Pa Laong, a celebrated used shoe vendor who refuses to give up, has turned a devastating setback into an outpouring of community support after torrential rains destroyed her sales during the Rocket Festival in Kalasin Province. With all her capital tied up in inventory and travel costs, and no money for fuel or truck rental to return her unsold stock to Ang Thong Province, she relocated her operation and attempted to sell from a new spot. When sales stalled despite her efforts, Pa Laong made an unconventional decision on May 23, 2025: she would give away three pairs of free shoes to anyone who needed them, asking only for donations according to each person's means to cover her fuel and transport costs home.

Pa Laong is no stranger to hardship—she previously made national headlines after thieves completely cleaned out her used shoe shop in Udon Thani Province, yet she persevered and continued her honest livelihood. This time, her compassionate pivot transformed a crisis into a heartwarming community moment. On the morning she implemented her free distribution plan, locals from Khao Wong District and surrounding areas descended on her shop in continuous waves, not just to collect free shoes but to donate generously. The scene overflowed with warmth as residents contributed what they could, with many donating above the standard price, offering words of encouragement, and embodying the spirit of mutual support. The initiative revealed the best of community spirit—people giving freely to help Pa Laong return home with dignity.

On May 23, 2025, the Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) arrested Angkharn (Joey), 28, and Saharuthai (Kaew), 29, on court arrest warrants issued May 18, 2025, for involvement in transnational organized crime, human trafficking, and forced labor. The couple was apprehended at a rental room in Chiang Mai's San Sai District.

According to victim statements, starting in April 2024, they were recruited for administrative work in Cambodia but were instead detained and forced into a scamming operation. Victims were coerced into participating in online product sales fraud through fake Shopify platforms. Those who refused to sign contracts or failed to meet quotas faced severe punishment including electric shocks and physical beatings. Some victims reportedly witnessed torture and deaths within the Chinese-led criminal network.

When victims fell ill and requested to return to Thailand, they were demanded ransoms of 500,000 baht per person, which were later negotiated down to 120,000 baht each. Some paid up to 240,000 baht total to escape.

Investigations revealed the couple acted as recruiters, deceiving Thais to cross the border and monitoring money transfers through fraudulent accounts. After initially hiding in Saraburi Province, they fled to Chiang Mai's mountainous region before being apprehended with chat evidence used to deceive new victims.

Both suspects deny involvement in command or direction of operations, claiming they were merely workers who traveled with the victim group. They acknowledge awareness of the ransom demands and torture but deny participation. The CIB has obtained arrest warrants for ten suspects total, with several remaining at large abroad.

Authorities warn the public against accepting recruitment offers for overseas work promising unusually high compensation, as these are common tactics used for human trafficking and transnational criminal networks that may result in loss of freedom, property, or life.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Panitchpakdi met with Singapore's Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu on May 22, 2026, during the APEC Trade Ministers Meeting in Suzhou, China to discuss food security cooperation mechanisms, multilateral trade agreements, and expansion of rice and agricultural exports to increase bilateral trade and investment opportunities.

Supachai revealed that both sides exchanged views on the volatile global trade situation caused by various factors and agreed to strengthen economic and trade cooperation, particularly on food security and supply chain resilience. Thailand proposed elevating cooperation from general trade to a food security framework during crisis periods, focusing on product volume and price stability. Rice was identified as a key starting product, with plans to expand cooperation to other consumer goods including chicken eggs, meat products, canned food, and seafood ingredients. Both sides agreed to closely collaborate on perishable goods and proposed organizing technical workshops to develop concrete and practical cooperation guidelines.

Singapore's expertise in trade management and supply chain systems positions the two countries to become strong supply chain partners. Thailand also pushed to accelerate the Singapore-Thailand Enhanced Economic Relationship (STEER) meeting to this year instead of 2027 to keep pace with rapid global economic and geopolitical changes. Singapore invited Thailand to join the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership (FIT P) framework with over 16 member countries to strengthen supply chain, digital trade, and innovation cooperation. Thailand signaled positive interest but requires domestic approval before formal participation. Both nations emphasized the importance of ASEAN regional cooperation in addressing crises such as food and energy security.

Singapore ranks as Thailand's third-largest ASEAN trade partner and ninth globally. Two-way trade in 2025 totaled $19.66 billion (up 10.75%), with the first quarter of 2026 reaching $6.72 billion, comprising Thai exports of $4.48 billion (up 86.33%) and imports of $2.23 billion (up 31.67%).

A 55-year-old student van driver has given a statement to police after surrendering himself, claiming it was his first day driving the route and he was not familiar with the area. On May 23, 2025, video footage circulated showing a student van attempting to cross railroad tracks while a train was approaching. The van, originating from Pra Chiang intersection in Muang district, Lopburi province, drove through the lowering barrier to cross to Kosapan alley, constituting a violation of railway safety signals. Deputy Pol. Col. Banyang Santiprichawattana, commander of Lopburi Provincial Police, ordered Ta Hin Police Station to urgently track down the vehicle and summon the driver for questioning. Through CCTV footage review, officers identified the Bangkok-registered van driven by 55-year-old Sangwal (surname withheld). The driver appeared before investigators and stated he had picked up five students from Ta Oung Wai district to transport to schools. On his first day driving and unfamiliar with the route, particularly the railway crossing signals, he heard only the warning sound and could only see the barrier lowering on the opposite side but not the barrier in front of him, so he stopped to check. Investigators charged him with three violations: crossing a railway barrier, failing to stop at a safe distance of 15 meters from the tracks, and transport business violations, with a fine of 2,000 baht.

Settling a household debate: which is more cost-effective for water bills—doing laundry all at once or washing frequently? A Japanese laundry expert reveals an answer that surprises many.

With living costs on the rise, many families are trying to cut household expenses. One common strategy is to "do one big load of laundry on the weekend" to save on water and electricity bills. However, Japanese laundry expert Rie Hirajima has revealed that bulk washing may not be the money-saver many assume it to be.

Hirajima explains that the most recommended approach is "regular, frequent washing with smaller loads," because bulk washing can actually become "a false economy that costs more in the end."

Stains set deeper, harder to wash out, leaving yellowing and odors

The longer clothes sit before washing, the more sweat stains, dirt, and odors seep deep into fabric fibers, making them harder to remove. This can result in yellowed clothes, musty smells, or the need for multiple wash cycles—ultimately using more water, detergent, and electricity than before.

Overloading the machine reduces cleaning efficiency

Another problem with bulk washing is that people often stuff machines to capacity, preventing clothes from moving freely. This makes it harder for dirt to release from fabrics.

Recommendations: - Top-load washers: fill to 70-80% capacity - Drum washers: fill to only 50% to allow room for rotation and agitation, which are crucial to effective cleaning

Hoping to save water costs, but ending up spending more

While many choose bulk washing to reduce water bills, experts point out that if clothes don't get clean and need rewashing, or develop yellow stains requiring replacement, the total cost exceeds whatever water savings were attempted.

If bulk washing is unavoidable, here's what to do:

1. Address heavily soiled clothes first Sweat-soaked or stained clothes should be washed the same day to prevent odors and stubborn stains from setting.

2. Don't leave clothes in the washer Leaving wet clothes in the machine creates dampness and mold growth. Use a well-ventilated laundry basket instead.

3. Air-dry damp clothes first Especially towels—if left wet, bacteria multiply and odors develop easily. If you can't wash immediately, hang them to dry first.

Those drying clothes indoors should "wash less but more often"

For those air-drying indoors or in condos, washing smaller loads helps clothes dry faster and prevents musty smells from incomplete drying. Washing large batches at once and hanging them all together creates moisture buildup and slower drying, easily leading to "damp odors."

In an era of rising water, electricity, and product costs, proper clothing care not only reduces expenses but also extends the lifespan of your favorite clothes.

A new TikTok trend is creating confusion and concern among many people, as users have been posting videos of themselves eating miniature clay pots. The trend involves coating small earthenware containers with lime juice and seasoning powder before consuming them whole.

The trend was initiated by TikTok creator Janeth Herrera, who posted a video of herself eating clay pots while pregnant. Her video went viral rapidly, accumulating millions of views. While some viewers expressed interest in trying it themselves, others found the trend strange and unappetizing.

Experts suggest that this eating behavior may be related to a condition called "pica," which causes people to crave non-food items such as soil or clay. This condition can occur during pregnancy or when the body lacks certain nutrients, such as iron. However, even if basic laboratory tests appear normal, hidden nutritional deficiencies may still exist.

There is also a cultural dimension to consider, as some communities have long-standing traditions of consuming clay based on health or spiritual beliefs. However, modern medical experts warn that eating clay has virtually no nutritional value and may be unsafe for the body.

Medical professionals point to several health risks: clay is difficult to digest and may accumulate in the digestive tract, potentially causing blockages. It can also interfere with nutrient absorption and medication effectiveness. Additionally, there is risk of contamination from harmful substances such as heavy metals, particularly since many clay products are not subject to strict quality control standards.

Even products labeled as "Food Grade" or safe for consumption do not guarantee complete safety, experts emphasize, as these products have not undergone the same level of certification as food or medicine, leaving consumers reliant on manufacturer credibility.

Although the trend continues to spread online, medical advice remains clear: the health risks far outweigh any potential benefits.