On May 8, 2026, police officers including Lieutenant Colonel Siam Bunserm, Deputy Lieutenant Colonel Pallop Armlha, and others from Region 3 Police arrested Nakorntorn (28), Rewat (39), and Sarawut (28) at their residence in Muang District, Samut Sakhon Province. Seized materials included 2,076 filled electronic cigarette heads containing atomized liquid, 11 bottles of atomized liquid, one filling machine for cigarette heads, empty cigarette heads, refill kits, 21 grams of ketamine, with total value estimated at 7,576,000 baht.

Police investigation revealed that Nakorntorn and associates were illegally manufacturing and distributing electronic cigarette heads filled with atomized liquid and other drugs throughout Bangkok, frequently relocating their operation to evade arrest. On May 7, officers spotted a white Honda Civic associated with the suspects parked at the residence and conducted surveillance. When police moved in to search, residents panicked and fled. One man jumped from a second-floor window but was captured—identified as Rewat.

During interrogation, the suspects admitted receiving instructions from a Chinese contact via phone. They purchased atomized liquid extract bottles at 125,000 baht each (1.25 liters) from a supplier in Huay Khwang, Bangkok, receiving approximately 10 bottles per transaction. Each bottle could produce roughly 500 cigarette heads, sold at 500-800 baht per unit. Police have taken the suspects into custody for further legal proceedings.

Thailand's Third Army Region has launched its 12th tactical attack drone commander training course, featuring demonstrations of reconnaissance drones, bomb-dropping drones and night-time tactical operations aimed at strengthening the capabilities of the Naresuan Force. The training inspection took place on 8 May at the shooting range of the 310th Military Circle at Fort Wachiraprakarn in Tak province.

Lt. Gen. Worathep Boonya, commander of the Third Army Region and head of the Third Army Region Operations Centre, visited the training programme to monitor the development of military personnel in modern warfare technology. He was welcomed by Col. Narongchai Charoenchai, deputy commander of the Naresuan Force, along with instructors and trainees participating in the course.

According to the army, the programme is designed to improve soldiers' operational skills in the use of tactical unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for security missions, reconnaissance, surveillance and modern military operations. The army said drone technology had become an increasingly important component of contemporary warfare.

During the visit, military personnel demonstrated several types of tactical drones, including reconnaissance drones, bomb-dropping drones, incendiary drones and FPV (first-person view) drones. Officials said the drones could be adapted for intelligence gathering, target tracking, border surveillance and tactical operations, including special operations and night-time bombing missions.

The Third Army Region commander also met trainees and instructors, stressing the importance of adapting to rapidly evolving military technology and new forms of security threats. He praised the Naresuan Force for conducting systematic and modern training in line with the Thai army's push toward a more technology-driven military.

A new family member is on the way! Former actress B Matika Artthakon Siripodom, known as "Phra Maae Matika," the beloved wife of Summit Group heir Korkrit Chulangkul, has announced she is expecting her third child. B Matika shared a warm family video on Instagram with ultrasound images of her baby, revealing the joyful moment on her personal account. She captioned the post in English: "Best birthday gift ever welcome no. 3 to our family." Following the post's release, both entertainment industry colleagues and fans rushed to comment with congratulations for the mother-to-be and her family. Actress May Pichitnart, who is also expecting, commented "Yay, I have a pregnant friend now." Credit: Instagram @bb_matika

Prime Minister Anuthın Charnweerakul remained publicly neutral on May 9, 2569 at Royal Thai Air Force Base 2, Squadron 6, regarding a Civil Service Commission (CSC) resolution involving the transfer of former Interior Ministry officials Chaiyavat Junthirapongse, former director-general of the Department of Local Administration, and Naruesha Khosaasivilai, former director-general of the Department of Community Development. The CSC ruled the transfers by then-Interior Minister Bhumitham Vejyachai and Permanent Secretary Arrsisit Samphanrat were unlawful, prompting both officials to plan legal action against the permanent secretary.

When asked if the dispute would impact ministry work, Anuthın stated firmly it would not, calling them separate matters. "This is a matter of discretionary use and CSC authority, which is an independent agency," he said. "Those affected can proceed through proper legal channels without affecting Interior Ministry operations."

Anuthın further distanced himself from the controversy, saying: "To put it simply, I'm not involved. I'm still Interior Minister, so everyone must follow my policies to alleviate suffering and promote public welfare—that's what matters." When asked if he would take sides, the PM declined, saying at his age any grudge would be expired anyway, and involvement would turn it into ministerial interference rather than a personal matter.

Prime Minister Anusit Charnveerakul confirmed that an emergency decree authorizing the Finance Ministry to borrow 400 billion baht has been officially proclaimed in the Royal Gazette. The funds are intended to address impacts from the energy crisis and facilitate Thailand's energy transition. Speaking at Don Mueang military airport on May 9, 2025, PM Anusit pledged that he and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithaprach, along with all cabinet ministers overseeing budget allocations, will exercise strict oversight to ensure funds reach the public directly without intermediary projects. He emphasized the money will be used to alleviate public hardship and improve quality of life and living costs to the maximum extent possible.

When asked whether potential legal challenges would delay projects using these funds, PM Anusit responded that the decree has already received royal approval and been published in the Royal Gazette, making it legally binding. He stated: "His Majesty has graciously approved this emergency decree. As Prime Minister, I am responsible for its implementation. Whether it succeeds or fails, I bear full responsibility. I hope this will bring benefits and I guarantee there will be no misappropriation of even a single baht. All cabinet ministers who approved this decree will oversee its implementation to maximize benefits for the country and the people."

TRAT — Far from the crowds of Phuket and Samui, Koh Kut remains one of Thailand's quietest and most beautiful island destinations — a place where jungle-covered hills meet crystal-clear seas and life still moves at a slower pace. Located near the Cambodian border in eastern Thailand's Trat province, Koh Kut — also spelled Koh Kood — is Thailand's fourth-largest island, yet it has managed to avoid large-scale development and mass tourism. Instead of beach clubs and traffic jams, visitors are greeted by coconut trees, wooden piers, fishing villages and long stretches of white sand beaches that often feel almost untouched. Koh Kut is best known for its stunning beaches and unusually clear water, especially during the dry season from November to April. Among the island's most popular beaches are Ao Tapao, Klong Chao and Bang Bao, where soft white sand and calm shallow water create postcard-like scenery. Unlike many major tourist islands, Koh Kut still feels peaceful even during high season, with many resorts spread far apart allowing visitors to enjoy quiet beaches and uninterrupted sea views. Sunset on the island is another highlight, with orange skies reflecting across calm waters and wooden fishing boats. Beyond the beaches, Koh Kut also offers lush rainforest and waterfalls hidden inside the island's tropical interior. Klong Chao Waterfall is among the island's best-known natural attractions, featuring freshwater pools where visitors can swim beneath cascading water surrounded by dense jungle. Motorbike rides through the island's quiet roads are also popular, passing rubber plantations, small villages and forested hills. Compared with Thailand's more commercialised islands, Koh Kut offers a more laid-back atmosphere focused on nature and relaxation. Traditional fishing communities remain an important part of Koh Kut's identity. At Ao Salad village in the island's north, wooden houses stand above the water while fishing boats move slowly through narrow canals, with fresh seafood restaurants serving locally caught crab, squid and shrimp. Visitors looking for a quieter experience often choose Koh Kut over nearby islands because of its slower pace and limited nightlife. Most travellers reach Koh Kut by taking a ferry or speedboat from Laem Sok Pier in Trat province, with ferries usually taking between 60 and 90 minutes depending on weather and sea conditions. Flights from Bangkok to Trat are also available, though many visitors choose to travel by bus or private car before continuing by boat. While internet access and modern facilities are available on the island, Koh Kut remains far less developed than Thailand's major beach destinations — part of the reason many visitors fall in love with it. For travellers seeking clear seas, quiet beaches and a slower island atmosphere, Koh Kut continues to stand out as one of Thailand's most beautiful coastal escapes.