Palumpum and 10 Former Bangkok Councilors Resign from Pheu Thai to Support 'Working Group' in Bangkok Election Campaign with Full Commitment to Address Issues and Develop Bangkok

On May 27, 2026, Palumpum Viphatphumiprathset, former Bangkok City Councilor from Pheu Thai Party, posted on Facebook announcing his resignation from the party to fully support the Working Group's campaign for Bangkok Metropolitan Council members.

In his statement, he wrote: "Today, I have decided to resign from Pheu Thai with respect, understanding, and goodwill toward one another. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to serve the people with the party's support, both as a Bangkok councilor, Member of Parliament, and in administrative work. I thank Pheu Thai, all seniors, colleagues, and citizens who have supported me throughout this journey. Every period has been a valuable experience that I will always remember with respect and gratitude.

From now on, I will fully support the Working Group's efforts. The Working Group is a coalition of people dedicated to serving the public and ready to cooperate with all sectors to help solve problems and improve Bangkok. I believe that working for Bangkok requires experience, understanding of local areas, and cooperation from many parties to create real solutions. From today onward, I will continue to engage with communities, listen to their concerns, and perform my duties as a working member with full commitment. Thank you for your continued support."

Reporters noted that a total of 10 former Pheu Thai Bangkok councilors have resigned from the party to join the Working Group and maintain their independence in their work.

On May 27, 2025, Major General Tassana Charupanya, commander of the Provincial Police Region, ordered Deputy Police Colonel Phuvadej Chulkasawei and Police Lieutenant Colonel Pongsert Nummag to lead officers from the Intellectual Property Department under the Ministry of Commerce in a raid on a warehouse in Roi Et province. The operation was conducted following a tip-off regarding the illegal sale of counterfeit trademarked goods.

During the search, officers found 25-year-old Ms. Porn, who claimed ownership of all the seized merchandise. Authorities confiscated a large quantity of counterfeit branded items, including 75 fake Chanel bags, 125 Longchamp bags, 80 Louis Vuitton bags, 4 RIMOWA bags, 20 knockoff insulated tumblers, and 104 counterfeit ready-to-drink coffees. The total haul comprised 408 items valued at over one million baht.

During interrogation, Ms. Porn admitted to owning all the goods, which consisted mainly of counterfeit designer handbags and counterfeit branded merchandise that she planned to sell to customers. She was charged with possession of counterfeit trademarks for the purpose of distribution and infringing on registered trademarks of others in the kingdom. She was detained and the case was referred to Mueang Roi Et Police Station for further prosecution.

Authorities warned the public to be cautious when purchasing counterfeit products, as they are typically made from low-quality materials with poorly executed logos and trademark details that do not meet standards. Such items may pose health risks to consumers, particularly drinks and food containers that come into direct contact with consumables.

Sa Kaeo — Troops discovered a single RPG-7 rocket concealed in a rice paddy at Ban Nong Chan in Kok Sung district, Sa Kaeo province. On May 27, forces from the Northeastern Command, including the Kok Sung special operations unit and the 12th ranger control group, responded to a report from residents who had spotted a suspicious object in their rice field. The discovery sparked concern among villagers worried about potential dangers from accidental contact. After investigators confirmed the object was indeed an RPG-7 round, personnel immediately cordoned off the area and launched a tactical recovery operation amid ongoing community anxiety. By 11 a.m., the EOD team had successfully recovered and destroyed the rocket with no injuries or property damage reported. Security officials are currently investigating the origin of the ordnance and have warned residents in the border region to refrain from touching or moving any suspicious objects discovered, urging them to immediately alert authorities to prevent potential harm to life and property.

The Government Housing Bank has launched its 'Golden Prosperity 2' savings lottery ticket series with a 20 billion baht fund cap, providing Thai citizens with valuable savings opportunities yielding 0.30% annual interest. GHB Managing Director Mahattana Ampornpisitkul revealed that the original Golden Prosperity series received overwhelming customer support and sold out rapidly, prompting the bank to expand savings options that deliver both security and competitive returns. Customers can now select their preferred ticket categories to increase their chances of winning individual prizes under the new 'Golden Prosperity 2' program, featuring a 20 billion baht cap with 1,000 baht per unit, a one-year maturity period, 0.30% annual face-value returns, and monthly prize drawings across 12 rounds. Prize offerings include a top prize worth 3 million baht (one prize), two adjacent prizes of 50,000 baht each, ten second prizes of 10,000 baht per category, 20,000 three-digit lottery prizes of 100 baht, and 200,000 two-digit lottery prizes of 50 baht each. Customers purchasing 100,000 baht in tickets are guaranteed to win at least a two-digit prize every draw. GHB positions this savings lottery as an ideal alternative for Thai citizens seeking stable wealth accumulation during economic uncertainty, as deposits remain intact and yield guaranteed returns while offering monthly chances at substantial prizes. Sales of 'Golden Prosperity 2' tickets began May 26, 2569, through the GHB ALL GEN application and all bank branches nationwide, with the first prize drawing scheduled for June 16, 2569. For more information, customers can contact the GH BANK Call Center at 0-2645-9000 or follow updates on the Government Housing Bank Facebook page and social media channels.

A 56-year-old American woman died in a freak accident while dining with her family at a lakeside restaurant in South Carolina, USA, after a powerful gust of wind ripped the restaurant's large umbrella from its base and struck her throat forcefully.

The incident occurred Saturday evening at Driftwood Grill Home of the Lazy Gator near Lake Marion in Summerton. Dana Weinger was spending time with her husband and several relatives inside the restaurant during what seemed like a normal meal when the weather suddenly changed dramatically.

According to reports, a strong wind gust—similar to a microburst—lifted the restaurant's large umbrella into the air, turning it into a dangerous projectile that struck Weinger's neck. The impact severely damaged her carotid artery, a critical blood vessel in the neck, and she subsequently died.

Emergency medical personnel responded immediately upon notification but found Weinger unconscious and unresponsive when they arrived. She was pronounced dead at the scene, shocking customers and family members present during the incident.

Jacqueline Blackwell, a coroner with the Clarendon County coroner's office, revealed that such incidents are extremely rare. She explained that a powerful wind similar to a microburst swept through rapidly, not only lifting the umbrella but also scattering tables, chairs, and other items throughout the restaurant.

Blackwell noted that Weinger's husband is in a state of deep grief, as everything happened in front of his family during an ordinary moment of shared dining before it became an unimaginable tragedy.

Following the incident, Driftwood Grill posted a message of sympathy on Facebook, stating that the event has impacted the victim's family, customers, employees, and first responders. The restaurant requested that the community offer support and respect the privacy of all those affected.

The restaurant has also coordinated with local authorities to provide mental health counseling to employees and community members following this shocking event that has deeply affected many in the lakeside area.

The Thai Cement Industry Association (TCMA) and Chulalongkorn University have signed a memorandum of understanding to advance strategic cooperation in knowledge, technology, and human resource development, supported by international partners, to develop and test carbon capture technology in the Saraburi Sandbox before scaling to industrial application and policy development. This marks a critical step in establishing Thailand's low-carbon industrial ecosystem and supports the Net Zero 2050 goal.

Surachai Nimlalaow, TCMA Chairman, stated that this collaboration demonstrates the industrial sector's proactive role in driving climate commitments through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mechanism linking the industrial sector, academia, government, and international partners including ECCC, UNIDO, and GCCA, to advance the transition to low-carbon industry in line with the Thailand 2050 Net Zero Cement and Concrete Roadmap.

"This collaboration with Chulalongkorn elevates cooperation to a long-term platform, from knowledge development and personnel preparation to pilot-level technology testing, leveraging Canadian expertise and real-world trials in the Saraburi Sandbox, which will serve as a learning hub for developing scalable approaches at the industrial level," Surachai said.

Prof. Dr. Wilai Purivatch, Rector of Chulalongkorn University, noted that the partnership reflects the university's role as a Strategic Knowledge Partner bridging knowledge to practical application while developing "Green Talent" to support industry transition.

"Chulalongkorn aims to make this collaboration a strategic mechanism for strengthening the knowledge base in low-carbon technology, coupled with human resource development, to enhance capabilities aligned with transition directions and support long-term green economy," the rector said.

Ms. Ping Kidnikorn, Canadian Ambassador to Thailand, stated that Canada supports this collaboration, reflecting international climate cooperation and the 65-year-old bilateral relationship between the two countries.

"This collaboration encompasses knowledge transfer, technology, and experience in greenhouse gas reduction, particularly supporting experts and human resource development to link to practical trials and application in industry, with carbon capture technology serving as a bridge between innovation and application to drive low-carbon economy," Ambassador Ping said.

From the government side, Dr. Pirun Saiyasittipanich, Director-General of the Department of Climate Change and Environment, stated that the cement industry is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to reach Net Zero 2050 while building climate resilience.

"This collaboration is a policy mechanism to connect the project to the national level, using the Saraburi Sandbox as a testing and development base, so results can scale to policy-making and expansion effectively," Dr. Pirun said.

Theerathat Iamrangkul, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Industrial Works, stated that this collaboration aligns with the "One MIND single industry" policy that integrates oversight with green industry promotion.

"The department is ready to support this collaboration in developing a scalable prototype at the industrial level to enhance capabilities," he said.