The Thailand Futures Exchange (TFEX) is preparing to launch Mini Gold Online Futures, a new online gold trading product that increases profit opportunities and makes gold investment more accessible, starting May 25. The standout feature is a contract size reduced 10-fold, requiring an initial margin of roughly 15,000 baht to give investors easier market access.

Trivit Wangworrawut, CEO of TFEX, explained that amid volatile global markets and international tensions, gold has attracted significant investor interest, with prices reaching new highs continuously. Direct gold purchases face accessibility limitations, and even standard Gold Online Futures require substantially higher margin deposits. To address this, TFEX is launching Mini Gold Online Futures with contracts 10 times smaller than the original—scaled down from approximately 10 troy ounces to just 1 troy ounce (roughly 2 baht of gold).

This reduction allows margin requirements to reach more accessible levels, enabling investors to increase profit opportunities or use gold to complement their investment portfolios more conveniently. Mini Gold Online Futures (contract code: MGO) retains all the features of standard Gold Online Futures—contracts based on 99.5% purity gold bars, priced according to world gold markets in US dollars per troy ounce. Margin deposits and profit/loss settlements are in Thai baht, with a 30-fold price multiplier meaning each dollar fluctuation equals 30 baht in gains or losses, eliminating exchange rate risk concerns and making price tracking easier.

Trading is available on business days from 9:15-16:55 (daytime) and 18:45-3:00 the next day (evening). Mini Gold Online Futures uses cash settlement with no physical gold delivery. Expected margin requirements are approximately 15,000 baht or 10-15% of contract value. Trading begins May 25, 2026.

"TFEX is confident that Mini Gold Online Futures will serve investors by making gold investment more accessible—whether for profit-making or protecting portfolio volatility," Trivit said. "Since it trades on an exchange, investors can trust its transparent operations and oversight standards."

To prepare investors, TFEX and member firms are conducting seminars on the new product, trading strategies, and tools. A special "Gold Trading Day: Crisis vs Opportunity—Building Portfolios and Profits with Gold" seminar is scheduled for Sunday, May 24 from 9:00-12:30 at the Stock Exchange of Thailand Building (free admission). Additionally, a "Trade Gold, Get Gold" promotion offers special incentives for new TFEX account holders who trade Mini Gold Online Futures.

PTT Global Chemical (GC) has issued a statement denying any involvement in fuel hoarding or supply delays, reaffirming its commitment to good governance principles. The statement comes in response to government announcements regarding an investigation into severe fuel shortages at gas stations during the recent Middle East crisis. GC clarifies that as a fuel trader under Category 7 regulations, it operates solely as a refinery selling finished petroleum products directly from the refinery gate, without any retail gas stations or supply chain transportation infrastructure. The company asserts it has fully cooperated with government authorities through inspections, data provision, and strict compliance with all policies, laws, and regulations. During the Middle East crisis, GC continued production and product distribution to customers to help maintain the country's energy stability and security. The company emphasizes that its refinery operations maintain standard industry control systems, audit procedures, and inventory records for petroleum inputs and outputs, with all refining and delivery operations conducted according to complete sales and delivery plans and disclosed to relevant government agencies. GC also confirms that all fuel transportation documents comply with applicable laws. The company reiterates its commitment to good governance principles and readiness to coordinate with and provide additional information to government authorities to maintain public confidence.

On May 20, 2569, the Thai Meteorological Department issued alert No. 15 regarding heavy to very heavy rainfall across Thailand and strong winds in the Andaman Sea (affecting through May 21). The alert indicates that during May 20-21, rainfall will increase significantly with heavy to very heavy rain expected mainly on the western side of the country, including the northern, upper northeastern, central, eastern, and western southern regions due to an intensifying southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, combined with a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam's coast.

Residents are urged to be cautious of heavy rainfall and accumulated water, which may cause flash flooding and flash floods, especially in hillside areas near water channels and low-lying areas. Approximately 56 provinces are expected to experience heavy rainfall.

Sea conditions: The Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand face moderately strong waves. The upper Andaman (from Phuket northward) has waves 2-3 meters high, with thunderstorm areas exceeding 3 meters. The lower Andaman (from Krabi southward) and upper Gulf of Thailand have waves approximately 2 meters high, with thunderstorm areas exceeding 2 meters.

Fishermen are advised to exercise caution and avoid sailing in thunderstorm areas. Small boats in the upper Andaman should remain ashore during this period.

The public is encouraged to monitor updates from the Meteorological Department via their website (http://www.tmd.go.th) or by calling 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182 (24-hour service). The next alert will be issued on May 20 at 5:00 PM.

May 20, 2025 — The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts continuous rainfall across Thailand over the next 24 hours, with heavy to very heavy rain in parts of the western Andaman coast, Northeast, and Eastern regions. Heavy rainfall is also expected in the North, Central Thailand, and Bangkok with surrounding areas. The weather is driven by a strong southwest monsoon covering the northern Andaman Sea and Thailand, combined with a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam. Authorities warn residents of dangers from intense rainfall and accumulated water that could trigger flash floods and landslides, particularly in hillside areas, near waterways, and low-lying zones. The public is also advised to maintain health during this weather transition.

Sea conditions in the northern Andaman are moderately rough with waves 2-3 meters high, exceeding 3 meters during thunderstorms. The lower Andaman and northern Gulf of Thailand have approximately 2-meter waves, exceeding 2 meters during storms. Fishermen are urged to exercise caution and avoid thunderstorm areas. Small boats in the northern Andaman should remain ashore.

Regional Forecast (06:00 today to 06:00 tomorrow):

North: 60% thunderstorms with heavy rain in some areas, particularly in Nan, Tak, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun provinces. Temperatures: 24-26°C low, 33-38°C high. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.

Northeast: 70% thunderstorms with heavy to very heavy rain in some areas, particularly in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani. Temperatures: 23-25°C low, 30-34°C high. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.

Central: 60% thunderstorms with heavy rain in some areas, particularly in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chainat, Lopburi, Saraburi, Singburi, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Temperatures: 24-26°C low, 31-35°C high. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.

East: 60% thunderstorms with heavy to very heavy rain in some areas, particularly in Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Temperatures: 25-28°C low, 31-34°C high. Southwest winds 20-35 km/h. Sea waves approximately 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters during thunderstorms.

South (Eastern Coast): 60% thunderstorms with heavy rain in some areas, particularly in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, and Songkhla. Temperatures: 23-26°C low, 30-35°C high. From Surat Thani northward: Southwest winds 20-35 km/h, sea waves approximately 2 meters offshore and during thunderstorms exceeding 2 meters. From Nakhon Si Thammarat southward: Southwest winds 15-35 km/h, sea waves 1-2 meters near shore, approximately 2 meters offshore during rain.

On May 19, 2025, the Metropolitan Police Bureau 1 (MPB1) released updates on the investigation into the freight train collision involving Bangkok Mass Transit System (BMTS) bus line 206 at the Asok/Kamphaeng Phet 7 intersection near Makkasan Airport Rail Link Station on May 16, which resulted in 8 deaths and over 30 injuries. The incident occurred at 3:20 PM.

Interrogation of four railway experts revealed that the train driver had operated through the Asok interchange station junction 58 times between 2023-2026, accumulating over 3 years of experience. The mechanic, however, had only been employed for 14 days and was boarding this train for the second time. A supervisor from Bang Su locomotive depot confirmed the driver's extensive experience with this route. Technical management personnel corroborated these findings. Operations staff confirmed the procedures followed by the driver and crossing attendant, though specific details cannot be disclosed due to case sensitivity. Signal maintenance officers confirmed all equipment, including railway crossing gates and signaling devices, were functioning normally.

Of the 30 injured passengers, 14 have been discharged from hospitals, 2 were interviewed previously, and 9 provided statements today. Three foreign nationals remain under follow-up. Sixteen remain hospitalized, with 10 having provided additional statements and 4 in ICU unable to be interviewed. One additional patient has yet to be interviewed. Among the 8 fatalities, 6 have been identified while 2 remain under identification verification.

Investigators collected CCTV footage from 5 key locations: Asok-Dindaeng, Phetchphloen, Rama IX, Narayana, and Research Center intersections to analyze driving behavior and staff performance. Tomorrow (May 20), investigators will conduct a scene reconstruction at 3:00 PM. CCTV footage from Rama IX and Asok-Dindaeng intersections confirms the driver and mechanic remained at the locomotive during passage through both checkpoints.

Declan Rice, Arsenal's midfield captain, posted a photo with a caption after the Gunners officially clinched the Premier League title this season. Arsenal has secured their first league championship in 22 years after Manchester City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth on May 19. With 82 points from 37 matches, Arsenal leads Manchester City by 4 points with only one match left to play.

Following the title win, Rice posted a photo on Instagram with teammates William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Eberechi Eze, captioning it: "I told you all... it's done." This comes after Arsenal's recent defeat to Manchester City had cast doubt on their title chances, when Rice had previously rallied his teammates with the message "It's not over."