Thai rescue teams are continuing efforts to reach seven workers trapped inside a flooded gold mining cave in Laos, with rescuers saying they are now believed to be just 30 metres away from the point where the survivors may be sheltering.

The men have been trapped inside the cave in Long Chaeng district, Xaisomboun province, since 19 May after heavy rain caused water to rush into the tunnel and block the entrance.

Thai rescue personnel joined the operation after Lao authorities formally requested assistance. Around 26 rescuers and volunteers travelled from Nong Khai to Laos before being transported closer to the remote site by helicopter provided by Lao authorities.

Among those participating in the mission is Thai rescue worker and influencer Jakkrid Tangtang, also known as "Pon Jakkrid", who shared video footage from inside the cave showing extremely difficult conditions.

The footage revealed narrow muddy passages where rescuers were forced to crawl one by one through darkness using only rescue lights.

Rescue leader Kengkaj Bongkaowong said teams believe the trapped workers may have moved to a higher area inside the cave to escape rising floodwaters. He added that rescuers are now only about 30 metres from the elevated point where survivors are believed to be waiting for help.

Authorities said the route from the cave entrance to the suspected location stretches around 340 metres, with some sections only about 60 centimetres high.

Rescuers are also facing major obstacles from continuous rainfall, rising water levels and low oxygen inside the tunnel, forcing operations to pause at times.

According to local reports, about 10 villagers had entered the tunnel to search for gold when flash flooding struck during heavy rain. Three workers managed to escape, while seven others became trapped inside.

As Vietnam's top leader prepares for his first official visit to Thailand, one stop on the itinerary carries a deeply personal and historical meaning far beyond diplomacy. To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of Vietnam, is scheduled to travel to Udon Thani during his 27-29 May visit to Thailand to pay tribute at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site and meet the Vietnamese-Thai community living in northeastern Thailand. The memorial site, located in Chiang Phin subdistrict, preserves memories of a little-known chapter in the life of Vietnamese revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, who once lived quietly in Udon Thani nearly a century ago. Ho Chi Minh arrived in Thailand in 1928 while Vietnam was still under French colonial rule. During his time in Udon Thani, he reportedly lived among the local Vietnamese community while organising political activities and seeking support for Vietnam's independence movement. According to historical records preserved at the site, Ho Chi Minh farmed, trained followers and helped mobilise Vietnamese migrants in Thailand during the anti-colonial struggle. He also joined local residents in community activities, including helping construct temples in Udon Thani before later travelling through Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom and eventually returning to Vietnam. Vietnam declared independence from France in 1945, and Ho Chi Minh later became the founding president of modern Vietnam. Today, the memorial site has been transformed into a historical learning centre and museum managed with support from the local Vietnamese-Thai community. The compound features a recreated traditional wooden house where Ho Chi Minh once stayed, complete with simple furnishings, vegetable plots, rice storage huts and livestock pens designed to reflect rural life during that period. The museum also displays old photographs, documents and exhibitions detailing the history of Vietnamese migrants in Thailand and Ho Chi Minh's years in the kingdom. Officially opened in 2006, the memorial site has become both a tourist attraction and a symbol of long-standing ties between Thailand and Vietnam. To Lam's visit comes as the two countries mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026 and deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

At 3:30 p.m. on May 25, 2569, four suspects wearing hijabs and riding two motorcycles opened fire on Police Lieutenant Colonel Adul, stationed at Yarang Police Station in Pattani. He sustained injuries from the gunfire. His wife, Fatimah Mueah, a teacher at Prasarn Witaya Foundation School, was killed in her vehicle while holding their infant child.

The incident occurred near Prasarn Witaya Foundation School in Yarang District, Pattani, while the family was parked waiting to pick up another child. The suspects fled the scene. The wounded officer was transported to the hospital, and authorities established perimeter security and checkpoints to pursue the perpetrators and prevent further attacks. An investigation is ongoing to identify and prosecute those responsible.

The Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 issued a statement condemning the brutal and inhumane act that violated religious principles. The command expressed deep condolences to the victim's family and those affected by the incident, and vowed to pursue the perpetrators through the legal system expeditiously. The attack not only targeted a state official but also claimed an innocent life, undermining public safety and reflecting the perpetrators' complete disregard for human dignity.

On May 25, 2569, Chonnaput Naksua, Songkhla MP from the Kla Tham Party, posted on Facebook that following news of the DSI requesting permission from Parliament to summon him for investigation according to legal procedures, he wishes to clarify that from the outset, he has been prepared to enter the proper investigation process and has voluntarily provided information to the DSI. He believes that when society has doubts, lawmakers must be ready for transparent examination through proper legal channels.

Chonnaput stated that the DSI must proceed according to constitutional and legal procedures in full. During Parliament's open session, approval from the House is required to ensure everything complies with the rule of law and prevents future procedural flaws. For him, this matter represents an opportunity to prove himself through straightforward legal processes, and he is fully prepared to cooperate.

He stressed that he will continue performing his parliamentary duties at full capacity for the people. Once the session closes, he will enter the investigation process. He expressed willingness to set a new standard for Parliament and hopes this benchmark will be consistently applied throughout Thailand for any future cases involving other individuals facing suspicion, urging the House Speaker not to show favoritism toward him alone.

Finally, Chonnaput thanked the public for their support and reaffirmed his readiness to enter all legal processes with a clear conscience, while continuing to work for the people to the best of his abilities.

Tha Sae District Seals Meeting Room for Surprise Drug Testing of 116 Village Leaders without Prior Notice, Shocking Local Officials. At 9:00 AM on May 25, 2569, within the Tha Sae District Administration office in Chumphon Province, District Officer Pisit Rit Thipichaisonkram called a meeting with kamnan (sub-district headmen), village headmen, assistant village headmen, kamnan officials, and sub-district physicians from all 116 villages to brief them on routine government business. However, after the meeting concluded, tension immediately filled the room when the district officer ordered Deputy District Officer Amnat Techa Wanto of the security section, along with Civil Defense volunteers, to seal all entrances and exits of the meeting room to prevent participants from leaving the area. Officials then used a lottery method to call each sub-district group in turn to undergo mandatory urine testing for both men and women with no exceptions. Sithichai Chujin, Head of Public Health for Tha Sae District, led a team of medical personnel from 17 health centers in conducting strict inspections. District Officer Pisit revealed that this operation was a policy from the Ministry of Interior and Department of Local Administration aimed at intensifying efforts to combat drug problems among local leaders, who are important community figures. He emphasized that if positive results were found, confirmatory testing would be conducted at a hospital to determine whether the substances came from actual drugs or prescribed medications. However, if confirmed to involve narcotics, disciplinary, administrative, and criminal proceedings would be initiated immediately. Preliminary results from the urine tests found no individuals with narcotics or positive results. The operation concluded to praise from various sectors who viewed it as a proactive measure to assure the public that local leaders in the area must set good examples and be truly free from drug use. Although no offenders were found, this operation served as a clear signal that drug suppression efforts in the Chumphon area continue seriously and no one is above scrutiny.

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit visited the site to monitor progress on the Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026, scheduled from November 1, 2569 to March 14, 2570 at the Nong Daet wetland in Muang Udon Thani District. Deputy Minister Wachraphon Khaokham and representatives from government agencies, local bodies, private sector, and the public attended the inspection.

Suriya revealed that the expo represents an important international event for Thailand and marks the world's first full-scale horticultural exposition held entirely on a wetland area. Operating under the theme "Diversity of Life: Connecting People, Water and Plants for Sustainable Living," the event aims to integrate agricultural development with people, water, plants, ecosystems, technology, and a balanced green economy.

As of May 15, 2569, overall construction progress reached approximately 77.47 percent, with major structural works including reception buildings, pavilions, greenhouses, bridges, walkways, and utility systems nearing completion. Landscape architecture, systems work, and remaining display area preparations are underway to ensure the event opens on schedule with international standards.

Suriya instructed all related agencies that despite over 70 percent progress, the remaining time is critical to ensure quality and standards in all areas, creating beautiful, safe spaces that reflect Thailand's positive image. Budget management must be transparent and benefit the public and nation.

The minister emphasized preparing accommodations for visitors, including transportation, public transit, parking, safety systems, emergency medical services, dining, lodging, and connections to major Udon Thani attractions through public-private integration.

"Udon Thani is not merely a venue but reflects the potential of the Northeast to serve as a hub for horticulture, high-value agriculture, ecotourism, and green economy—ready to welcome visitors worldwide."

Suriya added that the 2569 expo is not merely an exhibition but a "new green economy engine" for the Northeast. It is projected to attract 3.6 million visitors, generate circulation revenue exceeding 32 billion baht, add economic value over 20 billion baht, and create approximately 81,000 jobs. Benefits will extend to the public and tourism sectors including hotels, restaurants, transportation, community enterprises, farmers, and local entrepreneurs.

The Agriculture Ministry also emphasizes post-expo development or Expo Legacy, preparing the Nong Daet area to become a world-class public garden, youth activity center, and additional community benefit facilities.