Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Sutheepanthu will participate in the 2025 APEC Ministers Responsible for Trade (MRT) meeting in the People's Republic of China, the host economy for this year's APEC forum, held May 22-23, 2025 in Suzhou, Zhejiang Province, under the theme 'Building an Asia-Pacific Community to Prosper Together.'

Supachee stated that China will host the APEC MRT meeting, a ministerial-level platform within the APEC framework, to drive concrete outcomes across three priorities: 'Openness' to promote transparent, predictable open trade and economic systems at both regional and multilateral levels; 'Innovation' to create trade and investment cooperation mechanisms driven by modern technology and innovation; and 'Cooperation' to strengthen collaboration among APEC economies in tackling economic challenges sustainably.

The 2025 APEC MRT meeting will be a crucial opportunity for Thailand to present its vision and exchange perspectives to advance open, sustainable economic and trade cooperation responsive to new global economic dynamics. Thailand will also present its commitment to digital economic transformation under the National AI Strategy and support trusted cross-border data flows.

During the APEC MRT meeting, discussions will address promoting environment-friendly economics and trade, developing implementable AI governance frameworks, and strengthening capacity of developing economies and MSMEs to support future economic transition. A joint lunch between APEC commerce ministers and Chinese business representatives will provide opportunities to exchange views on digital economy and green energy.

Supachee revealed that Thailand will hold bilateral discussions with key economies including the People's Republic of China and Singapore to advance economic, trade, and investment cooperation, while affirming Thailand's role in supporting open trade systems and economic cooperation in the Asia-Pacific region. Thailand aims to promote trade facilitation, digital transformation, sustainable trade, and supply chain resilience to enhance economic efficiency and investor confidence under the APEC framework.

APEC comprises 21 member economies: Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, China, Hong Kong China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam. In 2024, Thailand's trade with APEC economies was valued at $494.65 billion, representing 72.24% of Thailand's total trade, with exports worth $237.58 billion and imports worth $257.06 billion.

Taiwan has confirmed its third hantavirus case of the year after a 40-year-old man was bitten by a rat at work and developed a fever, from which he has since recovered. All three hantavirus patients in Taiwan contracted the Seoul strain of the virus, which does not transmit between humans and differs from the strain connected to the serious outbreak aboard the cruise ship MV Hondiusz operated by Oceanwide Expeditions in the Netherlands. The three confirmed cases include a man in his 70s from the Daan District in Taipei who died in January, a man in his 70s from New Taipei City who tested positive for hantavirus in March and has since been discharged, and the latest case—a 40-year-old man from Jilong in the northeast who tested positive after being bitten by a rat at work and has recovered. Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control recommends that the public follow three prevention rules to reduce infection risk: do not allow rats to enter homes, do not allow rats to inhabit spaces, and do not allow rats to access food.

The Gold Traders Association announced that gold prices surged significantly on May 21, 2026, recovering strongly after yesterday's sharp decline. Ornamental gold is selling at 71,150 baht per baht weight, up 850 baht compared to the closing price on May 20. According to the latest data released by the Gold Traders Association at 9:04 AM, gold bars have a domestic buyback price of 70,150 baht per baht weight and a selling price of 70,350 baht per baht weight under announcement number 1. For 96.5% ornamental gold, the buyback price is 68,750.60 baht per baht weight and the selling price is 71,150 baht per baht weight. International gold spot prices currently stand at 4,558 USD per ounce. According to gold traders, they forecast gold prices may rise another 1,000-2,000 baht per baht weight tomorrow, potentially exceeding 80,000 baht.

Royal Palace Statement on Princess Bajrakitiyabha's Health Condition - Bulletin No. 7, dated May 21, 2026. According to the Royal Palace statement regarding Her Royal Highness Princess Bajrakitiyabha Narendira Debyavati, Princess Siriwanvaree Siripatchr, she has lost consciousness due to cardiac complications and has been under treatment at Chulalongkorn Hospital of the Thai Red Cross Society since December 15, 2022, with recurring infection-related complications.

The medical team treating her has reported that since April 2026, doctors detected an abdominal infection resulting from colon inflammation, causing her condition to become unstable with low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and abnormal blood coagulation. Despite continuous support with ventilators for lung and kidney function, as well as multiple life-saving medications, blood pressure stimulants, and heart rhythm control medications, her condition has continued to worsen, indicating a severe and uncontrollable infection affecting multiple critical organ systems.

The medical team continues to provide comprehensive treatment and closely monitor her condition.

The government, through the Ministry of Education, is systematically introducing e-sports into schools across Thailand to elevate Thai children's learning toward the future. This initiative prepares digital human capital to support the new economy and offers a fresh perspective on Thai education by connecting digital skills, creative thinking, and future economics in concrete ways. In the initial phase, e-sports will be integrated into the "TO BE NUMBER ONE" club network in schools nationwide, creating a space for youth to develop skills in four key areas: technology, analytical thinking, teamwork, and self-management. Selected representatives will compete at school, national, and international levels, with plans to expand into a comprehensive curriculum in the future. The government views e-sports not merely as entertainment but as a creative industry with enormous economic value that can generate income and create careers for Thai youth. Deputy Government Spokesperson Phattharasmit Thongsalueakorn stated that the government aims to transform Thai children's learning from rote memorization to critical thinking and analysis, using technology as a tool to enhance their potential. She expressed confidence that all Thai children have the potential to compete globally if given the right platforms, opportunities, and tools.

On May 21, 2569, Muang Pattaya Police Station reported that at 10 p.m. on May 20, they received a report of a man mysteriously intruding into a residential home in Nong Prue Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri Province, causing alarm to the homeowner. Officers and emergency responders rushed to the scene.

At the two-story residence, they found a man appearing heavily intoxicated, lying near the front door and speaking incoherently. He identified himself as Tawitchai (surname withheld), aged 30-40. Officers attempted to question him but had difficulty understanding him.

Investigation revealed the man was severely intoxicated with a physical disability affecting his mobility. He had entered the wrong house by mistake, startling the actual homeowner. A search found no weapons, illegal items, or stolen property.

The homeowner recounted her fright, explaining she was alone when she heard someone trying to open the gate. The man then entered the property, locked the door behind him, and collapsed at the entrance. Fearing for her safety, she immediately called police for help and thanked the officers and rescue volunteers for their prompt response.

Emergency responders assisted in calming the man and coordinating with his family members to safely return him home, bringing relief to the homeowner and the neighborhood.