Suvarnabhumi’s ‘Depresscalator’: Thailand’s saddest ride

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31 May 2026, 14:24

BANGKOK — Every country has its landmarks. Thailand, according to some travellers on social media, has one that is a little less glamorous than most: the “Depresscalator.”

The nickname refers to the long moving staircase that carries departing passengers from the international check-in area toward security screening at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.

For many travellers, stepping onto the escalator marks the emotional end of a holiday in Thailand. The beaches, street food, island sunsets and late-night adventures are suddenly behind them. Ahead lies a long flight home, work emails and the return to everyday life.

As a result, the escalator has earned a reputation online as perhaps the saddest ride in the country.

Posts about the “Depresscalator” regularly appear on social media, where travellers share photos and videos of the familiar ascent. Some jokingly describe it as the moment their vacation officially ends. Others say it is where reality begins to set in.

“The holiday is over,” one traveller wrote. “Every time I ride this escalator, I immediately start planning my next trip back to Thailand,” another commented.

The phenomenon highlights Thailand’s enduring appeal among international visitors. For millions of tourists, the kingdom is more than just a destination. It is a place associated with relaxation, hospitality, affordability and memorable experiences.

The escalator itself is unremarkable. It simply carries passengers from one level of the terminal to another. Yet for frequent visitors, it has become a symbol.

Unlike arrival halls, which are filled with anticipation and excitement, departure areas often carry a different mood. Families say goodbye. Friends part ways. Holidaymakers take their final photographs before boarding.

At Suvarnabhumi, all those emotions seem to converge on one moving staircase.

Whether it is truly the world’s saddest escalator is impossible to verify. But among Thailand’s many unofficial attractions, the “Depresscalator” may be one of the most relatable.

For many travellers, it is the moment a Thai holiday officially comes to an end.

Paris police detain dozens after violence erupts during celebrations of PSG’s Champions League title

By

Associated Press

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31 May 2026, 13:51

Hungary Champions League Final Soccer — A car burns and fireworks explode as police watch PSG supporters celebrate in Paris, Saturday, May 30, 2026 after the Champions League final soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal that's being played in Budapest., PSG won the game. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)

PARIS (AP) — Paris police detained dozens of people after violence disrupted celebrations late Saturday of Paris Saint-Germain’s second Champions League title win and a group tried to storm a police station in the French capital.

Fans began celebrating in Paris after the final whistle earlier in the evening in Budapest, Hungary, where PSG won by beating Arsenal on penalties in a dramatic final.

AP26150703817330 — PSG’s head coach Luis Enrique lifts the trophy celebrating after winning the Champions League final soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal in Budapest, Hungary, Saturday, May 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Petr Josek)

Fans marched along the avenues near the Arc de Triomphe, with some setting off flares and blaring car horns. Around 20,000 people gathered on the Champs-Elysees, with police working to contain the crowd.

The Paris police prefecture said smaller groups caused disturbances in various locations, with some vandalizing shops and setting fires. Cars were also set ablaze. One police officer was injured. Those who attempted to storm a police station in the posh 8th Arrondissement neighborhood were dispersed, police said.

AP26150734694177 — A car burns and fireworks explode as police watch PSG supporters celebrate in Paris, Saturday, May 30, 2026 after the Champions League final soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal that’s being played in Budapest, PSG won the game. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)

It said that by 10 p.m., 45 people were taken into custody.

The main ring road surrounding Paris was briefly blockaded by a crowd before police dispersed it. Police also said one bakery and a restaurant were damaged.

Officers also contained about 1,000 people gathered near the PSG stadium in the 16th Arrondissement and cleared barricades made from bicycles.

AP26150811612675 — Police try to disperses PSG supporters who left off fireworks as they celebrate in Paris, Saturday, May 30, 2026 after the Champions League final soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Arsenal that was played in Budapest, PSG won the game. (AP Photo/Thomas Padilla)

In May last year following PSG’s first title, when 201 people were injured in the French capital and police made more than 500 arrests across France, Paris was on high alert, with 8,000 police officers deployed across the city.

Fire guts plastic packaging factory in Samut Sakhon

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Khaosod English

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31 May 2026, 13:01

SAMUT SAKHON — A fire broke out at a packaging factory in Ban Phaeo district early on 31 May 2026, gutting one production building and causing extensive damage to machinery and equipment.

The blaze started at around 05:50 at Xinbang Group Co., Ltd. on Moo 2, Rong Khaeo subdistrict, a manufacturer and exporter of corrugated cardboard and plastic packaging products. The factory sits on a plot of more than 10 rai.

The fire broke out in the section of the factory used to produce plastic boxes, where large quantities of plastic pellets, chemical compounds, and finished products were stored alongside machinery. Nearly 20 firetrucks from Lak Ha subdistrict municipality and nearby areas responded to the scene. As no natural water source was available nearby, crews pumped water from Irrigation Canal Dee 4 and relayed it to trucks inside the compound.

Firefighters brought the blaze under control in about an hour, though smoke continued to rise intermittently from smouldering plastic debris. Crews maintained a continuous water spray to prevent the fire from reigniting.

One production building collapsed as a result of the fire. All equipment and materials inside were destroyed.

Residents told police they spotted flames coming from one of the buildings and immediately alerted authorities. Workers at the scene at the time of the fire could not be located afterwards, leaving the cause unclear.

Pol. Capt. Thananchai Thao Sombun, deputy investigation inspector at Ban Phaeo Police Station, said forensic officers would be called in to determine the cause, and workers present at the time would be summoned for questioning.

Century of faith: Bangkok’s new Tai Hong Kong White Jade Shrine opens to public

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Khaosod English

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31 May 2026, 12:20

BANGKOK — A new Chinese shrine has opened in the heart of the capital, blending Teochew architectural heritage with a royal tribute and over a century of charitable tradition.

The Tai Hong Kong White Jade Shrine, built to mark His Majesty the King’s 72nd birthday, officially opened to the public on 25 May 2026 on Charoen Rat Road in the Sathon area. On 20 May, His Majesty the King, accompanied by Her Majesty the Queen, presided over the opening ceremony and granted the building its name.

The shrine is managed by the Por Teck Tung Foundation, one of Thailand’s oldest Chinese charitable organisations, whose roots trace back to 1899 when 710 Chinese residents pooled funds to establish a public cemetery open to all, regardless of class, ethnicity, or religion.

At the heart of the shrine stands a white jade statue of Luang Pu Tai Hong, a Chinese monk from the Song Dynasty revered for his compassion — collecting the dead for burial, treating the sick, and providing food to the poor. The statue, carved from three pieces of white jade, stands 5.10 metres tall and weighs 51.50 tonnes, among the largest of its kind in Thailand. Flanking the central figure are white jade statues of Bodhisattva Ksitigarbha and Guanyin, each standing 3.365 metres tall and weighing 16.50 tonnes.

The shrine was designed in the southern Chinese Teochew architectural style, a collaboration between Thai and Chinese architects from Kasem Design and Construction and the Tianyi Ancient Architecture Design Office in China. The structure features red-painted granite columns carved with dragons, ceramic roof tiles decorated with traditional Teochew cut-porcelain patterns, and walls adorned with 35 carved and painted white jade panels depicting Buddhist figures and moral teachings. Eleven granite relief carvings along the outer walls tell the life story of Luang Pu Tai Hong.

Construction began with a foundation-laying ceremony on 14 June 2021, presided over by Privy Council President Gen. Surayud Chulanont.

The shrine sits on a 4-rai plot adjacent to the foundation’s 80th Birthday Commemorative Garden, with a total usable area of over 11,000 square metres, including an underground car park, multipurpose hall, and garden.

It is open daily from 07:00 to 18:00. Incense, ceremonial paper, and sacred amulets are available free of charge.

Son shoots father three times after years of alleged abuse

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Khaosod English

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31 May 2026, 12:00

PHETCHABURI — A 21-year-old man shot his father three times at their home in Mueang district on 31 May 2026 after years of alleged abuse, police said.

Officers from Mueang Phetchaburi Police Station were notified of the shooting at 07:00 and found three 9mm shell casings at the scene — one near the front door and two on a bed inside the house. The victim, identified as Atthsit, was taken to Phra Chomklao Hospital with gunshot wounds to the buttocks, left thigh, and a graze wound to the chest.

The suspect, Siradanai Thanang-sit, fled the scene but was arrested at a relative’s home nearby at 09:30 the same morning.

During questioning, Siradanai told police he had endured years of abuse from his father, including threats at gunpoint, kicking, and beatings. He said a heated argument earlier that morning, combined with long-suppressed anger, led him to open fire.

Relatives confirmed the two had frequent arguments, and that a serious quarrel preceded the shooting.

Siradanai was charged with attempted murder, illegal possession of a firearm, and carrying a weapon in a public place without a permit.

3,000 runners take on Central Samui’s Neon Run 2026

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Khaosod English

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31 May 2026, 11:45

SURAT THANI — More than 3,000 runners and participants from around the world took part in the Central Samui Neon Run 2026 on 30 May 2026, the fifth consecutive edition of the night running event on Koh Samui.

The event, organised by Central Pattana Plc in partnership with Koh Samui Municipality, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Koh Samui office, the Surat Thani Tourism Industry Council, the Koh Samui Tourism Association, and local hotel operators, featured two race categories — a 10-kilometre mini marathon and a 5-kilometre fun run.

Participants ran from Central Samui shopping centre along Chaweng Road and South Chaweng Beach before looping back to the starting point, taking in one of Thailand’s most recognised beachfront stretches under neon lights.

Organisers said participation grew by more than 30 per cent compared to last year.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Jakkrits Fangcholchit, Deputy Governor of Surat Thani, and Dr. Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, Group Chief Marketing Officer of Central Pattana Plc. Also in attendance were Suphinya Srithongkul, Deputy Mayor of Koh Samui, TAT Koh Samui Director Nichtharat Wanichcharoen, and Central Samui mall director Kawin Sinserikul.

The event also featured an after-party headlined by Earth, winner of The Voice Thailand 2019, alongside beach lifestyle and entertainment activities throughout the day.

Thailand Intensifies Action Against Illegal Loan Apps and Scam Lending

By

Mc Marketing

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30 May 2026, 18:01

Deputy Minister of DE Cracks Down on Illegal Loan Apps and Excessive Interest Rates; Over 1,500 Cases Blocked, Public Warned to Verify Before Using Services

Ms.Nan Boontida Somchai, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy and Society, revealed progress in the suppression of illegal loan applications and websites or URLs charging excessive interest rates. She said the Ministry of Digital Economy and Society (DE) is working under two main approaches:

First, proactive enforcement under the Computer Crime Act B.E. 2550 (2007) and its amendments, Section 20 paragraph two. The ministry monitors websites and applications suspected of illegal activities. Once detected, the cases are forwarded to the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) under the Ministry of Finance to verify whether the apps are properly registered. If they are found to be unregistered or illegal, the DE Ministry submits requests to the court to order the blocking of such websites or applications through app stores or internet service providers (ISPs).

Second, blocking operations based on requests from related agencies, including the Bank of Thailand (BOT) and the Fiscal Policy Office. The DE Ministry reviews evidence to ensure there are sufficient legal grounds under Section 20 (3) of the Computer Crime Act before filing petitions with the court to block access.

Over the past year (from February 2025 to 20 May 2026), the Bank of Thailand submitted 79 loan applications to the DE Ministry for legal action and court blocking requests. The DE Ministry then forwarded the list to the Fiscal Policy Office for registration verification. Responses were received for 57 applications, and the ministry proceeded with court requests to suspend their distribution on app stores, resulting in the removal of 57 illegal loan-related applications.

In addition, the DE Ministry has proactively blocked websites and online platforms related to excessive-interest lending schemes. A total of 1,466 URLs have already been blocked between 1 October 2025 and 17 May 2026.

At present, scammers are using various methods to trick people into borrowing money through websites and social media channels. Common advertisements include phrases such as “easy approval,” “fast cash,” “low interest,” “minimal documents,” “no collateral required,” and “blacklisted borrowers accepted.” Victims may lose personal information, including ID card numbers, house registration copies, or bank account details, and may also lose money through fake processing fees, deposits, or guarantee payments.

“I would like to warn the public to carefully verify loan applications before using any service. People can check whether a loan app is legally registered through the Bank of Thailand website by searching the phrase ‘เช็กแอปเงินกู้’ (Check Loan Apps). The DE Ministry is continuously working together with related agencies, including the Royal Thai Police, NBTC, AMLO, and the Bank of Thailand, to suppress illegal activities. If anyone has already transferred money for deposits or fees after being deceived, they can immediately report and freeze the account through the AOC Hotline 1441, available 24 hours a day,” said the Deputy Minister of Digital Economy and Society.

DE Warns of Fake “Thais Help Thais Plus” Registration Links

By

Mc Marketing

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30 May 2026, 16:32

DE Ministry Orders AFNC to Crack Down on Fake News Related to “Thais Help Thais Plus (60/40)” Scheme, Warns Public About Fake SMS and Fraudulent Registration Links

Ms.Nan Boontida Somchai, Deputy Minister of Digital Economy and Society, revealed that following instructions from Mr.Chaichanok Chidchob, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, the Ministry has intensified efforts to monitor, investigate, and prevent scammers from using the “Thais Help Thais Plus (60/40)” registration scheme as a tool for online crime.

Ms.Nan said she has instructed the Anti-Fake News Center Thailand (AFNC) to take proactive measures in closely monitoring and suppressing fraudulent activities related to the scheme.

According to AFNC monitoring across various channels up to 25 May 2026, a total of 327,346 messages related to the “Thais Help Thais Plus (60/40)” project were detected. The information was coordinated and verified with relevant government agencies. So far, 39 cases have been confirmed, including 20 fake news cases, 3 misleading news cases, and 16 verified true reports.

The DE Ministry therefore urges the public to be cautious about fake news and misinformation that may cause confusion and misunderstanding. Sharing false information may affect society on a wide scale and could also lead to financial loss and the theft of personal information.

“The DE Ministry is concerned about public safety regarding registration for the ‘Thais Help Thais Plus (60/40)’ scheme. We would like people to follow the ‘4 Don’ts’ principle: 1. Don’t click links, 2. Don’t believe suspicious messages, 3. Don’t rush, and 4. Don’t transfer money,” said the Deputy Minister.

She added that the public can register for the project only through the “Paotang” application. Existing merchants who previously joined the “Half-half co-payment scheme” scheme can confirm their eligibility through the “Tung Ngern” application. New merchants interested in joining the project must apply only through Krungthai Bank branches nationwide.

The ministry also stressed that government agencies will never send SMS messages or links asking people to register for the project.

COCOLOVE showcases Thai premium coconut water at THAIFEX 2026

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Khaosod English

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29 May 2026, 23:10

BANGKOK — COCOLOVE, a Thai premium coconut water brand, attracted strong interest from local and international buyers at THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026, highlighting the growing global demand for healthier beverages and the export potential of Thai coconut products.

The exhibition, held at IMPACT Muang Thong Thani, saw the brand’s booth become one of the event’s major attractions, drawing importers, distributors and business partners interested in expanding cooperation with the company.

Executives from Unicorn Consumer Group Co., Ltd., the owner of the COCOLOVE brand, said the company aims to position Thai premium coconut water as a globally recognised health beverage and a contributor to Thailand’s Soft Power strategy.

COCOLOVE’s products are made from 100% natural coconut water with no added sugar or preservatives, targeting consumers seeking healthier alternatives to conventional soft drinks.

Arshavin Rojanachaichanint, managing director of the company, said visitor response exceeded expectations, with many international buyers expressing confidence in both the product quality and brand image, leading to ongoing business negotiations.

The company attributed its growing popularity to the distinctive qualities of Thai coconut water, including its natural aroma, refreshing taste and smooth texture. International partners also noted that Thailand’s growing conditions help create a unique flavour profile compared with coconut water produced elsewhere.

The brand has continued expanding overseas and recently reported strong sales at Thai Food Festival 2026 in Tokyo, where products sold out quickly.

Benjarath Phorkar, a member of the executive committee, said the company’s success reflects both commercial achievement and an opportunity to promote Thailand’s premium food and beverage products internationally.

COCOLOVE said it plans to further expand across Asia and Australia while strengthening its domestic presence through online and offline marketing campaigns.

Laos cave rescue: First survivor brought out

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Khaosod English

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29 May 2026, 22:50

710226928_1433403852166607_6689883426129931568_n — Thailand Rescue Diver

XAISOMBOUN, Laos — 29 May 2026. Rescuers successfully brought the first survivor out of a flooded cave in Xaisomboun province at 20:40 on Friday, according to Thailand Rescue Diver, a Thai rescue diving page tracking the operation.

Five of the seven villagers trapped in the cave have been found alive. Two others remain missing. The group had entered the cave on 19 May in search of gold before flash flooding sealed the exit, trapping them underground for over a week.

The rescue operation involved specialist divers who also took part in Thailand’s landmark 2018 cave rescue.

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