On May 21, 2026, at the Suvarnabhumi Room, 6th Floor, Building 4 of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) headquarters, PEA Deputy Governor Udomsakthi Temvong, along with Thai Volleyball Association President Somporn Chabangyang, and representatives from the Thailand Sports Authority, held a press conference announcing the 22nd PEA Domestic Power Youth Volleyball Championship for 2026, competing for the Royal Trophy. Deputy Governor Udomsakthi stated that PEA's core mission is to provide quality electricity services while promoting corporate social responsibility. He emphasized that PEA supports sports development to ensure Thai youth maintain strong physical health, backing the "One Sport, One State Enterprise Plus" program with the Thai Volleyball Association since 2013. The under-18 age category is particularly important for identifying promising athletes for Thailand's national teams. The PEA mentorship program allows youth nationwide to learn volleyball skills directly from former and current national team players, inspiring them to pursue professional careers and represent Thailand internationally. PEA is providing 12 million baht in support through the One Sport program and an additional 5.5 million baht for youth volleyball competition operations. Thai Volleyball Association President Somporn emphasized that youth volleyball competitions serve as the foundation for developing Thailand's male and female national volleyball teams, producing highly skilled athletes annually. The under-18 division is crucial for advancing young athletes from lower age categories to the national level. Almost all Thai national team players have competed in these youth championships, while others have entered professional Thai volleyball. This year's competition runs from June 20 to September 8, 2026, with regional qualifying rounds, followed by the national championship finals from September 11-18, 2026, at Kamphaengphet Rajabhat University gymnasium in Kamphaengphet Province.

Chao Phraya Express Boat announced on May 21, 2025, that it is raising fares by one baht across all vessel types effective Monday, May 25, 2025, in response to elevated diesel fuel costs. Company Managing Director Navaratri Charoenpon Charoendharm stated that diesel prices have climbed to 41.49 baht per liter as of May 14, prompting the fare adjustment. The fare increases are as follows: Orange Flag boats on the Nonthaburi to Wat Rajsingkram route increase from 18 to 19 baht; Yellow Flag boats on the Nonthaburi to Sathorn route from 23 to 24 baht; Green-Yellow Flag boats on three routes increase from 16 to 17 baht (Pak Kret to Nonthaburi), 23 to 24 baht (Nonthaburi to Sathorn), and 35 to 36 baht (Pak Kret to Sathorn); and Red Flag air-conditioned boats on the Nonthaburi to Sathorn route increase from 32 to 33 baht. The company stated that if fuel prices decline in the future, fares will be reduced accordingly. Passengers can track updates, schedules, and routes via the Chao Phraya Express Boat Facebook page or LINE account @cpxcare.

Ancient China had a notorious legal system known for extreme severity and unusual punishments. Many of these laws would shock modern society, as behaviors considered normal today were once viewed as serious offenses. Historical records indicate that imperial Chinese rulers used law as a crucial tool for controlling people, maintaining social order, and fostering loyalty to the emperor, with many laws deliberately designed to instill discipline and strict obedience to authority.

One of the most widely discussed laws emerged during the Qin Dynasty, when adult men could be punished simply for "crying." Officials of that era believed tears symbolized weakness and were incompatible with the image of strong masculinity. Those caught crying in public could face punishment through eyebrow shaving and removal of facial hair, constituting public humiliation. In ancient Chinese culture, physical appearance was intimately connected to honor and dignity, so eyebrow shaving was not merely temporary embarrassment but damaged one's social image.

Beyond the crying prohibition, the Sui Dynasty had another peculiar law during the era when the imperial examination system gained prominence. This examination system provided an important pathway for ordinary people to rise to official status and serve in the imperial court. However, "handwriting" was not merely an aesthetic matter but symbolized respect for the emperor and discipline. Historical records indicate that exam takers with poor handwriting could be forced to drink ink as punishment, serving as a reminder of their mistakes.

Ancient documents also mention even more severe punishments including facial tattooing, mutilation, and public execution for certain crimes. The purpose of punishment extended beyond inflicting pain on the wrongdoer—it also aimed to shame and instill fear throughout society. Historians view these laws as reflecting imperial Chinese values that prioritized obedience, discipline, and respect for authority above all else.

Although these punishments faded with time, historical accounts continue to fascinate people worldwide due to their stark contrast with modern legal systems.

Sweet Moment! "Mameow Porchadha" Walks Down the Aisle with Non-Celebrity Boyfriend "Bank Phakkhavorn" in Simple Yet Heartwarming Ceremony as Entertainment Figures Celebrate

Following a surprise underwater proposal at Raya Island in Phuket during a diving trip late last year, Channel 7HD actress "Mameow Porchadha Werapatcharaj" officially exchanged vows with her groom on May 20, 2025.

The ceremony took place in a simple, warm atmosphere filled with joy from family, close friends, and entertainment colleagues who came to witness their love in large numbers, including Gan Natchcha, Om Angkhana, Fon Parita, Ott Chakrit, and actress-YouTuber Ploy pigkaploy, who all came to share in the celebration.

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is intensifying proactive drug screening for employees involved in train safety operations following an elevated safety protocol triggered by an accident at the Asok-Dindaeng level crossing. On May 19, 157 employees were tested with no positive results, while on May 20, testing of 141 employees revealed two positive cases. The affected employees were immediately removed from safety-related duties and referred for medical verification, followed by fact-finding inquiries, disciplinary investigations, and enrollment in treatment and rehabilitation programs under public health guidelines. Acting SRT Governor Anant Phodnimdaeng announced that the agency will continue aggressive drug screening across all train operations nationwide with zero tolerance for safety-related violations. He stated that the incidents prompted the SRT to review safety measures comprehensively, particularly addressing drug problems within the organization through rigorous and ongoing efforts combined with proper employee care and recovery support. The SRT is also implementing enhanced "drug-free organization" standards in safety-critical departments to establish stricter work practices and reduce risks to public safety.

On May 21, 2025, Dr. Sarawut Bunsuk, Director-General of the Department of Medical Sciences under the Ministry of Public Health, reported that the food industry commonly uses sodium and potassium nitrate (Nitrate) or nitrite (Nitrite) preservatives in processed meat products such as sausages, hot dogs, ham, and cured pork to maintain the pink-red color of meat and inhibit dangerous bacteria like Clostridium botulinum.

However, high-level exposure can cause the body to become oxygen-deprived, resulting in symptoms such as cyanosis, shortness of breath, dizziness, and irregular heartbeat. Dr. Sarawut noted that when foods containing nitrate or nitrite undergo high-heat cooking methods such as grilling, roasting, or deep frying until charred, these substances can react with proteins to form "nitrosamine," a carcinogenic compound.

According to the Ministry of Public Health announcement (No. 468, 2025), nitrate usage is limited to no more than 200 milligrams per kilogram, and nitrite to no more than 80 milligrams per kilogram.

Surveillance data from 2024-2025 shows that sausages, bologna, and ham have the highest detection rates for nitrate (61%) and nitrite (55%), though most remain within legal limits. However, ham, cured pork, Isan sausages, and Chinese sausages, while having lower detection rates (nitrate 38%, nitrite 12%), showed four samples exceeding safety standards—one nitrate sample and three nitrite samples—mostly from small-scale producers lacking precise production formula controls.

A particularly alarming finding involved ready-to-eat meat dishes with nitrite levels reaching 3,880 milligrams per kilogram—nearly 50 times the legal standard. Consumers who purchased these products reported abnormal symptoms including vision problems, dizziness, numbness in hands, muscle twitching, and in some cases, loss of consciousness.

The Department of Medical Sciences urges the public to exercise caution when purchasing processed meat products. Recommendations include avoiding products with abnormally bright pink or deep red colors, reducing frequent consumption of these items, and diversifying food choices to mitigate long-term cancer risk from chemical accumulation. Officials also call on all producers to strictly adhere to legal food additive standards to ensure consumer safety, particularly for children and youth.