Watch Out! Pichetsad, LINE Plus advisor and leading contender, is set to join the Democrat Party (DP) to run for Bangkok governor. Party leader Abhisit acknowledged the candidate possesses technology expertise and plans to leverage tech to unlock Bangkok's potential and drive economic transformation.

On May 12, 2569, the Democrat Party held their inaugural 'Bangkok Build AI' event at the old tobacco factory complex 5, featuring an AI Demo Day that shifted from talk to demonstration.

Notably, former Bhumjaithai party list candidate Anucha Burpachai attended alongside DP deputy leader Saklethi Phattiyakul, arriving in the same vehicle and meeting with party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and deputy leader Korn Chatikavanich.

Anucha revealed he previously served as Khlong Toei constituency MP for the Democrats and recently resigned from Bhumjaithai membership, with the party's acknowledgment.

At the event, observers spotted Pichetsad Rukspreecha, a LINE Plus executive advisor who is widely considered the leading candidate for Bangkok governor under the Democrat Party. A former LINE Thailand CEO and Google Thailand executive, Pichetsad previously served as secretary to former Bangkok Governor Apiruk Kosayodhin. When asked, Pichetsad briefly stated he was attending as someone from the IT industry.

Abhisit declined to reveal the Bangkok governor candidate's identity, asking observers to wait until May 16. When asked if the candidate was present at the event, Abhisit gestured toward the forum stage and suggested the candidate would be there, adding that the identity would be revealed on May 16. When pressed about whether the candidate has IT knowledge, given technology's importance, Abhisit suggested waiting for the candidate to speak on May 16.

When asked if they could compete with rivals, Abhisit said it depends on voters' choice, but the party is fully committed to presenting what it believes will benefit Bangkok.

Regarding the Democrat Party backing modern, new-generation candidates, Abhisit stated he wasn't sure how that's currently defined, noting that generational labels matter less than vision and openness to world changes.

The party currently seeks to present real economic and national transformation, he explained. Bangkok is a city with potential to play an important role in this regard.

When pressed on whether the Bangkok governor candidate must have technology knowledge, Abhisit affirmed this was correct. The party needs people with genuine understanding—not merely interest or basic usage—who see technology's potential for city and economic development.

On May 12, 2025, the Constitutional Court unanimously ruled that Sections 27 and 45 of the 2024 Military Service Act do not violate Articles 26 and 31 of the Constitution. The ruling came after activist and political movement leader Netiwit Chotiphatphaisal challenged the law in case number Sor.3118/2568, accused of evading military conscription under the 1954 Military Service Act, Section 45. On April 5, 2024, Netiwit traveled to the military selection screening location at Bang Pu Municipality in Samut Prakan Province and publicly declared his refusal to participate in mandatory military service, arguing it contradicts human rights principles and creates inequality among Thai citizens, as all Thais should have the freedom to choose military service without coercion. The Samut Prakan District Court completed witness examination on September 11, 2024, when Netiwit filed a petition requesting the Constitutional Court review whether Sections 27 and 45—which mandate the conscription of Thai males aged 18 and above for military selection screening and impose penalties for non-compliance—violate the Constitution. Section 27 requires conscripts to appear before the selection committee with proper documentation, with exemptions only for civil servants on urgent state business, overseas students, government workers during wartime, those working with military units on active operations, those with legitimate hardship, those taking screening elsewhere, or those with verified illness. Section 45 imposes penalties on anyone who evades or refuses to appear for military screening, refuses screening when summoned, fails to complete the screening process, or otherwise evades conscription service, with maximum punishment of three years imprisonment.

On May 12, 2025, a research team from Naresuan University, led by Associate Professor Dr. Thanapol Penyarrat, director of the digital database and systems unit at the Office of the Science, Research and Innovation Promotion Committee (TSRI), released research findings on bloated catfish caught from the Mekong River in Chiang Khan District, Loei Province. The team tested five types of heavy metals including arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, and manganese. The lead levels in the tested catfish slightly exceeded the standard of 0.3, with samples measuring 0.31 mg/kg.

Initial inspection results of catfish from Chiang Khan, Loei Province found elevated lead and mercury content in the flesh, with lead contamination most prevalent in diseased catfish. In contrast, samples from Nong Khai Province showed levels below safety standards and are safe for consumption. Diseased fish should not be eaten due to the high parasite burden in their intestines. While healthy catfish typically contain moderate levels of heavy metals, diseased fish show higher concentrations of arsenic, mercury, lead, cadmium, and manganese, though only lead approached standard limits.

Statistical analysis shows that diseased fish contain significantly higher heavy metal levels than healthy fish, consistent with international research indicating that diseased fish have compromised immune systems and are susceptible to infections and parasites. Blood tests conducted by Dr. Nathawut Charoenphol on diseased fish from Nong Khai Province confirmed exposure to heavy metals, DNA damage, red blood cell abnormalities, numerous parasitic infections, elevated white blood cells, and bacterial infections.

Catfish from both Chiang Khan and Nong Khai require continued monitoring. However, the public should not panic as only visibly diseased fish are affected, while healthy-appearing fish remain safe for consumption when properly cooked. The research team will collect additional water, sediment, and fish samples weekly for further testing to determine heavy metal contamination levels and will coordinate with provincial authorities on management strategies.

Veteran Italian manager Claudio Ranieri has announced his willingness to take on a role with the Italian national team, whether as head coach or technical director. The Italian Football Federation is actively searching for a successor to Gennaro Gattuso, who parted ways with the team after failing to secure a spot in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Ranieri recently became available after stepping down as a consultant at AS Roma following a clash with manager Jean-Pierre Gasperini. Ranieri told Sky Sport Italia: "Previously I had to turn it down because I had a job at Roma and couldn't do two jobs at once, but now I'm free, so if someone contacts me, why not? Don't say it's impossible." When asked whether he would accept a coaching or director position with the Italian national team, he replied: "I don't know yet, but when your national team reaches out, you have to say yes. It's as simple as that." At 74 years old, Ranieri has previously announced his retirement twice. His impressive resume includes managing numerous clubs and most notably leading Leicester City to win the English Premier League championship.

Bangkok, May 12, 2026 – To express gratitude to True5G as the official main sponsor of the Miss World Thailand 2026 pageant presented by True5G, Miss Ganthira Thechapatroetnakaul, Miss World Thailand 2026, along with the four runner-ups, visited and presented flowers to Sig Wee Brekke, Chairman of True Corporation's executive board. The reception was held at True Tower Ratchada with Oliver Kittipong Veeratecha, head of brand and media affairs at True Corporation, and other executives in attendance.

This visit reflects the collaboration between True5G and the Miss World Thailand 2026 platform in empowering Thai women to reach the international stage through True's capabilities in intelligent networks, AI technology, cybersecurity, and digital ecosystem that connects stories, talents, and inspiration to reach a wider audience. It reinforces True's role as a Telecom-Tech Company supporting meaningful beauty that shines brilliantly and with dignity on the world stage.

SURIN — Thailand's Fine Arts Department has officially added several historical sites in Surin province to the national register of ancient monuments, including the Ta Muen and Ta Kwai temple complexes near the Cambodian border.

The announcement was published in the Royal Gazette on May 12 under a Fine Arts Department declaration listing protected ancient sites across Surin province.

The declaration invoked the Ancient Monuments, Antiques, Objects of Art and National Museums Act of 1961, as amended in 1992, which defines ancient monuments as immovable properties with artistic, historical or archaeological significance, including archaeological sites, historical sites and historical parks.

The department stated that the listing aims to provide stronger legal protection for ancient monuments under Thailand's heritage conservation framework.

The newly registered sites include:

Kap Choeng district: Prasat Mon Charoen, Prasat Beng, Prasat Chem, and Prasat Nong Khana

Bua Chet district: Prasat O Thalan

Phanom Dong Rak district: Prasat Ban Nong Khanna, Prasat Ta Muen (also known as Prasat Bay Krim), and Prasat Ta Kwai (also known as Prasat Ta Wai)

Sangkha district: Prasat Tao Thong

The declaration was signed on April 9, 2026 by Fine Arts Department director-general Phanomboot Chanthachot.