PTT Global Chemical (GC) has issued a statement denying any involvement in fuel hoarding or supply delays, reaffirming its commitment to good governance principles. The statement comes in response to government announcements regarding an investigation into severe fuel shortages at gas stations during the recent Middle East crisis. GC clarifies that as a fuel trader under Category 7 regulations, it operates solely as a refinery selling finished petroleum products directly from the refinery gate, without any retail gas stations or supply chain transportation infrastructure. The company asserts it has fully cooperated with government authorities through inspections, data provision, and strict compliance with all policies, laws, and regulations. During the Middle East crisis, GC continued production and product distribution to customers to help maintain the country's energy stability and security. The company emphasizes that its refinery operations maintain standard industry control systems, audit procedures, and inventory records for petroleum inputs and outputs, with all refining and delivery operations conducted according to complete sales and delivery plans and disclosed to relevant government agencies. GC also confirms that all fuel transportation documents comply with applicable laws. The company reiterates its commitment to good governance principles and readiness to coordinate with and provide additional information to government authorities to maintain public confidence.

On May 20, 2569, the Thai Meteorological Department issued alert No. 15 regarding heavy to very heavy rainfall across Thailand and strong winds in the Andaman Sea (affecting through May 21). The alert indicates that during May 20-21, rainfall will increase significantly with heavy to very heavy rain expected mainly on the western side of the country, including the northern, upper northeastern, central, eastern, and western southern regions due to an intensifying southwest monsoon covering the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand, combined with a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam's coast.

Residents are urged to be cautious of heavy rainfall and accumulated water, which may cause flash flooding and flash floods, especially in hillside areas near water channels and low-lying areas. Approximately 56 provinces are expected to experience heavy rainfall.

Sea conditions: The Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand face moderately strong waves. The upper Andaman (from Phuket northward) has waves 2-3 meters high, with thunderstorm areas exceeding 3 meters. The lower Andaman (from Krabi southward) and upper Gulf of Thailand have waves approximately 2 meters high, with thunderstorm areas exceeding 2 meters.

Fishermen are advised to exercise caution and avoid sailing in thunderstorm areas. Small boats in the upper Andaman should remain ashore during this period.

The public is encouraged to monitor updates from the Meteorological Department via their website (http://www.tmd.go.th) or by calling 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182 (24-hour service). The next alert will be issued on May 20 at 5:00 PM.

May 20, 2025 — The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts continuous rainfall across Thailand over the next 24 hours, with heavy to very heavy rain in parts of the western Andaman coast, Northeast, and Eastern regions. Heavy rainfall is also expected in the North, Central Thailand, and Bangkok with surrounding areas. The weather is driven by a strong southwest monsoon covering the northern Andaman Sea and Thailand, combined with a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam. Authorities warn residents of dangers from intense rainfall and accumulated water that could trigger flash floods and landslides, particularly in hillside areas, near waterways, and low-lying zones. The public is also advised to maintain health during this weather transition.

Sea conditions in the northern Andaman are moderately rough with waves 2-3 meters high, exceeding 3 meters during thunderstorms. The lower Andaman and northern Gulf of Thailand have approximately 2-meter waves, exceeding 2 meters during storms. Fishermen are urged to exercise caution and avoid thunderstorm areas. Small boats in the northern Andaman should remain ashore.

Regional Forecast (06:00 today to 06:00 tomorrow):

North: 60% thunderstorms with heavy rain in some areas, particularly in Nan, Tak, Sukhothai, Uttaradit, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun provinces. Temperatures: 24-26°C low, 33-38°C high. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.

Northeast: 70% thunderstorms with heavy to very heavy rain in some areas, particularly in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Sisaket, and Ubon Ratchathani. Temperatures: 23-25°C low, 30-34°C high. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.

Central: 60% thunderstorms with heavy rain in some areas, particularly in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chainat, Lopburi, Saraburi, Singburi, Ang Thong, Ayutthaya, Suphan Buri, Nakhon Pathom, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Temperatures: 24-26°C low, 31-35°C high. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.

East: 60% thunderstorms with heavy to very heavy rain in some areas, particularly in Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Temperatures: 25-28°C low, 31-34°C high. Southwest winds 20-35 km/h. Sea waves approximately 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters during thunderstorms.

South (Eastern Coast): 60% thunderstorms with heavy rain in some areas, particularly in Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, and Songkhla. Temperatures: 23-26°C low, 30-35°C high. From Surat Thani northward: Southwest winds 20-35 km/h, sea waves approximately 2 meters offshore and during thunderstorms exceeding 2 meters. From Nakhon Si Thammarat southward: Southwest winds 15-35 km/h, sea waves 1-2 meters near shore, approximately 2 meters offshore during rain.

On May 19, 2025, the Metropolitan Police Bureau 1 (MPB1) released updates on the investigation into the freight train collision involving Bangkok Mass Transit System (BMTS) bus line 206 at the Asok/Kamphaeng Phet 7 intersection near Makkasan Airport Rail Link Station on May 16, which resulted in 8 deaths and over 30 injuries. The incident occurred at 3:20 PM.

Interrogation of four railway experts revealed that the train driver had operated through the Asok interchange station junction 58 times between 2023-2026, accumulating over 3 years of experience. The mechanic, however, had only been employed for 14 days and was boarding this train for the second time. A supervisor from Bang Su locomotive depot confirmed the driver's extensive experience with this route. Technical management personnel corroborated these findings. Operations staff confirmed the procedures followed by the driver and crossing attendant, though specific details cannot be disclosed due to case sensitivity. Signal maintenance officers confirmed all equipment, including railway crossing gates and signaling devices, were functioning normally.

Of the 30 injured passengers, 14 have been discharged from hospitals, 2 were interviewed previously, and 9 provided statements today. Three foreign nationals remain under follow-up. Sixteen remain hospitalized, with 10 having provided additional statements and 4 in ICU unable to be interviewed. One additional patient has yet to be interviewed. Among the 8 fatalities, 6 have been identified while 2 remain under identification verification.

Investigators collected CCTV footage from 5 key locations: Asok-Dindaeng, Phetchphloen, Rama IX, Narayana, and Research Center intersections to analyze driving behavior and staff performance. Tomorrow (May 20), investigators will conduct a scene reconstruction at 3:00 PM. CCTV footage from Rama IX and Asok-Dindaeng intersections confirms the driver and mechanic remained at the locomotive during passage through both checkpoints.

Declan Rice, Arsenal's midfield captain, posted a photo with a caption after the Gunners officially clinched the Premier League title this season. Arsenal has secured their first league championship in 22 years after Manchester City drew 1-1 with Bournemouth on May 19. With 82 points from 37 matches, Arsenal leads Manchester City by 4 points with only one match left to play.

Following the title win, Rice posted a photo on Instagram with teammates William Saliba, Bukayo Saka, Kai Havertz, and Eberechi Eze, captioning it: "I told you all... it's done." This comes after Arsenal's recent defeat to Manchester City had cast doubt on their title chances, when Rice had previously rallied his teammates with the message "It's not over."

Two conscripted soldiers, having served only 18 days, couldn't bear missing home and deserted their camp to steal a young woman's Vespa scooter, riding it back to their home in Nong Khai. They claimed they were tired of waiting for a bus, which led them to commit the theft. They intended to return the vehicle later. Drug tests came back positive for methamphetamine on May 19, 2025.

Deputy Commander Udom Chok Singhakul of the Nong Sung Sub-Police Station, along with an investigation team, arrested Private Wirasak ("V"), 22, and Private Chaiyawat ("Om"), 20—two conscripted soldiers from a military camp in Udon Thani province. They were caught with the stolen gray Vespa Sprint Justin Bieber x Vespa 150 special edition motorcycle, valued at 181,900 baht and registered in Khon Kaen, as well as a borrowed pink bicycle. CCTV footage showed both suspects in military uniforms committing the theft.

On May 17 at 6:10 PM, the 22-year-old motorcycle owner parked her Vespa with the key in the ignition along Mittraphap Road near a durian shop in Chon Charoenmit, Udon Thani. Two suspects stole the motorcycle and fled toward the city center. The owner chased them and called for help, but couldn't catch up. She filed a complaint at the Nong Sung Sub-Police Station with CCTV evidence showing both perpetrators in military uniforms.

Deputy Commander Udom Chok contacted the soldiers' commanding officers at the military camp, who dispatched an instructor to track them down. The suspects were found at Private Chaiyawat's residence in Fao Rai District, Nong Khai, with the stolen motorcycle. Police also recovered a borrowed bicycle parked about 15 meters from the crime scene.

After fleeing by climbing over the rear fence of the camp, the two soldiers confessed to their actions. Both admitted they volunteered for military service without conscription, at their family's wish to serve the nation. After only 18 days of service, they became homesick and climbed over the rear fence. They borrowed a friend's bicycle from housing behind the camp and rode it to wait for a public bus. Initially planning to go to Private Wirasak's house, they changed their minds and went to Private Chaiyawat's residence instead. After waiting hours for a bus that never came, they spotted the young woman's motorcycle with the key left in and decided to steal it. Private Wirasak started the motorcycle and rode it with Private Chaiyawat while the owner chased after them. They rode the motorcycle back to Private Chaiyawat's home in Fao Rai District, Nong Khai. The next morning, their commanding officer and instructor found them and took them into custody, recovering the stolen motorcycle. Before being detained, both soldiers had consumed two methamphetamine tablets each.

"We apologize to the victim for causing trouble and damaging the reputation of the military," they stated. "We didn't intend to steal, but we missed home so much and waited for the bus for so long that we acted on impulse and stole the motorcycle to ride home. We planned to return it, but our commanding officer caught up with us at home. We promise that after serving our sentence, we will stop using drugs, stop stealing, and return to serve the military and the nation."

After their confessions, police conducted drug tests on both soldiers, which tested positive. They were charged with jointly stealing property using a vehicle.