Pheu Thai Party Votes to Turn Over Chonnapat to DSI, Urges Him to Take Responsibility and Waive Immunity

Pheu Thai Party voted to allow Songkhla MP Chonnapat Naksan to face DSI charges related to an online gambling investigation, urging him to voluntarily waive his parliamentary immunity to demonstrate transparency.

27 May Khaosod

On May 27, 2569, Panida Mongkholswasdi, a Samut Prakan MP and Pheu Thai deputy spokesperson, announced that following a DSI request for the arrest of Chonnapat Naksan, a Songkhla MP from Palang Pracharath Party, in connection with an online gambling website investigation, parliament had scheduled an urgent agenda item for May 28. The Pheu Thai parliamentary caucus voted to permit Chonnapat to appear before parliament to hear the charges and answer questions during the session.

The party justified this decision on two grounds: First, constitutional immunity under Article 125 of Thailand's Constitution is intended to protect MPs' ability to freely perform their duties as people's representatives, particularly during parliamentary sessions, without obstruction. Second, the immunity provisions exist to prevent political persecution and to protect MPs from having the justice system weaponized against them to obstruct their oversight functions.

However, after reviewing the facts and law in this case, the party believes justice should proceed normally in the interest of transparency. To set an appropriate standard and demonstrate sincerity to the public, the Pheu Thai Party believes the accused should publicly declare his voluntary waiver of immunity and submit fully to legal proceedings to prove his innocence as quickly as possible.

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National

Reviving the Charm of Ancient Joseon in 'GAT': Contemporary Ballet from Korea Opens 'Korea Season 2026'

Korean contemporary ballet 'GAT' debuted in Bangkok to launch Korea Season 2026, blending classical ballet with traditional Korean dance through nine acts centered on historical Joseon Dynasty hats. The Yunbyul Ballet Company's production t

27 May Khaosod

Who would have thought that Western ballet, when blended with Eastern culture, could emerge looking so modern and powerful? Thai audiences recently got their fill of 'GAT', a world-class contemporary ballet by Korean choreographers that just landed in Thailand to officially launch the 'Korea Season 2026' cultural festival in the country.

The event was organized by South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in partnership with KOFICE (Korean Foundation for International Cultural Exchange), with crucial support from the Korean Cultural Center Thailand, which brought the Yunbyul Ballet Company to perform at K-Bank Siam Petchneskul Theater at Siam Square One on May 23, 2026.

The atmosphere on opening night was electric, drawing both Thai and South Korean audiences, theater enthusiasts, and celebrities from various fields. Nearly 30 talented dancers took the stage and delivered a captivating performance, with audiences giving thunderous applause at the show's conclusion.

Decoding 'GAT' (Hat): Ancient Spirit to Contemporary Rhythm in 9 Acts

The heart of this production centers on the 'Gat' (갓), a traditional Korean hat from the Joseon Dynasty with over 500 years of history, serving as the medium for storytelling. The performance is choreographed into 9 acts, each corresponding to different types of historical hats that reflect social class, lifestyle, and distinct emotions.

The narrative unfolds through significant historical hat examples, including the Heungryip (black gat), symbolizing the elegance of gentlemen attending ceremonies or social functions; the Satgat (conical bamboo hat), reflecting the simple lifestyle of commoners or monks during outdoor activities; the Jokduri (bridal crown), representing beauty, tenderness, and sanctity in young women's wedding ceremonies; and the Jurup (red gat), the prestigious hat worn by high-ranking officials with military uniforms. All these elements are translated into graceful movements that flow seamlessly together.

From Inspiration in Historical TV Series to a Monumental Stage Challenge Requiring 3 Years of Development

This Bangkok performance marks Yunbyul Ballet Company's first full international tour. The masterminds behind this artistic innovation are Art Director Yoon Byeol and Choreographer Park So-yeon.

Park So-yeon revealed that the production took three full years to develop and refine. The initial inspiration came from the popularity and power of the historical zombie series 'Kingdom'. The creative process began with extensive historical research and the composition of entirely new music to complement the desired aesthetic.

However, merging ballet with traditional Korean dance proved challenging. Park So-yeon explained: "Technically, ballet emphasizes linear movements, extensions, and upward jumps. In contrast, traditional Korean dance focuses on lowering the body, creating weight and grounded breathing downward. They are complete opposites. What I did was balance the dancers' lower body to move with Korean breathing patterns while maintaining elegance and technique in the upper body."

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Police

Cargo Barge Crashes Into Power Pole on Chao Phraya River, Topples Homes and Cuts Power to Entire Community

A cargo barge crashed into a power pole on the Chao Phraya River in Nonthaburi early May 27, destroying homes and cutting electricity to the entire Koh Kret community. Authorities shut off power temporarily as a safety measure while assessi

27 May Khaosod

A cargo barge crashed into a concrete power pole along the Chao Phraya River near Mee Raksa restaurant in Koh Kret subdistrict, Pak Kret district, Nonthaburi province at 5:30 a.m. on May 27, 2025, causing widespread damage to nearby homes and leaving the entire community without power. The fallen pole destroyed sidewalks and the restaurant frontage, while additional poles remain dangerously tilted and held in place only by electrical wires, creating safety concerns among residents. According to eyewitness accounts, the cargo barge lost control as it traveled downstream on the Chao Phraya River and struck the riverside power pole before the operator managed to steer it away from restaurants and homes to minimize additional damage. Electricity authorities subsequently cut power to the Koh Kret community as a temporary safety measure while assessing the damage and rushing repairs to restore electricity service and normalize residents' daily lives.

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Tourism

New Life Festival 2026 Opens New Chapter in Thailand, Boosting Faith-Based Tourism on the Global Stage

Thailand's first major faith-based tourism event, New Life Festival 2026, will transform Pattaya Central Beach on July 4 with baptism ceremonies, Christian concerts, and a spectacular drone light show, aiming to position the city as a world

27 May Khaosod

New Life Festival 2026 is a landmark mega-project marking the first new dimension of its kind in Thailand, aiming to elevate Pattaya to the center of faith-based tourism and religious experiences, reflecting a world-class tourism destination that is open, safe, and welcoming. Pattaya city, in partnership with Bright Romance Foundation, held an official press conference to prepare for the mega-project 'New Life Festival 2026' scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2026, targeting to elevate Pattaya's image as a quality tourism destination that attracts both Thai and international visitors of all ages and genders, allowing them to experience Pattaya from a fresh and beautiful perspective.

The 'New Life Festival 2026' is scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 11:45 PM at Pattaya Central Beach. The event features a sacred afternoon ceremony, an evening celebration transforming the beach into a festival of love and healing, and activities including a theatrical performance by foundation youth groups depicting 'Jesus on the Cross,' spectacular dance shows, Christian worship concerts, and a highlight drone light show spelling words across the sky above Pattaya's central beach.

Cham Sithichok Serithoranagul, an event organizer representative, explained that 'Faith-Based Tourism includes baptism ceremonies in the beach waters, marking a historic gathering for Thai Christians. The sea symbolizes the cleansing of past suffering and failure, allowing all to declare their faith and receive a spiritual reset filled with hope and shared love.' Celebrity couple Peck Raktapoom and Nat Natchaya are participating in this significant phenomenon, with Nat expressing excitement about what may be Thailand's largest water baptism ceremony, not just a typical beach festival but a space of love and art healing attendees' hearts. The organizers have invited notable personalities including Big D-GERRARD, Mike-Pattaradet Songwankardi, Pook Luuk-Fonthip Wattarakul, and surprise appearances by legendary DJs Faahsai and daisydarin, who will create Christian Electronic Dance Music (CEDM) never before heard in Thailand. Influencers such as Nak-Shivakorn, Beam Minithing, and KeVigBoss from TikTok will also participate in spreading positive energy, alongside numerous young content creators. Another highlight is the provision of free food and beverage stations using eco-friendly containers.

'This event is open to people of all religions, not just Christians. It's a concert filled with love and warmth. For anyone tired from work and unsure where to visit, we encourage you to think of this event first. The entire event is free, and we invite all tourists to join us, receive warmth, and begin a new chapter of life together.'

Peck Raktapoom highlighted key features: 'The event includes a grand concert by the beach, large-scale drone light shows spelling text across the sky above Pattaya Central Beach.'

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Community

Po Tek Tung Foundation Expands Job Creation and Livelihood Programs Across Southern Thailand, Distributes Equipment to Poor Households in Trang

Po Tek Tung Foundation distributed occupational equipment worth 568,490 baht to 23 poor households and two rural schools in Trang, expanding its nationwide poverty alleviation program across 14 southern provinces.

27 May Khaosod

The Po Tek Tung Foundation, led by Surapong Techaruwijit, Board Member and Deputy Secretary-General, distributed occupational equipment to 23 poor households in Trang Province, worth 542,690 baht, and provided 20 bicycles to two rural schools valued at 25,800 baht, bringing the total assistance in this initiative to 568,490 baht. The foundation also deployed a community medical unit with volunteer doctors, medical personnel, rescue teams, and volunteers to provide free general medical examinations, eyeglasses distribution, haircut services, and dental care to local residents.

Governor Songklod Swangwong of Trang Province and other provincial officials joined the foundation leadership and volunteers, including artists Pichakkhana Wongsaratnasil (Nam Tarn) and Athicha Teskham (May-Athicha), at the ceremony held at the Trang Provincial Assembly Hall.

Surapong Techaruwijit stated that the integrated poverty alleviation project aims to support occupational equipment distribution through a cooperation agreement between the Department of Community Development and Po Tek Tung Foundation. The initiative has been implemented across three phases: Phase 1 in Central Thailand (17 provinces, 98 households), Phase 2 in Northern Thailand (17 provinces, 230 households), and Phase 3 in Northeast Thailand (20 provinces, 485 households). The foundation also provided equipment to flood-affected families in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai (57 households). In total, Po Tek Tung Foundation has supported 870 poor households with occupational equipment valued at over 17 million baht. Phase 4 will now expand to 14 Southern provinces including Chumphon, Surat Thani, Ranong, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phang Nga, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Trang, Satun, Krabi, Phuket, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat.

With over 116 years of operation, Po Tek Tung Foundation has expanded its programs broadly, not only providing relief and support to those in need regardless of ethnicity or religion, but also improving quality of life in multiple ways to serve as a comprehensive charitable organization assisting the community.

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Community

Po Teck Tung Foundation Hosts Buddhist Chanting Ceremony to Celebrate Luang Pu Tai Hong's Enlightenment Day

The Po Teck Tung Foundation held a Buddhist chanting ceremony on May 25 to celebrate Luang Pu Tai Hong's 72nd enlightenment anniversary at the Tai Hong Kong Jade Shrine in Bangkok's Sathorn District. The shrine, over 120 years old, houses o

27 May Khaosod

The Po Teck Tung Foundation, led by representatives including Dr. Suthat Techavibul, Sak Korsongreung, Wichit Chinwongsurkul, and others, held a Buddhist chanting ceremony on May 25, 2026 to officially open the Tai Hong Kong Jade Shrine Honoring His 72nd Year. The event featured chanting by Chinese monks from Bodhi Mun Kunaram Temple, with numerous devotees in attendance at the shrine located on Charoen Rat Road in Sathorn District, Bangkok.

The shrine, which has served as a spiritual sanctuary for over 120 years, houses one of Thailand's largest white jade statues of Luang Pu Tai Hong, along with statues of Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva and Earth Bodhisattva, plus eight additional sacred deities. The shrine represents an important cultural heritage site and learning center for ancient miniature cultural architecture. Visitors can pay respects daily from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Monday through Sunday) and receive complimentary incense, joss paper, and amulets. The shrine is accessible via multiple transportation options including personal vehicles, BTS SkyTrain (Surasak Station, Exit 2), boats from Sathorn Pier, and buses (Routes 4, 26, and 167). For inquiries and updates, visit the shrine's Facebook page or contact through their provided link.

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Police

Wildlife Officials Bust Herbal Shop in Nakhon Phanom, Arrest 37-Year-Old Woman Trafficking Protected Animal Parts, Seize Over 100 Tiger Skins and Pangolin Scales

Wildlife officials arrested a 37-year-old woman operating a herbal shop in Nakhon Phanom after seizing over 100 protected animal parts including tiger skins and pangolin scales she was smuggling from Laos.

27 May Khaosod

On May 27, 2025, Lieutenant General Anukit Taosupap, commander of the Wildlife Enforcement Division, ordered officers to arrest Ms. Kulkalya (surname withheld), 37, based on an arrest warrant from the Minburi Criminal Court issued on May 22, 2025, for trading and possessing protected wildlife remains without authorization. Officers conducted a search of a shop in Moo 11, That Phanom District, Nakhon Phanom Province, where they confiscated numerous protected animal items.

Seized items included: - Bengal tiger skins - Clouded leopard skins - Tiger skins - Python skins - Pangolin scales - Deer antlers - Gibbon remains - Bear remains - Various other protected wildlife remains totaling over 100 pieces

Investigators discovered an illegal online trafficking network dealing in protected wildlife parts, particularly tiger skins, pangolin scales, and other animal remains. Further investigation revealed that Ms. Kulkalya, who operated a souvenir and traditional medicine shop as a front, had been smuggling wildlife remains from Laos and selling them within Thailand.

Investigators found that the suspect posted items for sale online and also sold to tourists visiting the That Phanom Stupa. Officers obtained arrest and search warrants from the appropriate courts before conducting the raid. The suspect confessed to purchasing all the wildlife remains from Laos for resale in Thailand. She has been transferred to wildlife investigation officers for further legal proceedings.

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Community

Government Housing Bank and First Army Region Team Up to Build New Home for 'Pun Saeng'

The Government Housing Bank and First Army Region are building a new home for a first-grade student in Ratchaburi whose deteriorating house leaks rainwater, after his father's recent death left his deaf mother as sole provider.

27 May Khaosod

The Government Housing Bank (GHB) partnered with the First Army Region to survey the living conditions of Pun Saeng Hem Thong, a first-grade student at Ban Rang Muang School in Chom Bueng District, Ratchaburi Province, in preparation for constructing a new home. Dr. Mahatthanaya Ampornpisitr, Managing Director of the GHB, along with officials and Lt. Col. Satthayu Chantsala, Deputy Commander of the 16th Army Infantry Division, assessed the family's situation and damage to their current residence. The new house will be built to be safe, secure, and hygienic, with the GHB funding construction costs while the First Army Region provides labor and equipment. The organizations also distributed educational funds and emergency relief packages to the family.

Pun Saeng Hem Thong faces difficult living circumstances. His father recently passed away, and he now lives with his mother and one other family member. His mother, who is deaf and relies on disability allowance, works occasional jobs to support the family. Their current single-story home has deteriorated wooden doors and corrugated metal walls with holes, allowing rainwater to leak inside during storms. The bathroom and toilet lack roofing.

This collaboration represents an effort to improve the quality of life for vulnerable and low-income families, reflecting the GHB's mission of "Building Homes, Building Livelihoods, Toward Sustainable Communities." The initiative aims to continuously provide opportunities and improve living standards for Thai people. The project took place at Pun Saeng's home in Chom Bueng Subdistrict, Chom Bueng District, Ratchaburi Province.

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National

BLCP Power Plant Decodes Environmentally Responsible Water Management

BLCP power plant manages seawater cooling through strict environmental safeguards including temperature monitoring and a 600-meter cooling canal to protect Thailand's coastal ecosystems while maintaining energy security.

27 May Khaosod

As global boiling becomes an increasingly urgent crisis, BLCP power plant demonstrates how it manages seawater cooling in ways that protect the environment, balancing energy security with ecological sustainability.

Global boiling represents a climate crisis far more severe than global warming, and warning signs from the oceans grow louder each day. Rising ocean temperatures stem primarily from human activities that generate greenhouse gases, intensified by increasingly severe El Niño phenomena. Heat accumulating in the oceans triggers marine heatwaves and creates serious disruptions to coastal ecosystems and community economies—from coral bleaching risks to depleted oxygen levels that reduce fish stocks and harm aquaculture farmers.

Strict Safeguards: BLCP Power Plant Controls Cooling Water Quality and Temperature Before Release

Amidst the environmental crisis, BLCP operates as a baseload power producer with dual responsibility: ensuring Thailand's energy security while systematically protecting ecosystems through concrete ESG principles, particularly in sustainable resource management. Using seawater for cooling heat exchange is an internationally accepted standard practice employed by power plants worldwide. The process creates no industrial wastewater because seawater flows through closed pipes in a single pass, exchanging only steam heat without contact with combustion gases. Additionally, the plant is designed to adjust water temperature before release in compliance with Thailand's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment regulations on power plant wastewater standards (2565 B.E.) and coal power impact monitoring.

BLCP employs three intensive oversight measures:

1. Temperature reduction via outfall canal: Cooled seawater is not immediately discharged but flows through a 600-meter cooling water canal to reduce temperature before release.

2. Continuous real-time monitoring: Water temperature is constantly measured at the discharge point 24/7 to ensure it does not exceed 40 degrees Celsius, with all data reported to regulatory authorities for transparency and maximum efficiency.

3. Sampling checks in the discharge area: Beyond discharge point monitoring, temperature is randomly sampled at 13 stations within 500 meters of the outlet and compared to natural reference points by independent environmental consultants. Temperature changes across all 13 stations must not exceed 2 degrees Celsius relative to the reference point.

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Police

Boom Panida wants to embrace Sai, victims of abuse never forget nightmares – unwilling to comment on the Mae Moo and Nong Nai case

Broadcaster Boom Panida expressed unwavering support for abuse victims like Sai Scot, urging families to stand by traumatized children rather than seeking closure, while declining to comment on other celebrity family disputes.

27 May Khaosod

Revealing issues from celebrities who made negative criticism! Boom Panida wants to embrace Sai Scot, a victim of abuse whose nightmares will never fade – refusing to comment on the 'Mae Moo and Nong Nai' case, saying it depends on each family's agreement, but admitting that if her child cuts ties with her as a mother, it would hurt.

Broadcaster and social activist Boom Panida Vongphudee recently participated in the 'Food Universe' event on May 26, 2026 at Central Pinklao's promotional area, G floor. After fans expressed concern about her significant weight loss, she acknowledged that work has been intensive and she has been continuously providing relief assistance in the border situation.

When asked about her views on family violence, particularly the widely discussed case of Sai Scot, she stated:

"Everyone should already know Boom's stance – I stand with victims of abuse, and we've been working on laws in this area all along. But what should have happened long ago is for children to have the courage to speak up about what they've experienced. In the recent case, a 12-year-old was sexually assaulted and killed by her stepfather. We shouldn't have to wait until the victim dies or has to flee for their life."

Regarding whether wealth guarantees family happiness, she explained: "It's not about being rich or poor anymore – it's about warmth in the family. From reading about Sai and talking with children like this, what they need most is someone in their family who stands by them."

When asked what she would tell Sai if given the chance: "I want to hug him tightly. To get through this, he needs to process extremely heavy emotions. What he needs is at least one family member holding his hand, telling him, 'I'll make them apologize to you. I'll protect you.' That's what he wants. This case has moved beyond compromise – we need to center his emotional wellbeing and how he'll move forward when everyone already knows what happened."

On Leena Chang's recent statement that the issue happened 20 years ago and should be closed, she responded: "For someone who experienced abuse, there's no moving past the nightmares. Everything becomes a scar on the heart. People who weren't abused can say that, but victims experience nothing but nightmares. Even after the case ends, the feeling remains a nightmare. I want to tell Sai that there are both positive and negative comments, but I hope he holds onto the good feelings – because many people understand and support him."

When asked about her opinion on the case involving Nong Nai (Naphat) and Mae Moo (Pimpaka), she said: "Boom absolutely refuses to comment on this case. To be honest, because we don't know the full story, and I don't understand why suddenly Nong Nai brought this up in the middle of an interview when many people think...

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Police

Cambodian soldier in civilian clothes stirs trouble at Chong Jom border, waves hands provocatively at barbed wire fence; Thai forces fire warning shot

A Cambodian soldier in civilian clothes provocatively waved at Thai forces near the Chong Jom border fence in Surin Province on May 21, prompting Thai troops to fire a warning shot before Cambodian soldiers removed him from the area.

27 May Khaosod

A Cambodian soldier in civilian clothes stirs trouble at Chong Jom border, waves hands provocatively at barbed wire fence; Thai forces fire warning shot before Cambodian forces take custody and remove him. No clashes reported. On May 21, 2025 at 9:39 PM, Thai military units at Chong Jom checkpoint in Kaeng Krachan District, Surin Province detected a Cambodian soldier dressed in civilian clothes riding a motorcycle to the Thai-Cambodian barbed wire fence. The soldier waved his hands back and forth in a provocative and challenging manner toward Thai officials, prompting the operating unit to fire one warning shot into the air. After the warning shot, the soldier remained at the fence until two additional Cambodian soldiers came out to de-escalate the situation and remove him from the border area. The situation remained under control with no reported clashes or injuries. Thai forces lodged a formal protest with Cambodia regarding the provocative behavior.

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