Drug abuse continues to plague Thai society, as highlighted by a train-bus collision in central Bangkok where the train conductor tested positive for methamphetamine and admitted to periodic use of crystal meth and cannabis. The drugs may have compromised the conductor's job performance, potentially contributing to the serious accident. While it is encouraging that the State Railway has immediately launched comprehensive drug screening of its employees, the incident underscores the critical importance of testing public officials responsible for citizen safety, as drug-impaired individuals can easily lose awareness and pose a severe risk. Drug testing among civil servants and state employees must be strictly enforced, but this must be coupled with aggressive drug trafficking enforcement and prosecution of drug dealers with heavy penalties and asset seizure. Users should receive treatment without criminal prosecution, though current rehabilitation programs have significant shortcomings—public health treatment centers lack sufficient staff, treatment often lasts only days due to inadequate personnel and budgets, and many discharged patients return to their communities and commit crimes because treatment was incomplete. Responsible agencies must urgently review why rehabilitation achieves less than 100% success rates and find solutions to make drug treatment truly effective. Otherwise, Thai society will remain hostage to drug-addicted individuals who literally hold the life and death of our people in their hands.

On May 25, 2026, Pheu Thai party members from Bangkok jointly launched a campaign for Bangkok City Council candidates under the banner 'Pheu Thai Life Perfect Fit: A City That Understands People, Trusting People Who Understand the City,' demonstrating their collective stance through simultaneous profile and cover photo changes on Facebook.

This coalition represents a grassroots initiative by Pheu Thai members, as the party has not officially endorsed candidates for Bangkok City Council. However, party members have chosen to unite as a team to conduct a joint campaign and present themselves to constituents across various districts.

The 'Pheu Thai Life Perfect Fit' campaign aims to present a vision of a city where ordinary people can thrive, led by a team connected to the government with the capacity to translate national policies into concrete municipal-level development.

Candidate names include: - Ms. Chuwalpatcha Samretwanit, candidate for Lad Krabang district - Mr. Somchai Wesarattkragtrakul, candidate for Sai Yai district - Mr. Takkan Suntonvuthi, candidate for Lak Si district - Mr. Peeraphong Rasmi, candidate for Nong Chok district - Ms. Nurunmaan Huangtrap, candidate for Khlong Samwa district - Mr. Sutthichai Veerkulsuntor, candidate for Jomthong district - Mr. Pana Wutidetch, candidate for Don Mueang district - Mr. Kittipong Roifupun, candidate for Thung Khru district - Ms. Phimphen Veerkulsuntor, candidate for Rat Burana district - Mr. Wirut Meenchaiyanan, candidate for Minburi district

A distraught mother identified the body of her 16-year-old son, a student at a prominent Chiang Mai school, who went missing two days earlier after falling into the Ping River. Rescue workers and relatives found him floating near Chanthorsorn Bridge. At 3:09 PM on May 25, 2025, police from Muang Chiang Mai Station responded to reports of a teenage boy found dead floating in the Ping River near Chanthorsorn Bridge (Khuae Khaek) in Chang Moey subdistrict, Muang Chiang Mai district. Officers and rescue workers from Ruamjai Chiang Mai Foundation arrived at the scene. The boy was wearing a black t-shirt and black shorts and was found floating in the middle of the river near the bridge. Authorities recovered his body and identified him as a 16-year-old student from a well-known Chiang Mai school. His mother confirmed the identity. He had been missing since May 23 after witnesses saw him fall into the water near Ratnakosin Bridge. Search efforts by police and relatives initially yielded no results until today when family members and rescue workers took a flat-bottomed boat along the river and discovered the body near Chanthorsorn Bridge. Preliminary examination found no signs of physical trauma. The body has been sent for detailed autopsy, and authorities are accelerating their review of CCTV footage from the area where he fell into the Ping River for further investigation.

RATCHABURI — Damnoen Saduak Floating Market came alive as 56 beauty queens from the Miss Grand International (MGI) All Stars pageant arrived to participate in a local culture and tourism promotion campaign. The global contestants received enthusiastic welcomes from public and private sectors and residents who united to showcase Thailand's community lifestyle and charm.

The visit underscores Damnoen Saduak's potential as a cultural tourism destination that preserves its authentic identity, including its iconic canal-side lifestyle, floating markets, local cuisine, and natural landscapes.

Staying at Khum Damnoen Resort, the delegates and production crew toured numerous attractions including Damnoen Sky Cafe, Kwan Damnoen 1 restaurant, Yuwanda Pier, and the world-famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. A highlight was a traditional canal boat ride that immersed the beauty queens in the community's heritage. They also relaxed at Your Garden Damnoen Saduak cafe and shopped for local crafts and souvenirs.

The visit generated significant economic benefits for local hotels, restaurants, shops, and entrepreneurs while drawing large crowds of visitors and residents eager to meet the contestants and capture photographs.

The event elevated Thailand's global tourism profile while demonstrating Ratchaburi's appeal as a comprehensive travel destination, offering scenic natural attractions, vibrant food culture, local heritage, and renowned hospitality.

An idol who became paralyzed from the waist down after an accident continues to pursue her dreams on stage, but faces harsh criticism from internet users who claim she makes money without working.

Tomoka Igarashi, a member of the idol group Kamen Joshi, has once again become the subject of discussion after responding to online critics who have judged her life.

Tomoka was once a cheerful and passionate dancer, but her life took a dramatic turn in 2018 when a catastrophic accident occurred. A large 2.8-meter tall advertisement billboard was blown loose from a building by wind and fell directly onto her, trapping her underneath. Witnesses immediately called authorities, and she was rushed to the hospital where she underwent emergency surgery lasting six hours, narrowly surviving. However, the accident left her paralyzed from the waist down.

Tomoka revealed that in the beginning, she could barely accept what had happened. No matter how hard she tried, her legs no longer responded. Her life at that time was filled with despair, but she ultimately chose to fight back, believing that simply being alive was the most precious thing.

"It took me a long time to accept everything," she said. "I'm still alive, and nothing can replace that. It's a gift from God. No matter what trials come next, I will get through them."

Just four months after the accident, she decided to return to the stage as an idol, performing from a wheelchair. Before each show, her team had to carry her onto the stage and set up special ramps. Even sitting on stage during performances caused her significant physical pain.

However, what pained her more than her physical injuries were the words and prejudices from some people in society. Many times, internet users criticized her, saying she was "just sitting around making money," as if her life was full of ease.

Recently, Tomoka posted a screenshot of a comment from an X user who suggested that living in a wheelchair made it easy for her to "make money" without any hardship. This comment became the final straw that prompted her to respond directly.

"Sometimes I meet people who think sitting in a wheelchair is easy. So why don't you try sitting still all day and see how it feels? Sitting in a wheelchair for long periods causes my legs to swell and my back to hurt so badly I can barely stand it. And because I can't use my legs, I have to use my arms for everything, which causes them to swell red and makes the muscles feel like they're tearing apart."

She further explained that her spinal cord injury severely affects her core muscles. Even leaning forward slightly is difficult, and she must constantly hold onto tables or grab onto things to avoid falling. Additionally, she has lost the ability to feel pain signals from urination and defecation, requiring her to use a urinary catheter every day.

Previously, Tomoka posted about her feelings, saying that for most people, "being able to walk to the bathroom on your own" might seem ordinary, but for her, it's the thing she misses most in life. Ultimately, she vented all her frustration frankly—the pain, anger, and sadness from being judged by people who have never truly understood the lives of people with disabilities.

"If you think my life is so easy, then go ahead and try switching bodies with me," she concluded.

ROCTEC Global (ROCTEC) announced its fiscal year 2568/69 operating results on May 25, 2569, with Chief Executive Officer Veera Semelam reporting operating revenue increased 10.8% year-on-year to 3,428 million baht, while net profit jumped 39.8% to 476 million baht, representing a net profit margin of 13.9%. The strong performance was driven by increased project activities, disciplined cost management, and improved operational efficiency.

The ICT Solutions business remains the company's primary revenue driver, generating 2,917 million baht or 85% of total operating revenue, supported by strong demand for Digital Display Solutions following large orders from strategic domestic partners and ongoing project execution. The Transportation Solutions business continues to make progress, particularly with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) telecommunications network project, Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) maintenance contracts, and the M6/M81 network system project.

The Integrated Technology Solutions segment benefits from ICT projects from both public and private sector clients, aligning with national priorities in smart city development and digital transformation initiatives. The Advertising business continues on a positive trajectory, generating 511 million baht in revenue, up 16.2% year-on-year, driven by strong performance in street furniture media and increased revenue allocation, with steady cost structures supporting the business's consistent contribution to overall company performance.

On profitability, ROCTEC achieved gross profit of 957 million baht, up 9.0% year-on-year, while maintaining a gross profit margin of 27.9% despite minor margin pressure from accelerated Digital Display Solutions project execution. The company maintains strong margin quality and disciplined cost control across its overall business portfolio.

"Fiscal year 2568/69 represents another significant year for ROCTEC, demonstrating our ability to expand project operations while maintaining cost discipline, with ICT Solutions continuing as the primary growth driver," CEO Veera Semelam stated. Key support comes from rising demand for Digital Display Solutions, progress on transportation infrastructure projects, and growing opportunities in Smart City solutions and security systems. The company remains focused on quality-driven growth, improving revenue visibility, and creating long-term shareholder value.

Semelam noted that throughout the past year, ROCTEC has strengthened several strategic elements, including securing the State Railway of Thailand's national telecommunications network construction contract valued at nearly 1.5 billion baht in partnership with affiliated companies.