Thailand and the US are teaming up to pursue an international call center gang, revealing evidence at the 'Orsamet' facility where operating rooms and medical equipment were discovered, pointing to human organ trafficking networks. On May 8, 2025, at the Royal Thai Police headquarters, Deputy Police Commissioner Pol. Gen. Thatchai Pitanilabut, director of the Anti-Human Trafficking Center, and Hatthaya Kusakul, director of the US and South Pacific Affairs Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with labor ministry representatives, announced results from discussions with the US government following an April 21-25 visit aimed at strengthening cooperation against transnational call center gangs, human trafficking, and forced labor. Hatthaya revealed that Thailand discussed with US agencies responsible for monitoring and assessing global human trafficking situations. Thailand has been ranked Tier 2 for four consecutive years and presented comprehensive anti-trafficking efforts, labor protections, and forced labor solutions, including progress on removing Thai products from lists linked to child and forced labor. She stated that the US praised Thailand's integrated approach across all agencies in prevention, suppression, and policy-making, with particular interest in arrest and prevention statistics. Hatthaya noted that Thailand has implemented stricter measures, including new laws and mechanisms for victim care, alongside capacity development for officials meeting international standards. The US also emphasized concern about online human trafficking and scam gangs in Southeast Asia, noting Americans suffer the highest victim numbers with damages exceeding $10 billion USD, and expressed commitment to joint law enforcement efforts. Pol. Gen. Thatchai stated that the US has special interest in call center gangs across Southeast Asia, particularly networks in Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos that defraud victims from over 40 countries globally, not just Americans. He noted Thailand received praise for establishing a monitoring and victim assistance center for call center gang cases, which the US plans to replicate regionally. He highlighted Thailand's presentation of information on the Orsamet gang, one of the region's largest call center networks with over 10,000 people involved, where facilities contain detention rooms, forced labor sites, torture chambers, operating rooms, X-ray machines, and obstetric equipment. Both Thailand and the US suspect potential links to human organ trafficking networks, currently under expanded investigation. Pol. Gen. Thatchai reported that foreign nationals continue being deceived into Thailand before being trafficked to neighboring countries' call center operations, initially voluntary but becoming forced labor with torture as punishment. He noted information from the Brazilian embassy regarding at least 30 Brazilians tricked into working in Cambodia, alongside victims from Taiwan and Japan, requiring Thailand to urgently block use of its territory as a transit route for these operations.

On May 8, 2025, at the Democrat Party headquarters, Sakolthee Pattiyakul, deputy leader of the Democrat Party overseeing Bangkok, discussed the party's readiness to announce its gubernatorial candidate and all Bangkok Metropolitan Council candidates. The party has now confirmed all 50 district candidates, with a seminar scheduled for Monday, May 11 to brief them on regulations and legal matters.

The gubernatorial candidate announcement is 100 percent ready, pending only personal background clearance. The official launch will take place on May 16 at 9:30 a.m. at party headquarters, featuring the gubernatorial candidate's vision and the unveiling of all 50 district council candidates. Campaign activities are expected to begin the following week.

Regarding the party's Bangkok development policies, Sakolthee explained they combine the party's previous platform with new proposals. While acknowledging that the current governor's work over the past four years has been acceptable and satisfying to many residents, he emphasized that some areas lack visible change—such as public transportation systems, waste management beyond just landfilling, and major infrastructure projects affecting residents' daily lives.

These issues will form the core of the Democrat Party's platform for Bangkok's next four years. The party aims to show Bangkok voters how the city will transform differently under a Democrat governor.

On the Bangkok Metropolitan Council candidates, Sakolthee noted the party has 12 former council members running, with others having strong performances in previous elections under different parties. First-time candidates may be individuals stepping down from national-level positions. The momentum from the party and its leadership in the last election will be a significant advantage, as local Bangkok elections differ considerably from national elections. With smaller constituencies and higher personal connections between candidates and voters, name recognition and local work become more important than in nationwide elections.

When asked about competing against Thai Raksa Chat's Chaiyawat Sathawaravedit and ruling Pheu Thai's Chumphon Silpasuwan, Sakolthee acknowledged both are formidable opponents. Chaiyawat has a strong profile and advantage because Thai Raksa Chat won all Bangkok constituencies in the national election, likely carrying momentum to local races. Regarding incumbent Chumphon, his four years of continuous work is understandably intimidating. However, Sakolthee emphasized the Democrats still have room to compete: the lack of significant development projects and major infrastructure improvements benefiting Bangkok during his tenure. This remains an opportunity for rival parties, particularly the Democrats, to gain ground.

The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) under the Ministry of Commerce, along with the Thai Chamber of Commerce (TCC) and Koelnmesse (KM), has announced the organization of THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2026, the region's most comprehensive food and beverage trade show, scheduled for May 26-30, 2026 at Impact Muang Thong Thani. The event will return bigger, better, and bolder, expecting to attract food buyers and importers from over 130 countries worldwide and generate trade value exceeding 130 billion baht, reinforcing its role as an international food trade platform and supporting Thailand's ambition to become the world's food trading center.

Sunanta Kangwalrk, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion, revealed that each region currently plays an increasing trade role, resulting in supply chain restructuring that has brought significant changes to the food industry, including rising costs that require businesses to manage risks and seek new raw material sources. Additionally, competitive dynamics have shifted, with increased competition in quality, standards, safety, traceability, and new regulations like ESG principles becoming mandatory trade conditions.

"The exhibition's strength lies in being the most comprehensive food and beverage trade show with a crucial role in Asia, bringing together products, innovations, and buyers from around the world in one place, facilitating trade negotiations, business networking, and long-term collaboration opportunities. This year features nearly 3,600 exhibitors with over 6,700 booths from 56 countries, covering major business regions including Asia, Europe, North America, Latin America, and Africa, with an expected attendance of over 90,000 visitors from 130 countries worldwide. The projected purchase value is expected to exceed 130 billion baht, reinforcing the event's role as a critically important international food trade platform in Asia and globally, and supporting the government's policy to position Thailand as the world's food trading center," Sunanta stated.

Sunanta further noted that this year's event will be grander in scale, with expanded space covering Impact Forum Building 4, creating a total exhibition area of 140,000 square meters capable of accommodating more products. The exhibition will be divided into 9 zones: beverages, ready-to-eat food, food technology, frozen food, vegetables and fruits, meat, rice, seafood, and snacks. Each zone will feature diverse offerings including general consumer food, halal food, organic food, health food, specialized nutrition food, future and sustainable food, and more.

Beyond food, beverages, and food technology, visitors will experience numerous interesting activities. Key highlights include a Thai fruit exhibition under the concept "THAILAND: The Land of Tropical Fruits," presenting both fresh Thai fruits and diversified processed products meeting modern consumer needs, along with award-winning products from the Agri-Export Star Pitching Challenge presented by Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supajee Suthanthammakul, reflecting Thailand's agricultural quality and product development potential.

Dr. Kritsana Wachigarailash, Vice Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, stated that the Thai Chamber of Commerce aims for effective business matching at this event to benefit SMEs, startups, and companies of all sizes.

Luang Pu Kalong Techavanno, the renowned Buddhist scholar-monk from Khao Lam Temple in Wang Sombun District, Saraak Province, was affectionately called "Luang Pu Kalong Glass Fang" by his disciples because he was the only senior monk possessing a jade-like tooth in the center of his palate—an ancient belief associated with exceptional spiritual merit.

Born as Nong Nuch on January 10, 1904, in Phetchburi Province, his family later moved to Pathum Thani Province. At age 20, he underwent ordination at Wat Na Boon in Pathum Thani, with Luang Pho Chang from Wat Khian Khet serving as his preceptor. He studied Buddhist philosophy under numerous eminent masters including Luang Pho Niam at Wat Na Boon, Luang Pu Ta at Wat Pha Niang Taek in Nakhon Pathom, Luang Pho Jong at Wat Na Tang Nok in Ayutthaya, Luang Pho Thong Suk at Wat Ton Od Luang in Phetchburi, Phra Ratchamongkhon Muni (Sonthi) at Wat Suthat in Bangkok, and studied the teachings of Luang Pu Suk's lineage at Wat Pak Khlong Maakham Tao.

In his final years, he suffered from a chronic condition characterized by chest tightness and persistent cough, requiring regular medical treatment at hospitals between Bangkok and Saraak Province. Luang Pu Kalong passed away at 1:09 AM on September 13, 2009, at Paolo Memorial Hospital, at the age of 92 with 72 years of monastic life.

Luang Pu Kalong created sacred amulets from 1957 to 2008 across more than ten editions, employing a unique consecration method involving touching the amulet with his jade fang, believed to significantly enhance their spiritual power. These became highly sought-after collectibles.

The most popular edition is the "Wang Sombun Sub-District Coin," created in 1998 by the sub-district administrator and committee to commemorate the elevation to sub-district status. Luang Pu Kalong performed the consecration, producing 20,000 pieces total. The oval-shaped amulet features Luang Pu Kalong in full meditation posture on the obverse, with his right hand over his left. Notable details include Yantra Arahang inscribed on his robes, with the inscription "Techavanno (Kalong) Wat Khao Lam" surrounded by Khmer characters and Buddhist power symbols. The reverse displays Garuda with wings spread, water-drop Yantra above it, and the inscription "Wang Sombun Sub-District, Saraak Province, 1998" below. Though not ancient, this coin has been highly sought after by collectors due to its proven spiritual efficacy.

On Wednesday, April 29, 2025, the Ministry of Culture through the Department of Religious Affairs organized a tribute ceremony for Her Royal Highness Princess Tipangkornratchamichoti Mahavachirotamangkur Sirivibulyratchakumar on the occasion of her birthday. The event was presided over by religious officials and government representatives, including Phra Phrombandit and Prasop Riangngoein, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture, along with Chaipon Sukhiem, Director-General of the Department of Religious Affairs, at Wat Preyurawongsa Temple in Bangkok's Thon Buri district.

The princess is widely recognized for her exemplary volunteer work and charitable dedication. She serves as a role model for young Thais and the nation in performing good deeds with sincere hearts. She actively participates in various royal projects and charitable initiatives, often accompanying the King and other members of the royal family on visits to communities.

The princess demonstrates deep commitment to Buddhism, regularly visiting temples for merit-making and engaging in dharma discussions with senior monks. In 2566 (2023), His Majesty graciously appointed her to represent the throne at several royal merit-making ceremonies, including cloth offering ceremonies at major temples in Bangkok and Saraburi province.

The Department of Religious Affairs coordinated with 76 provincial culture offices throughout Thailand to organize nationwide tribute activities, including Buddhist chanting ceremonies, alms-giving to monks, exhibitions, volunteer community service projects, and other religious and cultural activities honoring the monarchy.

On May 8, 2026, Poonpong Nayanaprakan, Director-General of the Department of Business Development under the Ministry of Commerce, announced the launch of a scanning operation targeting legal entities on the famous tourist islands of Koh Phangan and Koh Samui in Surat Thani province. The operation aims to prevent foreign capital from using Thai nationals as nominee representatives, following viral claims that 'foreigners have already taken control of the islands.'

Data from the scan reveals that 11,426 companies with foreign investment operate on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, accounting for 67.97% of all 16,811 businesses on the two islands. Some of these companies operate legally, while others illegally use Thai citizens as front owners.

The department has prioritized this as an urgent matter requiring concrete enforcement action. It is working proactively with partner agencies that signed a Memorandum of Understanding on April 29, 2026, to prevent and suppress the use of Thai nominees under the concept of 'Heal Economic Wounds, Defeat Nominees,' with plans to prosecute nominee business operators to the fullest extent.

Director-General Poonpong explained that the department has historically prioritized facilitating investment for both Thai and foreign investors over strict business registration oversight, while respecting the good intentions of foreign investors who create jobs and stimulate economic growth. However, some foreign investors have exploited this leniency by using Thai nationals as illegal front owners, causing market distortions and damaging the nation's overall economy.

'From now on, the department will strictly oversee the registration of businesses with foreign investment. Those who invest legally will receive full support as contributors to national prosperity. But those operating in gray areas using Thai nominees to illegally divert profits will face severe punishment as economic criminals undermining the nation,' Director-General Poonpong stated.

Data from the department's scan of Surat Thani province—specifically Koh Phangan and Koh Samui, world-renowned tourist destinations with high risk of nominee business activity—shows that Surat Thani has 21,717 registered companies, with 11,649 (53.6%) involving foreign investment. The top 10 nationalities of investors are: France (2,365 companies, 20%), United Kingdom (1,446, 12%), Russia (1,205, 10%), Israel (1,147, 10%), Germany (608, 5%), China (569, 5%), United States (444, 4%), Australia (335, 3%), Italy (258, 2%), and Belgium (222, 2%).

Koh Phangan has 4,761 registered companies with significant foreign investment involvement.