Thailand train-bus crash compensation paid, motorists chargedLegacySix of the eight families of those killed in the Thailand train bus collision on May 16 have received compensation, with charges filed against the train driver and motorists found blocking the tracks, Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkaskulkiat announced yesterday, May 26. The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) have jointly paid out 2.9 million baht to the six approved families. A further 300,000 baht per case is pending approval from the Rights Protection Fund, with the BMTA and SRT to submit those requests. Injured survivors have also received initial payments, with compensation for remaining victims to follow. The Rail Transport Department has filed a negligence complaint against the train driver. Separate charges have been filed against the drivers of all vehicles found parked on or across the railway tracks at the time of the collision for traffic violations. Police investigators are continuing proceedings against those involved. Asked whether the Ministry of Transport would conduct a formal review of the incident, Siripong said the ministry had not used that framing, adding that the underlying problems should have been addressed long ago. Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkaskulkiat | Photo via ThaiPBS He described the collision as an accident waiting to happen, and said unsafe rail crossings used as informal shortcuts between the tracks and nearby communities would be addressed immediately. The ministry has already consulted with the Railway Technology Research and Development Institute on using revenue from the premium licence plate number fund to upgrade rail crossing safety infrastructure. The programme will be piloted in Bangkok and surrounding areas before being rolled out nationally, with warning lights, audible alerts, and potentially automatic barriers and detection systems to be installed at crossings to reduce the risk of human error. On calls from the State Railway of Thailand Labour Union for additional staffing to address management shortfalls, Siripong said he believed technology could substitute for personnel. He noted that staff numbers had previously been reduced without corresponding investment in technology, and said that if additional staff were needed, the employment model may need to change to avoid long-term budget commitments. Photo by Sakchai Lalit via AP The story Thailand train-bus crash compensation paid, motorists charged as seen on Thaiger News.

On Sunday, May 10, 2026, Phra Phrom Wachirsopon (Luang Pu Srichan Punnyarato), regional ecclesiastical advisor and abbot of Wat Bung Phra Laan Chai, presided over the ceremonial candle lighting at the grand Buddha image consecration ceremony for Luang Pu Tuad amulets at Wat Mai Thung Na Luang. The temple's abbot, Phra Kru Sutnava Khettakosol, joined with local and visiting Buddhists for the ceremony at Wat Mai Thung Na Luang in Roi Et Province.

Abbot Phra Kru Sutnava explained that the temple had previously initiated the construction of a large Luang Pu Tuad statue measuring 12.99 meters wide and 19 meters tall—the largest in Roi Et Province—with the foundation stone ceremony held in February 2025, presided over by Roi Et Governor Chatchawal Benjsiriwong. Due to substantial construction costs, the temple committee decided to produce blessed Luang Pu Tuad amulets in various materials to support fundraising efforts.

The temple commissioned master amulet craftsman Thanakorn Chanthayotha of Roi Et to oversee production, with support from Phra Subhakorn Sukgamo and committee members Vichai Bunyindie and Vichai Upmiyaram. The amulet series includes seven types: 39 special sacred powder amulets at 999 baht each; 25,000 large powder amulets at 199 baht each; 25,000 small powder amulets at 199 baht each; 2,569 mineral amulets at 399 baht each; 2,569 giant's ash powder amulets at 399 baht each; 5,069 blackened brass amulets at 499 baht each; and 2,569 special herbal oil-soaked amulets distributed free to attendees.

Proceeds from amulet sales will fund construction of the massive Luang Pu Tuad statue at Wat Mai Thung Na Luang, providing a spiritual focal point for devotees throughout Roi Et Province and nationwide. Vichai Bunyindie, the temple's lay administrator, expressed gratitude to all participating organizations and acknowledged the presiding monks, particularly Luang Pu Srichan Punnyarato, for their guidance and blessings.

The article details several sacred amulets created by respected monks from monasteries across Thailand. Luangpho Sanga Jittasangvaro, former abbot of Wat Thaptan Wattanarama in Uthai Thani province, created a square powder amulet of Luangpho To in 1972 to raise public funds, modeled after a statue in the monastery's ordination hall. The front features a relief image of the Buddha subduing Mara seated on a platform with divine cloth under a glass cover, while the back shows a large Na yantra with Khmer characters and Thai script reading 'Luangpho To, Wat Thaptan.' Due to limited production, these amulets have become rare. In 1971, Luangpho Som Sunthordhamma created similar amulets in various bronze and copper finishes to commemorate his 80th birthday. The article also covers highly collectible amulets created by Luangpho Phet of Wat Nontharee in Ayutthaya and Luangpho Lue from Wat Mueang Kha in Phrae province, all recognized as valuable pieces among amulet collectors.

TCEB is accelerating its MICE industry initiatives for the latter half of 2025, launching three major projects on the global stage. Dr. Suphawan Teerapattanakul, Director of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (Public Organization), revealed that the organization will strategically position Thailand's MICE industry to maximize market share both domestically and internationally. Three projects will be progressively unveiled in May, with two debuts at IMEX Frankfurt 2026 in Germany and one domestic launch.

Project One: Maximize Thailand addresses the "modern MICE traveler trend" by prioritizing return on experience over return on investment. The initiative encompasses three dimensions: (1) Infrastructure and Connectivity—ensuring convenient and seamless travel access to events; (2) More Experience—partnering with stakeholders including the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) and sustainable tourism development organizations to showcase unique regional characteristics; and (3) Economic and Environmental Impact—advancing toward Net Zero Carbon emissions, aligning with global standards now prominently featured at major European MICE venues.

Project Two: Net Zero Academy launches in Thailand through a Memorandum of Understanding with JMIC (Joint Meetings Industry Council), the primary international MICE industry organization. This training curriculum will equip Thai entrepreneurs and professionals with knowledge to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and achieve Net Zero Emission targets, enabling them to comply with international environmental standards effectively.

Project Three: The new "Jergan" mobile application, developed with multiple industry associations, creates a digital community platform serving all MICE stakeholders—travelers, organizers, and participants—across Thailand's regions. Piloting from Bangkok and surrounding areas, the app integrates MICE Connect data, community information, and service providers including hotels, convention centers, restaurants, and new attractions, facilitating seamless travel experiences.

The Supreme Court issued its ruling on May 26 in case number NACC 1/2568, between the National Anti-Corruption Commission and defendant Ekarat Changlea, a former member of parliament. The NACC alleged that Changlea, while serving as manager of the Khon Kaen Teachers' Savings Cooperative, exploited his position to embezzle funds and forge financial documents to mislead the cooperative's membership.

The court found that between 2011 and 2019, Changlea and associates withdrew 396 million baht from the cooperative on August 16, 2011, transferred it to personal accounts, and used 106 million baht to purchase five parcels of land totaling 6 rai, 2 ngan, and 34.9 square wa, registered in Changlea's name alone. Three parcels were mortgaged back to the cooperative as security for an affiliated company's debt—an illegal and fraudulent act. The remaining 290 million baht difference disappeared, constituting embezzlement that harmed the cooperative and its members.

Moreover, from 2011 to 2019, Changlea and associates falsified the cooperative's deposit ledgers. From 2013 to 2019, they showed members a balance of approximately 400 million baht at annual meetings when the actual balance was only 70,000 baht. The final false entry on August 4, 2019, claimed a balance of 431,941,984.59 baht when only 79,774.16 baht remained. The ledgers were only returned in October 2019 after new ethical standards for independent agency officials took effect.

Based on evidence of embezzlement, document forgery, and use of forged documents, the Supreme Court concluded that Changlea violated principles of rule of law and ethical standards, causing damage to the dignity of his parliamentary position. Consequently, he is stripped of voting rights for 10 years.