Two forest foragers from Prasart subdistrict in Ban Kruat, Buriram province remain adamant that they encountered Cambodian soldiers conducting patrols on Thai territory during a nighttime outing on May 8, forcing them to flee after the soldiers attempted to capture them and fired one gunshot. The men—63-year-old Aphirak and 59-year-old Prayoon—have undergone spiritual cleansing rituals and received support from their community. Aphirak expressed disappointment with the Army spokesman's dismissal of the incident as a misunderstanding, emphasizing that he can speak Cambodian, confirming the soldiers' identity, and noting that as a former ranger, he knows the difference between Thai and Cambodian military personnel. He stressed that while their languages are similar, they are not the same, and communication was nearly impossible. "What won't we understand," he asked rhetorically, criticizing the spokesman's inconsistent statements as damaging public trust. Aphirak insisted the foraging area was well within Thai territory, at least two kilometers from the border, and called on the military to find solutions rather than burden civilians with confronting Cambodian troops alone. Prayoon corroborated the account, noting he was the first to speak with the Cambodian soldier and immediately recognized them by their accent and fully armed appearance. He credited their escape to superior knowledge of the terrain. Aphirak's wife added that she hopes relevant authorities take the incident seriously to enhance safety measures in the area, without seeking to create further controversy.

On May 10, 2026, Srisuwan Janya, leader of the Thai Nation Lovers Organization, announced that his organization has received an order from the Constitutional Court to submit a written opinion on whether the Election Commission's use of QR codes and barcodes on ballots complies with the Constitution and laws. The submission must address specific points outlined by the court and include relevant supporting documents in connection with a complaint filed through the Ombudsman under Section 213 of the 2017 Constitution.

Srisuwan explained that he initially filed a petition with the Ombudsman on February 13, 2026, requesting the court consider whether the Election Commission's barcodes on ballots could compromise ballot secrecy and the integrity of recent parliamentary elections, and whether the 2023 Election Commission Regulations Section 129 align with the 2017 Constitution Section 85 and the 2018 Election Law Sections 84 and 86. The Constitutional Court voted 6-3 to accept the Ombudsman's petition on March 18, 2026, designating it as case 30/2569.

For the court's consideration, Srisuwan stated that the Constitutional Court has ordered the organization to prepare written opinions addressing five specific issues, including how voters exercise their voting rights, visibility of QR and barcodes, methods that could reveal another person's voting choice or identify the voter, complaints filed before media coverage, and submission of all related evidence.

While Srisuwan believes some of the court's questions may diverge from the original complaint's intent—since the core issue is whether barcodes compromise ballot secrecy—he acknowledged he cannot challenge the court's discretion. The organization will expedite its response, compile evidence, and request additional witness testimony, submitting everything to the Constitutional Court within 15 days as required under the 2017 Constitutional Court Procedure Act Section 27(3), aiming to uphold the Constitution's integrity and prevent illegal exercise of state power.

Thailand's head coach Anthony Hudson views the AFC Asian Cup 2027 group stage draw as a positive opportunity for the national team to compete against Asia's top-tier opponents. Hudson commented following the draw for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 finals (to be held in Saudi Arabia between January 7 and February 5, 2027), revealing that Thailand has been placed in Group F with Japan, Qatar, and Indonesia. The tournament format allows the top two teams from each of the six groups, plus the four best third-place finishers, to advance to the Round of 16.

"Overall, I think it's very exciting for this group," Hudson said. "With such strong teams in the group, I believe it's a great opportunity for Thailand to face quality opponents, and anything is possible. I've told our players that if you want to test yourself against Asian Cup-level competition and face teams like Japan, this is a crucial moment for every player and our national team. Our opening match against Qatar will be good for us—we'll be facing opponents we respect at a higher level, which is significant for us."

Hudson also highlighted the importance of Indonesia in the group. "Having Indonesia in our group is positive, and it will be a big match," he noted. "Looking at them, they've developed their team well and have a good coach. It will be a meaningful regional derby for us."

Regarding team preparation, Hudson expressed confidence: "We want to enter the Asian Cup with our best performances and clear objectives. We must play with courage in every match—anything can happen. Even though some may view us as the smallest team, we have quality players with experience and previous Asian Cup exposure. The key to our preparation is ensuring that Thailand enters this tournament in peak condition."

Tailand's group stage schedule is as follows: Qatar vs. Thailand on January 11, 2027 at Imam Muhammad bin Saud Stadium; Thailand vs. Japan on January 16, 2027 at Al-Shabab Stadium; and Thailand vs. Indonesia on January 20, 2027 at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium.

The Thailand Sepaktakraw Association has announced the national sepaktakraw team roster for the ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup 2026, scheduled for May 16-23, 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The 12-member team comprises: Phutawan Sopha, Jirasak Phakbuaengoen, Thanapol Satyayen, Pichetsathorn Punlasaen, Maruekinthorn Punmakorn, Wuthinun Kamneonha, Wichanya Temkotkot, Jakkakrit Thimbangbon, Kritada Sangwang, Sithipong Khamchan, Kridpong Nonthakot, and Phontep Thimbangbon. The team will be managed by Uaychai Srisuwan (team manager), Amnuay Chantramontree (assistant manager), and coaches Narichet Kalatcban and Sahanat Sakritsongcharoen.

Koh Pha Ngan resort crackdown probes nominee ownership claimsLegacyOfficials inspected four resorts in Sri Thanu on Koh Pha Ngan yesterday, May 9, arresting three hotel operators over alleged unlicensed hotel businesses as part of a wider probe into foreign-linked companies and possible nominee ownership. The operation involved officers from the Department of Provincial Administration, Surat Thani Immigration Bureau, and Koh Pha Ngan police. Sri Thanu, in Koh Pha Ngan subdistrict, Surat Thani, is known as a popular long-stay area for foreign residents and tourists, including a sizeable Israeli community. Photo via Matichon At Zama Resort, officials inspected a 23-room property operated by Honos Management Co Ltd, which was registered with Thai and Swiss shareholders. Natcha, a Koh Pha Ngan resident, was arrested and accused of operating a hotel without a licence under the Hotel Act. Officials also searched Sritanu Residences Resort, operated by Muthita Koh Pha Ngan Co Ltd, which was registered with Thai and Slovenian shareholders. Matichon reported that the resort closed shortly before officers arrived, and no arrests were made at the scene. Photo via DailyNews At Haad Chao Phao Resort, an eight-room property operated by Phangan Haad Chao Phao Resort Co Ltd, investigators found the business linked to Thai and Greek shareholders. Phakphum, from Nakhon Si Thammarat, was arrested over alleged illegal hotel operations, while two Myanmar nationals were detained for allegedly working outside the scope of permitted employment. The fourth target, Samma Karuna Beach & Wellness Resort, operated 12 rooms under Samma Karuna Co Ltd and was linked to Thai and Uruguayan shareholders. Constantino Von Kamnopoles Politis, an Uruguayan national, identified himself as the owner and was accused of operating a hotel business without a licence. Photo via DailyNews Officials said three of the four businesses inspected were found to have allegedly breached the Hotel Act B.E. 2547 (2004). They seized accounting records and shareholder documents as part of a wider investigation into possible nominee shareholding arrangements, financial transactions, and land ownership rights. Surat Thani Governor Jumphot Wannachatsiri said officials were monitoring reports of foreign nationals living long term on Koh Pha Ngan, Koh Samui, and Koh Tao, including allegations that some people entered Thailand on tourist visas before working or operating businesses. He said provincial authorities were working with police, immigration officers, labour officials, and security agencies to investigate possible nominee businesses, land ownership, tax compliance, and visa violations across the islands. Photo via Matichon Jumphot said the inspections were not focused on any single nationality and would apply equally to all foreign nationals and Thai citizens found violating the law. “Inspections and arrests have continued, although many cases were not reported in the news. Committees have been set up to work on these issues, and action will be taken against all nationalities, not any one nationality,” he added. Elsewhere, Phuket Immigration has launched a major crackdown on illegal nominee businesses, leading to the arrest of 11 foreigners and the seizure of substantial evidence. The coordinated raids targeted 15 suspected businesses across the island. The story Koh Pha Ngan resort crackdown probes nominee ownership claims as seen on Thaiger News.