A rescue volunteer nearly lost his life after attempting to assist a motorcycle accident victim, only to be shot at by an intoxicated police officer. Jirawatch Phanrangsi (nickname: Go), 41, head of the Pakho Subdistrict rescue unit in Kudjab District, Udon Thani, posted an account of the harrowing incident on Facebook. The incident occurred around 8:30 p.m. on May 17, 2025, on a road between Ban Non Sung and Ban Nong Sang Prai in Pakho Subdistrict.

According to Jirawatch's account, a citizen reported a motorcycle accident. He and five team members arrived at the scene with rescue vehicles about one kilometer from the subdistrict office. Upon reaching the injured officer, Jirawatch went to check his condition and gently nudged him awake. The officer's phone and handgun had fallen nearby during the crash.

The officer suddenly lunged at Jirawatch, throwing a punch that narrowly missed his face. He then frantically searched for something, spotted his gun, and drew it from its holster. He cocked the weapon, aimed it at Jirawatch and the other rescue workers, and fired. Miraculously, the bullet missed. When he attempted to fire again, Jirawatch jumped over him and fled with his team and bystanders scattering in different directions.

Jirawatch ran to the rescue vehicle, drove approximately 400 meters to regroup his team, and called the duty officer to report the incident and the officer's location. Police were dispatched to the scene, confiscated the weapon, and conducted a preliminary interrogation. The officer claimed he had misunderstood the situation and mistaken Jirawatch's identity.

Jirawatch expressed his shock and fear, stating: "In all my years as a volunteer, I've only ever received thanks. To encounter something like this is truly terrifying. I've dedicated half my life to helping people and have assisted countless individuals while following proper procedures. Is this what I get?" The subdistrict administration is considering whether to file criminal charges against the officer.

Thailand is moving forward with drafting a new constitution following voter approval from over 21 million people in the referendum, but the parliamentary process will essentially restart from the beginning. The government under Prime Minister Anuthun has declined to confirm use of the previous draft pending in parliament, necessitating a fresh start and additional time. The ruling Bhumjaithai Party, through spokesman Paradorn Parishnanantakul, states that if approved at the party's parliamentary meeting, they will submit their draft to the parliamentary speaker on May 20. Bhumjaithai's proposal would amend Article 256 of the constitution by adding Section 15/1 to allow parliamentarians to serve as constitution drafters, while keeping Sections 1 and 2 locked from revision. The opposition Phakkaopracharaj Party, which has driven constitutional reform efforts, has outlined three core principles: maximizing public participation in selecting drafters within constitutional court guidelines; preventing any single group from monopolizing the drafting process; and ensuring equal voting rights for all parliamentarians without granting special privileges to senators. These movements mark significant developments, but a major hurdle looms under Article 256, particularly the requirement in the third reading that any approval must include support from at least one-third of senators alongside at least half of the combined chambers. Political observers note that conservative political networks have shown resistance to constitutional changes, making it unclear whether the Bhumjaithai Party, closely aligned with these networks, will genuinely push for successful constitutional reform.

Phra Kru Putthsaracharn, known as Luang Pho Phao Putthsaro of Wat Tham Tago in Khao Samor Khon Subdistrict, Tha Wung District, Lopburi Province, was a renowned and deeply revered monk among local residents. Born in 1872 at Wat Intaram, Phayuhakiri District, Nakhon Sawan Province, to parents named Khun and Saeng, he was ordained at age 20 at Wat Khao Kaew. He studied Buddhist scriptures extensively, first training under Luang Pho Thes at Wat Sara Thale for twelve years, then continuing his studies at Wat Thung Kaew in Uthai Thani under Phra Sunthorn Muni for three years, and subsequently at Wat Suthat Thepwararam in Bangkok for another three years. In 1899, he returned to Wat Intaram where he taught for two years before dedicating himself to vipassana meditation practice in 1902. Around 1903, he discovered an ancient abandoned temple site at Baan Pran in Khao Samor Khon featuring a distinctive teak tree at its cave entrance, which became known as Wat Tham Tago. With support from local residents and nine monks who followed him, the community developed the monastery, constructing living quarters, a preaching hall, and other facilities. In 1908, Wat Tham Tago received official ecclesiastical boundary recognition from the Thai government. Luang Pho Phao also founded Wat Patthamanit at Ban Mi and Wat Khao Wongkot, earning respect from numerous high-ranking royal patrons including Prince Damrong Rajanubhap and Prince Vivad Voraphinicha. Prince Paripat Sukhumphand of Nakhon Sawan visited the cave monastery Tham Kuha Sawan and made a significant donation of 1,000 baht, leading to the construction of a residence named after him. Luang Pho Phao received the ecclesiastical title of Phra Kru Putthsaracharn and studied vipassana meditation and various Buddhist disciplines with many accomplished teachers. He passed away peacefully on February 28, 1931, at Wat Khao Wongkot in Ban Mi District, Lopburi Province, at age 60 with forty years of monastic life. His disciples, having received his permission, collectively created amulets and sacred objects which he blessed.

Kasikornbank Research Center has raised its full-year 2025 economic forecast for Thailand to 2.0% from 1.2%, following stronger-than-expected first quarter performance and support from the 400-billion-baht emergency loan decree.

Thailand's economy in Q1 2025 expanded faster than anticipated at 2.8% year-on-year and 0.7% quarter-on-quarter, driven by both private and public investment as well as private and public consumption. These two factors contributed to Q1 GDP growth of 4.3%. Meanwhile, higher-than-expected exports and private investment were offset by robust imports, which surged 25.4% year-on-year.

The Thai economy also benefited from higher inventory levels compared to the same period last year, consistent with industrial production returning to positive growth in the first quarter and agricultural output increasing from the previous year due to favorable weather conditions.

Amid the impact of Middle East tensions, Kasikornbank Research Center had previously estimated Thailand's 2025 economy would expand within the range of 0.8–1.2% (forecast issued in April 2025) due to rising energy prices and a slowdown in tourism.

However, Q1 2025 GDP came in better than expected, combined with stronger-than-anticipated momentum in private investment and additional support from the 400-billion-baht emergency loan decree, prompting the research center to revise its 2025 GDP forecast upward to 2.0% from 1.2%.

Thailand's 2025 trade surplus is expected to decline from previous estimates and fall significantly compared to the previous year. Exports are projected to grow 8.2%, up from the previous forecast, supported primarily by electronics exports. However, this forecast accounts for risks from U.S. trade measures that may impose tariffs on Thai goods under Section 301 in the second half of 2025 onward.

Meanwhile, 2025 imports are expected to expand sharply to 13.9%, consistent with export growth and private investment expansion. Foreign tourist arrivals in 2025 are forecasted to fall to approximately 30 million from the previous estimate of 31.5 million, as elevated jet fuel prices continue to pressure global airlines' operating costs, leading to higher airfares and dampening tourist travel confidence, particularly among long-haul visitors.

Samsung is elevating the modern lifestyle experience through Samsung The Movingstyle, an intelligent display designed to offer true freedom, flexibility, and mobility. As people's lifestyles are no longer confined to a single corner of the home, displays are no longer stationary devices.

The Movingstyle is designed under the concept of "carrying your experience everywhere in style." Whether watching series in the bedroom, playing music while cooking, video calling while working, exercising in the living room, or creating entertainment in your favorite corner, all activities flow seamlessly on a single display.

The key highlight of The Movingstyle is its movable stand design with concealed wheels, allowing convenient relocation throughout the home while maintaining stability. Its sleek minimalist design complements modern home décor. The display can be easily detached from the stand with a single button, transforming into a portable screen ready for any lifestyle.

The Movingstyle supports full motion movement including tilting, rotating, and height adjustment for optimal viewing comfort during work, content consumption, gaming, or relaxation. The sliding stand meets international safety standards (IEC 62368-1) with a center-of-gravity design preventing tipping.

Another standout feature is the built-in battery supporting wireless operation for up to 3 hours per charge, allowing users to carry entertainment both indoors and outdoors without worrying about cables.

The Movingstyle enhances the experience with intelligent features connecting daily activities seamlessly through a touchscreen supporting clicks, drags, and swipes. It supports streaming platforms, gaming, and virtual remote control.

It offers flexible connectivity including mobile screen mirroring with full touch support, Plug-and-Play connections via USB-C and HDMI, and multimedia sharing from Galaxy devices. The Movingstyle comes with Samsung Vision AI Companion, an on-screen AI assistant that searches information, recommends content, and answers user questions in real-time with relevant videos and images, delivering an intelligent and personalized experience.

Bixby makes operation even more intuitive.

Wat Khao Sap Phong Phot in Non Somborn Subdistrict, Sai Thong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province is constructing a nine-story stupa and preparing Buddha images to be installed on the fourth level. Community members volunteer daily, and during the school break, local youth join their parents to help craft the images.

Grandmother Somjit Thongduang from Ban Suan Pang Mai shares that she comes to make Buddha images every day, living about 10 kilometers from the temple. During the school closure, she invited children to join in, giving them meaningful activities away from mobile phones while instilling religious values and teaching productive use of free time. The children have become so enthusiastic that initially parents had to encourage them, but now the children invite their parents to come.

There are two methods used at the temple: making clay-fired Buddha images and creating images from stone mixed with resin or epoxy. Children primarily work on the clay-fired images, kneading clay until it achieves the right consistency, then pressing it into Buddha-shaped molds. After drying, the molds are removed to reveal beautiful clay Buddha images.

Another activity the children particularly enjoy is hunting for beautiful stones in stone piles to be used by parents and adults to create resin or epoxy-mixed Buddha images. The colors and patterns vary depending on the creator's imagination and how different stones are arranged in the molds.

Temple Buddha-making activities start at 8 a.m. daily. Anyone interested can participate at Wat Khao Sap Phong Phot in Non Somborn Subdistrict, Sai Thong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Those unable to attend can contribute clay or donate resin or epoxy for the project.