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Police

Spiritual Healer Arrested on Indecency and Child Endangerment Charges, Found in Agitated State

A 62-year-old spiritual healer in Northern Thailand was arrested on charges of sexually assaulting a 32-year-old man and 18-year-old after police received complaints of indecent assault and endangerment of a minor.

5h ago Khaosod

A well-known Northern Thailand spiritual healer has been taken into police custody following charges of indecent assault and endangering a minor. A 32-year-old man and an 18-year-old reported to police that they were sexually assaulted by the spiritual healer, including unwanted touching and sexual acts. After receiving the complaint, the Suppression Bureau launched an investigation and gathered evidence.

Police Colonel Natssakdi Chaowasenjai ordered Deputy Police Colonel Patthanasak Buppasuwan and Lieutenant Colonel Eksit Panseeta to arrest the suspect. Officers successfully apprehended 62-year-old Paisal at his residence in Moo 2, Pa-Pong Subdistrict, Pa Sang District, Lamphun Province on May 20, 2025, at 6:30 AM. The suspect was transferred to the Suppression Bureau's interrogation building for detention processing.

Initial questioning revealed the suspect appeared normal during transport, though he displayed signs of fatigue consistent with his age. A formal press briefing with full case details is scheduled for 10:30 AM at the Suppression Bureau's media room, with Police Colonel Natssakdi Chaowasenjai presiding.

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Police

Family Opens Late Chat Messages of 'Tan', Train-Bus Collision Victim, Six Minutes Before the Accident

A 33-year-old Australian-based man killed in a train-bus collision at an Asok-Din Daeng crossing texted "I'll take the slowest route" just six minutes before the accident, his family revealed during a soul-inviting ceremony. His aunt said t

5h ago Khaosod

At 9:00 AM on May 20, 2025, at the Asok-Din Daeng railway crossing where the train struck the bus, the family of Teekha Teekhaoutamakorn (Tan), 33, gathered with a Buddhist monk from Wat Tri Tet Thep to conduct a soul-inviting ceremony. Relatives brought offerings including bananas, coconut jelly with pandan leaves, water, basil fried rice with egg, dumplings, and orchid flowers. Tan's father lit five incense sticks facing east according to tradition to guide his son's spirit home. The atmosphere was sorrowful as family and friends wept during the ritual.

Tan's aunt, Ms. Vachira, said the family is not yet ready to discuss compensation, still grieving the loss of their beloved nephew. She asked only that people not add more pain to Tan's parents, who have only one other son. Tan had just returned from Australia about five years ago with no intention of coming back while his parents were alive. Ms. Vachira described Tan as someone she raised from childhood, noting his kind nature, his ability to entertain everyone, his care for elderly relatives, and how he would send money to his grandmother despite living abroad.

"Today everyone is trying to heal by sharing good memories of Tan, knowing he was deeply loved by many people," Ms. Vachira said, expressing gratitude to educational institutions and friends who helped with the funeral arrangements.

Ms. Vachira also conveyed that she told Tan's parents she did not want to blame anyone for the accident, as no one intended for it to happen. She hoped it would serve as a lesson for both the bus and train drivers who survived and have the opportunity to change.

On the day of the accident, Tan had arranged to meet a foreign friend at a shopping mall at 5:00 PM. He was a multilingual person who often helped foreign friends and had planned to bring Thai and herbal medicines as gifts. When Tan didn't show up and his friend couldn't reach him, his mother called his aunt. No one expected Tan to be on bus route 206—his mother had dropped him off at Bang Sue and recommended he take the Airport Link instead. But Tan had texted in the chat: "I'll take the slowest route."

A relative who works in law enforcement checked all 32 accident victims' names but didn't find Tan. Around 11:00 PM, the family learned of his death, devastating them all. Though they try to be strong today, seeing a train still shakes them emotionally.

Ms. Vachira explained that Tan rarely took buses because his mother, a university professor, usually arranged his transportation. However, Tan was a down-to-earth person who lived simply despite earning well, and he could get along with people from all walks of life.

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National

Hello Dara – Sukuna Hidden Love: Kan and Dom Perform 'Will It Be True Love'

Actors Kan Naphatthorn and Dom Jaruewat perform two versions of "Will It Be True Love" for the romance series Sukuna Hidden Love, alongside new releases from Thai and international artists exploring themes of love and connection.

5h ago Khaosod

The series Sukuna Hidden Love brings romance as Kan Naphatthorn and Dom Jaruewat perform two tender versions of "Will It Be True Love." VARITDA from Melodic Corner releases the romantic new track "Slow Burner," produced by acclaimed English producer Nick Tsang, who has collaborated with Backstreet Boys, Ed Sheeran, and Charli XCX, with engineering support from Charlie Holmes and Simon Francis. Indie pop band FREEHAND opens their love mode with "Finally She Found," a romantic song born from gratitude. Frontman Khem, who wrote the track, explains: "The lyrics came from people around us and our fans. We're lucky to have supporters cheering us on at various events, encouraging us to reach more listeners. But honestly, just meeting you means everything to us, so I captured that moment in this song." Eighteen-year-old Thai-British singer Moly Groves releases the upbeat indie-pop single "Falling In Love," expressing Gen Z's desire to emphasize that confessing love to someone isn't complicated—if hearts align, just say it directly. The music video was directed by Artee Sarut Liw Kesamsan from band bamm, capturing the adorable chaos of being in love. The series "Sukuna Hidden Love" features Kan Naphatthorn and Dom Jaruewat performing "Will It Be True Love" in two versions with different emotional tones. Kan's version carries a classic Bangkok flavor, while Dom's contemporary pop rendition infuses Soul R&B elements. Gen Z duo PS (Purse and Sydney) from XOXO Entertainment returns with "Breathing Is You (Original by Four-Mod)," the third single from THE TEST OF TIME 2000 project, reinterpreted with a fresh perspective while maintaining the sense of infatuation through their distinctive soft and charming vocals. Hot young artist PUN collaborates with friend MUON for the first time on "Sleep Tonight (Zzz.)," a bonus track from PUN's EP "While I'm Away" produced by UrboyTJ, capturing the lonely feeling of sleepless nights without companionship.

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National

Democrats Submit 6 Bills Back to Parliament After Cabinet Rejection; Prepare Constitutional Amendment Article 256 for Next Week

The Democrat Party resubmitted six stalled bills to parliament on May 20 after the cabinet rejected them last week, including legislation on environmental protection, labor, and a constitutional amendment to allow public participation in se

5h ago Khaosod

At 9:30 a.m. on May 20, 2025, at parliament, Democrat Party list MP and deputy party leader Priset Wattrasindhu announced that the party would resubmit six bills for parliamentary consideration that were carried over from the previous session. Last week, the cabinet failed to endorse them, causing all six bills to stall. These include the Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) Act, the Factory Act, the Labor Protection Act, the Forest Reclamation Amnesty Act, the Military Court Charter, and a constitutional amendment to Article 256 adding Section 15/1 regarding the drafting of a new constitution.

Wattrasindhu explained that the government's justification was unconvincing, prompting the Democrats to reaffirm their intention to resubmit these bills for parliamentary reconsideration. Most bills will be resubmitted unchanged, though some may receive minor content revisions. The six bills cover economic, social, and political areas, with several public-drafted bills having completed the public consultation process. The party hopes that next week's three-day parliamentary session will include a day specifically for considering Democrat bills, not just cabinet bills—a commitment previously made by the parliamentary speaker.

When asked if the Democrats have finalized the constitutional amendment, Wattrasindhu stated that despite disagreements, the party maintains that opening a nominating assembly for constitutional drafters allows public participation in their selection. The party believes the Constitutional Court's ruling contradicts democratic principles and conflicts with the court's own previous decision prohibiting direct parliamentary selection of drafters. The assembly mechanism ensures the new constitution aligns with public needs and can be structured for single-reading parliamentary consideration.

Details will be submitted within the next week. Regarding Senate conditions, Wattrasindhu denied any intent to grant the Senate additional powers, stating the party treats both chambers equally. Previously, only half of parliament's members were required. When asked if the timeline set by the Pheu Thai Party pressures other parties to expedite submissions, Wattrasindhu clarified that submission is merely the first step, with the draft expected to be ready within the next week. Timeline frameworks are parliament's responsibility, requiring scheduled meetings.

Asked about confidence in Senate support in first reading, Wattrasindhu said this depends on parliamentary deliberation. He noted that if senators recall the Democrats' 2024 draft's content, it aligns with stated principles, giving no reason for the Senate to vote differently than before.

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National

NBTC Supports K Script Lab Project in Partnership with South Korea, Opening Thailand's First Screenwriting Institute

Thailand's first screenwriting institute launches in January 2025 through a partnership between the NBTC and South Korea's entertainment leaders, offering 60 free positions in an intensive 21-week curriculum culminating in industry pitching

5h ago Khaosod

The NBTC (National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission) has announced support for the K Script Lab project, operating under the Thailand Artists Association, with the goal of fostering entertainment industry collaboration between Thailand and South Korea through internationally-standard screenwriting curriculum.

Official launch with Korean industry leaders broadcast live The project will officially launch at Major Cineplex Ekamai in Bangkok in January 2025, followed by a Precourse Workshop on January 30-31. This workshop will bring together over 500 interested participants for direct learning and exchange with three international instructors from South Korea: Byung-In Kim, Chairman of the Screenwriters' Guild of Korea; Pil Gamsung, director and screenwriter of the award-winning films Bloody Lucky Day and Hostage (2025); and Chulsoo "Charles" Kim, a producer with over 30 years of experience in the Korean entertainment industry. The workshop will be held at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi and Asia Hotel Bangkok.

Two-round competitive selection for 60 final positions Following the Precourse Workshop, the program will open applications for a two-stage selection process. In the first round (February), applicants submit a logline and one-page story online, with 500 applicants narrowed down to 120. The second round (March) requires selected applicants to submit a 3-5 page developed treatment, with the final selection resulting in 60 participants for the main curriculum.

Intensive 21-week course, completely free for all participants All 60 selected participants will enter the Fundamental Module from April to May 2025 at no cost. Classes will be held at Asia Hotel, TK Park, Central World, and Thai Broadcast Television in Bangkok. The curriculum covers screenwriting fundamentals, story structure, character development, pitching package preparation, and Final Draft software training according to international standards, with ongoing monitoring and evaluation by Thai and Korean instructors throughout the course.

Culminating with Pitching Day, a real opportunity for entertainment industry entry Upon course completion, all 60 participants will present their work at the Pitching Day event at Asia Hotel Bangkok, pitching their projects to producers from major film and series production companies. The day concludes with a certificate ceremony in the evening, and all 60 works will be compiled into a portfolio to be presented to the entertainment industry.

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National

Tamaang Foundation Responds to Aunt Net After She Advised a Pregnant Woman Whose Partner Wasn't Ready to Terminate the Pregnancy

The Tamaang Foundation criticized radio host Aunt Net's stance against abortion, countering that Thailand's reformed abortion laws support women's right to choose and that most people know someone who has had an abortion. The foundation arg

5h ago Khaosod

A pregnant woman called in to Aunt Net's radio show "Don't Blame Me for Teaching" asking for advice about an unplanned pregnancy. While the woman wasn't opposed to having the child, her male partner said he wasn't ready to become a father, so they agreed together that she would have an abortion despite her personal reservations.

Aunt Net responded by saying she couldn't understand the concept of "not being ready." She argued that if you're truly not prepared to bring a human life into the world, you must practice rigorous contraception. If contraception fails and pregnancy occurs, she said, the question of "readiness" becomes irrelevant—what matters is accepting responsibility. She emphasized that a man refusing to take responsibility shouldn't be allowed to burden the woman with his lack of accountability. She concluded by saying that no matter how poor or difficult one's circumstances, there's always a way forward, and that at minimum, every mother can protect and care for her child.

The Tamaang Foundation, an organization that provides counseling on safe and legal abortion services, responded with a detailed counter-argument. They noted that Thailand reformed its abortion laws in 2021, and abortion is now legal and supported by government funding to ensure women with unplanned pregnancies can access free services quickly. The foundation emphasized their understanding of how difficult unplanned pregnancy can be, especially for people lacking resources.

The foundation cited statistics showing that one in three pregnant women choose to terminate their pregnancy, meaning most people likely know someone who has had an abortion—whether a friend, partner, parent, or relative. They urged people not to damage the trust of those who share their abortion experiences by judging them.

They argued that people who have abortions are not cruel or motivated by a desire to destroy life. Many delay their decision while searching for "other options" that ultimately prove impossible. Some face domestic abuse, job loss, educational obligations, spousal death, fetal abnormalities, or homelessness after becoming pregnant. The foundation noted that research shows abortion not only prevents children from being born into unpreparedness but also helps women escape generational poverty and violent relationships while improving their futures.

The foundation countered the "not ready" argument, stating that most unplanned pregnancies occur despite contraception use, and all contraception methods carry a failure risk. Women with unplanned pregnancies aren't irresponsible or thoughtless—they're making a difficult but responsible decision during their most constrained circumstances. The foundation concluded by noting that every person who has chosen abortion they've encountered has been capable, worthy of love, and with a bright future, with many going on to complete education, find meaningful work, build healthy relationships, and raise their existing children well despite limited resources.

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Police

Tourist Recounts Harrowing Moments as Diving Trip to Koh Laan Turns Deadly Amid Storm, Left Adrift Without Help

A diving tour near Koh Laan in Pattaya turned dangerous in May when tourists were left struggling in the sea during a sudden storm, with inadequate staff assistance and children unaware of the emergency situation.

5h ago Khaosod

On May 20, 2025, social media users shared video clips and accounts from a TikTok user describing a join-tour diving experience near Koh Laan in Pattaya, Chonburi Province that ended in disaster when they encountered severe waves and a sudden storm at sea, sparking criticism over marine tourism safety protocols.

Other social media users claiming to have been present reported that many tourists were forced to help themselves because there were insufficient staff to assist, while some staff responses were considered inappropriate, generating further online backlash.

According to the original poster, she traveled to Koh Laan with her sister from another province and decided on May 4 to purchase a join-tour diving package as no other tour options were available. She recounted that after the boat reached the diving site, everyone entered the water normally without any weather warnings or storm alerts, despite already visible high waves and strong winds.

Approximately 10 minutes after entering the water, a staff member supervising tourists swam back to the boat and announced an incoming storm. A nearby tour boat immediately brought its tourists out of the water, but her group was left floating in the sea. As waves intensified, tourists struggled to climb aboard an increasingly rocking vessel while life buoys were swept away by waves, causing some to exhaust themselves fighting the currents and swallow seawater.

The woman reported that when her sister sought help from a jet ski operator, she was told to hold onto a buoy—even as strong waves pulled her underwater. She eventually released the buoy and swam to another boat by herself. The poster and her boyfriend were swept toward another vessel, where they were safely rescued. She acknowledged the experience as "a moment of life and death" as the wind continuously intensified, though rain had not yet fallen heavily.

The poster noted that despite many children participating in the marine activities that day, there were no clear evacuation warnings or orders. Some families kept their children clinging to floating toys in the sea unaware a storm was approaching.

Only after rain began and the storm worsened did jet ski operators gradually retrieve children back to boats, with some crying in shock. The poster called for marine tourism operators to enhance safety measures, including advance weather alerts, appropriate staff-to-tourist ratios, and timely emergency response protocols.

While no injuries or fatalities occurred, she expressed disappointment and noted she had not received any apology or explanation from boat staff or dive trip coordinators since the incident.

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National

Natural Resources Ministry Permanent Secretary Accelerates System and Personnel Review, Urges Anti-Corruption Committee to Pinpoint Vulnerabilities and Close Loopholes

Thailand's Natural Resources Ministry is accelerating an anti-corruption review after a private sector committee identified vulnerabilities across 10 agencies, with the permanent secretary calling for specific data on problematic units rath

5h ago Khaosod

On May 20, 2025, Raveevan Phuridet, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MNRE), discussed a meeting held the previous day where a three-institution private sector anti-corruption committee presented findings from a survey of 10 agencies allegedly involved in bribery. Raveevan emphasized that the ministry takes corruption seriously and has been conducting meetings with executives, deputy secretaries, inspectors-general, and all department directors. She stressed that the government has consistently prioritized anti-corruption efforts through civil service reforms, establishment of independent organizations, enhanced transparency, and streamlined approval processes.

When asked about the Pollution Control Department's case, Raveevan noted that the ministry had invited the anti-corruption committee to participate in the May 19 meeting, though the committee did not send a representative. She compared the ministry to a factory with multiple departments and said that without specific details about which parts need fixing—whether the central policy unit, the Pollution Control Department, waste management, or wastewater divisions—it would take much longer to address problems. She emphasized the ministry wants concrete data and financial figures precise to individual units, not information intended to assign blame.

Raveevan stated there is no set timeline for the review, as yesterday's meeting marked the beginning. The ministry operates anti-corruption centers and will establish a joint working committee with the anti-corruption committee. She also noted that survey responses covered 26 agencies and emphasized the importance of understanding the specific functions of each unit before making assessments. The Secretary-General's office will serve as the central hub for complaints, coordinating with other complaint channels and ensuring fair treatment of officials during investigations. Raveevan concluded by affirming that external input, including from social media, is valuable and receives serious consideration.

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Police

Car Bursts into Flames After Striking Wild Elephant; 1 Dead

A Toyota Corolla collided with a wild elephant on a Kanchanaburi highway and erupted in flames, killing a 70-year-old passenger and injuring two others on Highway 323 near Wang Dong.

5h ago Khaosod

KANCHANABURI — May 20, 2026: A car collided with a wild elephant and burst into flames on a major highway in Kanchanaburi province, killing a 70-year-old man and injuring two others, police said.

On Wednesday, the Deputy Inspector of Investigation at Lat Ya Police Station reported that the accident occurred on Highway 323 heading toward Mueang Kanchanaburi District in Moo 9, Wang Dong Sub-district at approximately 9 p.m. Tuesday. Emergency responders, including medical personnel from Paholpolpayuhasena Hospital, forensics units, Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary officials, and rescue workers, quickly arrived at the scene.

Despite streetlights in the area, the crash site was poorly illuminated. Authorities found a Toyota Corolla with Kanchanaburi plates on the roadside, its front completely demolished by impact. Fire spread rapidly from the crushed engine compartment through the passenger cabin before firefighters extinguished the blaze.

Chukiat, a 70-year-old passenger, was found dead in the front seat and later transferred to Paholpolpayuhasena Hospital. Two others were injured: driver Charn, 64, and rear-seat passenger Supanutt, 74. The damaged vehicle was towed to Lat Ya Police Station for further investigation.

Investigations revealed the vehicle driven by Charn was traveling from Sai Yok District toward downtown Kanchanaburi when, in complete darkness, one or more wild elephants from Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary crossed the highway. The elephant had left the protected forest, crossed the Khwae Yai River, and ventured onto the road in search of food. While the vehicle was completely destroyed, the elephant's condition following the crash remains unknown.

Wildlife collisions are common on Highway 3199, which connects Kanchanaburi to Si Sawat, but this marks the first recorded fatal incident of its kind on Highway 323.

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Police

Officials Raid Protected Forest to Destroy Animal Traps Before Endangered Porcupines Face Extinction

Authorities in Nakhon Ratchasima destroyed illegal animal traps across protected forests to prevent endangered porcupines from extinction as heavy rains drive the animals to lower elevations where villagers hunt them.

5h ago Khaosod

Nakhon Ratchasima — Recent heavy rainfall has driven porcupines down from mountain forests to water sources for breeding, prompting many villagers to hunt and sell them for income. However, some residents have been illegally setting traps throughout the forest, threatening rapid population decline and potential extinction. Setting traps within protected forest areas constitutes a serious criminal offense.

Nong Teng and Khao Yai Protected Forests, located in Chaloem Phrakiat District, Nakhon Ratchasima, cover approximately 10,206 rai and are predominantly mixed deciduous forest rich in teak, rosewood, and other valuable timber. The area also hosts Nakhon Ratchasima Airport (Nong Teng). During this rainy season, the district mobilized multiple agencies to destroy the numerous traps.

A Facebook user named Wiwik Suwanna posted about the operation, noting that forestry officers, police, and volunteers destroyed many animal traps in the protected area, though work continues as traps remain in multiple locations. The post appealed to locals not to set traps, as offenders face prosecution under the Wildlife Protection and Preservation Act B.E. 2562 and the National Forest Reserve Act.

District Chief Putt Pongsapeepon coordinated the May 19, 2569 operation, deploying 40 personnel including forest officers, police, and volunteers. He emphasized serious legal consequences for illegal trapping and urged residents accessing the forest to obtain proper permits rather than trespass illegally.

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National

Gold Prices Today, May 20, 2026: Gold Traders Association Announces 10th Update with Sharp Decline

Gold prices fell sharply across all ten updates on May 20, with ornamental gold dropping 950 baht per gram to 70,050 baht, though analysts predict a potential surge of 1,000-2,000 baht when markets reopen.

5h ago Khaosod

Gold prices on May 20, 2026 have seen a sharp decline across all 10 announcements released by the Gold Traders Association today. The latest announcement marks the 10th update, with ornamental gold selling at 70,050 baht per gram. Compared to yesterday's close on May 19, ornamental gold has dropped 950 baht per gram. According to the Gold Traders Association's official website update at 10:08 AM, gold bars are quoted at 69,050 baht per gram for buyback and 69,250 baht per gram for selling. Ornamental gold (96.5% purity) is offered at 67,674.24 baht per gram for buyback and 70,050 baht per gram for selling. Global gold spot prices currently stand at $4,464.00 per ounce. Throughout the day's 10 announcements, prices have continuously declined, with ornamental gold starting at 70,400 baht per gram in the first announcement and falling to 70,050 baht per gram by the 10th. Industry experts predict that gold prices may surge 1,000-2,000 baht per gram when markets open tomorrow, potentially breaking through 80,000 baht per gram.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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