On May 16, 2025, Manop Saengsoet, director of the DSI Region 3 office, along with Lieutenant Colonel Theerapan Nakpan-iam, head of the law enforcement division at DSI Region 3, coordinated with Khu Mueang police station officers in Buriram and criminal investigation officers from Nakhon Ratchasima province to execute an expanded investigation into government officials involved in drug trafficking under 'Surgical Strike Operation No. 7.'

The operation stemmed from Khu Mueang police's arrest of two suspects with 256 methamphetamine tablets. Investigation revealed that some of the drugs came from a Senior Sergeant First Class officer stationed with the Forest Police in Nakhon Ratchasima, prompting coordination with Deputy Commissioner Kachon Setaputta.

When officers searched the suspect officer's government residence, he voluntarily submitted to a urine drug test, which came back negative. However, a search of his official quarters uncovered 20 methamphetamine tablets hidden in the bedroom, which he claimed were for personal use. He was taken into custody and charged with unauthorized possession of a Category 1 controlled substance (methamphetamine).

A subsequent search of another residence in Lamthamen District, Nakhon Ratchasima, yielded no contraband but resulted in the seizure of a Toyota Vigo pickup truck valued at approximately 200,000 baht for asset investigation.

The lieutenant colonel, who had been appointed as a DSI official, has since submitted his resignation. The case will proceed with factual verification, disciplinary action, and legal dismissal procedures. The DSI reaffirmed its commitment to combating drug trafficking and prosecuting corrupt officials to maintain the integrity of law enforcement and public confidence, vowing to dismantle entire drug networks.

In the Thai League 2 playoff final's first match on May 16, Nongbua Pitchaya FC hosted Pattani FC. Nongbua Pitchaya claimed a 2-1 victory with goals from Chakravuth Songma in the 19th minute and Pheeranun Buakai in the 72nd minute, overturning an early deficit created by Carlos Neto's sixth-minute goal for Pattani. The return leg will take place at Pattani FC's home stadium on May 23, 2025, with the team posting the higher aggregate score across both matches earning the final promotion spot to Thai League.

At 4:46 p.m. on May 16, His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen journeyed to Wat Prachaniyom in Muang Kalasin District, Kalasin Province, to preside over the ceremonial cornerstone laying for the ordination hall. Upon arrival, Deputy Governor Thanaphat Na Ranong and provincial officials received the royal procession. The King entered the sanctuary, lit incense and candles in reverence to Buddha Nawarat, took the precepts with the monastic leadership officiating. After receiving a royal audience, the provincial governor reported on the history of the Si Ming Muang Chedi construction project and requested the King's presence at the cornerstone ceremony.

The King and Queen then proceeded to the ceremony site, where they wore ceremonial garments, applied gold leaf to the cornerstone, performed the ritual laying, and scattered coins into the foundation pit as monks chanted auspicious verses. After placing a commemorative plaque, the royal couple returned to the sanctuary to present Thai four requisites to the monks and bestowed alms. During the ceremony, Phra Thammavichit (Bua Sri Chutindharo), advisory abbot of Wat Prachaniyom, presented the King and Queen with a brass Buddha image inscribed with "Celebrating the Chedi 2569" as a commemorative gift.

Following the ceremony, the King and Queen traveled by helicopter to Roi Et Airport in Roi Et Province before departing by airplane for Bangkok. The occasion drew large crowds from Kalasin and neighboring provinces who came to pay respects and express their loyalty. With royal permission, the Kanjanabarm Foundation, the Royal Medical Corps, and local hospitals set up screening units for breast cancer and cervical cancer to serve at-risk and disadvantaged women and attendees.

Surin held its first grand merit-making ceremony at the sacred Khana Prasat on May 15, 2025, at 8:30 a.m., organized by Kab Choeng District officials, Naeng Moo Subdistrict Administration, and local residents following the December 2024 border conflict in which Thai troops pushed Cambodian forces out of the area.

Deputy Governor Prabhas Srijuntuaviang presided over the ceremony, which drew over 300 classical dancers and numerous visitors from both the local area and beyond. Attendees toured the Khana Prasat site located on the Phanom Dong Rak ridge along the Thai-Cambodian border south of Naeng Moo village in Kab Choeng District, Surin Province.

The Khana Prasat was discovered by Border Patrol Police Unit 216 and reported to the Fine Arts Department's Nakhon Ratchasima office, which conducted surveys in September 2001. The survey revealed a three-building brick temple with an eastern entrance, surrounded by laterite stone walls measuring approximately 39.50 meters per side. The structure shows signs of deterioration, with scattered architectural fragments including octagonal doorframe columns and carvings of three-headed elephants, seated figures, and Shiva lingams with visible Vishnu elements.

Based on archaeological evidence, Khana Prasat is believed to be a Hindu sanctuary constructed around the 15th Buddhist century—approximately 1,100 years ago—representing an important archaeological site demonstrating ancient human settlement in the Phanom Dong Rak ridge area of Lower Northeast Thailand.

Today's ceremony included merit-making at the temple and laying wreaths at a monument honoring soldiers who gave their lives protecting Khana Prasat. Local residents and visitors expressed pride in Thailand's military recovery of the site and pleasure that the Fine Arts Department has officially registered Khana Prasat as a Thai archaeological monument. Attendees photographed the area and the views overlooking the Cambodian side as souvenirs.

The director of the Railway Department led a team of officials and experts to the accident site at the Asok-Dindaeng level crossing on May 16, 2025 at 3:35 PM to investigate a severe collision between SRT freight train No. 2126 (Laem Chabang-Bang Sue Junction route) and public bus line 206. The bus was stopped on the railway tracks at the Asok-Petchburi red light intersection between Khlong Toei and Makkasan stations. The impact resulted in a severe crash with fire breaking out at the scene, killing 8 persons on the bus and injuring approximately 25 others. Emergency responders quickly provided assistance and transported the injured to hospitals.

The Airport Rail Link (ARL) Makkasan station above the accident site was affected by smoke from the fire covering its platform. For passenger safety, the station was temporarily closed and trains skipped the stop without halting until firefighters controlled the fire below. ARL service resumed normal operations at Makkasan station at 4:35 PM.

Director Pichit Kunathammarak of the Railway Department led a team of officials and experts to the scene in coordination with relevant agencies to investigate the facts, facilitate rescue operations, and instructed the State Railway of Thailand to provide full cooperation with police in gathering evidence and determining the cause of the accident.

The Ministry of Transport and Department of Land Transport have ordered thorough investigation and fact-finding regarding the level crossing accident, with the goal of implementing urgent corrective measures. The ministry expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and injured, and thanked rescue personnel, firefighters, police, and all responders for their swift action. The government has committed to implementing the highest safety standards for the railway transport system to ensure safe and reliable long-term rail travel.

Thailand's windsurfing team is using the 2026 IQ Foil European Championship in Portimão, Portugal (May 16-23, 2026) to test competition systems against Asian Games rivals from Japan, China, and Hong Kong, with goals of placing athletes in the gold fleet (top half rankings). The six-member Thai team—Nittipat Chaiyawutwet, Siriporn Kaewduanggam, Vachirawit Tanuap, Vachirawit Manbuamrung, Ratchananon Khunjeng, and Chanatakan Charoensouk—arrived early on May 4 for training under coaches Natthapong Potinpratton and Sakda Skulfang.

According to Pattana Bunsawat, secretary of the Thai Windsurfing Association, the team initially faced stormy weather upon arrival but subsequently conducted intensive sea training once conditions improved with moderate winds and calm waves. All Thai athletes are performing well in these conditions.

The competition serves as a critical test against Japan, China, and Hong Kong competitors ahead of the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan (September 19-October 4, 2026). The open-category athletes aim for top placements while youth competitors focus on building strength and gaining experience from international-level athletes.