The Toyota Thailand Open 2026, a World Tour Super 500 badminton tournament, continued its second-round women's singles competition at Nimibutr Sports Building on May 14. World No. 7 'May' Ratchanok Intanon faced off against Indonesia's Thalita Ramadani Virjiawati, ranked 61st globally. Ratchanok needed all three games to secure victory, winning 2-1 with scores of 21-16, 19-21, and 21-15, earning a spot in the semifinals against Japan's Hina Agedzhi, world No. 28.

Former champion 'Mew' Pornpawee Chochuwong, ranked world No. 8, defeated Yataweemintr Ketukliang, world No. 136, decisively 2-0 with scores of 21-13 and 21-17. She will next face 'Pink' Pichayadon Opassanipat, world No. 27, who defeated India's Davika Sihag (world No. 40) 2-0 with scores of 23-21 and 21-11.

In women's singles, 'Cream' Busanan Ongbamrungphan, world No. 18, fell to Japan's Akane Yamaguchi, the top seed and world No. 3, in a close match 1-2 with scores of 12-21, 21-17, and 17-21, ending her tournament run at this stage.

In men's singles, Thailand's 'View' Kunlavut Vitidsarn, world No. 2 and defending champion, faced Chinese Taipei's Lee Chia Hao, ranked 36th. Vitidsarn showed stellar form, dispatching his opponent 2-0 with dominant scores of 21-11 and 21-13 to advance to the semifinals, where he will meet India's Lakshya Sen, world No. 11.

On May 14, 2026, Pol. Lt. Gen. Yarayong Santipricha, commander of the Lopburi Provincial Police, arrived at Nong Muang Police Station in Lopburi to interrogate 73-year-old Winai (surname withheld), a former village chief, with his lawyer present. Winai was arrested by Region 1 Police Investigation Unit and Lopburi Provincial Police with a warrant from Lopburi Provincial Court (No. 116/2569) dated May 12, 2026, on charges of premeditated murder-for-hire. He was arrested at his residence in Chon Sai Deach Subdistrict, Nong Muang District, Lopburi Province.

The case stems from the shooting death of Pol. Aof. Sai Deach, known as Lieutenant Colonel Jod, a 71-year-old retired military officer, who was killed on March 6 while cycling home in Moo 4 Village, Chon Sai Deach Subdistrict, Nong Muang District, Lopburi Province.

Police previously arrested Niwat (surname withheld), 72, the alleged shooter. He has denied involvement, so police collected gunpowder residue evidence and CCTV footage while continuing to search for the motorcycle and weapon used. Police also arrested Kittikorn (surname withheld), 73, a lathe operator, who allegedly contacted Niwat to arrange the killing of Lieutenant Colonel Jod. Both suspects deny any involvement.

After gathering evidence, police obtained an arrest warrant for Winai, the alleged mastermind. The suspect appeared nervous and initially denied all charges. Pol. Lt. Gen. Yarayong revealed that investigators are currently questioning Winai and will petition the court to deny bail, citing the gravity of the crime, severe penalties, and concerns about potential witness tampering. Authorities believe they have sufficient evidence to prosecute all suspects involved. The motive for the killing is still under investigation.

On May 14, 2025, at the Ministry of Defense, General Adul Buntharmsarng, Defense Minister, chaired a meeting to monitor rights and welfare benefits for military personnel affected by the Thai-Cambodian border conflict. Representatives from the Royal Thai Armed Forces Command, all service branches, and relevant agencies attended the meeting.

The meeting reviewed progress on rights, benefits, and compensation for affected military personnel, including updates to regulations and assistance guidelines to match current circumstances. The aim is to ensure care for service members and their families is swift, fair, and comprehensive.

The Defense Minister emphasized that the rights and entitlements of military personnel and their families who serve to protect national sovereignty are a matter of highest urgency and priority. He stressed that any consideration of rights and benefits must be thorough and careful, noting that while officials deliberate in air-conditioned rooms, these brave soldiers fight on actual battlefields.

The meeting received a status update on rights and welfare implementation for personnel affected by the Thai-Cambodian border situation, with key objectives including reducing disparities, accelerating compensation payments, modernizing regulations, and providing systematic care for personnel and families.

Discussions also covered support options for injured or disabled service members, including compensation payments, special pensions, reinstatement to suitable government positions, and long-term career and quality-of-life assistance.

The Defense Ministry affirmed that care for sacrificed personnel and their families must not be merely temporary but rather continuous, comprehensive, and honorable support designed to boost morale among those defending the nation and its people.

BANGKOK — 14 May 2026, Thai herbal inhaler brand Hanuman said it had gained growing attention in China after Chinese actress Zhao Lusi featured the product in a social media video following her recent visit to Thailand.

Samunprai Hanuman Co., Ltd., producer of the Hanuman herbal inhaler, said the appearance of the product in a video posted by Zhao on Douyin, China's version of TikTok, had helped boost interest in Thai products among Chinese consumers.

The actress recently travelled to Thailand for a concert performance and later shared a casual video after returning to China showing herself eating Thai seaweed snacks. Fans quickly noticed a Hanuman herbal inhaler placed prominently on a table in the clip.

The video drew widespread attention from fans in both Thailand and China, with many social media users commenting on the actress's use of Thai products and describing the inhaler as part of Thailand's growing "soft power" appeal across Asia.

The company said the exposure had strengthened the Hanuman brand's popularity in both the Thai and Chinese markets.

Hanuman herbal inhalers are marketed as helping relieve dizziness, nasal congestion and fatigue through the use of traditional Thai herbal ingredients. The products are widely sold at convenience stores, including 7-Eleven Thailand, and pharmacies nationwide.

The Economist Party is making clearer moves to field a candidate for Bangkok Governor, with political circles buzzing about the party's plan to launch a prominent police figure into the capital's election race. Previously, attention focused heavily on Big J., a retired senior police officer considered a potential key player in the Bangkok gubernatorial contest. However, recent high-level party sources reveal a strategic shift, with Big Ch., a former Police Chief who has prior political experience and strong ties within senior police networks, emerging as the likely candidate instead. Sources indicate Big Ch.'s appearance is no coincidence but the result of internal discussions, with backing from Big J., his peer and classmate, remaining in play despite Big J. not running himself. "Initially, outsiders focused on Big J., but the party's actual trump card may be different," sources said. "Big Ch. has civil service experience, political background, and an extraordinary network. Support from classmate Big J. hasn't disappeared." Big Ch. is a well-known retired senior police officer who held important positions in Bangkok before transitioning into politics after retirement, making him seen as having administrative credentials, security expertise, and political acumen combined. Big J., initially mentioned, is Big Ch.'s classmate and continues to be watched as potentially playing an indirect supporting role in the Economist Party's Bangkok strategy this time. Political observers have noted that the Economist Party may be employing a misdirection tactic, allowing speculation to flow toward one name before revealing its true candidate at the opportune moment for maximum political impact. To date, the Economist Party has made no official announcement of its Bangkok Governor candidate, though party sources confirm discussions are near finalization. If nothing changes, Big Ch.'s name could become major political news for the capital in the coming period. Big Ch. is believed to be Pol. Lt. Gen. Chaiyathep Saesaewetch, former National Police Commissioner and former Thai Loyalty Party secretary.

Hyundai Mobility (Thailand) has elevated the standard for three-row, six-seat multipurpose vehicles with the redesigned new STARGAZER, featuring updated design, performance, and safety technology to comprehensively meet the needs of modern families in comfort, versatility, and real-world value. The new STARGAZER combines development concepts to support everyday journeys perfectly, from city driving and long-distance travel to family road trips, with five key highlights:

Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) delivers smooth, fuel-efficient driving for daily use. The vehicle is powered by a 1.5-liter MPi gasoline engine producing 113 horsepower and 144 newton-meters of torque, paired with the IVT transmission that provides continuous, smooth response while eliminating the typical CVT droning sensation. It supports four driving modes—Eco, Normal, Sport, and Smart—and improves fuel efficiency.

Balanced, comfortable suspension setup features MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear, reducing body roll and vibrations while minimizing cabin noise for a quieter, more relaxing ride.

The six-seat cabin with second-row captain's seats is unique in its segment, designed under a Spacious & Tech-Oriented Cabin concept. The second-row captain's seats include a convenient center aisle for easy third-row access, providing comfort for all passengers.

Maximum cargo space reaches 1,892 liters with the second and third rows folded, accommodating luggage, travel gear, and large items with storage compartments and cup holders throughout the cabin.

Hyundai SmartSense safety system features 13 safety technologies, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Junction Turning (FCA-JT) that warns and automatically brakes when turning at intersections, along with Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go, Lane Keeping Assist, Lane Following Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance, and Leading Vehicle Depart Alert.

The new STARGAZER is available in two variants: the Trend 6 at an introductory price of 719,000 baht (limited quantity) from a regular price of 795,000 baht, and the Smart 6 at 799,000 baht (limited quantity) from 875,000 baht. Three exterior colors are offered: Midnight Black Pearl, Titan Gray Metallic, and Creamy White Pearl.