Thai PM collects royal rice seeds, vows drought support

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13 May 2026, 12:12

Thai PM collects royal rice seeds, vows drought support

BANGKOK — 13 May 2026, Thai Prime Minister and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul joined members of the public in collecting royal rice seeds after the Royal Ploughing Ceremony, saying the seeds would be planted in his own rice field while assuring farmers the government had measures in place to address expected drought conditions this year.

After the annual Royal Ploughing Ceremony, Anutin walked to a demonstration rice field where royal rice seeds had been scattered and joined members of the public in gathering the seeds into prepared bags.

The prime minister said it was his first time collecting the royal rice seeds, adding that he had never previously had the opportunity to take part in the activity despite attending the ceremony in earlier years.

When asked by reporters what he planned to do with the seeds, Anutin initially declined to answer and continued collecting rice grains before later confirming that he owned rice fields and intended to plant the seeds there.

“I do,” he replied when asked whether he had his own rice fields, adding that he would reveal later where the seeds would be planted once they begin to grow.

Anutin later posed for photographs with award-winning farmers and outstanding agriculturalists recognised during the ceremony.

Asked about government preparations for possible drought conditions this year, the prime minister said authorities had already coordinated water management plans through the Office of the National Water Resources, the Royal Irrigation Department and other agencies to secure water supplies for farmers, including groundwater sources.

He added that the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation and the Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning would also work together to address drought-related problems, following weather forecasts indicating dry conditions later this year.

Anutin said the government aimed to maximise water storage and secure additional water sources to minimise the impact on farmers.

During the event, some members of the public approached the prime minister to greet him and jokingly asked in the Isaan dialect whether he was a “real Isaan person or a fake one”, to which Anutin laughed and replied: “A fake Isaan.”

Some attendees also asked whether they would receive a promised 1,000-baht cash handout at the end of the month, although the prime minister did not respond to the question.

Thailand tightens drone rules effective 17 May

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13 May 2026, 10:54

Thailand tightens drone rules effective 17 May

BANGKOK — 13 May 2026, Thailand’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAAT) has issued new regulations tightening controls on drone operations, including mandatory training, aircraft registration and online flight permission requests, as the government seeks to improve aviation safety standards and support expanding commercial drone use.

Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Pherdvivatana said the new rules will take effect on 17 May and apply to drones weighing no more than 25 kilogrammes.

Under the new regulations, drone operations that differ from conditions set out in the 2015 Transport Ministry announcement will now fall under a “Specific Category”, covering medium-risk operations that require risk assessments and prior approval from CAAT before flights can take place.

The category includes commercial drone activities such as filming, aerial surveys, flights in restricted areas and other operations outside standard conditions.

Lalida said drone operators will now be required to complete CAAT-approved training courses covering aviation law, air traffic regulations, flight safety and risk management. Operators must also obtain authorisation corresponding to the type of aircraft they intend to use.

The regulations additionally introduce mandatory electronic aircraft registration. All drones must display visible registration numbers in the standard format XX-NN-NN-NNNN, with letters and numbers printed in contrasting colours and measuring more than 0.3 centimetres in height to improve monitoring and enforcement.

Applicants seeking flight approval must submit flight plans online for each operation, including the purpose of the flight, date, time, flight area or coordinates, names of operators and insurance documents. CAAT may also require additional safety measures such as flight manuals, risk management plans or demonstration flights before approval is granted.

The new 2026 regulations replace several provisions under the 2015 rules. Previously, operator training was not mandatory, drones were not required to carry registration numbers and flight approval was not needed for every operation.

Under the updated system, licences will remain valid for five years instead of two, with renewals required at least 30 days before expiry. Paper-based submissions will also be replaced entirely by online procedures.

Third-party insurance requirements remain unchanged, with operators still required to maintain minimum coverage of one million baht per incident.

Authorities said operators already licensed under the 2015 rules may continue operating until their permits expire. However, any flights classified under the new Specific Category rules will require compliance with the updated regulations.

Lalida said the government supported the use of drones in the digital economy, agriculture, creative industries and modern business sectors, but stressed that operations must comply with safety standards and social responsibility requirements.

18 Thais repatriated from Cambodia arrested in scam probe

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13 May 2026, 10:26

18 Thais repatriated from Cambodia arrested in scam probe

CHANTHABURI — 12 May 2026, Thai authorities detained 18 Thai nationals repatriated from Cambodia after investigators found links to online scam networks, including mule bank accounts tied to more than 60 fraud cases, officials said.

Maj. Gen. Phadungsak Raksasuk, commander of Chanthaburi Provincial Police, said the group was received at 10:00 at the Ban Phak Kad permanent border crossing in Pong Nam Ron district after coordination with the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Siem Reap, Cambodia.

The operation involved officers from Pong Nam Ron police station, Chanthaburi Immigration Police and military personnel from the Chanthaburi Marine Task Force.

Authorities said the 18 Thais had recently completed prison sentences in Cambodia for illegal entry and other offences.

Upon arrival in Thailand, immigration officers charged them under Thailand’s Immigration Act for entering or leaving the country outside officially designated checkpoints.

Further background checks uncovered additional criminal links.

Police said four individuals, identified as Wicha Singnan, Ekpot Rattanakorn, Saharat Rattanakorn and Phachara Phonrit, were wanted under outstanding arrest warrants and were immediately transferred to the jurisdictions handling their cases.

Investigators also found that seven members of the group were listed in the Thai Police Online database as being connected to mule bank accounts used by scam syndicates.

Among them, Phuwadon Nonkhamphai was linked to 17 case IDs, Thitinan Suwanmek to 16 case IDs, and Thananan Maplian to 11 case IDs. Authorities said the seven suspects were connected to a combined total of more than 60 fraud-related case IDs.

Military officials said the suspects would be held for up to seven days under powers granted by Thailand’s Martial Law Act of 1914 because of suspected links to transnational online crime networks operating along the Thai-Cambodian border.

Officials said the investigation would focus on identifying wider criminal networks using the Chanthaburi border area as a transit route for scam operations.

Chanthaburi police said they were coordinating with police jurisdictions nationwide where fraud complaints had been filed in order to gather evidence and pursue further legal action against the scam syndicates.

People’s Party Unveils Pattaya Mayor Bid with “For All” Vow

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13 May 2026, 10:16

People’s Party Unveils Pattaya Mayor Bid with “For All” Vow

PATTAYA — 12 May 2026, Natthaphong Ruengpanyawut, leader of the People’s Party, and Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, chairman of the Progressive Movement, on Tuesday launched “Wat” Mr. Itthiwat Wattanasartsathorn as the People’s Party candidate for Pattaya mayor, pledging a platform centred on transparency, welfare and support for small businesses.

The launch event, held at 18:00 at the backyard of Sohotown on Pattaya Second Road, Soi 1 in Chonburi province, also introduced 24 city council candidates representing all four electoral districts. Supporters gathered in large numbers to attend the rally.

“Teng” Natthaphong opened the campaign under the vision “Pattaya: City of Opportunity,” questioning whether future growth would benefit all residents or only select groups. He also urged voters to cast their ballots in the 28 June election to help “decide and change Pattaya”.

Drawing on visits to local communities with MPs from the area, Natthaphong stated during the speech that Pattaya had changed significantly in recent years, citing rising living costs, more difficult trading conditions, and growing competition from large investors and grey economy businesses. He said small entrepreneurs, fishermen and local workers had been particularly affected.

Additionally, he raised concerns over public safety, including organized influence, firearms, and drug-related crime, which many residents seemed linking to local politics. Pattaya, he emphasized, should provide equal opportunities for all citizens.

Natthaphong thanked supporters who had backed the movement since the days of the Future Forward Party, Move Forward Party, and until now as People’s Party, saying the group had consistently pushed for reforms despite never having formed a national government. He confirmed policies, including 120 days of maternity leave, labor protections for night-shift workers, and scrutiny of social security spending.

The People’s Party leader also announced that the party was now ready to seek its first opportunity to govern Pattaya, promising the future mayoral candidates for Pattaya and their team will present their vision to show their policies based on experience from projects implemented successfully in other areas.

Drone spots missing man lying in forest after hours-long search

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13 May 2026, 09:31

CHONBURI — 13 May 2026, more than 50 villagers and officials joined an overnight search for a 54-year-old man with a neurological condition who wandered away from his home before being found exhausted but safe in a forested area after a thermal drone detected his location.

web1 2 — The missing man (left) was located by a thermal-imaging drone during an overnight search before rescue workers brought him to safety.

Rescue workers from Sawanghet Thung Hiang Rescue Unit were notified at about 20:00 on Tuesday that the man had gone missing behind Wat Krabok Khu in Moo 5, Tha Bun Mi subdistrict, Ko Chan district, Chonburi.

Relatives said the man disappeared from his home at about 18:00. Family members initially searched for him but could not locate him, prompting them to alert local authorities and rescue teams.

Ms. Janjira Thongthanom, village head of Tha Bun Mi subdistrict, said local officials, village leaders, a rapid response unit from the Department of National Parks, rescue workers and villagers mobilised to search dense forest behind the community.

During the operation, officials deployed a thermal-imaging drone, which detected a heat signature near a pond about 600 m from the man’s home. A ground search team later reached the area and found him at about 00:30 on Wednesday in an exhausted condition but unharmed.

Relatives and search teams expressed relief after the man was brought to safety.

Thailand approves Dutch Embassy land purchase in Bangkok

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12 May 2026, 18:15

Thailand’s Cabinet has approved a draft exchange of letters allowing the Netherlands to purchase land in Bangkok for a new ambassador’s residence, a government spokesperson said on Tuesday.

Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Phermsriwatthana said the Dutch Embassy plans to buy two plots of land and buildings covering a total area of about 1,500 square metres in Soi Ruam Rudi, Lumphini subdistrict, Pathumwan district, to serve as the new residence of the Dutch ambassador to Thailand.

She said the Netherlands currently owns more than 15 rai of land in Thailand, meaning any additional land acquisition must be considered by the Cabinet on a case-by-case basis under existing regulations.

Read Netherlands to sell Bangkok embassy site, move to Dusit Central Park

The agreement sets out rights related to the ownership of land, buildings and condominiums for embassy or consular use, including exemptions on taxes, fees and related charges based on reciprocity between the two countries.

Relevant agencies, including the Treasury Department, Land Department, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and Royal Thai Police, raised no objections, saying the site is suitable for diplomatic use and has adequate security measures.

Lalida said the move would help the Dutch Embassy better align its premises with modern diplomatic missions, while Thailand would receive reciprocal benefits should it seek to acquire additional property in the Netherlands in the future.

She said the agreement reflected stable Thai-Dutch relations based on mutual trust, legal principles and reciprocity.

Thailand Probes 34 Suspected Nominee Firms on Islands

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12 May 2026, 17:40

Thailand Probes 34 Suspected Nominee Firms on Islands

BANGKOK — 12 May 2026, Thailand’s Department of Special Investigation (DSI) has launched investigations into 34 companies on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, Surat Thani, suspected of operating as nominee businesses using Thai nationals as proxy shareholders for foreign investors.

DSI Director-General, Pol. Maj. Yutthana Praedam, and Director of Bureau of Security Crime, Pol. Lt. Col. Chanchai Likitkantason, discuss on strengthening efforts to combat illegal foreign business operations in major tourist destinations with Mr. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director-General of Department of Business Development (DBD), and relevant officials, to establish a collaborative framework for investigating and suppressing nominee businesses in Thailand’s major tourist destinations. The crackdown follows direct orders from the Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice, aimed at protecting national interests and ensuring fair business competition.

Following the meeting, investigators said data scans of companies in several tourism provinces revealed widespread risks of nominee structures involving increasingly complex ownership arrangements. Officials also cited complaints from local residents alleging that some groups of foreigners had improperly exploited local resources and engaged in activities that disrupted communities while disregarding Thai law. In response, the DSI and DBD are now teaming up to implement a strategic audit of these suspected nominee firms.

The initial focus will centre on Koh Samui and Koh Phangan in Surat Thani province, the first sites of a major proactive investigation. Authorities analysed more than 11,426 registered companies and categorised them by high, medium and low risk to ensure a systematic and efficient investigation. Furthermore, this nominee probe is expected to expand later to other tourism hubs including Phuket, Krabi, Phang Nga, Pattaya and Hua Hin.

On 12 May, Yutthana revealed that after exchanging intelligence with Director-General of Department of Business Development, the DSI had assigned its security cases bureau to conduct a formal inquiry into companies suspected of using Thai shareholders as nominees for foreign owners. The Department of Business Development submitted information on 34 companies with combined assets exceeding 100 million baht each to the DSI for deeper investigation.

Authorities have already identified around 20 of the 34 companies with assets of at least 100 million baht each as requiring further scrutiny. Investigators will examine shareholder structures, ownership proportions and whether Thai shareholders possess financial backgrounds consistent with their investments. A key part of the nominee test is checking financial credibility that whether a shareholder’s reported income matches their multi-million baht investment. Officials will also review whether ownership changed hands suspiciously during company operations. Overall, the investigation aims to determine whether shareholders genuinely own the businesses or merely hold shares on behalf of foreign nationals. Authorities noted that this detailed verification is a standard procedure but will take time to ensure all facts are gathered.

Yutthana further revealed that the 20 companies currently under DSI investigation operate in various industries. However, investigators must verify whether these activities are prohibited under Thailand’s Foreign Business Act of 1999 in restricted sectors. If evidence of nominee arrangements is confirmed, the cases could be accepted as special investigations leading to criminal prosecution.

The report also indicated that the Department of Business Development utilizes digital systems, specifically “DBD Biz Regist” (E-Biz) for company incorporation and shareholder changes, and “DBD e-Filing” for submitting financial statements and shareholder lists. Theoretically, these platforms are technically capable of identifying unusual shareholder patterns, including individuals holding shares in multiple companies beyond their apparent financial capacity. However, it has been noted that nominee-based company structures can reportedly be established within a single day.

Data compiled by the department showed particularly high levels of foreign investment participation in the major tourist hubs in Surat Thani, specifically Koh Samui and Koh Phangan, a high prevalence of potential nominee business operations was identified.

In Surat Thani province, 11,649 out of 21,717 registered companies ,or 53.6%, involve foreign investors. The top 10 nationalities by investment volume are:

French (2,365 companies / 20%)
British (1,446 / 12%)
Russian (1,205 / 10%)
Israeli (1,147 / 10%)
German (608 / 5%)
Chinese (569 / 5%)
American (444 / 4%)
Australian (335 / 3%)
Italian (258 / 2%)
Belgian (222 / 2%).

On Koh Phangan, 3,213 out of 4,761 companies, or 67.48%, involve foreign investment. The top 10 nationalities participating in these ventures are:

Israeli (720 / 22%)
French (426 / 13%)
British (359 / 11%)
Russians (306 / 10%)
German (194 / 6%)
American (144 / 4%)
Italians (89 / 3%)
Ukrainian (69 / 2%)
Australian (58 / 2%)
Belgian (56 / 2%)

On Koh Samui, 8,213 out of 12,050 companies, or 68.16%, include foreign investment, led mainly by investors from:

French (1,937 / 24%)
British (1,077 / 13%)
Russian (885 / 11%)
Chinese (478 / 6%)
Israeli (419 / 5%)
German (406 / 5%)
American (291 / 4%)
Australian (273 / 3%)
Swiss (173 / 2%)
Italian (169 / 2%)

Combined, Koh Samui and Koh Phangan host 11,426 foreign-invested companies, representing 67.97% of the 16,811 companies across the two islands, with authorities noting that investors frequently originate from the same groups of countries.

Princess grants 690,000 targeted cancer drug tablets to patients nationwide

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12 May 2026, 17:19

688532670_1384258847064855_8092723225171437538_n — Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana

Her Royal Highness Princess Chulabhorn Krom Phra Srisavangavadhana on Thursday bestowed 690,000 tablets of a targeted cancer drug to Thailand’s National Health Security Office (NHSO) for distribution to cancer patients nationwide under the universal healthcare scheme.

The royal initiative, titled the “69th Birthday Anniversary Cancer Drug Project”, was launched in honour of the Princess’s upcoming birthday on 4 July 2026. The handover ceremony took place at the Chulabhorn Royal Academy in Bangkok’s Lak Si district.

NHSO Secretary-General Dr. Jadej Thammatacharee received the targeted cancer medication, Imcranib 100, which will be distributed to eligible patients under the gold card healthcare scheme across the country.

Imcranib 100 is the first targeted cancer drug developed and manufactured in Thailand by the Chulabhorn Royal Academy’s pharmaceutical plant. The drug received approval from Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration on 20 May 2025 and was added to the Thai Innovation List on 30 March 2026.

The medication works by inhibiting tyrosine kinase enzymes involved in certain cancers and is considered part of modern targeted cancer therapy, to be prescribed under specialist supervision.

The NHSO said the donated medication would be allocated according to medical guidelines to ensure fair and appropriate access for patients in need.

Officials said the initiative not only expands access to cancer treatment, but also marks a significant step in strengthening Thailand’s domestic pharmaceutical capability and long-term medical innovation development.

Thai Cabinet Approves Border Troops Compensation Fund

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12 May 2026, 17:12

Thai Cabinet Approves Border Troops Compensation Fund

BANGKOK — 12 May 2026, Thailand’s Cabinet has approved 452.35 million baht in compensation for military personnel affected by clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border, with families of soldiers killed or permanently disabled to receive 10 million baht each, the defence minister said on Tuesday.

Defence Minister Lt. Gen. Adul Boonthamcharoen said the Cabinet approved the Defence Ministry’s request for emergency central budget funsoldierding for the 2026 fiscal year to assist personnel affected by the border situation.

A total of 91 military personnel qualified for compensation, including 29 killed, 12 permanently disabled, 39 seriously injured and 11 classified as severely injured, he said.

Under the scheme:

Families of personnel killed will receive 10 million baht each.
Permanently disabled personnel will receive 10 million baht each.
Seriously injured personnel will receive 1 million baht each.
Personnel classified as severely injured will receive 500,000 baht each.

Adul said the measures reflected the government’s concern for military personnel and the families of those who sacrificed themselves while protecting the country.

“The government will not abandon those who perform their duties for the nation,” he said, adding that the Defence Ministry would continue supporting affected personnel and their families through welfare benefits, compensation and long-term rehabilitation assistance.

The ministry defined “killed” as deaths directly resulting from or linked to the Thai-Cambodian border conflict.

“Permanent disability” refers to the loss of major organs or permanent physical impairment caused directly or indirectly by the conflict, including the loss of limbs, eyesight or the function of vital organs.

“Seriously injured” refers to personnel admitted to hospital for more than 20 days as a result of the conflict.

“Severely injured” refers to personnel hospitalised for between two and 20 days because of the incidents.

Thailand approves ‘Hero Gold Card’ for fallen soldiers’ families

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12 May 2026, 16:29

Thailand’s Cabinet on Tuesday approved a special healthcare support scheme dubbed the “UC Heroes” or “Golden Card for Heroes” programme to provide continued medical coverage for the families of 27 soldiers killed during clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border.

Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Pherdsriwattana said after the Cabinet meeting at Government House that the measure is intended to ensure family members of deceased military personnel continue receiving healthcare benefits even after the rights holder has died.

According to the government, the deaths of the 27 soldiers resulted in 40 family members losing access to the civil servant medical welfare scheme and reverting to Thailand’s universal healthcare system.

Under the new measure, the National Health Security Office (NHSO) will grant affected family members “UC Heroes” status, allowing them to receive healthcare benefits equivalent to those provided under the civil servant medical scheme.

The benefits will remain in place until recipients become eligible for other healthcare rights under the law. Children of deceased soldiers will continue receiving coverage until reaching legal adulthood.

Lalida said the government recognised the sacrifices made by military personnel and state officials protecting national sovereignty and public safety.

“Those who sacrificed for the nation should not only be remembered on the day they passed away. Their families must also be cared for with dignity,” she said.

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