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Police

Homesick conscripts flee camp, steal motorcycle, fail drug test

Two homesick conscripts fled a military training camp in Udon Thani after just 18 days and stole a motorcycle to escape, later testing positive for methamphetamine when arrested in Nong Khai province.

1h ago The Thaiger Crime

Homesick conscripts flee camp, steal motorcycle, fail drug testLegacyTwo reportedly homesick conscripts who had been in training for just 18 days were arrested yesterday, May 19, after allegedly fleeing a military camp in Udon Thani and stealing a woman’s motorcycle. The theft happened at about 6.10pm on May 17 on Mittraphap Road in Non Sung subdistrict, Mueang district. The 22 year old woman had parked the motorcycle with the key left inside before two men, reportedly dressed in military uniforms, rode away on it. CCTV footage reportedly showed the pair taking the motorcycle and fleeing towards central Udon Thani. The victim ran after them and called for help but could not catch them before filing a complaint with police. Photo via Khaosod Military trainers later found the pair at a home in Fao Rai district, Nong Khai province, after police contacted their supervisors. Officers recovered the motorcycle, worth 181,900 baht, and seized a pink bicycle the pair allegedly borrowed after leaving the camp and left about 15 metres from the theft scene. The two men, aged 22 and 20, reportedly admitted escaping from the camp by climbing over a rear fence. They told police they had volunteered for military service and had been in training for only 18 days before leaving because they missed home. Photo via Khaosod They said they first planned to travel to the older suspect’s home before changing plans and heading to the younger suspect’s home in Nong Khai. They claimed they waited for a bus for more than an hour, but none arrived. Police said the older suspect then saw the motorcycle parked with the key still inside and rode away with the younger suspect. The pair allegedly drove the motorcycle to Nong Khai, where military officers and trainers detained them the following morning. The suspects reportedly apologised to the victim and said they had not intended to steal the motorcycle permanently. They claimed they planned to return it later. Photo via Khaosod Khaosod reported that they also admitted taking two methamphetamine pills each before being detained. Police later tested their urine, with both results coming back positive. The pair were charged with theft using a vehicle to facilitate the crime and illegal use of a Category 1 narcotic. In similar news, the Royal Thai Army admitted that eight soldiers physically assaulted three conscripts at Sura Dham Pithak Military Camp in Nakhon Ratchasima, resulting in one conscript being beaten to death. The story Homesick conscripts flee camp, steal motorcycle, fail drug test as seen on Thaiger News.

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National

Thai water polo duo make history with Israel Cup win

Two Thai water polo players won the Israel Cup with Israeli club Hapoel Yokneam, marking the first time Thai athletes have claimed a national-level club title abroad at this competitive level.

1h ago Khaosod

BANGKOK — May 20, 2026: Panthila Asayut, known as "Amp", and Raksina Ruangsapphaisan, known as "Praewa", currently play professionally for Hapoel Yokneam, one of Israel's leading water polo clubs. The pair played crucial roles as the club secured the Israel Cup title, marking a historic achievement for Thai athletes competing overseas.

Thailand women's water polo head coach Maksim Kordonskiy expressed pride in the players' discipline and determination, describing the achievement as the first time Thai athletes had won a national-level club title abroad at such a high level. He noted that competing in the Israeli league, the Israel Cup and European-level tournaments would enhance the players' technical abilities, tactical understanding and mental strength ahead of future international competitions.

Both athletes are expected to be key members of Thailand's squad for the 20th Asian Games, though overall success will depend on the collective strength of the entire team. Hapoel Yokneam are scheduled to compete in the Israeli league semi-finals on May 28 and the national championship final on May 30, with a potential domestic double within reach for the Thai players.

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Community

Heavy Rain Kills Sales at 20-Baht Curry Shop, Abbot Steps In to Buy 100 Bags for Community

Heavy rain left a curry vendor in Chachoengsao with 100 unsold bags, prompting the local temple abbot to purchase them all and distribute them free to residents.

1h ago Khaosod

Heavy rain from early morning left a 20-baht curry shop unable to make any sales, leaving about 100 bags unsold. When the local abbot learned of the situation, he purchased all 100 bags and had them distributed free to residents in the community. The vendor was touched by the gesture, which at least allowed her to recover enough to buy ingredients for the next day's sales.

On May 20, reporters received word that a 20-baht rice and curry shop in Pan Thong Subdistrict, Pan Thong District, Chachoengsao Province announced through loudspeaker that it was giving away 100 bags of curry for free. On-site inspection found numerous residents lining up to receive the free curry, which came in various menu options with no limits.

Ms. Nid, 42, the curry vendor, revealed that heavy rain since early morning prevented her from making any sales, leaving her with approximately 100 bags. Phrakhru Thawarasatthakun, abbot of Wat Woraphrot Sangkhavas Temple, learned of the heavy rain and called to ask if business was good. She replied that it wasn't at all and that she had about 100 bags left. The abbot then purchased all 100 bags and had his disciples post an announcement to distribute them to community members.

The abbot is known for his great compassion and this isn't the first time he's done this. Whenever it rains heavily in the morning, he calls to check on business. If sales are poor and there's excess inventory, he arranges for free distribution to the community. The vendor is grateful for his help, as it allows her to recover enough capital to buy ingredients for the next day's sales.

Her curry sells for only 20 baht per bag, with virtually no profit margin since she prices it so affordably. But she maintains this price to help support residents and factory workers who live hand to mouth.

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National

European Market Heating Up! Trade Policy Office Urges Thailand to Accelerate EU FTA Negotiations to Capture Trade and Investment Share Before Competitors

Thailand must accelerate its EU Free Trade Agreement negotiations to capture market opportunities and attract investment before competitors like Vietnam and Singapore gain further advantage in 2025.

1h ago Khaosod

Europe's market is heating up! The Trade Policy and Strategy Office urges Thailand to speed up its EU FTA negotiations to capture trade and investment opportunities before competitors.

Nanthapon Jiralertsapong, Director of the Trade Policy and Strategy Office (TPSO), revealed that the European Union's push to finalize Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with trading partners worldwide in early 2025 represents an important development with positive implications for Thailand across multiple dimensions—including market expansion opportunities, supply chain connectivity, and foreign direct investment attraction. Particularly significant is Thailand's ongoing FTA negotiations with the EU, which will serve as a crucial mechanism for enhancing the country's long-term competitive capabilities. However, Thailand must accelerate its adaptation to maintain its potential amid the rapidly evolving global trade landscape.

During the first quarter of 2025, the EU successfully concluded three FTA negotiations covering six countries, including signing agreements with the Mercosur bloc (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay), as well as finalizing negotiations with India and Australia. These deals, achieved after lengthy and complex negotiations in many cases, reflect the EU's policy commitment to diversifying economic risk, reducing dependence on traditional markets, and building a diverse network of trading partnerships to address global economic uncertainty and geopolitical volatility.

These developments create significant strategic opportunities for Thailand. First, the EU's expanded trade agreements will promote global supply chain reconfiguration, enabling Thailand to emerge as a production and export hub in high-potential industries such as food processing, modern automotive manufacturing, electrical appliances and electronics, and high-value agricultural products—particularly as EU businesses seek to diversify their supply sources to reduce over-reliance on any single nation.

Second, the EU's expanding FTA network will stimulate foreign direct investment from multinational corporations, especially those from the EU, which tend to favor countries with strong infrastructure, trade connectivity, and efficient access to FTA networks. Thailand has advantages as a Southeast Asian regional hub with robust supply chain systems.

Third, FTA negotiations with the EU will drive Thailand to upgrade product standards, regulations, and trade systems to align with international standards in environmental protection, labor practices, and transparency—building long-term consumer and investor confidence.

However, Thailand faces intensifying competition, particularly from countries already holding EU FTAs such as Vietnam and Singapore, which enjoy tariff advantages and earlier market access. Some Thai products may lose price competitiveness and market share in the short term. Additionally, the EU's increasingly stringent environmental and sustainability trade measures may constrain Thai businesses unable to adapt quickly enough.

To capitalize on opportunities and mitigate these challenges, Thailand should: (1) expedite Thai-EU FTA negotiations to secure comparable market access conditions with competitor nations, and (2) upgrade production standards and sustainability practices, especially in environmental protection and emission reductions.

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Police

Wan Noor Demands Justice in MP Kamlasak Shooting: Who Is Behind the Attack?

Prachathai Party advisor Wan Noor demands justice following the assassination of MP Kamlasak Leewamoh in Narathiwat, calling for the public to identify who ordered the killing as perpetrators remain at large.

1h ago Khaosod

On May 20, 2025, Wan Muhammadnoor Matha, advisor to the Prachathai Party and chairman of the Prime Minister's Advisory Committee, posted on Facebook regarding the death of Kamlasak Leewamoh, also known as Wayuhaeh, a Prachathai MP from Narathiwat. Wan Noor stated that this loss extends beyond family grief—it strikes at the heart of the Muslim community and all people who value justice. The assassination reflects alarming injustice permeating society that affects not just a few individuals but the entire population. While Muslims have historically suffered injustices in silence, recent prayers and solidarity shown in Narathiwat mosques signal a awakening that one person's suffering is everyone's suffering. Wan Noor emphasized that although some perpetrators have been arrested, society demands to know: who ordered this killing? Who is the mastermind behind the darkness? Those who authorize the murder of a people's representative without fear of God represent tyranny akin to pharaohs in history and must be exposed and held accountable. He called on anyone with information—whether publicly or anonymously—to come forward, as justice cannot prevail while society remains silent from fear. In developed societies, people readily stand as witnesses and protect truth, but in Thailand, many choose silence out of fear. He urged society to change this mindset, emphasizing that allowing injustice today could bring it to one's own doorstep tomorrow.

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National

KTC Reports Surging E-Commerce Spending, Now Accounting for 45% of Total Expenditure; Growth Reaches 16% in First Four Months

E-commerce spending through KTC credit cards has surged to 40-45% of total expenditure, up from just 10-20% previously, driven by consumers increasingly preferring frequent small purchases and fast delivery services in the first four months

1h ago Khaosod

KTC announced that e-commerce spending now accounts for 40-45% of total expenditure through their credit cards, a dramatic increase from the previous 10-20% share. The first four months of 2025 showed spending growth of approximately 16% and transaction growth exceeding 25% year-over-year, driven by the "Speed Economy" trend and changing consumer behavior.

Nathassit Suntranya, Senior Executive of the Credit Card Marketing Division at Krung Thai Card Public Company Limited (KTC), revealed that consumer behavior has clearly shifted toward the "Speed Economy," resulting in sustained growth in e-commerce and food delivery platform transactions. During the first four months of 2025, KTC credit card transaction volume grew more than 25% compared to the same period last year, while spending grew approximately 16% on average.

This growth stems from consumers preferring to "buy less but buy more frequently" and desiring speed in product and service delivery, particularly through e-commerce platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, and TikTok Shop, as well as food delivery services including Grab, LINE MAN, Hungry Hub, Robinhood, and ShopeeFood.

"Today's consumers demand greater speed—whether it's getting food delivered during a meeting or ordering essentials late at night through a platform for immediate delivery. These trends are significantly driving online transaction growth," Suntranya explained.

Suntranya noted that while spending growth is 16%, transaction growth exceeds 25% because consumers are spending less per transaction but making purchases more frequently. Average transaction values increased from approximately 600-700 baht to around 800 baht.

Meanwhile, online platforms are competing fiercely through discount codes, VIP membership programs, and promotional campaigns that continuously stimulate consumer spending, particularly during "Double Day" events like 9.9, 11.11, and 12.12, which remain crucial for the online market.

Suntranya noted that while the 11.11 campaign was historically most popular, 12.12 now shows notably higher spending due to year-end timing and seasonal shopping peaks. Double Day events remain the primary strategy for online platforms to boost sales, though Mid-Month and Payday campaigns have been added throughout the year.

The proportion of KTC credit card spending on e-commerce platforms has increased to approximately 40-45% of total spending, up from just 10-20% previously, reflecting that e-commerce has become integral to consumer lifestyle. This behavior acceleration began during COVID-19 and has continued to the present.

Regarding product categories with highest KTC spending on e-commerce, beauty and cosmetics, fashion, and consumer goods remain dominant, as these items are frequently repurchased and benefit from online platform promotions.

Among e-commerce platforms, Shopee remains the clear leader among KTC customers, followed by Lazada and TikTok Shop. Each platform has distinct strengths and marketing positioning—TikTok emphasizes social commerce and entertainment through short videos, while Lazada highlights LazMall products with authenticity guarantees.

KTC also prioritizes online transaction security with a 24-hour fraud detection team monitoring unusual transactions.

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National

Go-tee Opens Up About Past Conflict with Toy Triphop Over Fame - Quit Drug Addiction Cold Turkey After Using 30 Pills Daily

Thai entertainer Go-tee Aramboy revealed his struggle with drug addiction that peaked at 30 pills daily, and detailed past conflicts with fellow star Toy Triphop during his rise to fame as a child actor.

1h ago Khaosod

Go-tee Aramboy opened up on the program Khon Lom Luek, hosted by Dr. On Phuwanat, revealing that past fame caused him to lose himself to the point of clashing with Toy Triphop Limpbunpat. He also discussed the darkest period of his life when he descended into drug abuse, consuming as many as 30 pills daily.

Recalling his peak fame as a "Liketoklok" star, Go-tee explained: "I became wealthy because I had work every day. I came from a simple bamboo house in the rice fields and was able to send money to my mother to buy 4 acres of land. I thought my life would end in the entertainment industry, but I moved in with him without having older or younger siblings, calling him father and mother. One day I became sensitive and fought with his son. He beat me but didn't beat his own son. He told everyone that was his son. But when we fought, he beat me and didn't beat his own child. It didn't matter if our life wasn't important."

Go-tee recounted how at the height of his fame, earning money faster than he could spend it, he did 3-4 television shows daily during his peak. He explained that at ages 16-19, still not ordained as a monk, he couldn't manage the overwhelming feeling of stardom. He described himself metaphorically as a "winged tiger," thinking he was invincible. His arrogance led him to clash with Toy Triphop Limpbunpat over a scheduling conflict, brazenly refusing to appear on a show Toy wanted him on, telling Toy's secretary that Toy wasn't his father.

Describing his descent into drug addiction, Go-tee revealed: "I was around it since I was young. As a star, you have to maintain your image. I wasn't involved in anything specific until one day I had multiple jobs, doing 3-4 shows, and it became an excuse. When I had money, I didn't know what to do, so I tried it. At its worst, I was using 30 pills a day."

He described the devastating effects: "It destroyed my body. I smoked them like cigarettes, continuously for 2 nights and 2 days without sleep. My body deteriorated, my brain couldn't function. It kept me awake but I couldn't think about anything. Everything fell apart."

Go-tee mentioned that during this dark period, his friend Hack was living at his house and they worked together on projects. He felt deep love and attachment to this man, but the full details of how he recovered remained incomplete in his account.

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Police

National Police Chief Empowers Deputy to File Charges Against Police Lieutenant Colonel Wirutm Over Allegations That Police Bureau Is Criminal Organization

Thailand's National Police Chief has authorized legal action against a police lieutenant colonel for allegedly defaming the police force in a November interview, claiming it functions as a criminal organization that collects bribes nationwi

1h ago Khaosod

National Police Chief Police General Kittirat Patthanapetch has delegated authority to Police Lieutenant General Charuenjkiatti Panakaew, Deputy Commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau, to file a complaint and proceed with legal action against Police Lieutenant Colonel Wirutm Sirisawatsidibut and others on charges of defamation by advertisement under Sections 326 and 328 of the Criminal Code. The legal proceedings stem from an interview Wirutm gave on the "Tok Mai Thieng" program on Tero Digital on November 19, 2024, in which he reportedly made statements characterizing the Royal Thai Police as a criminal organization and claiming it collects bribes and illicit benefits in various forms across the country. The National Police Bureau determined that these statements constitute serious defamation that damages the police organization's image, credibility, and public trust, significantly harming its reputation. The bureau has therefore instructed that maximum legal action be taken against those involved.

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Police

Family Holds Funeral Rites for Rose, Who Died in Train-Bus Collision, at Her Hometown in Ubon Ratchathani Province

A 25-year-old Kasetsart University graduate died in a train-bus collision on May 16; her family held funeral rites in Ubon Ratchathani and called for improved safety measures at railroad crossings.

1h ago Khaosod

On May 20, 2569, at Wat Suan Sawang temple in Phibul Mangsahan District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, funeral rites were held for Rose (Ms. Vipharak Phuree), age 25, a former student of the Faculty of Humanities at Kasetsart University, who died in a train-bus collision on May 16. Various government agencies sent wreaths and neighbors helped organize the funeral in a somber atmosphere. The three-day merit-making ceremony will conclude with a cremation on May 23, with Governor Nrong Thephsena and local officials presiding over the chanting of funeral rites.

The victim's mother, Ms. Sathinee Vathi, expressed her desire for improved safety measures for bus passengers, emphasizing that travelers entrust their lives to drivers who must safely deliver them to their destinations. She questioned why buses would drive across railroad tracks despite knowing the danger exists there, noting there were no warning signs before the collision, preventing anyone from reacting in time.

The victim's aunt, Ms. Viphaphorn Phuree, recounted that the young woman used various forms of transportation for work, including motorcycles, buses, and taxis depending on her schedule. The family is certain she was on the bus involved in the accident because she had paid her fare through a mobile app and posted a story confirming she had boarded. The aunt poignantly stated: "What we ask for now is just one minute of carefulness from someone. One minute of negligence destroyed 10-20 years of life for my niece and many others. Eight lives lost for just one minute—if only someone had spared just one minute, eight lives would not have been lost."

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Police

Police Crack Down on 'Sergeant Poi Pet' Gang: 10 Mule Accounts Used to Defraud Doctors in Massive Money Laundering Scheme

Police arrested 10 suspects operating a sophisticated mule account network used by the "Sergeant Poi Pet" gang to defraud doctors and launder money across eight provinces, with linked cases totaling over 123 million baht in damages.

1h ago Khaosod

On May 20, 2025, Police General Pattanasak Bupasuwan, commander of the Crime Suppression Division, authorized an operation called 'The Red Line' to arrest 10 suspects involved in a mule account network across eight provinces nationwide. The suspects include Jongruk (29), Winas (28), Pattanpong (32), Tinbhat (22), Yongyut (51), Chanitkan (24), Korrachit (37), Pattanaporn (39), Nathavut (27), and Passit (37), operating under arrest warrants No. 525-535/2025 issued by the Thonburi Criminal Court on May 8, 2025, on charges of fraud, unauthorized computer data entry, and money laundering. Two Cambodian nationals, Miss Chankhema (25) and Mr. Sophorn (44), were also sought for operating transfer accounts within the network.

The investigation stemmed from the Anti-Online Fraud Center's (ACSC) policy to suppress online criminal networks. A doctor reported being targeted by the 'Sergeant Poi Pet' gang, who used video calls with fake police station backgrounds and forged court documents to intimidate victims into sharing their phone screens for five consecutive days. Victims were then coerced into transferring their entire bank balances to designated accounts.

The suspects operated as multi-level mule accounts, including primary transfer accounts, temporary holding accounts, and deep-level transfer accounts, with some serving as 'cash mule couriers' withdrawing money nationwide to break the financial trail. Records from Thai Police Online show the group was linked to over 76 cases with total damages exceeding 123 million baht. During interrogation, one suspect confessed to being victimized by the same gang and provided evidence assisting the investigation. However, all arrested suspects denied the charges and claimed no involvement in the fraud scheme. They remain in custody pending further legal proceedings.

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National

CLICX Receives Virtual Bank License, Opening Thailand's New Banking Era

CLICX, a joint venture of KTB, AIS, and OR, has received Thailand's first virtual bank license from the Bank of Thailand, planning to launch branch-less digital banking services in June 2025. The license enables the bank to offer accessible

1h ago Khaosod

CLICX has officially received a virtual bank license from the Bank of Thailand, establishing new standards for digital financial services and removing traditional barriers in the banking system.

Supaporn Sunthrorohat, Chief Executive Officer of CLICX Bank Public Company Limited, announced that the bank's management and board of directors officially received the virtual bank license from the Bank of Thailand on May 18, 2025, at the bank's headquarters.

This marks a major milestone for CLICX, a joint venture of KTB, AIS, and OR, as Thailand's first branch-less bank. The license reflects CLICX's readiness to operate a full-scale digital banking business with advanced technology, security standards, quality service standards, and a deep understanding of modern Thai financial behavior. The goal is to develop accessible, secure digital financial services that meet users' everyday needs.

"The emergence of CLICX represents an important step for Thailand in upgrading its financial system to drive the digital economy and create new opportunities for all Thais to access financial services with greater inclusivity, fairness, and security," Supaporn stated. "We believe this new banking model is not merely a transaction channel, but financial infrastructure that removes previous limitations for ordinary people and small business operators, enabling everyone to better manage money, plan their future, and access economic opportunities. CLICX aims to connect technology with the financial system to create new standards for Thai banking and serve as a key driver for sustainable economic growth."

CLICX is designing services through an application that understands the diverse lifestyles and financial needs of individuals, covering savings, money management, and financial products tailored to each user. The bank is committed to advancing financial inclusion, ensuring all Thais have equitable access to quality financial services. CLICX plans to officially launch its services in June 2025.

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