Here are the steps and procedures for registering in Thai Help Thai Plus 60/40 through the Pao Tang app—find out which two qualifications make you ineligible and when benefits begin.

On May 21, 2025, the government's Thai Help Thai Plus program, a cost-of-living relief measure, received Cabinet approval on May 19 and is ready to open registration from May 25-29, 2025 for a five-day period. Approximately 30 million people from the general public and salaried workers are eligible.

The government will cover 60 percent while participants pay 40 percent for designated food, beverages, goods, and services. State support is capped at 200 baht per person daily or a maximum of 1,000 baht per person monthly for four months.

Eligibility Requirements: - Must be at least 18 years old as of registration date - Must hold a Thai national ID card

Disqualifying Conditions: - Already registered for state welfare card in the Ministry of Finance database as of May 18, 2025 - Was previously suspended or required to repay funds from the People's 50/50 Program phases 1-5 or the People's 50/50 Plus Program

Registration Period: May 25-29, 2025, from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM Registration: Through the Pao Tang app (everyone must register anew)

Benefit Period and Details: - Benefits Period: June 1 - September 30, 2025 - Amount: 1,000 baht per person per month (4 months total, 4,000 baht) - Subsidy Structure: 60/40 (government covers 60 percent, participant pays 40 percent) - Usable at participating merchants from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM via G-Wallet payment

Registration Steps: 1. Open the Pao Tang application 2. Click the Thai Help Thai Plus program icon on the app's home screen 3. Read the program terms and conditions, then click "Register" 4. A confirmation message with your benefit start date will appear—click "OK"

Congratulations to Billkin Putipong on his master's graduation ceremony after successfully completing his entrepreneurship degree from UCL, a renowned university in England. After previously traveling to England to pursue his master's degree in entrepreneurship with plans to bring his knowledge back to advance his own ventures, the young entrepreneur has now posted photos from his graduation day on his Instagram story. Billkin Entertainment also shared a special moment video of Billkin receiving his master's degree, with social media users sharing congratulatory posts celebrating this milestone of success alongside his family and loved ones. Billkin Putipong Assaratanakul has completed his master's degree in Entrepreneurship from University College London (UCL) in England—quite an impressive achievement since this university is ranked 9th in the world, where students must graduate with at least a second-class honors bachelor's degree and achieve an IELTS score of 7 or higher.

The Thai Meteorology Department issued a 24-hour weather forecast on May 21, 2025, warning of continued rainfall nationwide with heavy downpours in some areas, especially the western coastal southern region due to a strong southwest monsoon over the upper Andaman Sea combined with low-pressure systems over the lower northern and upper northeastern regions. Public warning issued for dangers from heavy to very heavy rainfall and accumulated water, which may cause flash flooding and flash floods, particularly in hillside areas near water channels and low-lying areas. Citizens are advised to monitor their health during changing weather conditions.

Andaman Sea conditions in the upper region show relatively strong winds with waves 2-3 meters high, exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. The lower Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand have waves approximately 2 meters high, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas. Fishermen are advised to exercise caution and avoid thunderstorm zones; small boats in the upper Andaman Sea should remain ashore.

Regional forecasts (06:00 today to 06:00 tomorrow):

Northern Region: Thunderstorms in 60 percent of areas with heavy rainfall in Nan, Uttaradit, Sukhothai, Tak, Kamphaengphet, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun. Low 23-26°C, high 32-37°C. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.

Northeastern Region: Thunderstorms in 60 percent of areas with heavy rainfall in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nongbualamphú, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, and Nakhon Phanom. Low 23-25°C, high 31-35°C. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.

Central Region: Thunderstorms in 60 percent of areas with heavy rainfall in Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Low 24-27°C, high 33-36°C. Southwest winds 10-20 km/h.

Eastern Region: Thunderstorms in 60 percent of areas with heavy rainfall in Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Low 24-29°C, high 32-36°C. Southwest winds 20-35 km/h. Sea waves approximately 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

Southern Region (Eastern Coast): Thunderstorms in 60 percent of areas with heavy rainfall in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, and Songkhla. Low 24-26°C, high 31-36°C. From Surat Thani northward: Southwest winds 20-35 km/h, waves approximately 2 meters offshore, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas. From Nakhon Si Thammarat southward: Southwest winds 15-35 km/h, waves 1-2 meters, approximately 2 meters offshore, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

Southern Region (Western Coast): Thunderstorms in 70 percent of areas with heavy rainfall in many areas of Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun, with very heavy rainfall in some areas of Ranong and Phang Nga. Low 23-26°C.

Southampton's appeal against their ban from the Championship playoff final has been rejected by the EFL following accusations of illegally scouting Middlesbrough's training within 72 hours before their semi-final match. After Southampton and Middlesbrough drew 1-1 across two legs, Southampton won the replay in extra time 2-1 to advance to the final against Hull City on May 23. However, after an EFL investigation, Southampton was stripped of their playoff final berth, with Middlesbrough reinstated in their place, and the club also faces a four-point deduction in the next Championship season. Southampton's subsequent appeal was denied, with the EFL confirming that the club admitted to breaching the rules. The case is now closed with no further appeal options available to Southampton, who expressed their disappointment. Hull City also voiced dissatisfaction with the decision, as the team must now face a different opponent on short notice. Hull's chairman hinted the club may pursue legal action if they lose the final.

Aston Villa captured their first-ever UEFA Europa League title after crushing Eintracht Frankfurt in the 2025-26 final held on May 19 at Besiktas Stadium in Istanbul, Turkey.

Villa dominated from the start. In the 41st minute, Lucas Digne's short corner kick found Morgan Rogers in a vacant space inside the penalty area, allowing Yuri Tielemans to fire in an elegant volley to put Villa ahead 1-0.

Just before halftime at 45+3 minutes, the midfield pressed forward and John McGinn sent a pass to Emiliano Buendía from the right wing. Buendía controlled and shot from just outside the box, striking a beautiful finish off the far post to extend the lead to 2-0 at halftime.

Villa added a third goal in the 58th minute when Lucas Digne played the ball to Buendía, who weaved past defenders and opened up space on the left flank before delivering to the near post for Morgan Rogers to finish, making it 3-0. Villa came close to scoring again in the 70th minute from a corner kick when Amadou Onana jumped to meet the ball at the far post, but his header went just wide.

The final score remained 3-0 in Villa's favor, securing their first-ever Europa League title and their second European trophy overall since winning the European Cup in the 1981-82 season—44 years ago. This also marks Villa's first major trophy in 30 years, since winning the League Cup in 1995-96.

Meanwhile, England still has an opportunity to qualify up to six clubs for the UEFA Champions League next season, depending on how the final Premier League standings shake out. If Villa finishes outside the top four, England could potentially receive a sixth qualification spot based on UEFA's coefficient rankings for the current season.

Heavy downpour traps 12 villagers foraging for mushrooms on mountain; rescue team saves all as flash floods block descent

On May 20, more than two hours of heavy rain fell in the Khao Chomphu area (Moo 3, Chomphu Subdistrict, Noen Maprang District, Phitsanulok Province), leaving 12 residents from several villages unable to return from mushroom foraging on the mountain. The group included two dogs and seven vehicles stranded on the mountain.

During their descent, they encountered swift-flowing floodwaters in Khlong Nam Kum waterway with dangerously high water levels, creating a serious safety hazard. One member of the stranded group called their son at home to contact Phitsanulok rescue teams for help. Local residents also mobilized to assist those trapped at Khlong Nam Kum. Officials and community members quickly worked together to safely evacuate all 12 people across the flooded area before they returned to their respective homes. There were no reports of injuries or missing persons.