BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand's House of Representatives has delayed consideration of a 400 billion baht ($11 billion) emergency borrowing decree pending a Constitutional Court ruling on a challenge filed by opposition lawmakers.

During a parliamentary session on May 14, 2026, Second Deputy House Speaker Lertsak Pattanachaiyakul informed lawmakers that the Cabinet had approved a royal decree authorizing the Finance Ministry to borrow funds to address the impact of the energy crisis and support the country's energy transition.

Before House Speaker Sophon Saram could place the decree on the parliamentary agenda, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the opposition People's Party, submitted a petition signed by 135 lawmakers requesting a Constitutional Court review.

The petition contends that the emergency decree may violate Section 172 of Thailand's constitution, which governs the issuance of emergency royal decrees.

According to Section 173 of the constitution, parliamentary consideration of the decree must be suspended until the Constitutional Court issues a decision.

The constitution requires the court to rule within 60 days of receiving the petition and notify the House speaker of its determination.

Should the court find that the decree violates the constitution, the measure will be declared null and void from the beginning. Such a ruling requires approval from at least two-thirds of the sitting Constitutional Court judges—currently six of the court's nine members.

According to local media reports, Sophon filed the petition with the Constitutional Court on May 12, 2026, and the court's office has confirmed receipt of the case.

Wat Koh Lak in Muang District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province is an ancient temple constructed around 1757 that originated as a monastic community during the Ayutthaya period. It was elevated to the status of a royal temple in 1972. The temple is widely respected for "Luang Por Piem Chantachoto," whose monastic name was "Phra Kru Sumedhivorakun," a distinguished abbot and provincial ecclesiastical leader of Prachuap Khiri Khan. He was renowned for his accurate fortune-telling abilities and expertise in astrological practices, and was also skilled in treating illnesses with herbal medicine.

Born into the Thawarnanan family at Ban Na Huai in Tambon Muang Kao, Amphoe Pranburi on Thursday, May 25, 1883, his family worked as farmers. At age five, his mother enrolled him to study Thai and Khmer script with the abbot of Wat Na Huai. At age nine, after a house fire, the family relocated to Ban Sra Chaeng in Nong Chok District, Phetchaburi Province. At age eleven, he studied magic water incantation with Mo Khiao, a renowned master, and learned multiple skills from famous teachers including architecture, drawing, and sculpting.

He was ordained at Wat Lad in Muang District, Phetchaburi Province in 1903 under Phra Kru Suvanmuni as preceptor and Phra Plad Bun as the ceremonial master, receiving the name Chantachoto. He spent five years at Wat Lad studying Buddhist teachings and performing monastic duties diligently. He assisted in constructing Wat Na Huai's ordination hall. In 1915, Phra Kru Suthajarakun transferred to Wat Koh Lak as abbot and provincial ecclesiastical leader, and Luang Por Piem was appointed acting abbot of Wat Na Huai, becoming full abbot in 1916.

While at Wat Na Huai, he studied astrology from Phra Suvanmuni at Wat Mahathat in Phetchaburi and began gaining his reputation in astrological sciences. He governed monks and novices with virtue and renovated temple buildings and facilities systematically. In 1919, he received the rank of Phra Kru Chao Thawan. In 1920, he became a preceptor. In 1930, he became abbot of Wat Koh Lak. In 1931, he was appointed as acting provincial ecclesiastical leader.

In 1924, he was elevated to Phra Kru Sannyabat Phra Kru Sumedhivorakun, serving as assistant provincial leader. In 1941, he was elevated to Phra Kru Medhivorakun and became provincial ecclesiastical leader. In the same year, he received the rank of Phra Rachakhanachao Third Class.

As abbot of Wat Koh Lak and provincial ecclesiastical leader, he demonstrated his full capabilities by utilizing his knowledge for various projects, most notably constructing the magnificent ordination hall, establishing a Buddhist studies school, and developing water facilities for the temple. Beyond his administrative duties conducted with moral principles, he undertook numerous renovation and monastic complex construction projects at various locations. He passed away peacefully on May 29, 1949 from intestinal illness.

Willian Popp, the talented Brazilian striker for Mueang Thong United, has announced his departure from the club, stating that he must say goodbye despite his love for the organization following the expiration of his contract.

Mueang Thong United has been relegated from Thailand's Thai League to Thai League 2 after competing in the top division for more than 17 years.

The Brazilian forward recently announced his farewell, apologizing to supporters during this challenging period while reaffirming his deep affection for the club.

In his emotional post, Popp wrote: "There are moments in life that leave you speechless. My expectations for this club have always been the highest, but this season we were unlucky and made mistakes that put us in this situation. I want to apologize to all the Gilen fans. I know how you feel because this is also a very difficult time for us. But I'm confident the club will come back stronger. I must tell you that I'm saying goodbye to a club I love very much. This is not how I wanted to bid farewell to you, but my contract has ended. I want to leave you with my love and good feelings. I will always be your cheerleader, and I'm confident this club will continue to write a beautiful history.

We played 108 matches together with many wonderful moments. We lost together and we won together. I made many friends and met special people who, from the bottom of my heart, are my true family. These years have been truly special. I want to thank all the coaches, all the staff, all my teammates, and of course all Mueang Thong fans for the love and warmth you've given me. You will always be in my heart. I love you all!"

Index Living Mall is aggressively pursuing growth opportunities amid market challenges, launching the new MIYAZAKI furniture series that draws inspiration from the woodcraft of Miyazaki, a resort town on the southern coast of Japan's Kyushu island. The line blends Japanese design aesthetics with Thai rubber wood in a Modern Tropical style, targeting younger consumers with a 100 million baht sales goal.

On May 14, 2025, Pichpimol Patmasatyanon, Chief Product and Trading Officer at Index Living Mall Public Company Limited (ILM), revealed that amid uncertainty across multiple dimensions, the company is strategically positioning products that emphasize quality alongside affordability. The company is monitoring positive signals from the government regarding the extension of home loan-to-value (LTV) relaxation measures through June 2026, which should bolster the real estate market and drive consumer purchases—benefiting the furniture sector as well.

"Given that today's consumers seek homes reflecting simplicity and connection with nature, we've built on the success of our wooden furniture from three years ago, such as the WASABI, TAKAYAMA, and AOMORI series, which generated over 400 million baht in revenue. Our latest offering, the MIYAZAKI series, takes inspiration from life in Miyazaki city, a resort town on southern Kyushu known for its pine wood industry, where locals traditionally craft furniture and home goods from pine wood. The wood is strong, durable, and adds warmth and simplicity to homes. Thailand's rubber wood shares similar qualities—beautiful natural surface and color, strong, weather-resistant, and offers long-term value."

The MIYAZAKI Series features 23 SKUs covering all lifestyle functions. The collection showcases rubber wood furniture with curved line designs and open structures, complemented by walnut-tone colors that create a resort or vacation home atmosphere. The line is organized across three main areas:

Bedroom (9 SKUs): Headboards feature design elements creating a warm atmosphere, emphasizing organization with wardrobes and soft-close drawers that operate quietly and extend product lifespan. Drawer handles feature a smooth J-shape design. Beds are available in three sizes (3.5/5/6 feet) to suit various spaces.

Living Room (12 SKUs): Features open-view furniture using modular systems with open shelving and coffee tables, allowing flexible space reconfiguration. A highlight is the rocking chair, designed to support the back for maximum comfort.

Dining Room (2 SKUs): Uses soft-edge design on table and chair edges for safety and visual comfort.

The collection connects with nature through home decorations such as Monstera, Indian rubber plants, emerald palm plants, and natural materials including wood, rattan, linen, cotton, ceramic crafts, woven pieces, and reed diffusers.

Chinese superstar Zhao Lusi delivered an unforgettable night for Thai fans at her first overseas solo concert, 'Rosy Zhao Stay Romantic Concert in Bangkok 2026,' held at Impact Arena in Muang Thonburi. The enchanting evening was filled with romantic spirit, marking her debut concert in Thailand with Thai and international fans filling the venue with warm support.

The spectacular production featured impressive artistry with light, color, and sound designed for authentic audience participation. Rather than treating fans as mere spectators, Zhao Lusi positioned them as 'romantic travel companions,' making them integral to the concert's success.

When the superstar took the stage radiating glamour and charm, the crowd erupted with screams of excitement. She was ready to take fans on a journey of joy, breaking away from conventional performance formats with a stage designed to be magical and spiritually connected with the audience.

A major highlight that will remain memorable for Thai fans was a special gift: Zhao Lusi performed a Thai song that she had painstakingly rehearsed. When the song 'Finding Myself... Then I Understand' played with her sweet and clear vocals, it captivated the entire hall, showcasing her deep care and affection for Thai fans.

Each song Zhao Lusi performed was carefully selected to bring joy through diverse emotional narratives and musical styles—from soothing performances to uplifting and energetic numbers that revitalized the audience's spirits.

The concert atmosphere left fans completely impressed. Zhao Lusi gave her all every moment: beautiful vocals, Thai songs, Thai language, and performances infused with Thai charm that will stay with Thai fans' hearts.

Zhao Lusi's commitment was to ensure everyone enjoyed every moment of this memorable evening. Her first concert in Thailand showcased her sincerity in bringing happiness to fans.

'Rosy Zhao Stay Romantic Concert in Bangkok 2026' was more than just a musical performance—it was a means for audiences to rediscover the creative power to build beauty in life anew. It stands as another concert of the year that delivered positive energy to Thai fans.

A 41-year-old suspect wanted for attempted murder and illegal possession of a knife was found dead in a holding cell at Thalang Police Station in Phuket on May 14, 2025. Officers discovered the body in a corner of the cell in a sitting position with rope tied to the cage bars. Initial examination revealed no signs of struggle or injury, with estimates suggesting death occurred within the previous hour. The cell housed three suspects total; the two other inmates stated they had been asleep for about two hours before waking to officers' calls and discovering the body in the cell's secluded corner. CCTV footage showed the deceased pacing anxiously before entering the corner alone. Family members indicated the deceased had a history of drug addiction and anxiety issues, with multiple prior arrests for disorderly conduct and property damage. Most recently, he had been wanted on charges of attempted murder with a knife, allegedly stabbing a victim on April 25. The body was sent for autopsy, with legal procedures underway before the family retrieved it for religious rites.