National

Venerable Luang Pu Bua Geto of Wat Pa Pang Kuet Passes Away Peacefully at Age 92, 72 Buddhist Lent Years

Venerable Luang Pu Bua Geto, the 92-year-old abbot of Wat Pa Pang Kuet in Chiang Mai who spent 72 years in monastic life, passed away peacefully on May 6 after complications from heart disease. The respected Buddhist elder was known for his

6 May Khaosod

Venerable Luang Pu Bua Geto, the respected abbot of Wat Pa Pang Kuet Kitti Tham in Tambon Intakhil, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026, at 9:29 a.m., at the age of 92 with 72 years in Buddhist monastic life, leaving his disciples and devoted devotees in mourning. Luang Pu Bua Geto suffered from coronary artery disease and nervous system complications. He was placed under royal patronage at Maharaj Nakhon Chiang Mai Hospital and later recovered at Wat Pa Dara Phirom in Mae Rim District, Chiang Mai, where he received close care from medical teams and attending monks. He eventually passed away peacefully at Wat Pa Dara Phirom.

Luang Pu Bua Geto was born on May 31, 1934, at Ban Suan, Tambon Na Klue, Bang Lamung District, Chonburi. He was the most highly revered great elder among his disciples and undertook meditation pilgrimages to many locations throughout the eastern, northeastern, and particularly the northern regions of Thailand. This led him to resign from his position as abbot of Wat Chong Lom Na Klue and district sangha leader to fully dedicate himself to spiritual practice.

Luang Pu became proficient in both samadhi and vipassana meditation practices, and was able to guide, teach, and lead others in reducing, abandoning, and relinquishing defilements. He recognized the benefit of establishing temples in various locations, particularly in the northern region, including: 1) Wat Mae Pang in Tambon Santhikiri, Mae Lan Noi District, Mae Hong Son—currently the largest forest temple in Mae Hong Son Province; 2) Wat Khao Nok Yung in Ban Ruk Tabek, Tambon Na Khun Krai, Sri Sa Rong District, Sukhothai; 3) Wat Pa Kaew Nanthorn in Tambon Mae Lan Noi, Mae Lan Noi District, Mae Hong Son; and 4) Wat Pa Pang Kuet Kitti Tham in Tambon Intakhil, Mae Taeng District, Chiang Mai, where he currently resided during the Buddhist Lent season.

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Police

Kasetsart University Receives Security Equipment Donation from Class 58 Police Cadet Sergeants

Kasetsart University received security equipment including 120 raincoats, flashlights, and caps from police officials to support campus safety operations ahead of the rainy season.

6 May Khaosod

Kasetsart University Receives Security Equipment Donation from Class 58 Police Cadet Sergeants to Enhance Campus Safety

Dr. Damrong Sriprayam, acting rector of Kasetsart University's Bangkhen campus, accepted equipment donations for security personnel from Pol. Col. Anant Vorasat, Pol. Col. Sorathat Iamlarao of Songkhla Provincial Police, and Pol. Col. Somphop Nambandit of the Region 1 Investigation Unit. The donation includes 120 raincoats, 120 flashlights, and 120 caps.

Several university officials attended the ceremony at the Office of the Rector, including Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nuchnathon Mangkang, Vice Rector for Finance and Special Activities; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kritsana Wanindra, Vice Rector for Innovation and Social Mission; and Mr. Praplen Kasemobhas, Director of Physical and Sustainable Environment Division, along with other university staff.

Pol. Col. Sorathat explained that this collaborative effort with the Bangkhen Police Station and the Investigation Division aims to support the operational needs of the university's physical security and environmental sustainability staff as the rainy season approaches. The equipment will facilitate better security operations and campus protection. He emphasized that the police are committed to continuing strong support for the university's various activities and related agencies.

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National

Thailand Showcases Potential as 'Asia's Digital Asset Hub' Through SEABW 2026 Initiative, Pushing Digital Economy to Global Standards

Thailand is positioning itself as Asia's digital asset hub through the SEABW 2026 initiative, leveraging its comprehensive crypto regulatory framework and growing developer talent to attract foreign investment and establish a leading blockc

6 May Khaosod

APE X CRYPTO founder and CEO Kanth Khloawutnunt organized the Thailand Digital Asset Leadership Forum: Road to SEABW 2026 to demonstrate public-private sector cooperation and confirm Thailand's readiness across all dimensions—technology, regulations, and human capital—with the goal of building Asia's strongest digital asset ecosystem and advancing the country's economy. The event serves as international communication showing Thailand's progress and successful real-world projects, highlighting Thai professionals' skills in globally demanded fields that will drive sustainable digital economic growth and potentially attract foreign investment and employment opportunities in Thailand.

Thailand's digital asset regulatory framework, overseen by the Securities and Exchange Commission, is recognized as one of the most comprehensive digital asset ecosystems globally, with clear legal standards comparable to international norms. The SEC's recent initiatives include opening mechanisms like Crypto Futures and providing five-year regulatory exemptions for cryptocurrency innovation to support Thai entrepreneurs' adaptation and growth amid global market changes.

Hojin Kim, CEO of ShardLab (a joint venture between Hashed and SCBX), noted that while South Korea leads in Web3 project development, Southeast Asia and Thailand specifically show significant potential. Developer numbers in Southeast Asia grew 30% last year, exceeding global averages, and Bangkok ranks among the best cities for technology and investment, with readiness in both talent and innovation-friendly environment benefiting not only Thai citizens but also 1.5 million foreign residents, tourists, and Korean entrepreneurs in Thailand.

ShardLab is organizing Southeast Asia's blockchain festival May 20-21 in Bangkok as part of SEABW 2026, showcasing local projects to global audiences while introducing regional people to emerging Web3 technologies. While South Korea benefits from more practitioners, Bangkok's higher global accessibility, greater tourist numbers, and larger foreign population provide distinct advantages in reaching worldwide target markets.

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National

Rajamangala University Network President Backs National Agenda, Joins True-Google to Launch 'AI for All Thailand'

Rajamangala University of Technology and True Corporation partnered with Google Thailand to launch "AI for All Thailand," a public-private initiative aiming to develop AI-ready citizens and address Thailand's shortage of 80,000 AI professio

6 May Khaosod

The President of the Rajamangala University of Technology Council, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khosit Sriphudhara, along with Asst. Prof. Dr. Abhichat Tiraprasertssin, Vice President for Digital Technology and Information, announced the 'True x Google Presents: AI for All Thailand' collaboration at True Tower's 21st-floor auditorium in Bangkok. The initiative represents a public-private partnership between True Corporation, Google Thailand, and allied organizations to equitably expand access to AI knowledge and develop practical skills to create "AI-Ready Citizens" supporting Thailand's digital economic transition.

During the event, Deputy Prime Minister Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yos Wongsoontorndhada, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, emphasized that developing AI workforce capacity is a national priority, citing Thailand's critical shortage of 80,000 AI professionals. True Corporation's Group Chief Executive Officer Sikhwat Braekhe announced the company's commitment to empower 12 million Thais by 2030, starting with internal staff development and expanding nationally through global partnerships. Google Thailand's Country Marketing Manager Saranee Boonruttitongchai reaffirmed the mission to leave no Thai behind in the digital age through initiatives like Gemini Academy for Students and safe Generative AI usage curriculum.

The collaboration will leverage all nine Rajamangala University of Technology campuses nationwide to integrate digital technology and AI knowledge into the education system, aiming to sustainably enhance Thailand's competitive capability. A roundtable discussion titled "Building Thailand's AI Workforce Together" brought together representatives from academia, private sector, and technology fields to exchange perspectives on future AI workforce development.

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National

Dr. Joe Resigns from Parliament to Run for Bangkok Governor, Paving Way for Krunapon; Says Competing with Chatchai Won't Be Easy

Deputy People's Party leader Chaiwat Sthavarvijit resigned from parliament to run for Bangkok governor, with party-list MP Krunapon Tiensuwan taking his seat. Chaiwat faces an uphill battle against popular incumbent Governor Chatchai Sitthi

6 May Khaosod

At 1:30 p.m. on May 6, 2025, at Parliament, Chaiwat Sthavarvijit, a party-list MP and deputy leader of the People's Party, announced his resignation from parliament following his candidacy announcement for Bangkok governor. Though he expressed some regret, he emphasized that this opening represents a new opportunity for Bangkok residents, with the People's Party taking the Bangkok election seriously this time.

He acknowledged that finding a suitable candidate for Bangkok governor required a lengthy and careful selection process, and the party ultimately decided to put him forward. He stressed that the party genuinely prioritizes the Bangkok race, otherwise he wouldn't need to resign from parliament. He feels his new role as Bangkok's representative carries the same weight as his previous parliamentary work.

Krunapon Tiensuwan will replace him as a party-list MP. Chaiwat expressed confidence in the seamless transition, noting they've worked together extensively and will continue as a unified team.

However, Chaiwat admitted that had it not been for the complications arising from the 44-MP legal case, former governor candidate Wirojn Lakchanaadisr might have been the party's nominee instead. Since the case's outcome remains unclear, the party decided against risking Wirojn's candidacy.

Regarding his opponent, current Governor Chatchai Sitthiphan, Chaiwat described the race as highly competitive, acknowledging Chatchai's popularity among Bangkok residents. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence in his bid to win and offer Bangkok residents an alternative vision for their city's future.

He emphasized that elections provide opportunities for citizens to choose change and improvement. He aims to present a new vision for Bangkok and better quality of life for residents.

When asked if the party's 33 constituency MPs would guarantee sweeping all 50 districts, Chaiwat cautioned this might be difficult, as Bangkok voters consider multiple factors in their decisions. The party's 33 MPs represent Bangkok residents' trust, which the party aims to repay by presenting a competitive gubernatorial candidate.

Krunapon noted that the party's candidate selection process included external candidates and considered policy alignment, collaborative capabilities with both current and future councilors, as well as parliamentary representatives. Given Bangkok's role as a transitional area requiring coordination with surrounding provinces, these factors were crucial.

He argued that given Wirojn's 44-MP case—which could pose future problems if a verdict is handed down—the party opted for someone with better communication skills, proven competence, and suitability to represent Bangkok moving forward.

Krunapon added that while Chatchai has performed well previously, he alone cannot drive Bangkok's agenda forward. The issues extend beyond minor infrastructure improvements to include major infrastructure problems and questionable budget allocations on multiple occasions. Additionally, Chatchai is not affiliated with any political party.

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Police

Young Businessman Exposes Notorious Fortune Teller: Alleged Sexual Assault Under Guise of Spiritual Healing and Karma Cleansing

A 32-year-old Bangkok businessman filed a complaint accusing a renowned Northern Thai fortune teller of sexually assaulting him three times under the pretense of karma-cleansing spiritual rituals to cure his cluster headaches.

6 May Khaosod

At 1:00 PM on May 6, 2025, at the Sai Mai Must Survive page office on Wat Koh Road in Sai Mai District, Bangkok, Mr. A, a 32-year-old businessman, came to file a complaint with Ekapop Luangprasertsai, founder of the Sai Mai Must Survive page. He accused a famous fortune teller from Northern Thailand—known for having celebrity disciples and claiming to communicate with hell and heaven realms—of sexually assaulting him three times under the guise of treating illness and resolving his karma.

The victim revealed he had previously suffered severe cluster headaches, a condition more serious than migraines, which conventional medicine could not cure despite multiple treatment attempts. His mother, a social media follower and fan of this supposedly renowned Northern teacher who claimed special powers to scan karma and perform spiritual rituals, encouraged him to seek treatment from the fortune teller, hoping for a cure.

On May 2, while the family was traveling in the North, they visited the fortune teller's large compound, which resembled a Buddhist monastery. After waiting in queue since mid-afternoon, the victim was finally called around 6 PM. He was told he had severe karma and would receive VIP queue status for the karma-cleansing ritual, requiring him to wait until nearly 10 PM. The fortune teller then brought him into a private room alone while his mother waited outside.

"Inside the room, the teacher had me chant various mantras. After chanting, he told me to stand before him and remove my shirt sleeves and pants. I complied because I thought it was a legitimate treatment method. Then he told me to remove my underwear too, claiming not to be embarrassed because it was a Hindu-Brahmin healing technique involving genital examination," the victim recounted.

"The teacher then touched my left thigh, right thigh, and genitals with his palm. He then directed me to a corner of the room to view obscene images before instructing me to engage in sexual acts with him. I complied with his orders. This was the first instance of sexual assault," he stated.

The victim explained the teacher claimed these were shortcut healing methods available to only one in a hundred people—VIP treatment—and that after this procedure, he wouldn't need to visit any sacred sites for worship. The victim felt trapped: he wanted to flee but feared retaliation from the teacher or his disciples, and his recently post-operative mother made escape difficult. He reluctantly complied, determined to pursue legal action.

The victim revealed that the teacher subsequently ordered him to perform additional karma-cleansing rituals. Thinking it was nearly over, he anticipated being released, but the ordeal continued.

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National

Finance Ministry Affirms 400 Billion Baht Emergency Decree Loan is Necessary and Transparent at Every Step

Thailand's Finance Ministry says a 400 billion baht emergency loan is necessary to address the global energy crisis and fund clean energy reforms, with all spending to be tracked transparently through public disclosure and independent overs

6 May Khaosod

Finance Ministry Permanent Secretary Lawaron Saengsonit has confirmed that issuing a royal decree to borrow 400 billion baht is urgently necessary, insisting the decision is legally sound and the funds will be used efficiently. The borrowing will support both immediate relief measures for citizens and structural economic reforms to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.

The finance ministry determined that the emergency loan is truly necessary because Thailand's economy is being severely impacted by the global energy crisis, and existing funding sources are insufficient to provide swift relief and economic restructuring. The ministry has already reviewed alternative funding options, including budget transfers under this fiscal year's act, which total less than 500 million baht, and mid-year budget reserves of only 200 million baht. Meanwhile, next year's budget won't take effect for another five months, making it impossible to address the economic emergency through normal channels. Therefore, the emergency loan decree is essential.

Regarding proposals to reduce fuel excise taxes by 6-7 baht per liter, the finance ministry notes this would eliminate 2 billion baht in revenue for the Revenue Department and create a revenue shortfall, ultimately requiring another emergency borrowing decree to cover the deficit. The ministry opposes this approach as it would compound the fiscal and economic crises, damaging investor confidence and credit ratings.

Permanent Secretary Lawaron stated that the 400 billion baht loan has been designed for maximum efficiency and transparency. After the royal decree is submitted to the throne and published in the Royal Gazette, the Finance Ministry will issue two announcements: first, establishing criteria and conditions for projects seeking loan funds, with careful review by economic agencies and a public website displaying all approved projects; second, establishing an oversight committee to evaluate loan-funded projects, comprising mostly independent members outside the ministry to ensure impartial assessment and eliminate any perception of self-oversight.

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Police

Young Man Becomes Social Media Scapegoat Over Duck Theft, Insists He Only Took 3 Kilos Similar to Items Sent by Relatives, Blames Bus Staff Error

A 39-year-old man accused of stealing 10 kilograms of salted duck eggs from a Nakhon Ratchasima bus terminal denies the theft, claiming he received only 3 kilograms meant for him and blames staff for confusing packages. He has filed a compl

6 May Khaosod

A young man from Nakhon Ratchasima province has become an unwitting scapegoat in an online backlash, vehemently denying allegations that he stole 10 kilograms of salted duck eggs. He insists the amount he took was no more than 3 kilograms and closely resembled items his relatives had sent him, and he blames a bus staff member's error for the mix-up.

The incident involved Sinchai Taetsomboon, who reported that someone had stolen 10 kilograms of salted duck eggs from him at a bus station in central Nakhon Ratchasima on May 2. The report was filed at Muang Nakhon Ratchasima Police Station for an incident occurring at Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Bus Terminal No. 1. Multiple media outlets covered the story, sparking widespread public criticism.

On May 6, the accused man, Adisak (nickname Tum), age 39, filed a complaint with police against Facebook user "LIFT" and administrators of various news pages for posting false accusations that caused him damage. He then traveled to the bus terminal to demonstrate and clarify the actual sequence of events regarding receiving the duck eggs from the bus staff, speaking emphatically before gathered passengers.

Adisak explained that on the day of the incident, his relatives from Dan Khun Thot District had sent 2 kilograms of salted duck eggs via the Dan Khun Thot-Nakhon Ratchasima bus route. He arrived to collect them during his regular time, as he frequently received items from relatives. The duck eggs he received weighed about 1 kilogram more than his relatives had indicated. Later that evening, he learned about the accusations through social media and attempted to contact the complainant to offer compensation, despite believing it was the bus staff member's mistake. The staff admitted to picking up the wrong package, thinking it belonged to the same person.

When he went to work the next morning, coworkers teased him about the "duck egg incident." Upon learning he had been publicly accused of being a thief across multiple media platforms, he felt embarrassed and worried the misunderstanding would spiral. He firmly denies being a thief and insists that the alleged 10 kilograms of salted duck eggs never existed—what was actually involved was only about 1 kilogram of plain duck eggs at most. He called on media outlets to verify information more thoroughly before reporting to avoid causing further damage.

The bus staff member confirmed via phone that there was no theft, only a mistake on their part. They confused the packages, thinking they belonged to one owner when there were actually two. They are willing to pay compensation and confirmed that the missing duck eggs claimed in news reports were actually only about 3 kilograms, not 10.

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National

Chris calls on authorities to address Israeli settlement issue on Phangan Island, warns against dragging Thailand into conflict

A Thai MP raised concerns in parliament about approximately 7,000 Israelis living and operating businesses on Phangan Island, warning that their presence could pose sovereignty risks or drag Thailand into Middle Eastern conflicts. He cited illegal businesses, drug use, and lack of tax contributions, while questioning whether the economic benefits justify the security and social risks involved.

6 May Khaosod

At parliament on May 6, MP Chris Potranantana addressed the Israeli community issue on Phangan Island. He stated that approximately 4,000 Israelis currently reside long-term on Phangan as visa holders and business operators, with an additional 3,000 tourists, totaling over 7,000 people.

While emphasizing this is not racial discrimination, Chris expressed concern that Israel's conflict with Iran could pose sovereignty risks for Thailand or potentially draw the country into Middle Eastern conflicts. He noted that Israeli-related nationals have been arriving through visa-free entry without proper vetting.

Chris cited social problems including parties, drug use, noise disturbances, and illegal business operations—hotels, shops, and schools—that operate through their own applications without generating tax revenue for Thailand. He questioned whether the financial benefits justify potential security and social risks.

He called on relevant agencies including the National Security Council, Interior Ministry, and Foreign Ministry to investigate and regulate the situation to prevent future incidents and minimize risks.

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National

BOI Pleased with TikTok Leading Charge to Establish Thailand as Regional Investment Hub Worth Over 950 Billion Baht

TikTok's 842 billion baht data center investment in Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Chachoengsao led six major BOI-approved projects worth 958 billion baht, positioning Thailand as a regional investment and digital hub. The board also approved n

6 May Khaosod

The BOI board approved six major investment projects totaling 958.168 billion baht. BOI Secretary General Narudom Therdsteerasukdi announced that on May 6, 2025, the board chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul approved these six large-scale projects valued at 958.168 billion baht.

Nine additional important investment projects were selected to join the Thailand FastPass system, supplementing the initial batch of 16 projects. The board also endorsed an accelerated electricity production and distribution plan to support these investments, prioritizing clean energy mechanisms alongside comprehensive electrical infrastructure upgrades to boost investor confidence and meet modern investment needs focused on increased clean energy utilization.

The six major projects representing over 950 billion baht in investment include:

– Data Center and Data Hosting Operations: Three projects totaling 913.838 billion baht comprising: 1. TikTok System (Thailand) Co., Ltd. - 842.35 billion baht investment located in Bangkok, Samut Prakan, and Chachoengsao, expanding server installations to establish Thailand as a strategic data storage and processing hub for regional users. The company will develop Digital Literacy and e-Commerce curricula to create new business opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs and enhance the nation's digital workforce capabilities. 2. Skyline Data Center and Cloud Services Limited (DAMAC Group affiliate) from UAE - 46.869 billion baht investment in Chachoengsao, supporting 200 megawatts of IT load capacity. 3. Bridge Data Center IIO (Thailand) Limited - 24.619 billion baht investment in Chon Buri, accommodating 134 megawatts of IT load.

– Recycled Plastic Pellet Manufacturing: PureCycle (Thailand) Limited - 8.18 billion baht, the sole authorized producer of recycled plastic pellets for Procter & Gamble, establishing Thailand as its primary production base for the Asian market with a facility in Rayong.

– Wind Power Generation: Dan Khun Tot Wind One Limited - 4.728 billion baht for an 89.7 megawatt facility in Nakhon Ratchasima.

– Potassium Chloride Manufacturing: Asian Potash Chaiyabhumi Public Company - 31.422 billion baht in Chaiyaphum producing potassium chloride as a key ingredient for potassium fertilizer manufacturing.

Regarding Thailand FastPass Batch 2: The meeting approved nine additional important investment projects for the Thailand FastPass expedited investment system worth 52.104 billion baht combined, continuing from the first batch of 16 projects. This brings the total of projects in the Thailand FastPass system to 25 projects with combined investment of 223.216 billion baht. All projects will receive expedited approval processing from relevant agencies including BOI, the Industrial Works Department, the Industrial Estates Authority of Thailand, the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning, the Customs Department, and others.

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Police

Police Raid Gambling Den at Temple Funeral, Arrest 2 Suspects, Seize 60,000 Baht

Police arrested two suspects and seized 60,000 baht during a raid on an illegal gambling operation at a temple funeral in Chumphon's Pa To District on May 5.

6 May Khaosod

Police raid gambling den at temple funeral service in Chumphon, arresting 2 suspects and seizing 60,000 baht. On May 6, 2569, authorities reported that at 10 p.m. on May 5, officers from the Provincial Police Region 8 Investigation Division and Pa To Police Station in Chumphon conducted a surprise inspection of illegal gambling activities occurring during a funeral rite at a temple in Pa To District.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a large group of gamblers engaged in wagering. When officials identified themselves to make arrests, the suspects panicked and fled into the darkness in different directions, leaving chairs and belongings scattered throughout the funeral area.

Police initially detained two male suspects and seized approximately 60,000 baht in cash. Additional evidence included seven pieces of gambling equipment—dice, game boards, trays, and money baskets. The suspects and evidence were transferred to investigators for prosecution under the Gambling Prevention Act according to legal procedures.

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