The Home Builder Association has highlighted the critical shortage of foreign workers hampering Thailand's business competitiveness and is urging the government to implement five urgent measures to resolve the crisis before the second-half economy weakens further. Association President Anon Amornvattee revealed that Thailand faces severe labor shortages across all sectors, particularly in construction, and is seeking solutions to prevent business disruptions. The association has submitted five proposals through the 3-Institution Private Sector Joint Committee to government agencies including the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Thai Industry Association, and Thai Bankers Association to mitigate the impact on home builder businesses. Amornvattee outlined the five urgent measures proposed to the government to address labor shortages in the construction industry: First, expedited registration of illegal foreign workers already in the country by offering special exemptions that allow them to obtain work permits without deportation, enabling the fastest integration into the formal system. Second, streamline import procedures and reduce hidden costs associated with the complex MOU documentation process involving multiple agencies. Converting the verification process into a one-stop service will improve transparency and reduce employer costs while encouraging migrant workers to enter the system legally. Third, upgrade work permit renewals to a real-time E-Work Permit system using digital technology. Current approval or renewal processes take weeks or months, but modernizing the system to instantly update information on screen would prevent construction business disruptions. Fourth, open MOU agreements with alternative countries to diversify the foreign worker supply chain. Thailand's construction industry has been overly dependent on certain countries, creating risks if diplomatic conflicts arise. Expanding agreements with new countries would distribute workforce risks more effectively. Fifth, develop a systematic upskilling program in cooperation with the government and association. Since construction requires many skilled craftsmen, both the public and private sectors should collaborate to standardize skill development, ensuring fairness for both employers who receive quality workmanship and workers who earn higher wages based on actual skills. Amornvattee emphasized: "These five measures are not merely assistance for employers, but a means to preserve Thailand's infrastructure and supply chains for both short and long-term economic survival. The home builder business has been a key economic engine for Thailand, with member companies generating approximately 9.8 to 12 billion baht from the nationwide 'owner-built homes' market."

Thailand's young tennis players achieved success at the LTA ATF Asian Fourteen & Under (1) 2026 tournament, a Grade 2 Asian junior ranking event held at the National Tennis Development Center in Muang Thong Thani, Nonthaburi on May 26, 2025.

In the boys' singles second round (Round of 16), Intouch Suphachansuksa, a qualifier without an Asian junior ranking, delivered a stunning upset against Indonesia's 8th seed Brennan Wiyanto, ranked 215th in Asia, winning convincingly 6-2, 6-1 to advance to the semifinals where he will face 1st seed Im Jiho from South Korea.

Meanwhile, Phakchira Holernsukul, Thailand's 12-and-under girls representative, dominated her second-round match against Britain's Allegra Young in straight sets, 6-1 and 6-0, advancing to the semifinals to face 4th seed Alice Cardozo from Australia.

Other second-round results included: Boys' Singles - Abhiwat Krueavalya defeated Lin Wenyi (Singapore) 6-0, 6-1; Pichapong Jeenapandh beat Bhuvaris Bunyaveeriya 6-4, 6-2; Anantnatee Pongsirileuk defeated Ethan Cheng (2-Singapore) 6-3, 7-6(4); Patcharavuth Anantanasuwong lost to Im Jiho (1-South Korea) 3-6, 2-6. Girls' Singles - Aphoranan Sophia Saengsujartti (1) defeated Pacharyada Rangsi 6-2, 6-1; Jasmine Manechayangkul beat Alexis So (Singapore) 6-4, 6-2; Kritsana Rodprasert (6) defeated Loretta Lee Ebarhamson 4-6, 6-1, 4-0 Ret.; Sruda Sudta beat Vimutti Pongnu (3) 6-0, 6-1; Pinmukda Somsri defeated Wenchi Lin (8-Singapore) 6-0, 6-4.

On May 26, 2569, the Geological Disaster Operations Center of the Department of Mineral Resources, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, issued an alert warning of landslide and flash flood risks over the next 2-3 days.

Volunteers and residents in five provinces—Phang Nga, Ranong, Krabi, Phuket, and Satun—are urged to remain vigilant for landslides and flash floods between May 26-28, 2569, particularly in the following areas:

Phang Nga Province: Kuraburi, Kapong, Takua Pa, Takua Thung, Thai Muang districts Ranong Province: Muang, Kapuri, Kapar, La-un, Suksamran districts Krabi Province: Muang, Khao Phanom, Khlong Thom, Ko Lanta districts Phuket Province: Muang, Kathu, Thalang districts Satun Province: Khuan Kalong, Thung Wa, Manang districts

The warning is due to continuous heavy rainfall measuring more than 100 millimeters in 24 hours, combined with accumulated rainfall over several days and flash flooding already occurring in some areas, which could trigger landslides.

Network volunteers are requested to maintain vigilance, continuously monitor rainfall levels, and be prepared to alert residents and relevant agencies of any landslide or flash flood incidents, following established warning protocols.

Anucha Unveils 5-Point Policy Platform to Challenge Bangkok Governor, Says Voters Look Beyond Polls

May 26, 2026 – At the Democratic Party headquarters, Anucha Burapachayasri, the party's candidate for Bangkok governor, unveiled his policy platform and development strategy for Bangkok under the 'City of Angels... and More' campaign.

Anucha stated that after consulting with residents across all 50 Bangkok districts, he observed that living conditions and economic circumstances vary significantly. Inner Bangkok faces one set of problems requiring different solutions, while outer Bangkok has distinct needs. Therefore, the party designed policies to be as comprehensive as possible, though it's impossible for any single policy to satisfy everyone. This is why the Democratic Party is fielding candidates in all 50 districts.

After extensive discussions identifying problems and viable solutions for Bangkok residents, the Democratic Party is introducing a five-point policy framework under the 'And More' concept:

1. Convenient Transportation: Push for Bangkok's bus system (BMTA) to be placed under Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) control to create unified route planning. Introduce electric shuttle buses (EV) into the main transport system. Use AI to identify high-traffic routes and revitalize water transportation with electric boats. Coordinate with government and private sectors to implement an integrated ticketing system.

2. Clean City: Overhaul waste management by converting major disposal centers like Onnuch, Nong Khamen, and Sai Mai into 100% closed systems. Promote waste-to-energy technology and reduce landfill reliance. Decentralize waste management facilities to northern and eastern zones to reduce transport time and pollution. Enforce laws against black-smoke vehicles and control dust from construction sites.

3. Physical and Mental Well-being: Increase elderly care facilities to support an aging population with expedited healthcare. Repurpose unused BMA land for art spaces, community parks, sports facilities, and public gardens.

4. Increased Income: Generate more revenue for Bangkok's development, such as collecting hotel taxes from foreign tourists. Create employment programs across all age groups, particularly allowing retirees to work as volunteers to earn supplementary income.

5. Transparency: Use a civic monitoring application to oversee BMA operations and investigate all business activities, forwarding findings to relevant authorities. A democratic Bangkok government won't avoid accountability but will actively address all problems.

Anucha concluded that with 30 days remaining, he will continue presenting beneficial initiatives. While he cannot predict whether Bangkok residents will trust him—as different polls show different results—he believes voters consider candidates' commitment, their qualifications, and their policies, not just poll numbers.

On May 26, 2025, Dr. Somruk Chrusaman, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health and chair of the National Communicable Disease Committee's third meeting of 2025, announced the escalation following reports of worsening Ebola conditions in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. While Thailand maintains surveillance measures, health officials warned that undetected cases entering the country and delayed diagnosis could lead to rapid spread domestically.

Currently, travelers from these two countries arrive via connecting flights, averaging 5-7 daily, with recent increases to 10-19 arrivals per day. The committee voted to upgrade monitoring from a 21-day self-reporting protocol to mandatory 21-day quarantine effective immediately for incoming flights. This decision follows concerns over non-compliance, with some travelers changing accommodations and switching hotels, complicating contact tracing efforts.

Under the new measure, all travelers from Congo and Uganda must enter 21-day quarantine upon arrival in Thailand, regardless of symptoms. The Department of Disease Control will provide initial quarantine facilities, including the Bamrasnaradura Institute. Government will cover costs for the first 72 hours due to lack of advance notice, after which travelers bear all expenses. Thai nationals will not be charged.

Regarding flight coordination and cost estimates, the ministry is coordinating with airlines on expense details. Only travelers directly from the two specified countries require quarantine; those merely transiting through other countries on the same flight do not. Currently, no travel ban exists, though the ministry will continuously reassess the situation. If conditions improve or arrivals decrease, measures may be adjusted accordingly. The escalation was deemed necessary as increasing numbers of travelers failed to cooperate with monitoring, making comprehensive tracking impossible.

On May 26, 2569, Lumpini Police Station's Tourism Police invited 59-year-old Mika Salo, a Finnish former Formula 1 driver, to provide a statement regarding a serious leg injury sustained near Nana intersection on May 19, 2569, which police initially suspected was caused by a motorcycle. Salo told the media that on the day of the incident, while walking at Nana intersection, he felt no one attacking him. Only when a local resident informed him that his leg was bleeding did he seek medical attention. Medical staff mentioned his wound resembled a cut from a sharp object, but Salo believes it was an accident rather than an intentional assault because he felt nothing at the time and no property was stolen. Regarding the incident in Thailand, Salo expressed no concern or fear, stating he feels comfortable and considers Thailand one of the safest cities he has visited. He confirmed he is a genuine former F1 driver but is no longer a professional racer. He views the 28-stitch wound as minor—merely preventing him from swimming due to Thailand's hot climate. Lt. Col. Yoswee Chantawat, the investigating officer, stated the incident occurred at Nana intersection near Sukhumvit Road. The victim reported feeling nothing and only learned of the wound from a local resident. Police are checking CCTV footage in the area and gathering evidence, as no formal complaint was filed. The hospital has reported similar injuries to Thai nationals and foreigners caused by motorcycle license plate fragments, suggesting this is a plausible cause of Salo's injury.