Xi and Putin meet to reaffirm China-Russia ties days after Trump’s visit to Beijing

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20 May 2026, 12:48

China Russia Putin — Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping walk to attend the talks at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Wednesday, May 20, 2026. (Maxim Stulov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

BEIJING (AP) — Chinese leader Xi Jinping welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin in Beijing on Wednesday in a meeting meant to reaffirm ties and that takes place only days after a visit by U.S. President Donald Trump to China.

Xi welcomed Putin with a ceremony at the Great Hall of the People. The two delegations later held bilateral talks, to be followed by a ceremony for signing cooperation agreements.

Putin’s visit comes just days after Trump’s own trip to Beijing – in a sequence that is meant to cement Beijing’s image as an influential superpower, experts say.

AP26140189874871 — Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping shake hands during a welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People, in Beijing, China, on Wednesday, May 20, 2026. (Alexander Kazakov, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

“The message is clearly one that China maintains friendship and strategic partnership with whichever power it likes, and the USA is just one of them,” said Steve Tsang, director of the SOAS China Institute at the University of London.

Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov said earlier that there was “no connection” between Trump and Putin’s visits, noting the trip by the Russian leader was agreed several days after Putin and Xi spoke via videoconference on Feb. 4.

The Russian and Chinese leaders are set to discuss energy and security as well as their overall ties. The two sides agreed to extend a friendship treaty first signed in 2001, Chinese state media reported.

AP26140154381766 — Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping attend a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Wednesday, May 20, 2026. (Maxim Shemetov/Pool Photo via AP)

China became Russia’s top trading partner following after Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Beijing has said it is neutral in the conflict while maintaining trade ties with the Kremlin despite economic and financial sanctions by the U.S. and Europe.

China is the top customer for Russian oil and gas supplies, and Moscow expects the war in Iran to increase the demand. China also has ignored demands from the West to stop providing high-tech components for Russia’s weapons industries.

Ushakov said Russia’s oil exports to China grew by 35% in the first quarter of 2026 and that Russia is one of the biggest exporters of natural gas to China.

During “the crisis in the Middle East,” Russia remains a reliable energy supplier and China is a “responsible consumer,” Ushakov said.

Putin noted earlier this month that Moscow and Beijing have reached “a very substantial step forward in our cooperation in the oil and gas sector.”

“Practically all the key issues have been agreed upon,” he said. “If we succeed in finalizing these details and bringing them to a conclusion during this visit, I will be extremely pleased.”

AP26140122612641 — Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping inspect an honor guard during a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing Wednesday, May 20, 2026. (Maxim Shemetov/Pool Photo via AP)

Putin also praised their bilateral relationship as a crucial, balancing force in international relations.

“Interaction between such nations as China and Russia undoubtedly serves as a factor of deterrence and stability,” he said.

Moscow welcomes China’s dialogue with the U.S. as another stabilizing element for the global economy, Putin added.

“We stand only to benefit from this, from the stability and constructive engagement between the U.S. and China,” he said.

Cambodia’s Kem Sokha reunited with critically ill mother amid house arrest

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20 May 2026, 12:27

Kem Sokha, Cambodia’s former opposition leader who remains under house arrest, was reunited with his critically ill mother on the morning of 20 May after authorities granted permission for the visit.

According to his lawyer, Pheng Heng, Kem Sokha was escorted by Ministry of Interior officers to visit his mother, Sao Nget, at his sibling’s home in a gated community in Phnom Penh. The request for the visit was submitted on 19 May amid concerns over her worsening condition.

A video posted on Pheng Heng’s Facebook page on 20 May showed the 72-year-old politician embracing his mother in tears, while she appeared to hold him close and offer a blessing. Sao Nget is believed to be around 100 years old.

Kem Sokha, former president of the now-dissolved Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), was sentenced by the Phnom Penh Municipal Court in 2023 to 27 years in prison on treason charges, although the court ordered him to serve the sentence under home detention.

He was arrested in 2017 over allegations of conspiring with a “foreign power” to overthrow the Cambodian government. The court also imposed a lifetime ban on his involvement in politics.

Princess Ubolratana Opens ‘Thai Night’ at Cannes Film Festival

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20 May 2026, 11:51

Princess Ubolratana Opens 'Thai Night' at Cannes Film Festival

CANNES, France — 20 May 2026, Princess Ubolratana Rajakanya Sirivadhana Barnavadi presided over the opening ceremony of “Thai Night Cannes 2026,” an elite gala designed to showcase Thailand’s entertainment industry on the global stage.

The event took place at 19:30 (local French time) on 14 May in the Grand Salon of the Carlton Cannes Hotel in Cannes, French Republic. Organized by the Ministry of Commerce, the gala was run alongside the delegation of Thai entertainment entrepreneurs participating in the 2026 Cannes Film Festival and drew over 250 prominent international film industry professionals to elevate the profile of Thailand’s entertainment sector and foster strategic international business partnerships.

During her opening address, the Princess highlighted the current landscape of the Thai film industry and emphasized the country’s readiness to collaborate with international partners on global cinematic projects. The evening featured multi-media presentations showcasing the work from Thai entrepreneurs participating in the Marché du Film at the Thailand Pavilion. A “Creative Performance” show blending music and live vocals was staged to illustrate the rich potential of Thai entertainment, alongside a promotional showreel under the concept “Reimagining Thailand” demonstrating multi-dimensional strengths of the nation’s creative industry.

Suphajee Suthumpun, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Commerce, spoke following the “Thai Night” networking and promotional event that the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) regularly hosts Thai Night events at major global markets, including the Hong Kong International Film & TV Market, the Cannes Film Festival, and the American Film Market in the United States. Thai Night is held to showcase the potential of the Thai film industry, foster business networking with global entertainment executives, and propel Thailand’s entertainment sector onto the world market.

This year’s event was held under the concept “Reimagining Thailand” and the theme “Thailand – Where Films Come Alive,” to reflect a strategic shift in how Thailand positions its entertainment sector. Thailand is transitioning from being just a Production Base to a Creative Origin, and moving from a Service Provider to a Story Creator, and from a domestic industry to a Global Creative Partner. This vision spotlights the strengths of Thailand’s creative industries, its end-to-end production capabilities, and its openness to international co-productions, positioning Thailand as the premier hub for cinema and entertainment media in Asia, riding on the current growing robust global demand of Thai film and content industry, fueled by the international success of Thai films, series, and its thriving foreign location shooting sector.

Suphajee added that the Ministry of Commerce extended invitations to influential figures across the global film sector, such as buyers, producers, distributors, investors, filmmakers, directors, foreign media, festival programmers, celebrities, and entertainment industry professionals. This Thai Night event was aimed at raising awareness of the Thai entertainment industry, driving business networks connecting Thai entrepreneurs with international partners, and unlocking commercial opportunities. Crucially, it also advances the development of Thailand’s creative economy while simultaneously boosting related industries, such as Thai cuisine, culture, tourism, and traditional way of life.

Meet the five-boyfriend relationship “The Cule Kids” going viral online

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20 May 2026, 11:49

A group of five boyfriends from California are drawing attention online after opening up about their unusual polyamorous relationship, sharing details of how they manage love, dating and daily life together.

The group — who call themselves “The Cule Kids” — live in the South Bay area of California and describe their relationship as a consensual polycule, a form of non-monogamous relationship involving multiple romantic partners.

The group consists of Eric Wong, 33, Hamilton Du, 35, James Lee, 37, Jonathan Chien, 37, and Michael Li, 31.

Their relationship reportedly began with James and Jonathan, who started dating in 2013 and agreed from the beginning to have an open relationship. Eric joined the relationship in 2018, followed by Hamilton in 2021 and Michael in 2022.

That same year, James and Jonathan got married and later named their group chat “The Polycule,” which eventually inspired the group’s online identity and podcast, “The Cule Kids!”

One of the group’s most talked-about rules is something they call the “Cule Log” — a shared notebook where members record outside dates with other people. The group said the rule helps maintain transparency and can also be useful for sexual health contact tracing if necessary.

Speaking to PA Real Life, Michael said the group spends much of their time together at home, although not always doing the same activities.

“If two or three people want to play video games while the others want to do something else, we compromise and split up,” he said.

Despite their close relationship, the five men do not currently live together full-time. James and Jonathan share a home, while the other three live around 30 minutes away. However, they said they hope to eventually move in together.

Hamilton, known online as “Milty,” described the relationship as “rare and special.”

“I feel very lucky that we all found each other and were open to this kind of relationship,” he said. “I’m very grateful.”

Bullfrog traps removed due to extinction concerns

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20 May 2026, 11:22

Bullfrog traps removed due to extinction concerns

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — 20 May 2026, Thai forestry officials, police and local volunteers launched an operation to destroy illegal frog traps in a protected forest in northeastern Thailand amid concerns over declining amphibian populations during the rainy season.

Authorities said frequent rainfall in Nakhon Ratchasima province had prompted large numbers of bullfrogs and other amphibians to emerge from hibernation to breed, attracting villagers seeking to catch them for food and sale.

Officials warned that widespread trapping could rapidly reduce local frog populations and risk driving some species towards local extinction, particularly inside protected forest areas where hunting is prohibited.

The operation took place in Nong Teng and Chakkarat national reserved forests in Chalerm Phra Kiat district, an area covering about 10,206 rai of mixed deciduous forest near Nakhon Ratchasima airport.

Authorities said some villagers had illegally entered the forest to install pit traps and other devices used to catch frogs and small animals.

More than 40 officials from forestry agencies, local administration offices, police units and volunteer groups joined the inspection and trap-removal operation on 19 May.

Officials said only part of the traps had been destroyed because of the large number scattered throughout the forest.

Local authorities urged residents gathering forest products in the area to avoid setting traps or hunting wildlife inside reserved forests, warning that offenders face severe penalties under Thailand’s Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act and national forest laws.

Put Pongraphiporn, district chief of Chalerm Phra Kiat, said authorities were concerned that repeated illegal trapping could threaten wildlife populations in the forest reserve if left unchecked.

He said officials would continue public awareness campaigns and increase patrols to prevent further illegal hunting activities in the protected area.

Thai Singha executive steps aside amid family abuse allegations

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20 May 2026, 11:16

Boon Rawd Brewery, the producer of Singha beer, issued a statement on 19 May expressing regret over allegations involving members of the Bhirombhakdi family and reaffirming its opposition to all forms of domestic violence.

The statement followed allegations made publicly by conservationist Siranudh “Psi” Scott, who said he had been abused by his older brother during childhood and was also facing a legal dispute with his mother over land ownership.

Siranudh “Psi” Scott and Sunit “Pie” Scott are sons of Chiranuj Bhirombhakdi and grandsons of Chamnong Bhirombhakdi of the Bhirombhakdi family, one of Thailand’s wealthiest business dynasties and owner of the Singha beer empire.

In its statement, Boon Rawd Brewery said it acknowledged the situation involving Sunit “Pie” Scott and expressed “deep regret” to Siranudh Scott for the impact the incident had caused to him, family members and society.

The company said it understood public concern surrounding the allegations and stressed that it does not support violence in any form, including physical abuse, verbal abuse, intimidation or any behaviour that violates the rights and dignity of others.

Boon Rawd Brewery also confirmed that Sunit “Pie” Scott had stepped down from all positions within the company.

The statement, signed by managing director Purit Bhirombhakdi, said the company would fully cooperate with any investigation by relevant authorities to ensure fairness for all parties.

Separately, a letter titled “Request to suspend duties” attributed to Sunit “Pie” Scott was also circulated publicly.

Addressed to Purit Bhirombhakdi, the letter said he felt uncomfortable over the situation and apologised to members of the Boon Rawd group and his family for the impact caused by the controversy.

“To ensure fairness for all parties, I would like to suspend my duties as an employee and executive of Boon Rawd Brewery and all affiliated companies until all matters are clarified and clearly proven,” the letter stated.

Car Bursts into Flames After Striking Wild Elephant; 1 Dead

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20 May 2026, 10:02

Car Bursts into Flames After Striking Wild Elephant; 1 Dead

KANCHANABURI — 20 May 2026, A car collided with a wild elephant and burst into flames on a major highway in Kanchanaburi province, killing a 70-year-old man and injuring two others, police said.

On Wednesday, Deputy Inspector of Investigation, Latya Police Station, revealed that the accident was reported on Highway 323 inbound to Mueang Kanchanaburi District in Moo 9, Wang Dong Sub-district, Mueang District, Kanchanaburi Province at approximately 21:00 on Tuesday. Emergency responders quickly responded to the scene, including a medical team from Paholpolpayuhasena Hospital, forensics units, Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary officials, and Pitak Kan Foundation rescue workers.

Despite numerous streetlights, the crash site remained poorly lit. Authorities arrived to find a Toyota Corolla with Kanchanaburi registration on the shoulder. The front of the vehicle was completely destroyed by the impact, and the fire rapidly spread from the crushed engine bay through the passenger cabin. Firefighters managed to extinguish the blaze before the inspection took place.

70-year-old passenger, Chukiat (surname withheld), was found dead in the front seat. Following the initial on-scene medical examination, his body was transferred to Phaholpolpayuhasena Hospital.

Moreover, two others sustained injuries: the driver, Charn, 64, and a rear-seat passenger, Supanutt, 74 (both surnames withheld). The damaged vehicle was later towed and secured at the Lat Ya Police Station for further inspection.

Preliminary investigations indicated that the vehicle driven by Charn was traveling down Highway 323 from Sai Yok District toward downtown Kanchanaburi. Upon reaching the accident site, where it was pitch dark, an unspecified number of wild elephants from the nearby Salakpra Wildlife Sanctuary made their way onto the highway.

The elephant had wandered out of the protected forest, swam across the Khwae Yai River, and walked up onto the road where the collision occurred in search of food. While the car was completely totaled by the impact, the condition of the elephant following the crash remains unclear.

Vehicle collisions with wild elephants are common on Highway 3199, which connects Kanchanaburi to Si Sawat, but this tragic incident marks the first time in recorded history that such an accident has occurred on Highway 323.

King posthumously honours teacher killed protecting students

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19 May 2026, 19:53

497498234_693481177175251_8442392952859778302_n (1) — Sasiphat Sinsamosorn, the former director of Phatong Prathan Khiriwat School in Songkhla.

The King has posthumously bestowed a royal decoration on Sasiphat Sinsamosorn, the former director of Phatong Prathan Khiriwat School in Songkhla province, in recognition of her sacrifice in protecting teachers and students during a hostage incident earlier this year.

According to a Royal Gazette announcement published on 19 May, Sasiphat was awarded the Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand.

The announcement stated that while carrying out her duties, Sasiphat knowingly placed herself in danger to protect and assist teachers and students under her care. She reportedly volunteered to become a hostage in place of teachers and students during an armed attack at the school.

She was severely wounded after being shot by the assailant and later died from her injuries.

The incident took place at Phatong Prathan Khiriwat School in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, on 11 February 2026, when an attacker took teachers and students hostage inside the school.

The royal decoration was granted with effect from 12 May 2026, according to the announcement.

China calls for transparent investigation into Sa Kaeo kidnapping case

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19 May 2026, 19:00

BANGKOK — The Chinese Embassy in Thailand has urged Thai authorities to conduct a lawful, fair and transparent investigation following reports that a Chinese national was allegedly abducted and held for ransom in Sa Kaeo province.

In a statement issued on 19 May, a spokesperson for the embassy said the Chinese side had attached great importance to the case and immediately contacted relevant Thai agencies to seek details about the incident.

The embassy called on Thai authorities to quickly establish the facts, thoroughly investigate the case and bring all those involved to justice.

China also expressed hope that Thailand would strengthen law enforcement oversight and public security measures to better protect the lives, property and legal rights of Chinese nationals in the country.

The statement said maintaining safety and stability was important for people-to-people exchanges and friendly cooperation between Thailand and China.

The Chinese Embassy also issued a renewed advisory urging Chinese citizens living in Thailand or planning to travel to the country to strictly comply with Thai laws and regulations, remain vigilant about personal safety and promptly report emergencies to police or Chinese diplomatic missions in Thailand.

What to know about Thailand ending 60-day visa-free stays

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19 May 2026, 18:46

BANGKOK — Thailand will revoke the 60-day visa-free stay scheme for all 93 eligible countries and territories as part of a sweeping overhaul of the country’s visa policy, the Department of Consular Affairs announced on 19 May.

Mangkorn Pratoomkaew, director-general of the Department of Consular Affairs, said the Cabinet had approved a review of Thailand’s visa exemption and visa privilege measures following a proposal by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Under the new policy, each country or territory will receive only one visa exemption privilege.

The government will also review the 30-day visa-free tourism scheme, reducing the number of eligible countries and territories from 57 to 54. In addition, Thailand plans to introduce a new 15-day visa-free tourism scheme for three countries or territories and drastically reduce the number of countries eligible for Visa on Arrival from 31 to just four.

The changes will take effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette under three announcements issued by the Ministry of Interior.

Mangkorn said the review followed discussions among agencies under the Visa Policy Committee and took into account security, tourism, economic factors and reciprocal treatment between countries. He added that overlapping visa privileges had caused confusion among foreign travellers and complicated the Foreign Ministry’s e-Visa system.

Foreign nationals already in Thailand, or those entering before the new measures take effect, will still be allowed to remain in the country under their current permitted stay until it expires. After the new rules come into force, incoming travellers must comply with the updated visa conditions.

Mangkorn also said the prime minister had signed an order appointing a new committee to regularly review Thailand’s visa policies, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow, to ensure visa measures remain aligned with current conditions in all dimensions.

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