National

Suchart Orders Urgent Fact-Check by Pollution Control, National Parks, and Forest Departments on Corruption Allegations

Thailand's Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin has ordered several agencies, including the Pollution Control and National Parks departments, to investigate allegations that they rank among government entities with the highest average bribery values. The minister emphasized the ministry's commitment to transparency and anti-corruption, demanding detailed reports and warning of decisive action if misconduct is found.

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On May 14, 2025, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin issued urgent orders to subordinate agencies that appeared in recent news reports—including the Pollution Control Department, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants, and Royal Forest Department—to expedite fact-checking and submit detailed clarification reports. This came after the public release of data identifying government agencies with "the highest average bribery values" based on a corruption survey. The report cited findings by Thanawuth, which ranked the top ten agencies with the highest average bribe values, including the Pollution Control Department, Port Authority, Revenue Department, Revenue Code Department, justice sector, Food and Drug Administration, Department of Highways, Department of Public Works and Town Planning, Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants, and Royal Forest Department.

Minister Suchart emphasized that the ministry takes good governance, transparency, and anti-corruption efforts seriously. Any allegations or complaints regarding official misconduct must be investigated thoroughly to build public confidence. He instructed all subordinate agencies to strictly adhere to legal requirements, regulations, and ethical standards, while fully cooperating with fact-checking investigations and promptly reporting results to the ministry for further action.

Suchart reaffirmed that the ministry will not overlook any matters affecting public trust and will take decisive action if any wrongdoing or inappropriate behavior by officials is found.

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Police

Navy Commander Denies Weapons Leaked from Military Following Arrest of Chinese National Ming Chen Sun Over Gun Sales by Navy Officer

Thailand's Navy Commander has denied allegations that military weapons were leaked following the arrest of Chinese national Ming Chen Sun, who was caught with explosives and weapons allegedly supplied by a navy officer. The commander characterized the incident as individual misconduct rather than an institutional failure and announced the implicated officer will receive no support and must be removed from the navy.

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Navy Commander denies weapons have leaked from the military following police arrest of a Chinese man carrying C-4 explosives in connection with a navy officer who sold firearms to Ming Chen Sun. The commander states the incident involves only individual misconduct and will not provide any assistance, emphasizing the officer must be removed from the organization. On May 14, at Haad Yao Beach in Sathib District, Chonburi Province, Admiral Pairojn Fuengchanthern, Commander of the Royal Thai Navy, addressed allegations that navy weapons were leaked in connection with the case of Ming Chen Sun, a Chinese national arrested after police discovered a large cache of military weapons. He stated he had investigated and confirmed there was no "leak" from the military, but rather an act of individual misconduct. He emphasized to naval units and commanding officers that no assistance will be provided, stressing that ethical conduct must come first and must be the individual's own responsibility before they can serve as a good naval officer. When asked about his concerns regarding multiple navy personnel involvement in recent cases, including the shooting of MP Kamlasak Leewamoh from Narathiwat and the Ming Chen Sun arrest, the Navy Commander stated he had no personal concerns since these are matters of individual conduct, and anything harmful must be removed from the organization, which he emphasized clearly.

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Police

Nigerian Man Who Fell in Love During Songkran Won't Leave: Immigration Raids Condo After Nearly 3 Years in Hiding

A Nigerian man arrested in a Nonthaburi condominium has been illegally living in Thailand for nearly three years after overstaying his tourist visa following a romantic encounter during Songkran. Immigration officials charged him under the

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At 3:30 p.m. on May 14, 2569, Police Lieutenant General Phaanumaas Bunnyalak, commander of the Immigration Bureau, along with Deputy Commander Police Colonel Prinyaa Linklaekaet of Region 3 and other immigration officials from Nonthaburi Province, ordered an operation to investigate and apprehend illegal foreign nationals following a tip received via the immigration hotline 1178. Officers discovered a 29-year-old Nigerian national illegally residing in a 17th-floor condominium on Bangkok-Nonthaburi Road in Bang Khen subdistrict, Muang district, Nonthaburi Province.

Document checks revealed the man had entered Thailand on April 13, 2566 on a tourist visa, which he continued to extend until his last extension on June 6, 2567. He then remained in the country illegally for approximately 1,069 days—nearly three years. According to the investigation, he arrived during the Songkran festival to celebrate and met a Thai woman, with whom he began a romantic relationship. He rented a condominium as his residence and attempted to convert his visa to a student visa through an educational institution in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, but was denied. He then reverted to extending his tourist visa instead. The man has not worked, relying on his Thai girlfriend for support.

Immigration officials have charged him with entering and remaining in the Kingdom without proper authorization under the Immigration Act B.E. 2522, Section 81. He has been handed over to Muang Nonthaburi Police Station for further legal proceedings.

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National

Champions Crowned! TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Thailand 2025 Tests Drivers on the Road to Speed

Toyota Motor Thailand announced the 2025 champions of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Thailand, a prestigious one-make racing series designed to develop drivers and promote motorsport culture. The awards ceremony, held on May 14, 2025, recognized top performers across four vehicle classes, with the Corolla ALTIS GR Sport champion earning a spot as a full-fledged TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Thailand driver for the 2026 season. The competition spanned major cities including Chonburi, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Buriram, delivering both competitive racing and motorsport festival entertainment.

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Somsuth Tangkhacha, Marketing Director of Toyota Motor Thailand, alongside Sutthipong Smitchati, Race Director of TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Thailand, presided over the awards ceremony for "TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Thailand: Champions of The Year 2025," presenting titles to the highest-scoring drivers of 2025 in the grand Make Race competition. The event was held under the concept "MAKE EVER-BETTER CARS From Circuit to the Road" at TOYOTA ALIVE Bang Na on May 14, 2025.

TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Thailand 2025 showcases the prominence of the Toyota One Make Race, transmitting motorsport DNA to everyday drivers under the "MAKE EVER-BETTER CARS" philosophy through intense competition across four main classes, spanning major cities including Chonburi, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Buriram. This aims to propel promising new drivers toward professional racing careers.

Beyond on-track intensity, Toyota delivered a complete motorsport festival experience, featuring GR vehicle performance showcases in the GR Performance & Drift Show and GR Experience Hot lab with exclusive GR models. Entertainment came from the TOYOTA Racing Star Team, led by Miya Thongjuea, Payupay Orio, and Pangpond-Akkaravut, generating overwhelming response both at the track and online. This reflects the widespread appeal of motorsport and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Thailand's success as Thailand's most popular motorsport competition.

The 2025 Champions of The Year across all four classes are:

Yaris ATIV Lady One Make Race: 1. #135 Piyawadee Prutsathorn - A Motorsport & BoxzaRacing Team 2. #107 Sitanan Pikulkajorn - Bfin Racing Compact Wise the Hub 3. #156 Arinyada Horn - Sittipol OT Energy Drink 4. #195 Khemisara Konpudsa - Burgundi Motorsport 5. #189 Kittiya Thirawatwarti - KT Team Thailand

Yaris One Make Race: 1. #22 Komura Toshiki - RUK TEAM NEXZTER PMC52 2. #68 Siripakorn Yabyant - TMC-Drive 68 Lenso by Woot Bangbon3 3. #23 Abdull Miqail - 23 Motors Racing Team 4. #59 Benchrong Chomaigul - Superclub Racing Team 5. #44 Kittinart Lueangarunchai - RUK TEAM NEXZTER PMC52

Hilux REVO One Make Race: 1. #4 Nruchit Kiartimonisr - TD Racing by SP Auto 2. #3 Kittisak Siangslak - BKC Voltronic By House Of Cars x Vangarg Garage 3. #19 Niruth Suchrit 4. #49 Pongsathorn Onon - KM Racing 5. #13 Chalermpol Phonlukkarin

Corolla ALTIS GR Sport One Make Race: 1. #9 Sitthichai Khannimit - SpeedRev Racing By NCL Service (eligible to join TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Thailand as a full-fledged driver in the 2026 season, reflecting the program's goal of developing Thai drivers to professional level) 2. #10 Akkaravut Mangklasut - TOYOTA Racing Star Team 3. #11 [Information incomplete]

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Regional

Residents Criticize 100 Million Baht Sculpture Project at Trang Bypass Intersections as Deterioration Begins

Residents in Trang Province are criticizing a 100 million baht public sculpture project after some of the marine-themed artworks began deteriorating just years after completion. The landscaping initiative, installed at four bypass intersections at 30 million baht per location, was previously opposed over cost-effectiveness concerns. Local communities question the high budget spending and note that surrounding areas also show signs of neglect and decay.

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On May 14, 2569 (2026), numerous Trang residents have publicly criticized a landscape improvement and marine animal sculpture installation project at four intersections along the Trang bypass road. The project, funded by the Southern Andaman Region Provincial Group with an additional 2560 fiscal year budget of 119,617,272 baht—approximately 30 million baht per location—is overseen by the Trang Highway Department.

Recent reports indicate that some of the sculptures have already begun deteriorating, with crumbling cement exposing the internal steel framework. The crab sculpture at the Kuan Pring intersection in Muang Trang district is a notable example. Local residents express frustration, noting that the sculptures should not be deteriorating so quickly, and they point to the surrounding areas' poor condition. Many also question the high construction budget allocated for the project.

This project previously faced significant public opposition in 2561 (2018) regarding construction design and budget value. At that time, related agencies justified the project as a tourism promotion initiative and recreational space, emphasizing that local Trang artists carefully designed each sculpture to reflect the identity of the Southern Andaman region and tell the story of Trang people's way of life.

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Police

Garbage collector discovers newborn's body stuffed in sack in trash bin; police review CCTV to track down person responsible

A garbage collector in Samut Prakan discovered a newborn's body abandoned in a municipal trash bin on May 14, wrapped in a fertilizer sack. Police have collected evidence including DNA samples and are reviewing CCTV footage to identify and prosecute whoever left the infant, suspected to be an unprepared mother who delivered prematurely.

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On May 14, officers from Bang Saothong Police Station in Samut Prakan received a report from a municipal garbage collector who discovered a newborn's body stuffed inside a fertilizer sack and left in a municipal trash bin near the entrance to Bang Saothong Municipality on Road B in the Muang Nai Bangpli housing estate, Bang Saothong subdistrict, Bang Saothong district, Samut Prakan province. Rescue personnel from Po Tek Tung were dispatched to investigate. Inside a green fertilizer bag found in the trash, officers discovered the body of a newborn that had recently been delivered. The infant appeared fully formed with the umbilical cord already cut, though the sex of the child could not be determined. A cloth was also found wrapped around the remains. Officials documented the scene and collected evidence before sending the infant's body for DNA testing to help identify and track down the person responsible. Initial police assessments suggest the mother may have been unprepared for pregnancy and gave premature birth, leading her to abandon the child in the trash bin. Police will review security camera footage to locate and prosecute the individual involved.

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Police

Distraught Mother: 11-Year-Old Daughter Brutally Assaulted by Older Students, Kicked, Hair Pulled, High Heel Forced in Mouth During 4-Hour Ordeal

An 11-year-old girl in Udon Thani was brutally assaulted by three older students for eight hours, with the attack recorded and later reported to police after her parents rescued her from confinement.

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On May 14, 2569, at Sri Thammarat Police Station in Udon Thani Province, Governor Rachun Sunhueng ordered an investigation into the assault of an 11-year-old girl after her mother complained to the Pavena Foundation. The girl was allegedly lured and confined by older students who then assaulted her. When the mother attempted to file a report, police told her to return the next day, raising concerns about justice being served.

38-year-old Ms. Phannipha revealed that on May 1st at 8:30 PM, an older student named Om invited her daughter, Khaiphloy (11), to a friend's house in Nong Waeng subdistrict. There, three older students—Nut, Nat, and Khao from Tha Kanthao district—attacked her daughter. Nat, a transgender girl, recorded video of the assault and sent it to the mother.

When the mother and father arrived, they rescued their daughter. According to Khaiphloy's account, the older girls beat her repeatedly, knocked her to the ground, stuffed a 7-inch high heel in her mouth, covered her with blankets, bit her left arm, pulled her hair while hitting her, and forced a pill into her mouth (which she spat out). The assault lasted from 4 PM to 2 AM. Another girl present helped her escape by obtaining the door key, claiming she needed water.

Ms. Phannipha tearfully stated that the attack was brutally cruel. She revealed these girls have hurt many other children before, with cases often going quiet because victims accept payment to settle matters. Most targets are weaker individuals. She demands justice and wants authorities to pursue charges despite their youth.

Khaiphloy stated the older girls called her to a room and assaulted her. She pleaded for mercy, but they refused. The attack stemmed from a conflict during Songkran when they called her to "settle things." She was terrified.

District Officer Thongpol Pradis Duang confirmed they are investigating and will proceed legally. Since it involves youth, the Child Protection Act applies and multidisciplinary teams will be involved. The conflict originated from a Songkran-period dispute between the children.

Police Captain Sakdisit Thanakitpairojn, Sri Thammarat Police Station Commander, revealed both parties are children. Investigators will summon both sides, though it may take time due to the need for multidisciplinary involvement. He indicated the case should not be concerning and could likely be mediated between both parties during investigation.

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Community

Community Gathers for Major Merit-Making: Stainless Steel Spire Raising at Hua Khwa Temple with 10,000 Firecrackers and Lucky Number Reveal

Residents of Manorom gathered for a significant merit-making ceremony at Hua Khwa Temple featuring the raising of a stainless steel spire, with donors contributing over 3.1 million baht in structural materials. The celebration included 10,000 firecrackers that revealed the lucky numbers 509 and 58, sparking enthusiasm among locals who purchased lottery tickets. According to Buddhist tradition, those who participate in spire-raising ceremonies receive blessings for prosperity and success in their lives.

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On May 14, 2025, at Hua Khwa Temple in Rai Pattana subdistrict, Manorom district, Chaiyaphatthanakan, Abbot Phra Kru Chaiyapattanakan led a major merit-making ceremony to raise the stainless steel spire of the Tham Sanghwet Hall. Thirawat Thiratanasap and Kittiya Phetmongkol, owners of a steel trading and construction business, donated the complete structural steel framework and installation services valued at over 3,100,480 baht. However, the hall still requires additional funding for flooring, walls, and other architectural work.

The ceremony was lively and festive, with pulleys used to hoist the stainless steel spire to the top of the hall. During the ritual, 10,000 firecrackers were set off as an auspicious symbol believed to bring prosperity and success—mirroring the loud celebratory sound. After the firecrackers concluded, the lucky numbers 509 and 58 appeared, causing excitement among residents and fortune seekers who quickly photographed the numbers and rushed to buy government lottery tickets.

The spire-raising ceremony is considered a major merit-making act in Buddhist tradition, as the spire symbolizes the crown or pinnacle of the sacred structure, making it complete and spiritually auspicious. It is believed that those who participate in such merit-making will receive blessings for elevated fortune, prosperity in work and personal life, and lasting well-being.

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National

Gerrard Insists Liverpool Should Not Let Curtis Jones Leave This Summer

Steven Gerrard has publicly urged Liverpool not to sell academy graduate Curtis Jones this summer, despite interest from Inter Milan and English clubs Tottenham and Aston Villa. The legendary midfielder emphasized the importance of retaining homegrown talent developed through the club's academy system.

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Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard has stressed that the Reds should not let Curtis Jones, a player who came through the club's youth system, leave the team this summer. Curtis Jones has been reported to have caught the attention of Inter Milan in January and has previously been linked with English sides Tottenham and Aston Villa. Most recently, Gerrard emphasized that Liverpool must hold onto players developed through their academy system who can deliver strong performances. "I believe this academy system is incredibly important. It's crucial that we continue to produce talented players from the local area," Gerrard said. "I think it's natural for someone who lives in the city, grows up in the city—we understand what the club needs, the style, and what the fans want." "It's embedded in us because we know this city well. I wouldn't let Curtis Jones leave, just as I would have hoped Trent Alexander-Arnold wouldn't have left us either." "But of course, you have to understand and respect every player's own career path, and everyone is entitled to make their own decisions."

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National

Why Thailand Must Oppose Religious Mobs, Whether Islamic or Buddhist

A mob of approximately 1,000 Thai Muslims gathered in Bangkok to publicly punish a Muslim trans woman accused of mocking the Koran on social media, with police present but taking no action. The incident highlights the dangers of religious mob justice in Thailand's multi-faith society and reveals inconsistency among self-described progressives who remained silent. The article argues that religious offenses should be handled through legal channels, not vigilante punishment, while calling on authorities to arrest those responsible for crimes during the incident.

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In scenes reminiscent of Taliban-controlled Kabul or conservative Islamic cities in the Middle East, an angry mob of about 1,000 Thai Muslims surrounded a tea shop in Bangkok's Ramkhamhaeng area on Sunday, blocking the street as they hunted for a Muslim trans woman known as 'Madam Lor' or Abdulloh, who allegedly mocked the Koran on social media.

Despite police presence, the mob publicly shaved Abdulloh's head as punishment. Chants of "Allahu Akbar!" filled the air, with participants claiming the punishment was voluntary and that Abdulloh had repented. A police officer present made no attempt to stop the extrajudicial punishment.

With Muslims comprising less than 5 percent of Thailand's 67 million population—roughly three million people—the mob's attempt to impose religious law is particularly troubling in a Buddhist-majority nation that is not governed as a religious state. The vigilante punishment of Abdulloh must be condemned. Thailand operates under the rule of law, not mob justice. Any alleged religious offense should be handled through proper legal channels.

Large gatherings of Muslims seeking to intimidate and humiliate someone in this manner risk escalating fear and mistrust among other faith communities and non-religious people, especially as anti-Muslim sentiment already rises in parts of Europe and the UK. Thai society faces enough divisions without religious mob intimidation deepening social anxiety and distrust. Meanwhile, those criticizing any religion should do so respectfully and constructively. Police should arrest anyone who committed crimes during the incident.

By Wednesday evening, a Buddhist volunteer Facebook page capitalized on the incident by claiming Buddhism is somehow "superior," arguing that Buddhism opposes war and forbids animal killing—unlike Islam. In reality, most Thai Buddhists supported last year's conflict with Cambodia, and the majority consume meat, including Buddhist monks in Thailand.

What's particularly striking about this incident is that apparent inconsistency among self-described progressives appears rooted in convenience rather than principle. Most remained silent during Sunday's mob frenzy. Prominent Islam critic and activist Chotisak Onsoong called them out on Facebook Wednesday:

"'Progressive only when convenient' seems to define how many so-called Thai progressives approach matters of faith. These people readily mock religions and beliefs—whether Jesus, Siddhartha, the Pope, or Buddhist monks—yet remain silent when others face persecution."

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Breaking

Pollution Control Department Calls Emergency Press Conference Following Private Sector Corruption Allegations

The Pollution Control Department has scheduled an emergency press conference for May 15, 2025, to respond to a private-sector survey that named it as the state agency with the highest average bribe value of 102,160 baht per transaction. The department is expected to defend its operational transparency and accountability following the allegations revealed by a coalition of business organizations.

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The Pollution Control Department called an emergency press conference following private sector allegations that it ranks number one among state agencies in bribe amounts. A joint committee of three private-sector institutions—including the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Thai Industry Council, and Thai Bankers Association—released survey results on May 14, 2025 regarding transparency in government operations. The survey of 401 business executives and representatives conducted between March 26 and April 10, 2025 found that the Pollution Control Department under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment had the highest average bribe value at 102,160 baht per transaction. Director-General Surin Vorakitthammrong will hold a press conference titled "The Pollution Control Department Affirms Transparent and Accountable Operations" on Friday, May 15, 2025 from 10:00 to 12:00 noon at the department's conference room.

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