On May 18, 2569, the Thai Meteorological Department issued alert No. 12 (72/2569) regarding heavy to very heavy rainfall across Thailand and strong winds in the Andaman Sea, with continued impact through May 21, 2569. Upper Thailand will experience heavy rain in parts of the Northern, upper Northeastern, and Central regions, with very heavy rainfall in some areas of the western and eastern coasts of Southern Thailand. Residents should beware of dangers from heavy rainfall accumulation, which may cause flash floods and flash flooding, especially in hillside areas near water channels and low-lying areas. The southwestern monsoon affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand is fairly strong. People should also monitor their health during weather changes. Andaman Sea and Gulf waves are moderately to fairly strong, with the upper Andaman Sea from Phuket northward experiencing 2-3 meter waves, and over 3 meters during thunderstorms. The lower Andaman Sea from Krabi southward and upper Gulf of Thailand will see approximately 2-meter waves, exceeding 2 meters during thunderstorms. Fishermen are advised to navigate cautiously and avoid thunderstorm areas, while small boats in the upper Andaman should remain ashore. Heavy rainfall is expected to increase from May 19-21, 2569, with very heavy rainfall in many areas, particularly on the western side of the country in the Northern, upper Northeastern, Central, Eastern, and western Southern regions, due to the strong southwestern monsoon and a low-pressure system over the coast of upper Vietnam. The public is urged to monitor announcements from the Meteorological Department via www.tmd.go.th, by phone at 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182, available 24 hours daily.

A video clip showcasing an incredibly tiny apartment in Paris, France has instantly gone viral on social media, offering a glimpse into life in surprisingly cramped living quarters. The clip was posted on Instagram by Sebastian Hedberg (@seb_hed), who interviewed a tenant claiming to live in what he calls "Paris's smallest apartment" with a monthly rent of 600 euros, or approximately 22,750 baht.

At the beginning of the video, Sebastian asks about rental prices in Paris. The tenant straightforwardly explains that he lives in the city's tiniest room and pays that rental rate. He mentions the apartment is within walking distance and invites viewers to see it in person.

The tenant revealed he found the place through a popular French secondhand marketplace website and app, which serves as a hub for various types of housing and used goods across the country.

When the two arrive at the building, Sebastian observes it has a genuinely "Parisian" atmosphere. The tenant mentions they should wait to see the view from above and notes that he lives on the 7th floor. However, when asked if there's an elevator, the tenant clearly states there isn't one—residents must climb all 134 stairs. Sebastian jokes that this day will double as a workout.

Upon entering, Sebastian expresses shock, calling it "crazy" as the tenant gives a tour of the tiny room, welcoming him with "Welcome home" while explaining the extremely limited space, with the closet and bathroom in separate areas.

Despite the small interior, the apartment's standout feature is the "balcony" offering a clear view of Paris's cityscape. Sebastian compliments it as the most impressive part of the space.

The tenant says the balcony is his favorite spot and never gets bored, proudly gazing at the view while saying, "We have Paris in the palm of our hands."

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) and Chulalongkorn University are jointly researching and developing navigation innovation to assist visually impaired individuals and promote equal access to public transportation services.

MRTA Governor Kajpol Udoathammabuddhi revealed that the organization prioritizes developing creative innovations and adopting modern technology in its operations to increase efficiency, elevate service quality, and enhance public service standards. The work is carried out through academic collaborations with educational institutions and partner organizations, including Chulalongkorn University.

The academic partnership between MRTA and Chulalongkorn University has resulted in the "MRTA Wayfinder" project, designed to research and develop innovations that promote equal access to public transportation based on Universal Design principles for all people.

The project employs Beacon technology, a small low-energy Bluetooth device (BLE), as an indoor navigation system within BTS stations where conventional systems fall short.

These devices are installed as a network throughout the stations, transmitting low-energy signals that send real-time location data to users' smartphone applications. The data is converted into voice guidance providing specific distance and direction information, allowing users to accurately determine their location and direction in enclosed areas such as platform elevators, ticket purchase floors, retail areas, and station corridors.

Research teams from Chulalongkorn University conducted field surveys and sensor signal measurements within the Bangkok Metro Blue Line system at Samyan Station to gather data for developing the innovation and creating a prototype for future real-world implementation.

The initiative aims to provide convenience and safety for visually impaired travelers, building their confidence in using the service and ensuring that all people have equal access to public transportation.

The MRTA remains committed to improving service quality by incorporating efficient innovations and technology while actively seeking feedback from all user groups to enhance and upgrade the Bangkok Metro system's effectiveness.

At 4:05 p.m. on May 18, 2025, at Government House, Prime Minister's Office Minister Paladej Panichanantkul addressed the Constitutional Court's decision to accept a petition reviewing whether a royal decree authorizing the Finance Ministry to borrow funds to address energy crisis impacts and facilitate the country's energy transition violates the Constitution. Paladej clarified that the court has accepted the case for consideration and requested the Finance Ministry provide clarifications within seven days, but crucially issued no suspension order. This means all borrowing processes and committee proceedings can continue uninterrupted. When asked if the government might voluntarily pause operations despite the court's lack of a halt order, Paladej emphasized that since the court did not issue one, the Cabinet—which issued the decree—retains the authority to proceed. The government will submit its clarifications within the seven-day timeframe. Regarding the 'Thai Helping Thai' program registration scheduled for May 25, Paladej confirmed that the government will move forward with the planned launch date as scheduled.

Sena Development is pushing into the real estate market with its 'Sena Limit the Price' campaign, targeting buyers hesitant due to high living costs and soaring prices. The campaign locks in prices for ready-to-move-in homes and condos across more than 50 projects while introducing innovative solutions like a 'trade your old car for a new condo' promotion and energy-efficient housing projects that reduce long-term expenses.

Umapon Tanyalaksanaphak, Senior Director of Corporate Marketing at Sena Development Public Company Limited, revealed the company is countering rising costs by freezing property prices amid continuous market increases. The campaign urges consumers to 'decide today' before prices climb further with options including zero-baht reservations, up to 100% loan approval, and free common area fees for up to two years.

For those not yet ready to purchase, the 'LivNex rent-to-own' option allows immediate occupancy with rental payments starting at just 4,100 baht per million baht value monthly, with rent credited toward a future down payment.

Umapon emphasized that 'Sena Limit the Price' isn't just about affordability—it's about enabling real homeownership when everything costs more. The company designed solutions addressing both purchase and occupancy burdens for buyers ready now and those planning for the future.

The campaign also features the innovative 'trade your old car for a new condo' promotion, converting vehicle expenses into long-term asset accumulation aligned with modern urban lifestyles.

Additionally, Sena developed projects enabling customers to manage long-term costs through 'Green Living Affordable & Accessible' concepts, including energy-efficient homes supporting solar roofs, battery storage, and EV readiness, reducing future electricity costs with tax deductions up to 300,000 baht. The sena low carbon condo projects near BTS stations offer V MOVE EV Shuttle Service, reducing commuting and fuel expenses.

The 'Sena Limit the Price' campaign covers 50+ home and condo projects in strategic locations near BTS, expressways, employment centers, and schools, including ready-to-move-in units like Sena Kit Phaholyothin-Nawamin, Niche Mono Rama 9, Flexxi Sathorn-Charoenakr, and Cozy Srinakarin 38.

SONGKHLA — Three Thai children who were allegedly taken to Malaysia by a monk to be ordained as novice monks and used for begging have returned safely to Thailand, authorities said.

The children, aged 5, 11 and 12, arrived back in Thailand after a coordinated rescue effort involving several agencies, including Thailand's Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security, the Malaysian Embassy and the Pavena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women.

Parents wept and embraced the children upon their return.

Four other Thai children aged between 13 and 15 remain temporarily in Malaysia to testify in court proceedings and are expected to return to Thailand in early June, officials said.

Pavena Hongsakul, president of the foundation, said the organisation received complaints about the case on 9 May and immediately submitted an urgent request to the Malaysian ambassador in Thailand seeking assistance to return the children.

The foundation also coordinated with Thailand's Department of Consular Affairs and officials responsible for protecting Thai nationals overseas to gather information and monitor efforts to assist all seven children.

Authorities from the Department of Children and Youth and social development officials in Songkhla province also joined the operation.

On 12 May, the Foreign Ministry informed the foundation that three children would return to Thailand that evening. Officials from Songkhla's social development office, the Southern Border Coordination Centre and immigration police received the children at the border checkpoint in Songkhla province at 20:45.

Officals said the children were suffering from fever and exhaustion and were taken for medical examinations and rest at a child protection shelter in Songkhla for two nights before being reunited with their families.

On 18 May, the children's parents travelled from Prachuap Khiri Khan and Ratchaburi provinces to thank the foundation, the Foreign Ministry, the Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and the Malaysian Embassy for helping bring the children home safely.

Pavena said the foundation would continue coordinating psychological rehabilitation for the children alongside relevant agencies.