The RWS Rajadamnern World Series boxing event took place at Rajadamnern Stadium on Saturday, May 9, with the main event featuring Jarumsuk Bunyalannamon, the defending Rajadamnern 118-pound champion, against Punyai Phlakbun, who was challenging for the title. Jarumsuk dominated the fight, delivering a powerful left elbow strike that led to Punyai's knockout in the second round. With this victory, Jarumsuk successfully defended his Rajadamnern 118-pound championship and claimed a 350,000 baht bonus.

Other fight results from the card: - Jigsaw defeated Singpetch with a second-round knockout - Angel Bawza defeated Garret Somayli with a first-round knockout - Ketus defeated Leatsing with a first-round knockout - Brandol Mendoza defeated Kai Laruschi by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) - Marie Hynes defeated Diandra Martin by unanimous decision (30-27 across all three scorecards) - Zhang Junhui defeated Ameerhassan Solfi by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 30-27)

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

Phuket – Phuket authorities have announced a sweeping crackdown on foreign nationals who violate Thai laws, pledging to apply the “highest level of enforcement” to maintain order in the island’s booming tourism sector. The move comes after the Embassy of Israel in Bangkok issued a warning to its citizens, urging them to strictly comply with […] Phuket Enforces Toughest Legal Measures on Foreign Tourists and Businesses -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

On May 9, 2026, at The Bazaar Bangkok hotel in Ratchadamri Road, Chatuchak District, Nai Phobphut Inpan, known as "Mahanueng the Amulet Expert," brought a garland to apologize to Ms. Dorn Tianwavorn, known as Madame Kaeng, the associate of Ton Bangkae, a famous amulet collector. This came after Mahanueng gave interviews on several prominent programs claiming Madame Kaeng had ordered his kidnapping to collect a 30 million baht debt—a claim he now admits was false.

Mahanueng acknowledged that his claims about being kidnapped were untrue, admitting they stemmed from his own anxiety and suspicion. He has multiple debts to various creditors and feared being named one of nine blacklisted amulet dealers under police investigation. Out of concern about his financial situation, he gave interviews to several programs, causing damage to Madame Kaeng's reputation.

Madame Kaeng firmly denied ever threatening or kidnapping anyone, stating Mahanueng is not among the nine dealers being prosecuted. She believes he may have been manipulated by certain groups into misunderstanding the situation. She also announced she would forgive the remaining 7 million baht debt entirely.

Regarding the 65 million baht check case and arrest warrant against "Jen" (amulet dealer Jen Piyathat), Madame Kaeng explained that she had signed a personal check as a guarantee for a 53-piece amulet purchase valued at 65 million baht with three amulet dealers. She later discovered some amulets had been pawned to others. When negotiations to retrieve them failed, she stopped payment on the check and filed a report at Thung Mahamek Police Station.

Madame Kaeng admitted she was previously arrested due to miscommunication after relocating to Ayutthaya province for tax purposes, which caused her to miss the court summons at her original address. Upon learning of the issue, she immediately posted 4 million baht bail to fight the case.

Madame Kaeng presented evidence showing that on May 5, 2026, investigators and prosecutors decided not to prosecute in this case. Regarding charges filed directly by the opposing party in court, she stated this is their legal right, and she is prepared to present evidence of her innocence at the preliminary hearing scheduled for late this month.

A police pistol from Sai Yai Station changed hands four times before ending up with Chinese national Ming Chen Sun, 31, who was found hiding explosives and ammunition. Chen claims he purchased the weapons online because he enjoys firearms and was preparing for self-harm, but police remain unconvinced due to several suspicious details and are investigating financial trails and phone records to uncover any connections. An investigation on May 9 found that the handgun originated from a deputy superintendent at Sai Yai Police Station but was pawned to a friend in 2011 while the officer worked at the Crime Suppression Division, Region 2. It was then sold to an officer at Tao Poon Police Station, then to an administrative officer at the Crime Suppression Bureau, and finally to a deputy superintendent at Huay Kwang Police Station who was later dismissed and imprisoned on bribery charges related to electronic cigarettes. The gun passed through four separate owners, with Ming Chen purchasing it for 100,000 baht through a woman named Praew, his ex-girlfriend and former partner of one of the previous owners. Police Region 2 has summoned all involved parties for questioning and both Region 2 and the Crime Suppression Bureau have appointed fact-checking committees to investigate the officers involved.

Thailand's Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) participated in the 26th Thai Festival Tokyo 2026 on May 9, 2026, at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo, Japan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and partner agencies under the concept "Amazing Thailand: Thai Pop Culture Move." The event was inaugurated by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeao, alongside Japanese Foreign Vice Minister Shimada Tomoaki and Thai Ambassador to Tokyo Vicchu Wetchachiwa.

During the festival, TAT presented Thailand's appeal through the "Thai Pop Culture Playground" concept, showcasing Thailand's soft power via contemporary culture, art, music, Muay Thai, crafts, food, and creative lifestyle to engage new-generation Japanese travelers seeking unique experiences and modern Thai culture.

TAT collaborated with Mean Lee, a renowned Thai illustrator, to design the booth and key visual under the "Thai Pop Culture Playground" concept, presenting Thailand through vibrant, contemporary, and accessible illustrations. The exhibition space was designed as a "soi" (alley) reflecting Thai colors, culture, beliefs, creative works, and modern lifestyle, divided into five main activity zones:

SOI 1: TAT Experience Hub & Partner Zone offering Thai tourism information and activities with airline partners SOI 2: Thai Craft & Textile Workshop by JUTATIP demonstrating traditional Thai weaving and sustainable practices SOI 3: Thai Pop Culture Playground by TOMATO TWINS inviting visitors to discover "Your Thai Vibe" through contemporary Thai culture including T-POP, food, art, and wellness SOI 4: Siam Si Experience presenting modern interpretations of Thai spirituality from renowned Thai temples SOI 5: Muay Thai Experience by LONGNUAMBOYZ showcasing Thai boxing through fashion, street culture, and interactive activities

The main stage, themed around a Thai temple procession float, featured T-POP performances, music, art, and Thai cultural showcases throughout the day.

TAT's participation in this Tokyo festival represents a significant milestone in positioning Thailand as a Global Cultural Destination through soft power and creative economy. The initiative aims to inspire 1.2 million Japanese tourists to visit Thailand in 2026 and expand marketing opportunities on the world stage sustainably.