Overpass collapse during demolition kills one, traps workers in western Seoul

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26 May 2026, 14:36

South Korea Collapse — South Korean firefighters and rescue team try to search at the overpass collapsed while it was being dismantled in Seoul, South Korea, Tuesday, May 26, 2026. (Choi Jae-gu/Yonhap via AP)

SEOUL, South Korea — One person has been killed and another is in cardiac arrest after a section of an overpass collapsed during demolition works in western Seoul on Tuesday, trapping workers beneath the rubble.

The incident occurred at around 14:32 at the Seosomun overpass demolition site in Seodaemun-gu. Part of the road deck gave way while crews were carrying out demolition work, leaving an estimated six people and one demolition vehicle trapped underneath.

Emergency services reached the scene within six minutes. A Level 1 emergency response was declared shortly after, bringing 62 rescue personnel, 16 vehicles, and five additional ambulances to the site. Around 30 police officers were also deployed.

By Tuesday afternoon, four of those trapped had been pulled out. One died at the scene and another was found in cardiac arrest. Two people remained unaccounted for, with rescue teams still working to reach them.

The collapse forced a suspension of train services between Seoul Station and Sinchon Station, disrupting the Gyeongui Line and nearby routes, according to state railway operator Korail.

The incident cast a shadow over the city’s upcoming mayoral race. Both frontrunners in the 3 June election halted campaigning and headed to the site. Prime Minister Kim Min-seok issued an emergency directive ordering all relevant agencies to maximise rescue efforts, identify nearby medical facilities, and ensure injured people were transported quickly to minimise casualties.

The Korea Herald reported that authorities have yet to determine the exact cause of the collapse.

British man arrested after hit-and-run leaves renowned Thai doctor critically injured on Ko Pha-ngan

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Khaosod English

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26 May 2026, 13:29

KO PHA-NGAN — A British man has been arrested after allegedly hitting a prominent Thai doctor with a motorcycle on Ko Pha-ngan and fleeing the scene, with cocaine found in his system following the incident.

The collision occurred at 21:21 on 23 May 2026 on the road between Ko Pha-ngan Hospital and Thong Sala, in front of Noppharat Furniture Shop, Moo 1, Ko Pha-ngan subdistrict, Surat Thani province.

The victim, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thirasak Kaew-Amatawong, a respiratory medicine specialist and lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, was struck while walking and left critically injured. Bystanders rushed him to Ko Pha-ngan Hospital before police arrived.

news135347 1hbsec74jf1779764550 — Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thirasak Kaew-Amatawong

The suspect fled the scene immediately after the collision. Officers reviewed CCTV footage from the area and surrounding roads, eventually identifying and locating the man on a tour boat moored at Wok Tum pier, Moo 4, Ko Pha-ngan. He was found with multiple abrasions on his body.

The suspect, identified as Duncan Wilcock, 51, a British national, confessed to police that he was the driver. He then led officers to the motorcycle used in the incident.

A drug test found no alcohol in his system, but detected cocaine. Wilcock was immediately charged and remanded in custody. Investigators presented him to Koh Samui Provincial Court on the morning of 26 May to seek a detention order. Police opposed bail, citing the severity of the charges, the risk of flight as a foreign national without a fixed address, and concern that he could flee the country if released.

As of 26 May, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thirasak remains in a critical but stable condition at Bangkok Hospital Samui. His medical team and family were making arrangements to transfer him by Royal Thai Police Aviation Division aircraft to Ramathibodi Hospital in Bangkok for further treatment.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thirasak has long been known for his volunteer work supporting the Ko Pha-ngan community.

Building integrity and responsible governance through Thai–Norwegian partnership

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Mc Marketing

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26 May 2026, 10:51

The Thai-Norwegian Chamber of Commerce (TNCC), in collaboration with the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Bangkok, recently hosted the “Integrity in Practice Forum: Shaping the Future through Responsible Governance” at Hotel Nikko Bangkok. The event gathered more than 100 representatives from the public and private sectors, academia, and international organisations to promote transparency, integrity, and responsible business practices in Thailand.

The forum highlighted the importance of strengthening anti-corruption measures and embedding ethical governance into corporate culture and education systems, in line with international frameworks including the OECD Anti-Corruption and Integrity Framework and the World Bank’s Business Ready (B-READY) initiative.

H.E. Mrs. Astrid Emilie Helle, Norwegian Ambassador to Thailand, emphasised the strong partnership between Norway and Thailand, noting that transparency, sustainability, and international cooperation are key drivers for long-term economic growth and quality investment.

The event featured two panel discussions. The first session, “From Vision to Practice: Transparency Roadmap,” brought together experts from TDRI, ACT, CAC, Bangchak Corporation PCL, and Aibel (Thailand) Ltd. Speakers discussed corruption risks facing Thai SMEs, the need for stronger accountability systems, and the importance of integrating integrity into organisational culture.

Representatives from Bangchak and Aibel highlighted that transparency and ethical leadership are no longer optional, but essential factors for sustainable growth, investor confidence, and global competitiveness.

The second panel, “Future of Integrity,” focused on the role of education and leadership development in shaping ethical business practices. Speakers from Jotun Thailand, Yara Thailand, and Bangkok Patana School shared perspectives on compliance training, responsible leadership, and preparing future generations to make ethical decisions in an increasingly complex business environment.

The forum concluded with an interactive workshop led by the Thai Private Sector Collective Action Against Corruption (CAC), encouraging participants to apply integrity principles to real-world business challenges and strengthen long-term collaboration between Thai and Norwegian business communities.

F1 legend Mika Salo located after hit-and-slash attack on Bangkok crossing

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Khaosod English

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26 May 2026, 10:45

0-featured — Former F1 driver Mika Salo (left) pictured during a meeting in Bangkok after authorities located him regarding an incident where his leg was flashed by a passing motorcycle.

BANGKOK — 26 May 2026, Police have located former Formula One driver Mika Salo after he was slashed on the leg by a motorcycle rider while crossing a pedestrian crossing in central Bangkok.

Salo, 59, a Finnish national, said he was crossing a zebra crossing in the Sukhumvit area when a moped rider passed and struck him. He initially felt only a slight impact and was unaware he had been injured until a bystander pointed out that his leg was bleeding. “I looked down and saw that my shoe was completely covered in blood,” he told a Finnish newspaper.

The former Ferrari stand-in driver was taken by taxi to a nearby hospital, where doctors found a deep open wound to his calf. Salo said doctors had to stitch both muscle and skin, with eight stitches in the muscle and 20 more in the skin, for a total of 28 stitches.

Doctors suspected the wound may have been caused by a knife or another sharp object because the cut was deep, clean and straight, according to Salo’s account to Finnish media. However, the exact cause has not been independently confirmed by Thai authorities.

Salo also said hospital staff later told him several other people had been treated for similar slash wounds on the same evening and overnight. Some reports said the injuries may have occurred in the same area near his hotel, raising concern that the incident may not have been isolated.

No Thai police statement has yet been found confirming whether the reported cases were linked or whether a suspect has been identified.

“If this was intentional, they only tried to injure me,” Salo was quoted as saying by reports citing Finnish media, adding that the outcome could have been worse if the blade had struck another part of his body.

At 12:20 on 26 May 2026, Pol. Maj. Gen. Phanlop Raemla, deputy commander of the Metropolitan Police Bureau overseeing investigation affairs, inspected the area alongside the commander of Lumpini Police Station. Officers located Salo at a hotel in the Sukhumvit area and brought him to Lumpini Police Station for further questioning.

Salo said he has been returning to hospital for wound cleaning and dressing changes and is taking antibiotics while recovering in Bangkok. He praised the treatment he received in Thailand, describing the doctors and hospitals as efficient and professional.

26 เที่ยว2 — Salo walks with a bandaged leg after the reported attack in Bangkok.

Salo competed in Formula One from 1994 to 2002, racing for teams including Lotus, Tyrrell, Arrows, BAR, Ferrari, Sauber and Toyota. He is best known for replacing the injured Michael Schumacher at Ferrari for six races during the 1999 season.

Well-known wild elephant “Plai Kor Kaew” shot dead in Chanthaburi

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Khaosod English

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26 May 2026, 10:06

CHANTHABURI — 25 May 2026, A well-known wild elephant named Plai Kor Kaew was found shot dead in an orchard near Khao Khitchakut National Park, prompting renewed concerns over the long-standing conflict between humans and wild elephants in eastern Thailand.

Officials said the male elephant, also known locally as “Ai Mua”, was about 30 years old and had tusks measuring more than 80 centimetres. At the scene, initial examinations found at least six severe wounds believed to have been caused by gunfire, including injuries near the ears, chest, abdomen and upper front legs.

Chawinth Pinkaew, chief of Khao Khitchakut National Park, and Pol. Capt. Yodtha Cherdchuechon, an investigator at Khao Khitchakut Police Station, joined forensic officers and veterinarians from the Department of National Parks on Monday to inspect the carcass after local residents reported the death near a pond at the edge of a fruit orchard in Khlong Phlu subdistrict of Chanthaburi province.

Officials said evidence was being collected from the scene to help identify those responsible.

The carcass was later transported to a national park protection unit in Thung Phlo for a detailed post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

Authorities said the case reflected the worsening conflict between villagers and wild elephants around the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary and nearby forest areas in eastern Thailand.

Plai Kor Kaew was known among local residents as a solitary elephant that could sometimes behave aggressively, making him well known among nearby communities.

Wildlife officials said the increasing elephant population and declining food sources inside forests had pushed more elephants into farmland and residential areas in search of food, often resulting in property damage and clashes with villagers.

Despite ongoing monitoring and mitigation measures, officials warned that the death of Plai Kor Kaew highlighted growing tensions between people and wildlife in the region.

Officials said more sustainable long-term measures were needed to prevent further losses of wild elephants, which remain important symbols of Thailand’s natural heritage.

Gunmen in hijabs kill teacher holding infant in Pattani

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Khaosod English

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25 May 2026, 18:57

Gunmen disguised as women wearing hijabs opened fire on a police officer and his family outside a school in Pattani province on Monday afternoon, killing the officer’s wife while she was holding their infant child inside the vehicle.

The attack took place at around 15:30 near Prasan Wittaya Foundation School in Pong Sta subdistrict of Yarang district.

Police said four attackers dressed in women’s clothing and wearing hijabs arrived on two motorcycles before pulling alongside the victims’ car and opening fire.

The injured officer was identified as Pol. Snr. Sgt. Maj. Adul Hayeesulong of Yaring Police Station. His wife, Fatimoh Ya-ngoh, a teacher at the school, was killed at the scene while holding their baby in the car.

Authorities said the couple had travelled to the school to pick up their child when the attack occurred.

Security forces rushed the wounded officer to hospital and sealed off the area while launching a manhunt for the suspects. Checkpoints were also set up across nearby areas to prevent further attacks and track down those responsible.

The Internal Security Operations Command Region 4 Forward Command strongly condemned the attack, describing the gunmen’s actions as “inhumane” and contrary to religious principles.

Officials said the incident had deeply shocked local residents, particularly because a woman and infant child were present during the shooting.

Over 20 taken to hospital after unknown substance allegedly sprayed in Tokyo shopping area

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Associated Press

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25 May 2026, 18:27

Japan Ginza Incident — First responders gather near the scene after a person allegedly sprayed a substance that caused an odor, in Tokyo, Japan, Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

TOKYO (AP) — More than 20 people developed sore throats near a luxury department store in Tokyo’s posh Ginza shopping area on Monday after a person allegedly sprayed an unknown substance, Japanese fire department officials said.

The Tokyo Fire Department said 26 people complained of suddenly developing throat pain and felt unwell near the Ginza Six shopping complex, and all but one of them were taken to a hospital. Their symptoms were believed to be mild, officials said.

AP26145258063420 — Tokyo police examine the scene after a person allegedly sprayed a substance that caused an odor, in Tokyo, Japan, Monday, May 25, 2026. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Fire department and police officials said an investigation was underway. The largest-circulation Yomiuri newspaper said police have detected traces of pepper spray on the wall.

Dozens of fire engines and ambulances were parked outside the complex, and the surrounding roads were temporarily closed. Television footage showed firefighters and officials in hazmat suits assisting people, with some being brought out of the building.

Yuzo Tsuda, a 78-year-old Tokyo resident, told The Associated Press that he walked toward the shopping complex after having lunch with friends, drawn by the commotion, when he suddenly felt pain in his throat and started coughing. He said the ache in his throat subsided about an hour later and he did not plan to go to the hospital.

Sri Trat at Sri’s Room brings new chapter to Eastern Thai flavours

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Boonraksa Boonaprn

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25 May 2026, 18:14

Sri Trat at Sri’s Room brings new chapter to Eastern Thai flavours

Sri is the mascot of Sri Trat’s restaurants, whose story is told through lovingly crafted dishes at each venue. At Sri Trat, she is portrayed at the age of 42; at Burapa, as a 19-year-old girl; and at Sri Trat at Sri’s Room, as a 27-year-old woman — a seamstress and an accomplished cook. While the character is fictional, she is rooted in reality, inspired by the Sri Trat owner’s mother.

Located at Siam Paragon, Sri Trat at Sri’s Room occupies a standalone dining space beautifully designed to evoke Sri Trat’s tailoring shop, featuring Sino-Portuguese interiors and floral touches.

The menu offers a broad spectrum of Eastern Thai flavours, where “the forest meets the sea”. It includes beloved classics from the original Sri Trat alongside exclusive creations available only at Sri Trat at Sri’s Room, complemented by signature cocktails inspired by the music of the 1970s and 1980s.

Her story, of course, cannot be told without the food. Highlights include Nam Prik Goong Siab, a spicy Thai salad with crispy shrimp and an abundance of herbs; Lhon Pu Kai (Crab Roe Coconut Dip), a coconut milk-based herbal dip with lump crab meat, crab roe, and minced pork, served with a basket of fresh vegetables; and Baked Crab with Glass Noodles, a claypot dish of glass noodles and crab marinated in fish sauce. Those seeking something different may enjoy Spicy Stir-Fried Chicken with Cardamom, a dish exclusive to this branch.

For seafood lovers, the menu features “Jungle Soup”, a fiery herbal soup with minced Asian sea bass seasoned with cumin leaves; Choo Chee Sea Bass Curry, deep-fried sea bass fillets topped with rich chu-chee curry sauce; and Betel Leaf Seabass Bite.

A clear crowd favourite is the slow-cooked pork belly, glazed in a rich blend of palm sugar and premium fish sauce, achieving a satisfying balance of sweetness, saltiness, and richness.

S 90972271 0 — Pork Belly in Chamuang Curry

No exploration of Eastern Thai cuisine would be complete without chamuang. Sri Trat serves Pork Belly in Chamuang Curry, a signature sweet-and-sour stew from Eastern Thailand, prepared with pork belly and pork collar, slow-cooked with chamuang leaves and the restaurant’s house curry base. For many, it is one of the defining dishes of the region.

S 90972279 0 — Malva Nut Jelly with Fresh Coconut Milk

S 90972289 0 — Sticky Rice Cake with Sea Salt Ice Cream

To finish, diners can cleanse their palate with desserts such as Malva Nut Jelly with Fresh Coconut Milk, Sticky Rice Cake with Sea Salt Ice Cream, and Durian in Coconut Syrup — inventive takes on traditional Thai desserts and fruits that offer a fresh perspective on familiar flavours.

The drinks menu also enhances the experience. Cocktails such as PB to My Jelly and Sri’s Lemonade, alongside mocktails including Hide the Scent and Cha-Yen, pair well with the restaurant’s atmosphere.

Sri Trat at Sri’s Room is located on the G Floor of Siam Paragon. For reservations and enquiries, call 02-125-7346.

Vietnamese leader to trace Ho Chi Minh’s footsteps in Thailand

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Khaosod English

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25 May 2026, 17:44

As Vietnam’s top leader prepares for his first official visit to Thailand, one stop on the itinerary carries a deeply personal and historical meaning far beyond diplomacy.

To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of Vietnam, is scheduled to travel to Udon Thani during his 27-29 May visit to Thailand to pay tribute at the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site and meet the Vietnamese-Thai community living in northeastern Thailand.

The memorial site, located in Chiang Phin subdistrict, preserves memories of a little-known chapter in the life of Vietnamese revolutionary leader Ho Chi Minh, who once lived quietly in Udon Thani nearly a century ago.

AP26097120111351 1 — To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of Vietnam

Ho Chi Minh arrived in Thailand in 1928 while Vietnam was still under French colonial rule. During his time in Udon Thani, he reportedly lived among the local Vietnamese community while organising political activities and seeking support for Vietnam’s independence movement.

According to historical records preserved at the site, Ho Chi Minh farmed, trained followers and helped mobilise Vietnamese migrants in Thailand during the anti-colonial struggle. He also joined local residents in community activities, including helping construct temples in Udon Thani before later travelling through Sakon Nakhon and Nakhon Phanom and eventually returning to Vietnam.

Vietnam declared independence from France in 1945, and Ho Chi Minh later became the founding president of modern Vietnam.

Today, the memorial site has been transformed into a historical learning centre and museum managed with support from the local Vietnamese-Thai community. The compound features a recreated traditional wooden house where Ho Chi Minh once stayed, complete with simple furnishings, vegetable plots, rice storage huts and livestock pens designed to reflect rural life during that period.

AP570813063 — President Ho Chi Minh of Communist ruled North Vietnam delivers an address to a gathering of thousands of Bulgarians at Ninth of September Square, Sophia, Aug. 13, 1957. The Vietnamese president is here on a five-day visit to the Balkan state during his tour of Communist countries. (AP Photo)

The museum also displays old photographs, documents and exhibitions detailing the history of Vietnamese migrants in Thailand and Ho Chi Minh’s years in the kingdom.

Officially opened in 2006, the memorial site has become both a tourist attraction and a symbol of long-standing ties between Thailand and Vietnam.

To Lam’s visit comes as the two countries mark the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026 and deepen their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

MGI All Stars spark tourism boom at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

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Khaosod English

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25 May 2026, 17:28

MGI All Stars spark tourism boom at Damnoen Saduak Floating Market

RATCHABURI — 25 May 2026, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi buzzed with renewed energy as 56 global beauty queens from the Miss Grand International (MGI) All Stars pageant arrived to participate in a local culture and tourism promotion campaign. The contestants, representing nations from across the globe, received a warm welcome from public and private sectors, alongside local residents, who united to open their doors to showcase Thailand’s community lifestyle and charm on the global stage.

This visit not only adds excitement to Ratchaburi, but also reflects the potential of Damnoen Saduak as a cultural tourism destination that beautifully preserves its authentic identity, including canal-side lifestyle, floating markets, local gastronomy, and reserved natural landscapes.

The delegates and production crew from Miss Grand International Public Company Limited (MGI PCL) stayed at the “Khum Damnoen Resort” before embarking on a tour to immerse themselves in the charms of Ratchaburi through a wide range of activities. Their itinerary included visits to the Damnoen Sky Cafe, Kwan Damnoen 1 restaurant, Yuwanda Pier, Khrua Jae Naow, Ying Golf Pier, Chaloem Sukkho River Prawn Damnoen Saduak, and Supachai Art Gallery.

One of the activities that left the deepest impression of the trip participants was a boat ride along the canals, allowing the delegates to connect themselves with the traditional community of Damnoen Saduak. They also visited the world-famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, a global landmark where charm remains timeless. Moreover, the beauty queens interacted with a relaxing stop amidst nature at “Your Garden Damnoen Saduak,” a prominent local café, and indulged in shopping for native crafts, local delicacies, and the province’s signature souvenirs.

Throughout their journey, the MGI All Stars beauties captured attention of large crowds of visitors and residents, who turned out to greet them and snap memorable photographs close-up.

In addition to elevating Thailand’s global tourism profile, this visit provided economic boost to the local area, including hotels, restaurants, community shops, and neighborhood entrepreneurs. All reaped the benefits of the vibrant wave of attention generated by the event.

Concurrently, Ratchaburi underscores its readiness as an all-encompassing travel destination. Boasting scenic natural wonders, a vibrant food scene, local culture, and warm hospitality, the province holds a unique allure that keeps bringing visitors back for more.

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