Thai concert in Sweden halted for safety concerns amid huge crowd

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25 May 2026, 13:50

Thai folk music group Ponglang Sa-on was forced to temporarily halt its comeback concert in Sweden after the venue became overcrowded during the band’s first European performance in nearly 20 years.

The popular group recently reunited and launched a European concert tour, kicking off in Stockholm. However, the show was interrupted after organisers and security officials reportedly struggled to control the large crowd.

Eed Ponglang Sa-on, the group’s leader, posted an apology to fans on social media, saying authorities had ordered the performance to stop temporarily for safety reasons.

“Sorry to fans in Stockholm. For safety reasons, officials asked us to pause for a while. The venue is overcrowded,” he wrote.

Band member Duangrudee ‘Lulu’ Phonam later said she and fellow member Khwannanpha ‘Lala’ Ratchata had not yet been able to perform because the crowd had exceeded safe capacity.

Lala later wrote that officials decided to stop the concert because the situation had become difficult to control, with people reportedly climbing into the venue as thousands gathered to watch the show.

In a livestream after the incident, Eed described having “mixed feelings” about the event.

“I’m happy to see the power and unity of Thai people living abroad. Many foreigners also came wearing Thai costumes. Some travelled for hours or flew in to see us,” he said.

Lala added that the audience had reached “tens of thousands,” prompting organisers to end the performance due to safety concerns.

Family seeks justice after sisters assaulted in late night attack

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Khaosod English

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25 May 2026, 13:49

Family seeks justice after sisters assaulted in late night attack

PHETCHABURI — 25 May 2026, A food delivery rider has been arrested after allegedly entering the bedroom of two teenage sisters in the middle of the night and sexually assaulting them in Cha-am district, according to the victims’ family.

The incident allegedly took place at about 02:30 on 19 May at a home in Cha-am municipality, Phetchaburi province.

The father of the girls, identified as Siri Pongsap, 45, said his daughters, were asleep when a man wearing the uniform of a delivery service worker allegedly entered their bedroom.

The older sister, 18, identified under the pseudonym “A”, said she and her younger sister had gone to bed around midnight. More than two hours later, she awoke feeling someone touching her.

After realising the person was not a family member, she screamed, causing the suspect to flee from the bedroom, she said.

The two sisters chased him outside the house, where the suspect allegedly attempted to escape on a white Honda Wave motorcycle.

The older sister said she kicked the motorcycle, causing it to fall, while their father, awakened by the screams, ran from another room and restrained the suspect until police arrived.

The father said the suspect claimed someone had sent him a message asking him to meet one of the girls at the house, an explanation the family did not believe.

Police later detained the man after the family filed a complaint at Cha-am Police Station.

The father said relatives of the suspect had attempted to negotiate with the family to avoid legal action, but he insisted on pursuing the case.

He added that his daughters had recently seen the suspect back at work delivering food on the same motorcycle allegedly used during the incident, leaving the family fearful for their safety.

“The girls are afraid and do not dare go out,” he said, calling on authorities to pursue the case fully.

Police had not immediately released details of charges or the current legal status of the suspect.

Thai Page Warns Cheap “Edible Gold Leaf” May Be Industrial Foil

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Khaosod English

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25 May 2026, 13:14

CHIANG MAI — 25 May 2026, A popular Thai Facebook page has warned consumers that cheap gold-coloured foil imported from China and sold online as edible bakery decoration may not be safe for consumption.

The page, Drama-addict, said on Monday that a follower had alerted it to gold-coloured foil from China being sold at bakery supply shops as edible decoration. The concern began after the follower used a translation app to scan labels on small vials of the product.

According to the page, the translated label described the product as copper-based foil intended for arts and crafts, not for human consumption. Despite that warning, the item was allegedly being sold under edible baking supplies.

The page said similar products were also being sold on major e-commerce platforms, with some listings showing total sales of more than 10,000 units. The administrator purchased samples of the imported product and said the low price — about 20 baht per vial — was an immediate warning sign, as genuine edible gold leaf in similar quantities would normally cost far more.

After receiving the product, the administrator carried out several informal checks. He said genuine gold leaf is usually beaten so thin that it breaks apart and almost disappears when rubbed between the fingers. The sample, however, reportedly rolled into small clumps and metallic flakes.

The administrator also conducted a burn test, saying genuine gold does not oxidise when exposed to flame. When the imported foil was scorched, he said, it quickly turned black. The page said the reaction suggested the product was not genuine gold but another metal or alloy.

The page concluded that the product was not suitable for consumption and appeared to be intended for craft use. It accused some sellers of mislabelling the item online and in shops as “food-grade edible gold.”

The administrator warned that consuming such products could pose a health risk, particularly if they contain metals not approved for food use. He said the apparent sales volume was concerning, with online listings showing tens of thousands of units sold.

It remains unclear how many consumers may have already eaten pastries decorated with the product. The page urged relevant agencies to inspect the products and take action before consumers are put at further risk.

Vietnamese president to visit Thailand on first ASEAN trip

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Khaosod English

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25 May 2026, 13:13

To Lam, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and President of Vietnam, will pay an official visit to Thailand from 27-29 May, according to Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

To Lam, accompanied by his spouse and a high-level Vietnamese delegation, is scheduled to meet Their Majesties the King and Queen of Thailand and hold bilateral talks with the Thai prime minister at Government House.

The visit will focus on advancing the Thailand-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP), which covers cooperation in security, trade and economic integration, particularly through the “Three Connects” strategy aimed at strengthening links between the two economies.

The two sides are also expected to discuss cooperation in science, technology and innovation, as well as efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties.

The trip marks To Lam’s first visit to an ASEAN member state since assuming his new position in April 2026. It also comes shortly after Thailand and Vietnam upgraded their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

During the visit, To Lam is also scheduled to travel to Udon Thani province to meet the Vietnamese-Thai community and visit the Ho Chi Minh Memorial Site.

The year 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Thailand and Vietnam.

Thailand is currently Vietnam’s largest trading partner in ASEAN, with bilateral trade exceeding US$22 billion in 2025. Thailand is also among ASEAN’s largest investors in Vietnam, particularly in energy, manufacturing, retail, logistics and infrastructure projects.

Cracked stupa reveals hidden trove of ancient Buddha statues

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25 May 2026, 11:38

CHACHOENGSAO — 24 May 2026, workers excavating beneath a damaged ancient stupa at a temple in eastern Thailand discovered dozens of historic Buddha statues hidden inside four underground chambers, with monks estimating the artefacts to be more than 100 years old.

The discovery was made at Wat Laem Tai in Na Mueang subdistrict of Chachoengsao province as construction workers prepared to relocate and restore the old stupa after cracks and structural tilting raised safety concerns.

Excavation work entered its second day on Saturday after workers uncovered several Rattanakosin-era Buddha statues made from brass and silver during the first day of digging.

Additional small Buddha statues made from wood, brass and silver-coated metal were also found on Saturday and were later moved for safekeeping inside the residence of a former abbot at the temple.

Phra Khru Thammathon Chamlong Rojanathammo, abbot of Wat Laem Tai, said the stupa was believed to date back to the reigns of King Rama III or King Rama IV, making it more than a century old.

He said it remained unclear whether the stupa existed before the temple was established or whether the temple had later been built around it. The temple itself was officially founded in 1933.

The abbot said elderly residents in the community recalled seeing the stupa since childhood. He added that Phra Thammapariyatmuni, an 88-year-old Buddhist scholar and former abbot of Wat Pitulatirangsan, had inspected the artefacts and believed them to belong to the early Rattanakosin period based on their artistic style and materials.

Temple officials said the stupa had initially been scheduled for relocation using structural lifting methods, but excavation became necessary after workers discovered that the ancient foundation extended deep underground.

During the digging, workers found four small chamber-like cavities beneath the base containing large numbers of hidden Buddha statues.

The temple said the artefacts would later be cleaned, preserved and displayed in the temple museum for worship and historical study.

The abbot also said local residents had already approached the temple seeking to rent or purchase some of the statues after news of the discovery spread, but insisted the artefacts would remain temple property and would not be made available for commercial purposes.

Some residents visiting the site on Saturday said they believed the discovery was auspicious, with some attempting to interpret lucky numbers from the uncovered artefacts ahead of Thailand’s next lottery draw.

Pop Mart Deepens Northern Thailand Push With MAYA Chiang Mai Store

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25 May 2026, 11:19

CHIANG MAI — 25 May 2026, Pop Mart is expanding its presence in Chiang Mai with the opening of a new official store at MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Centre, one year after testing the northern market with a pop-up store at Central Chiangmai.

The new branch marks the company’s latest step in building a stronger foothold in northern Thailand, where designer toys and collectible figures have drawn growing interest among local fans, tourists and younger consumers.

Pop Mart opened its Pop-Up Store @ Central Chiangmai in May 2025, describing it at the time as its first pop-up store in the North. The MAYA branch, which held its grand opening ceremony on 21 May 2026, has been promoted as an official store and a larger destination for art toy collectors.

The store features a range of Pop Mart figures and characters, as well as large display pieces including a five-metre-tall HIRONO sculpture and large figures of SKULLPANDA and CRYBABY.

Siriporn Phlaengchanthuek, Head of Southeast Asia for Pop Mart, said Chiang Mai had shown strong market potential since the company first launched its pop-up store in the province.

“Chiang Mai has always been a key city for us. The response we received after debuting our pop-up store here was remarkable and showed strong enthusiasm from local collectors,” Siriporn said. “That encouraged our decision to officially open the first Pop Mart official store in Chiang Mai and northern Thailand.”

She also thanked provincial authorities, Chiang Mai International Airport and MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Centre for their support, saying the company hoped the store would help make Chiang Mai a destination for art toy collectors and travellers.

The launch was also tied to a tourism campaign with Chiang Mai International Airport called “Pop Mart: Unbox Joy @ Chiang Mai International Airport.” From 21 to 22 May, special-edition Pop Mart art toys were distributed to passengers arriving on selected domestic flights from Bangkok and some international routes. Pop Mart Thailand also promoted the campaign through its official social media channels.

Armed youths shoot at local reporter and diners in Phatthalung

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25 May 2026, 10:35

Armed youths shoot at local reporter and diners in Phatthalung

PHATTHALUNG — 25 May 2026, Armed youths on motorcycles opened fire at a local journalist and a group of residents outside a roadside restaurant in central Phatthalung, alarming residents and renewing concerns over rising gun violence in the southern province.

The shooting occurred at about 00:40 on 25 May at a mala restaurant on Phadung Don Yo Road in Muang district, police said.

Investigators said four youths travelling on two motorcycles, armed with two guns, targeted a table outside the restaurant where local journalist Nitikorn Udomsin, 26, was sitting with the shop owner, staff members and friends.

No injuries were reported.

Police officer Sukrit Songsaeng, the investigating officer on the case, inspected the scene after receiving reports of gunfire. Authorities recovered suspected bullet fragments and began reviewing CCTV footage to identify and track down the attackers.

Nitikorn said he and six others had been sitting outside the closed restaurant when two young men rode past and fired three shots into the air in front of the premises before leaving.

Believing the incident was over, the group remained at the scene.

Less than three minutes later, the youths allegedly returned with another motorcycle. One bike rode past the restaurant and stopped further ahead, while the second stopped nearby before the group opened fire towards the restaurant area, forcing those present to run inside for cover.

The gunmen fled immediately after the shooting.

The incident has heightened fears among residents, who say gun-related violence involving youths has become increasingly common in Phatthalung.

Residents pointed to a recent shooting on 22 May in which a 15-year-old was killed and another person seriously injured.

A 53-year-old neighbour, identified only as “Kung”, said she heard the initial gunshots and came outside to check whether anyone had been hurt, only to be forced to run for safety when the attackers returned.

“People don’t feel safe any more,” she said. “These youths are extremely brazen, shooting in the middle of town and coming back for a second attack as if they have no fear of the law.”

Residents called on police to swiftly arrest those responsible and strengthen public safety measures, warning that escalating youth violence in the province is increasingly threatening civilians and members of the media.

Shellfish diver finds Buddha head mistaken for durian

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25 May 2026, 10:06

Shellfish diver finds Buddha head mistaken for durian

BURIRAM — 24 May 2026, a Thai man searching for shellfish in a reservoir in northeastern Thailand was shocked to discover a severed Buddha head submerged underwater after initially believing he had stepped on a sack of discarded durian shells.

Police in Nang Rong district of Buriram province said the discovery was reported at about 12.00 on Saturday at Nong Thalok reservoir in Nang Rong subdistrict.

Dep. Pol. Lt. Karun Saengarun, an investigator at Nang Rong police station, said rescue workers and a diving team were sent to inspect the site after local residents alerted authorities about a Buddha head found underwater.

The reservoir, covering more than 50 rai (about 20 acres), is used as a raw water source for local tap water production.

The discoverer, identified as Tawan, 29, told police he had been diving for shellfish in the reservoir as usual when his foot struck what he believed was a sack lying underwater.

“At first I thought it was a bag filled with discarded durian shells,” he said. “But when I opened it, I was shocked to find a Buddha head inside.”

Tawan said he became frightened and immediately contacted police without removing the object from the water because he feared showing disrespect to a sacred object.

Divers recovered the old fertiliser sack within about 10 minutes.

Inside, authorities found a Buddha head measuring about 30 centimetres in height and width and weighing about 30 kilogrammes. Officials said the top section of the head appeared to have been cut off.

Police documented the discovery before transferring the artefact to Nang Rong police station for further examination.

Authorities said experts from Thailand’s Fine Arts Department would be asked to determine the age and origin of the Buddha statue and whether it had been stolen from a temple.

Lamphun rocked by two major fires in one night

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25 May 2026, 09:49

LAMPHUN — 25 May 2026, Two major fires broke out within 30 minutes of each other in Lamphun’s Muang district on Saturday night, damaging a rice warehouse, several pickup trucks and a wooden building, authorities said.

The first fire was reported at about 21:00 on 24 May in the San Mueang area of Muang Nga subdistrict, near a cluster of restaurants and old wooden buildings. Firefighters were able to bring the blaze under control by 21:30.

A second fire erupted around 21:30 at the warehouse of Pool Panich Lamphun Limited Partnership on Charoenrat Road in Nai Mueang subdistrict. The fire spread rapidly through the warehouse, which stored rice and other goods, prompting authorities to mobilise firefighting teams from across Muang district.

Firefighters spent more than one hour spraying water to contain the blaze before bringing it under control at about 22:50. Several pickup trucks were destroyed in the fire, and the warehouse sustained heavy damage.

Authorities said both fires had been extinguished and no deaths were reported. The cause of the fires and the total cost of the damage remain under investigation by forensic police.

ROBINSWOOD GOLF CLUB HOSTS SUCCESSFUL “AMBASSADOR CUP 2026”

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Mc Marketing

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24 May 2026, 18:05

Bangkok, Thailand – May 23, 2026 – Robinswood Golf Club proudly hosted the highly successful Ambassador Cup 2026, welcoming ambassadors, diplomats, distinguished guests, and club members from various countries for an unforgettable day of golf, friendship, and international camaraderie.

Held at the prestigious Robinswood Golf Club, the event reflected the club’s commitment to creating meaningful connections through sport and lifestyle experiences. The Ambassador Cup brought together members of the diplomatic community and Robinswood members in a warm and elegant atmosphere, offering participants a unique opportunity to strengthen relationships and exchange cultures beyond the fairways.

Throughout the day, guests enjoyed world-class golfing conditions, premium hospitality, exceptional cuisine, and a variety of on-course activities specially prepared by the Robinswood team. The event concluded with an evening celebration filled with joy, networking, and shared memories among participants from across the globe.

Mr. Seehachet Saifon (Pro IT), General Manager of Robinswood Golf Club, commented:

“The Ambassador Cup is more than just a golf tournament. It represents friendship, international connection, and the unique community spirit we are building at Robinswood Golf Club. We are honored to welcome ambassadors and distinguished guests from many nations, while also giving our members the privilege to connect and build meaningful relationships through golf.”

The success of Ambassador Cup 2026 further reinforces Robinswood Golf Club’s vision of becoming one of Asia’s leading private golf and lifestyle destinations, where exceptional experiences, community, and global connections come together.

Robinswood Golf Club would like to extend its sincere appreciation to all ambassadors, members, partners, sponsors, and team members who contributed to making the event a memorable success.

For media inquiries:

Marketing Communications Team

Robinswood Golf Club

Email: [email protected]

Tel: +66 (0)2 978 8888

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