The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) under the Ministry of Transport will waive expressway tolls on three routes as follows:

Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway (Din Daeng-Bang Na-Daw Khano) - 21 toll booths Sri Rat Expressway (Sai Yut-Bang Khlo-Srinakarin) - 32 toll booths Udon Expressway (Bang Pa-in-Pak Kret) - 10 toll booths

The waiver applies on Wednesday, May 13, 2025 (Visakha Bucha Day) from 00:01 to 24:00 hours, a national public holiday declared by the Prime Minister's Office.

This measure follows government and Ministry of Transport policy outlined in amended concession agreements between EXAT, Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM), and Bangkok Northern Expressway Company Limited (NECL). The waiver aims to facilitate public travel during the holiday, reduce financial burden on citizens, and minimize traffic congestion at toll booths.

EXAT requests public cooperation in safe driving under the concept "Safe Driving - No U-turns for Safety." For travel information, contact the Expressway User Information Service Center (EXAT Call Center) at 1543, available 24 hours.

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra reported to Bangkok Probation Office 1 on May 11, 2025, and made a lighthearted jab at waiting media, saying "I can't remember anything anymore—I've got Alzheimer's," when asked if he recalled them from his initial prison entry. Accompanied by his sister Yingluck, also a former Prime Minister, and his attorney Viññyati Chatimonthon, Thaksin completed his probation check-in procedures on the second floor in approximately 10 minutes. After finishing the paperwork, he descended to greet the assembled journalists with a smile and wave before departing with Yingluck to their Changsonghlueang residence.

Under the terms of his probation suspension, Thaksin's conditions include residing at his designated address with his caretaker, maintaining honest employment, reporting to probation officers monthly, adhering to all laws and regulations, abstaining from drugs and weapons, avoiding contact with prisoners or detainees (except relatives), refraining from associating with individuals who might lead him to further wrongdoing, and remaining within provincial boundaries except when authorized for urgent matters.

Government Advances Infrastructure Upgrades to Attract Digital and Clean Energy Investments for Future Industries

May 11, 2026 – Rachada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, announced that the government is advancing infrastructure upgrades and promoting investment to support the economy and future industries.

The Board of Investment (BOI) has approved 6 major investment projects worth a combined 958,168 million baht. Simultaneously, 9 additional projects have been selected for the Thailand FastPass accelerated investment program phase 2, valued at 52,104 million baht combined.

This brings the total number of projects in the system to 25, worth over 223,216 million baht. These measures aim to reduce approval steps and enable faster investment implementation.

Rachada stated that beyond short-term investment facilitation measures, the government is also accelerating energy infrastructure upgrades to support high-electricity-consuming industries and long-term power demand. The energy ministry is preparing electricity guarantee measures for major power consumers.

Meanwhile, the provincial and metropolitan electricity authorities are developing standards for electricity guarantees to align power network investment plans with business electricity usage plans. The Energy Ministry is pushing forward the Power Development Plan (PDP) to support high-electricity-consuming industries by studying the recommissioning of decommissioned power plants and promoting modern energy technologies in the electrical system. The government is also advancing clean energy support mechanisms, including the Direct PPA program, which has completed rate calculations and awaits consideration by the Energy Regulatory Commission. The green electricity rate (UGT2) has been announced by the provincial and metropolitan electricity authorities as of April 30, 2026. Additionally, the government is reviewing regulations regarding rooftop solar systems to increase flexibility and support investor needs in transitioning to environmentally friendly business operations.

Gold prices for May 11, 2025 have been announced by the Gold Traders Association, with prices declining compared to the previous close. Ornamental gold is selling at 72,700 baht per baht weight, down 50 baht from the final price on May 8. According to the latest data from the Gold Traders Association released on their website at 9:02 AM, gold bars are trading at 71,700 baht per baht weight for purchase and 71,900 baht per baht weight for sale in the first announcement. For 96.5% ornamental gold, the purchase price is 70,266.60 baht per baht weight and the selling price is 72,700 baht per baht weight. Global gold spot prices are currently at 4,691.50 USD per ounce. Gold bar prices: Buy at 71,700 baht per baht weight, Sell at 71,900 baht per baht weight. Ornamental gold prices: Buy at 70,266.60 baht per baht weight, Sell at 72,700 baht per baht weight. Gold traders predict that tomorrow's market opening could see prices surge by 1,000-2,000 baht per baht weight, potentially breaking through the 80,000 baht level.

PHUKET: Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul arrived in Phuket yesterday (May 10) specifically to address allegations of mafia influence, corruption, illegal beach encroachment and threats linked to controversial land disputes at some of the island’s most valuable coastal areas.

At 5:00 AM on May 11, 2025, outside Klong Prem Central Prison, reporters documented enthusiastic red-shirt supporters who had traveled to cheer former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra on his scheduled conditional release day. Large crowds of red-shirt supporters lined the prison fence starting from the morning of May 10 to show their support. At 6:00 AM, Pheu Thai party leaders including Bhumi Vetayachai (party advisor), Somsak Thepsuthin (former Public Health Minister), Wisutthi Chaiyarun, Kattiya Sawasdipon, Chusakdi Sirinil, Jiraphon Sindupai, Chayapa Sindupai, Manporn Charoen, Saruang Thiantong (party deputy leader), Pongkwin Chungrungrueangkit (party deputy leader), Pongsak Raktpongpaisarn (former Transport Minister), Phaophoomi Rojnaskul, Chanok Chantathong, Natthawut Saiyaem, Khuanchai Pairapan (former red-shirt leader), and lawyer Vinyat Chatimontre arrived at the prison to welcome Thaksin after he met bail requirements for conditional release in a general case. At 7:20 AM, party leaders began gathering at the prison entrance. At 7:30 AM, Thaksin's family including Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Panthongthaem Shinawatra, Pintongtha Shinawatra, and other family members arrived. At 7:40 AM, Thaksin walked out of prison wearing a white shirt and long pants, embracing his daughter, grandchildren, and sister, with Paetongtarn being the first to receive his embrace. He then greeted party leaders and supporters, paid respects to the national flag at the flagpole on the prison grounds, and waved to the red-shirt crowd before departing for Bangkok Metropolitan Probation Office 1 in Bang Kok Noi to report as required by the Department of Corrections before heading home.