The Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Prince of Songkhla University, in collaboration with a network of pharmaceutical and health science educational institutions, is launching the 8th Current Drug Development International Conference 2026 (CDD2026) under the theme "Future Medicine and Healthcare," scheduled for May 21-23. The conference serves as an international forum for exchanging knowledge, academic progress, and research in drug development, pharmaceuticals, health products, cosmetics, and health technology, while promoting collaboration among researchers, faculty members, graduate students, and industry representatives from both Thailand and abroad. The event is headed by Professor Dr. Theeraphol Srichana, Director of the Drug Delivery System Excellence Research Center at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, along with Assistant Professor Dr. Chatchai Wattanapirom, Dean of the Faculty, at the Duangchanok Convention Hall, Duangchat Resort and Spa in Phuket.

Professor Dr. Theeraphol Srichana stated that the conference reflects a commitment to advancing drug development and health science comprehensively, from creating new knowledge and building on innovations to establishing guidelines aligned with sustainable development and efficient use of natural resources. The primary objective is to drive high-quality research toward practical applications that benefit the health system, society, and commercial development.

The conference also serves as a platform connecting scientists, academics, and researchers from diverse fields to exchange knowledge, perspectives, and new scientific ideas, while fostering interdisciplinary collaboration to jointly develop strategies addressing future health challenges. The conference has generated overwhelming interest with nearly 200 participants and a record-breaking number of international registrants. The number of oral and poster presentations has exceeded previous conferences held in 2566, confirming the increased standards, quality, and recognition of this academic platform.

Participants also have the opportunity to advance their research for publication in international peer-reviewed journals indexed in Scopus. Pharmacist participants receive 7.5 continuing education credits in pharmaceutical sciences, representing an important benefit supporting professional development.

"The success of this conference stems from strong collaboration among pharmacy faculty networks from 7 leading Thai universities and 1 Malaysian university, which serves as a vital force in elevating academic cooperation and advancing health knowledge to the international level," Professor Dr. Theeraphol remarked.

CDD 2026 covers four major fields: natural products and traditional medicine, pharmaceutical biotechnology and pharmaceutical chemistry, pharmaceutical technology and drug delivery systems, and cosmeceuticals and nutrient pharmaceuticals. The conference features 4 keynote speakers and 8 invited speakers from leading Thai and international experts sharing knowledge on contemporary issues including microneedles for drug delivery, vaccine design of the future, and drugs and bioactive compounds from natural resources.

The Southern Border Security Command (Region 4 Forward) honored Sgt. Nattawut Surathat, a brave police officer who sacrificed his life for peace in Thailand's southern border region. On May 22, 2025, during civil unrest in Pattani Province, assailants used firearms to attack Sai Buri Police Station in Sai Buri District. Sgt. Nattawut Surathat, 29, a squad leader from Nong Chik Police Station who was stationed at Sai Buri Police Station, sustained critical injuries and died at the hospital that evening. At 22:10, Air Chief Marshal Ekwattiwit Chobchooprohl, spokesman for the Southern Border Security Command (Region 4 Forward), stated: "The Southern Border Security Command (Region 4 Forward) expresses deepest condolences for the loss of Sgt. Nattawut Surathat, a dedicated and courageous police officer who died from wounds sustained when assailants opened fire on Sai Buri Police Station in Pattani Province on May 22."

A house fire is believed to have been caused by an electric kettle left plugged in. The homeowner, a teacher, plugged in the kettle and then walked to her nearby mother's house, leaving her child asleep inside. The child heard unusual sounds before the electricity cut out throughout the house and ran after the mother, only to return and find the house engulfed in flames.

On May 22, 2569, police from Muang Nakhon Si Thammarat Station in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province received reports of a fire in Soi Pa Yang, Moo 4, Tambon Tha Ngiao, Muang Nakhon Si Thammarat District. Police Captain Kittishai Krainara reported the incident and coordinated with firefighters from Nakhon Si Thammarat Municipality to rush to the scene and extinguish the fire.

When they arrived, the fire was burning intensely and had spread rapidly, completely destroying the entire house. Firefighters deployed water to control the blaze. The homeowner, a teacher at a local school, reported that after returning from work, she plugged in an electric kettle and then went to her mother's nearby house, leaving her child sleeping in a room. The child heard abnormal sounds before the house's electrical system shut down completely and ran after her.

Investigators from the station examined the scene and coordinated with forensic police. The homeowner was identified as Chidarat Jitsaman, a teacher at a local school. She explained that after returning from work in Nakhon Si Thammarat, she plugged in an electric kettle and went to her mother's nearby house, leaving her child sleeping in a room. The child heard abnormal sounds before the house's electrical system shut down completely and ran after her.

"When she returned to the house, the fire had spread severely and couldn't be controlled. Fortunately, no one was injured or killed. The cause is suspected to be an electrical short circuit or the electric kettle causing the fire. Officials will continue to investigate and gather evidence to determine the exact cause."

On May 22, 2026 at 7:50 p.m., Pattaya's Land Disaster Prevention Radio Center received a report of a car fire near Chai Phraks intersection in Jomtien on Sukhumvit Road in Sattahip subdistrict, Bang Lamung district, Chon Buri province. Two fire trucks were dispatched to the scene. Firefighters found a white 2025 sedan engulfed in flames, with local residents attempting to control the fire using chemical extinguishers, but without success. It took approximately 20 minutes of coordinated water spraying by the Pattaya fire department to control the blaze, leaving the vehicle completely destroyed. The driver, Alex, 25, a Russian national, stated that he was driving to a repair garage where the car was a regular customer. While just 100 meters away, he suddenly heard a loud explosion beneath the vehicle accompanied by smoke billowing out. He managed to coast the car to the garage entrance, turned off the engine, and jumped out. Within seconds, the vehicle burst into flames. The repair shop manager explained that Alex had previously taken the vehicle to a Bangkok auto shop for engine modifications. Upon returning, he noticed abnormal noises from the engine and called the garage requesting an inspection, but the fire broke out before he could arrive.

On May 22, 2025, reporters documented the progress of the fire at the A.J. Plus Hotel on Pattaya Soi 3 in the northern Pattaya area, Moo 6, Nai Klang Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri Province. At the time of the incident, approximately 240 guests from 120 rooms were forced to evacuate the building in chaos.

Four people were injured in total: three guests—two Thai women and one Indonesian boy—suffered smoke inhalation and injuries during evacuation. The fourth victim was Thawatchai, a 40-year-old hotel employee who attempted to contain the fire but sustained approximately 20% burns and smoke inhalation. His condition was serious and he was transported to a nearby hospital.

Hotel Managing Director Athinath Wattanaphrom revealed that preliminary staff interviews suggest the fire was likely caused by an electrical short circuit somewhere on the rooftop, though the exact location remains unknown. He stated the hotel is awaiting official investigation results from relevant authorities.

Following the incident, the hotel evacuated all guests and temporarily arranged alternative accommodation at nearby hotels while awaiting safety inspections. The hotel apologized to all guests and emphasized that customer safety is the top priority, committing to full support for those affected. Initial damage assessment estimates total approximately 25 million baht.