Thai media digest Nov. 5, 2026 • Thaigest

Bhumjaithai proposes new House committee rules. The party has submitted amendments to the House meeting rules for consideration on Nov. 11, according to Thai Rath. They would have committee chairs chosen by majority vote rather than party-seat quotas and allow livestreaming of committee meetings, and would require the prime minister or ministers to attend question sessions unless excused. Thai Rath.
Security officials and disaster agency discuss crisis readiness. The National Security Council convened government agencies and academics on Nov. 4 to turn its preparedness plan for Middle East tensions and cyber threats into practical guidelines, according to Thai PBS. Separately, the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said its advice to pack a 72-hour emergency bag is basic disaster readiness, not a sign of war, Thai Rath reported. Thai PBS and Thai Rath.
Police chief bans import of a Thailand handbook. According to Thai Rath, National Police chief Samran Nuanma signed an order dated Oct. 30 banning the import and ordering of the Routledge Handbook of Contemporary Thailand, edited by Pavin Chachavalpongpun. Police say some content threatens national security; violators face up to three years in prison, a fine of up to 60,000 baht, or both. Thai Rath.

Truckers press for lower diesel prices. Drivers from the Land Transport Federation of Thailand and allied groups went to the Energy Ministry on Nov. 4 asking that diesel be held at 35 baht a liter for a year, and said they could bring 500 to 1,000 trucks into Bangkok if their demands go unmet, according to PPTV. The ministry told Bangkok Biz News it will pass the proposals to the minister and says earlier cost cuts save the public about 10.8 billion baht a year. PPTV and Bangkok Biz News.
Gasohol prices to drop 70 satang on Nov. 5. The Oil Fund Management Committee voted to cut retail gasohol prices by 0.70 baht a liter, excluding E85, effective Nov. 5, according to Komchadluek. Diesel and benzine prices stay unchanged, and the committee urged the public to use fuel sparingly. Komchadluek.

Police target alleged fake-paternity nationality scheme. Immigration police and the Department of Provincial Administration have launched an operation against networks that allegedly used false paternity claims to obtain Thai nationality for foreign children, according to Thai Rath. It reports two alleged cases at Suvarnabhumi Airport in late October linked to a suspected 2.5 billion baht fraud case in China; the allegations have not been tested in court. Thai Rath.
Chinese man held at Mekong with suspected drug precursor. Immigration and Ranger officers in Nong Khai reportedly arrested a 29-year-old Chinese national who crossed from Laos carrying about 5 kg of etomidate, according to Daily News. He was initially charged with illegal entry and drug possession, and the report says he is also wanted by UAE authorities over an alleged triple killing in Dubai, which is an allegation. Daily News.
Chinese teen says he fled a Cambodian scam compound. Rangers detained a 19-year-old Chinese man who crossed the border on foot in Sa Kaeo, according to Thai Rath. He told officers he had been tricked into call-center work and fled; police are investigating how he entered and the recruitment network behind his claims. Thai Rath.

Bangkok braces for heavy rain. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has put staff and equipment on standby and assigned 50 districts to round-the-clock monitoring, according to Thai Rath. The Thai Meteorological Department has warned of unsettled weather from Nov. 5 to 9, and officials lowered water levels in canals and reservoirs to absorb rain. Thai Rath.
Stray round lands on Thai side in Mae Sot. A round reported as an RPG shell from fighting in Myanmar landed on a house roof in Mae Sot, damaging it, according to Thai Rath. No one inside was hurt, and Thai soldiers fired a warning flare. Thai Rath.
Chulalongkorn tops Thai universities again. The university ranked first in Thailand for an 11th straight year in the QS Asia University Rankings 2027, announced Nov. 3, according to Daily News. It placed in the top 3 percent of 1,722 institutions assessed across Asia. Daily News.

Fishing boat rescues Chinese tourist off Phuket. A Chinese woman in her early 20s who cannot swim was left clinging to a capsized canoe near Koh Man on the evening of Nov. 3, according to Manager Online. A returning fishing boat spotted her and brought her safely ashore, and online commenters urged visitors to check sea conditions and life jackets before heading out. Manager Online.

Mario Maurer is smitten with a famous toddler. The actor told Thai Rath he had quietly followed James Jirayu’s son’s Instagram account for ages, and found the little guy cuter and sturdier than expected in person. Holding him, he joked, made him realize he needs to hit the gym, and he said he has thought about having kids of his own. Thai Rath.
Actor Blue says he and Lisa are just friends. Responding to fan chatter about how often the two are seen together, Blue Pongthiwat said he is single and open to dating but describes Lisa as a friend from the same circle, according to Sanook. He also said they have no music project together and denied appearing in a music video some fans thought he was in. Sanook.
Thai shuttlers bow out in Youth Olympic quarterfinals. Two young Thai badminton players lost 0-2 in their last-eight singles matches at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, ending Thailand’s badminton campaign there, according to Siamsport. The pair still made the final eight on the sport’s biggest youth stage. Siamsport.

Retired teacher rides her motorbike to donate 1 million baht. Malee Srirak rode up to Singburi Hospital on Nov. 2 and handed over 1 million baht of her own money, according to Daily News. The gift will upgrade private patient rooms, and the hospital director promised to use it as she intended. Daily News.
Particle-accelerator light meets Chumphon coffee. Researchers from the Synchrotron Light Research Institute visited a community coffee enterprise in Lamae district to plan work on robusta, according to Workpoint. The plan uses powerful X-ray techniques and AI image analysis to judge cherry ripeness and find new uses for coffee husks, all in the name of a better cup. Workpoint.