The Anuthin government cabinet has approved and confirmed 31 pending draft laws to move forward with the new parliament, but it's particularly disappointing that none includes the Article 256 constitutional amendment draft, which serves as the first step toward drafting a new constitution. This forces the parliamentary process to restart from zero, despite over 20 million voters approving a new constitution in the referendum held alongside the 2025 elections. Prime Minister Anuthin, known for his "say it and do it" campaign slogan, previously stated that the referendum mandate for a new constitution was urgent. Yet his 19-page policy statement to parliament contains no constitutional amendment policy whatsoever, raising doubts about how sincere his repeated claims to obey the people's will and serve them as the master truly are. What exactly is he doing? Although officials claim that urgent priorities are addressing cost-of-living and economic problems first, this effectively signals that the government considers constitutional reform less important—a decision that will leave us trapped in this flawed system. We'll continue to have independent organizations that can't investigate anything and can make bewildering rulings in countless cases—from a mother's ring, to a friend's watch, to proposals to amend laws in parliament. We have National Anti-Corruption Commission members accused of accepting gold bribes from the police chief who still perform their duties as if nothing happened. We have a bizarre election system that somehow becomes transparent and pure, with no one able to question it. We have strict ethics codes applied selectively—strict for some, lenient for others—while ordinary citizens can only watch helplessly. This is what a government born from elections chose to tell us remains unimportant. Every citizen must remember this is how things really are. Checkmate.

Authorities are intensifying interrogation of a shooting instructor and navy officer suspected of supplying M4 rifles to Chinese nationals at approximately 200,000 baht per unit, following the discovery of military weapons and C4 explosives in Huai Yai, Banglamung district, Chachoengsao province on May 9, 2026. Police have detained Khachon, a shooting instructor, and Pol. Lt. Cmdr. Methee, a navy officer, for additional questioning after discovering their involvement in procuring weapons for a Chinese suspect. Preliminary investigation reveals that Khachon purchased the rifles from Pol. Lt. Cmdr. Methee Naramoy of the Royal Thai Navy for 200,000 baht. Police are currently investigating financial transactions, communications, and connections between all involved parties at Najomtien Police Station to determine whether there is an organized weapons smuggling network operating in the area.

At 4 p.m. on May 9, 2025, Bangkok Deputy Governor Vishnu Saipharunpol and Department of Public Works officials inspected the site of the road collapse occurring during construction of a drainage system and siphon pipe for the Sai Fai intersection underpass project. The contractor, Kamphaengphet Vivattana Construction Company Limited, is investigating the cause of the 5-meter stretch of severe subsidence that injured one motorcycle rider.

Prof. Dr. Amorn Pimmanmas, chairman of the Structural Engineers Association of Thailand and faculty member of the engineering department, analyzed photos showing subsidence in a single lane with the road cracking in a V-shape. This indicates loss of soil base support rather than surface pavement damage. He identified four possible causes: 1) Underground pipes or utility vaults such as electrical conduit junction boxes may have leaked at connection points, allowing soil to flow into the vaults; 2) recent rainfall may have softened the soil, making it more susceptible to flow; 3) nearby construction work involving excavation or ground exposure could allow soil movement; and 4) broken water or drainage pipes allowing water to wash away soil.

Relevant agencies must inspect underground utilities in the area. While this collapse appears less severe than the recent Vajira Hospital road collapse, which occurred near the underground railway construction, authorities should monitor for further expansion, particularly during rainy seasons when saturated soil flows more easily. Officials should use underground scanning equipment to check for cavities at regular intervals, as even small voids can pose hazards to drivers.

The Junior Ballers League (JB League) 2026 season officially kicked off on May 9, 2026, for the 10-11 year-old age group with an exciting and highly anticipated opening day. The atmosphere was electric, filled with cheers from parents, basketball fans, and the international-standard event production.

All eight teams displayed impressive skills and competitive spirit throughout the opening day matches. The results were as follows: Iron Dragons 50 – 44 Electric Eagles Golden Raptors 68 – 64 Black Panthers Rhino Chargers 40 – 43 Shadow Sharks Arctic Wolves 53 – 50 Midnight Mamba

Beyond the intensity on the court, the opening day was enhanced by full live coverage on AMARIN ONLINE, featuring exciting commentary from Pong Attapol Kongphrom of Main Stand, paired with a new voice talent selected from the "Voice of JB League" campaign. This professional broadcast setup provided young athletes and home viewers with an experience comparable to professional league competitions.

The excitement of JB League 2026 continues in upcoming matches. Basketball fans can show their support and watch live broadcasts of future games, as well as follow news, highlights, and league updates through these channels: Facebook: Junior Ballers League Thailand Instagram: jbleaguethailand TikTok: @jb.league.thailand Youtube: Junior Ballers League Thailand

BANGKOK — The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is moving forward with plans for four new rail transit projects in Bangkok, including the Brown, Silver, Grey and Blue lines, according to MRTA governor Kajpachon Udomthamphakdi. The first project is the Brown Line connecting Khae Rai and Lam Sali (Bueng Kum), covering 22.1 kilometres. Kajpachon said the MRTA would continue to push ahead with the project as planned. The second project is the Silver Line, a 19.7-kilometre light rail transit (LRT) route linking Bang Na and Suvarnabhumi Airport. The project is currently under review to improve integration with the airport terminal. MRTA will also conduct a new environmental impact assessment (EIA), as the previous study is more than five years old. The review process is expected to begin within the next two to three months and take around one year. Kajpachon said the third project, the Grey Line monorail connecting Watcharaphon and Thong Lo over 16.3 kilometres, is also being revised to better match current conditions. The proposal is expected to be submitted to the MRTA board in 2027. The fourth project is the Blue Line monorail linking Din Daeng and Sathorn over 6.7 kilometres. MRTA expects studies for the route to begin after 2029 in line with priorities under the M-MAP2 transport development plan.

BANGKOK — Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul on Saturday welcomed the upcoming release of former premier Thaksin Shinawatra, saying he still respects Thaksin after working under him for more than two decades.

Speaking to reporters on 9 May, Anutin said he wished to congratulate Thaksin and his family ahead of the former prime minister's expected release from detention on 11 May.

"I still respect him. I used to work under him for more than 20 years. We have a close relationship, like family," Anutin said.

When asked whether he planned to seek advice from Thaksin on issues the former premier was known to have expertise in, Anutin said there was no restriction against meeting him.

However, he said Thaksin should first be allowed to spend time with his family following his release.

"Bangkok is small. Someday we may have a chance to meet under different occasions," he said.

Anutin added that Thaksin would still be under parole conditions after his release, meaning there would likely still be restrictions and limited convenience for outside visitors.

Asked whether Thaksin's return could trigger political ripple effects if he remained active in politics, Anutin said he had not thought that far ahead.

"Regardless, he is still someone I respect," the prime minister said.