Breaking

Sister Appeals for Help Finding 14-Year-Old Sister Missing from Pathum Thani Home Since May 2

A 14-year-old girl missing from her Pathum Thani home since May 2 was last seen at a shop near her neighborhood; her family filed a police report after she failed to reach her mother as planned.

5 May Khaosod

May 5 – Online communities in Pathum Thani province are sharing information about "Nong Belle," 14-year-old Natthaida Klahaiyai, who has gone missing from her home and cannot be reached.

According to her sister, Ke Thanyasiri, the girl left home at 2:40 p.m. on May 2, saying she was going to find their mother at another nearby residence. Checking CCTV footage in the area, she was seen stopping at a "Chorotee Cha Chak" shop, after which contact with her was lost. When the family called their mother, she said the girl had not arrived.

Meanwhile, her boyfriend has been helping search for her throughout the night, and inquiries with her friend group have yielded no information about her whereabouts. The family is extremely worried, unsure if she has had an accident or something worse. A missing person report was filed with Muang Pathum Thani Police Station on May 3.

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National

Tone Bangkae Files Complaint Against Big Turtle Over Debt Collection Threats, Denies Any Official Order

Amulet trader Tone Bangkae filed a complaint against Deputy Police Chief Charuneekiat Panakaew at Phahonyothin Police Station, alleging the officer used his authority to threaten and coerce debt repayment in violation of the Debt Collection

5 May Khaosod

Tone Bangkae, a well-known amulet trader, filed a complaint against Deputy Police Chief Charuneekiat Panakaew and associates at Phahonyothin Police Station, accusing them of using their authority to threaten and coerce debt repayment with his actual creditor, and canceling an original debt agreement dated May 1st.

After three hours of questioning with investigators at Phahonyothin Police Station on May 5th, Tone Bangkae revealed to the media that he filed charges against Deputy Police Chief Charuneekiat Panakaew for state officials demanding or facilitating debt collection on debts that are not theirs, violating the Debt Collection Act. He stated there are multiple individuals involved in supporting this wrongdoing but declined to name them due to the ongoing case.

Tone explained that on April 17th, he was contacted by fellow amulet trader Pong Suphon to privately discuss his debt situation. However, when he met Deputy Police Chief Charuneekiat, the officer allegedly said "Do you want to talk or not? If not, get out," which made him uncomfortable and suspicious about whether state officials can legally pursue debt collection.

Tone admitted he does owe debts to the creditor across two contracts worth hundreds of millions of baht, which he has been gradually repaying. He has paid ahead until 2027 and provided collateral including amulets, commercial buildings, and post-dated monthly checks. He firmly denied allegations of fraud or debt evasion, confirming he pays his debts and bank loans normally, verifiable through credit bureaus.

Regarding his high debt levels, Tone explained he needed working capital to circulate his amulet trading business. Sometimes amulets don't sell well or are unsold, requiring additional capital to maintain operations. He emphasized this is normal business practice and that his current financial status is stable after 30 years in business.

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National

Seven-year-old novice monk enters Patimokkha recitation contest, eyes national record

A seven-year-old novice monk from Nakhon Ratchasima is competing to recite the Patimokkha, 227 monastic rules in Pali, and could become the youngest person ever to pass the demanding test if successful.

5 May Khaosod

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — A seven-year-old novice monk has entered a national competition to become a Patimokkha reciter, raising the prospect of a new record as the youngest participant to pass the demanding test.

Phra Maha Jai Khemacitto of Wat Chana Songkhram, who oversees the sixth Novice Patimokkha Recitation Project in 2026, said 11 novices aged between seven and 17 have applied so far.

Among them is novice Trin Apivansanong from Wat Nikhom Phang 16 in Pak Chong district. If he passes, he would become the youngest successful candidate in the project's history, surpassing last year's record set by a nine-year-old novice.

The Patimokkha is a recitation of the 227 monastic rules in Theravada Buddhism, traditionally performed every fortnight on the Uposatha day. The ritual, conducted entirely in Pali, serves as a core discipline governing the conduct of monks and maintaining harmony within the Sangha.

A Patimokkha reciter must memorize the full text accurately without omission or error. The recitation, which spans around 30 pages, typically takes about an hour to complete and cannot be read from a script.

On May 5, reporters visited Wat Nikhom Phang 16 to meet the young novice. Phra Maha Chit Vajirayana, the abbot who oversees his training, said Trin had expressed a wish to ordain while still in kindergarten in Ayutthaya before joining the temple in early 2025.

Despite his age, the novice has shown remarkable progress, the abbot said. "At first, I was unsure because he is only seven. But over the past five to six months, his memory and focus have been exceptional," he said, noting that the boy can now recite long passages with precision.

The novice is currently revising the full text in preparation for the competition. Temple officials have called on the public to offer encouragement as the young participant takes on the challenge.

Trin later demonstrated parts of the recitation, delivering the Pali verses fluently.

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Breaking

Thailand approves emergency 400 billion baht loans to tackle energy crisis

Thailand's cabinet approved a 400 billion baht emergency loan to combat soaring energy and living costs triggered by Middle East conflicts, with relief targeted at low-income households, farmers, and small businesses.

5 May Khaosod

BANGKOK — 5 May 2026, Thai cabinet has approved an emergency decree authorising the Finance Ministry to borrow 400 billion baht funds to address the impact of the global energy crisis, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Tuesday.

Speaking at Government House, Anutin said the decision followed escalating conflict in the Middle East, which has driven up energy prices and severely affected the global economy. The crisis has spread from energy costs to food prices and the cost of living, creating an urgent situation that cannot be delayed, he said.

"The government's duty is to prevent Thailand's economy from slipping into high inflation and a slowdown, or stagflation," Anutin said, adding that swift action was required.

He said the 400 billion baht loan decree would serve as a special legal mechanism for urgent and unavoidable circumstances, aimed at easing the burden on households, sustaining economic activity and accelerating the country's energy transition to reduce vulnerability.

Measures under the decree will target key groups in need of immediate support, including low- and middle-income earners, farmers, small and medium-sized enterprises, and sectors directly affected by rising energy costs.

The government plans to pursue two parallel approaches: immediate relief to reduce living costs and production expenses, particularly in agriculture through support for fertilisers and essential inputs; and structural adjustments to transition towards modern energy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve long-term competitiveness.

Anutin said the decree would help Thailand navigate the crisis while laying the foundation for greater economic resilience, insisting that fiscal discipline would be strictly maintained.

"The government is committed to standing alongside the people and will do everything within its capacity to help the country get through this crisis," he said.

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Tourism

IMH Opens Phuket Office, Aims to Establish Silom Hospital as Premier Russian Healthcare Center with Medical Tourism Focus

IMH Silom Hospital opened a Phuket office to serve over one million Russian residents, positioning itself as Thailand's leading healthcare provider for Russian medical tourists with partnerships including BRICS Thailand.

5 May Khaosod

On May 5, 2025, Sittiwat Kamkatvongs, CEO of Inter Medical Care and Lab Public Company Limited (IMH), announced that IMH Silom Hospital has partnered with BRICS Thailand as the Official Healthcare Partner to formally launch IMH Phuket Representative Office at the BRICS Phuket office. BRICS comprises emerging market nations including Russia, China, India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

The IMH Phuket Representative Office will provide screening services for the over one million Russian residents in Phuket and refer patients to IMH Silom Hospital, which operates a specialized medical center for Russian patients. Since 2025, IMH Silom has repositioned itself as the leading comprehensive healthcare provider for Russians in Thailand, targeting average annual revenue increases of 250 million baht.

Kamkatvongs added that the hospital's board appointed Michaye Taojarin, Chairman of the BRICS Thailand International Alliance, as a hospital advisor and representative of IMH Phuket Representative Office.

With over one million Russians currently living in Phuket and strong community relationships, IMH Silom Hospital is well-positioned for Russian medical tourism. The hospital benefits from its central Silom-Sathorn location, experienced medical team, modern equipment, and proximity to major attractions along the Chao Phraya River, luxury hotels including Shangri-La and Mandarin Oriental, and the AEON SIAM shopping complex.

Patients can contact IMH Phuket Representative Office at 65/26 Thepkrasatri Road, Tambon Koh Kaew, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket Province 83000.

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National

Clean Air Act Advances! Cabinet Confirms 31 Bills to Move Forward in Parliament

Thailand's cabinet approved 31 bills to advance through parliament on May 5, including the Clean Air Act and legislation on traditional medicine, bankruptcy, and telecommunications regulation.

5 May Khaosod

At 2 p.m. on May 5, 2569 at Government House, Prime Minister's Office Spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek announced the cabinet's approval to advance 31 bills through the legislative process, comprising 21 bills proposed by the cabinet and 10 bills from the previous parliamentary session.

Among the 21 pending bills that government agencies approved to move forward are the Check Offenses Act B.E. 2534, the Facilitation of Permits and Public Services Act, the Bankruptcy Act, the Protection and Promotion of Thai Traditional Medicine Act, and notably the Clean Air Act, which the cabinet confirmed for parliamentary consideration.

The other 10 bills proposed by the previous parliament have already received parliamentary approval and are currently undergoing senate review, including the Frequency Allocation Organization and Broadcasting and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority Act, the Provincial Administrative Organization Act, and the Dairy and Dairy Products Establishment Act.

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National

Cabinet Acknowledges NHRC Proposal on Land Bridge Project, Urges Southern Voices to be Heard; Transport Ministry Given 30-Day Deadline

The Cabinet endorsed NHRC recommendations to hold public hearings in Ranong and Chumphon on the controversial Land Bridge project, giving the Transport Ministry 30 days to assess whether local communities support the shipping route infrastr

5 May Khaosod

At 2:00 PM on May 5, 2025, Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythale Laksameesang revealed after the Cabinet meeting that the Cabinet acknowledged recommendations regarding the Land Bridge project, a transportation infrastructure initiative to develop the southern economic corridor and connect shipping routes between the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea in Chumphon and Ranong provinces, as proposed by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

The NHRC's recommendations include:

1. Directing the Office of the National Council for Peace and Order (NESDC) to conduct public hearings in Ranong and Chumphon provinces on development direction at both structural and comprehensive levels, recognizing residents' right to self-determination regarding their future, economic, social and cultural development. This input will inform the assessment of the Land Bridge project's feasibility and allow all community members and occupational groups to participate in developing provincial plans for Chumphon and Ranong that align with areas' potential as identified in feasibility studies conducted by NESDC in 2021-2022.

2. Using public hearing results and research reports to assess the Land Bridge project's continued feasibility, ensuring alignment with local potential and community needs.

The Cabinet assigned the Transport Ministry as the lead agency to coordinate with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Ministry of Interior, NESDC, and relevant organizations to study the appropriateness of these recommendations. The Transport Ministry must submit a comprehensive summary of its findings to the Office of the Cabinet Secretary within 30 days for Cabinet consideration.

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Breaking

Friends Shocked as Bank Manager Found Dead in Rental Home—Just Three Days Before Scheduled Car Transfer

A 43-year-old bank manager was found dead in his rental home in Chonburi, just three days before a scheduled car transfer with his housemate. Investigators discovered a lit charcoal brazier in the sealed room and two letters, suggesting pos

5 May Khaosod

Friends were shocked to discover that a bank manager had died in his rental home after they separated that morning, with plans to transfer a car together just three days later.

At 1:00 PM on May 5, 2569, Sub-Lieutenant Supchai Nillasmit from Sansuk Police Station received a report of a death in a rental home in the Dang Village, Moo 6, Ban Puek Subdistrict, Muang District, Chonburi Province. He rushed to the scene with rescue volunteers from the Trikusala Foundation.

At the scene, investigators found the body of 43-year-old Chalermchai, a bank manager at a bank branch on Sukhumvit Road in Chonburi. He was dressed only in a short-sleeved shirt and underwear, lying dead on his bed.

Inside the bedroom, investigators found a charcoal brazier that had been lit down to ashes, with the air conditioner left running. The room had a strong smell of smoke. Two letters were discovered—one apologizing to his parents and another arranging his debts. After investigation, no signs of physical injury or struggle were found in the room.

When questioned, 42-year-old Trimat, the victim's housemate living in the same house, revealed that the deceased had never complained or shared any concerns beforehand. That night, they chatted normally. Before bed, the deceased sent a LINE message asking Trimat to prepare for a car transfer appointment on May 8. Trimat replied asking what time, but received no response. He had already paid the house and electricity bills and continued chatting with him on LINE as usual.

The next morning, Trimat woke up, showered, and went to work. Later in the morning, a colleague of the deceased called to say they couldn't reach him. When they checked the front of the house, no one answered. Trimat initially thought the deceased was still sleeping in his room. When Trimat returned to check, he discovered that the deceased had lit a charcoal brazier and died from the fumes. He immediately reported it to police.

Police will conduct further detailed investigations with the victim's friends and family to understand the circumstances and determine how to proceed legally.

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Breaking

Two Cases of Hantavirus Confirmed on Cruise Ship, WHO Monitoring Five Additional Suspected Cases

Two confirmed hantavirus cases have been identified on cruise ship MV Hondius off Cape Verde, where three deaths have occurred; the WHO is monitoring five additional suspected cases aboard the vessel.

5 May Khaosod

Two cases of hantavirus have been confirmed following an outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius operated by Oceanwide Expeditions in the Netherlands, which has resulted in three deaths—a Dutch couple and one German national. The confirmed hantavirus cases include a deceased Dutch woman and a 69-year-old British passenger who was admitted to a critical care unit at a hospital in South Africa. The cause of death for the other two passengers remains under investigation. Hantavirus typically spreads from rodents through feces, saliva, or urine and can cause severe respiratory disease, though it rarely spreads between humans. Additionally, five suspected cases linked to the MV Hondius are being monitored, including one English crew member and one Dutch crew member, both experiencing acute respiratory symptoms—one severe and one mild—though hantavirus infection has not yet been confirmed. The MV Hondius, carrying 149 passengers from 23 countries, remains anchored off the coast of Cape Verde and is under investigation by the World Health Organization (WHO), which has prohibited passengers and crew from disembarking.

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National

Deputy Interior Minister Launches Crackdown on Fraudulent Birth Registrations, 50 Cases Revoked

Authorities have revoked 50 fraudulent birth registrations issued to foreign nationals over a five-year period, with one case still under verification in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The crackdown, led by Deputy Interior Minister Withoon Sir

5 May Khaosod

On May 5, 2026, at the Phothikhlang Subdistrict Municipality office in Mueang district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, Withoon Sirinugul, Deputy Interior Minister and Central Registrar, chaired a meeting to monitor progress on fraudulent birth registration cases—or 'ghost births'—that had been used to benefit foreign nationals. The meeting was attended by Khitiphong Phongsuravet, Supakanan Kongketsamphibal and other subdistrict mayors, district officers from multiple districts, police, and relevant agencies.

Khitiphong revealed that a historical data review spanning 5-6 years identified 51 suspicious individuals. Of these, 50 have already had their registration status revoked, with one case still undergoing verification with Suranari Military Camp Hospital to confirm identity. Previous actions included initial revocations of 5 cases followed by 22 additional revocations, then another 23 after a deeper investigation conducted over the past weekend.

Khitiphong confirmed the investigation is now complete with no additional irregularities found. Affected individuals will have 15 days to file an appeal. Those who can prove clear identity and residence may request reinstatement; failure to appeal within the deadline results in permanent legal termination of status. The revocations have already been publicly announced to prevent misuse in legal matters.

Withoon stated the field visit aimed to track progress, assess obstacles, and establish preventive measures against future cases of this nature. Notably, a neighboring area in Nongphailoem Subdistrict Municipality was also found to have approximately 18 similar cases currently under investigation. Khitiphong added that the Nongphailoem cases appear linked to the same group involved in fraudulent ID card issuance, while cases in Prathap, Huaihlang, and Saikhio districts are district-level matters not directly involving local administrative bodies' registrations.

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National

Industry Ministry Injects 1.5 Billion Baht to Strengthen SMEs Against Crisis

Thailand's Ministry of Industry is deploying 1.5 billion baht through two credit programs to help small and medium-sized enterprises survive global economic pressures, including rising oil prices from Middle East tensions. The "Tiger with W

5 May Khaosod

The Ministry of Industry is moving forward to support Thai entrepreneurs facing global economic challenges by launching the second round of "Tiger with Wings" and "Strong Foundation" credit programs through the SME Development Fund, injecting a combined 1.5 billion baht. These initiatives aim to maintain business liquidity and equip enterprises with innovation tools to achieve sustainable growth amid regional economic crisis.

Nathapol Rangsitpol, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and chair of the SME Development Fund, explained that Thailand's industrial and economic sectors are facing unavoidable challenges from global economic conditions, particularly the Middle East conflict driving up crude oil prices, which directly and indirectly impacts Thai manufacturing, trade, and exports.

Following the policy of Industry Minister Varawut Silpaarcha, who prioritizes supporting small and medium-sized enterprises as the country's foundation, the ministry aims to enhance SME competitiveness and maintain quality standards under crisis conditions, emphasizing sustainability and transition to new economy industries. The "Tiger with Wings" program will inject capital to encourage adaptation by applying innovation and technology to reduce costs, while the "Strong Foundation" program will serve as business protection, strengthening liquidity for entrepreneurs to maintain operations.

The SME Development Fund is fully prepared with over 1.5 billion baht divided into two programs: "Tiger with Wings" Round 2 with 1 billion baht ceiling, offering loans up to 15 million baht per applicant at fixed interest rates of 3-5% annually for innovation and technology investments; and "Strong Foundation" Round 2 with 500 million baht ceiling, offering loans up to 5 million baht per applicant at fixed rates of 5-7% annually to maintain business liquidity.

Applications are open from today until June 30, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. Interested entrepreneurs can apply online or contact the SME Development Fund office, provincial industry offices, or the Thai Small and Medium Enterprises Development Bank (SME Bank) nationwide.

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