Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit revealed that SME Thai federation, led by president Noppapong Theeraworn, has consulted on strategies to promote and upgrade agricultural SME operators, particularly in agricultural processing development, agricultural product value enhancement, and market linkage both domestically and internationally to create stable income for Thai farmers and entrepreneurs.

Suriya stated that the Agriculture Ministry prioritizes upgrading agricultural SMEs alongside grassroots farmer development by accelerating the "cost reduction and income growth" policy through modern technology adoption, including precision agriculture systems, efficient fertilizer application, and alternative energy support. He also requested private sector and SME network cooperation to expand agricultural product marketing channels while raising product standards to meet global market demands and promote continuous business matching to create new trade opportunities and drive sustainable agricultural economic growth.

Noppapong expressed confidence in the clear agricultural advancement policy that benefits both the nation and Thai farmers' stable growth. SME Thai federation stands ready to fully support all policy implementations. The federation will focus on four main areas: developing knowledge and innovation for SME operators and farmers through technology transfer and modern processing management; upgrading agricultural product standards for domestic and international market compliance; expanding marketing channels through online and offline partner networks; and promoting access to capital sources to enhance liquidity and competitive capacity.

Noppapong stated the federation is prepared to support the Agriculture Ministry across all dimensions, including innovation development, entrepreneur capacity enhancement, domestic and international market promotion, and establishing cooperation networks between farmers and SME operators to drive sustainable grassroots economic growth. Additionally, SME Thai will serve as a crucial mechanism to advance operators into standardized processing systems, increase competitiveness, and propel Thai agricultural products into global markets, aligning with the government's policy focus on creating added value and strengthening long-term economic strength.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT), working with the Ministry of Public Health, airlines, and relevant agencies, is escalating measures to monitor and prevent Ebola virus disease in the civil aviation system.

This follows the World Health Organization's declaration that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda constitutes a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), due to the risk of cross-border transmission.

Thailand's Public Health Ministry has designated the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as dangerous disease zones for Ebola to strengthen domestic surveillance, prevention, and control measures.

CAAT has coordinated with the International Disease Control and Quarantine Division and the Ministry of Public Health, along with airlines and relevant agencies, to establish unified guidelines for implementing health measures in aviation and responding to the situation efficiently.

The Public Health Ministry is initially requesting public cooperation in avoiding travel to affected areas, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and nearby areas with disease transmission risks.

For those with necessary travel, registration through the Thai Health Pass system (https://thaihealthpass.com) is required. Foreign nationals must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) with accurate information for effective disease tracking and surveillance.

For airlines with routes to risk areas, CAAT has coordinated strict health measures in three areas:

1. Public communications and information to passengers about health measures and requirements before travel 2. Passenger screening from the point of origin, including verification of registration information, with immediate health measures for suspected cases 3. Supporting disease control officials with information such as seating and travel details for timely disease tracking and surveillance

Additionally, the International Disease Control and Quarantine Division has conducted emergency response drills for suspected cases, both those detected on aircraft and those showing symptoms after entering the country.

Guidelines have been established for coordination between airlines, airports, health agencies, and relevant departments to manage situations continuously while minimizing impacts on aviation operations.

CAAT emphasizes that passengers and airline operators must strictly comply with health measures to ensure passenger safety, maintain confidence in Thailand's aviation system, and uphold international safety and health standards.

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"