A Cambodian soldier in civilian clothes stirs trouble at Chong Jom border, waves hands provocatively at barbed wire fence; Thai forces fire warning shot before Cambodian forces take custody and remove him. No clashes reported. On May 21, 2025 at 9:39 PM, Thai military units at Chong Jom checkpoint in Kaeng Krachan District, Surin Province detected a Cambodian soldier dressed in civilian clothes riding a motorcycle to the Thai-Cambodian barbed wire fence. The soldier waved his hands back and forth in a provocative and challenging manner toward Thai officials, prompting the operating unit to fire one warning shot into the air. After the warning shot, the soldier remained at the fence until two additional Cambodian soldiers came out to de-escalate the situation and remove him from the border area. The situation remained under control with no reported clashes or injuries. Thai forces lodged a formal protest with Cambodia regarding the provocative behavior.

Gold prices fell significantly on May 27, 2026, dropping 350 baht per baht compared to the previous day's closing price, according to the Gold Traders Association's announcement released at 9:01 a.m. Ornamental gold (96.5% purity) is trading at 68,068.40 baht per baht for buyback and 70,450 baht per baht for retail sales. Gold bars are priced at 69,450 baht per baht for buyback and 69,650 baht per baht for selling. Global spot gold prices stand at $4,508 per ounce. Market watchers predict gold prices could surge 1,000-2,000 baht per baht and possibly exceed 80,000 baht when markets open tomorrow, with gold trading experts offering recommendations on optimal buying times.

A Facebook user has ignited heated discussion in the "Vacant Rentals - Hat Yai, Songkhla" group after sharing their experience of being charged 32,000 baht in three-phase meter maintenance fees despite having requested meter cancellation long ago and using no electricity whatsoever. The business owner explained that their shop was devastated by flooding and had remained closed for months with zero income, no residents, and no power consumption, yet received monthly bills of around 8,000 baht. After initially suspecting a system error and calling the utility company, they discovered the charges were legitimate "non-usage maintenance fees." When questioned why the meter wasn't disconnected immediately upon request instead of allowing charges to accumulate, officials only advised filing for cancellation and requesting a goodwill reduction. The owner has already paid one month's charges of 8,000 baht and now faces a debt of 32,184 baht for what they view as exploitative post-disaster practices. They question where to file complaints, whether back charges can be reduced or waived, and warn others to immediately request complete meter disconnection rather than assuming cancellation alone will stop the charges. The owner emphasizes that without proper meter removal, customers could accumulate tens of thousands in debt despite never turning on a single light.

The 21st World Vesak Day celebration kicked off in grand fashion on May 26, 2025, in Wuxi, Jiangsu Province, China, under the concept of 'Buddhist Wisdom for Sustainable Global Development and Building a Shared Future for Humanity.' Buddhist leaders, academics, and representatives from nations worldwide participated in large numbers. The opening ceremony, brimming with grandeur and spiritual fervor, began at 8:30 a.m. with chanting of Buddhist scriptures for world peace, followed by the formal opening at 9:00 a.m. Most Ven. Yan Jue, chairman of the Buddhist Association of China, welcomed participants warmly, while Phra Prom Bandith, Ph.D., chairman of the World Vesak Day Council and president of the International Buddhist University Association, delivered the official opening address.

Special lectures and international plenary sessions were held to exchange perspectives on 'Buddhist Wisdom in Promoting Sustainable Global Development and Building a Shared Future for Humanity,' generating significant interest among participants. Phra Prom Vajradthiraj, Ph.D., rector of Mahachulalongkornraj University, noted the auspicious occasion of Vesak Day, marking the birth, enlightenment, and parinirvana of the Buddha. This year, the Buddhist Association of China, with government support, hosted the 21st World Vesak Day Conference under the theme of 'Buddhist Wisdom for Sustainable Development and Humanity's Shared Future.' Representatives from over 66 countries participated to exchange knowledge, strengthen cooperation, and promote Buddhist values in Wuxi.

Thailand's delegation, led by Phra Prom Bandith, chairman of the World Vesak Day Council, and representatives from Mahachulalongkornraj University, participated in this important mission to strengthen international Buddhist relations. Thailand has been honored to host the 22nd World Vesak Day Conference in 2026, offering an opportunity to promote 'Buddhist Wisdom' for peace, understanding, and humanity's sustainable development. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Surapol Suyaprom, Vice-Rector of General Affairs at Mahachulalongkornraj University, noted that the university has played a vital role in supporting the conference for over 21-22 years, sending over 100 administrators, faculty, and staff. The university will host again next year, marking the Buddha's 100th anniversary commemoration.

A touching moment has emerged as Prajak Chai, the respected mentor figure who has served as a father-like presence to country singer Lamyai Hai Thong Kham, posted a photo together with her boyfriend, Captain Chang. In his caption, Prajak Chai wrote: "#Future son-in-law coming to pay respects...I'm entrusting Captain Chang to take good care of her. My good wishes and concerns are overflowing. As a mentor, I'm like a father to her...#Lamyai Hai Thong Kham has been flawless for 11 years." The post has sparked an outpouring of likes and comments from fans, who praised both the future son-in-law and the genuine character of the elder woman. Comments ranged from "This is the real deal—respect for elders is essential" to "Cheering for this son-in-law" and "The teacher is truly admirable."

On May 27, 2025, the Thai Meteorological Department issued a warning regarding heavy to very heavy rainfall across Thailand and strong winds in the Andaman Sea (Alert No. 79/2569), effective from May 28 to June 1, 2025. The department reports that from May 28 to June 1, the southern and eastern regions will experience increased rainfall with heavy precipitation in many areas and very heavy rainfall in some locations. The northern, northeastern, and central regions will see heavy rainfall from May 29 to June 1 due to the active southwestern monsoon affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, combined with a monsoon trough passing through upper Thailand.

Citizens are advised to prepare and remain vigilant against dangers from heavy to very heavy rainfall and accumulated rain, which may cause flash floods and flash flooding, especially in areas near water channels and low-lying zones. Wave heights in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand are expected to be relatively strong, with the upper Andaman Sea from Phuket northward experiencing 2-3 meter waves, or higher than 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. The lower Andaman Sea from Krabi southward and upper Gulf of Thailand will have approximately 2-meter waves, or higher than 2 meters during thunderstorms.

Fishermen and boat operators are urged to navigate cautiously, avoid areas with thunderstorms, and small boats in the upper Andaman Sea should refrain from leaving shore during this period. The public is advised to monitor updates from the Thai Meteorological Department via their website at http://www.tmd.go.th or call 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182, available 24/7. This alert was issued on May 27, 2025 at 5:00 AM, with the next update scheduled for 5:00 PM the same day.