Breaking

Two Cases of Hantavirus Confirmed on Cruise Ship, WHO Monitoring Five Additional Suspected Cases

Two confirmed hantavirus cases have been identified on cruise ship MV Hondius off Cape Verde, where three deaths have occurred; the WHO is monitoring five additional suspected cases aboard the vessel.

5 May Khaosod

Two cases of hantavirus have been confirmed following an outbreak on the cruise ship MV Hondius operated by Oceanwide Expeditions in the Netherlands, which has resulted in three deaths—a Dutch couple and one German national. The confirmed hantavirus cases include a deceased Dutch woman and a 69-year-old British passenger who was admitted to a critical care unit at a hospital in South Africa. The cause of death for the other two passengers remains under investigation. Hantavirus typically spreads from rodents through feces, saliva, or urine and can cause severe respiratory disease, though it rarely spreads between humans. Additionally, five suspected cases linked to the MV Hondius are being monitored, including one English crew member and one Dutch crew member, both experiencing acute respiratory symptoms—one severe and one mild—though hantavirus infection has not yet been confirmed. The MV Hondius, carrying 149 passengers from 23 countries, remains anchored off the coast of Cape Verde and is under investigation by the World Health Organization (WHO), which has prohibited passengers and crew from disembarking.

No. 01 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Deputy Interior Minister Launches Crackdown on Fraudulent Birth Registrations, 50 Cases Revoked

Authorities have revoked 50 fraudulent birth registrations issued to foreign nationals over a five-year period, with one case still under verification in Nakhon Ratchasima province. The crackdown, led by Deputy Interior Minister Withoon Sir

5 May Khaosod

On May 5, 2026, at the Phothikhlang Subdistrict Municipality office in Mueang district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, Withoon Sirinugul, Deputy Interior Minister and Central Registrar, chaired a meeting to monitor progress on fraudulent birth registration cases—or 'ghost births'—that had been used to benefit foreign nationals. The meeting was attended by Khitiphong Phongsuravet, Supakanan Kongketsamphibal and other subdistrict mayors, district officers from multiple districts, police, and relevant agencies.

Khitiphong revealed that a historical data review spanning 5-6 years identified 51 suspicious individuals. Of these, 50 have already had their registration status revoked, with one case still undergoing verification with Suranari Military Camp Hospital to confirm identity. Previous actions included initial revocations of 5 cases followed by 22 additional revocations, then another 23 after a deeper investigation conducted over the past weekend.

Khitiphong confirmed the investigation is now complete with no additional irregularities found. Affected individuals will have 15 days to file an appeal. Those who can prove clear identity and residence may request reinstatement; failure to appeal within the deadline results in permanent legal termination of status. The revocations have already been publicly announced to prevent misuse in legal matters.

Withoon stated the field visit aimed to track progress, assess obstacles, and establish preventive measures against future cases of this nature. Notably, a neighboring area in Nongphailoem Subdistrict Municipality was also found to have approximately 18 similar cases currently under investigation. Khitiphong added that the Nongphailoem cases appear linked to the same group involved in fraudulent ID card issuance, while cases in Prathap, Huaihlang, and Saikhio districts are district-level matters not directly involving local administrative bodies' registrations.

No. 02 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Industry Ministry Injects 1.5 Billion Baht to Strengthen SMEs Against Crisis

Thailand's Ministry of Industry is deploying 1.5 billion baht through two credit programs to help small and medium-sized enterprises survive global economic pressures, including rising oil prices from Middle East tensions. The "Tiger with W

5 May Khaosod

The Ministry of Industry is moving forward to support Thai entrepreneurs facing global economic challenges by launching the second round of "Tiger with Wings" and "Strong Foundation" credit programs through the SME Development Fund, injecting a combined 1.5 billion baht. These initiatives aim to maintain business liquidity and equip enterprises with innovation tools to achieve sustainable growth amid regional economic crisis.

Nathapol Rangsitpol, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and chair of the SME Development Fund, explained that Thailand's industrial and economic sectors are facing unavoidable challenges from global economic conditions, particularly the Middle East conflict driving up crude oil prices, which directly and indirectly impacts Thai manufacturing, trade, and exports.

Following the policy of Industry Minister Varawut Silpaarcha, who prioritizes supporting small and medium-sized enterprises as the country's foundation, the ministry aims to enhance SME competitiveness and maintain quality standards under crisis conditions, emphasizing sustainability and transition to new economy industries. The "Tiger with Wings" program will inject capital to encourage adaptation by applying innovation and technology to reduce costs, while the "Strong Foundation" program will serve as business protection, strengthening liquidity for entrepreneurs to maintain operations.

The SME Development Fund is fully prepared with over 1.5 billion baht divided into two programs: "Tiger with Wings" Round 2 with 1 billion baht ceiling, offering loans up to 15 million baht per applicant at fixed interest rates of 3-5% annually for innovation and technology investments; and "Strong Foundation" Round 2 with 500 million baht ceiling, offering loans up to 5 million baht per applicant at fixed rates of 5-7% annually to maintain business liquidity.

Applications are open from today until June 30, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. Interested entrepreneurs can apply online or contact the SME Development Fund office, provincial industry offices, or the Thai Small and Medium Enterprises Development Bank (SME Bank) nationwide.

No. 03 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Tourism

Siam Piwat Partners with Huawei to Transform Travel Tech, Introducing Thailand's First Wearable-Integrated Ecosystem

Siam Piwat and Huawei launched Thailand's first wearable-integrated visitor card on Huawei smartwatches, enabling international shoppers at Bangkok malls to access exclusive benefits instantly through a cross-platform ecosystem targeting 20

5 May Khaosod

Siam Piwat, a leading real estate developer and global destination creator, has elevated its strategic partnership with Huawei, the global technology and telecommunications leader, by launching the ONESIAM Global Visitor Card on Huawei Wearables. This cross-platform solution supports all operating systems to enhance visitor convenience, drive transformation in the travel retail industry, and strengthen Thailand's competitive tourism position. The partnership establishes both companies as game changers in creating global experiential destinations and setting new retail technology standards amid rapid global tourism industry competition and change. This collaboration extends access to over 200 million Huawei Wearables users worldwide, targeting high-value tourists from key markets including China, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Southeast Asia. Amporn Chotiratchskul, CEO of Siam Piwat Company Limited, stated that the strategic partnership with Huawei, ongoing since 2020, has leveraged Huawei Cloud to enhance retail omnichannel operations and develop the ONESIAM SuperApp, creating seamless online-offline experiences. This serves as a key driver in transforming the retail industry while creating value for customers, partners, and the broader ecosystem. By 2026, Siam Piwat aims to expand collaboration through Quick App ONESIAM solutions and integration with Wearables, Skytone, and other technologies to increase engagement with global tourists and elevate experiences through Huawei innovations, attracting premium travelers and supporting sustainable economic growth. Rachel Zhou, Director of HUAWEI Consumer Cloud Service APAC, emphasized that this deepened collaboration meaningfully combines global retail destinations with future technology to create exceptional value for Chinese travelers visiting Thailand and international visitors. The seamless ONESIAM Global Visitor Card integration within HarmonyOS through Quick Apps enables precise engagement at every stage of the traveler's journey—from pre-trip planning to on-destination experiences—offering personalized member benefits and enhanced shopping and lifestyle experiences. Connecting Huawei Wearables to the ONESIAM Global Visitor Card enables international visitors at Siam Paragon and Icon Siam to access exclusive benefits instantly, making every shopping moment more innovative and valuable. Huawei remains committed to supporting Siam Piwat in creating happiness, convenience, and world-class service for all international tourists choosing Thailand as their destination. The launch of the ONESIAM Global Visitor Card on Huawei Wearables represents a major upgrade in visitor experience through seamless Quick Apps, supporting all operating systems including iOS, Android, and HarmonyOS, with key features addressing modern travelers' lifestyle needs, including one-tap membership registration and eco-friendly solutions.

No. 04 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Community

Kao and Vee Clarify Viral Couple Hug Cover with Goy and Tim: Sweet and Romantic, Fans Love the Boyfriend's Tender Moment

Couples Kao and Vee clarified that their viral hugging photo with Goy and Tim was just a playful recreation at a film premiere, with Kao joking he barely touches Vee despite their eight-year relationship.

5 May Khaosod

A viral photo emerged after couple Kao Jirayut Lao-ong Manee and Vee Violet Wattier recreated a sweet hugging pose with couple Goy Oracha and Tim Pita, prompting fans to tease them online.

On May 5, 2026, both couples opened up at a premiere event for the horror film franchise "Term 4" at Sahamongkol Film International (Phahon Yothin Soi 2). Vee emphasized it was just a fun moment during a live stream with friends. She noticed Goy and Tim had posted birthday photos, so she jokingly recreated the pose. Kao admitted he was confused and didn't know beforehand—he was just asked to hug and complied.

When asked if they usually embrace that way, Kao laughed: "Not really. We barely touch. We say 'I love you' from eight meters away." He revealed this was the closest they'd stood in 10 years, despite knowing each other for 8 years. Vee joked about his reserved nature but insisted Kao is actually quite romantic in his own way—he's caring and attentive, especially during emotional filming scenes.

Kao's idea of romance is more practical: calling taxis for Vee. This led to today's playful conflict—he called her a taxi that morning but forgot to pay, leaving Vee humorously "angry" though not genuinely upset. "It's more of a teasing anger," she clarified.

The couple, together for 8 years, recently started moving into their new home, which features numerous decorative lights. Kao joked he needs half an hour to turn them all off before bed. Despite needing to adjust to each other's differences, their love remains strong and stable. Vee confirmed she truly loves him, while Kao expressed his philosophy: "Having something is always better than having nothing." He's drawn to Vee's genuine, straightforward nature, which makes their relationship comfortable and unpredictable-free.

No. 05 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Breaking

Inoue Accepts Challenge, Set to Face Jesse Rodriguez in Mega Fight January 2027

Naoya Inoue, the undefeated four-belt world champion, has accepted a challenge to face rising Mexican-American boxer Jesse Rodriguez in a mega fight scheduled for January 2027. Rodriguez, a 26-year-old three-belt champion, will first pursue the WBA bantamweight title in June before stepping up to challenge Inoue, with promoter Eddie Hearn expressing strong confidence in Rodriguez's chances against the dominant champion.

5 May Khaosod

Naoya Inoue, Japan's elite boxer and four-belt world champion, is ready to move forward with a mega fight against rising Mexican-American boxer Jesse Rodriguez in 2027. Inoue recently defended his super bantamweight world titles (122 pounds) in WBA, WBC, WBO, and IBF by defeating fellow Japanese fighter Junto Nakatani at Tokyo Dome, extending his undefeated record to 33 fights. Reports indicate his next bout will be against 26-year-old Jesse Rodriguez, a three-belt champion with an unblemished record, who will move up from the junior bantamweight division (115 pounds) to challenge the champion. Rodriguez is scheduled to move up to 118 pounds in June to pursue the WBA bantamweight title against Antonio Vargas before facing Inoue in January 2027. Rodriguez stated, "I believe a fight between me and Inoue would be one of the greatest fights in lower weight class history." Eddie Hearn, Match Room promoter, expressed confidence that "Bam" Jesse Rodriguez could be the one to defeat "The Monster." Hearn said, "I watched Inoue in Saudi Arabia and I've never felt more confident that Jesse 'Bam' Rodriguez can beat him. Long ago, I thought this might be too big a step for Jesse, but now that he's moved up to bantamweight, he's bigger and stronger. He might be too good for Inoue now. Bam is 26 while Inoue is 33. I simply don't see how 'Bam' loses to Inoue."

No. 06 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

School Uniform Sales Plummet as Parents Cut Back on Purchases, Opting to Repair Old Uniforms Instead

School uniform sales have dropped significantly as Thai families tighten their budgets ahead of the new school term, with parents reducing purchases and opting to repair or alter old uniforms instead. Economic hardship, high fuel costs, and geopolitical tensions have driven up the cost of living, forcing households to cut expenses across the board. Store owners are calling on the government to provide relief to families struggling through the economic crisis.

5 May Khaosod

School uniform sales are experiencing a sharp decline as parents reduce purchases ahead of the new school term in mid-May. A uniform retailer in Nakhon Ratchasima reported noticeably fewer customers, despite prices remaining unchanged so far.

Store owners attribute this year's slump to the lingering economic downturn, compounded by expensive fuel costs and geopolitical instability that have driven up prices across all goods, significantly raising the cost of living. As a result, households are implementing strict cost-cutting measures, especially as school opens.

Families are adopting different strategies to cope. Beyond tuition and educational materials, many face additional expenses when children advance to a new grade level, necessitating new uniforms. This year, many families are purchasing fewer uniforms—reducing from the typical four sets to just two or three. For children remaining in the same grade level, parents may only buy one or two new sets, or if old uniforms still fit properly and show minimal wear, they simply reuse them. Some families are taking old uniforms to tailors to have them enlarged or altered.

Shop owners are appealing to the government to intervene and provide relief to parents and guardians, helping families navigate through the current economic crisis.

No. 07 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Suchart Champions PM's Community Forest and Carbon Credit Policy to Generate Income and Improve Quality of Life

Thailand's environment ministry is accelerating community forest initiatives and carbon credit programs to generate income for rural communities, with over 12,000 community forests already established nationwide.

5 May Khaosod

Suchart Champions PM's Community Forest and Carbon Credit Policy to Generate Income and Improve Quality of Life

On May 5, 2025, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin ordered the Royal Forest Department to accelerate implementation of the Prime Minister's directive to advance natural resource management alongside grassroots economic development. The focus is on promoting community forests and concretely advancing carbon credits to communities to generate income and long-term security for the public.

Royal Forest Department Director-General Nikorn Sirarojananond announced that the department has established policy guidelines to accelerate tangible community forest initiatives, emphasizing increased community forest establishment. Currently, the department has established over 12,000 community forests across the country, providing citizens the opportunity to sustainably and appropriately utilize forest resources. This is coupled with support enabling communities to register for carbon credits and gain genuine access to carbon trading markets.

Additionally, efforts aim to increase fair benefit-sharing from carbon credits to communities and expand community forest initiatives to other categories of state land for broader coverage. The department is also supporting academic research to validate the economic, social, and environmental benefits of community forests.

This policy serves as a crucial mechanism for strengthening communities, aligning with the government's approach to improving quality of life and driving the country toward sustainable low-carbon society. The Royal Forest Department affirms its continued commitment to advancing the community forest policy, enabling public participation in natural resource conservation and balanced forest utilization for long-term community and national sustainability.

No. 08 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Anutin Announces Cabinet Approval to Terminate MOU 44, Set to Notify Cambodia; Confident Border Situation Unaffected

Thailand's cabinet has approved the termination of MOU 44, a 25-year-old maritime agreement with Cambodia over overlapping continental shelf claims, with the government planning to formally notify Cambodia. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul assured the public that the decision will not destabilize the border region and pledged to pursue Thailand's interests under a "Thailand First" policy in future negotiations. The government expects future talks would operate under a new framework rather than the current agreement.

5 May Khaosod

At 12:30 p.m. on May 5, 2025, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Interior Minister announced the cabinet's decision to terminate MOU 44, the 25-year-old memorandum of understanding between Thailand and Cambodia regarding overlapping continental shelf claims. Anutin clarified that the termination is not related to disputes with Cambodia but rather reflects the government's policy decision, as the agreement has made no progress toward resolution. Thailand will reference international maritime law and UNCLOS, which both countries recognize as signatories, to guide future negotiations.

When asked about Cambodia's concerns that termination could escalate disputes, Anutin said he would need to consult with Cambodian leadership. He noted that no formal negotiations have yet begun and cautioned against making premature assumptions about their impact. Following termination, any new discussions would likely result in a different framework, potentially "MOU 70" rather than MOU 44.

Anutin confirmed that while the termination takes effect today, Thailand must formally notify Cambodia before sending official documentation. Regarding the upcoming 48th ASEAN Summit in the Philippines, he stated that meetings with Cambodia are inevitable but expressed no concern, reaffirming the government's commitment to "Thailand First" and protecting Thai interests. On border security concerns, Anutin assured the public that military forces are maintaining full vigilance along the Thai-Cambodian border, with the security situation actually improving based on weekly military briefings.

No. 09 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Thai Young Tennis Players Shine: Girls' Team Dominates Regional Qualifying for ITF Asia U-12 Championship

Thailand's girls' tennis team swept Laos 3-0 in the ITF Asia U-12 Championship regional qualifying at Muang Thong Thani, extending their perfect group record to 2-0. The boys' team also defeated Laos with a clean sweep, setting up crucial f

5 May Khaosod

Thailand's under-12 tennis teams competed in the regional qualifying round of the 2026 ITF Asia Twelve and Under Team Competition at the National Tennis Development Center in Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi on May 5, 2026.

In the boys' group A competition, Thailand faced Laos with commanding victories. Prathakorn Pachirut defeated Oudtisai Chantawong 6-0, 6-0 in the second singles match, followed by Theer Sraprasit's 6-3, 6-0 win over Sanasai Chansomphu. In the doubles match, Prathakorn and Oliver Bensen Berkhoudt (Thai-Dutch heritage) won 6-0, 6-1 against Sanasai Chansomphu and Sanusai Pammajak, giving Thailand a clean 3-0 sweep.

Coach Jim (Sahathat Suphakij), the boys' team coach, noted that after two matches, the Thai boys have a 1-1 record and face Singapore in their final group stage match. Singapore also holds a 1-1 record, making the match crucial for advancing to the semifinals. He expressed confidence that all Thai athletes will give their best effort.

The girls' team likewise dominated their group A match against Laos with a 3-0 victory. Loretta Lee Abrahhamsen (Thai-American heritage) defeated Manisorn Pammawong 6-0, 6-0 in the second singles, while Phadchira Holeissakun won 6-0, 6-1 over Siliwed Chanthapon. In doubles, Phadchira and Wimuttinya Phongnoo defeated Manisorn Pammawong and Sonedalah Suksahwan 6-2, 6-0.

Coach Boy (Itthiphon Srisaen), the girls' team coach, stated that Thailand now has a 2-0 record in the group stage. In their final group match, they will face Indonesia, who also has 2-0 wins. Both teams have already secured spots in the semifinals, with their match determining the top two positions in the group.

The Thai national team delegation includes Coach Jim (Sahattat Suphakij) for the boys, Coach Boy (Itthiphon Srisaen) for the girls, Assistant Coach Tum (Anuchit Ruengkon), and Trainer Boonmee Pohphaichit.

No. 10 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Finance Ministry Signals Thai Helping Thai Registration Opening Late May with 30 Million Beneficiaries, Age Eligibility Under Review

Thailand's Finance Ministry approved a 400 billion baht borrowing decree to partly fund the Thai Helping Thai Plus program, with registration expected to open by late May for approximately 30 million beneficiaries. The government is still r

5 May Khaosod

On May 5, 2026 at 13:35 at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprasoet announced that the cabinet has approved a 400 billion baht borrowing decree. After publication in the Royal Gazette on May 14th, the decree must go before parliament and be subject to a project screening committee chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Finance Ministry. The framework emphasizes transparency and information disclosure, with all projects requiring cabinet approval.

When asked whether the borrowing decree would fund the Thai Helping Thai Plus program, Ekniti confirmed it is one project aligned with the objectives of assisting citizens and entrepreneurs, with funding coming partly from this source and partly from a budget reallocation law. He stated the government would gradually borrow funds rather than taking a lump sum to avoid accumulating costs.

Regarding the number of beneficiaries, Ekniti said authorities are still considering the details but preliminary budget projections suggest approximately 30 million entitlements. This number should be sufficient, as previous programs achieved a maximum of 28 million beneficiaries. The question of whether beneficiaries must be over 18 years old requires further review. Registration for state welfare card holders is expected to open simultaneously by late May.

No. 11 of ∞ Read at source → Next