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.

Thai Teen “Mind Sakol” Wins 2026 World Women’s Snooker Title

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19 May 2026, 17:44

DONGGUAN, China — 19 May 2026, Thai teenager, “Mind Sakol” Panchaya Channoi made snooker history on Tuesday by defeating 12-time world champion, Reanne Evans, to capture her maiden World Women’s Snooker Championship title and become Thailand’s 3rd World Snooker Champion.

The 2026 “World Women’s Snooker Championship,” held at the Changping Snooker Center in Dongguan, Guangdong Province, China, reached its climax on Tuesday with the highly anticipated final match. The 18-year-old Thai sensation “Mind Sakol” Panchaya Channoi, ranked 15th in the world, defeated her fellow compatriot world number 3 and 2022 world champion, “Mink Saraburi” Nutcharut Wongharuthai, 5-3. She overcame England’s Reanne Evans, the world number 4 and legendary 12-time world champion, 6-2 in the best-of-11 frame final.

In the final that was played under a best-of-11 frames format, the current two-time consecutive Under-21 World Champion, Mind Sakol, started aggressively, opening race into a 3-0 lead against Evans. Although Evans fought back to trail 4-2, Mind closed out the match with a 6-2 victory.

This triumph propelled Mind Sakol to the world title along with a 550,000 Baht cash prize. She also completes an astonishing historic double for her, who successfully defended her World Under-21 division and the main senior tournament title within a single year.

With this win, Mind Sakol becomes the third Thai player to claim the women’s world crown, following Mink Saraburi and “Baipat Sriracha” Siripaporn Nuanthakhamjan.

Moreover, Mind matches a record set by China’s Bai Yulu in 2024 by becoming only the second woman in snooker history to win both the junior and senior world titles in the same calendar year, 2026.

The championship victory earns Panchaya a top prize of £13,000 (approximately 559,000 Baht) and a coveted spot in the elite 2026 Champion of Champions tournament. More significantly, the title grants her a two-season tour card to compete on the prestigious, professional World Snooker Tour alongside male professionals starting in the 2026/27 season.

Meanwhile, Thailand’s world number 3, “Mink Saraburi” Nutcharut Wongharuthai, faces a tougher road back to the professional circuit. Having competed on the main tour since 2022, her contract extension is now uncertain. She must either compete in the Q School qualifying tournament in England, or secure a remaining World Snooker Tour wildcard invitation If neither option materializes, she will have to climb back to world No. 1 via the women’s ranking circuit to regain her professional status.

Rescuers search for 3 missing after German building collapse possibly caused by gas explosion

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Associated Press

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19 May 2026, 17:24

Germany Building Collapse — Police and firefighters stand near a collapsed house in the city center of Goerlitz, Germany, Monday, May 18, 2026. (Paul Glaser/dpa via AP)

GÖRLITZ, Germany (AP) — Rescue teams in eastern Germany searched Tuesday morning for three people who were missing after a building collapsed in the eastern city of Görlitz near the Polish border.

Police said a gas explosion may have been the cause for the collapse of the building, which took place Monday night.

Emergency responders proceeded with great caution at the scene in case of gas leaks, German news agency dpa reported.

After unsuccessful attempts to locate the missing under the rubble with the help of search dogs, rescuers began clearing debris with an excavator and by hand around 2 a.m. Tuesday.

AP26139336900705 — Emergency services from the Federal Agency for Technical Relief (THW) use their bare hands to remove the mountain of rubble from the collapsed residential building in the city center of Goerlitz, Germany, Tuesday, May 19, 2026. (Paul Glaser/dpa via AP)

Initial concerns that up to five people may have been buried under rubble turned out to be wrong, police said.

A man who feared his wife and cousin might be trapped under the rubble said Monday they had arrived that day for a vacation in the rented house. While shopping at nearby supermarket, he heard an explosion and returned to the house to find nothing but a large pile of rubble, dpa reported.

The collapsed building in the historic Wilhelminian style contained rental and vacation apartments, police said.

Görlitz is Germany’s easternmost city with a population of 57,000. The historic, undamaged old town district is a popular location for international film productions.

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