The Faculty of Economics at Kasetsart University, through its Center of Applied Economic Research, is reinforcing its leadership role in research impact assessment by launching a practical training workshop titled 'Evaluating Outcomes and Impacts of Research and Development.' This program aims to strengthen the capacity of researchers, personnel, and organizations from both government and private sectors to systematically design, monitor, and evaluate the 'true value' of research activities in a concrete manner.

The curriculum has been developed based on real-world experience from an expert team with over 20 years of impact assessment expertise, covering economic, social, environmental, and public policy evaluations. Faculty members and researchers from Kasetsart University form a strong team to evaluate research outcomes and impacts.

The curriculum emphasizes practical application of concepts including SROI (Social Return on Investment), impact pathway design, research and development outcomes analysis, and social and environmental impact assessment—critical issues in an era when organizations must clearly demonstrate their value and social responsibility.

A key highlight of the program is its interdisciplinary knowledge integration through experts experienced in evaluating projects across multiple dimensions: agriculture and food, herbal medicine, grassroots economy, community and urban development, medical science, tourism, AI and computer innovation, future industry, natural resources and environment, as well as creative economy and BCG Economy.

Participants will learn through real case studies and receive practical tools and templates applicable for project proposals, research design, and organizational performance evaluation. This enhances competitive capabilities and builds credibility for organizations at national and international levels.

The program suits researchers, academics, government and private sector personnel, fund administrators, organizational development practitioners, and those interested in measuring social and environmental impact in the era of sustainable development.

Two training sessions are offered: June 15, 2026 and August 10, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM in room EC5205, Faculty of Economics, Kasetsart University. Limited to 35 participants per session to ensure effective practical learning. Participants will receive a certificate from the Faculty of Economics upon completion.

Interested individuals can register now via QR code on promotional materials or inquire further through Facebook: econku.rdime

The King has posthumously bestowed a royal decoration on Sasiphat Sinsamosorn, the former director of Phatong Prathan Khiriwat School in Songkhla province, in recognition of her sacrifice in protecting teachers and students during a hostage incident earlier this year.

According to a Royal Gazette announcement published on 19 May, Sasiphat was awarded the Knight Grand Cross (First Class) of the Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand.

The announcement stated that while carrying out her duties, Sasiphat knowingly placed herself in danger to protect and assist teachers and students under her care. She reportedly volunteered to become a hostage in place of teachers and students during an armed attack at the school.

She was severely wounded after being shot by the assailant and later died from her injuries.

The incident took place at Phatong Prathan Khiriwat School in Hat Yai district, Songkhla province, on 11 February 2026, when an attacker took teachers and students hostage inside the school.

The royal decoration was granted with effect from 12 May 2026, according to the announcement.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has explained his reasoning for calling up veteran attacker Neymar from Santos as part of the Seleção's 26-player squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Neymar returns to the national team after a lengthy absence from the Brazil squad, following Ancelotti's announcement of the 26 players selected for World Cup 2026. The forward had barely featured for Brazil in recent times.

Ancelotti recently addressed why he chose to include Neymar in this squad: "We have been evaluating Neymar throughout the season. He has shown considerable development recently, and his physical condition has also improved. He is an important player, and he will be important in the World Cup."

"Neymar will have the same responsibilities as the other 25 players. He may get playing time or not, sit on the bench or come on as a substitute. He has the same responsibilities as everyone else. He is a player with experience in many areas—both scoring and attacking. We prioritize experience above all."

"We want to be a strong team so we can try to win the World Cup. I'm not afraid to say that we can win it. There are high expectations, and that gives us motivation. It's important for our preparation."

Brazil will compete in Group C of the 2026 World Cup alongside Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland.

On May 19, 2569, Snail Sisodmonty (Snail Luk Peert) spoke confidently to media before his bout on the Langkawi Day ring, declaring his readiness exceeded 100% despite having only two weeks to prepare and train intensively. He stated he's ready to finish the fight before the final round if given the opportunity.

When asked about his confidence, Snail responded: "I'm completely ready right now. My opponent has expressed confidence and set a goal to check my chin with a knockout—I respect that. But if I get the chance to knock him out, I will definitely do it. Whether it happens from the first round, we'll have to see in the ring."

When pressed about his signature technique or secret weapon, Snail smiled mysteriously and kept it under wraps, simply saying: "I'd like everyone to watch and find out in the ring." Observers speculate he may unveil surprise striking techniques or heavy artillery to thrill boxing fans.

Trainers from the Sisodmonty camp revealed their limited two-week training program. The first week focused on fundamentals and teaching boxing basics, since Snail had never boxed or trained before and couldn't be pushed too hard. The second week shifted to technical boxing review and more intense conditioning similar to professional fighters. "You have to understand he's never thrown a punch or trained in boxing before," the trainer explained. "We had to guide him carefully these two weeks so he'd be ready and perform his best. The kid showed great determination."

During the interview, when media noted Snail's mother appeared stressed, she quickly clarified with a smile: "I'm not worried about him fighting. What you see is just the heat making me look tense—I've been sitting in the sun for hours. For today's fight, I just want him to give his absolute best. Whether he wins or loses doesn't matter because I've already seen his determination. I watched him train every week, and the camp took great care of him."

She continued emotionally: "I'm so proud of him. Over these weeks, I saw how hard he worked and how focused he was. Today, win or lose, I don't care about that. Just seeing how far he's come and the responsibility he's taken on makes me happy and proud as a mother."

As his mother spoke with emotion, Snail stood beside her, embraced her, and expressed gratitude to his mother amid smiles and applause from media and onlookers. Snail thanked everyone for their encouragement and promised to do his best. He acknowledged that his mother's and family's support is the most important motivation driving him to face his opponent fearlessly in the ring.

BANGKOK — The Chinese Embassy in Thailand has urged Thai authorities to conduct a lawful, fair and transparent investigation following reports that a Chinese national was allegedly abducted and held for ransom in Sa Kaeo province.

In a statement issued on 19 May, a spokesperson for the embassy said the Chinese side had attached great importance to the case and immediately contacted relevant Thai agencies to seek details about the incident.

The embassy called on Thai authorities to quickly establish the facts, thoroughly investigate the case and bring all those involved to justice.

China also expressed hope that Thailand would strengthen law enforcement oversight and public security measures to better protect the lives, property and legal rights of Chinese nationals in the country.

The statement said maintaining safety and stability was important for people-to-people exchanges and friendly cooperation between Thailand and China.

The Chinese Embassy also issued a renewed advisory urging Chinese citizens living in Thailand or planning to travel to the country to strictly comply with Thai laws and regulations, remain vigilant about personal safety and promptly report emergencies to police or Chinese diplomatic missions in Thailand.

Jean Kasaya, director of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, confirmed on May 19 that the Ebola death toll in the Democratic Republic of Congo has climbed to at least 131, with more than 513 suspected infections. Health authorities are urging strict adherence to public health measures as the outbreak spreads. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed two Ebola cases in Uganda, with one fatality, while the World Health Organization declared the Bundibugyo virus outbreak a global public health emergency. An American doctor working in DR Congo is among those infected and will be transferred to Germany for treatment, with at least six Americans reported to have had contact with the virus. Despite assessing the risk to the United States as low, authorities elevated travel advisories for DR Congo to the highest level 4 and imposed entry restrictions for non-U.S. passport holders who have been in DR Congo, Uganda, or South Sudan within the past 21 days.