Hull City clinched a thrilling extra-time victory over Middlesbrough in the English Championship playoff final to return to the Premier League for the first time in nine years. The match took place at Wembley Stadium in London on May 23rd, with both teams locked in a tight contest. The first half saw Hull come close when Oliver McBurnie's header from a Ryan Giles cross struck the crossbar, leaving the score at 0-0 at the break. The second half remained scoreless, forcing the match into extra time. In the 90+5th minute, Yu Hiragawa's cross from the left found the area where the Middlesbrough goalkeeper fumbled the ball, and McBurnie pounced to fire home the winning goal in a 1-0 victory. Hull became the third team to earn Premier League promotion for next season, following champions Coventry City and runners-up Ipswich Town. This marks Hull's return to the top flight since their relegation in the 2016-17 season.

On May 23, 2025, as part of a crackdown on foreign-linked criminal activities, the Tourist Police conducted a raid on a bar and karaoke establishment in downtown Chiang Mai. Under the direction of Police Major General Olarb Iamprapphas, commander of Tourist Police Region 2, and Police Colonel Pison Truamdi, the investigation team led by Police Lieutenant Colonel Avirut Sukhaem, along with Chiang Phueak Police Station officers, inspected the venue. Officers discovered 12 Myanmar nationals employed as musicians and staff. Although all possessed valid work permits, the permits did not match the employers listed in their documentation, violating regulations requiring workers to notify the registrar of their employer and workplace within 15 days of employment. The raid followed complaints about excessive noise from the establishment and reports that it served as a hub for Myanmar migrant worker networks. According to preliminary investigation, the bar has been operating since the Songkran festival period, primarily serving Myanmar clients and migrant laborers, with a Thai manager overseeing operations. All suspects have been handed over to Chiang Phueak Police Station for legal proceedings. Authorities are currently tracking financial flows, employers, business owners, and capital backers involved in the operation.

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Koh Phangan, Surat Thani – Thai National Police have ordered a sweeping second-phase operation against foreign nationals using Thai nominees to conceal illegal land ownership and business activities on Koh Phangan. The raid mobilized more than 300 officers to dismantle nominee structures across the island. The operation, dubbed “Nominee Crackdown Koh Phangan – Phase 2”, […] Police Uncover 32 Nominee Firms, Arrest 22 Foreigners in Koh Phangan Land Scam -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Phuket- The Director-General of Thailand’s Royal Forestry Department has issued an urgent order mandating the removal of 11 unauthorized structures within the protected forest zone at Nui Beach, Phuket, by June 5th, 2026. Our previous story: Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, Suchart Chomklin, led an inspection at Nui Beach in Karon, Phuket, following complaints […] Forestry Department Orders Urgent Demolition of Illegal Structures at Nui Beach -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

On May 23, 2025, Chaiyawat Sathawarwijit, Bangkok governor candidate from the Prachathai Party, along with Ploy Telane, candidate for Bangkok Metropolitan Council in the Khlong Toei district, and Ratchanok Srinok, Prachathai party-list candidate, held an event titled "Bangkok Made Simple: Starting Fresh, It Should Be Easier" to discuss with residents how to make it easier for Bangkok people to access new skills, new jobs, and new work opportunities.

Chaiyawat stated that Bangkok should be a city that creates opportunities for people to grow and progress. While the city already has good vocational schools, he wants to improve them further by creating a system that connects people with new professions, jobs, opportunities, and increased income. His policy aims to upgrade Bangkok's vocational training centers into Bangkok Studio—something more than just a school. It will be a space where people can walk in, learn new skills, and find job opportunities. The system will connect employers seeking workers with specific skills to Bangkok Studio, where those skills can be developed.

Chaiyawat further explained that vocational centers must go beyond being training schools; they need to ensure that after graduation, graduates have increased income and can find employment. Opportunity is crucial for this city, which has not created enough opportunities for its people in the past. This is the foundation of the Prachathai Party's policy to provide more opportunities for residents.

Ratchanok stated that the Prachathai Party believes Bangkok can create jobs, careers, and increase income for its people. Grassroots residents frequently ask party representatives and council candidates how to increase their income. She added that the Prachathai Party previously implemented policies on public transportation, early childhood development centers, and educational system improvements to help reduce living costs for Bangkok residents. The policy to create 200,000 new jobs within four years, along with the Bangkok Studio initiative, will elevate Bangkok's vocational training centers to new heights, making life simpler and easier for Bangkok residents under a Prachathai-backed governor.

Region 8 Police conducted a raid and arrested an audacious Indian national on Koh Phangan who had been posting gun-wielding videos on social media while allegedly dealing drugs at parties. The case originated from videos showing a foreigner displaying and firing both long and short weapons with evidence of target practice. On May 23, 2025, Deputy Police Commissioner Pol. Gen. Samran Nualma authorized the operation, with Pol. Col. Naphsil Poolsawadi and Pol. Col. Sitthichai Logkampal mobilizing officers led by Pol. Maj. Prawit Engchuean to arrest Mr. Shabeelkunnon Valappil, a 33-year-old Indian national, at his residence in Moo 1, Koh Phangan subdistrict, Koh Phangan district, Surat Thani province.

Valappil was charged with overstaying his visa. Police seized crystal methamphetamine, MDMA, ketamine, and a firearm, along with a second suspect and additional drug paraphernalia. The investigation began on May 13 when police launched an operation targeting foreign networks using Thai nominees as front companies in Koh Phangan. Local residents provided information about a foreigner with reckless behavior who dealt drugs in the durian orchard area of Moo 2, Ban Tai subdistrict, and frequently fired weapons at his residence.

When officers arrived at the location on May 23, they found three houses. The homeowner reported Valappil was outside and returning shortly. When Valappil arrived on a motorcycle, police revealed their identities. He attempted to flee but officers subdued him. A search of Valappil's person uncovered nine bags of drugs and an aluminum tube in his left pants pocket, plus a drug-measuring spoon hidden in a pink bag. Investigators discovered his affinity for firearms through photos with both short and long weapons, evidence of shooting practice including shell casings and target marks, and involvement in drug distribution on Koh Samui. An examination of his mobile phone revealed images of various drugs with clearly marked prices. The suspect was transferred to Koh Phangan Police Station for legal proceedings.