Myanmar's military claimed on May 20 to have recaptured Mawtaung, a town on the Thai border, representing another battlefield victory against minority armed forces and anti-junta opposition groups over recent months. According to The Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper, the military lost control of the town in the Tanintharyi region in November but retook it on May 19 following a two-week counter-offensive. The fighting involved more than 200 clashes of varying scale, killing at least 24 opposition fighters, though the military did not disclose its own casualties. State media indicated that cross-border trade and transportation activities between Myanmar and Thailand through the Tanintharyi-Mawtaung route would resume. The military has also claimed to have retaken a major northern highway toward the Chinese border and celebrated the recapture of the busiest trade gate with Thailand in April. Part of the military's territorial recovery stems from two minority armed groups—key forces in the 2023 offensive—signing Chinese-mediated ceasefire agreements, leaving the less-equipped democratic forces vulnerable to military attacks.

Tour group backlash has erupted against Petchpakplaraa after she made light of Tray Scott's emotional wounds through mockery. Major social media pages have questioned her insensitive behavior that lacks compassion for fellow humans. Meanwhile, many people have rallied to support Tray Scott, sending encouragement as he copes with difficult times and the emotional scars from childhood violence and abuse.

Petchpakplaraa has been criticized for inappropriately mocking Tray Scott's experience of abuse in a joking manner.

Social media has erupted with backlash against Petchpakplaraa and other pages questioning the appropriateness of her comments. Her behavior is seen as insensitive and severely lacking in empathy for another person.

Criticism has intensified against Petchpakplaraa for her tone-deaf remarks. Reports suggest this is not the first time she has apologized after similar insensitive incidents.

His Majesty the King has graciously appointed Phra Phrom Wachiradic (Saman Sumetho) to serve as abbot of Wat Pa Saeng Arun Royal Monastery on May 21, 2569. On May 20, during the 12th meeting of the Great Sangha Council, the council received a royal decree elevating five community temples to royal monastery status in honor of Her Majesty the Queen, in celebration of her 4th cycle birthday on June 3, 2569.

The five temples elevated are: - Wat Asokaram, Samut Prakan Province - Wat Phra That Lampang Luang, Lampang Province - Wat Pa Saeng Arun, Khon Kaen Province - Wat Raj Pradisathan (Wat Pha Kho), Songkhla Province - Wat Sal Khodom, Singburi Province

The Great Sangha Council approved the royal decree and offered congratulations, and formally acknowledged the appointment of Phra Phrom Wachiradic as abbot of Wat Pa Saeng Arun Royal Monastery in Khon Kaen Province. The council also delegated authority to the provincial administration to appoint acting abbots for four other newly elevated royal monasteries, and will proceed with formal abbot appointments according to relevant council regulations. Additionally, the council addressed the matter of temple names, with Wat Raj Pradisathan in Songkhla Province—commonly called Wat Pha Kho—to be restored to its historical name "Wat Raj Pradisathan" in accordance with the royal decree.

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.

On May 21, 2569, the Thai Meteorological Department issued warning #17 (77/2569) regarding heavy to very heavy rainfall across Thailand and strong winds in the Andaman Sea, with effects continuing through May 21, 2569. Rainfall is expected to continue throughout the day with heavy precipitation in some areas, particularly very heavy rainfall in parts of southern Thailand's west coast. This is caused by a strong southwestern monsoon covering the upper Andaman Sea and Thailand, combined with a low-pressure system over the lower northern region and upper northeastern region.

The public is urged to be cautious of dangers from heavy to very heavy rainfall and accumulated precipitation, which may cause flash floods and runoff, especially in hillside areas near water channels and in low-lying areas.

Regarding sea conditions, the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand are experiencing relatively strong waves. The upper Andaman Sea from Phuket northward has waves of 2-3 meters, with areas experiencing thunderstorms having waves exceeding 3 meters. The lower Andaman Sea from Krabi southward and the upper Gulf of Thailand have waves approximately 2 meters high, with thunderstorm areas seeing waves exceeding 2 meters.

Boaters in these areas are advised to navigate cautiously and avoid areas with thunderstorms. Small boats in the upper Andaman Sea should refrain from leaving shore during this period.

The public is encouraged to monitor announcements from the Thai Meteorological Department via their website at http://www.tmd.go.th or by calling 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182, available 24 hours. The next bulletin will be issued on May 21, 2569 at 5:00 PM.