An 18-year-old man used doctored photos to impersonate a government official and deceived poor families into housing construction schemes, then vanished with 400,000 baht in funds collected from village committees.

On May 20, 2025, residents of Chaokhemmak Subdistrict in Prakon Chai District, Buriram Province filed complaints that multiple poor families were suffering severely. Village committees had demolished their deteriorating homes with the intention of rebuilding them using Community Organizations Development Institute funds, but an unknown man had fraudulently obtained 400,000 baht from the village committee, leaving the poor families homeless.

Samruan Pathumrat, 70, one of the affected residents, explained that the village committee had initially approached her about building a new home funded by the institute at approximately 35,000 baht per house. She was delighted at the prospect of a new home after living in poverty for so long. The committee demolished her old house and even had foundation posts installed, but then everything went silent. Now, more than four months later, she remains homeless with no shelter.

Niwan Suepdi, 60, a neighboring resident, recounted that about five months earlier, a young person claiming to be Jetrin, secretary of the Community Organizations Development Institute (Public Organization), approached her house. This individual spoke eloquently and claimed the institute would build new homes for poor families across several villages.

Later, it was discovered that this so-called Jetrin had contacted village committees claiming he would oversee the housing project, but the committees needed to submit documentation to the institute under the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security's Buriram office. After the committees provided evidence and received cash, Jetrin insisted on managing all the funds himself. The trusting committees agreed because of his persuasive manner, but he disappeared with the money.

The committees were shocked to learn that Jetrin was only 18 years old, yet he had managed to find the correct organization and successfully deceive multiple village committees. They were particularly distressed for the elderly residents who had even contributed 7,000 baht from their senior citizen stipends to the project.

At 11:30 AM on May 20, 2025, the Student and Civil Society Network for Thai Reforms submitted a letter to Nathpong Ruengpanyavutti, leader of the opposition Democratic Party in the House of Representatives, and to the Democrat, Thai Loyal, and Free Thai parties, requesting them to compile signatures and submit the matter to the Supreme Court for establishment of an independent investigation committee to examine the National Anti-Corruption Commission's (NACC) handling of the dismissal of a complaint against former Transport Minister Sak Siam in a stock manipulation case.

Dr. Wayo Aswinrungwong, Democrat Party list MP and deputy party leader, stated that the complaint is still being prepared and will likely be submitted to the House Speaker by early June. He explained that new factual evidence and citizen input have been incorporated into the document. The facts being presented include settled matters and evidence from the NACC's own investigation process, as well as concerns about the time the NACC took to consider the case.

Aswinrungwong emphasized that the NACC's role is not to adjudicate cases but to investigate and forward findings to court, functioning only as an investigative officer. He stated: "Given the Constitutional Court's ruling suggesting sufficient grounds exist, when facts have merit, the NACC should submit them to court for judicial determination, as the NACC cannot be a judge except by dismissing charges."

He added that a separate new complaint is being prepared regarding audio clips of former House Speaker Wan Muhamad Noor Matha, which were previously submitted and dismissed before parliament's dissolution.

Satit Wongnongtui, Democrat Party list MP and deputy leader, confirmed his party has consistently monitored the case and will submit a separate legal complaint to the NACC regarding unresolved aspects of Sak Siam's case. The network has also requested tax collection follow-up on Shin Corporation shares held by former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Dr. Vorawich Dechkijwikrom, Thai Loyal Party leader, stated that protecting national interests is their priority and despite having limited parliamentary votes, they are prepared to support beneficial measures for the people. General Seree Pisuthsen, Free Thai Party list MP, indicated the party's readiness to support the initiative.

Erling Haaland, Manchester City's star striker, has vowed to do everything in his power to reclaim the Premier League title next season following Arsenal's triumph this year.

Manchester City's hopes of retaining the championship were officially dashed after they drew 1-1 with Bournemouth, leaving them on 78 points from 37 matches, trailing Arsenal by four points with only one game remaining.

Following the match, Haaland declared his determination to bring the title back to the Etihad next season, particularly as it has been two years since City last won it. "In the end, every game in the Premier League is difficult," Haaland said. "We tried, but it wasn't enough. Now the entire club should use this as motivation. We should be angry, we should be determined, because this isn't good enough.

"It's been two years now, and it feels like an eternity. We will do everything we can. Everyone here next season will work together to win the league."

The Norwegian striker also congratulated Arsenal midfielder Martin Ødegaard and fellow Norwegians on clinching the title. "When you accumulate the most points, you deserve to win the league," Haaland said. "Congratulations to Martin—he deserves this trophy. It's hard to watch him lift the Premier League trophy, but it's something special when a Norwegian gets to hold that cup."

On May 20, Deputy Metropolitan Police Bureau Commander Kampon Rattanapratip revealed that drug screening tests conducted at a police hospital for Siriphoomi, a train mechanic, came back negative. Police initially questioned Siriphoomi as a witness. Investigators are now questioning additional injured parties and witnesses, including a motorcycle taxi driver and officers from Makkasan Police Station's Prevention and Suppression Division who apprehended the train driver on the day of the incident. They are also examining who may face charges under the Traffic Act. On May 21, investigators summoned the Makkasan and Khlong Tan station masters for questioning regarding whether train crew and barrier control operators followed proper procedures during the incident. Later at 1:30 p.m. at Hua Mark Railway Station, Metropolitan Police Bureau and Hua Mark Police Station officers, along with State Railway of Thailand officials, boarded a train and recreated the scenario to assess visibility from the driver's cabin, traveling the approximately 9.2-kilometer route from Hua Mark Station heading into the city toward Asok Station.

The international food exhibition returns bigger than ever! THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2026 is Thailand's pride and a key destination for global trading partners and business owners seeking new products and innovations to meet evolving consumer lifestyles worldwide. Asia's leading food trade show provides a platform connecting producers, entrepreneurs, and startups with trading partners, distributors, retailers, and buyers from around the globe, fostering collaboration and success under the 'Beyond Food Experience' concept. This year's highlights—Bigger, Better, Bolder—are essential for food business professionals. BIGGER: Expanding business opportunities. Organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion (Ministry of Commerce) in partnership with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Cologne Messe (Germany), the 2026 edition expands into IMPACT FORUM HALL 4 for showcasing innovation, future products, and startups. The exhibition spans buildings 1-12 with 140,000 square meters of space across nine product zones: Drinks, Fine Food, Food Technology, Frozen Food, Fruits & Vegetables, Meat, Rice, Seafood, and Sweets & Confectionery. Each zone offers diverse selections including conventional food, halal, organic, health-focused, plant-based protein, specialty, sustainable, and future foods. BETTER: Connecting with high-potential partners. THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2026 facilitates quality procurement experiences and business matching between entrepreneurs, buyers, and trading partners with nearly 3,600 companies from over 56 countries spanning East Asia, ASEAN, Europe, Americas, Latin America, Middle East, and Australia. These high-potential exhibitors bring innovative products and solutions, attracting thousands of trade visitors annually seeking products, partnerships, collaborations, and networking opportunities to create new future successes. BOLDER: Knowledge and business idea generation. The exhibition serves as a knowledge hub offering new perspectives on the food business, updated trend information, and actionable insights through exhibitions, seminars, and activities. Key programs include the THAIFEX – Anuga Trend Zone presenting latest market trends via Innova Market Insights analysis from various countries to help businesses align with evolving trends; the THAIFEX – Anuga tasteInnovation Show featuring award-winning creative products in trending food and beverage categories such as plant-based proteins, superfoods, and sustainable products; and Future Food Experience+ seminars providing comprehensive business insights.

Should You Unplug Electrical Appliances During Thunder and Lightning? Panasonic Explains

Compiled by Thairath Online News Team May 20, 2025

Reporting from international media: As the rainy season arrives, people must be vigilant about lightning hazards. If lightning strikes near your home, electrical equipment inside could be damaged. The question is: should people unplug their appliances to prevent damage?

Prepare Protection Before Storms Hit

Abnormal electrical voltage or current that occurs momentarily from lightning is called "lightning surge." This electrical current can enter your home through power lines, telephone lines, or television antennas, potentially damaging electrical appliances and computers.

Panasonic states that the key preventive method is to prepare protective measures before storms occur, such as using surge-protected power strips. While these cannot prevent all damage, they significantly reduce the risk. These power strips absorb excess voltage from lightning, minimizing the chance of appliance damage.

However, Panasonic warns that once a surge-protected power strip has absorbed excess voltage, its protection system may degrade or stop working. If the status indicator light goes out, replace it immediately. Additionally, they recommend obtaining insurance that covers lightning damage, especially for expensive appliances, to prepare for unexpected incidents.

Do Not Touch Plugs or Appliances When Thunder Starts

Panasonic also warns that when thunder is heard nearby, you should not touch electrical appliances or plugs due to the risk of electrical shock. Communication devices connected with multiple cable types—such as telephones, fax machines, or internet-connected appliances—are at particularly high risk of damage. People should avoid touching power plugs, television antennas, telephone lines, wireless phone chargers, and appliance plugs during thunderstorms.

Unplug Appliances If Power Goes Out

If the power goes out, Panasonic recommends unplugging appliances from outlets. When electricity returns, many appliances may start simultaneously, causing fuses to blow or breakers to trip. High-power devices like air conditioners or microwaves should be handled first.

While many believe you "should immediately unplug appliances when thunder starts," the correct advice is: do not touch plugs during thunderstorms, and instead unplug appliances after the power goes out. With severe thunderstorms becoming increasingly frequent, preparing protective measures in advance and learning proper procedures during storms are essential to effectively reduce lightning damage.