A speedboat used to transport tourists to Koh Thalu caught fire in Bang Saphan Noi district on 20 May, leaving the vessel heavily damaged and its driver injured. According to local sources, the two-engine speedboat belonged to a tour company operating trips from the mainland to Koh Thalu. The boat, which had been in service for around seven to eight years, had reportedly experienced engine problems and had recently undergone repairs. The incident occurred while the boat was parked near the shoreline due to shallow water conditions preventing it from docking at the pier as usual. Sources said the driver was preparing the vessel to pick up tourists when a loud explosion-like sound was heard as the engine was started, before flames rapidly engulfed the boat. The driver reportedly suffered burns to his arms and body while attempting to use onboard fire extinguishers to control the blaze. However, the fire spread too quickly and damaged most of the vessel. He later jumped into the sea to escape and was taken to hospital for treatment. Initial damage was estimated at around 3-4 million baht. No tourists were injured, as passengers were transferred to another boat operated by the same company to continue their trip to Koh Thalu.

The international food exhibition returns bigger than ever! THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2026 is Thailand's pride and a key destination for global trading partners and business owners seeking new products and innovations to meet evolving consumer lifestyles worldwide. Asia's leading food trade show provides a platform connecting producers, entrepreneurs, and startups with trading partners, distributors, retailers, and buyers from around the globe, fostering collaboration and success under the 'Beyond Food Experience' concept. This year's highlights—Bigger, Better, Bolder—are essential for food business professionals. BIGGER: Expanding business opportunities. Organized by the Department of International Trade Promotion (Ministry of Commerce) in partnership with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Cologne Messe (Germany), the 2026 edition expands into IMPACT FORUM HALL 4 for showcasing innovation, future products, and startups. The exhibition spans buildings 1-12 with 140,000 square meters of space across nine product zones: Drinks, Fine Food, Food Technology, Frozen Food, Fruits & Vegetables, Meat, Rice, Seafood, and Sweets & Confectionery. Each zone offers diverse selections including conventional food, halal, organic, health-focused, plant-based protein, specialty, sustainable, and future foods. BETTER: Connecting with high-potential partners. THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA 2026 facilitates quality procurement experiences and business matching between entrepreneurs, buyers, and trading partners with nearly 3,600 companies from over 56 countries spanning East Asia, ASEAN, Europe, Americas, Latin America, Middle East, and Australia. These high-potential exhibitors bring innovative products and solutions, attracting thousands of trade visitors annually seeking products, partnerships, collaborations, and networking opportunities to create new future successes. BOLDER: Knowledge and business idea generation. The exhibition serves as a knowledge hub offering new perspectives on the food business, updated trend information, and actionable insights through exhibitions, seminars, and activities. Key programs include the THAIFEX – Anuga Trend Zone presenting latest market trends via Innova Market Insights analysis from various countries to help businesses align with evolving trends; the THAIFEX – Anuga tasteInnovation Show featuring award-winning creative products in trending food and beverage categories such as plant-based proteins, superfoods, and sustainable products; and Future Food Experience+ seminars providing comprehensive business insights.

Should You Unplug Electrical Appliances During Thunder and Lightning? Panasonic Explains

Compiled by Thairath Online News Team May 20, 2025

Reporting from international media: As the rainy season arrives, people must be vigilant about lightning hazards. If lightning strikes near your home, electrical equipment inside could be damaged. The question is: should people unplug their appliances to prevent damage?

Prepare Protection Before Storms Hit

Abnormal electrical voltage or current that occurs momentarily from lightning is called "lightning surge." This electrical current can enter your home through power lines, telephone lines, or television antennas, potentially damaging electrical appliances and computers.

Panasonic states that the key preventive method is to prepare protective measures before storms occur, such as using surge-protected power strips. While these cannot prevent all damage, they significantly reduce the risk. These power strips absorb excess voltage from lightning, minimizing the chance of appliance damage.

However, Panasonic warns that once a surge-protected power strip has absorbed excess voltage, its protection system may degrade or stop working. If the status indicator light goes out, replace it immediately. Additionally, they recommend obtaining insurance that covers lightning damage, especially for expensive appliances, to prepare for unexpected incidents.

Do Not Touch Plugs or Appliances When Thunder Starts

Panasonic also warns that when thunder is heard nearby, you should not touch electrical appliances or plugs due to the risk of electrical shock. Communication devices connected with multiple cable types—such as telephones, fax machines, or internet-connected appliances—are at particularly high risk of damage. People should avoid touching power plugs, television antennas, telephone lines, wireless phone chargers, and appliance plugs during thunderstorms.

Unplug Appliances If Power Goes Out

If the power goes out, Panasonic recommends unplugging appliances from outlets. When electricity returns, many appliances may start simultaneously, causing fuses to blow or breakers to trip. High-power devices like air conditioners or microwaves should be handled first.

While many believe you "should immediately unplug appliances when thunder starts," the correct advice is: do not touch plugs during thunderstorms, and instead unplug appliances after the power goes out. With severe thunderstorms becoming increasingly frequent, preparing protective measures in advance and learning proper procedures during storms are essential to effectively reduce lightning damage.

Daikin Industries (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (DIT) and Toyota Tsusho Nextie Electronics (Thailand) Co., Ltd. (NETH) announced on May 20, 2025, the establishment of a joint venture under the name "Daikin Toyota Tsusho Electronics (Thailand) Co., Ltd." with the goal of enhancing software development capabilities for Daikin air conditioning systems.

The collaboration focuses on improving efficiency and accelerating embedded software development while maintaining cost-effectiveness, creating a strong foundation for future business growth and expansion. In recent years, air conditioning software has evolved dramatically from simple operational controls to cloud-connected systems with advanced data integration capabilities, increasing the complexity and diversity of the technology.

As digital transformation and industry development accelerate, strengthening software development capabilities alongside continuous personnel recruitment, training, and development have become critical factors in delivering diverse products and services that meet market demands efficiently. The two companies have elevated their strategic partnership through this joint venture, combining the expertise and technological strengths of both organizations.

Sutomo Kurihara, President of Daikin Industries (Thailand) Co., Ltd., stated that merging the expertise and knowledge of both organizations will significantly enhance software development capabilities for air conditioning systems. NETH's over 20 years of experience in the automotive industry—an industry with exceptionally high standards for quality, safety, and precision—aligns perfectly with Daikin's vision for next-generation air conditioning software development.

"Combining the strengths of both organizations will accelerate software development progress significantly," Kurihara said.

Initially, the joint venture will focus on developing software for air conditioning systems produced in Thailand, with plans to expand operations to become a regional hub supporting DIT and the Daikin Group's software development needs across Southeast Asia and Oceania.

Both companies also prioritize software engineering personnel development to enhance competitiveness and ensure long-term sustainability of software development systems supporting future air conditioning business growth. DIT and NETH are committed to elevating air conditioning software development standards by integrating air conditioning technology expertise with advanced software engineering to advance Daikin brand capabilities while supporting rapid business expansion.

Deputy Prime Minister Supamas Iamprasirtsuk, overseeing the Public Relations Department, announced on May 20 at Khlong Toei Center mall that the cabinet has tasked the PR Department to negotiate the 2026 World Cup broadcasting rights with FIFA, sponsors, and broadcast regulators. FIFA's initial asking price is unreasonable and cannot be justified to the public, so the government is pushing back on pricing. The public currently wants to see live World Cup broadcasts, but the government is prioritizing fiscal responsibility and economic considerations. If FIFA's price is not fair, the project will be scrapped; only if the price drops and becomes justifiable will negotiations continue.

When asked if the government has shelved the plan, Supamas said negotiations are ongoing but must prioritize public interest and economic concerns. The current 2026 World Cup conditions differ from four years ago, with matches scheduled at 3 a.m., 5 a.m., and 9 a.m., preventing shops and restaurants from generating economic stimulus. Unlike the previous World Cup, sponsors are unwilling to support due to unfavorable broadcast times and market conditions.

Regarding whether the government would purchase rights after the tournament begins when prices drop, Supamas said this seems unlikely then, as people would likely find alternative viewing channels through online platforms. FIFA has not yet provided a timeline for a response but initially indicated prices cannot be reduced significantly. The government will reassess any price reduction to determine if it satisfies public accountability, keeping citizens' interests paramount.

Legendary actor Phinyotpong Thongchua, father of iconic actor Peet Thongchua, experienced a heartwarming moment recently when all his children unexpectedly arrived at home simultaneously without coordinating beforehand. The occasion was his parents' 59th wedding anniversary, which his children celebrated by sharing photos and congratulatory messages on social media, including posts saying "Happy 59th Anniversary to Dad & Mom" and "Dad n Mom 59th anniversary."

His youngest daughter, Nam Taan, posted a family photo featuring both parents and their children—including siblings Peet Thongchua and Nam Phueng—all smiling together. She humorously captioned the photo: "Thought it was Visakha Bucha Day...all the kids came to see Dad and Mom at home at the same time without planning to (laughing emoji)." The warm family gathering showcased the close bonds between the legendary actor and his children.