National

World Snooker Championship Sets Unwanted Record with Nearly 2-Hour Single Frame

A World Snooker Championship semi-final between Mark Allen and Wu Yize set an unwanted record when a single frame lasted nearly 2 hours due to a problematic ball arrangement on the table. The unusual situation, where eight red balls clustered around one pocket with a black ball blocking access, required cautious play for 55 minutes before Allen conceded and potted the red ball into the black, allowing Wu to win the frame 88-66. The incident has sparked criticism and calls for rule changes, though World Snooker defended the referee's handling of the situation.

2 May Khaosod

The 2026 World Snooker Championship semi-final between Mark Allen of Northern Ireland and Wu Yize of China at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield on May 1 produced an unwanted record. During frame 14, with Allen leading 43-13, eight remaining red balls clustered around a single pocket, while a black ball sat at the pocket entrance. This forced Allen and Wu to alternate cautious shots for 55 minutes to avoid hitting the black ball, with referee Marcel Eckardt declining to restart the frame. After Allen finally potted a red into the black ball, Wu won the frame 88-66, but it took a record 100 minutes and 19 seconds to complete—breaking the previous championship record of 85 minutes and 22 seconds set by Mark Selby and Ding Junhui in 2022. The match ended the second session tied 7-7 at just 14 frames total instead of the scheduled 16, prompting criticism from various parties who called the situation embarrassing and called for rule improvements. The World Snooker organization responded by defending the referee's application of the rules, confirming that procedures were followed correctly.

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National

China Cracks Down on Vertical Drama Series Featuring Wealthy CEO Romance Plots, Citing Manipulation of Public Values

China's government has introduced stricter regulations on rapidly popular 'micro-drama' content, particularly targeting romanticized stories of wealthy CEOs pursuing ordinary women, citing concerns about distorted social values. Regulators are warning producers against glorifying wealth-driven relationships and have ordered deletion of thousands of problematic series, reflecting broader state efforts to control digital content. The multi-billion dollar industry, which reaches hundreds of millions of viewers, now faces reduced production targets and stricter quality oversight.

2 May Khaosod

The Chinese government has implemented new measures to regulate rapidly growing 'micro-drama' content, particularly romanticized plots depicting wealthy CEOs falling in love with ordinary women, which are viewed as creating distorted expectations about love, wealth, and life success.

Social media users have become familiar with 'CEO romance' short-series ads emphasizing relationships between powerful men and ordinary women. Chinese regulators have now issued new guidelines to reduce such content, warning producers against creating material that 'glorifies marriage to the rich and powerful' or uses luxury, power, and extreme lifestyles as selling points.

These guidelines, linked to China's radio and television regulatory body, also call for reducing production of such series while improving quality and avoiding exaggerated tags like 'dictatorial CEO'—a proven viral micro-drama formula.

The move comes amid explosive growth in China's micro-drama industry, valued in the billions and reaching hundreds of millions of viewers on short-video platforms. These series typically run just 1–3 minutes but emphasize rapid pacing, concentrated content, plot twists, and fantasies like romance, revenge, and sudden wealth.

However, rapid growth has prompted state agencies to worry about social impacts. Previous criticism has targeted micro-dramas for crude content, distorted values, and unrealistic presentations of relationships and social mobility.

In previous actions, Chinese regulators ordered deletion of over 25,000 micro-dramas for inappropriate content, reflecting state efforts to align online content with 'core social values.'

Industry analysts see the 'wealthy man loves ordinary woman' plot as a high-earning marketing formula fulfilling dreams of social advancement, especially as the economy faces pressure and youth unemployment remains significant.

While new measures don't outright ban such content, they clearly signal that the state wants producers to create more realistic stories under stricter oversight, preventing the cultivation of materialistic values or unrealistic expectations about love and success.

This latest action underscores a significant trend in China's media landscape: the state is playing an increasingly prominent role in directing digital content, even as the micro-drama industry continues growing both domestically and internationally.

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National

Thai Chamber of Commerce and 'Team Thailand+' Take Center Stage at SelectUSA 2026 with Commerce and Foreign Affairs Ministers

Thailand's Chamber of Commerce leads a 14-company delegation to SelectUSA 2026 in Washington this May, backed by the Commerce and Foreign Affairs Ministers, to boost trade and investment with the U.S., Thailand's largest export market.

2 May Khaosod

The Thai Chamber of Commerce is leading a private sector delegation through the 'Team Thailand+' initiative in collaboration with the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to expand Thai-U.S. trade and investment opportunities at SelectUSA 2026. Poj Aramwattananont, chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Thai Chamber of Commerce Council, will bring 14 Thai companies to the SelectUSA Investment Summit 2026 in Washington, D.C. from May 2-6, 2026.

The 'Team Thailand+' framework integrates work between the public and private sectors with the Ministry of Commerce and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strengthen trade and investment opportunities between Thailand and the United States. The delegation is honored to have Deputy Prime Minister Supachee Suthirampant and Commerce Minister, along with Paan Phithayanukulkij, advisor to the Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, leading the Thai private sector delegation. This reflects close coordination between government and business sectors in advancing Thailand's economy on the global stage, with support from Suriya Chindawongse, Thai Ambassador to Washington, facilitating arrangements.

During the initial schedule (Saturday-Tuesday), the delegation will participate in major activities including meetings with U.S. government agencies, consultations with leading private sector representatives and investors, and participation in SelectUSA summit activities. The summit is a global platform for promoting U.S. investment, focusing on business networking, deep information exchange, and new opportunities for Thai investors.

Poj stated that the Thai private sector is confident that the 'Team Thailand+' collaborative approach will effectively enhance Thailand's capabilities on the global stage. Beyond promoting trade in exports and imports, expanding foreign investment, particularly in the United States—a large market with a strong economic ecosystem—will be an important mechanism for long-term growth.

The U.S. market is Thailand's most important and largest market. In the first three months of 2026, exports to the United States grew by approximately 42%, valued at around 720 billion baht, representing nearly 24% of total exports. This reflects the U.S. role as Thailand's primary market, with trends suggesting the full year could see about one-quarter of all exports, or 2.8 trillion baht.

"In a volatile global economic situation, particularly due to geopolitical factors in the Middle East, the Thai private sector must seek new opportunities and diversify business risks. Participating in SelectUSA this time is not only about creating business opportunities but also reinforcing confidence in Thailand's overall economic direction."

On policy collaboration, the Thai private sector also provides deep insights to government, particularly in trade negotiations with the U.S. Trade Representative's Office (USTR), reflecting Thai business perspectives and proposals to strengthen Team Thailand's negotiating capacity. The Thai private sector has continuously collaborated with the American Chamber of Commerce in Thailand (AMCHAM Thailand) and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, having previously participated in SelectUSA Investment Summit to further concrete business and investment cooperation between the two countries.

"This participation is expected to be another significant step in connecting Thai business to global value chains and creating new opportunities in trade, investment, and innovation."

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Community

Inspiring: American Grandfather Completes Giant 60,000-Piece Puzzle After 4 Years, Then Gives It Away for Free

Colorado retiree Lu Salas completed a massive 60,000-piece world map puzzle after four years of work, then donated it free to anyone willing to pass it along to others.

2 May Khaosod

An inspiring story from Colorado, USA: Lu Salas, a retired grandfather, successfully completed a giant 60,000-piece puzzle after dedicating more than four years and over 800 hours of work. The puzzle set, titled "What a Wonderful World," came in 60 boxes with 1,000 pieces each, and when assembled together forms a large world map. Salas spent years finding the right space to start the project, working methodically through each box in his own puzzle room and organizing completed sections on plastic sheets. His 8-year-old granddaughter, hailed as a "puzzle genius," occasionally assisted him throughout the process.

During the assembly, he faced a significant challenge when one piece went missing, but the manufacturer ultimately sent the missing piece, allowing him to complete the task. The project's grand finale involved assembling all 60 sections together—what Salas called "the greatest puzzle within the puzzle." Family and friends helped construct a nearly 9-meter-long table in his garage, and he even had to hang from the ceiling to fit all the pieces together, a process that took a full 9 hours.

Despite the puzzle's high value of hundreds or thousands of dollars, Salas decided to give it away for free to anyone interested, with just one condition: once they finish playing with it, they must pass it on so others can experience the same joy. He concluded by saying this accomplishment cannot be measured in monetary terms, and he considers it worthwhile if even one other person attempts a similar project.

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National

Government Savings Lottery Draw Results for May 2, 2569 - Special 2-Year Savings Lottery Draw

The Government Savings Bank announced winners of its special 2-year savings lottery draw on May 2, with a top prize of 10 million baht going to ticket 0860959 and thousands of other winners across multiple prize categories.

2 May Khaosod

The Government Savings Bank released the winning numbers for the special 2-year savings lottery draw held on May 2, 2569, giving participants the opportunity to win major prizes while saving money. First Prize: 1 winner of 10,000,000 baht - Draw 266, ticket 0860959. Second Prize: 1 winner of 1,000,000 baht - Draw 266, ticket 2694681. Third Prize: 5 winners of 10,000 baht each - tickets 4554375, 2704334, 7674583, 3275138, 9350645. Fourth Prize: 10 winners of 3,000 baht each - tickets 3024052, 9017961, 0841186, 8076402, 5305536, 6024859, 6120896, 0065263, 7968865, 5386869. Fifth Prize: 15 winners of 1,000 baht each - tickets 1019058, 3013634, 1482428, 5571026, 0307940, 2764694, 1994881, 0514932, 0719992, 5691250, 4181217, 5056193, 8995309, 1234965, 1812659. Last 4 digits: 42,695 winners of 200 baht (Draws 251-253), 318,042 winners of 800 baht (Draws 254-262), 64,910 winners of 700 baht (Draws 263-264), 287,604 winners of 600 baht (Draws 265-271, 273), 38,518 winners of 500 baht (Draws 274-275), and ticket 9651. Last 3 digits: 426,897 winners of 40 baht (Draws 251, 253), and ticket 503.

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National

Good News for Insured Workers: Starting May 1, 2026, Expanded Dental Benefits Including Impacted Tooth Extraction and Removable Dentures

Thailand's government has significantly expanded dental benefits for insured workers starting May 1, 2026, introducing separate coverage for impacted tooth extraction, increased denture coverage, and new dental implant support for full mouth restoration. The new benefits eliminate competition for funds between basic dental care and specialized treatments, with coverage ranging from 1,500 to 6,000 baht depending on the procedure. Workers who leave employment retain dental protection for an additional six months, making healthcare more accessible and affordable.

2 May Khaosod

On May 2, 2026, Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploychaleaw Laksameesangchan announced that the government prioritizes insured workers and aims to improve their quality of life by reducing healthcare costs and expanding access to efficient medical services. The government, through the Ministry of Labor, directed the Social Security Office to develop dental benefits for insured workers under Sections 33 and 39.

Beginning May 1, 2026, social security dental benefits have undergone major improvements. Insured workers undergoing impacted tooth extraction no longer need to compete for filling benefits, as social security has allocated separate funding. Coverage is up to 2,500 baht per tooth for those who have contributed for at least three months within 15 months before service. Workers who leave employment retain dental protection coverage for up to six additional months.

New dental benefits effective May 1, 2026, include:

1. Tooth Extraction/Filling/Tartar Removal (Basic Benefits) - Private hospitals/clinics: 900 baht annually (unchanged) - Public hospitals: Expanded coverage including root scaling and bone contouring

2. Impacted Tooth Extraction - Previous: Covered under 900 baht annual limit; extraction at 2,500 baht required 1,600 baht out-of-pocket - New: Separate allocation, up to 1,500 baht per tooth (simple extraction) or 2,500 baht per tooth (complex extraction with bone grafting) - Public hospitals with agreements cover actual costs per standards

3. Removable Dentures - Previous: Limited coverage - New: Increased to 1,500-6,000 baht depending on number and type of teeth, plus 900 baht repair coverage per service

4. Dental Implants for Full Mouth Restoration - Previous: No coverage - New: Surgical fee of 17,500 baht per person for those who lost all teeth and cannot wear removable dentures, plus 3,300 baht per implant set, including follow-up care benefits

Insured workers using services outside contracted facilities must pay first and request reimbursement through e-Self Service or at Social Security offices nationwide. Additional information is available at provincial Social Security offices or the 24-hour hotline 1506.

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National

Big Pae Encourages Bangkok Youth Precision Sport Shooters Heading to National Youth Games

Bangkok's youth precision sport shooting team received encouragement from officials before competing at the National Youth Games in Surat Thani this May.

2 May Khaosod

Coaches and representatives of Bangkok's youth precision sport shooting team met with Thirachai Wuthitham, chairman of the Bangkok Sports Association, at the Watsn 1 Sports Building conference room at the Bangkok Youth Center (Thai-Japanese), Din Daeng, to receive encouragement and blessings before departing for the 41st National Youth Games, also known as the "Surat Thani Games," scheduled for May 7-17, 2025, in Surat Thani Province. The sports association chairman offered words of encouragement and blessings to all athletes, hoping they will achieve success and bring honor and pride to Bangkok residents. Regarding precision sport shooting, he noted that although many perceive it as risky, it operates under strict supervision with clear safety standards and receives strong parental support. Both mothers and fathers play crucial roles in promoting and encouraging their children, which strengthens family institutions alongside athletic development. He emphasized that athletes must perform their duties fully, with focus and care, follow all regulations, and uphold the true spirit of sportsmanship. He also invited all Bangkok residents to cheer on Thailand's youth precision sport shooting team and support them in achieving victory at this competition.

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National

Fisheries Department Addresses Thailand FishAI App Controversy Over Misidentified Fish Species

The Fisheries Department clarified that its Thailand FishAI app, still in prototype stage, currently identifies only 50 fish species and acknowledged errors flagged by users as it continues developing the AI system. The department is expand

2 May Khaosod

On May 2, 2025, the Fisheries Department clarified issues with the Thailand FishAI application following online discussions about errors in the app's fish identification function. The department thanked users for their interest in downloading the app and explained the current limitations.

Thailand FishAI is a research and development project utilizing artificial intelligence technology that was completed within just one year. Currently, the prototype system can identify 50 fish species (though it cannot yet identify all species). Each fish species requires extensive image data collected from fieldwork, including various sizes and angles—typically 100 to 1,000 images per species depending on the fish's distinctive characteristics—to train the AI system.

The species currently identifiable are mostly freshwater fish from the Cyprinidae family, the most diverse fish family in Thailand, including both common and rare endemic species such as white barb, gold barb, giant snakehead, red-finned barb, various loaches, silver barb, rosy barb, false shark, coral barb, sweetlips, and snakehead. The app also identifies rare Thai species like Thai freshwater angelfish and Thai siamese. Additionally, it can identify some ornamental fish species including Siamese fighting fish, carp, goldfish, koi, and some exotic species, as well as some economically important species like snapper, catfish, and tilapia.

The Fisheries Department is committed to continuously expanding the database so the AI system can identify more fish species, requiring ongoing collaboration across multiple sectors to enhance service quality.

The Thailand FishAI application also features a "Library" function—an aquatic animal database allowing users to search information on over 2,000 aquatic species collected by the Fisheries Department, including freshwater fish, saltwater fish, ornamental fish, and aquatic plants, organized by category for convenient and rapid access.

Additionally, the "Survey" function allows users unfamiliar with a fish species to upload photos with details and directly consult Fisheries Department experts through the app. Experts will respond and notify users, while user-submitted fish images help improve the app's database.

Users encountering problems, inaccurate AI results, or having suggestions can report issues through the "Survey" menu or via the official LINE Open Chat by searching "Thailand Fish AI." The Fisheries Department welcomes all feedback for continuous improvement.

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Police

Operation Golden Pillow: Police Use Undercover Durian Truck to Crack Down on Drug Gang, Seize Narcotics and Slot Machines

Police arrested three suspects and seized drugs and slot machines during an undercover operation disguised as a durian vendor truck in a Bangkok community near a school where narcotics were being sold to youth.

2 May Khaosod

Operation Golden Pillow: Police Use Undercover Durian Truck to Crack Down on Drug Gang, Seize Narcotics and Slot Machines. Big Jo leads raid in Bangkok.

On May 2, 2569, Police Lieutenant General Siam Bunserm, Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, ordered the operation. Police Major General Theeradej Thamsuthee, Deputy Commissioner for Narcotics, Police Major General Witthawat Chinkam, Commander of Division 5, and other senior officers from the Narcotics Suppression Center under the Bangkok Metropolitan Police Bureau launched Operation Durian Toxin. They conducted a search of a community behind Udomsuk 30 School in Bang Na Nua Subdistrict, Bang Na District, Bangkok, using an undercover operation disguised as durian vendors to investigate the target area.

The operation followed the policy of Police General Kittiratchawit Panpetch, Police Commissioner, Police General Samran Nualmaa, Deputy Commissioner, Police General Sompraseang Yenthum, Special Advisor, and Police Lieutenant General Kritsada Kanjanaolongkorn, Assistant Commissioner, aimed at suppressing narcotics in communities, especially youth hangouts. This followed complaints from residents that a group was illegally selling drugs and luring youth during school breaks, causing trouble for local residents.

Investigation revealed that the hangout was operated by someone known as "Bang Dam," who sold narcotics and operated slot machines, pricing drugs low to attract youth in the Udomsuk 30 area near the school.

Investigators devised a plan using a modified pickup truck disguised as a durian vendor truck, parking it near the target house with officers concealed inside for surveillance. When they spotted the suspect inside the house, they revealed themselves and made the arrest, searching the premises.

Three suspects were arrested:

1. A 42-year-old Thai male (Bang Dam) charged with operating illegal gambling and Class 1 drug possession. Additional charges for drug dealing are being investigated.

2. A 32-year-old Thai female (Ms. May) charged with operating illegal gambling.

3. A 43-year-old Thai female (Ms. Porn) charged with possessing and using Class 1 methamphetamine (ice).

Police seized 2 slot machines, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia.

Eight other people were found at the location, including three teenagers aged 15. Drug tests on the youth came back negative, and they claimed they came to play games with friends. Officers proceeded with child and youth protection protocols.

During initial interrogation, some suspects confessed that the slot machines belonged to someone else who installed them in exchange for revenue sharing, while the drugs were for personal use. The matter of luring youth is still under investigation.

Police revealed that the area is a densely packed community with multiple access routes, making it easy for offenders to escape. Strict surveillance of strangers made previous investigations difficult. The plan to use an undercover durian truck allowed officers to access the area and successfully make arrests.

After the arrests, many residents came out to observe, and community representatives thanked the officers, reflecting the community's appreciation.

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National

Natural Resources Minister Suchat Mobilizes Nationwide Drought Relief, Assists Over 21,600 Households

Thailand's Natural Resources Ministry has mobilized nationwide drought relief efforts, assisting over 21,600 households across multiple provinces with emergency water supplies and equipment deployed by regional water resource offices.

2 May Khaosod

On May 2, 2569, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin has launched an urgent assistance program to support communities facing the severe drought crisis. The Department of Water Resources has been directed to mobilize nationwide resources to increase drinking and household water availability, support community water supply systems, and establish emergency water reserves in at-risk areas.

The ministry stressed that the government regards public welfare as paramount, particularly during this widespread drought emergency. All relevant agencies have been instructed to provide full support, including securing domestic water supplies, assisting the agricultural sector, and strengthening frontline personnel to alleviate public hardship as quickly as possible.

Theerachun Bunsit, Director-General of the Department of Water Resources, revealed that he has ordered all 11 regional water resource offices to closely monitor the situation and mobilize machinery, pumping equipment, water trucks, and various support systems to affected areas immediately. Operations focus on securing drinking and household water, production water for public utilities, and systematic agricultural assistance.

Relief operations continue across multiple provinces including Lampang, Nakhon Sawan, Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chanthaburi, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phitsanulok, Chumphon, Krabi, and Ubon Ratchathani, with water pump installations, clean water distribution, and comprehensive field support provided for both household consumption and agricultural use. Drinking water has also been supplied to wildfire-fighting personnel in vulnerable areas.

To date, the Department of Water Resources has successfully assisted over 21,600 households, representing approximately 43,200 people, and distributed nearly 2,000 bottles of drinking water to frontline wildfire personnel, demonstrating the ministry's proactive approach to mitigating drought impacts.

The Natural Resources and Environment Ministry reaffirms its commitment to continued assistance, ensuring adequate water availability for citizens, reducing hardship during this crisis, and establishing long-term national water security while standing beside the people in all circumstances.

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National

Thailand's Young Elephants Touch Down in Saudi Arabia After 12-Hour Journey, Dive into Recovery Pool

Thailand's U-17 national football team has arrived in Saudi Arabia after a 12-hour flight to compete in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup 2026 under coach Marco Gökçek. The young squad is grouped with Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Myanmar, with group leaders advancing to knockout rounds and ultimately representing Asia at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar. Thailand will begin their tournament on May 5th against Tajikistan.

2 May Khaosod

Thailand's U-17 national football team, led by head coach Marco Gökçek with 23 players, departed for Saudi Arabia on the evening of April 30th to compete in the AFC U-17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026. In the early morning hours of May 1st, the team completed their approximately 12-hour journey to Saudi Arabia, where Gökçek immediately arranged recovery sessions in the hotel pool to help players recuperate. Thailand is placed in Group A alongside Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Myanmar. The group winners and runners-up will advance to the knockout rounds, with the eight advancing nations eligible to represent Asia at the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2026 in Qatar in November 2026. Thailand will open their campaign against Tajikistan on the evening of May 5th (morning of May 6th) at King Abdullah Sports City Stadium B (Champions).

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