At 4 p.m. on May 9, 2025, Bangkok Deputy Governor Vishnu Saipharunpol and Department of Public Works officials inspected the site of the road collapse occurring during construction of a drainage system and siphon pipe for the Sai Fai intersection underpass project. The contractor, Kamphaengphet Vivattana Construction Company Limited, is investigating the cause of the 5-meter stretch of severe subsidence that injured one motorcycle rider.

Prof. Dr. Amorn Pimmanmas, chairman of the Structural Engineers Association of Thailand and faculty member of the engineering department, analyzed photos showing subsidence in a single lane with the road cracking in a V-shape. This indicates loss of soil base support rather than surface pavement damage. He identified four possible causes: 1) Underground pipes or utility vaults such as electrical conduit junction boxes may have leaked at connection points, allowing soil to flow into the vaults; 2) recent rainfall may have softened the soil, making it more susceptible to flow; 3) nearby construction work involving excavation or ground exposure could allow soil movement; and 4) broken water or drainage pipes allowing water to wash away soil.

Relevant agencies must inspect underground utilities in the area. While this collapse appears less severe than the recent Vajira Hospital road collapse, which occurred near the underground railway construction, authorities should monitor for further expansion, particularly during rainy seasons when saturated soil flows more easily. Officials should use underground scanning equipment to check for cavities at regular intervals, as even small voids can pose hazards to drivers.

The Junior Ballers League (JB League) 2026 season officially kicked off on May 9, 2026, for the 10-11 year-old age group with an exciting and highly anticipated opening day. The atmosphere was electric, filled with cheers from parents, basketball fans, and the international-standard event production.

All eight teams displayed impressive skills and competitive spirit throughout the opening day matches. The results were as follows: Iron Dragons 50 – 44 Electric Eagles Golden Raptors 68 – 64 Black Panthers Rhino Chargers 40 – 43 Shadow Sharks Arctic Wolves 53 – 50 Midnight Mamba

Beyond the intensity on the court, the opening day was enhanced by full live coverage on AMARIN ONLINE, featuring exciting commentary from Pong Attapol Kongphrom of Main Stand, paired with a new voice talent selected from the "Voice of JB League" campaign. This professional broadcast setup provided young athletes and home viewers with an experience comparable to professional league competitions.

The excitement of JB League 2026 continues in upcoming matches. Basketball fans can show their support and watch live broadcasts of future games, as well as follow news, highlights, and league updates through these channels: Facebook: Junior Ballers League Thailand Instagram: jbleaguethailand TikTok: @jb.league.thailand Youtube: Junior Ballers League Thailand

BANGKOK — The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is moving forward with plans for four new rail transit projects in Bangkok, including the Brown, Silver, Grey and Blue lines, according to MRTA governor Kajpachon Udomthamphakdi. The first project is the Brown Line connecting Khae Rai and Lam Sali (Bueng Kum), covering 22.1 kilometres. Kajpachon said the MRTA would continue to push ahead with the project as planned. The second project is the Silver Line, a 19.7-kilometre light rail transit (LRT) route linking Bang Na and Suvarnabhumi Airport. The project is currently under review to improve integration with the airport terminal. MRTA will also conduct a new environmental impact assessment (EIA), as the previous study is more than five years old. The review process is expected to begin within the next two to three months and take around one year. Kajpachon said the third project, the Grey Line monorail connecting Watcharaphon and Thong Lo over 16.3 kilometres, is also being revised to better match current conditions. The proposal is expected to be submitted to the MRTA board in 2027. The fourth project is the Blue Line monorail linking Din Daeng and Sathorn over 6.7 kilometres. MRTA expects studies for the route to begin after 2029 in line with priorities under the M-MAP2 transport development plan.

BANGKOK — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Saturday welcomed the upcoming release of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, saying he still respects Thaksin after working under him for more than two decades.

Speaking to reporters on 9 May, Anutin said he wished to congratulate Thaksin and his family ahead of the former prime minister's expected release from detention on 11 May.

"I still respect him. I used to work under him for more than 20 years. We have a close relationship, like family," Anutin said.

When asked whether he planned to seek advice from Thaksin on issues the former premier was known to have expertise in, Anutin said there was no restriction against meeting him.

However, he said Thaksin should first be allowed to spend time with his family following his release.

"Bangkok is small. Someday we may have a chance to meet under different occasions," he said.

Anutin added that Thaksin would still be under parole conditions after his release, meaning there would likely still be restrictions and limited convenience for outside visitors.

Asked whether Thaksin's return could trigger political ripple effects if he remained active in politics, Anutin said he had not thought that far ahead.

"Regardless, he is still someone I respect," the prime minister said.

The Structural Engineers Association chair has advised investigation into soil movement concerning the Charoen Sanit Road collapse, revealing such incidents have occurred previously in 2021 and 2023. May 9, 2026 – Prof. Dr. Amorn Pimanmak, president of Thailand's Structural Engineers Association, commented on the road collapse on Charoen Sanit Road at Vijai Hospital near the Fai Chao intersection. Prof. Dr. Amorn disclosed that the Charoen Sanit Road collapse has happened multiple times in 2021 and 2023. Analyzing photographs from today's incident, the collapse appears as a single-lane subsidence with the road fractured in a V-shape, not damage to the road surface itself but rather loss of supporting soil beneath the roadbed. Regarding possible causes, the following have been identified: 1. Underground utility pipes or vaults in the area, such as electrical conduit chambers, may have leaked at connection points where pipes meet vaults or at other locations, allowing soil to flow into these vaults; 2. Combined with potential rainfall during this period making soil saturated, it may flow more easily than usual; 3. Possible nearby construction activity with excavation or exposed soil that could allow soil movement; 4. Broken water or drainage pipes that allow water to carry soil away. All of these remain speculative, and relevant authorities will need to conduct on-site inspections of underground utilities in the affected area to determine the actual cause. However, this collapse appears less severe than the Vajira Hospital road collapse, as that incident was located near underground train construction, though monitoring is advisable to check for further expansion. Relevant authorities should investigate soil movement, particularly during the rainy season when saturated soil flows more easily, using scanning equipment to check underground pits or vaults at regular intervals, as even small holes could pose hazards to drivers.

The final of the I-EA-T Phitsanulok Cup, Thailand Ranking Circuit 2026, held at Ratana Grand Convention in Phitsanulok on May 9, 2026, concluded with a thrilling championship match. MP Natthaida Thepsutin, Deputy Leader of the Pheu Thai Party, presided over the awards ceremony alongside Sunthorn Charummanth, President of the Thai Billiards Association, and other officials. The best-of-seven-frames final pitted world professional F-One Thepchaia Uonnoo, ranked 18th globally and defending champion from the Khon Kaen event, against Jack Dechaovat Pumjaeng, Thailand's number 4 ranked nine-ball player.

F-One started hot, breaking for 84-12 to lead 1-0. Both players made errors in frame two, but F-One's stronger play saw him break for 50 points and win 77-26, extending his lead to 2-0. Jack fought back in frame three with a 62-point break and 94-47 victory, closing the gap to 1-2. Frame four saw Jack continue his momentum, breaking 48 points with 79-27, equalizing at 2-2. The match remained tense with both players trading mistakes, but F-One's superior play delivered back-to-back frames to clinch the championship 4-2 with final scores of 84-12, 77-26, 47-94, 27-79, 76-58, and 115-16. F-One claimed his second consecutive title and 200,000 baht prize money. Runner-up Jack received 80,000 baht. Top Chun Phongsakorn Jongjarak earned the maximum break and highest break awards, totaling 584,000 baht.

F-One expressed his satisfaction with the event, praising the Phitsanulok hosts for their excellent organization and the large crowd. He noted that both he and Jack played poorly today, but his ability to close out frames secured the championship. F-One will showcase his skills in China on May 10 before returning to Thailand ahead of the professional world circuit season starting in June.