On May 20, 2569, at Wat Suan Sawang temple in Phibul Mangsahan District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, funeral rites were held for Rose (Ms. Vipharak Phuree), age 25, a former student of the Faculty of Humanities at Kasetsart University, who died in a train-bus collision on May 16. Various government agencies sent wreaths and neighbors helped organize the funeral in a somber atmosphere. The three-day merit-making ceremony will conclude with a cremation on May 23, with Governor Nrong Thephsena and local officials presiding over the chanting of funeral rites.

The victim's mother, Ms. Sathinee Vathi, expressed her desire for improved safety measures for bus passengers, emphasizing that travelers entrust their lives to drivers who must safely deliver them to their destinations. She questioned why buses would drive across railroad tracks despite knowing the danger exists there, noting there were no warning signs before the collision, preventing anyone from reacting in time.

The victim's aunt, Ms. Viphaphorn Phuree, recounted that the young woman used various forms of transportation for work, including motorcycles, buses, and taxis depending on her schedule. The family is certain she was on the bus involved in the accident because she had paid her fare through a mobile app and posted a story confirming she had boarded. The aunt poignantly stated: "What we ask for now is just one minute of carefulness from someone. One minute of negligence destroyed 10-20 years of life for my niece and many others. Eight lives lost for just one minute—if only someone had spared just one minute, eight lives would not have been lost."

CLICX has officially received a virtual bank license from the Bank of Thailand, establishing new standards for digital financial services and removing traditional barriers in the banking system.

Supaporn Sunthrorohat, Chief Executive Officer of CLICX Bank Public Company Limited, announced that the bank's management and board of directors officially received the virtual bank license from the Bank of Thailand on May 18, 2025, at the bank's headquarters.

This marks a major milestone for CLICX, a joint venture of KTB, AIS, and OR, as Thailand's first branch-less bank. The license reflects CLICX's readiness to operate a full-scale digital banking business with advanced technology, security standards, quality service standards, and a deep understanding of modern Thai financial behavior. The goal is to develop accessible, secure digital financial services that meet users' everyday needs.

"The emergence of CLICX represents an important step for Thailand in upgrading its financial system to drive the digital economy and create new opportunities for all Thais to access financial services with greater inclusivity, fairness, and security," Supaporn stated. "We believe this new banking model is not merely a transaction channel, but financial infrastructure that removes previous limitations for ordinary people and small business operators, enabling everyone to better manage money, plan their future, and access economic opportunities. CLICX aims to connect technology with the financial system to create new standards for Thai banking and serve as a key driver for sustainable economic growth."

CLICX is designing services through an application that understands the diverse lifestyles and financial needs of individuals, covering savings, money management, and financial products tailored to each user. The bank is committed to advancing financial inclusion, ensuring all Thais have equitable access to quality financial services. CLICX plans to officially launch its services in June 2025.

On May 20, a food influencer's Instagram post about a luxury Beverly Hills rooftop restaurant's $110 cake-cutting fee went viral globally. The influencer, posting on the account justinelovesushi, shared a receipt showing the restaurant charged $10 per person (about 330 baht) to cut and serve a birthday cake the customer had brought themselves, bringing the meal total to over $1,100 (around 36,000 baht). The post triggered heated online debate, with many criticizing the service charge as excessive. However, following the backlash, the restaurant issued an apology on Instagram, stating the cake-cutting fee was not their standard practice and offering a full refund. The restaurant also announced it would reduce the cake-cutting charge from $10 to $5 per person going forward. Some social media users defended the restaurant, explaining that cake-cutting fees are standard at high-end establishments, especially when customers bring desserts from outside instead of ordering from the restaurant. However, most critics pointed out that the main issue wasn't the price itself, but rather the restaurant's failure to inform customers of the charge in advance, leading to misunderstanding and the viral drama.

Thai actor Kaeng Hrusdit recently returned from walking the red carpet at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival. On May 19, he appeared at the "All Select Specialty Moment Presenter Launch" event at Icon Siam to share his experience from the prestigious international event.

Kaeng described the experience as like a dream come true, expressing excitement from the moment he planned to depart Thailand. Despite facing multiple obstacles during his journey—including a flight delay that forced him to change flights at 4 a.m., and losing a makeup brush during transport—he viewed these challenges as colorful experiences and lessons. He praised both the Thai and international teams who supported him throughout the process, with his look receiving considerable acclaim.

Kaeng revealed that he had secretly practiced waving his hand and practicing facial expressions to calm his nerves before walking the red carpet. He also mentioned seeking blessings from sacred objects before the event. When asked about obstacles, he said, "I found it funny, actually. It felt like we were racing against time, and it made the whole thing even more special. Life is funny—we go through so much just to get there."

Regarding his styled look, he credited both the Thai and international teams who prepared everything for him, joking that he must be a "Thai vampire" based on the dark aesthetic. While waiting to walk, he admitted to being excited but tried to approach it like any other event in Thailand.

Kaeng shared that he had practiced his wave beforehand after reviewing his Milan appearance, where some photos didn't capture his best angle. He learned from that experience and prepared better this time. He also practiced maintaining facial expressions by incorporating Buddhist breathing techniques—inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth—to reduce his excitement and anxiety.

When asked if he recited mantras while walking, he confirmed he did so mentally. He also emphasized that despite being abroad, he relied on blessings and spiritual practices, beginning his prayers from the hotel before the red carpet walk rather than waiting until the moment itself.

Chumtang Daotong is ramping up the entertainment factor this week with fun-loving performer Prawa Patcharee leading the charge, followed by a youth microphone competition featuring representatives from four provinces competing in the "One Song Decides All" theme.

Country music fans should prepare themselves, as Chumtang Daotong is delivering non-stop entertainment packed with laughter, energy, and powerful vocal performances that will have viewers unconsciously moving along.

The concert stage opens on Thursday, May 21, 2025, featuring the vivacious entertainer Prawa Patcharee, who brings not just singing but comedy, sharp jokes, and maximum entertainment value. Additional entertainment comes from vocalist Kai Montra, whose performances always get audiences dancing, and Maem Pimarnrom, who is preparing an energetic country dance set that will shake the stage relentlessly.

On Friday, May 22, 2025, the Chumtang Daotong stage shifts into competition mode for the youth season with the "One Song Decides All" theme. Four provincial representatives will compete fiercely, showcasing their vocal prowess and emotional delivery to impress the judges.

Contestants include Lin-Korkoch Pongphangnim from Lamphun performing "Sunset Over Sky," Phongdoo-Thanawat Opin from Surat Thani with "Young Man Waiting for Lady," Ton Klai-Siripitch Rahote from Suphan Buri performing "Freedom's Prayer," and Phat-Suphatthorn Pengram from Kamphaengphet with "Forgotten Love at Ban Bua Palace."

Watch the Chumtang Daotong program airing Thursday, May 21 and Friday, May 22, 2025, at 13:10 on Channel 7HD (Digital 35), or catch replays on bugaboo.tv, YouTube Channel 7 Star Studio, and the official Facebook page.

Ming Chen Sun, a 31-year-old Chinese national facing charges related to firearms and explosives, has been transferred back to Pattaya Special Prison after doctors assessed his improving health condition. The suspect, who was hospitalized at Pattaya Pathumkun Hospital in Bang Lamung district, Chonburi province since May 11 following an acute medical emergency while in custody, showed consistent improvement over his hospital stay. Police and corrections officers maintained strict supervision of the detainee from the ground floor to the second floor of the hospital. With medical clearance granted and his condition continuing to improve, Sun has been returned to Pattaya Special Prison under continued close supervision by law enforcement and corrections personnel.