National

Royal Gazette Announces Guidelines for Designating Alcohol Sales Prohibition Areas Near Educational Institutions

Thailand's Disease Control Department has established guidelines for designating alcohol sales prohibition zones near schools, with exemptions for existing licensed retailers and large commercial establishments operating before specified da

5d ago Khaosod

The Disease Control Department has issued a Royal Gazette announcement on May 26, 2026, establishing guidelines for designating alcohol sales prohibition zones near educational institutions. The proclamation outlines that appropriate locations or areas near schools meeting one or more criteria shall be restricted: areas easily accessible to children, youth, and students based on distance from the school; places with characteristics unsuitable for minors; locations that could serve as gathering spots or corruption centers for young people; and areas likely to cause disturbance to students. The announcement exempts certain establishments from these restrictions, including legally licensed alcohol retailers operating before July 22, 2558, licensed hotels under hotel laws, authorized service establishments, manufacturer/importer sales points, retail stores or supermarkets within commercial buildings of 10,000 square meters or larger, and major sports venues with approved special events and proper youth protection measures. Existing alcohol license holders as of February 11, 2568, may continue operations until their licenses expire or are suspended or revoked. The announcement was issued by Montien Kanasawad, Director-General of the Disease Control Department, on May 14, 2569.

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Community

Chathurongk Reveals How a Legendary Dance Teacher Constantly Asked Him for Money Until His Dying Days—Industry Friends Knew Him Well

Comedian Chathurongk Mokchok revealed he was coerced into a sexual encounter by a prominent dance teacher at age 19 in the lukthung music scene, who later repeatedly solicited money from him for years.

6d ago Khaosod

It wasn't funny looking back! Veteran comedian Chathurongk Mokchok recounted a traumatic period from his youth when he was pressured into a sexual encounter with a prominent dance teacher in the lukthung music scene. At just 19 years old, while working as a backup dancer, Chathurongk was coerced by the older man—who was in his 40s—to comply with sexual advances under the threat of being sent back to his hometown of Pothanam with no money. He described the experience as traumatic, filled with pain, disgust, and despair as he thought about his mother, father, and his previous life selling goods at markets. After that incident, the man put him on stage as a dancer, earning him 100 baht per performance—which was substantial at the time. This marked the beginning of Chathurongk's career as a performer. Years later, when Chathurongk was hosting the 'Gamphunha' game show, this same teacher would visit him almost weekly asking for money, which Chathurongk always provided. The comedian revealed that his colleagues on the show were well aware of these visits and the teacher's constant requests for financial assistance.

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Tourism

Thai Airways Celebrates 33 Years of Royal Orchid Plus with Exclusive Member Benefits

Thai Airways celebrates the 33rd anniversary of its Royal Orchid Plus loyalty program with enhanced benefits, including a new "Rise to GOLD" campaign that makes it easier for Silver members to achieve Gold status and access premium travel p

6d ago Khaosod

Thai Airways is marking the 33rd anniversary of its Royal Orchid Plus loyalty program with an array of exclusive benefits and activities. CEO Chai Eamsiri announced that the airline is celebrating three major milestones: Thai Airways' 66th anniversary, Royal Orchid Plus' 33rd anniversary, and Royal Orchid Holidays' 55th anniversary. The company is introducing new benefits to thank members for their continued loyalty and support.

The airline is rolling out enhanced member experiences through its "Rise to GOLD" campaign, which makes it easier for Silver members to achieve Gold status. Gold members will enjoy premium travel privileges including access to airport lounges, extra baggage allowance, and benefits from the Star Alliance network. The campaign targets frequent travelers, former Gold members, and those nearing Gold status.

Throughout the year, Royal Orchid Plus members will access special activities including a Mastercard promotion offering bonus miles, partnerships with financial institutions, special events like "Love You as Much as the Sky," and fuel surcharge discounts up to 30% when redeeming economy class reward tickets on Thai Airways international routes.

Beyond a traditional miles-accumulation program, Royal Orchid Plus is evolving into a lifestyle ecosystem connecting travel, experiences, and meaningful benefits. Members can earn bonus miles and exclusive perks from special events like GDH Concert, and can redeem miles through Royal Orchid Holidays for comprehensive travel packages. Thai Airways remains committed to developing Royal Orchid Plus as an integrated platform combining miles accumulation, travel, lifestyle, and new experiences to create lasting value for members on every journey.

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Police

Road Collapses into Sinkhole Near Soi Lang Wang 2, Traffic Closed with Urgent Warning

A road collapsed into a sinkhole near Soi Lang Wang 2 in Bangkok's Bang Kok Noi District on May 26, with authorities closing the center lane and warning of potential further collapse.

6d ago Khaosod

At 6:00 AM on May 26, 2025, officers from Bang Kok Noi Police Station received a report of a road collapse forming a sinkhole near Soi Lang Wang 2 in the Siriraj area, Bang Kok Noi District, Bangkok. They immediately responded and coordinated with the Bang Kok Noi District Office and relevant agencies.

The incident occurred on a three-lane road in the center lane, where the pavement has collapsed into a sinkhole. Officials placed traffic cones to temporarily block the affected traffic lane and warn road users not to approach the hole under any circumstances. Motorists are advised to avoid the area entirely as further collapse is possible.

Relevant agencies are now conducting assessments and working urgently to repair the damage and prevent accidents.

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National

Cambodia's King Pardons Kem Sokha, Former Opposition Leader, Shortly After Court Upholds 27-Year Prison Sentence

Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni has pardoned opposition leader Kem Sokha from sedition charges weeks after his 27-year prison sentence was upheld, ending his house arrest since his controversial 2023 conviction.

6d ago Khaosod

Cambodia's King Norodom Sihamoni has pardoned former opposition leader Kem Sokha from sedition charges just weeks after an appeals court in Phnom Penh upheld his 27-year prison sentence. Senate President Hun Sen signed the royal pardon on behalf of the king, who is currently undergoing prostate cancer treatment. Kem Sokha, co-founder of the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), has been under house arrest since his conviction for sedition in March 2023 after being accused of conspiring with foreign entities to overthrow then-Prime Minister Hun Sen. The United States previously stated that Kem Sokha's conviction was based on a "fabricated conspiracy theory." Kem Sokha is among the few remaining opposition figures still in Cambodia, as many others fled the country following the Supreme Court's dissolution of the CNRP in 2017. The current Cambodian government, led by Hun Manet (Hun Sen's son), denies allegations that it targets the opposition and maintains that those convicted are law violators. Prime Minister Hun Manet called the pardon "another step toward strengthening national unity."

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Regional

Ubon Ratchathani Commerce Department Pushes Promotion of Three GI Products to Boost Community Income

Ubon Ratchathani's commerce department is promoting three geographical indication products—lotus silk, jasmine rice, and monthong durian—to boost local income and preserve traditional craftsmanship heritage.

6d ago Khaosod

The Ubon Ratchathani Commerce Department is ramping up promotional activities for three Geographical Indication (GI) products from the province: Ubon Ratchathani lotus silk fabric, Ubon Ratchathani jasmine rice, and Ubon Ratchathani monthong durian. According to Oranuch Wanaphinyot, the provincial commerce director, the initiative is advised by national artist Meechai Tetsuriya.

The campaign aims to raise public awareness of these distinctive local products that embody the province's cultural wisdom, heritage, and identity while enhancing their market value and competitive advantage. Knowledge transfer sessions cover the history, production processes, and unique features of each GI product, with particular emphasis on the renowned Ubon Ratchathani lotus silk fabric, which represents centuries of transmitted local wisdom in textile craftsmanship. The initiative seeks to expand market opportunities, boost community income, strengthen the grassroots economy, and preserve local heritage.

The campaign also promotes Thai silk fashion through concepts like "Thai silk for fun," "Thai silk for comfort," and "Thai silk for everyday wear," encouraging people to incorporate Thai textiles into their daily fashion while maintaining authenticity. The effort showcases how traditional Thai silk can be adapted to contemporary fashion trends while remaining elegant, modern, and distinctly Thai.

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National

Fuel Prices Today, May 26, 2025: Gas Station Prices Drop, Effective from 5 AM

Fuel prices fell across major Thai gas stations on May 26, with regular gasohol 95 settling at 44.30 baht per liter at PTT, Bangchak, PT, and Caltex, while diesel held steady at 41.20 baht per liter.

6d ago Khaosod

Today, May 26, 2025, the Office of Energy Policy and Planning (OEPP) under the Ministry of Energy reported fuel prices at five major service stations: PTT, Bangchak, PT, Caltex, and Shell.

PTT Station (May 26, 2025): Gasohol 95: 44.30 baht/liter Gasohol E20: 37.90 baht/liter Gasohol E85: 33.84 baht/liter Gasohol 91: 43.93 baht/liter Gasohol 95 Premium: 52.39 baht/liter Benzene 95: 53.89 baht/liter Diesel: 41.20 baht/liter Diesel B20: 35.20 baht/liter Diesel Premium: 60.25 baht/liter

Bangchak Station (May 26, 2025): Gasohol 95: 44.30 baht/liter Gasohol E20: 37.90 baht/liter Gasohol E85: 33.84 baht/liter Gasohol 91: 43.93 baht/liter Gasohol 95 Premium: 54.84 baht/liter Diesel: 41.20 baht/liter Diesel B20: 35.20 baht/liter Diesel Premium: 60.25 baht/liter

PT Station (May 26, 2025): Gasohol 95: 44.30 baht/liter Gasohol E20: 37.90 baht/liter Gasohol 91: 43.93 baht/liter Benzene 95: 54.39 baht/liter Diesel: 41.20 baht/liter Diesel B20: 35.20 baht/liter

Shell Station (May 26, 2025): Gasohol 95: 44.80 baht/liter Gasohol E20: 38.40 baht/liter Gasohol 91: 44.43 baht/liter Gasohol 95 Premium: 49.84 baht/liter Diesel: 41.20 baht/liter Diesel B20: 35.20 baht/liter Diesel Premium: 49.84 baht/liter

Caltex Station (May 26, 2025): Gasohol 95: 44.30 baht/liter Gasohol E20: 37.90 baht/liter Gasohol 91: 44.43 baht/liter Benzene 95: 54.81 baht/liter Diesel: 42.20 baht/liter Diesel B20: 35.20 baht/liter Diesel Premium: 60.25 baht/liter

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National

FDA Empowers Next Generation Youth as Health Product Communication Leaders

Thailand's FDA launched its first Youth Ambassador Camp in May, training 88 young leaders from across the country to become health product communicators and combat non-communicable diseases through peer education and community outreach.

6d ago Khaosod

The Thai Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is empowering a new generation of youth to become health product communication leaders and sustainably combat non-communicable diseases through the inaugural 'Oryornoi Youth Camp,' held May 20-22, 2026, under the theme 'Plant, Shape, Practice, Change.'

The FDA partnered with provincial health offices nationwide to select 88 youth representatives—one per province from all 76 provinces, plus 12 from leading Bangkok schools—to participate in the camp at Rayong Resort. The program aims to develop these young ambassadors into effective health product communicators through active learning methods, including brainstorming sessions to identify youth roles in consumer protection, and media design workshops on the theme 'Shop Smart, Use Smart, Reduce NCDs Risk' to develop modern communication skills that are easy to understand and accessible to the public.

The camp featured six learning stations including 'Truth or Cake,' 'Respectful Court,' and 'Oryornoi Quiz' to enhance critical thinking and information evaluation skills. These youth leaders will serve as key communicators of accurate health product information within schools, communities, and society.

Dr. Rungruthai Mueangprasitphon, Deputy Secretary of the FDA, revealed that the Oryornoi Youth program has long been a crucial mechanism for building awareness among youth about safe health product consumption. The agency currently operates over 20,000 Oryornoi Youth schools with approximately 400,000 rotating members annually. This inaugural Youth Ambassador Camp represents a significant step in elevating participants from 'school-level health product communicators' to 'national-level Oryornoi Youth leaders and health product communicators.'

The FDA expects Oryornoi Youth to become 'change agents' capable of communicating and driving society toward correct, appropriate, and safe health product purchasing and usage behaviors, ultimately reducing the burden of chronic non-communicable diseases. The deputy secretary emphasized that strong health product literacy among youth serves as crucial protection, helping Thai society avoid non-communicable diseases.

A major highlight was the selection of Thailand's first Youth Ambassador Oryornoi: Chanya Ming-Manee (nickname Guitar), a Grade 11 student from Triam Udom Suksa Patthanakarn School in Bangkok. Upon receiving the honor, Guitar expressed joy and pride, committing to effectively communicate accurate health product knowledge to society, particularly regarding dietary supplements and cosmetics.

No. 08 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

KMITL Marks 66th Year with International Innovation Expo 'Ladkrabang Nithrasarn 69'

KMITL celebrates its 66th anniversary with an international innovation expo running September 1-6, 2025, featuring nine pavilions showcasing technologies from AI and semiconductors to space and clean energy.

6d ago Khaosod

The King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL) is preparing a significant milestone event to commemorate its 66th anniversary with 'Ladkrabang Nithrasarn 69' (KMITL EXPO 2026), an international innovation, technology, and education festival. Operating under the concept 'From Lab to Life'—translating laboratory research into real-world applications—the expo will welcome the general public, students, researchers, businesses, investors, and international networks to experience the technologies shaping our future, running September 1-6, 2025 at KMITL.

Associate Professor Dr. Komsun Malisi, KMITL's rector, stated that this expo marks a significant milestone for the institution's 66th year while continuing the legacy of 'Ladkrabang Nithrasarn' as a platform showcasing the nation's scientific, technological, and innovative capabilities. The event transcends a mere academic exhibition, functioning instead as an international collaboration forum bringing together university networks, research organizations, innovation agencies, and industries from multiple countries to advance AI, semiconductors, space technology, clean energy, smart cities, future agriculture, and sustainable technology, positioning Thailand as a regional hub for innovation and future technology economies.

With the world facing unprecedented challenges in energy, aging populations, food security, digital economics, and space technology, universities must evolve beyond graduate production to become centers for innovation and technological ecosystems linking education, research, and industry. The event features nine major Innovation Pavilions: SpaceTech, AgriTech, EnergyTech, Health & Wellness, NextGen Food, Quantum & Nanotech, Smart Living, AI-IoT, and Knowledge pavilions, offering immersive and interactive experiences of real technologies alongside global technological insights from international partners throughout the six-day event.

No. 09 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Weather

Meteorological Department Warns of Monsoon Battering Thailand, South Most Severe at 70% with Thunderstorms, High Seas in Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand

Thailand's Meteorological Department warns of intensifying southwest monsoons bringing heavy thunderstorms and rainfall to the south through May 29, with the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand experiencing waves up to 3 meters in storm areas.

6d ago Khaosod

The Thai Meteorological Department issued a weather forecast for the next 24 hours warning of thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in some areas of Thailand's southern west coast, driven by moderate strength southwest monsoons covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. Citizens are urged to exercise caution regarding dangers from heavy rainfall and accumulated precipitation. Wave conditions in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand are moderate, with the upper Andaman Sea experiencing waves of approximately 2 meters, while the lower Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand have waves of 1-2 meters. Thunderstorm areas may see waves exceeding 2 meters, and boat operators are advised to navigate carefully and avoid thunderstorm zones. From May 28-29, the southern region expects increased rainfall with heavy to very heavy precipitation in many areas, primarily along the west coast, as the southwest monsoon intensifies. The upper Andaman Sea will experience waves of 2-3 meters, with thunderstorm areas seeing waves exceeding 3 meters. Detailed 24-hour forecasts include thunderstorms in 30-40% of northern, northeastern, central, and eastern regions with temperatures ranging from 22-27°C low to 36-39°C high and southwest winds at 10-35 km/h. The southern east coast expects 40% thunderstorms in Chumphon, Surat Thani, and Nakhon Si Thammarat with waves of 1-2 meters offshore. The southern west coast faces the most severe conditions with 70% thunderstorms and heavy rainfall in Ranong, Phang Nga, and Phuket, with wave heights of 2 meters and exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

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Police

66-Year-Old Truck Driver Suffers Medical Episode, Causing Rollover That Kills Myanmar Worker Buried Under 16 Tons of Salt

A 66-year-old truck driver suffered an asthma attack on Amphawa Road in Samut Songkhram, lost control and flipped his vehicle, killing a Myanmar worker buried under 16 tons of salt cargo.

6d ago Khaosod

Samut Songkhram — A 66-year-old truck driver suffered a severe asthma attack while driving, prompting him to reach for his inhaler before losing control of the vehicle. The truck flipped on its side along Amphawa Road, with 16 tons of salt crushing a Myanmar worker to death.

On May 26, 2026, investigative police sergeant Subanit Meepun from Yi Sarn Police Station responded to a report of a fatal truck rollover along the Yi Sarn-Bang Taboon Road heading toward Rama 2 Road in Tambon Yi Sarn, Amphawa District, Samut Songkhram Province. Emergency responders from Sawaengbenja Thammasamutsonghram Foundation discovered a 10-wheel Isuzu truck bearing Phetchburi license plate 81-6966 overturned on its side. Approximately 16 tons of salt had crushed Cha Min Thu, a 31-year-old Myanmar national, who died beneath the cargo. Rescue workers had to use equipment to carefully remove the salt and recover the victim's body.

Initial investigation revealed that Somsak Jaisamad, 66, a resident of Ban Kum Subdistrict, Mueang District, Phetchburi Province, was operating the salt truck carrying 16 tons of cargo from Ban Laem District, Phetchburi Province, destined for Laem Fa Pha District, Samut Prakan Province. Cha Min Thu was resting on top of the salt cargo in the truck bed. When the driver reached the accident location, he experienced a severe asthma attack and bent down to use his inhaler, causing him to lose control of the steering. The truck veered off the road and flipped over, with both the vehicle and salt cargo crushing the worker to death.

Police collected evidence at the scene and are conducting a detailed investigation with the driver. Authorities are also coordinating with a medical examiner to proceed with legal proceedings.

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