Khon Kaen probes tissue found inside fish dumpling

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15 May 2026, 14:19

Khon Kaen probes tissue found inside fish dumpling

KHON KAEN — 15 May 2026, authorities in northeastern Thailand are investigating a complaint that tissue paper was found inside a fish dumpling purchased at a popular market in Khon Kaen province, officials said.

The investigation began after a 58-year-old woman posted on social media that she discovered tissue paper inside a fish dumpling she had bought at the Bueng Kaen Nakhon market area in Khon Kaen municipality.

The post triggered widespread criticism online and prompted health officials to launch an inquiry.

Nutchaniwan Dondilerd, deputy mayor of Khon Kaen municipality, said officials had contacted market managers and learned that vendors at the market include both permanent traders and temporary daily sellers.

Preliminary findings indicated the fish dumpling stall was not a regular vendor and had reportedly operated near the rear entrance of Wat That temple on 13 May before leaving the area.

Municipal health and environmental officials are attempting to locate the vendor and have asked the customer to submit the dumpling for laboratory examination to determine whether foreign material was present.

Authorities said legal action could follow if the investigation confirms food contamination.

Officials also planned inspections at the Bueng Kaen Nakhon market on the evening of 15 May to reassure residents and tourists about food safety standards and protect the province’s tourism image.

Thailand Lists Hantavirus as Dangerous Disease

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15 May 2026, 13:05

Thailand Lists Hantavirus as Dangerous Disease

NONTHABURI — 15 May 2026, The National Communicable Disease Committee (NCDC) of Thailand has approved classifying “hantavirus infection” as a dangerous communicable disease, introducing stricter surveillance, requiring disease investigations for patients meeting the criteria within 12 hours, and a mandatory 42-day quarantine for high-risk contacts, officials said on Friday.

The decision was announced following the NCDC Meeting No. 2/2026 at the Department of Disease Control (DDC) chaired by Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Public Health, Dr. Somruek Chungsaman, assigned by Public Health Minister, Pattana Promphat. Dr. Somruek said the committee had previously instructed the Department of Disease Control on 8 May to study whether hantavirus infection should be formally designated a dangerous communicable disease following the Communicable Disease Act of 2015.

To ensure that surveillance, prevention, and disease control measures are implemented effectively according to the level of risk and the current situation, a panel of experts later met on 12 May and concluded that the disease should receive the classification because of its high severity, the potential for transmission through respiratory droplets, and evidence that some strains can spread from person to person, including growing international concern surrounding the virus. The designation covers both Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS).

Dr. Somruek further stated that the meeting has resolved to approve the draft announcement from the Ministry of Public Health regarding the names and primary symptoms of dangerous communicable diseases. This draft will officially add hantavirus infection as the 14th disease on Thailand’s high-alert list, granting disease control officers broad powers to enforce isolation.

Regarding disease investigation, the implementation of orders, such as isolation or quarantine, is intended to facilitate rapid and effective surveillance, prevention, and control. Dr. Somruek said the designated names and key symptoms are defined as follows:

“Hantavirus disease causes fever, chills, headache, muscle pain and fatigue, with some patients also experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Severe cases may involve coughing, breathing difficulties, pneumonia, fluid accumulation in the lungs, shock, low blood pressure, bleeding, acute kidney failure, respiratory failure and death.”

He continued that the clinical criteria for Hantavirus infection apply to individuals with a fever exceeding 38°C accompanied by at least one of the following symptoms: chills, muscle pain, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Additionally, at least one clinical abnormality must be detected, categorized under Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS), which includes: abnormal bleeding, low blood pressure, or acute renal failure. Alternatively, they may fall under Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS).

Suspected cases must be reported within three hours and disease investigations launched within 12 hours at all levels once a suspected infection is identified. High-risk contacts will be quarantined for 42 days from their last exposure to a suspected or confirmed patient. Anyone developing symptoms during quarantine will be treated as a suspected case and isolated for testing.

Dr. Somruek stated that the measures for surveillance, prevention, and control have been elevated as follows:

Strengthening surveillance at international entry points as the DDC will establish formal criteria for Patients Under Investigation (PUI) and deploy rapid-response disease investigation protocols if suspected domestic cases emerge, including a 42-day quarantine for high-risk contacts, starting from their last date of contact with the patient, with officials providing continuous health monitoring.
Upgrading laboratory systems by the Department of Medical Sciences to improve testing speed and accuracy.
Preparing treatment guidelines and infection prevention measures for hospitals nationwide by the Department of Medical Services.
Instructing provincial health offices and hospitals to intensify local surveillance, ensure suspected cases are reported within three hours, review treatment protocols, and communicate risks to local communities immediately

Dr. Somruek urged that, “I want to reassure the public to remain confident in Thailand’s disease surveillance system and advise anyone with a history of rodent exposure or travel to high-risk areas who develops high fever or breathing difficulties to seek medical attention immediately and disclose their travel history to doctors. It is crucial to do this as it can ensure a rapid diagnosis and prevent the further spread of the disease.”

Bangkok governor set to resign ahead of re-election run

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15 May 2026, 11:58

Bangkok governor set to resign ahead of re-election run

BANGKOK — 15 May 2026, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt is expected to submit his resignation ahead of launching a bid for a second term, local media reported.

The resignation letter is expected to be filed with Thailand’s Interior Ministry before Chadchart formally re-enters the Bangkok gubernatorial race.

Officials at Bangkok Metropolitan Administration headquarters said Chadchart was absent from a scheduled briefing on revisions to the city’s comprehensive urban development plan, with Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon appearing in his place.

When asked whether the governor’s absence was linked to plans to resign before the end of his term, Wisanu said Chadchart had multiple engagements.

Wisanu declined to confirm whether he would remain part of Chadchart’s administration if the governor wins another term, saying Chadchart had yet to formally announce his candidacy.

According to reports, Chadchart plans to travel to the United States after resigning to visit his son and attend celebrations marking his graduation.

683733019 1612581494203853 3847844397342106691 n — One of Chadchart’s campaign, with the slogan “Invite you to work, to make the city work”.

He is expected to officially register his candidacy and unveil his deputy governors and campaign team on 28 May 2026.

Officials said Chadchart’s resignation would automatically dissolve the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s political executive team, including deputy governors, advisers and secretaries.

During the transition period until a new governor is elected, the Bangkok permanent secretary, as the city’s highest-ranking civil servant, will oversee the administration.

City officials are also expected to finalise Bangkok’s 2027 fiscal budget proposal worth 93 billion baht before the new governor takes office and submits it to the Bangkok Metropolitan Council for approval.

MIXUE turns to Win Metawin as it expands Thai youth appeal

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15 May 2026, 11:49

BANGKOK — 15 May 2026, Chinese bubble tea and ice cream chain MIXUE is expanding its presence in Thailand by combining celebrity-driven marketing with community outreach efforts, including a recent event featuring Thai actor Win Metawin Opas-iamkajorn.

As competition in Thailand’s beverage and lifestyle market intensifies, international consumer brands are increasingly seeking ways to build stronger local connections beyond rapid branch expansion and online visibility. Industry observers say younger Thai consumers are paying closer attention to whether brands engage meaningfully with local culture and communities, rather than relying solely on aggressive marketing campaigns.

MIXUE, which entered Thailand in 2022, has steadily expanded across major cities including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Alongside its commercial growth, the company has also participated in several local social initiatives over the past year.

During severe flooding in southern Thailand last year, MIXUE Thailand donated 1 million baht to support relief efforts in affected communities. Earlier this year, company representatives also visited the Nakhon Nayok Special Education Centre, which operates under Thailand’s Ministry of Education, where drinks and gifts were distributed to students and teachers.

More recently, the company organized a “One-Day Store Manager” event at its Siam Square branch in Bangkok on 9 May, featuring actor Win Metawin. Large crowds gathered at the event, reflecting both the actor’s popularity and the growing role celebrity engagement plays in Thailand’s youth-focused consumer market.

Rather than functioning purely as a product promotion, the event centred on customer interaction and social media engagement. Win took part in drink preparation, interacted with customers, and joined staff in routine store activities throughout the day.

This type of campaign has become increasingly common as brands compete for visibility among younger consumers who value experience-driven engagement and online shareability.

Thailand’s youth market has become particularly important for international brands seeking long-term growth, especially as younger consumers increasingly expect companies to demonstrate awareness of local culture and social issues alongside commercial expansion.

MIXUE’s partnership with Win Metawin reflects a broader strategy of embedding itself more deeply within Thai youth culture, including through university-oriented promotions, online campaigns, and entertainment partnerships.

While many foreign brands previously emphasized their international image when entering Thailand, but consumer expectations are shifting toward brands that appear more locally engaged and culturally aware.

The company has indicated it plans to continue investing in local marketing partnerships, youth-oriented campaigns, and social initiatives as it expands further in Thailand.

In an increasingly competitive consumer landscape, long-term success may depend not only on pricing and expansion, but also on whether brands can sustain meaningful engagement with local communities and consumers over time.

Cambodia releases Thai man detained near border

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15 May 2026, 11:32

SURIN — Cambodian authorities have released a Thai man known as “Uncle Yot” and returned him to Thailand following coordination between Thai and Cambodian regional border committees, officials said on Friday.

According to reports, Maj. Gen. Nid Narong, deputy chief of staff of Cambodia’s Border Protection Force 4 and head of the Cambodian Regional Border Committee (RBC), contacted Thailand’s 2nd Army Region on Thursday regarding the repatriation of Yot Sainoi, or “Uncle Yot.”

The handover took place at Chong Sa-ngam border checkpoint in Phu Sing district of Sisaket province at around 11:00 on 15 May. Maj. Gen. Kampanat Waphansu, chief of staff of the 2nd Army Region and head of the Thai RBC delegation, received the 58-year-old Thai national from Cambodian officials.

Officials said Yot appeared to be in good health and showed no signs of injury.

The 2nd Army Region said the return was achieved through close coordination between Thailand’s 2nd Army Region and Cambodia’s Border Protection Force 4 under the RBC mechanism, which both sides described as a positive sign of continued bilateral cooperation aimed at easing tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border.

Yot, a resident of Prasat district in Surin province, had earlier been reported missing by his family after entering a forest area near the Thai-Cambodian border in Kab Choeng district on 25 April. Thai authorities later found his motorcycle abandoned near the forest edge and launched a joint search and coordination effort with security agencies.

Following talks with Cambodian officials, Thai authorities were informed that Yot had illegally crossed into Cambodia and was arrested by Cambodian forces. He was prosecuted in Oddar Meanchey province on charges of illegal entry and trespassing in a military area before being detained in a provincial prison prior to his release.

Building a Healthier Future Together: Why Taiwan and Thailand Are Essential Partners for Global Health

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15 May 2026, 11:13

This article is authored by Peter Lan, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand.

As the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) approaches, the global community once again gathers to address the most pressing health challenges of our time. From the rising tide of noncommunicable diseases to the complexities of aging societies, the need for inclusive, science-based cooperation has never been more urgent. In this endeavor, Thailand stands as a beacon of leadership in Southeast Asia, and Taiwan stands ready to contribute as a vital, professional partner.

Thailand’s Leadership: A Model for the Region

Thailand has long been recognized as a regional leader in public health, particularly through its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) system. In 2026, Thailand continues to champion science-based actions and health equity, emphasizing that health is a fundamental right. By hosting significant international health forums and actively participating in World Health Organization (WHO) initiatives, Thailand has demonstrated how strategic investment in primary healthcare can transform a nation’s well-being.

Mr.Peter Lan — Peter Lan, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand.

Taiwan and Thailand: Shared Visions and Synergistic Strengths

Taiwan and Thailand share a remarkably similar outlook on the future of healthcare. Both sides are navigating the transition into “super-aged” societies, smart healthcare and are pivoting toward high-tech, people-centered solutions.

Taiwan’s “Healthy Taiwan” initiative, launched by President Lai Ching-te, focuses on extending healthy life expectancy and integrating physical and mental well-being. This aligns perfectly with Thailand’s focus on holistic health. Our cooperation can yield transformative results in several key areas:

Digital Healthcare and AI: Taiwan has pioneered AI in chronic disease management, such as AI-based diabetes risk prediction models developed with partners like Google. These tools, linked with our National Health Insurance (NHI) system, allow for precise, personalized care.
Infectious Disease Surveillance: Taiwan’s highly digitalized surveillance system successfully flagged the initial COVID-19 outbreak in late 2019. Our geographic proximity to regional hubs allows us to detect outbreaks early, providing a stronger early warning system for Southeast Asia.
Smart Long-Term Care: As populations age, Taiwan is deploying smart assistive technologies to reduce the burden on personnel. Sharing these innovations can help both sides maintain high-quality care amidst demographic shifts.

The Cost of Taiwan’s Exclusion

Despite our proven track record—including achieving WHO hepatitis C elimination targets five years ahead of schedule in 2025—Taiwan’s participation in the WHO remains limited. Between 2012 and 2025, Taiwan was invited to an average of only seven technical meetings per year.

This “blind spot” in the global health network is a risk for the entire world. When Taiwan is blocked from the WHO Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing (PABS) System or the Global Pandemic Supply Chain and Logistics Network, the international community loses access to real-time data and a world-class manufacturing hub for medical supplies.

Time to “Chip in with Taiwan”

Taiwan is a trusted partner of the global health community. We have consistently shared technologies and supplies, such as licensing COVID-19 vaccine technology to the WHO. We do not seek to disrupt; we seek to fulfill our responsibilities as a responsible member of the international community.

We call on all nations, including our friends in Thailand, to support Taiwan’s participation in the WHA as an observer. Health knows no borders. To build a more resilient and secure world, it is time to “Chip in with Taiwan”.

Thai officials seize 43 cattle near Cambodia border

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15 May 2026, 11:07

Thai officials seize 43 cattle near Cambodia border

SA KAEO — 15 May 2026, Thai livestock and security officials seized 43 cattle allegedly being smuggled toward the Cambodian border during a patrol operation in eastern Thailand, authorities said.

The operation was led by Sa Kaeo Animal Quarantine Station chief Suphot Sangka and involved livestock officials, border security forces and Border Patrol Police officers.

Authorities said officers encountered a group of men herding two mixed-sex beef cattle herds near Ban Saeng village in Ta Phraya district close to the Thai-Cambodian border.

When officers moved in to inspect the animals, the men fled into nearby forested areas and escaped arrest, officials said.

A subsequent search uncovered two groups of cattle nearby, one containing 13 animals and the other 30, for a total of 43 cattle.

Officials said the animals were seized and transferred to the Sa Kaeo Animal Quarantine Station in Ta Phraya district because their origin could not be verified and authorities feared the potential spread of livestock diseases.

Samples were collected for laboratory testing, and police records were filed at Thap Thai police station.

Authorities said that if no infectious diseases are detected and no owner comes forward to claim the cattle, the animals will be auctioned in accordance with government regulations.

Thai police arrest Nigerian man for nearly 3-year overstay

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15 May 2026, 10:19

NONTHABURI — 14 May 2026, Thai immigration police have arrested a Nigerian man accused of overstaying his visa for nearly three years after he allegedly remained in the country to live with his Thai girlfriend, authorities said.

The 29-year-old man was detained at a condominium in Nonthaburi province following a tip-off received through the Immigration Bureau’s hotline, police said.

Investigators from Nonthaburi Immigration Police searched the condominium on Bangkok-Nonthaburi Road and found the suspect living on the 17th floor of the building.

Authorities said he entered Thailand on 13 April 2023 on a tourist visa during the Songkran holiday festival and repeatedly extended his stay. His most recent visa extension expired on 6 June 2024, after which he remained in the country illegally for 1,069 days, police said.

During questioning, the suspect told officers he travelled to Thailand to attend Songkran celebrations in Bangkok and later began a relationship with a Thai woman.

Police said he attempted to obtain a student visa through an educational institution in Nakhon Ratchasima province, but the application was rejected. He later continued extending his tourist visa before eventually overstaying.

The suspect reportedly told investigators he was unemployed and financially supported by his girlfriend.

Immigration officers charged him with remaining in Thailand after his permission to stay had expired, in violation of Thailand’s Immigration Act. He was transferred to Muang Nonthaburi police station for further legal proceedings.

Temple thieves steal Buddha finials and replica footprint

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15 May 2026, 09:51

Temple thieves steal Buddha finials and replica footprint

RATCHABURI — 14 May 2026, thieves stole brass religious artefacts and temple property from a Buddhist temple, including brass finials from Buddha statues and a large replica Buddha footprint kept inside a cave used for meditation, monks said.

The thefts were reported at Wat Tham Kunchon Rat Rangsan in Pak Tho district, where monks discovered that brass decorations and valuable temple items had gradually disappeared from several buildings across the hilltop temple complex.

Phra Athikan Phanuphong Puriyano, abbot of the temple, said brass finials from more than 10 Buddha statues had been removed or cut away. Older Buddha statues inside the temple had also been damaged, while smaller brass Buddha figures placed at the base of a shrine had disappeared entirely.

The thieves also stole electrical wiring, circuit boards, power sockets, two air-conditioning units, ceiling fan blades and CCTV cameras from the temple grounds, the abbot said.

Among the missing items was a large brass replica Buddha footprint installed more than 10 years ago inside a cave used by Buddhist worshippers for meditation and prayer. Water naturally dripped onto the footprint from stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave, making it one of the temple’s most revered sites.

The abbot said the loss of the footprint was particularly painful because it had been created through donations and religious devotion from local worshippers.

He said he believed the thieves had gradually cut the brass artefacts into smaller pieces for resale because some items were too large to remove intact.

The temple houses only three monks, and the abbot said one section of the grounds had been left under the care of two monks, one of whom had fallen ill before the thefts were discovered.

Police were notified two days earlier and are investigating possible involvement by a temple assistant after pieces of cut brass allegedly linked to the stolen footprint were found in the person’s possession.

The suspect reportedly claimed the abbot had authorised the removal, but the abbot denied this and said he believed the individual may also have been connected to the disappearance of other temple property.

The abbot said the temple would continue restoration efforts while authorities pursued legal action.

Russia Strikes Ukraine for Third Day, 9 Dead

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15 May 2026, 09:31

Russia Strikes Ukraine for Third Day, 9 Dead

KYIV — 15 May 2026, BBC reported that Russian forces launched waves of missiles and drones at Kyiv and several other Ukrainian regions for a third consecutive day on Thursday, 14 May, local time, killing at least nine people, including a 12-year-old girl, according to Ukrainian officials.

Ukraine’s emergency services revealed that rescuers recovered bodies from the rubble of a partially destroyed apartment building in Kyiv and were searching for more than 20 missing people. Kyiv Mayor, Vitalii Klitschko, said dozens of people were injured in the strikes, including two children.

The latest bombardment came after a three-day ceasefire agreement expired on Monday, 11 May. Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, stated that more than 670 drones and 56 missiles were targeted at Ukraine during the overnight strikes, describing it as one of the largest attacks carried out by Russia since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Zelenskyy said the strikes targeted more than 180 locations across Ukraine, including more than 50 residential buildings. Many Russian drones and missiles were intercepted, with the overall interception rate reaching 93%. He added that there must be a response for the sake of justice, while calling on allied nations to hold Russia accountable and maintain global sanctions.

Interior Minister, Ihor Klymenko, said more than 1,500 rescue workers and police officers were deployed following the overnight attacks, including nearly 600 personnel operating in Kyiv.

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