Matichon and AIS hosted a major seminar showcasing the Board of Investment's (BOI) strategy to capture the third wave of foreign investment, targeting three new industries to position Thailand as a global business center. BOI Secretary-General Naruethep Terdsteeraksak stated that the current timing represents a critical opportunity for Thailand to leverage investment to restructure the economy. Thailand has experienced two previous major investment waves, and is now entering the third wave, driven by trade wars and technological competition.

The first investment wave occurred 60 years ago when the Thai government established the BOI to offer the first trade privileges, emphasizing resource and labor-intensive industries to attract foreign investment. The second wave emerged after 1985 following the Plaza Accord, which forced the Japanese yen to strengthen rapidly, compelling Japanese manufacturers to relocate production. Thailand became their primary manufacturing base, resulting in Japanese investment projects skyrocketing from 10-15 annually to nearly 200.

The third wave centers on technology and innovation, driven by three key factors: AI advancement, electric vehicles, batteries and robotics; sustainability and ESG standards with green investment growth; and geopolitical considerations reshaping global supply chains. In 2024, global foreign direct investment declined 11%, but ASEAN increased 8%, making the region a strategic investment "Bright Spot."

Thailand stands out for its stable infrastructure, reliable power systems, quality industrial estates, and comprehensive supply chains. An A.T. Kearney survey ranked Thailand 20th globally and second in ASEAN after Singapore for investment destinations. Q1 2025 figures show investment applications totaling over 1 trillion baht across more than 600 projects—a 2.4-fold increase, with digital sectors including data centers and cloud services leading, followed by electronics and automotive.

The BOI targets six strategic industries as economic drivers: Bio & Green leveraging food, clean energy and medical strengths; EV ecosystem development from manufacturing to charging stations; advanced semiconductors and electronics targeting IC design; AI infrastructure and applications; Automation & Robotics including humanoid robots; and International Business Centers attracting regional headquarters and distribution hubs to Thailand.

The Home Building Contractors Association expressed concern on May 11, 2569 about contractor abandonment cases that have caused widespread harm to consumers who planned to build homes but ended up with nothing. Association chairman Anon Kor Amonwathee revealed that the association has analyzed the root causes of these problems to provide guidance for preventing contractor abandonment nationwide.

The increasing abandonment cases reflect pressure from continuously rising construction costs amid fierce price competition, forcing many contractors to face shrinking profit margins. Some have been unable to continue operations because selling prices do not reflect their actual costs. When they run out of liquidity and have no new projects flowing in, the damage directly affects consumers who don't get their promised homes, creating a difficult-to-remedy cycle of harm.

Consumers planning to build homes are particularly vulnerable to marketing strategies that set "unrealistically low prices"—selling prices that don't reflect the real costs of certain contracting companies trying to attract customers.

"When selling prices don't reflect actual costs, contractor abandonment problems become increasingly visible, forcing many contractors to face shrinking profits, with some unable to continue operations. When they lack liquidity and no new projects circulate, consumers directly suffer by not receiving their promised homes, creating a widespread damage cycle," Anon Kor said.

To prevent homes from becoming ruins, the association recommends six ways to choose professional, standardized contractors operating under legal supervision:

1. Beware of "unrealistically low prices." Prices significantly below market average are the first danger signal, since quality work has standard costs including management and comprehensive service. Professional home builders have more comprehensive oversight systems from design through complex engineering, and appropriate costs are critical variables ensuring smooth and stable construction.

2. Verify legal entity status. Hiring a verifiable legal entity with clear company location and registered capital ensures someone remains responsible throughout the contract, from construction start to delivery—unlike individual contractors or Facebook pages that can easily disappear.

3. Contracts must follow OTCC standards. Standard contracts must specify detailed work and tight responsibilities according to Consumer Protection Office guidelines, including clear timelines starting from the construction license date, detailed material specifications like brand, model, and grade, penalty clauses for delays, and warranties.

4-6. [Incomplete in source material]

BANGKOK — May 11, 2026. Thailand's Cabinet is set to hold urgent discussions on Tuesday about securing broadcasting rights for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with hopes that Thai viewers will once again be able to watch the tournament at no cost.

A Government House source said the issue would be brought up during the Cabinet meeting on May 12 due to tight deadlines in negotiations with FIFA, world football's governing body.

The 2026 World Cup will run from June 11 to July 19, 2026, across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

According to the source, the government views this matter as urgent, aiming to ensure the public can access the global football tournament without subscription fees.

Officials said the policy aims to provide entertainment for the public while encouraging young people to develop interest in sports and healthy living.

Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul previously stated the government was working toward the best possible broadcast arrangement, though the state cannot directly purchase the rights and will instead seek partnerships with the private sector.

Last week, Anutin also met with the chairman of Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) to discuss the matter, with further details expected after Tuesday's Cabinet meeting.

The Thai Newspaper Association, under Royal Patronage, honored the 'Young Monks: Cultivating Wisdom and Virtue' program with the 2025 'Organization Contributing to Media Profession, Education, Society, and Nation' award. The ceremony was presided over by former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai. The program, initiated by Supachai Jearawanont, Senior Vice President of Charoen Pokphand Group and CEO of True Corporation, aims to transmit Buddhist teachings and promote moral values to young Thai people through 31-day ordination experiences. The reality-dharma series broadcasts live across multiple True channels and platforms nationwide, allowing viewers to learn alongside the young monks and apply Buddhist principles to daily life.

Entering its 12th consecutive year, the program operates from Wat Thawee Tham (Rai Saeng Ngam) in Nakhon Ratchasima province, guided by the concept 'Land of Dharma, Land of Thailand: Love, Learn, Persevere, Give with Conscious Hearts.' The initiative is designed to cultivate youth through mindfulness, wisdom, virtue, and a spirit of generosity by immersing them in Buddhist practices for one full month. Former PM Chuan Leekpai presented the honor to Supachai Jearawanont and the project team at the Thai Life Insurance auditorium in Bangkok.

On May 11, 2026, at the Narcotics Suppression Bureau headquarters, Deputy Police Commissioner Samran Nueammar and a team of senior officers announced the arrest of Ratchanon (Nont), age 20, who served as the truck driver transporting the drugs, and Wipat (Toon), age 39, who acted as a scout driver. Officers seized 300 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, a green Isuzu truck used for transport, a black MG vehicle used for reconnaissance, two mobile phones, and other assets valued at approximately 33 million baht.

The arrests followed an investigation into a drug trafficking network operating in Bangkok that smuggled narcotics from Northeastern provinces for storage and distribution. The Bureau learned that on May 10, 2026, the network planned to transport drugs from the Northeast into Bangkok and surrounding areas for sale. When officers spotted the vehicles traveling along Mittraphap Road (Highway 2) in Sikhiew District, Nakhon Ratchasima, they conducted a search and discovered the methamphetamine in the Isuzu truck.

During interrogation, Ratchanon admitted to picking up the drugs in Nakhon Phanom Province for delivery to major dealers in Bangkok. Wipat confessed to serving as a scout driver under orders from someone named Khit and received 250,000 baht cash for this shipment. Both suspects have been charged with trafficking in Category 1 narcotics (crystal methamphetamine) without authorization for commercial purposes, with intent to distribute and threaten public safety and national security. They have been transferred to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau for further investigation and to the Public Prosecutor's Office for prosecution.

The family of young singer James Ruangsakdi Loychusak and his wife Teacher Ploykoy Natcha is overflowing with joy following the healthy arrival of their second daughter, 'Mee Metta.' On May 11, 2025, the couple opened up about their journey to parenthood at Vichaiyuth Hospital, accompanied by Dr. Kamlabhat Wichakphan, an obstetrician specializing in maternal and fetal medicine.

James expressed his gratitude: "I'd like to thank Vichaiyuth Hospital for taking excellent care of our family. Thank you to all the doctors, nurses, and staff who made us feel warm, safe, and happy."

Regarding their newborn's health, Ploykoy shared: "The baby is perfectly healthy with good weight, and my health is excellent too. At 42 years old, carrying a second child has been smooth and healthy."

James added: "The baby is very strong. She cried loudly right from opening her eyes, crying all the way through cleaning and weighing. The doctor said this is a good sign, indicating her lungs and other systems are working normally."

When asked about Ploykoy's first impression seeing the baby, she became emotional: "I told myself not to get dramatic or sentimental since this is our second child, but I couldn't help it. When they showed her to me, she looked almost 90% like what we saw on the ultrasound—the nose, eyes, eyebrows, and skin all matched."

Ploykov revealed they had her cervix stitched starting around three months into pregnancy to prevent premature delivery. She maintained careful self-care regarding diet, emotions, rest, and used a wheelchair during the later stages of pregnancy.

Dr. Wichakphan noted: "Ploykoy's case wasn't particularly difficult because she took excellent care of herself. My main concerns were her age—42 years old—which increases risks for gestational diabetes and chromosomal issues, but all tests passed, even the diabetes screening. Her cervix was short due to previous surgeries, so we monitored her regularly and provided medication. Everything went smoothly."

James expressed his emotions: "I was very excited. This time, I got to be in the operating room from the moment the doctor made the incision and witnessed the actual birth. Hearing the first cry was touching. When I saw the baby was complete, with good skin and weight and loud crying, it felt like a mountain lifted from my chest. Now I just need to figure out how to pay tuition!"

Regarding who the baby resembles, James noted several people say she looks like him, while Ploykoy noticed the baby has her eyebrows and is developing double eyelids like hers.