Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Panitchpakdi has unveiled a policy to elevate data analytics in managing agricultural supply and demand systematically across the entire value chain, from production through distribution. The initiative focuses on using a rice production forecasting dashboard to enable accurate monitoring of regional conditions and precise planning of production, marketing, and product absorption. "We must shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive, data-driven management, with the dashboard serving as the critical tool for linking our entire information system to enable accurate and timely decision-making," Supachai stated.

The Office of Trade Policy and Strategy, in collaboration with the Ayutthaya Provincial Commerce Office, conducted field verification on May 12, 2025 in two districts—Phachi and Uthai—to advance the dashboard pilot program using satellite data from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). The initiative integrates data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Office of Agricultural Economics, the Department of Agricultural Extension, and local farmers to create a unified information system supporting policy decisions.

The field assessment identified three key priorities: improving forecast accuracy by integrating rice variety data and field survey information; consolidating rice variety databases into a single system for production planning and targeted market positioning; and leveraging shared databases to enable agriculture officials to manage production and quality precisely while commerce officials can forecast market trends and prepare contingency measures in advance. Farmers confirmed that satellite data accurately reflects planting timelines, validating the dashboard's development potential.

The ministries aim to deliver concrete results within two months for operational field-level deployment. Future phases will incorporate AI technology and the Prism Model (Precision Rice Intelligence for Strategy & Market Model) to analyze global rice demand, assess market potential, identify trade barriers, and formulate proactive export strategies tailored to specific consumer groups.

The successful Ayutthaya pilot is planned to expand nationwide across all 76 provinces, transforming rice management through Big Data and AI technologies to enable real-time production monitoring and dynamic supply-demand management.

Yok Thong, known as Yok Jitraprorn, has made history as Thailand's first influencer, rising from her humble beginnings as a street vendor to gracing the world's most prestigious red carpet at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival in France. The accomplished Thai influencer appeared as the sole Thai VIP influencer honored by global beauty giant L'Oréal Paris, creating massive excitement among her fanbase. The highlight came on May 16th when Yok Thong stepped onto the red carpet in a stunning custom-made white gown from haute couture brand Phatrawi Design, complemented by white pearl rings and earrings from Matarastudio and the iconic René Caovilla shoes from the "Bloom / Spring is About to Bloom" collection. She confidently shared the frame with world-class superstars, radiating beauty and poise as she commanded the global red carpet.

Police investigators from Muang Kamphaeng Phet Station have summoned all monks from Wat Krajom Thong to the police station for detailed questioning in connection with the shooting attack on Abbot Phra Athikan Bunlersi Akpunyyo, 64, of Wat Krajom Thong in Mueang District, Kamphaeng Phet Province on May 18, 2025. The abbot was struck by multiple gunshots of unknown caliber while inside his cell, suffering serious injuries to his right ear, neck, shoulder, and hip. He was rushed to the hospital by fellow monks and villagers.

Police are focusing their investigation on finding clues about the shooter, who may still be hiding or frequenting the temple. They are also examining internal disputes or grievances that could have motivated the attack and reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding areas. Investigators are particularly puzzled by the fact that the abbot's pitbull guard dog did not bark during the incident.

Chalor, 60, the caretaker who attends to the abbot daily, expressed shock upon learning of the attack. He noted that the abbot is well-liked by both monks and villagers, though he does lend money to some. Chalor mentioned that while the temple's security camera system once functioned, the memory card has been expired for a long time. Regarding the pitbull, Chalor explained that the dog remains calm and quiet when with the abbot but becomes aggressive and barks when separated from him.

On May 18, 2569 at Wat Maha Rat Noi School in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittiphand gave an interview following his announcement of resignation to run for a second term as governor, effective at 5 PM today. He explained that he submitted his resignation letter this morning, with immediate effect at 5 PM, as he needs to travel abroad tonight for his son Saenpit Sittiphand's graduation ceremony. This allows him to avoid creating administrative gaps and eliminate the need for an acting governor. He confirmed his intention to run for Bangkok Governor in the next election.

For this election, he will emphasize a productivity policy because Bangkok must now compete with cities worldwide. He plans to maximize output while minimizing resource use and enhance city efficiency through technology, comprising three elements: happiness, opportunity, and hope. He noted that in recent years, residents have become happier with improved quality of life. Going forward, appropriate technology must be used to strengthen Bangkok's position as an economic center competing with global cities.

When asked about concerns during the interim period without a permanent governor, Chadchart said there would be no problems as the administrative work will continue through his team and staff. He noted this is normal in a democratic system where there is such a transition period for citizens to choose new leaders. His team has performed well, and he is confident they will continue to do so.

"I have to keep working because they pay me until the very last second. There are many concerns," Chadchart said.

He mentioned that this morning he will visit Don Mueang district, the area hit hardest by flooding since his early tenure, where road construction is now nearly complete. He also expressed concern about several projects, particularly a wastewater treatment pond on the Thonburi side that is progressing slowly. He asked the Permanent Secretary of Bangkok to oversee these matters and brief the incoming administration.

His campaign team will consist of both existing and new members. He thanked his team and civil servants for their excellent work over the past nearly four years.

When asked if he still gives himself a 5 out of 10 score, Chadchart said he maintains that rating because self-assessment is impossible. However, he gave his team an 8 out of 10 and prefers others to judge his performance.

What pleased him most over four years was the responsive service format changes for residents. Systems like Traffy Fondue made officials recognize the importance of the public and significantly improved efficiency. Previously, resolving citizen issues took approximately two months, but over these four years it has averaged just 1.9 days.

When citizens request action, it gets done faster. People feel that power has been decentralized more and trust in the administration has grown. When he first took office, residents distrusted Bangkok, which had been plagued by corruption and backroom dealings. Now that has changed through structural transformation that brings government closer to people without changing laws, using appropriate technology with minimal investment but maximum returns. He pledged to become more proactive in identifying problems rather than just waiting for citizen reports.

Som Chiang embraced her youngest daughter Kim with tears as she opened her heart about the closure of her noodle shop due to economic downturn and an investment loss of 16 million baht from a scam. After announcing she would take on review work to raise capital, she faced criticism from some who questioned whether she was using the money for personal enhancement rather than business investment. Today, she brought her youngest daughter "Kim" onto the talk show "Khui Saep Show" on Channel One31, hosted by DJ Phut Phuttachai and Pekkie Srithanya, to share her pride in Kim's achievement.

Kim recently completed her master's degree in Digital Marketing in the United Kingdom, which took approximately a year and a half. Som Chiang expressed her immense pride, noting that as a person who came from a different province with limited education, seeing her daughter study abroad filled her with joy.

During the interview, Kim revealed her dreams and future plans. When asked about her aspirations, she humorously mentioned wanting to help her mother create YouTube content and find brand partnerships. Her childhood dream has been to become a flight attendant, inspired by the elegant appearance of cabin crew members she observed while traveling. Som Chiang supported this ambition, hoping Kim would work for an international airline after learning English abroad. However, Kim decided she prefers to work for a Thai airline to stay close to her mother.

Kim explained that after experiencing life abroad, she realized she felt most comfortable in Thailand. She appreciates the convenience and especially the food in her home country, which played a major factor in her decision to return. During her master's studies, Kim worked part-time at two places: photographing products at outlet stores and working at a Thai restaurant.

Som Chiang was amazed by her daughter's independence, joking that Kim had never even swept the house at home but managed to handle various tasks abroad. When the restaurant owner saw Kim's work, he even told Som Chiang that she could now rest easy and let go of their maid, which shocked Som Chiang with pride at how capable her daughter had become. Kim described her part-time restaurant work as enjoyable and rewarding, allowing her to practice English with foreign customers, learn more menu items, and make good social connections. She joked that while she wouldn't do such chores at home without payment, having earned money made the experience worthwhile.

The epic theatrical film Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu arrives in cinemas on May 21st, bringing audiences a brand new adventure. Directed by Jon Favreau and from the studio behind the massive Star Wars franchise, The Mandalorian and Grogu presents the latest grand adventure of the dynamic duo: Din Djarin (played by Pedro Pascal), the legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter, and Grogu, his young apprentice.

With the evil Empire fallen but chaos still raging, warlords from the former Empire remain scattered across the galaxy. Meanwhile, the newly formed New Republic struggles to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, prompting them to seek help from this remarkable pair.

The film is directed by Jon Favreau and stars Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, and Jeremy Allen White. The screenplay is written by Jon Favreau in collaboration with Dave Filoni and Noah Kloor, with producers Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni, and Ian Bryce, alongside executive producers Karen Gilchrist, John Bartnicki, and Carrie Beck.

Prepare for a new adventure in Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, coming to theaters on May 21st.