The Board of Investment has approved additional investment incentives for phase 2 expansion by three world-class PCB manufacturers totaling over 22 billion baht. Napat Therdsteerasukdi, Secretary-General of the Board of Investment, announced that a subcommittee approved the applications for additional investment promotion from leading global PCB manufacturers in phase 2.

Following the first phase investment of over 35 billion baht, these expansion projects will strengthen Thailand's position as a regional hub for advanced electronics and digital industries. The phase 2 projects are expected to create over 5,000 additional Thai jobs, adding to the 7,000 positions created in phase one, supporting the rapid growth of future technology industries including AI servers for data centers, high-speed telecommunications systems, and smart electronic devices.

The three companies include Compeq Technology, a China-based global PCB manufacturer for modern electronics like laptops, smartphones, smartwatches, wireless earbuds, and IoT devices, investing an additional 9.17 billion baht in a facility at Asia Industrial Park (Suvarnabhumi) in Samut Prakan, building on its initial 13 billion baht phase one investment.

Multi-Fineline Electronics, a subsidiary of China's Dongshan Precision (DSBJ), manufactures multilayer and flexible PCBs for major technology clients including Apple, META, Microsoft, and Tesla, investing an additional 5.8 billion baht at Rojana Industrial Park in Chonburi.

Gold Circuit Electronics, a Taiwan-based PCB manufacturer supporting high-density component assembly, is investing an additional 7.23 billion baht at Industrial Zone 304 in Prachuap Khiri Khan, following its initial 8 billion baht phase one investment.

Over the past three years (2023-2025), 222 PCB and PCB material manufacturers submitted investment promotion applications worth a combined 320.078 billion baht, primarily from Chinese, Taiwanese, Hong Kong, and Japanese investors. Thailand has now risen to become ASEAN's leading PCB manufacturer and the world's fifth-largest.

On May 16 at approximately 9:15 p.m., emergency services in Udon Thani Province responded to a collision between a car, motorcycle, and power pole behind Rachini Girls School on Sri Chom Chuen Road. At the scene, responders found a Honda sedan bearing the bar association logo with frontal damage, and a Honda motorcycle severely damaged and lodged against a tree and school fence. The motorcycle rider, 42-year-old Manit, suffered minor injuries. The car driver, identified as lawyer Priecha (surname withheld), was observed appearing intoxicated—unsteady on his feet, slurring his words, and swaying. When questioned about drinking, Priecha insisted he was not drunk, claiming he cannot practice law while intoxicated and that he maintains professional ethics. He acknowledged attending a social gathering but denied it was a regular habit. Police officer Adulchai Khaokham requested an initial breathalyzer test, which Priecha refused, stating "I've cooperated this much, will you still dare do that? This car has no insurance. Don't force me." The officer explained that refusal would be documented as evidence and reported to the Udon Thani Bar Association. Priecha accused rescue workers and police of exceeding their authority and made threats, saying "many people will meet in court soon." The motorcycle rider stated he was waiting for a job when the sedan suddenly struck him at high speed, throwing him onto the sidewalk. He suffered minor injuries to his waist and left leg. The investigation is ongoing.

Four zodiac signs—Cancer, Dragon, Sagittarius, and Aries—are entering a transformative period where obstacles are clearing and new opportunities are emerging. According to astrologer Maw Kaek Dol Bandal, natives of these signs can expect good news, financial windfalls, new jobs, and fresh opportunities, with increased support from those around them. This is a time when past problems are finally resolving, lost opportunities are returning, and both financial and career prospects are particularly strong with income potential coming from multiple directions.

In a heartbreaking incident, a married couple from Myanmar died when their motorcycle lost traction on loose sand, causing them to crash directly into the path of a container truck. The accident occurred on May 16 on Phanvee Road near Ban Thong Khung School in Khlong Dan Subdistrict, Bang Bo District, Samut Prakan Province.

The deceased have been identified as Sin Win, 47, and Piu Piu Win, 55. Investigators found the wife's body with her arms wrapped around her husband, both with their heads crushed under their helmets. A Honda Wave motorcycle with Bangkok license plates was found overturned at the scene.

According to Pol. Lt. Polchai Kumkhuntod of Khlong Dan Police Station, investigators discovered significant sand debris on the road surface, which contributed to the motorcycle's loss of traction. CCTV footage from 6:30 p.m. on May 16 captured the moment the couple's motorcycle skidded on sand while braking to follow another motorcycle that was slowing to turn into a soi. The couple lost control and fell to the right, directly into the path of the container truck behind them. The truck's rear wheel struck both riders fatally before the driver accelerated and fled the scene toward the Khlong Dan intersection.

Police are tracking the truck's route through additional CCTV cameras approximately one kilometer from the incident site and working to identify the vehicle's license plate. Authorities are pursuing the truck driver for questioning and will proceed with legal charges. The victims' bodies have been sent to Samut Prakan Institute of Forensic Medicine for detailed autopsy examination.

On May 17, 2026, the Energy Policy and Planning Office (EPPO) under the Ministry of Energy reported current fuel prices across five major service stations: PTT, Bangchak, PT, Caltex, and Shell.

PTT Station (May 17, 2026): - Gasohol 95: 44.05 baht/liter - Gasohol E20: 37.05 baht/liter - Gasohol E85: 32.99 baht/liter - Gasohol 91: 43.68 baht/liter - Gasohol 95 Premium: 51.54 baht/liter - Benzene 95: 53.64 baht/liter - Diesel: 41.45 baht/liter - Diesel B20: 34.45 baht/liter - Diesel Premium: 61.25 baht/liter

Bangchak Station (May 17, 2026): - Gasohol 95: 44.05 baht/liter - Gasohol E20: 37.05 baht/liter - Gasohol E85: 32.99 baht/liter - Gasohol 91: 43.68 baht/liter - Gasohol 95 Premium: 55.09 baht/liter - Diesel: 41.45 baht/liter - Diesel B20: 34.45 baht/liter - Diesel Premium: 61.25 baht/liter

PT Station (May 17, 2026): - Gasohol 95: 44.05 baht/liter - Gasohol E20: 37.05 baht/liter - Gasohol 91: 43.68 baht/liter - Benzene 95: 54.14 baht/liter - Diesel: 41.45 baht/liter - Diesel B20: 34.45 baht/liter

Shell Station (May 17, 2026): - Gasohol 95: 44.55 baht/liter - Gasohol E20: 37.55 baht/liter - Gasohol 91: 44.18 baht/liter - Gasohol 95 Premium: 49.84 baht/liter - Diesel: 41.45 baht/liter - Diesel Premium: 49.84 baht/liter

Caltex Station (May 17, 2026): - Gasohol 95: 44.05 baht/liter - Gasohol E20: 37.05 baht/liter - Gasohol 91: 43.68 baht/liter - Benzene 95: 55.06 baht/liter - Diesel: 41.45 baht/liter - Diesel Premium: 61.25 baht/liter

Gamba Osaka from Japan edged out Al Nassr, home club of Cristiano Ronaldo from Saudi Arabia, 1-0 to win the AFC Champions League Two title for the first time.

The AFC Champions League Two 2025-26 final took place on May 16 at King Saud University Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Al Nassr fielded a star-studded lineup featuring Chucky Lozano, Sadio Mané, and Cristiano Ronaldo, while Gamba Osaka's key players included Deniz Hummet, Harumi Minamino, and Issam Jebali.

Despite Gamba Osaka having more possession and fewer clear scoring chances, they managed to secure a narrow 1-0 victory through a goal from Deniz Hummet in the 30th minute.

This result secured Gamba Osaka's first-ever AFC Champions League Two title.