Division, in coordination with Thanyaburi District Prison, police, and relevant agencies, has launched continuous pursuit and arrest operations while establishing a fact-finding committee to investigate. The Department of Corrections has instructed all subordinate units to increase vigilance to prevent similar incidents. The public is urged to report any information about the escapee to Thanyaburi District Prison at 083 074 1060, 02 577 2341, or the emergency hotline 191, available 24/7.

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Community

Mom and Mix Open Up: A 4-Year Rift Heals as Father Finally Understands His Son

After four years of silence over Mix's choice to pursue music instead of a career his father approved of, the family finally reconciles and understands his passion was rooted in love. The heartwarming moment airs on "Hit Tai Krua" this Sund

8 May Khaosod

This week, "Hit Tai Krua" visits the cheerful household of Mom Jakamok to celebrate her youngest son Mix's recent proposal to his girlfriend Aie. However, before reaching this joyful milestone, the family had erected an emotional wall between father and son. For the first time, they openly address the real issue: Mix chose to pursue music, which his father disapproved of, offering no explanation for his objection. This lack of understanding led to four years of silence—the father wouldn't speak, and the son wouldn't either. The stubborn silence of the family members became a quiet heartache.

Mom reveals her parenting philosophy, never openly praising her son because she believed in letting him think and grow on his own, while always watching from afar. She opens up the "private zones" of the M household for the first time, sharing personal corners never shown before. This includes Mix's bold escapades, like climbing out a window to go out with friends, and his defiant act of forming the BKL band to prove himself as more than just "Mom's son."

One touching moment comes when Mix admits that during the COVID period when he had no income, he told his girlfriend Aie to find someone better, but she simply replied, "It's okay, I'll take care of things." The bride-to-be explains why this man is "the one."

Special guest M, the eldest sister, shares insights about the father-son relationship. The family concludes that what matters most is that parents and children now understand: everything the father did was out of love. Watch all the funny, touching, and warm moments of the "Mom-Mud-M-Mix" family on "Hit Tai Krua" this Sunday at 14:15 on Channel 3, Digit 33.

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Police

Buddhist Monks Accused of Human Trafficking: Children as Young as 5 Deceived into Ordination Scheme in Malaysia

Two Buddhist monks were arrested in Malaysia on human trafficking charges after a four-year scheme deceived Thai children as young as 5 into an ordination program; seven children remain detained in Kedah state while authorities work to secu

8 May Khaosod

On May 8, 2025, at 10:30 AM, three families visited the Paveena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women to seek urgent help repatriating their sons from Malaysia. The affected children were ages 5, 11, and 12. The families explained that Buddhist monks had approached them in April 2025, requesting permission to take the children to participate in a summer ordination program in Malaysia. The monks assured them there would be no issues and that the temple had extensive experience organizing such trips.

Two monks were arrested by Malaysian police on human trafficking charges after authorities discovered a four-year pattern of deceiving Thai children. The scheme targeted children aged 5-15, some without travel documents and without parental consent. While 17 children with proper documentation have been returned to Thailand, seven children—including the 5-year-old—remain detained in Kedah state, Malaysia.

Paveena Hongsakul, foundation president, has sent urgent letters to the Malaysian embassy in Thailand and assigned Diana Foo, the foundation's foreign affairs consultant, to contact the Malaysian embassy directly for immediate assistance. The foundation is also coordinating with Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to secure the children's safe return.

Ms. Ann, 40, mother of the 5-year-old, revealed she works as an engineer in the Philippines and left her son in the care of his grandparents in Prachuap Khiri Khan. On April 2, 2025, monks from a local temple—which the grandparents regularly patronized—requested permission to take the boy to Malaysia for the summer ordination program. Despite her concerns about the lack of a passport and the child's young age, the monks assured her there would be no problems and that the temple regularly organized such trips without incident. Due to the family's trust in the monks, they granted permission.

On April 4, contact with the child was lost. On April 6, a temple student informed the family that the children were at the border waiting for documents but would cross the next day. On April 8 at 5:08 PM, the family learned that seven children without passports—including Ms. Ann's son—had been detained at the Malaysian border, along with the monks and driver, while those with passports were allowed to return to Thailand. On April 29, Ms. Ann attempted to visit her son.

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National

Anutin says UNCLOS will guide future Thai-Cambodian negotiations

Thai PM Anutin says Cambodia has accepted Thailand's cancellation of their 2001 agreement, with both nations committing to use international maritime law as a framework for future border negotiations.

8 May Khaosod

Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said Cambodia has acknowledged Thailand's cancellation of the 2001 memorandum of understanding, with both sides agreeing to use the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the key framework for future discussions. Speaking after a trilateral meeting between Thailand, Cambodia and the Philippines on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit in Cebu on Thursday evening, Anutin said both countries shared a commitment to peace, stability and constructive dialogue while protecting their national interests. The talks were held at the invitation of Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who sought to promote cooperation and mutual understanding within ASEAN, Anutin said. Thailand brought representatives from its foreign affairs and security agencies to reaffirm its position of pursuing peaceful approaches alongside safeguarding sovereignty and the interests of the Thai people, he added. Anutin said the meeting reviewed progress on security measures and military coordination between Thailand and Cambodia, noting that no violent incidents had occurred along the border during the past five months. Thailand also explained its reasons for terminating the 2001 MOU, formally known in Thailand as MOU 2544, with Cambodia acknowledging and understanding Bangkok's position, he said. "Both countries agreed to adhere to the principles under UNCLOS as an important framework for future operations," Anutin said, adding that further discussions would still be needed on practical details. The two sides also agreed to gradually resume discussions at all levels, including through the Joint Boundary Commission (JBC), General Border Committee (GBC), and talks between foreign ministers, with the aim of generating mutual benefits for both peoples. Anutin stressed that all negotiations must remain based on the existing ceasefire agreement and previously agreed mechanisms in order to build trust and maintain a peaceful atmosphere. He described the discussions as a positive signal for strengthening peace and stability between Thailand and Cambodia, while insisting that the dispute was between governments and not between the peoples of the two countries. The prime minister also urged both countries to ensure the safety of Thai nationals in Cambodia and Cambodians in Thailand, and to prevent discrimination or inappropriate actions. Anutin said Thailand and Cambodia should continue bilateral discussions through constructive negotiations without pressure from third countries, warning against any escalation of tensions. He clarified that the talks did not involve negotiations on border demarcation or border reopening, but focused only on agreeing to begin operational-level discussions, with Thailand's foreign minister and deputy chief of defence forces expected to continue detailed talks. Thailand would fully protect its dignity, sovereignty and national interests throughout the process, he said.

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National

Doctor Reveals 4 Bedtime Beverages to Reduce Fatty Liver, Warns What to Avoid

A doctor recommends four bedtime drinks—warm water, chamomile tea, unsweetened soy milk, and diluted apple cider vinegar—to help reduce fatty liver disease by supporting liver function during sleep, while warning against sugary drinks and a

8 May Khaosod

Dr. Jetsada Bunyavongsirojana, Deputy Director of Primary Care at Maha Rajachachon Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, shared on Facebook as "Dr. Jed" about beverages that help the liver manage fat more effectively. He outlined 4 bedtime drinks that help clear fat from the liver.

Many people have fatty liver disease without realizing it, as there are often no early symptoms. Some only discover the problem when liver enzyme levels rise or ultrasound reveals fat accumulation. The period before sleep is particularly important because it's when the liver begins repair and processes excess energy. Choosing the right beverages can reduce inflammation and help the liver manage fat better.

The 4 recommended beverages are:

1. Warm water - Supports metabolism and circulation. Drinking one glass of warm water before bed improves blood flow, reduces blood viscosity, and helps the liver and kidneys process waste more effectively. This is especially beneficial for those who drink little water throughout the day, wake with dry mouth, or have dark urine.

2. Chamomile tea - Reduces inflammation and improves sleep. Sleep is crucial for liver recovery, as poor sleep worsens fat management. Chamomile contains no caffeine, helps the body relax, improves sleep quality, and provides antioxidants that reduce inflammation. It suits those who are stressed, have trouble sleeping, or frequently wake at night.

3. Unsweetened soy milk - Provides satiety and reduces late-night snacking. Many people get hungry before bed and reach for sweets or fried foods, worsening liver fat accumulation. Unsweetened soy milk provides protein from soybeans, keeps you full longer, reduces nighttime cravings, and contains some beneficial fats that help the body manage energy better than sugary drinks.

4. Water mixed with apple cider vinegar - In proper amounts, some research suggests apple cider vinegar may help with insulin sensitivity and reduce some fat accumulation. However, use appropriately—such as 1-2 teaspoons mixed in one glass of water—and never drink it concentrated, as it can irritate the stomach and damage tooth enamel. This is not suitable for those with acid reflux, gastritis, or stomach ulcers, as the acidity may worsen symptoms.

Beverages to avoid before bed if you don't want more fatty liver: - Milk tea, sugary drinks, and high-sugar beverages - Alcohol, which directly increases liver inflammation - Sweet coffee or high-caffeine drinks at night - Late-night snacks like fried foods and crispy snacks - Late bedtimes, which disrupt liver recovery and metabolism

In summary, no beverage can "cleanse" the liver instantly. However, choosing appropriate drinks before bed helps reduce inflammation, improves sleep, and supports better long-term fat management. Most importantly, these habits must be paired with reducing sugar, limiting alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight.

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National

WHO Says Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship Is Not a Pandemic Like COVID-19

The WHO has confirmed a hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondiusis with three deaths and five confirmed cases, but states it is not a pandemic-scale threat like COVID-19. The virus requires very close contact for human-to-human transmission, with this case marking the first documented instance of clear human-to-human spread. Health authorities are tracking dozens of passengers and crew who disembarked, while the WHO assesses overall public health risk as low, though cases could still emerge given the disease's six-week incubation period.

8 May Khaosod

The World Health Organization (WHO) has clarified that the hantavirus outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondiusis does not represent a pandemic threat comparable to COVID-19, even with three fatalities recorded. Five confirmed cases have emerged from eight suspected patients, and health authorities are actively tracing dozens of passengers and crew members who left the vessel previously.

WHO epidemiologist Maria van Kerkhove stated that hantavirus transmission differs fundamentally from COVID-19 and seasonal influenza, requiring extensive close contact for human-to-human infection. This cruise ship incident represents the first clearly documented case of human-to-human transmission. The WHO has assessed the overall public health risk as low.

The MV Hondiusis, operated by Netherlands-based Oceanwide Expeditions, departed from Ushuaia, Argentina on April 1st with approximately 150 passengers and crew from 28 countries. Some passengers disembarked at Saint Helena, a British Overseas Territory in the South Atlantic, on April 24th.

Multiple countries including the United Kingdom, United States, and Singapore have begun monitoring and tracking passengers returning from the vessel. Of the three deaths, one was a 69-year-old Dutch woman confirmed to have hantavirus infection, along with her husband, and a German woman who died aboard ship pending cause investigation. The Dutch government revealed the infected woman traveled to South Africa after leaving the ship before her death. Some passengers have been asked to monitor themselves closely for symptoms.

WHO cautioned that the disease's incubation period may extend up to six weeks, meaning additional cases could still emerge. Argentine authorities are preparing to survey rodents in the Ushuaia area, believed to harbor hantavirus-carrying rat species.

Symptoms initially resemble common flu—chills, muscle pain, weakness, headache, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases (uncommon), symptoms include hemorrhagic fever with kidney failure, or severe respiratory disease with potential pulmonary edema, which can be fatal rapidly.

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National

Opposition Parties Unite to Challenge Emergency Loan Decree, Insist Second Tranche Lacks Justification and Burden Falls on Half the Population

Opposition parties filed a Constitutional Court petition challenging the government's 400 billion baht emergency loan decree, arguing the second tranche lacks urgency and alternative funding exists. The Democrats and Thai Rak Thai claim spl

8 May Khaosod

On May 8, 2025, the Democrat Party and Thai Rak Thai Party jointly announced plans to submit a petition to the Constitutional Court challenging the interpretation of the 400 billion baht emergency loan decree, arguing it violates Article 172 of the Constitution. Korn Chatikavanich stated they will submit the petition to House Speaker Sophon Saramay between May 11-12, and they have coordinated with the Proud Thai Party to join the effort pending their party meeting. He confirmed that the number of MPs signing the petition meets constitutional requirements.

Korn noted that after submission, the House Speaker should forward it to the Constitutional Court within 2-3 days, likely before parliament considers the loan next week. Regarding the petition's substance, Korn said the opposition draft highlights concerns about the loan's necessity, particularly questioning the government's claim of an urgent oil crisis when alternative solutions exist, such as reducing excise taxes and adjusting oil price calculations.

On the government's claim that the loan is needed for the half-price scheme launching June 1, Korn argued the government has other options, including using the previously proposed 440 billion baht budget transfer authorization that requires only a regular budget bill, not an emergency decree. He emphasized that if the court invalidates the decree and the half-price scheme cannot launch on schedule, that burden falls entirely on the government to manage.

Korn further criticized the government's plan to split the 400 billion baht loan into two tranches—200 billion this year and another 200 billion next year for energy transition—as evidence of unnecessary urgency. He argued that energy transition funding could be included in the 2570 fiscal budget, and splitting the loan contradicts the constitutional requirement that emergency decrees address only immediate, unavoidable necessities. "I don't oppose the government's projects, but splitting the loan across two years shows it doesn't meet constitutional urgency standards," Korn stated. "I'm concerned that unnecessary borrowing could damage fiscal discipline and economic security."

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Police

Two Daughters of Accused Demand Justice in 'Grandma Jook' Loan Shark Murder Case, Claims Father Made Scapegoat

Two daughters of murder suspects are demanding justice, claiming their fathers are scapegoats in the "Grandma Jook" loan shark killing in Nakhon Si Thammarat, citing insufficient evidence and a single witness against police charges of preme

8 May Khaosod

Two daughters of accused men in the murder of Pranee, known as 'Grandma Jook' a local loan shark, are demanding justice after police allegedly relied on testimony from just one witness while lacking scientific evidence. Police arrested Charoenyuth, 51, and Pholphol, 54, on warrants from Thungsong District Court on charges of premeditated murder and robbery in connection with Pranee's death in Ron Phibun District, Nakhon Si Thammarat. The victim was found dead on May 1, 2569, with bite wounds and lacerations to her head and arms.

On May 8, 2569, Suphaporn, 28, and Nopdol, 32, filed complaints requesting justice, asserting that both men are innocent. Nopdol revealed that on April 30, the day before the murder, witnesses saw Akkhom, Grandma Jook's foster son, in a heated argument with her. Akkhom disappeared for three days before returning on May 3 to tell police that Charoenyuth and Pholphol hired him to commit the murder. However, key evidence—a spray can, shoes, and two machetes—was found in Akkhom's house.

The family questions why police closed the case based on a single witness when locals know Akkhom owed Grandma Jook money, while neither Charoenyuth nor Pholphol had financial dealings or debts to the victim. They demand thorough DNA testing and forensic analysis before proceeding. Suphaporn confirmed the family had no debts to Grandma Jook and noted that regarding Pholphol, police suspected a 'debt-clearing' murder after finding watermelon rinds near his home, despite his wife only having borrowed money and sold goods near the victim's house.

The family also claims that during the suspected time of murder, Pholphol was riding his motorcycle in the village and stopped at a nearby shop, while Charoenyuth was ill and resting at home, with neighbors confirming both accounts. Suphaporn stated that the evidence police used to obtain the arrest warrant was insufficient, particularly the machetes seized from a neighbor on May 5—two days after the murder—which Charoenyuth had borrowed on May 3 for firewood. She noted suspicion over a police officer's comment asking why the machete owner hadn't claimed he lent it on another day.

She also mentioned that on the night of April 30, Akkhom's mother suffered shock and was rushed to the hospital in the middle of the night, and wants an investigation into what happened during that time. Since their arrest, both men have maintained their innocence to family members and vowed not to confess, even under pressure. Bail requests have been denied at both investigation and court levels, and family visits have been restricted.

Sirivarn, 29, Pholphol's daughter, revealed that the witness who claimed her father paid 7,000 baht as hush money at 18:05 contradicts CCTV footage showing Pholphol was in Khuan Chum sub-district at that time and later rode back into the village, stopping at a shop near his home at 20:27. She also questioned why police took her father for another interrogation, claiming it was for a urine test despite having tested him before, coinciding with the moment Akkhom entered Ron Phibun Police Station wearing a hat and mask.

The family maintains they have evidence and witnesses confirming both men's innocence, though some witnesses are afraid to testify due to fear of police testing.

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Breaking

Singapore Isolates Two Residents Who Disembarked Cruise Ship and Flew with Confirmed Hantavirus Patient

Singapore has isolated two residents who flew with a confirmed hantavirus patient from a cruise ship outbreak in the South Atlantic that has killed three people across multiple countries.

8 May Khaosod

Singapore's Communicable Diseases Agency announced on May 8 that it has isolated and is testing two Singaporean men, aged 67 and 65, who were aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship operated by Oceanwide Expeditions in the Netherlands, which experienced a hantavirus outbreak.

Multiple countries worldwide are tracking passengers who disembarked from the MV Hondius to prevent the spread of hantavirus. The ship's passengers who disembarked during a port call at Saint Helena, a volcanic island in the South Atlantic, on April 24, came from 12 countries, including 7 British nationals, 6 Americans, and 2 Singaporeans.

The WHO confirmed three deaths from hantavirus: a Dutch couple and one German national. There are five confirmed hantavirus infections and three suspected cases.

The Communicable Diseases Agency stated that the two Singaporean men are isolated at the National Infectious Diseases Centre. "One has mild nasal discharge but is in good overall health. The other shows no symptoms, and the risk to the general public in Singapore at this time remains low."

If hantavirus tests come back negative, the men will be isolated for 30 days from their suspected last exposure. If tests are positive, they will receive hospital treatment for monitoring and further care.

Reports indicate the two men disembarked from the MV Hondius and were on the same flight as a confirmed hantavirus patient, traveling from Saint Helena to Johannesburg, South Africa on April 25. The confirmed patient did not travel to Singapore but died in South Africa.

On the same day, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classified the hantavirus outbreak at level 3 in emergency response—the lowest level of enforcement in the emergency system.

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National

Actress Denis Grieved! Years of Harassment From Rival Fan, Files Report Hoping to End the Behavior

Actress Denis Kauppinen has filed a police report after enduring nearly three years of harassment from a single person over false romance rumors linking her to actor Nadech Kugimiya, hoping the action will end the targeted abuse.

8 May Khaosod

Denis Jelischa Kauppinen, a rising Thai-American actress known for her role in the film "Tha," has become the target of prolonged harassment through hate comments and has officially filed a report with authorities. She previously discussed rumors linking her romantically to actor Nadech Kugimiya after they worked together. Most recently on May 7th, reporters encountered Denis at a poster shoot for the TV series "THREE MAN DOWN" where she opened up about the situation. "Honestly, there's nothing to the rumors," she explained. "But if I don't defend myself or take action, they won't stop. This has been happening for almost three years now. As actors, we normally receive many comments, but this has been going on for quite a long time and it's even involved my parents. I felt I had to do something to make it stop."

When asked if it's all from one person, Denis confirmed: "Yes, just one person. So I thought that's enough, mom. I also didn't want it to affect him since I respect both of them greatly, and it's an important time for his career." She revealed the harassment started around the time of the first installment of "Tha" nearly three years ago. "Wherever my face appears online, there are comments mentioning him. But mostly they attack me directly, saying things like I won't get work because of my behavior," Denis shared. "Some comments were quite harsh and affected me emotionally. I also didn't want adults to see this kind of content, and there were even curses directed at my parents."

When asked what specifically prompted her to file the report, Denis explained: "People around me started saying, 'Who is this person and why are they following you like this?' I felt I hadn't done anything wrong. I normally don't get involved with anyone. I never expected to have anti-fans like this. They followed me to multiple places, so I felt I had to take action."

Regarding comments about Nadech, Denis stated: "I honestly don't know why they think that. But I've noticed this person does this with other actresses who've worked with him too. Based on some investigation through social media, I have an idea of who they might be—possibly a fan of his. If they were a true fan, they wouldn't behave this way." She revealed she has evidence and noted the person's age is similar to her mother's, which she found disturbing.

When asked if she plans to press charges, Denis said: "Actually, I filed the report just to make them stop. Once I took action, they went quiet and disappeared. I'm not pursuing further legal action because I feel this whole situation is nothing serious—I just want them to stop this behavior and not bother him either. They're quite old already."

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