Thai police seize tiger skins, pangolin scales in raid on Nakhon Phanom shop

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27 May 2026, 15:01

NAKHON PHANOM — 27 May 2026, Thai police arrested a 37-year-old woman in northeastern Thailand after raiding a traditional medicine and souvenir shop allegedly used to trade protected wildlife furs and animal parts smuggled from Laos.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Anek Taosuphap, commander of the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division, ordered officers led by Pol. Maj. Peumwatthi Prathumrach and Pol. Capt. Thanupan Surasaa to carry out the raid at a shop in That Phanom district of Nakhon Phanom province following an investigation into online wildlife trafficking.

Police said the suspect, identified only as Kulkanlaya, was arrested under a Criminal Court warrant issued on 22 May on charges of illegally possessing and trading protected wildlife carcasses.

Authorities seized more than 100 items during the operation, including:

• tiger skins
• clouded leopard skins
• Asiatic golden cat skins
• python skins
• pangolin scales
• deer antlers
• serow remains
• bear carcasses
• other protected wildlife remains

Investigators said the suspect allegedly used the shop, which sold souvenirs and traditional medicines, as a front for the illegal wildlife trade.

Police said the investigation began after officers discovered protected wildlife products being sold online, including tiger skins, pangolin scales and other animal remains.

Authorities later linked the operation to the shop in That Phanom, an area popular with Thai tourists visiting the revered Phra That Phanom temple.

Investigators alleged the wildlife products had been smuggled across the border from Laos before being sold online and directly to tourists in Thailand.

During questioning, the suspect reportedly confessed to purchasing the wildlife remains from suppliers in Laos for resale in Thailand, police said.

The suspect and all seized items were transferred to investigators from the Natural Resources and Environmental Crime Suppression Division for further legal action.

Britain enters state of alarm after experiencing normal Bangkok afternoon

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Khaosod English

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27 May 2026, 14:44

LONDON — Britain was thrown into meteorological confusion Tuesday after temperatures reached 35 degrees Celsius, a temperature Thai people traditionally describe as “the walk from 7-Eleven to the motorbike.”

The reading, recorded at London’s Kew Gardens and Heathrow Airport, broke a century-old spring temperature record for the second time in 24 hours, according to Britain’s Met Office. The previous record had stood since 1922 and 1944, when people were presumably too polite to complain directly to the sun.

Across the U.K., residents responded to the heat wave with the calm, measured dignity for which Britain is internationally famous: removing shirts in public parks, panic-buying ice creams, and describing the weather as “absolutely unbearable” while standing in direct sunlight wearing black jeans.

For residents of Thailand, however, the news prompted confusion.

“Thirty-five degrees? That’s not a heat wave,” said one Bangkok resident. “That’s the temperature between the BTS platform and the mall.”

In much of Thailand, 35 C is not considered a heat wave so much as the default loading screen between Songkran and rainy season. At that temperature, street vendors continue frying pork, motorcycle taxi drivers continue wearing jackets, and people still somehow order hot noodle soup under a zinc roof beside traffic.

British authorities warned people to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, and check on vulnerable neighbours. Thai residents, meanwhile, offered practical advice: drink water, walk slowly, stop pretending a small desk fan is a critical climate policy, and do not underestimate the spiritual power of iced cha yen in a plastic cup.

The heat also placed Britain’s national infrastructure under strain, including trains, roads, and the emotional stability of people living in homes designed to trap warmth like a Victorian punishment device.

Many British homes, built to survive damp winters and centuries of grey sky, are famously unprepared for sunshine arriving with ambition. In Thailand, by contrast, buildings are prepared for heat by installing air conditioners powerful enough to create a private Scandinavian microclimate inside every shopping mall.

Tourists were advised that if they find 35 C difficult in London, they should approach Bangkok in April with humility, sunscreen, and the understanding that shade in Thailand is not a location but a blessing.

Meteorologists said the record-breaking heat was part of a wider spring heat wave across Western Europe. Climate experts have warned that extreme heat is becoming more frequent, intense, and dangerous — though ordinary British citizens appeared mainly focused on whether it was now legally acceptable to eat dinner consisting entirely of watermelon and crisps.

By late afternoon, some residents had begun comparing London to the tropics, a statement Thailand has declined to recognise at this time.

“We appreciate the concern,” said one imaginary Thai weather official. “But legally, we cannot classify 35 C as ‘weather news.’”

Lao official apologises for remarks targeting Thai cave rescuers

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Khaosod English

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27 May 2026, 12:21

VIENTIANE, Laos — A deputy village chief in Laos has issued a public apology after his social media comments disparaging Thai volunteers helping rescue seven villagers trapped in a flooded cave drew fierce backlash from users in both countries.

Somchay Vilayvong, a deputy village chief in Xaysomboun province, came under fire after posting a comment that many interpreted as demeaning toward the Thai rescue team, suggesting the volunteers had shown up uninvited in search of recognition.

The comment spread rapidly online, drawing criticism from both Lao and Thai social media users.

On 26 May 2026, Somchay posted a video apology on his personal Facebook account. He said his remarks stemmed from a lack of understanding and expressed sincere support for all agencies involved in the rescue effort, adding that he would avoid making similar comments in the future.

The incident unfolded against the backdrop of an ongoing rescue operation in Long Chaeng district, where seven villagers have been trapped underground since 20 May after heavy rain flooded the entrance to a cave. The operation gained wider attention on 22 May when a local influencer shared footage of the rescue after receiving it via Facebook Messenger.

Thai volunteers joined the effort following a call for assistance from a Lao volunteer association, whose request was reposted by a Thai Facebook page — the same post under which Somchay’s controversial comment appeared.

Myanmar villagers’ donation to Umphang Hospital wins hearts online

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Khaosod English

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27 May 2026, 11:48

UMPHANG — A 14,000-baht donation from residents of Chukari village in Myanmar to Umphang Hospital has drawn an outpouring of praise from Thai social media users, with many calling it a touching example of human kindness across borders.

Umphang Hospital announced the donation on 26 May 2026 via its Facebook page, saying the funds would be used to benefit patients seeking treatment at the facility.

The post quickly drew warm responses from Thai users. Many praised the Chukari villagers for their gratitude toward the hospital’s doctors, nurses, and staff, who treat patients regardless of nationality. Others offered blessings, with several comments wishing the donors well amid the ongoing crisis in Myanmar.

“May good deeds guide them through this difficult time,” one commenter wrote.

Umphang Hospital is located in Umphang district, Tak province, along the Thai-Myanmar border, and is well known for providing medical care to patients from Myanmar, many of whom cross the border seeking treatment.

Thailand calls for UN reforms, reaffirms ceasefire commitment at UNSC debate

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Khaosod English

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27 May 2026, 11:02

NEW YORK, USA — 26 May 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow attended an open debate of the United Nations Security Council on upholding the UN Charter and strengthening the UN-centred international system, held at UN Headquarters in New York.

The session, convened under the agenda item “Maintenance of international peace and security,” was chaired by Wang Yi, Foreign Minister of the People’s Republic of China, in China’s capacity as UNSC President for May 2026.

In his statement, Sihasak underscored the fundamental importance of the UN-centred international system in safeguarding the rules, norms, and principles accepted by member states, noting that the United Nations has served as the bedrock of international relations over the 80 years since its founding.

Thailand, as a trusted partner and responsible UN member, said it stands ready to work with the international community through three key approaches: fostering collective responsibility; advancing reforms of the United Nations, including the Security Council; and promoting regionalism and minilateral cooperation that complement the UN system.

Sihasak also responded to remarks made by Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister on Thailand-Cambodia relations, reaffirming Thailand’s full commitment to the ceasefire between the two countries and its intention to work toward sustainable peace. He stressed that Thailand does not seek any territorial claims against any country.

4 dead, 5 injured in a crash between a train and a school bus, Belgian officials say

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Associated Press

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26 May 2026, 18:13

Belgium Crash — Rescue workers on the scene of a crash between a train and vehicle in Buggenhout, Belgium, Tuesday, May 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Koen Baten)

BUGGENHOUT, Belgium (AP) — Four people, including two children, were killed in a crash between a train and a bus in northern Belgium, federal prosecutors said on Tuesday.

Five children were taken to hospital in a serious condition, they said.

The accident happened at a level crossing during the morning rush hour near the town of Buggenhout, about 30 kilometers (20 miles) northwest of the capital, Brussels.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. AP’s earlier story follows below.

BUGGENHOUT, Belgium (AP) — Several people have been hurt in a collision between a train and a minibus carrying children in northern Belgium, federal police said Tuesday.

AP26146392718223 — Police and rescue personal work around a level crossing where a train collided with a van in Buggenhout, Belgium, Tuesday, May 26, 2026. (AP Photo/Marius Burgelman)

The accident happened at a level crossing during the morning rush hour near the town of Buggenhout, about 30 kilometers (20 miles) northwest of the capital, Brussels. Details about how it unfolded were not immediately clear.

Police said that “several people” were hurt in the accident, but that they are unable to provide further details.

Belgian private broadcaster VTM said that four people were killed, but police would not confirm whether there were any deaths “out of respect for the families of those implicated.”

VTM said the barriers at the level crossing were closed but that the bus appeared to try to cross anyway and was hit by the train. Seven schoolchildren were aboard the minibus, with a driver and an escort.

An Associated Press reporter at the scene said that badly damaged bus lay toppled on its side. Forensic experts in protective white suits and wearing gloves were taking photos of the scene. A white pop-up tent was erected nearby. The train was relatively unscathed.

In a social media post, Belgian Interior Minister Bernard Quintin expressed “great sadness” over “the tragic accident in Buggenhout, where a school bus was struck by a train. My thoughts go out to the victims and their loved ones.”

Ferrari unveils electric supercar for drivers tired of engine noise

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Khaosod English

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26 May 2026, 17:37

ITALY — 26 May 2026, Ferrari has unveiled its first fully electric vehicle, giving the world’s wealthy a new way to experience silent acceleration while ordinary people continue wondering whether they can afford eggs, rent, or a second-hand Honda Jazz.

The new Ferrari Luce, a four-door electric grand tourer reportedly producing more than 1,000 horsepower, starts at around €550,000 (about 21 million baht before Thai import taxes deliver the final knockout blow).

In Thailand, that price roughly translates to:

1 Ferrari Luce
or
Several detached houses upcountry
or
Approximately 250,000 plates of krapao moo daeng kai dao, depending on your restaurant of choice.

Ferrari says the Luce represents the future of performance motoring. Critics say it resembles a concept car generated by artificial intelligence after being trained exclusively on luxury humidifiers and airport lounges.

The Italian automaker insists the EV still delivers the emotional experience Ferrari owners expect, despite lacking the traditional screaming V8 or V12 engine noise. Instead, engineers created a system that amplifies sounds and vibrations from the electric powertrain, so drivers can be reminded they are still spending half a million euros correctly.

The Luce accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in around 2.5 seconds, which means Bangkok drivers can now reach the next red light in record time.

Ferrari also emphasised the vehicle’s practicality, noting it has four doors and seating for five people — a historic breakthrough for owners who previously had to choose which friend to leave behind.

Social media reactions ranged from admiration to confusion. Some users praised Ferrari for embracing the future, while others questioned whether the car looked more like a Ferrari or a luxury toaster.

Analysts say Ferrari’s challenge will be convincing traditional enthusiasts that an electric Ferrari can still feel special. Others argue this debate is largely academic because most people discussing the Luce online were never remotely close to buying one anyway.

Still, the launch marks a major moment for one of the world’s most iconic carmakers. And for readers currently checking their bank balance before ordering iced coffee, Ferrari would like you to know the future has officially arrived.

Ferrari shares reportedly fell after the unveiling, suggesting some investors may need more time to emotionally process a Ferrari that sounds like a spaceship.

At least it comes in red.

Anutin and Macron agree to deepen ties in aerospace, clean energy and cybersecurity

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Khaosod English

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26 May 2026, 17:29

PARIS, France — Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul held talks with French President Emmanuel Macron over dinner at the Élysée Palace on 25 May, with aerospace and aviation emerging as a key focus of discussions on deepening bilateral trade and investment ties.

Government spokeswoman Rachada Thanadirek summarised the outcomes of the meeting, which covered four main areas: trade and investment promotion, the Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement, security and cybersecurity cooperation, and regional situations involving Cambodia and Myanmar.

On trade and investment, both leaders agreed to push for stronger growth in bilateral economic ties, with a particular emphasis on high-value industries. Aerospace and aviation were highlighted as a priority sector, alongside alternative energy, smart electricity transmission systems, and infrastructure for artificial intelligence and data centres — areas in which French private sector firms hold significant expertise.

Following separate discussions with MEDEF International and leading French companies, several firms expressed interest in investing or expanding their presence in Thailand. France also welcomed existing Thai private sector investment on French soil and expressed a desire to see it grow further.

On the Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement, Prime Minister Anutin reaffirmed that concluding the negotiations this year is a key government priority. He thanked France for its continued support throughout the negotiation process, expressing confidence that the agreement would serve as a turning point in creating economic opportunities for both countries.

On security, both sides agreed to expand cooperation into cybersecurity, building on their existing participation in the Cobra Gold joint military exercises. The move aligns with Thailand’s broader efforts to combat online fraud and cybercrime, which have already resulted in successful prosecutions, extraditions, and the seizure of significant illicit assets.

On regional affairs, Prime Minister Anutin reaffirmed Thailand’s commitment to sovereignty, peace, and international law in relation to the situations in Cambodia and Myanmar. He said Thailand’s decision to cancel the MOU 44 with Cambodia came after nearly 25 years without progress, and that Thailand would instead pursue resolution under UNCLOS through bilateral dialogue. On land border issues, he said Thailand would follow the joint statement signed late last year and would be watching for genuine commitment from the Cambodian side.

Both sides agreed to advance a Joint Action Plan to Strengthen the Thai-French Partnership 2026-2028, a significant step towards elevating the bilateral relationship to a strategic partnership.

Princess Sirivannavari opens landmark royal dress exhibition in Paris

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Khaosod English

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26 May 2026, 16:11

PARIS, France — Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana presided over the opening of a landmark exhibition celebrating the history and global influence of Thai royal dress at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, as Thailand and France marked 170 years of diplomatic relations.

The exhibition, titled “La Mode en Majesté: Royal Thai Dress from Tradition to Modernity,” brings together more than 200 items including royal garments, antique woven textiles, fine handicrafts, and contemporary works by Thai designers. Spread across seven galleries, the exhibition traces the evolution of Thai royal dress from its historical roots to its place on the international stage through art, textiles, and craft.

The Princess arrived dressed in a Siwalai Thai national costume and presided over the opening ceremony alongside cabinet ministers, ambassadors, and distinguished guests from Thailand and around the world. The evening opened with a welcome address by Bénédicte Gady, Director-General of the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, before the Princess delivered her opening remarks and led the delegation on a tour of all seven exhibition galleries.

Following the exhibition tour, guests were invited to a gala dinner designed to reflect Thai identity and culture. The menu was crafted by the culinary team from CODA Bangkok, a Michelin one-star fine dining restaurant known for its contemporary interpretation of Thai local ingredients. Each dish combined the essence of Thai produce with modern cooking techniques, presenting a distinctive and refined Thai identity to an international audience.

The dinner tables were adorned with intricate handicrafts produced under the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques, including yan lipao lacquer boxes repurposed as orchid vases, silver woven baskets arranged as floral displays, and silver sculptures of rabbits, elephants, and deer handcrafted by hill tribe artisans. The decorations reflected the depth and artistry of Thai traditional craftsmanship in a contemporary setting.

The exhibition is organised under the patronage of Princess Sirivannavari through a collaboration between four partner organisations: the Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand (SACIT) under the Ministry of Commerce, the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, the Royal Thai Embassy in Paris, and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. It is open to the public until 1 November 2026.

The French government awarded Princess Sirivannavari the rank of Grand Officier of the Légion d’Honneur, one of France’s highest state honours, in recognition of her significant contributions to promoting French culture and lifestyle in Thailand and for strengthening the bonds of friendship between the two nations. The honour was presented in conjunction with the 340th anniversary of the first contact between Siam and France, commemorated in 2025, and the 170th anniversary of formal Thai-French diplomatic relations, celebrated in 2026.

Stepfather Arrested for Murder of 13-Year-Old Girl and Attack on Mother

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Khaosod English

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26 May 2026, 16:05

NONG BUA LAMPHU — 25 May 2026, A 38-year-old man with a prior conviction for sexual assault was arrested on Monday afternoon while attempting to flee on a motorcycle, following the discovery of his 13-year-old stepdaughter’s body and a brutal attack on his partner.

The suspect, identified by police only as Pornchai, 38, was apprehended at 14:10 on Monday on a rural road connecting Ban Don Klet and Ban Non Muang Noi in Sri Boon Ruang District.

The arrest followed a tragic discovery earlier that day. Pol. Lt. Col. Pichetphong Ratchabuakhot, an interrogation officer at Sri Boon Ruang Police Station, received a report at 12:30 regarding a fatality at a residence in Ban Mai Tanthawan, Nong Kung Kaeo Subdistrict.

At the scene, authorities located the body of a 13-year-old girl, a local Matthayom 1 student, in a bathroom at the rear of the property. The victim had been bound, and forensic evidence at the scene indicated she had been physically and sexually assaulted before her death. Her body has been transferred to Loei Provincial Hospital for a formal forensic autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

Outside the residence, authorities also located the victim’s 32-year-old mother. She had sustained severe, deep lacerations to her head and face. Neighbors and family members who arrived at the scene stated she had been attacked and knocked unconscious, effectively trapped inside the home for two days before regaining consciousness on Monday morning. She was immediately transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.

Investigation and Timeline

According to police investigators, the 13-year-old victim typically resided with her maternal grandparents in a neighboring village. However, on Friday 22 May, she traveled to the residence in Ban Mai Tanthawan to visit her mother and stepfather to attend the local Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Fai) scheduled for Saturday.

When the child failed to return home as expected, her grandfather attempted to locate her at the village and her school but found no trace.

Separately, a local resident went to the property on Monday morning to retrieve a motorcycle that the family had borrowed on Friday to access an ATM in town. Upon arrival, the resident discovered the severely injured mother outside the home and immediately alerted relatives and emergency services.

Suspect Intercepted and Tested Positive for Drugs

Following the discovery of the homicide, Sri Boon Ruang District Chief Thanayut Yaikaew, acting in his capacity as an Office of the Narcotics Control Board (ONCB) official, coordinated with local administrative staff, village leaders, and Sri Boon Ruang Police to establish checkpoints along potential escape routes.

Administrative officers spotted Pornchai operating a red-and-white Yamaha motorcycle away from the subdistrict. Officials successfully intercepted and detained him on a village road.

While a physical search yielded no illicit items, a mandatory drug screening returned positive for methamphetamine. According to officials, Pornchai admitted to consuming the substance on Saturday morning.

District Chief Thanayut confirmed that the suspect has confessed to the crimes. Pornchai was initially booked on charges of illegal consumption of a Category 1 narcotic and operating a motor vehicle with illicit substances in his system. He has been handed over to case investigators at Sri Boon Ruang Police Station for further interrogation and the filing of additional criminal charges, including homicide and sexual assault.

History of Recidivism

Pol. Lt. Col. Pichetphong, the investigating officer, noted that the suspect is a repeat offender with a documented history of violence. The officer had previously overseen a past criminal case against Pornchai involving narcotics offenses and the sexual assault of an elderly woman in Sri Boon Ruang District. Pornchai served a prison sentence for those crimes and, upon his release, cohabitated with the victim’s mother before committing the current offenses.

The incident has caused profound shock within the local community and the victim’s school. The school director, Montri Phonphaengkwha, stated that he has submitted a formal report on the tragedy to the regional educational authority. He described the victim as a well-behaved student who lived primarily with her grandparents and had shown no prior signs of distress or safety concerns.

District Chief Thanayut urged local leaders and residents to remain highly vigilant regarding high-risk individuals in their neighborhoods. Speaking to community representatives, village headmen, and educators at the scene, he stated that local administrative networks must prioritize early intervention and reporting to prevent severe criminal offenses within the community.

Investigation and Timeline

Suspect Intercepted and Tested Positive for Drugs

History of Recidivism

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