On May 23, 2025, Decharat Sukkamagnet, policy director of the Pheu Thai Party, commented on Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Suthermphan's social media post presenting fruit export achievements for April 2025, which returned to positive growth after eight consecutive months of decline. Supachee highlighted three commodities: durian exports up 109.5%, rambutan up 92.8%, and lychee up 70.0%. While Supachee indicated this was a year-on-year comparison and represented a ministry accomplishment, Decharat questioned why farm-gate prices for these fruits actually decreased.

According to agricultural price index data from the Office of Agricultural Economics, April 2025 compared to April 2024 showed durian prices down 1.7%, rambutan prices down 22.8%, and lychee prices down 7.4%. This means increased exports did not translate to higher prices for farmers—a point Supachee did not address.

Decharat noted that fruit farmers had already challenged Supachee, explaining that last year durian production came late, reducing export values in April. This year, production arrived earlier, boosting April export values, but simultaneously depressing farm-gate prices. Production data from the Office of Agricultural Economics confirmed durian production in April 2025 increased 26.1% year-on-year, while rambutan production surged 6,137.0%, having been minimal in April 2024 but peaking in June 2024. This earlier harvest timing this year drove down rambutan prices by 22.8%.

Even lychee, where April 2025 production declined compared to the previous year but exports increased, still saw farm-gate prices fall. Decharat stated: "Agricultural commodity figures must be viewed comprehensively. I would advise Supachee not to rush presenting achievements. Agricultural products are complex, involving seasonality, production volatility, and supply chain dynamics. We must examine figures from multiple dimensions simultaneously to verify whether improvements stem from genuine progress or mask underlying problems that need correction."

Decharat further suggested that Supachee should accelerate the Commerce Ministry's publication of export data online, as current updates only cover through March 2025. This would allow broader analysis to identify which agricultural exports are declining and require attention. Beneath the preliminary positive signals Supachee and the Commerce Ministry highlighted lie negative signals and problems requiring deeper understanding and correction.

Khao Kheow Open Zoo invites visitors to experience the exclusive "Zoo Keeper Insight" program where participants can try their hand at zookeeping and care for red pandas up close while learning about their behavior and way of life.

On May 23, 2026, Narongwit Chadchai, director of Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Sri Racha District, Chachoengsao Province, revealed that the zoo is advancing educational tourism initiatives and transforming the facility into a comprehensive natural classroom. The zoo has just unveiled the exclusive "Zoo Keeper Insight: Red Panda Edition" activity, which invites tourists to experience a new opportunity to take on the role of a zookeeper caring for wildlife up close.

The inaugural activity was graced by special guest Lalita Sinhthotong, known as "Nay Seenyorita," secretary to the Chachoengsao Provincial Administration Organization chairman, along with Eksit Amchoen, a member of the Chachoengsao Provincial Administration Organization council representing Sri Racha District. They came to try the experience and interact with the adorable red pandas amid warm hospitality and smiles from tourists.

The "Zoo Keeper Insight" program is designed to create an immersive experience that allows visitors to study the behavior and lifestyle of red pandas in depth under the guidance of expert staff.

Participants will get hands-on experience from preparing favorite meals to closely observing the red pandas' behavior during feeding, all under the highest safety standards for both visitors and the animals' welfare. The activity also features a highlight photo opportunity with the red pandas in an exclusive angle, with souvenirs to take home. After completing the zookeeper apprenticeship, visitors can continue exploring other adorable wildlife throughout Khao Kheow Open Zoo for the rest of the day.

Details of the "Zoo Keeper Insight: Red Panda Edition" program are as follows: The activity is open to participants aged 12 and above, with a limit of no more than 4 people per group to ensure privacy and avoid disturbing the animals' natural behavior. The service fee is 6,000 baht per group.

The zoo recommends that participants wear comfortable, flexible clothing suitable for outdoor activities and wear sneakers or closed-toe shoes for safety.

Interested individuals can inquire for more details and make advance reservations at telephone number 038-318444 or through the Facebook fan page: Khao Kheow Open Zoo, to experience this special opportunity with the red pandas up close at Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Sri Racha District, Chachoengsao Province.

On May 23, 2025, the Japan and friend page, known for the celebrity golden retriever Jaydi who gained fame through various viral content featuring her helpful nature, posted a heartbreaking video of owner Phan embracing Jaydi with the devastating announcement: "Jaydi has gone to rainbow bridge now, everyone." Thousands of fans commented expressing their sorrow and offering support.

According to the owner, Jaydi underwent health checkups every six months. During a recent examination, Jaydi was diagnosed with hemangiosarcoma with a tumor approximately 7 centimeters in size in her spleen. The veterinarian estimated she had only months to live and recommended urgent surgery, which was performed around February. Recently, Jaydi's condition deteriorated, and she passed away surrounded by her owner's embrace.

Princess Sirivannavari Receives French Honors as Settha Offers Royal Blessings. On May 23, 2025, former Prime Minister Settha Thavisin posted on Facebook to offer royal blessings and profound respect for the honor. Thai citizens widely celebrate that Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana Rajakanya has received the Grand Officier rank of the Legion of Honor from the French Republic, a prestigious decoration awarded in recognition of her outstanding accomplishments and exceptional abilities. This honor specifically acknowledges her dedication to promoting arts and culture, strengthening the close relationship between Thailand and France, and her remarkable contributions at the international level. The former premier wished the Princess continued health, strength, and longevity as a source of inspiration for all Thai people, and offered his respectful regards.

The Digital Economy Promotion Office (DEPO) is rolling out the One Tambon One Digital Season 3 (OTOD #3) program to Ayutthaya province as its fourth location, under the OTOD #3 Accelerate Digital Agriculture & Pitching Day central region initiative.

Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major agricultural hub of central Thailand known as the "rice granary and water hub," has been selected as an economic center that merges world heritage with modern production capabilities. The initiative aims to rapidly elevate farmers and communities toward Smart Agriculture through accessible digital technology, addressing productivity increases, cost reduction, precise farm management, and sustainable community income generation.

The OTOD #3 Accelerate Digital Agriculture & Pitching Day central region event took place May 21-22, 2026 at The Kavali Casa Resort in Ayutthaya, with Deputy Governor Worawit Yorsaeng presiding over the opening ceremony. The event was attended by over 220 participants from government agencies, private sector, digital technology providers, farmers, and community groups.

Bunthawee Duangniracha, Acting Director of Community Promotion and Development at DEPO, explained that OTOD #3 is not merely a training or budget support program, but a crucial mechanism connecting community needs with standardized digital technology. "The heart of OTOD #3 is making technology accessible as a practical tool for communities through the Accelerate Digital Agriculture activities, AgriTech Showcase exhibitions, business-technology provider matchmaking, and Pitching Day forums that enable communities and entrepreneurs to present ideas for DEPO support."

Deputy Governor Worawit Yorsaeng noted that while Ayutthaya is known as a historical and world heritage city, it is also a province with significant agricultural foundations, particularly rice and central region economic crops. He emphasized that modern agricultural development must consider not only yield per acre but also cost, quality, and sustainability.

On May 23, 2569, Pol. Lt. Col. Pattanasak Bupphasuwan, commanding officer of the Crime Suppression Division, ordered officers including Pol. Maj. Thanawat Hingyokhin and Pol. Lt. Col. Piyawat Prab to arrest Prasert (surname withheld), age 55, pursuant to an arrest warrant from Nakhon Nayok Provincial Court no. 50/2569, issued on May 15, 2569. He faces charges of child abduction and child sexual abuse. The arrest was made in Nakhon Nayok province.

According to the investigation, Prasert worked as a truck mechanic at an auto repair shop run by relatives of the victim's family. He had built a close relationship with the victim's family over time and displayed behavior as a "child lover," frequently bringing candy and toys for the 12-year-old granddaughter of Ms. Or (pseudonym), the victim's mother. This trust made the family lower their guard.

Presert exploited this trust by luring the girl with candy and toys before sexually abusing her in his pickup truck. He also invited her to go fishing in secluded rice fields for repeated sexual abuse, occurring at least 10 times in total.

On May 15, the girl found the courage to tell her parents about all the incidents and filed a report at Muang Nakhon Nayok Police Station. Officers immediately conducted a physical examination at Nakhon Nayok Hospital, which confirmed sexual abuse. Police gathered evidence and obtained an arrest warrant. The suspect was apprehended within just three days. During questioning, the suspect denied the charges and was transferred to Muang Nakhon Nayok Police Station for further prosecution.