The Transport Ministry is planning to allocate 200 billion baht to help the transport sector transition to electric vehicles with reduced annual vehicle tax to 0%. The ministry will also enforce regulations phasing out public vans in favor of minibuses to improve passenger safety.

On May 12 at the Transport Ministry, Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angsakulkiattikorn announced that the ministry will consult with the Finance Ministry this week to finalize support measures for transport operators transitioning from fossil fuel vehicles to electric vehicles (EVs).

The initiative targets seven major transport operator groups affected by the energy crisis and rising operational costs, with plans to present recommendations to the Cabinet for expedited approval.

Siripong stated that the emergency decree authorizing a 400 billion baht loan must directly benefit the public and small business operators, particularly by reducing costs in the transport sector amid current economic volatility.

The support measures will not follow a traditional vehicle trade-in model but will focus on making it easier for operators to lease or purchase new EVs through various measures such as down payment assistance, interest subsidies on a cost-sharing basis, and tax incentives including zero annual vehicle tax to encourage concrete transition to clean energy.

Siripong outlined that support will cover seven transport operator groups: taxis, public vans, buses, songthaews, private rental vehicles (up to 7 passengers), tuk-tuks, motorcycle taxis, and cargo trucks. Preliminary estimates suggest a budget of 10,000-20,000 million baht will be needed, prioritizing vehicles nearing the end of their legal service life. Approximately 100,000 vehicles nationwide qualify, including about 17,000 songthaews over 10 years old.

The measures will be voluntary, allowing operators to apply for support even if their vehicles haven't expired, if they wish to switch to EVs to reduce fuel costs.

Regarding extending the service life of public vans, the Transport Ministry has decided against further extensions due to previous repeated relaxations. The ministry believes the time has come to enforce the legal requirement for public vans to transition to minibuses to improve passenger safety and welfare in the long term.

The Ministry of Tourism and Sports reported that between January 1 and May 10, Thailand welcomed over 12.4 million foreign tourists, generating approximately 607.2 billion baht in spending. Tourism Minister Surasak Panjaisuwijit revealed that while visitor numbers dipped last week following the long holiday period and amid Middle East tensions affecting flight availability and ticket prices, major markets including China, Malaysia, and India continue to dominate arrivals. Chinese tourists alone have accumulated 2 million visits this week.

Weekly arrivals totaled 472,757 visitors, down 128,853 from the previous week (a 21.42% decline), averaging 67,537 daily arrivals. The top five source countries for the week were China (93,831), Malaysia (69,612), India (46,271), Russia (20,578), and Laos (14,585). Most markets experienced declines compared to the prior week, with Chinese visitors down 30.37%, Malaysian visitors down 25.01%, and Russian visitors down 19.65%.

Year-to-date cumulative figures show China leading with 2.07 million visitors, followed by Malaysia (1.39 million), India (899,000), Russia (895,557), and South Korea (496,437). The ministry expects visitor numbers to stabilize next week, supported by Thailand's improved energy situation, competitive pricing adjustments, security promotion initiatives, streamlined travel procedures, and the government's visa exemption policies.

The 41st National Youth Sports Games, known as the Surat Thani Games, held in Surat Thani Province on May 12, 2025, showcased exceptional performances from rising athletic stars in track and field events.

In the men's 200-meter sprint, Anucha Songabankoke, a young sprinter from Satun Province, maintained his impressive form by accelerating to the finish line first in 21.54 seconds, securing his second gold medal of the competition. This followed his earlier victory in the men's 100-meter race.

In the women's 200-meter race, Nattanichaa Kaewana, a runner from Tak Province, demonstrated strong finishing technique by surging in the final curve to overtake her competitors and cross the finish line first with a time of 24.59 seconds, claiming the gold medal.

In women's 100-meter breaststroke swimming, Arawee Inthawordum, a young swimmer from Nonthaburi Province, dominated her competitors from start to finish, touching the pool edge first with a time of 1 minute 4.45 seconds, and set a new youth games record in the process.

In jet ski competition, the Runabout 1,000 category, Techapon Saengtienpreap, an emerging driver from Uthai Thani Province, demonstrated excellent vehicle control by accelerating and overtaking his Bangkok-based rival 2-1 in the rounds, securing the gold medal for Uthai Thani Province.

The 41st National Youth Sports Games will continue with competitions across multiple sports from May 7-17, 2025.

At 10:00 AM on November 12, 2026, at the conference room of the Prevention and Suppression Division, Police Major General Kritsada Kanjanaolongkorn, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Region 4), and Police Brigadier General Charin Gopattanta, Deputy Commander of the Royal Thai Police, convened a meeting with prevention and suppression officers from all 88 police stations under the Royal Thai Police to reinforce their duties. The focus emphasized the management of crime prevention and suppression operations, which require strong police-community relationships, training on criminal cases, and knowledge sharing about the department's mission. Deputy Commissioner Kritsada stated that all property crimes in responsible areas should be intercepted and arrested, with briefings and mission clarifications for all operational levels to understand their roles and procedures. Supervisors were instructed to closely monitor, oversee, and collaborate with subordinates to boost morale and address emerging issues promptly.

Checkpoints will prioritize searches for illegal firearms and weapons carried in public areas, reflecting the government's serious stance on this issue. Commanders were also urged to properly allocate personnel according to mission requirements, workload, and geographical conditions to maintain operational efficiency. Community policing was highlighted as a strategic approach to build good relationships, prevent crime at its roots through public participation, trust, and friendly engagement rather than enforcement alone.

Brigadier General Charin emphasized the importance of patrols, surveillance, and increased presence in high-risk areas and crime-prone zones to protect lives and property. He also announced preparations for the MPB SWAT Challenge training scheduled for late July, with all units directed to prepare personnel for participation. Additionally, standard procedures for suspect apprehension and handling of vulnerable individuals were reviewed, along with protocols for referring suspects to mental health treatment facilities under the Department of Mental Health.

Krungthai's Chief Investment Office (CIO) analyzed the week of May 11-15, 2025, finding global investment markets experiencing a notable recovery led by semiconductor and memory chip stocks following strong earnings reports from major technology companies. The recovery reflects continued growth in the technology and AI sectors, bolstered by investor expectations of a U.S.-Iran peace agreement that could reopen the Strait of Hormuz and President Donald Trump's diplomatic approach to easing geopolitical tensions.

On the U.S. economic front, while non-farm employment figures came in better than expected, they show signs of slowdown compared to the previous month, with wage growth still not accelerating. This has driven down government bond yields in both the U.S. and Thailand, as investors anticipate the Federal Reserve may not need to maintain high interest rates for much longer and could begin cutting rates by late 2025.

Despite many stock markets trading near record highs, Krungthai CIO believes valuations remain reasonable relative to strong earnings growth trends, particularly in AI-related and energy infrastructure sectors. The firm recommends investors employ three strategies: investing in core portfolios through diversified funds like KTWC, gradually accumulating quality stocks especially those benefiting from AI trends and increased electricity demand from data centers, and balancing risk with stable assets.

Krungthai CIO maintains a positive outlook on technology, semiconductor, and healthcare stocks, alternative energy themes, and markets in Japan and China. The firm also recommends Thai REITs for attractive dividend opportunities and suggests holding gold as a portfolio stabilizer. Investors should monitor upcoming meetings between Trump and Xi Jinping, Fed policy signals from incoming chair Kevin Warsh, and U.S. inflation data as key factors for near-term market direction.

A former migrant worker has made an emotional appeal to Thai workers in Korea to comply with regulations, revealing that while most initially go through proper legal channels, many refuse to return home when their contracts expire and instead flee to work illegally elsewhere, leading to four Thai provinces being blacklisted.

As of May 12, 2026, the Department of Employment announced that South Korea has blacklisted four Thai provinces—Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Chaiyaphum, and Maha Sarakham—prohibiting the recruitment of agricultural and fishing workers under the E-8 visa for one year from January 1 to December 31, 2026.

Reporters recently interviewed Suriya, a 40-year-old from Khon Kaen who has worked in South Korea for several years. Suriya explained that he worked in construction in Korea, earning 70,000 baht monthly initially, with some months reaching six figures with overtime. He later had to return home to Khon Kaen after an accident; otherwise, he would have continued working there.

Regarding the ban on workers from the four provinces, Suriya believes that some workers left Thailand legally but, upon contract completion after five years, fled to work elsewhere illegally without a visa—the primary reason for the blacklisting.

He urged everyone to migrate for work legally to avoid problems and difficult living situations abroad, and to prevent affecting other workers seeking overseas employment. He acknowledged that most workers who migrate illegally typically enter as tourists and then disappear to work, which is why the four provinces were blacklisted by Korea.

Meanwhile, Chatchaket Suphon Suebpimay noted that villagers previously traveled to Korea for work very frequently, earning between 50,000-60,000 baht to over 100,000 baht monthly. Many saved enough to buy houses, cars, and land. However, he recommended that people migrate legally, as this ensures access to help if problems arise and prevents situations that harm Thai workers, such as the current blacklist.