Walailak University's Pro Chef program is advancing toward international standards by sending students abroad to gain professional experience and training in Taiwan, where they will learn food innovation from Michelin-starred chefs while developing Chinese language skills. On May 20, 2026, Associate Professor Dr. Pimlapas Pongsagrangsilp, Dean of the School of Management at Walailak University, announced that 28 Pro Chef students and 2 faculty members are traveling to Hungkuang University in Taiwan between May 17-28, 2026, to learn culinary innovation from Michelin-starred chefs and strengthen their Chinese language proficiency in preparation for careers in international tourism and hospitality services.

Dr. Pimlapas explained the choice of Taiwan as the destination, noting that the country excels in the food, tourism, and service industries with distinctive innovation and an international environment. The program goes beyond teaching cooking technique; it aims to develop students' creativity, enabling them to apply innovation in menu design and adapt to our rapidly changing world. "The School of Management is committed to providing real-world experience through international student mobility exchanges, which serve as a crucial mechanism for developing professional skills," Dr. Pimlapas stated. "Students will work alongside award-winning Michelin-starred chefs in modern kitchen laboratories, helping them apply classroom knowledge to professional international standards."

Nakhonsai Phoo-sai, a student representative on the program, expressed his pride in studying and training in Taiwan, where he learned international kitchen management techniques, plating artistry, and ingredient management for maximum value. He emphasized that experiencing a professional kitchen atmosphere taught him that attention to detail, efficiency, and teamwork are essential, and the experience has brought him closer to his dream of becoming a professional chef.

Nalisa Chotithong, another student representative, added that the Taiwan exchange was a golden opportunity to learn Chinese cooking techniques directly from expert chefs. She was most impressed by the organized and efficient work system, which differs significantly from theoretical classroom learning, and believes this experience will guide her professional development in the future.

Innovation never stops! A Chinese influencer has created a spectacular sword-shaped aircraft that actually flies, seemingly lifted straight from an internal martial arts fantasy series, creating a sensation across global social media.

A Chinese influencer has sparked online buzz after turning the "flying sword" from fantasy xianxia novels into reality by developing a functional sword-shaped aircraft.

The man is Fan Sishan from Sichuan Province in southwestern China. He posted videos of himself sitting on a sword-shaped drone while striking cool martial arts poses from fantasy worlds, which went viral with over 3.3 million views and more than 284,000 likes.

In the videos, Fan appears in black clothing, creating an image resembling knights from Chinese xianxia series, blending fantasy and supernatural elements perfectly, making viewers feel like scenes had escaped from novels.

Xianxia is a popular Chinese fantasy series genre that evolved from internal martial arts (wuxia) but adds supernatural elements such as gods, magical powers, cultivation, and immortality, differing from wuxia which remains bound by real-world physics.

One influential work in this genre is the 2005 series "Immortal Sword Quest" (Xian Jian Qi Xia Zhuan), adapted from a Taiwanese RPG game and starring famous actors like Hu Ge and Liu Yifei, which inspired many new-generation fans.

Fan, born in the 1990s, revealed he grew up watching internal martial arts and xianxia series, particularly "Jade Blood Sword" which made him obsessed with sword arts since childhood.

His journey began as a hotel employee before transitioning to content creation in 2020 when his company encouraged employees to become influencers during COVID-19. He started producing content about swords and combat.

Fan later developed increasingly innovative ideas using physics and chemistry knowledge to create special effects like fire swords, ice swords, and "summoning lightning" scenes without relying on CGI.

Previously, Fan created a major project called "The Return of Ten Thousand Swords" before expanding that concept into developing the current sword-shaped drone.

However, because the sword shape isn't a standard aircraft design, the team spent considerable time solving balance problems and adjusting thrust and control systems so the rider could maintain stability in mid-air.

From the original prototype that could only hover for about 10 seconds, Fan's "flying sword" can now fly for up to 3 minutes at approximately 2 meters above ground—a significant achievement after more than 18 months of failed experiments.

Although the project remains experimental and not ready for commercial production, it has become one of the viral projects that remarkably blends xianxia imagination with modern technology.

Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakij received Mr. Pierre Jaffre, president of the Thai-European Business Association (TEBA), and the association's board of directors for discussions on developing Thailand's transport and logistics systems. Attending was Chayathorn Phromsorn, Permanent Secretary of the Transport Ministry, alongside other transport ministry executives. The meeting aimed to exchange information and adapt European technology and standards to improve quality of life, safety, and economic stimulation.

Ratchakij stated that the ministry would consider all technologies and recommendations from TEBA with the goal of maximizing public benefit across road safety, travel efficiency, and reducing product costs through improved logistics systems.

TEBA's committee presented four key areas of discussion:

1. Vehicles and Road Safety: Mr. Krzysztof Tokarz highlighted Europe's success in reducing road fatalities by 60%, proposing that Thailand expand ABS brake system requirements to standard motorcycles beyond the current law limiting it to 1,200 cc vehicles and above (covering only 20% of the market). The Land Transport Department agreed road safety is a priority and will establish a working group with relevant agencies and TEBA to exchange safety technologies, review vehicle inspection policies, and implement speed control measures.

2. Aviation and Digital Technology: TEBA raised concerns about airport capacity amid growing passenger volumes and energy costs. Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited demonstrated end-to-end biometric facial scanning systems from check-in through boarding to reduce congestion. However, concerns about passenger data storage have caused hesitancy. The ministry instructed the airport authority to expedite resolving these issues to align with global security standards.

3. Supply Chain and Logistics Management: TEBA highlighted congestion at Laem Chabang port affecting shipping costs and questioned the feasibility and environmental impact of the proposed Landbridge project. The Port Authority of Thailand confirmed they are reducing cargo handling delays.

Police arrested two 20-year-old men from Chiang Rai province following a hit-and-run incident on May 22, 2569 in which a white Mitsubishi Expander struck Deputy Inspector Tharan Phiromjitcharoen while he was conducting an alcohol checkpoint on Bang Na-Trat Road. The driver and passenger sustained serious injuries after the collision. Officers recovered a Glock 19 pistol with 24 rounds concealed in the vehicle's spare tire compartment. One suspect, identified as Akrawin, admitted to being an active member of the Oreo gang, a youth group previously in the news for gang violence and illegal weapons possession. He claimed he and his friend had just returned from an entertainment venue in the Rangsit area and denied consuming alcohol, attributing any disorientation to unspecified substances. Police charged the driver with illegal weapons possession and reckless endangerment causing serious injury, while charging the passenger with illegal weapons possession and transporting firearms in public without justification. Akrawin has a prior criminal record involving five cases of assault and weapons violations.

A significant movement in Thailand's arts and culture sector is gaining momentum as Khun Khai Malihuana (Kladawut Thongthai) joins forces with academics and contemporary artist networks from the civil society to hold an important meeting on 'Advancing the Establishment of the National Arts Council' at the Royal Princess Hotel Larn Luang in Bangkok.

This represents a crucial gathering bringing together academics and arts activists from across the country. Dr. Sirivat Saemserm from Nakhon Pathom Rajabhat University, who is leading the project initiative, stated: 'This is an exceptional opportunity to have all the experts, specialists, and stakeholders from our arts community—spanning contemporary and grassroots artists and all related fields—come together to share ideas and recommendations to truly advance the establishment of Thailand's National Arts Council. We have now gathered momentum from every region across the country: the North in Chiang Mai, the South in Phuket, the Northeast in Khon Kaen, and Bangkok. This collective strength demonstrates that Thailand's National Arts Council can genuinely become a reality. This research will serve as the foundation, with the Contemporary Arts and Culture Office overseeing the project alongside the Ministry of Culture. We need the government's full support to make this happen.'

Prakrit Gop Kijwattana, a creative advertising professional and political campaign designer, shared: 'This is one of the first serious discussions about the National Arts Council, bringing together teachers and experts from various fields to brainstorm its establishment. This council will play a vital role in supporting state policies and advancing Thai artists, enabling Thai arts to gain prominence on the global stage. When we look at major countries—England, France, America, South Korea, Japan, and Singapore—they all recognize that arts and culture, from grassroots to contemporary art, film, theater, and music, require a central arts council to drive them forward. Though Thailand is establishing this late, we must do it now. The government should prioritize this issue. The longer we delay, the more we will fall behind in the creative industries competition. This is a good start that should happen regardless of which government is in power. Arts and culture could become a driver of Thailand's economic growth.'

Thawatchai Somkhong, a respected artist and skilled practitioner with significant influence in advancing Thai arts, and founder of Fine Art magazine, added: 'This is an important starting point where we unite our thinking toward a common goal. The council has long been a dream in our industry, filling the gaps that government agencies cannot address to elevate the arts sector and create economic impact. We are gathering people from all groups within the arts community to identify key issues and reach conclusions to move forward. This is only the first step, and we hope the network grows and that those in this field will collectively support the council's establishment to fulfill everyone's dream. We have involved lawmakers who recognize the importance of viewing arts not merely as cultural matters but as an economic driver.'