Thailand is considering raising its proposed tourist 'landing fee' to more than 300 baht as authorities work on a new collection system that would include premium insurance coverage for foreign visitors.

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the government is finalising both the collection model and appropriate pricing to avoid negatively affecting tourists' travel experience.

Officals are currently studying two collection methods. The first option would include the fee in airline tickets, which authorities view as the most convenient approach because tourists would not need to make additional payments upon arrival. However, airlines currently cannot clearly separate Thai passengers from foreign tourists or business travellers. To address this, the government plans to create a refund application allowing Thai nationals and exempt travellers to reclaim the fee after entering the country.

The second option would collect the fee through the immigration system using electronic payment before entry into Thailand. While this method would allow authorities to clearly identify visa categories and traveller types, it may add extra procedures for visitors before arrival.

Surasak said the fee could exceed the previously discussed 300 baht because the government wants to provide premium insurance coverage for tourists immediately upon arrival in Thailand. The proposed insurance would include treatment at leading private hospitals and help reduce the government's financial burden when tourists' own insurance coverage is insufficient.

Authorities are currently holding discussions with insurance associations to determine an appropriate fee structure. Part of the revenue would also be used to support tourism development projects nationwide.

A polyamorous relationship between five men in California went viral on May 21, 2026, when Erik Wong, Hamilton Du, James Lee, Jonathan Chian, and Michael Lee launched a podcast called "The Cule Kids" to share their unique love story. The relationship began with James and Jonathan dating since 2013 before marrying in 2022, maintaining an open relationship from the start. They eventually met Erik, Hamilton, and Michael through friends and social gatherings, with all five committing to their polyamorous relationship seriously in 2024. The group lives life together through various activities including video games, travel, boating, and music festivals, with one key rule: anyone dating or engaging sexually outside the group must log it in a "Cule Log" for everyone's sexual health and safety. Currently, some members live separately but plan to move in together and have children, with everyone aligned on these goals. They acknowledge that coordinating five people's lives is challenging but view their relationship as one filled with love, understanding, and fortunate connection. Most members plan to come out about their polyamorous relationship to their families in the future, with currently only Hamilton having disclosed it. The podcast and their story have received mostly positive responses, helping people understand diverse relationship structures.

On May 21, investigators from the anti-corruption unit summoned Ajchariya Rueangrattanaphong, chairman of a crime victim assistance club, to the Criminal Division 6 office at the Supreme Prosecutor's Building on Ratchadaphisek Road. Investigators recommended pressing charges against him for defaming a government official performing their duties, making false and defamatory public statements, and providing false information about criminal offenses to prosecutors and investigators, potentially causing public harm and framing others for crimes. The incident stems from December 2 when Ajchariya gave a media interview in front of the Central Investigation Police Command, alleging that Nonthaburi provincial prosecutor Supaparni—known as "Prosecutor Dao"—improperly exercised discretion to file charges without legal basis, favoring boat suspects. Ajchariya also made distorted and false claims about the death case of Nida "Melon" to anti-corruption officials, accusing the prosecutor of violating criminal code articles 157 and 200. Ajchariya did not initially appear at the scheduled 10 a.m. summons, but arrived at 1 p.m. to meet with prosecutors. He has been scheduled to hear the court's decision on June 22, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.

Rising young star Focus Yanin is celebrating the remarkable success of her role as Ploy Prelin in the series "Magic Move ทำนายทายรัก" and her debut single "Aจะยังนะ," which has garnered over 2.2 million views. In a recent media interview, the actress expressed pride in her accomplishments as both an actor and artist, mentioning that she has even gained international fans. She spoke openly about balancing work and studies, sharing her dream of pursuing acting further at university.

Regarding her character Ploy Prelin, Yanin described the role as the only female lead, saying she found it exciting and believes viewers will grow attached to the charming character as much as she has. She revealed that plot developments, particularly involving her character's brother figure, were carefully planned. As the story progresses, her character will face a crisis at the shop but will turn it into an opportunity, learning about tarot reading and transforming into a fortune teller while pursuing her dream of becoming a performer.

For her tarot reading scenes, Yanin studied card meanings and learned to shuffle cards based on a script adapted from various divination practices. Regarding the idol aspect of her character, Yanin noted that it aligns perfectly with her own life as she is a musician with her own song "Aจะยังนะ," positioning herself as a representative of Thai youth dreaming of becoming artists.

Reflecting on her single's success, Yanin expressed pleasant surprise at the response, noting it reached 2.2 million views faster than expected and that even while traveling abroad, people have recognized her. The song addresses a scenario where parents disapprove of their child having a boyfriend, and a young man (played by PROXIE) comes to court her, prompting her character to sing "Aจะยังนะ"—essentially telling him not to pursue her just yet.

Balancing her acting career with education, Yanin emphasized she didn't want to abandon either. While teachers understand her occasional absences, she actively manages her time and is preparing for university entrance. She expressed her desire to study performing arts and related fields while continuing to work. Regarding future projects, she confirmed more work is in the pipeline and invited fans to stay tuned for announcements about upcoming collaborations.

Hua Hin landlord issues warning after property vandalism by Swiss manLegacyA woman warned other property owners and local women after a Swiss tenant severely damaged her rental house in Hua Hin and continuing to invite women to the property after his contract ended. The homeowner shared photographs and details of the incident in a Facebook group for Hua Hin residents, where the post quickly gained attention online. According to the owner, the Swiss national had previously rented another property nearby before moving into her house. She claimed the residence and household appliances were heavily damaged within six months of the tenancy. She discovered a knife stabbed into a mattress, more than 100 new and used condoms, and electrical appliances submerged in the swimming pool. Photos shared online also showed canned fish stains on a mattress, dirty water and empty plastic bottles in a sink, spaghetti scattered across the kitchen floor, rubbish filling a toilet and food residue inside a washing machine. Photo via Facebook/ คุณนายแอบเเซ่บในเยอร์มัน คุณนายแอบแซ่บในเยอร์มัน The homeowner said she was shocked by the condition of the property and did not know where to begin cleaning. Many social media users commented that the damage appeared deliberate, while others asked whether there had been any dispute between the owner and the tenant. The owner responded that she had no conflict with the Swiss man and believed the damage may have been linked to mental health issues. Photo via Facebook/ คุณนายแอบเเซ่บในเยอร์มัน คุณนายแอบแซ่บในเยอร์มัน After the story spread beyond the Facebook group, the homeowner said Channel 8 contacted her for an interview to discuss the case further. She also stated the media outlet coordinated with Hua Hin Police Station to assist her in seeking compensation from the foreign tenant. In addition to warning other landlords, the homeowner also urged women in Hua Hin to exercise caution, claiming the Swiss national continued arranging meetings with women at the property even after moving out. The accused man has not publicly responded to the allegations, and police have not yet announced whether legal action will be taken. Photo via Facebook/ คุณนายแอบเเซ่บในเยอร์มัน คุณนายแอบแซ่บในเยอร์มัน The story Hua Hin landlord issues warning after property vandalism by Swiss man as seen on Thaiger News.

On May 21, 2569, Sopon Sarirum, Speaker of Parliament and President of the House of Representatives, along with senior management from the Office of the House of Representatives, inspected the garbage storage room on B1 of the Parliament building. The inspection followed heavy rainfall the previous night that caused standing water and floating debris, which circulated on social media. Upon questioning the buildings and facilities chief, Sopon learned that the water visible in images did not result from internal building flooding, but rather from staff conducting routine cleaning operations to collect water and remove debris—exactly what media happened to capture, leading to misunderstanding. By morning, additional cleaning was completed and the area returned to normal use. "I conducted this inspection to verify the facts myself and understand what caused the situation and why those images circulated," Sopon explained. "The problem stemmed from heavy rainfall last night causing rainwater to flow into flat areas faster than our drainage system could handle. I have ordered staff to clear clogged debris and inspect the drainage pipes to ensure they can properly accommodate future rainfall."