At 9:00 AM on May 18, 2025, Acting State Railway of Thailand President Anant Pothnim Dang revealed details about drug test results for the train driver involved in a collision with an intercity passenger bus. He stated the railway authority learned of the findings the previous evening. Normally, the railway conducts alcohol and preliminary health checks before duty shifts and records all results, though drug screening was not performed regularly. Following the incident, the Department of Rail Transport ordered the railway to accelerate mandatory drug screening measures for all train drivers.

Pothnim explained that previously, the railway only conducted random drug tests during annual health examinations and for new employees. The driver involved had been working since 2566 (2023), approximately three years, and had passed an alcohol test on May 15, 2025, with no alcohol detected in his system.

Regarding operating licenses, Pothnim clarified that while the State Railway of Thailand previously issued licenses directly, new regulations effective March 27, 2025, now require drivers to apply through the Department of Rail Transport. The railway has submitted all employee names for licensing approval and digital licenses are being processed through the department's system.

Data from the train's speed recording system, or "black box," shows the train traveled approximately 2,800 meters from Khlong Toei Station at an average speed of about 34 kilometers per hour before applying emergency brakes 100 meters before impact.

Pothnim explained that normal braking distance for trains, including decision-making and regular braking time, is approximately 1,000 meters at maximum speed of 120 kilometers per hour, but decreases with lower speeds depending on train weight.

When asked whether the driver could have stopped if he saw hand signals from the level crossing attendant nearby, Pothnim revealed that drivers typically spot signals 300-500 meters away, while emergency braking distance is 500-600 meters at maximum speed. However, this train was traveling at only 34 kilometers per hour, requiring consideration of driving conditions and train weight.

Pothnim noted that despite the lower speed, protocol requires drivers to reduce speed in advance if railway barriers are not fully closed or signal lights are not functioning, while watching for hand signals from the crossing attendant to ensure safe stopping if needed.

He explained that train drivers must primarily follow trackside signals. If barriers are properly functioning, signal lights authorize the train to pass; if barriers are not fully closed on both sides, the signal lights do not display, and drivers must follow hand signals from the crossing attendant attendant, similar to police traffic signals when traffic lights malfunction.

On May 18, 2025, the 2nd Army Region, led by Lieutenant General Weerayut Raksasarit, commander of the 2nd Army Region, organized a survey team to open a patrol trail and nature study route from the Phra Yai Base of the 23rd Ranger Regiment near Phu Wang Nam Cham Monastery. The team used a traditional path taken by locals from Khae Don Village in Namyuen District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, that was historically used for pilgrimages to the "Narayan Bertham Sindhu Underwater Carving"—Thailand's only underwater stone relief.

The survey team traveled through nature and paid respects at the low-relief carving of "Phra Narayan Bertham Sindhu" on natural sandstone rocks. The carving was discovered by accident in 1979 by a local hunter and fishing guide from Khae Don Village who spotted it while fishing in the stream. Upon examination, the carving depicts Narayan reclined to the right above the three-headed serpent king Ananta Naga, with lotus buds emerging near his abdomen and a female figure at his feet, believed to represent Lakshmi. The carving measures approximately 120 centimeters long and 50 centimeters tall, and is estimated to be over 1,000 years old.

The carving is currently protected by the 9th Regional Office of Fine Arts in collaboration with Phu Chong Nayoi National Park in the Phanom Dong Rak Mountains. The story of "Narayan Bertham Sindhu" appears in the Mahabharata epic, depicting the end of an era when all things are destroyed and submerged beneath the ocean, before Narayan awakens to recreate the world and all things anew, reflecting ancient cosmological beliefs and religious traditions.

Following recent military operations in the area, the 2nd Development Division and the 23rd Ranger Regiment special operations unit have begun developing strategic routes connecting to main roads to facilitate access to the site. Future plans include developing the area as a conservation-based tourism destination and cultural tourism site. The initiative also aims to promote community tourism activities alongside natural resource and archaeological preservation to generate sustainable income for local residents. Annual worship ceremonies for "Narayan Bertham Sindhu" are held during low water season in early March, considered an important tradition for Ubon Ratchathani residents and the faithful nationwide.

On May 18, 2569, Siam Estate Public Company Limited (S), a real estate developer and investor, reported first quarter 2569 consolidated operating results totaling 3,263 million baht. The company maintained strong profit-generating capability with gross profit increasing 2% to 1,371 million baht and gross margin improving to 42% from 40% year-over-year. EBITDA reached 935 million baht with EBITDA margin expanding to 28.7% from 27.8% in the comparable period.

Chairat Sivapromphand, CEO of Siam Estate, stated that despite economic slowdown and Middle East tensions pressuring business operations, the company continues pursuing a strategy focused on building profit from recurring income businesses, fostering growth with business partners while appropriately managing costs and risks. The four main business segments help ensure stable and efficient operations.

The hotel business segment demonstrated outstanding growth in Q1, with Thai and Maldives hotels maintaining high occupancy rates of 87% and 89% respectively, while increasing average daily room rates (ADR) by 9% to 13,951 baht and 18% to $532 respectively. RevPAR grew 8% to 12,075 baht and 17% to $473 respectively—marking new record Q1 RevPAR highs for both countries. Overall portfolio average RevPAR rose approximately 3% to 4,866 baht, reflecting strong brand strength and marketing strategy effectiveness.

The office building rental business continued growing in Q1 as major tenants gradually occupied space, raising Singha Complex average occupancy to 90% from 85% at year-end 2568, while S Oasis improved to 52% from 47%. S Oasis also secured additional major tenant agreements in Q2, pushing occupancy toward 60%, a key growth driver for office business revenue this year.

The residential business generated Q1 revenue primarily from Sareen Noon brand projects and Condo The Axtro Phyathai-Rangnam, which continued receiving positive reception. The One River Rama 3 project, valued at over 3,000 million baht, had only one remaining unit available as of April, reflecting strong customer confidence. Construction has progressed over 40% with expected unit handovers throughout 2570.

The industrial estate and infrastructure business signed additional land transactions of 13 rai to Oriental Yuhen Company Limited in Q1, completing title transfer in April. The company will recognize revenue from this transaction starting Q2 2569.

For the remainder of 2569, beyond revenue and profit generation from recurring businesses like hotels and offices, the company will continue focusing on strategic growth initiatives.

The government has confirmed that injured victims from the train-bus collision can utilize their UCEP (Universal Emergency Care Package) rights to receive treatment at any hospital nationwide without cost, with coordinated ongoing care until they are out of critical condition. On May 18, 2569, Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythale Laksameesangchan announced at Government House that following the crash involving Bangkok Mass Transit Authority Route 206 bus near Asoke-Din Daeng Road, which resulted in multiple deaths and injuries, the government is fully prepared to care for the injured and asks the public not to worry about medical coverage. Injured victims can utilize UCEP benefits—a state policy protecting emergency care patients—to receive treatment at any nearby hospital nationwide without requiring upfront payment or incurring charges within the first 72 hours or until they are out of critical condition, with healthcare coordination for appropriate patient transfers. The government assures that the National Health Security system has provisions supporting medical care in accidents and emergency situations, allowing treating hospitals to operate according to professional standards and bill through the National Health Security Office according to established guidelines, while the Office will coordinate benefits, transfers, and billing to ensure patients receive appropriate continuous care.

It's another night of pride for actress Bow Meldaz Sushree, who has just won a major Natarach Award for the first time in her life. Adding to the sweetness, she's also opened up about her boyfriend, Alec Theeradeej Methavarayut, who recently graced the Cannes Film Festival red carpet. This achievement marks a double triumph for both her career and her heart.

When asked what award she won, Bow explained: "The award is for 'Best Leading Actress' in Drama and Long Form Series. I'm incredibly happy about it. I honestly didn't think I would win since it was my first time here. When they announced my name, I was still joking around with friends. My senior told me not to look flustered on camera, so I tucked my hair back (mimicking the gesture)."

Asked if she was nervous when her name was called, she said: "Not at all. In that moment, I was just thinking I needed to remember my thank you speech. My senior also warned me not to look shocked when the camera catches me."

On whether she was ready to stand up when her name was announced: "Yes, I was ready. By that time, I had already chatted with friends and calmed my nerves. Even though I was nervous inside, I managed to get through it because my friends were so supportive."

Is this her first Natarach experience? "Yes, it's my first time at Natarach and my first time winning it too. Thank you very much to all the judges for this honor."

When asked if the Natarach Award is notoriously difficult to win in the industry, she responded: "Yes, it's quite stressful. People probably come to watch drama just to relax."

On what she thinks contributed to her win: "I really can't say for sure what made me win. Our drama is a comedy, so maybe it's because the entertainment industry and Thai society are quite stressed right now, and people seem to look back on things. I honestly don't know how they judged it. The judges might have appreciated the humor, but my senior really worked hard on this character, which I think was a big part of helping me get this award."

Regarding her character Khun Phi Jao Kha, Bow noted: "People kept saying I was playing myself. My senior once told me that truly playing yourself is not actually possible, so I thought a lot about how to make it not just me. That was the challenge and the intention I put into the performance, and it turned out to be successful."

When the drama aired and received great responses, Bow confirmed: "Yes, it was a masterpiece. Thank you to my senior and thank you to Diew for suggesting to my senior that I was available."

As for calling her boyfriend to brag about the win: "Not yet. I only told him that I looked beautiful today. He's walking around Cannes right now and is about to come back. He's flying down."

On how she plans to show off to her boyfriend: "Maybe we'll do a video call. It might not show my face, but this (holding up the award). For tonight, this award will be sleeping with us!"

Speaking directly to her boyfriend Alec: "Alec Theeradeej, right now Bow Meldaz has her own award. Besides being Thailand's SuperModel, I now also have the Natarach Award, officially verified."

A viral video of a spider monkey at Shanghai Wild Animal Park in China has captured the hearts of people online, showcasing a hilarious playful interaction between the monkey and a zookeeper. The monkey, named Touwtouw, stands on a wooden table and reaches for the staff member's hair, who gently taps back at the monkey's head in return—a back-and-forth tussle with no clear winner.

Zoo officials revealed that Touwtouw is an exceptionally cheerful and highly social monkey who is unafraid of people and loves interacting with visitors, sometimes even helping to style their hair. Raised by caretakers since infancy, Touwtouw has developed a special bond with his handlers. As he matured, his playful antics increased, with the hair-pulling seen in the video simply representing his typical friendly teasing rather than aggressive behavior.

The zoo emphasizes that as long as visitors don't squeeze or grab him forcefully, Touwtouw remains gentle and affectionate. Remarkably, he is the only spider monkey at the park allowed to roam freely, appearing three times daily near the zoo's restaurant and greeting visitors at the entrance during weekends. His popularity has made him a beloved icon among the park's guests.