Twenty victims of contractor 'Chang Neung Wan Jeep' filed complaints at the Central Investigation Bureau on May 13, 2026, after the contractor breached their construction contracts and caused losses totaling millions of baht. One victim, Mr. Moltian, explained that he contacted the contractor online to discuss and sign a contract for a single-story townhouse-style home with a 10-month construction timeline. However, after work began, the contractor only completed partial tasks like structural framing and roof installation, failing to finish according to the agreed plan. When victims tried to follow up, they were given excuses and repeatedly asked for additional payments before disappearing entirely.

Another victim, Ms. Naya, revealed that the contractor used a system of incremental payments disguised as material costs, labor fees, or equipment charges, claiming urgent necessity to convince victims to transfer additional funds continuously. Some victims lost between hundreds of thousands to millions of baht, while their homes showed minimal progress. Ms. Naya disclosed that she sold her land to build a home for her disabled father, transferring approximately 950,000 baht to the contractor only to receive an unfinished structure. She now lives in a garage with her father.

"I lost over 950,000 baht on construction but received only concrete footing and steel frames already rusting," Ms. Naya stated. "The abandoned structure flooded and caused additional damage to the family's original property."

Ms. Nalin mentioned that when they previously reported the case at Non Sung Police Station in Nakhon Ratchasima, the investigating officer classified it as a civil matter rather than a criminal case. They are now requesting the Anti-Corruption Bureau to handle it as a criminal offense. Notably, the contractor previously offered to complete one victim's house in Nakhon Ratchasima, but the victim refused due to lost trust.

Tragically, one victim named Uncle Lek, 59, took his own life after being deceived by the contractor. He left a final letter stating "I was foolish to be tricked," specifically naming the contractor.

Ms. Nalin also warned that the contractor continues operating the construction business through his Facebook page, potentially creating more victims. She urged relevant authorities to accelerate investigation to prevent further widespread damage.

Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin is accelerating enforcement against natural resource encroachment following directives from Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Interior Ministry, which have instructed all agencies to strictly enforce laws against powerful groups and influential figures illegally occupying state land, particularly forest reserves and important tourism areas. On May 12, Suchat tasked Deputy Minister Nantachat Suphomongkol with traveling to Phuket Province alongside Provincial Administrator Roongrueang Thimabutr and Forest Department officials to investigate the encroachment of a national forest reserve at Freedom Beach, a world-famous tourist destination.

Deputy Minister Nantachat stated that this operation represents an escalation of law enforcement to reclaim forests and protect the nation's natural resources, with action taken impartially against all violators regardless of their influence or wealth. The government emphasizes protecting natural resources, and justice must apply equally to all parties, though those responsible for forest destruction will face strict legal consequences.

Suspect Prin, known as 'Sai Lek', met with Deputy Minister Nantachat during the investigation and submitted to questioning by Karon Police regarding four cases under the Forestry Act of 1941 and the National Forest Reserve Act of 1964. Officials confirmed unauthorized construction on approximately 10 rai within the national forest reserve, and despite the suspect's claims of long-term occupation and land title documents (Por Sor. 4-01), authorities proceeded based on evidence and facts applied fairly to all parties.

Forest reserve encroachment carries penalties of one to ten years imprisonment and fines ranging from 20,000 to 200,000 baht, with violators potentially liable for damages based on the value of affected natural resources.

The Army Deputy Chief of Staff has ordered enhanced border security to close smuggling routes, urging residents to notify officials, headmen, and village elders before collecting forest products.

At 10:00 a.m. on May 13, 2025, at Don Mueang Military Air Base, General Chaiyapruks Duangpraphat, Army Chief of Staff, discussed his inspection of the Sai Takoo checkpoint area in Buriram Province to monitor border security operations and visited Abhiruk Butpet at his home in Ban Krot District, Buriram Province. The resident had encountered an armed group of Cambodian soldiers while collecting forest products in the area.

General Chaiyapruks stated he visited the area to assess vulnerable gaps after receiving reports from residents that Cambodian soldiers may be using these passages to infiltrate. He confirmed discussions with military commanders about strengthening area control and announced plans to check surveillance equipment including sensors and drones to improve civilian protection.

When asked whether the intruders were Cambodian military or illegal smugglers, the general confirmed they were Cambodian soldiers because both residents affirmed the armed personnel stood at close range and displayed threatening body language. However, the residents' familiarity with the terrain allowed them to escape before the soldiers could apprehend them.

Local military commanders subsequently spoke with the Cambodian soldiers, cautioning them to be careful and refrain from any actions affecting Thai citizens.

When asked if the general assessed whether the Cambodian soldiers came to gather intelligence or for another purpose, he stated that given the complex jungle terrain, multiple scenarios were possible—they could be conducting reconnaissance, searching for forest products, surveying Thai military positions, or infiltrating the area deliberately.

Regarding whether this violated the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Statement, the general said if evidence existed, action would be taken, though currently they only had local residents' accounts.

Concerning Yot Sainoi, a Surin Province resident detained by Cambodian soldiers while collecting forest products near the Thai-Cambodian border, the general noted that the Thai consulate and Foreign Ministry are expediting assistance efforts. Local military and police are also coordinating to provide rapid help.

He urged residents to inform government officials, headmen, village elders, and local military and police before collecting forest products, even though it is a traditional livelihood. This allows officials to know where Thai citizens are located—if someone goes missing without notifying authorities, discovering their fate becomes too late.

The general pledged to inspect vulnerable areas prone to conflict and deploy soldiers for oversight.

Trai Skott releases audio clip claiming to have a conversation with his older brother Pai Sunisth. Following previous developments, Trai Skott had tearfully revealed allegations of abuse by his older brother and a lawsuit from his mother regarding inheritance. Recently, Pai Sunisth, husband of Mind Lapsalal and Trai's older brother, released a video response denying the abuse allegations, stating such behavior is despicable. Now, on May 13, 2567, Trai Skott has made another move on social media by releasing an audio clip claiming to be a conversation with his older brother Pai Sunisth. The audio recording reportedly discusses the current controversy, which allegedly occurred in the past when Trai was approximately 10-11 years old, as supportive comments continue to appear for Trai.

On May 13, 2025, the Phrae Muang task force, under the command of Police Colonel Sathit Waiyanon and Deputy Commander Pol. Major Dechathon Saiyahut, received intelligence from the ranger news unit regarding a drug trafficking group smuggling narcotics across the Myanmar-Thailand border. Pol. Major Kitti Najay, commander of the regional military command's ranger unit, deployed ranger company 3209 under First Lieutenant Twich Pikrueang along with long-range reconnaissance teams to intercept the smugglers.

The confrontation occurred in a natural passage area near Ban Rom Thai, Moo 14, Ta Ton Subdistrict, Mae Ai District, Chiang Mai. On May 12, 2025, at approximately 9:40 p.m., rangers detected a drug trafficking group attempting to move narcotics through their patrol route. When asked to stop, the suspects opened fire, triggering an exchange that lasted until dawn at approximately 6:00 a.m.

Upon inspection of the battle site, rangers found one body equipped with a modified rifle and a modified backpack. The deceased is believed to be a foreign national who illegally entered Thailand. Near the body were three backpacks total containing approximately 250,000 methamphetamine tablets and approximately 11.2 kilograms of raw opium. The location was near a rubber plantation road, suggesting the drugs were being held for pickup by a drug lord's vehicle.

The Phrae Muang task force has intensified border patrols, operating 24-hour rotations and coordinating with local government agencies to intercept further drug trafficking operations. All seized materials have been turned over to Mae Ai Police Station for legal proceedings.

PATTAYA — On May 12, 2026, the People's Party formally launched Itthiwat Wattanasartsathorn as their mayoral candidate for Pattaya, with party leader Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut and Progressive Movement chairman Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit pledging a platform centered on transparency, welfare, and support for small businesses.

The campaign kickoff, held at 6 PM at Sohotown's outdoor area on Pattaya Second Road in Chonburi, also unveiled 24 city council candidates across all four electoral districts, drawing substantial crowds of supporters.

Natthaphong framed the campaign under the vision "Pattaya: City of Opportunity," questioning whether future growth would serve all residents or only privileged groups. He called on voters to participate in the June 28 election to "decide and reshape Pattaya."

Based on community visits with local MPs, Natthaphong noted that Pattaya has undergone dramatic changes, with rising living costs, tougher business conditions, and increased competition from large corporations and informal economy operators straining small entrepreneurs, fishermen, and workers. He also addressed public safety concerns, including organized crime, gun violence, and drug trafficking, which residents increasingly link to local political influence.

Natthaphong acknowledged longtime supporters who have backed the movement through its evolution from the Future Forward Party to the Move Forward Party and now the People's Party, emphasizing the group's consistent push for reform despite never holding national power. He outlined commitments including 120 days of maternity leave, protections for night-shift workers, and oversight of social security expenditures.

The party leader announced that the People's Party is now positioned to seek its first chance to govern Pattaya, with the mayoral candidate and team ready to present policies informed by successful projects implemented in other regions.