Sithikorn Direkasunthon, chairman and managing director of the Thai Credit Guarantee Corporation for Small and Medium Enterprise (TCGI), revealed that SME credit has contracted for 15 consecutive quarters, with high credit rejection rates remaining a persistent problem. SME entrepreneurs seeking guarantors or collateral and improved access to credit to strengthen cash flow and navigate economic volatility and energy crises have found support through the 'TCGI Quick Big Win' program with a 50-billion-baht guarantee pool launched mid-December 2024. The program functions as a key stimulus mechanism to encourage financial institutions to extend more credit.

Since its launch, the program has demonstrated clear benefits for SMEs, with guarantee amounts reaching 26.048 billion baht as of April 30, 2025, representing a 2.37-fold increase compared to the same period last year. The program addresses all SME segments, including micro and small enterprises and informal traders seeking loans from 10,000 to 1 million baht, featuring free guarantee fees for the first three years, with subsequent years calculated using risk-based pricing to reflect each SME's credit costs.

TCGI is introducing credit scoring tools called 'TCG Score' to assess customer risk levels and reduce financial costs. The program also offers high-rate NPL compensation to help reduce credit costs and encourage greater lending by financial institutions. For SMEs already struggling with NPL status, TCGI provides continued support through the 'TCGI Ready to Help' program, offering debt reduction up to 50%, restructured payments extending up to 7 years with minimum installments of 500 baht, zero interest rates, and the ability to reduce principal before interest.

The measures also support SME traders and informal merchants needing working capital during the government's 'Thai Helping Thai Plus' campaign, which runs from June 1 to September 30, 2025. SME owners facing cash flow shortages, lacking collateral or guarantors, and concerned about operational disruptions can contact TCGI's Financial Advisory Centers for SMEs through LINE OA @tcgfirst for free financial health checks and consultation services.

Palumpum and 10 Former Bangkok Councilors Resign from Pheu Thai to Support 'Working Group' in Bangkok Election Campaign with Full Commitment to Address Issues and Develop Bangkok

On May 27, 2026, Palumpum Viphatphumiprathset, former Bangkok City Councilor from Pheu Thai Party, posted on Facebook announcing his resignation from the party to fully support the Working Group's campaign for Bangkok Metropolitan Council members.

In his statement, he wrote: "Today, I have decided to resign from Pheu Thai with respect, understanding, and goodwill toward one another. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to serve the people with the party's support, both as a Bangkok councilor, Member of Parliament, and in administrative work. I thank Pheu Thai, all seniors, colleagues, and citizens who have supported me throughout this journey. Every period has been a valuable experience that I will always remember with respect and gratitude.

From now on, I will fully support the Working Group's efforts. The Working Group is a coalition of people dedicated to serving the public and ready to cooperate with all sectors to help solve problems and improve Bangkok. I believe that working for Bangkok requires experience, understanding of local areas, and cooperation from many parties to create real solutions. From today onward, I will continue to engage with communities, listen to their concerns, and perform my duties as a working member with full commitment. Thank you for your continued support."

Reporters noted that a total of 10 former Pheu Thai Bangkok councilors have resigned from the party to join the Working Group and maintain their independence in their work.

On May 27, 2025, Major General Tassana Charupanya, commander of the Provincial Police Region, ordered Deputy Police Colonel Phuvadej Chulkasawei and Police Lieutenant Colonel Pongsert Nummag to lead officers from the Intellectual Property Department under the Ministry of Commerce in a raid on a warehouse in Roi Et province. The operation was conducted following a tip-off regarding the illegal sale of counterfeit trademarked goods.

During the search, officers found 25-year-old Ms. Porn, who claimed ownership of all the seized merchandise. Authorities confiscated a large quantity of counterfeit branded items, including 75 fake Chanel bags, 125 Longchamp bags, 80 Louis Vuitton bags, 4 RIMOWA bags, 20 knockoff insulated tumblers, and 104 counterfeit ready-to-drink coffees. The total haul comprised 408 items valued at over one million baht.

During interrogation, Ms. Porn admitted to owning all the goods, which consisted mainly of counterfeit designer handbags and counterfeit branded merchandise that she planned to sell to customers. She was charged with possession of counterfeit trademarks for the purpose of distribution and infringing on registered trademarks of others in the kingdom. She was detained and the case was referred to Mueang Roi Et Police Station for further prosecution.

Authorities warned the public to be cautious when purchasing counterfeit products, as they are typically made from low-quality materials with poorly executed logos and trademark details that do not meet standards. Such items may pose health risks to consumers, particularly drinks and food containers that come into direct contact with consumables.

Sa Kaeo — Troops discovered a single RPG-7 rocket concealed in a rice paddy at Ban Nong Chan in Kok Sung district, Sa Kaeo province. On May 27, forces from the Northeastern Command, including the Kok Sung special operations unit and the 12th ranger control group, responded to a report from residents who had spotted a suspicious object in their rice field. The discovery sparked concern among villagers worried about potential dangers from accidental contact. After investigators confirmed the object was indeed an RPG-7 round, personnel immediately cordoned off the area and launched a tactical recovery operation amid ongoing community anxiety. By 11 a.m., the EOD team had successfully recovered and destroyed the rocket with no injuries or property damage reported. Security officials are currently investigating the origin of the ordnance and have warned residents in the border region to refrain from touching or moving any suspicious objects discovered, urging them to immediately alert authorities to prevent potential harm to life and property.

The Government Housing Bank has launched its 'Golden Prosperity 2' savings lottery ticket series with a 20 billion baht fund cap, providing Thai citizens with valuable savings opportunities yielding 0.30% annual interest. GHB Managing Director Mahattana Ampornpisitkul revealed that the original Golden Prosperity series received overwhelming customer support and sold out rapidly, prompting the bank to expand savings options that deliver both security and competitive returns. Customers can now select their preferred ticket categories to increase their chances of winning individual prizes under the new 'Golden Prosperity 2' program, featuring a 20 billion baht cap with 1,000 baht per unit, a one-year maturity period, 0.30% annual face-value returns, and monthly prize drawings across 12 rounds. Prize offerings include a top prize worth 3 million baht (one prize), two adjacent prizes of 50,000 baht each, ten second prizes of 10,000 baht per category, 20,000 three-digit lottery prizes of 100 baht, and 200,000 two-digit lottery prizes of 50 baht each. Customers purchasing 100,000 baht in tickets are guaranteed to win at least a two-digit prize every draw. GHB positions this savings lottery as an ideal alternative for Thai citizens seeking stable wealth accumulation during economic uncertainty, as deposits remain intact and yield guaranteed returns while offering monthly chances at substantial prizes. Sales of 'Golden Prosperity 2' tickets began May 26, 2569, through the GHB ALL GEN application and all bank branches nationwide, with the first prize drawing scheduled for June 16, 2569. For more information, customers can contact the GH BANK Call Center at 0-2645-9000 or follow updates on the Government Housing Bank Facebook page and social media channels.

A 56-year-old American woman died in a freak accident while dining with her family at a lakeside restaurant in South Carolina, USA, after a powerful gust of wind ripped the restaurant's large umbrella from its base and struck her throat forcefully.

The incident occurred Saturday evening at Driftwood Grill Home of the Lazy Gator near Lake Marion in Summerton. Dana Weinger was spending time with her husband and several relatives inside the restaurant during what seemed like a normal meal when the weather suddenly changed dramatically.

According to reports, a strong wind gust—similar to a microburst—lifted the restaurant's large umbrella into the air, turning it into a dangerous projectile that struck Weinger's neck. The impact severely damaged her carotid artery, a critical blood vessel in the neck, and she subsequently died.

Emergency medical personnel responded immediately upon notification but found Weinger unconscious and unresponsive when they arrived. She was pronounced dead at the scene, shocking customers and family members present during the incident.

Jacqueline Blackwell, a coroner with the Clarendon County coroner's office, revealed that such incidents are extremely rare. She explained that a powerful wind similar to a microburst swept through rapidly, not only lifting the umbrella but also scattering tables, chairs, and other items throughout the restaurant.

Blackwell noted that Weinger's husband is in a state of deep grief, as everything happened in front of his family during an ordinary moment of shared dining before it became an unimaginable tragedy.

Following the incident, Driftwood Grill posted a message of sympathy on Facebook, stating that the event has impacted the victim's family, customers, employees, and first responders. The restaurant requested that the community offer support and respect the privacy of all those affected.

The restaurant has also coordinated with local authorities to provide mental health counseling to employees and community members following this shocking event that has deeply affected many in the lakeside area.