On May 13, 2025, the Thai Meteorological Department issued its second warning (No. 62/2569) regarding heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds in the Andaman Sea, effective from May 14-18, 2025. During this period, rainfall will increase across northern, central, eastern, and southern Thailand, with some areas experiencing very heavy downpours that may cause flash flooding and flash floods, particularly in foothill areas and low-lying zones near waterways.

The severe weather is caused by a strengthening low-pressure system moving from the lower to upper Bay of Bengal, combined with an intensifying southwest monsoon across the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. Sea conditions will deteriorate significantly, with the Andaman Sea experiencing 2-3 meter waves, exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. The upper Gulf of Thailand will see approximately 2-meter waves, exceeding 2 meters during thunderstorms.

The public is advised to be cautious of heavy rainfall and accumulated water that could cause flooding. Fishermen should exercise extreme caution and avoid sailing in thunderstorm areas. Small boats in the Andaman Sea should remain ashore during this period. The public is encouraged to monitor updates from the Thai Meteorological Department via their website (tmd.go.th) or by calling 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182, available 24/7.

Provincial Impact Areas:

May 14: Heavy rainfall expected in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Tak (north); Loei (northeast); Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi (central); Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chanthaburi, Trat (east); and Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, Satun (south).

May 15: Very heavy rainfall in Tak, Kanchanaburi, and Phetchaburi. Heavy rainfall in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun (north); Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Sisaket, Ubon Ratchathani (northeast); Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Ratchaburi (central); Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat (east); and Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Trang, Satun, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi (south).

May 16: Very heavy rainfall in Tak and Kanchanaburi. Heavy rainfall in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet (north); Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon (northeast).

Deputy Governor Don Nakhonthap of the Bank of Thailand's Monetary Policy Division stated at the first Monetary Policy Forum of 2569 that prolonged conflict has impacted Thailand's economy on two dimensions. First, economic growth is expected to slow to 1.5% this year, down from 2.3% in a scenario without the conflict. Second, inflation is likely to rise to 4-5% from the 2-3% range at the start of the year, though officials consider this a temporary spike with inflation expected to moderate next year, depending on when the conflict resolves.

"While inflation may reach 4-5%, we see no signals of stagflation, and this inflation level is not exceptionally high compared to the Russia-Ukraine war period when inflation hit 7-8%, prompting the Monetary Policy Committee to raise rates," Nakhonthap said, noting the current situation does not yet warrant immediate rate increases but requires close monitoring.

Prahnee Sutthisri, Senior Director of the Macroeconomic Division, said the conflict situation remains highly uncertain, depending on intensity and duration. The baseline scenario assumes the conflict will be resolved in the first half of the year with shipping through the Hormuz Strait disrupted only through mid-year before normalizing. Oil prices are expected to remain elevated in the first half before easing in the second half, with crude prices averaging $100 per barrel this year and declining to $80 in 2026, though still higher than pre-conflict levels.

Under a worst-case scenario, the conflict would drag through the entire year with sustained shipping disruptions and oil price spikes, potentially causing supply chain disruptions that impact production and employment.

Regarding the emergency loan decree, the first 200-billion-baht tranche through direct assistance and state welfare card transfers is already factored into the 0.6% GDP growth estimate. The second 200-billion-baht phase is expected to have minimal impact this year pending economic developments.

Surach Thaenbun, Director of Monetary Policy, said preliminary assessments indicate limited risk of second-round inflation effects. However, officials will closely monitor business pricing and medium-term inflation expectations, as this supply-side shock is substantial. "Maintaining the current policy rate accommodates uncertainty across multiple economic scenarios," Surach explained, noting that raising rates too quickly could further dampen the economy while cutting rates might inadequately manage inflation risks given current uncertainty. The Monetary Policy Committee considers the current 1.0% annual policy rate appropriate for supporting economic recovery as inflation remains elevated.

On May 12, 2025, Chanthaburi police special operations unit, under the direction of Deputy Provincial Police Commander Pol. Col. Arakhpon Sunthravibat, Investigation Chief Pol. Col. Phirappol Sailarat, and Deputy Investigation Chief Pol. Maj. Thanadej Lapmala, executed a search warrant from Chanthaburi Provincial Court (No. 58/2569) at a residence in Ta Chang Subdistrict, Muang District, Chanthaburi. This followed up on a previous arrest on February 25, 2024, when officers apprehended two suspects and seized 429 bank account books, 397 ATM cards, 259 SIM cards, and 68 mobile phones linked to technology-enabled crimes involving the sale of fraudulent bank accounts.

Investigators identified a 27-year-old suspect named Atiṭ as the orchestrator of the horse account procurement operation. Officers obtained arrest warrant No. 110/2568 on February 27, 2024, and successfully apprehended him at his residence.

During the search, police seized numerous items including one ketamine-laced e-cigarette liquid cartridge (brand "PotK"), one e-cigarette device, one unregistered 9mm Norinco semi-automatic handgun, one magazine pouch, and eight 9mm ammunition rounds. Additional seized assets included 1.5 million baht in cash and two iPhone models (15 Pro Max and 16 Pro Max).

The suspect faces charges under the Customs Act of 2017, illegal possession of Category 2 psychoactive substances (ketamine), and unauthorized possession of firearms and ammunition. He was transferred to Muang Chanthaburi Police Station for further legal proceedings.

CHAIYAPHUM — South Korea has halted recruitment of seasonal agricultural and fishery workers from four Thai provinces following widespread cases of Thai workers abandoning their posts, according to Thai labour officials.

Chutima Jumangmo, director of the Chaiyaphum Provincial Employment Office, confirmed that workers from the province had fled their employers while participating in South Korea's E-8 seasonal worker visa programme.

The suspension affects Chaiyaphum, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, and Maha Sarakham provinces for the entire 2026 calendar year, effective from 1 January through 31 December. South Korean authorities imposed the restriction after reporting a high rate of Thai workers abandoning their positions, which undermined confidence in the programme.

The E-8 visa scheme is designed to permit Thai workers to undertake seasonal employment in South Korea's agricultural and fishing industries under a bilateral agreement between the two nations.

Chutima clarified that the suspension applies solely to E-8 visa workers and does not impact Thai nationals working in South Korea under alternative labour programmes.

Data from the provincial employment office shows that 103 Chaiyaphum workers travelled to South Korea during the current fiscal year, with 94 sent through the Labour Ministry and seven through private recruitment agencies.

Among these workers, 10 fled their employers upon arrival in South Korea under the E-8 programme, breaching the agreement and prompting South Korea's decision to blacklist the province.

Chutima noted that two Chaiyaphum workers who departed on 5 May and 12 May would also face restrictions and cannot work under the E-8 scheme for the remainder of 2026.

Thai authorities cautioned that workers who abandon overseas employment face potential arrest, imprisonment, deportation, and permanent exclusion from future international work opportunities.

An elderly woman living alone was startled when a large monitor lizard ran into her home and hid under a table. With poor eyesight, she mistook it for a crocodile and fled to lock herself in the bedroom, calling her grandchild for help. Neighbors who came to watch the rescue didn't miss the opportunity to note the house number for lottery luck.

On May 13, 2569, authorities from Phi Thong Subdistrict Municipality received an emergency call to capture a large monitor lizard at the home of 78-year-old Yai Toom in Moo 6, Ang Kaeng Subdistrict, Phi Thong District, Ang Thong Province. When officers arrived, Yai Toom explained that she was alone at home when she saw the large monitor lizard run inside and hide under her table, frightening her so much she thought it was a crocodile. She quickly fled to her bedroom and called her grandson for help. Only then did they realize it was a monitor lizard, not a crocodile.

Ms. Ratha Tapian Thong and the Phi Thong Subdistrict Municipality disaster prevention team then carefully captured the lizard hiding beneath the table, using a rope loop around its neck. The capture took approximately 5 minutes before the animal was successfully removed and safely released along the Mae Noi River. Meanwhile, onlookers who gathered to watch didn't waste the opportunity to note down the house number, hoping to use it for their lottery tickets.

After announcing her third pregnancy, Bee Matika has shared candid details about experiencing severe morning sickness at age 40—worse than with her previous pregnancies. The expectant mother detailed struggling with intense nausea, shortness of breath, insomnia, acid reflux, vomiting, and dizziness. In a heartfelt post, she wrote: "Reviewing pregnancy at 40—the morning sickness is worse than ever. Even breathing is exhausting. Some nights I can't sleep. I try to exercise but without enough rest, I get dizzy. Acid reflux, vomiting, dizziness. But I've experienced all these symptoms before. I'm mentally prepared for them, but I've never actually overcome them. Usually I suffer for five months—I'm hoping for just three this time, for my precious child."

Fans and other mothers have flooded the comments with encouragement and support, sharing their own morning sickness experiences. Many followers expressed disbelief that Bee Matika is expecting her third child, remarking that she still looks youthful and beautiful as ever.