Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakij received Mr. Pierre Jaffre, president of the Thai-European Business Association (TEBA), and the association's board of directors for discussions on developing Thailand's transport and logistics systems. Attending was Chayathorn Phromsorn, Permanent Secretary of the Transport Ministry, alongside other transport ministry executives. The meeting aimed to exchange information and adapt European technology and standards to improve quality of life, safety, and economic stimulation.

Ratchakij stated that the ministry would consider all technologies and recommendations from TEBA with the goal of maximizing public benefit across road safety, travel efficiency, and reducing product costs through improved logistics systems.

TEBA's committee presented four key areas of discussion:

1. Vehicles and Road Safety: Mr. Krzysztof Tokarz highlighted Europe's success in reducing road fatalities by 60%, proposing that Thailand expand ABS brake system requirements to standard motorcycles beyond the current law limiting it to 1,200 cc vehicles and above (covering only 20% of the market). The Land Transport Department agreed road safety is a priority and will establish a working group with relevant agencies and TEBA to exchange safety technologies, review vehicle inspection policies, and implement speed control measures.

2. Aviation and Digital Technology: TEBA raised concerns about airport capacity amid growing passenger volumes and energy costs. Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited demonstrated end-to-end biometric facial scanning systems from check-in through boarding to reduce congestion. However, concerns about passenger data storage have caused hesitancy. The ministry instructed the airport authority to expedite resolving these issues to align with global security standards.

3. Supply Chain and Logistics Management: TEBA highlighted congestion at Laem Chabang port affecting shipping costs and questioned the feasibility and environmental impact of the proposed Landbridge project. The Port Authority of Thailand confirmed they are reducing cargo handling delays.

Police arrested two 20-year-old men from Chiang Rai province following a hit-and-run incident on May 22, 2569 in which a white Mitsubishi Expander struck Deputy Inspector Tharan Phiromjitcharoen while he was conducting an alcohol checkpoint on Bang Na-Trat Road. The driver and passenger sustained serious injuries after the collision. Officers recovered a Glock 19 pistol with 24 rounds concealed in the vehicle's spare tire compartment. One suspect, identified as Akrawin, admitted to being an active member of the Oreo gang, a youth group previously in the news for gang violence and illegal weapons possession. He claimed he and his friend had just returned from an entertainment venue in the Rangsit area and denied consuming alcohol, attributing any disorientation to unspecified substances. Police charged the driver with illegal weapons possession and reckless endangerment causing serious injury, while charging the passenger with illegal weapons possession and transporting firearms in public without justification. Akrawin has a prior criminal record involving five cases of assault and weapons violations.

A significant movement in Thailand's arts and culture sector is gaining momentum as Khun Khai Malihuana (Kladawut Thongthai) joins forces with academics and contemporary artist networks from the civil society to hold an important meeting on 'Advancing the Establishment of the National Arts Council' at the Royal Princess Hotel Larn Luang in Bangkok.

This represents a crucial gathering bringing together academics and arts activists from across the country. Dr. Sirivat Saemserm from Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University, who is leading the project initiative, stated: 'This is an exceptional opportunity to have all the experts, specialists, and stakeholders from our arts community—spanning contemporary and grassroots artists and all related fields—come together to share ideas and recommendations to truly advance the establishment of Thailand's National Arts Council. We have now gathered momentum from every region across the country: the North in Chiang Mai, the South in Phuket, the Northeast in Khon Kaen, and Bangkok. This collective strength demonstrates that Thailand's National Arts Council can genuinely become a reality. This research will serve as the foundation, with the Contemporary Arts and Culture Office overseeing the project alongside the Ministry of Culture. We need the government's full support to make this happen.'

Prakrit Gop Kijwattana, a creative advertising professional and political campaign designer, shared: 'This is one of the first serious discussions about the National Arts Council, bringing together teachers and experts from various fields to brainstorm its establishment. This council will play a vital role in supporting state policies and advancing Thai artists, enabling Thai arts to gain prominence on the global stage. When we look at major countries—England, France, America, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore—they all recognize that arts and culture, from grassroots to contemporary art, film, theater, and music, require a central arts council to drive them forward. Though Thailand is establishing this late, we must do it now. The government should prioritize this issue. The longer we delay, the more we will fall behind in the creative industries competition. This is a good start that should happen regardless of which government is in power. Arts and culture could become a driver of Thailand's economic growth.'

Thawatchai Somkhong, a respected artist and skilled practitioner with significant influence in advancing Thai arts, and founder of Fine Art magazine, added: 'This is an important starting point where we unite our thinking toward a common goal. The council has long been a dream in our industry, filling the gaps that government agencies cannot address to elevate the arts sector and create economic impact. We are gathering people from all groups within the arts community to identify key issues and reach conclusions to move forward. This is only the first step, and we hope the network grows and that those in this field will collectively support the council's establishment to fulfill everyone's dream. We have involved lawmakers who recognize the importance of viewing arts not merely as cultural matters but as an economic driver.'

Thai Chamber of Commerce University's School of Business Administration is advancing educational reform with the launch of its 'CEO MBAˣ' master's program, emphasizing integrated learning that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience from business sector experts. The curriculum aims to address the need for creating next-generation organizational leaders who can compete in the rapidly evolving business world, with student enrollment beginning in the 2025 academic year.

The new program reflects the institution's adaptation to global trends, particularly integrating digital knowledge, innovation, and strategic management with direct experience from entrepreneurs and practicing executives. The teaching approach emphasizes case method and block course formats, enabling students to apply their learning both immediately and sustainably in their future careers.

Associate Professor Dr. Thanavorn Polwichai, rector of Thai Chamber of Commerce University, stated that the 'CEO MBAˣ' curriculum has been completely redesigned to align with current global business contexts. Classes are held exclusively on Saturdays and Sundays, with block course instruction allowing students to graduate within approximately one year. The program also allows course content to be adjusted to reflect changing economic and industry trends.

A key distinguishing feature is the integration of academic knowledge with expertise from practicing business professionals, with at least 50% of instructors drawn from the business sector to develop deeper perspectives and enhance students' decision-making capabilities in real situations. The curriculum encompasses four critical dimensions: Strategy and Global Vision, Digital Transformation and AI, People and Change Leadership, and Sustainability and Governance.

Dr. Ravida Viriyakij, dean of the School of Business Administration, noted that the 'CEO MBAˣ' program focuses on learning from practitioners actively engaged in business daily, combined with academic frameworks to transform experience into applicable knowledge. The flexible, modern curriculum can adapt to business trends while emphasizing deep learning through case studies. The block course format allows students to focus intensively on each subject while immediately applying knowledge to real work situations.

Students will develop strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills in complex scenarios reflecting current business realities, while building professional networks with peers and instructors who are leading business executives. The program delivers both theoretical knowledge and practical experience that directly supports career success.

The Thai Kickboxing Association through KATPRO, led by Dr. Supranie Kuptasa and Aytek Narmetov, announces a prestigious International Professional Kickboxing Tournament & Ranking Selection Fights scheduled for June 20-23, 2025 in Phuket. The tournament will bring together elite kickboxers and rising stars from around the world competing for a ticket to professional advancement and international competition opportunities.

Held under world-class competition standards using K-1 rules, all matches will be adjudicated and controlled according to KATPRO standards and certified by the Thai Kickboxing Association. This is not merely a standard competition but a selection process for future international championship contention. Winners will advance to the main tournament bracket in Bangkok, where successful athletes receive full sponsorship including round-trip economy flights, accommodation, and meals for athletes and coaches. Prize money in Bangkok includes $2,000 (approximately 65,340 baht) for champions and $1,000 for runners-up. At the Phuket qualifying round, champions earn $500 (approximately 16,335 baht) plus a ticket to Bangkok, while runners-up receive $300.

The competition accepts male athletes aged 18-40 competing under KATPRO rules across seven weight divisions: 54kg, 57kg, 60kg, 65kg, 71kg, 75kg, and 81kg. Registration and weigh-ins occur Friday, June 19 from 9:00-14:00 at Khun Pohn Martial Arts. Qualifying rounds run Saturday June 20 through Sunday June 21 at the same venue. Championship finals take place Monday June 22 and Tuesday June 23 at Bangla Boxing Stadium in Patong. Dr. Supranie Kuptasa expressed hope that participants will experience the spirit of Thailand's "Land of Smiles" while celebrating the power, technique, and warrior spirit of kickboxing, all while experiencing the charm of Phuket.