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.
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 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.
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.
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.
BANGKOK — 29 May 2026, Thai children are falling behind their regional peers in height and risk developing low muscle mass and osteoporosis in later life, the Department of Health warned on Friday, citing low milk consumption across all age groups.
Dr. Ampaiphan Benjapolpitak, director-general of the Department of Health, said average height among Thai males stands at 171.6 cm and Thai females at 159.3 cm — below Singapore, where men average 176.9 cm and women 163.3 cm, and Japan, where men average 173.5 cm and women 161.5 cm.
Thailand also drinks far less milk than its neighbours. The country averages 23.1 litres per person per year, compared to 62 litres in Singapore, 36.2 litres in Japan, and a global average of 31 litres.
A survey of child nutrition across Southeast Asia found that only 23 percent of Thai children aged 2–12 meet the recommended intake of two glasses of milk per day, with older children more likely to skip milk altogether. More than 70 percent of children across the region were found to be calcium-deficient, and 84 percent had insufficient vitamin D.
Among Thais aged 15 and over, only 19.6 percent drink the recommended amount of plain milk daily, according to a 2026 health poll.
Ampaiphan said the department is promoting a campaign encouraging all age groups to drink two glasses of plain milk daily — one in the morning and one in the evening — alongside a balanced diet and at least 60 minutes of exercise per day, broken into 10 minutes in the morning, 20 minutes at lunch, and 30 minutes after school.
Children should also be in bed before 21:00 to stimulate growth hormone secretion, she added.
Dr. Pakorn Tungkasereerak, deputy director-general, said working-age adults should pair milk consumption with weight-bearing exercise such as skipping rope, aerobics, or squats to strengthen bones and muscles. Older adults are advised to choose low-fat milk or calcium-fortified soy milk, eat adequate protein, and get gentle sun exposure to boost vitamin D absorption.
Cow’s milk contains 13 essential nutrients, including calcium, protein, phosphorus, and vitamin B2, the department said.
With World Milk Day falling on 1 June, the department has partnered with Lotus’s and 7-Eleven to run promotions making plain milk more affordable and accessible to the public.
Viktor Semenov, chargé d’affaires at the Embassy of Ukraine in Thailand, on Friday thanked the Thai government, saying Ukraine is “really grateful” for Thailand’s principled support for Ukrainian sovereignty, international law and the UN Charter as Russia’s full-scale invasion drags past the four-year mark.
Semenov gave a lengthy briefing to Thai journalists in Bangkok about the situation in Ukraine. He also took the opportunity to thank the Thai government for its 5 million baht humanitarian aid, and urged Thais not to forget the “Russian war of aggression” against Ukraine.
“We also kindly ask Thai people: Do not forget about this war. We are fighting not only for our country. We’re fighting for international law. We’re fighting for the UN Charter.”
He said he strongly disagrees with claims that Thailand is neutral in the conflict, arguing that Thailand’s position is on the side of international law and the UN Charter.
Semenov added, however, that Thailand could use its position in the international arena to play a greater global role by pushing for the return of 20,000 Ukrainian children he said had been abducted by Russia — acts described by a UN commission as amounting to a “crime against humanity.”
Ukraine is prepared to compromise, Semenov said, but he stressed that “Russia is determined to continue the war of aggression.” He said Ukraine remains ready to negotiate, but will not give up territory temporarily occupied by Russia or surrender its right to decide whether to join the EU or NATO in the future.
“Why is this position about NATO so concerning to the Russian people?” Semenov said in response to a question from Khaosod English on whether Ukraine would consider giving up its ambition to join NATO or the EU as part of a compromise to end the war. “Of course, it’s our right to choose our alliance.”
A sobering picture of death and destruction
Before presenting the grim figures, Semenov said 600 square kilometres of Ukrainian territory had been “liberated” since January 2026. He also claimed that 1.3 million Russian soldiers had been killed or injured over the past four years.
Russia has made no serious advances on the battlefield, according to Semenov, but continues to attack infrastructure, including Ukrainian railways, which he said had been targeted 1,500 times. Russia also continues to occupy the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, he said.
Semenov said Russia had used 600 Iranian-made drones to attack civilian infrastructure, including a church and a shopping mall.
Among the civilians killed, Semenov noted, are 650 Ukrainian athletes and coaches.
He also claimed that 5,000 North Korean troops sent to aid Russia had been killed or injured. He said Ukrainian prisoners of war faced torture, starvation, denial of medical care and beatings for speaking Ukrainian.
Regarding lands now considered hazardous due to unexploded ordnance, Semenov said it now covers around 22 per cent of the country’s territory.
“Ukraine expects a clear international response to put an end to Russian terror,” Semenov said.
This image made from the video provided by Benz Norrased Palasing Seascout Diving shows the villagers who were trapped and found in a flooded cave in Xaisomboun province, Laos, Wednesday, May 27, 2026. (Benz Norrased Palasing Seascout Diving via AP)
BANGKOK (AP) — Rescuers working at a flooded cave in Laos said Friday that they were trying to drain water out to help extricate five villagers who have been trapped for more than a week.
An overnight rainstorm has complicated their efforts, they said. Meanwhile, searching continues for two more people who still haven’t been located. The villagers had reportedly entered the cave to look for valuable minerals.
In this image released by Metta Tham Rescue Kalasin, rescuers talk to Finnish rescue diver Mikko Paasi, center, as they try to reach people who have been trapped in a cave in Xaisomboun province, Laos, Tuesday, May 26, 2026. (Metta Tham Rescue Kalasin via AP)
Rescue experts from Laos and neighboring Thailand have been working together for the past week, making their way through twisting, narrow passages with jagged walls and flooded sections of the cave located in a rugged area in the central province of Xaisomboun, about 120 kilometers (75 miles) north of the capital, Vientiane.
Those helping out included several divers who took part in the complicated 2018 rescue in northern Thailand of 12 schoolboys and their soccer coach who were trapped for more than two weeks in a cave.
The Lao organization Rescue Volunteer for People says that another diver from Malaysia is assisting in the operation. Kengkaj Bongkawong, head of Thai rescue group Metta Tham Rescue Kalasin, said that divers from Indonesia, Japan and France were also on their way.
The discovery on Wednesday of five trapped villagers triggered celebrations among the rescue teams. They said the search for the other missing two will continue.
This image made from the video provided by Benz Norrased Palasing Seascout Diving shows the villagers who were trapped and found in a flooded cave in Xaisomboun province, Laos, Wednesday, May 27, 2026. (Benz Norrased Palasing Seascout Diving via AP)
A video filmed by Thai cave diver Norrased Palasing showed the emotional moment he and Finnish diving instructor Miiko Paasi emerged from the water and discovered the trapped men. In the footage, the men are wearing headlamps and sitting on a rock surrounded by floodwater.
The five men were identified by their first names as Khamla, Mued, Ee, Ing, and Laen, according to the Lao rescue group. They were reportedly in good health but exhausted from dehydration and lack of food. Divers have since delivered soft food and water to them.
The men could be heard wailing as they saw their rescuers, and Norrased inquired about their health and conditions.
Along with introducing themselves on camera, they delivered messages to their families telling them not to worry.
“Don’t worry mom, dad. I’m still strong, I’m still healthy. Tomorrow I will be home. I love you mom and dad,” said the man, who introduced himself as Mued.
Lao officials say the villagers normally forage in the mountainous, heavily wooded surroundings for a living.
This image made from the video provided by Benz Norrased Palasing Seascout Diving shows a rescuer working in a flooded cave in Xaisomboun province, Laos, Thursday, May 28, 2026.(Benz Norrased Palasing Seascout Diving via AP)
The villagers had been reported to have entered the cave to look for gold deposits. Bounphong Khammanyvong, a local official in Longcheng, the district where the cave is located, said that they had noticed rocks or sand with unusual colors in the cave, so they entered it in the hope of digging them out to see if they were valuable.
Bounphong, in an interview on Thursday with local media outlet Xaisomboun Province Television, said the villagers were trapped when heavy rain caused flooding that blocked them from leaving. An eighth person who managed to escape alerted the authorities.
He said that the group went in on May 20, contradicting rescuers who put the date at May 19.
This image made from the video provided by Benz Norrased Palasing Seascout Diving shows the villager who was trapped and found in a flooded cave in Xaisomboun province, Laos, Wednesday, May 27, 2026. (Benz Norrased Palasing Seascout Diving via AP)
Rescue Volunteer for People posted on its Facebook page that Friday’s operation plan included pumping water out of the cave in an attempt to get the five villagers out later in the day, but that heavy early morning rain had complicated their efforts.
“The front of the cave is in a low-lying area. When it rains, all water will flow down to this area and into the cave,” Bounphong said in his interview.
PHUKET — 29 May 2026, Lifeguards have spotted Portuguese Man o’ War on several Phuket beaches, prompting warnings for tourists to stay vigilant along the Andaman coast.
A lifeguard at Kata Noi beach in Karon subdistrict first noticed the venomous marine creatures washed ashore on 28 May. Warning signs have since been erected along the beachfront.
Chaninton Nareepen, a lifeguard stationed at Kata Noi, said he spotted the creatures on 28 May and immediately put up warning signs along the full length of the beach.
Sightings have also been reported at Nai Harn beach, Yanui beach, and Racha Island, prompting authorities to step up monitoring across the area.
Despite resembling a common jellyfish, the Portuguese Man o’ War is a highly venomous marine organism with long tentacles that can deliver a painful sting even after the creature is dead. Contact can cause burning pain, swelling, rashes, nausea, difficulty breathing, or loss of consciousness, and can be fatal in some cases.
Authorities advise anyone who spots one not to touch it. Those stung should rinse the affected area with seawater — not fresh water — and seek medical attention immediately.
Tourists visiting Andaman coast beaches are urged to monitor official warnings closely before entering the water.
The Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, moves forward to build upon the success in advancing Thai restaurants and the Thai food industry onto the global stage through the Thai SELECT Restaurant Capacity-Building and Networking Program. The initiative aims to enhance the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of Thai restaurant entrepreneurs overseas, while strengthening Thailand’s image and advancing Thai soft power through world-class Thai cuisine. The program also includes business matching activities within the THAIFEX – ANUGA ASIA trade fair, hoping to increase the export value of Thai food products.
Ms. Sunanta Kangvalkulkij, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP), Ministry of Commerce, revealed that DITP continues to move forward in supporting and promoting Thai restaurants abroad that have awarded the Thai SELECT mark to grow strongly in the global market, as an important mechanism for disseminating the identity of Thai food, creating the country’s image, and driving Thai soft power concretely. The Thai SELECT mark is considered an international quality and standard certification mark for Thai restaurants, covering authentic Thai taste, selection of quality ingredients, correct Thai cooking techniques according to Thai recipes, as well as service and atmosphere that appropriately reflect Thainess, all of which are important factors in building confidence for consumers worldwide.
DITP gives continuous importance to developing the potential of Thai restaurant entrepreneurs to be able to adapt to modern consumer trends and maintain competitiveness in the long term, whereby after elevating the image of the Thai SELECT mark through the “Orchid Star” along with adjusting new evaluation criteria, currently there are Thai restaurants abroad that have passed certification according to these new criteria totaling 1,419 restaurants in 70 countries worldwide as of May 2026.
For the Thai SELECT Restaurant Capacity-Building and Networking Program that has received the Thai SELECT symbol, DITP aims to strengthen Thai restaurant entrepreneurs worldwide through linking networks, knowledge, skill development, updating Thai food trends, and exchanging business service experiences to elevate Thai restaurant standards abroad, while expanding commercial opportunities and creating international awareness of the Thai SELECT symbol.
This project brings together 15 overseas Thai SELECT restaurant entrepreneurs from regions worldwide, including the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, East Asia, South Asia, and ASEAN. Participants will experience in-depth through fully integrated activities, including studying Thai food culture from the source in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, visiting historical sites and the Thai way of life, learning Thai culinary science with Dusit Thani College, including participating in the THAIFEX – Anuga Asia 2026 event to link with quality Thai food producers under the Thai SELECT symbol and exploring the development of the modern Thai food industry.
Additionally, entrepreneurs will update contemporary Thai restaurant trends in the Song Wat Road area, exchange business perspectives with experts and leading Thai restaurant entrepreneurs, such as Alisara Sirichumsaeng, Honorary Judge of Iron Chef Thailand, and Pumiphan Iamprames, co-founder and general manager of Baan Nok Kao Krung restaurant, as well as strengthening knowledge of Thai restaurant market trends from national experts, along with direct experience through visiting and tasting quality Thai restaurants that have received the Thai SELECT mark in various formats.
This program is considered another important step reflecting the role of DITP in integrating cooperation between the government and business sectors to elevate Thai restaurants to international standards, building a stronger network of Thai entrepreneurs worldwide, and pushing Thai food as one of the country’s important Soft Powers to grow sustainably on the world stage.
The Department of International Trade Promotion is confident that the continuous development of knowledge, networks, and entrepreneurial potential will be an important foundation in maintaining the strength of the Thai food industry, expanding trade opportunities, and creating a prominent image for Thailand as a world-class leader in quality Thai cuisine.
