At 1:30 PM on May 26, 2025, Deputy Police Chief Achayan Kraitong led a coordinated raid involving Thai traditional medicine officials and the Food and Drug Administration to shut down a cannabis drug manufacturing facility. Four Vietnamese nationals were arrested: Nguyen Tua Na (51 years old), Pam Thai Dung (49), Do Phan Hoang (45), and Vo Van Am (39). Authorities seized substantial evidence including 442 kilograms of cannabis flowers, 20 kilograms of hash, 2 kilograms of rosin, 2.5 kilograms of wax-like resin, and 8.7 kilograms of cannabis powder, with a combined value exceeding 3.195 million baht. The operation was located in the Bang Bon district.

Investigators from the first narcotics division had been monitoring the residence after noticing suspicious activity, including frequent vehicle traffic and movement of packages in bags and boxes. A search warrant was obtained and the team discovered a heavily modified two-story warehouse with heat insulation to maintain temperature and contain odors, sophisticated air ventilation and conditioning systems, and specialized drug manufacturing equipment. No permits were found for cannabis cultivation, processing, or distribution.

According to Deputy Chief Achayan, the suspects had rented the warehouse for approximately two months at 15,000 baht monthly, claiming to store fruit. Investigation revealed they purchased cannabis flower from legal farms before processing and extracting it using specialized equipment to produce narcotics for both domestic and international distribution, particularly through entertainment venues. The second floor had been converted into living quarters where the suspects consumed their own products and used ketamine. The production process involved extracting cannabis flowers into powder, mixing with wax-like substances, and compressing into black pellets. Distribution methods are still under investigation but are believed to involve postal services and courier delivery.

Authorities are investigating whether additional conspirators beyond the four arrested are involved and if any Thai nationals participated in the network. Preliminary findings indicate an international organized crime structure with foreign leadership. The four suspects face charges including unauthorized manufacturing of Class 5 controlled substances (cannabis extract) for commercial purposes with intent to distribute, participation in an international criminal organization engaged in drug production and sales, and unauthorized processing or distribution of controlled herbs (cannabis) for commercial purposes without authorization. Investigation into the supply chain and distribution network is ongoing.

In the incident involving Malako S. Todsapol, trainer for Nong Giff at Cha Ha Phayak, who punched a referee after disagreeing with a decision in a Thai Boxing Alliance bout at World Siam Stadium in Tawanchai on May 25, 2026, Olympic gold medalist and muay thai legend Somrak Kamsing has responded. Somrak, who was present at the event, stated that from his analysis, rounds 2, 3, and 5 were correctly awarded to the blue corner fighter Mafia. He expressed disappointment that supporters resorted to punching the referee, calling it inexcusable, especially from members of a major camp. He urged the camp to conduct training for its staff.

"The boxer genuinely lost to the other fighter, winning only round 4 and a bit," Somrak said. "We should applaud the referee for doing an excellent job. He remained calm despite being punched and didn't retaliate. That shows good emotional control, because if he had retaliated, the situation could have become much worse. I want to urge all boxers to accept the referee's decision."

He also noted that while people often criticize referees, this time everyone is criticizing the person who threw the punch. "We need to reflect carefully on this. It should be a lesson for the muay thai community to move forward, not backward," he added.

Nattapong Khunaksorn, stadium manager for World Siam Stadium in Tawanchai, has announced a ban on the individual responsible from entering the stadium indefinitely.

Phatthalung Province announced it is fully prepared to host the 18th National Senior Sports and Recreation Games 'Nora Games' in 2026, with infrastructure ready across all sectors and an anticipated economic circulation of no less than 100 million baht. The Department of Physical Education and Phatthalung Province are jointly organizing the event, which officially begins tomorrow. Provincial Governor Dr. Sujit Wajagit stated that although Phatthalung is a small province, it possesses the capability and experience from hosting numerous national-level sporting events. All government agencies have mobilized resources and cooperation to ensure full readiness in transportation, lodging, competition venues, tourism, traffic management, security, medical services, and utilities including water and electricity systems. The province expects to welcome nearly 10,000 athletes, coaches, officials, and tourists. Governor Sujit expressed confidence that this major national sporting event will promote tourism in the province, which is renowned for its natural beauty and water buffalo attractions—recognized as 'Amazing Thailand'—along with rafting activities, various tourism attractions, and local cuisine including three-flavored shrimp and community products, allowing visitors to experience Phatthalung's charm comprehensively. Daily economic circulation is projected at no less than 15 million baht, with total revenue during the entire competition period exceeding 100 million baht. The 18th National Senior Sports and Recreation Games 'Nora Games' will feature 11 sports competitions and 1 demonstration sport from May 27-30, utilizing sports facilities throughout Phatthalung Province and neighboring provinces as competition venues.

Thailand's Trade Representative Veerapong Prachabpaisal revealed on May 25 that he held discussions with Bakutuli Bakutnor, Deputy Governor of Almaty Region in Kazakhstan, along with government and private sector officials during Kazakhstan's delegation visit to the THAIFEX-ANUGA Asia event. The discussions focused on economic cooperation and strengthening trade relations between Thailand and Kazakhstan.

Thailand and Kazakhstan are prepared to become strategic trade partners amid volatile global economic conditions, aiming to promote comprehensive trade cooperation by linking supply chains not only between the two countries but also across Central Asia, connecting to Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Priority areas include rare earth resources, energy, advanced food processing, and high-tech industries such as digital technology, semiconductors, AI, and cloud services.

Both parties agreed to accelerate support for connecting government and private sector entities of Thailand and Kazakhstan to develop cooperation in workforce development, trade information exchange, and business matching. Veerapong invited Kazakhstani business people to participate in Ministry of Commerce trade promotion activities in 2569, particularly the "TILOG Logistix" logistics and cargo management technology exhibition scheduled for August 19-21 and the "Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair" international jewelry exhibition set for September 8-12.

Veerapong stated that both sides agreed to hold the first Thailand-Kazakhstan Joint Trade Committee meeting, expected in September 2569, to serve as a crucial mechanism for driving trade and economic cooperation. This will provide a foundation for advancing cooperation toward a future Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Thailand and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Kazakhstan expressed readiness to support and encourage EAEU members to expedite FTA negotiations.

During the final discussions, Kazakhstan demonstrated commitment to elevating cooperation with Thailand in innovative agricultural technology development, investment protection measures, and tax and customs cooperation. Kazakhstan is also prepared to expand collaboration in tourism, trade, and services, aiming to establish both countries as a regional economic gateway.

Kazakhstan ranks as Thailand's second-largest trade partner in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and EAEU member countries, and 90th globally. Thailand-Kazakhstan bilateral trade in 2568 totaled $170.43 million, with Thai exports valued at $93.40 million and imports at $77.03 million. Thailand's key exports to Kazakhstan include automobiles and components, machinery and parts, rubber products, refined oil, and jewelry.

Aseem Puri, Chairman and CEO of Unilever Thailand, announced the company's 2025 business direction, committing to strong growth despite global economic challenges and weakened consumer spending power. The core mission is ensuring consumers can access quality products at the most reasonable prices possible.

The company recognizes that today's consumers face cost-of-living pressures and worry about rising prices. Therefore, Unilever's key responsibility is maintaining affordable price levels and minimizing or avoiding price increases where possible through better cost management.

"Consumers today face pressure on living costs and worry whether products will become more expensive. Our responsibility is to keep quality products accessible at the most suitable prices," Puri said.

Unilever also aims to position Thailand as a center for innovation, research, and manufacturing for export to global markets, particularly in beauty and Thai food products, which enjoy international recognition. Currently, the company manufactures products in Thailand for export to over 60 countries worldwide, with exports exceeding 100 million units. Key markets span South Asia, Japan, Korea, Australia, and Europe.

"What we produce in Thailand isn't just for domestic sales—it must reach the global market. Thai products, especially beauty and food, have international recognition," Puri noted.

Unilever continues investing consistently in Thailand across factories, research and development, technology, marketing, and workforce development to support long-term growth, viewing Thailand as a strategically important regional market.

The company prioritizes integrating digital technology and AI across all business processes—from consumer data analysis and product innovation to digital marketing and e-commerce. It partners with major technology providers including Google, TikTok, and various digital platforms to enhance marketing and sales efficiency.

"AI and digital will be the core of future business. We use data analytics to understand consumer needs and continuously develop innovations and new solutions," Puri said.

Regarding current Thai consumer behavior trends, Unilever found that consumers haven't reduced quality standards despite economic slowdown; instead, they prioritize better value. They compare prices, wait for promotions, and increasingly purchase larger sizes or economy packs.

"Thai consumers still want quality products but with better value—choosing larger packs or refill bags because they save money and last longer," Puri explained.

The company also observes that e-commerce continues growing, with Thai consumers comparing prices across multiple channels—retail stores, convenience stores, and online platforms—before making purchase decisions.

BANGKOK — Thailand has imposed mandatory 21-day quarantine on all travellers arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, effective immediately, as Ebola cases in both countries continue to rise.

The Ministry of Public Health announced the upgraded measures following a meeting of the National Communicable Disease Committee on 26 May. Permanent Secretary Dr. Somruek Chuengsamarn said the decision came after the previous self-monitoring system proved difficult to enforce.

Under the old measures, travellers from the two countries were required to report their whereabouts and monitor their own symptoms for 21 days. However, authorities found that some individuals changed hotels multiple times after arrival, making them hard to track. Hotels had also begun turning away guests from high-risk areas.

Officials said an average of five to seven travellers from Congo and Uganda enter Thailand daily via connecting flights, as no direct routes exist. That number has climbed in recent days, peaking at 19 arrivals in one day. Roughly 100 travellers from both countries have entered Thailand in total, with more expected.

All new arrivals from the two countries must now enter a government quarantine facility immediately upon landing, regardless of whether they show symptoms. The Bamrasnaradura Institute will serve as the primary quarantine site, with Department of Disease Control staff monitoring those in quarantine daily.

Costs will be covered by authorities for the first 72 hours. After that, travellers will bear the expenses themselves. Thai nationals will be exempt from charges. Only those who originated from Congo or Uganda are subject to quarantine — passengers on the same connecting flights from other countries are not affected.

Dr. Somruek said no travel ban is currently planned, but that measures will be reviewed regularly based on the situation in both countries. He noted that Thailand's response already goes beyond World Health Organization guidelines.