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

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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.

Thai children shorter than Singaporean and Japanese peers

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Khaosod English

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29 May 2026, 19:17

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.

Ukrainian Envoy Thanks Thailand And Says the Kingdom Can Do Even More

By

Pravit Rojanaphruk, Senior Staff Writer

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29 May 2026, 19:11

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.

Rescuers work to drain flooded Laos cave to free 5 villagers and search for 2 still missing

By

Associated Press

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29 May 2026, 17:48

Laos Cave Rescue — 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.

AP26147148057298 — 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.

AP26148288874400 — 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.

AP26149331893456 — 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.

AP26148289764360 — 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.

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