Although the team had participated in a test drive of the Mitsubishi XForce, a crossover-style SUV, several months ago, the short distance covered didn't provide enough time to fully grasp the vehicle's overall character or get a reliable sense of fuel consumption. After consulting with Wichanya Nualuai, PR Manager at Tri Diamond, we got the opportunity for a more thorough evaluation.

The XForce's design follows the SILKY & SOLID concept, appearing modern and powerful. The front features an ADVANCE DYNAMIC SHIELD grille, LED headlights, and distinctive ICONIC T-SHAPE LED taillights in Smoked finish arranged in a T-pattern that looks striking and unique. The side lines and design are well-proportioned, conveying agility and stability. Large 18-inch alloy wheels are complemented by wheel arches with materials and colors that contrast with the body.

Inside, the cabin features a two-tone color scheme, a 12.3-inch touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wireless charging, and an 8-inch information display divided into three sections showing various data.

Power comes from a 1.6-liter full-hybrid MIVEC DOHC engine producing 107 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 134 Newton-meters of torque at 4,500 rpm, working alongside an 85 kW electric motor delivering 116 horsepower and 255 Newton-meters of torque in a two-speed transmission.

The automatic drivetrain adjusts based on driving style and road conditions. Off the line, even in Normal mode, it delivers satisfying acceleration. In EV mode, acceleration and overtaking feel responsive. In urban conditions, the vehicle handles both large and small obstacles comfortably.

The steering provides good directional control. The suspension on smooth roads is smooth and quiet, with adequate softness—not as refined as a luxury sedan, but the bumps don't transmit to the steering wheel or seats. Passing through potholes, ruts, and bridge joints at appropriate speeds results in no bouncing whatsoever.

On curves, however, the early sections require slightly more focus. It doesn't feel particularly tight, partly due to unfamiliarity with the AYC (Active Yaw Control) system. On later curves, when approaching at appropriate speed, the vehicle flows through smoothly without requiring brake input—just confident steering inputs.

On open highways, we tested the Tarmac mode, described by Mitsubishi as a sport mode that tightens engine and transmission response. The vehicle accelerates forward rapidly. Speed builds smoothly from 90-120 km/h, though acceleration slows afterwards. Engine noise becomes noticeably louder, and hard acceleration braking creates noticeable weight transfer that could cause motion sickness on extended drives.

When heavy rain suddenly began, we switched to WET mode for improved grip confidence. The vehicle showed no signs of hydroplaning or water skidding, maintaining good speed even on flooded roads.

The XForce offers multiple driving modes including 100% electric, continuous charging, rough terrain, and notably, a clay road mode that works effectively without relying on four-wheel drive.

Our test covered a total distance of 564.4 kilometers.

The Democrat Party held talks with the Association of Subdistrict Administrators of Thailand on advancing decentralization, increasing local government revenue, and exploring the establishment of a Local Government Ministry to systematically oversee local administration nationwide. On May 26, 2026, at Democrat Party headquarters, party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva and southern regional deputy leader Chaiyachan Detdetcho welcomed Khunpoch Praedham, administrator of the Association of Subdistrict Administrators of Thailand and mayor of Krajiew Subdistrict Administration Organization in Ayutthaya Province, along with Pithaya Teravachananth, mayor of Saiyamul Subdistrict, to discuss decentralization and local development approaches.

Chaiyachan stated that the Democrat Party invited the association to discuss three key issues: decentralization strategies to address problems facing local officials, increasing revenue sources for local government organizations to strengthen them, and exchanging ideas about establishing a Ministry of Local Government to systematically manage local administration nationwide. The Democrat Party has championed decentralization since Chuan Leekpai served as Prime Minister, when a budget framework of 35 percent was set for local government organizations, though currently they receive only 29.5 percent.

Chaiyachan emphasized that local government organizations are the closest institutions to the people throughout their lives and are the first responders to solve community problems. Therefore, strengthening local governments through increased revenue and administrative flexibility is essential and requires collective effort from all parties.

The association will further study the proposals and information before meeting again with the Democrat Party to advance them through parliamentary processes for the benefit of local government organizations and the public nationwide. Khunpoch stated this represents a valuable opportunity for the longstanding Democrat Party to prioritize decentralization, having been instrumental in promoting the Decentralization Act B.E. 2542. This discussion marks an important starting point for reviewing and adjusting decentralization processes to align with the act's principles and strengthen local government organizations at all levels, recognizing that a strong local government means a stronger Thailand.

Legendary pop-rock boy band NUVO is making fans excited again with their biggest concert in seven years, 'CIMBweBOND Presents NUVORIGINAL CONCERT,' featuring authentic original NUVO sound on Saturday, August 1st at Paragon Hall, Siam Paragon. All six members are reuniting to take fans back to the pure, unadulterated original NUVO era through original 80s album sounds, enhanced with fresh collaborations with GDH film team to create a show merging cinema and live concert, while revealing the secrets behind their 38-year friendship that remains strong, and promising to keep playing music until their hands shake and they're in wheelchairs.

The six members include Joe Jirayus Watthanasint, Kong Saharath Sangkhaprecha, John Ratnaviroj, Tae Peter Anthony Hammond, New Jirat Burakaramkawit, missing only Su Surachai Sunthorathadakul who has other commitments. They held a press conference at Cinema 8 Paragon Cineplex on the 5th floor of Siam Paragon.

Kong explained their reunion: "We wanted to play, and fans kept asking when the next big concert would be. We gradually planned and assembled everything until we settled on Saturday, August 1st."

John added: "The concert name 'NUVO Original' became combined into 'NUVORIGINAL.' It has the DNA of NUVO fan club members who wanted this, and we've brought it into this special show, breaking it into sections. I think it will definitely be impressive."

Joe elaborated on NUVO's authenticity: "It's about the old sound, the vintage sound. We need to find our own sound. This time is the most exciting because we have no backing—just the six of us standing together throughout the show, like an old cassette tape. At minimum, we need to bring back our original sound first. If we use too much synthesized sound, NUVO's essence disappears. We'll blend technology with director GDH to create film merged with live performance."

Kong shared: "I don't want to spoil too much, but there will be film story combined with the concert performance. We contacted the GDH team about doing this project, and when they heard our idea, they happily agreed."

Why has NUVO remained tight-knit after 38 years? Kong said: "Because we've been friends since childhood. There's nothing causing conflict to separate us. We're still friends beyond just playing music—we live our daily lives together, travel together."

Joe added: "Even if we weren't playing music together, we'd still be friends. We watch movies together, travel together, we do everything together."

John observed: "The six of us create music together, blend into harmony together, like a football team, sepak takraw team, or volleyball team that must coordinate. That coordination of longtime friendship is what bonds us tight. Playing for 38 years—we don't know if we'll reach 60, but it's possible, right Kong?"

Kong responded: "The Rolling Stones just released a new album at age 80. I have the Rolling Stones as my idol."

Asked if they'll keep performing, John answered: "We'll play until we're in wheelchairs." Kong laughed: "Until our hands shake!"

Finally, all shared a message for the upcoming concert. John said first: "How we used to play, how we used to feel, how you used to love us—NUVORIGINAL has it all."

Joe continued: "On August 1st, for NUVO fans who've watched us at music festivals, come this day and experience what NUVO truly is.

Doctors are sounding the alarm about a working-age man who coughed for three months, constantly self-medicating without fever or fatigue while continuing normal work. He smoked five cigarettes daily, claiming "it's not that much," but later experienced decreased appetite, gradual weight loss, and loose-fitting clothes, which he attributed to work stress. When he finally coughed up blood and got a chest X-ray, small nodules scattered throughout his lungs were discovered. A CT scan revealed the cancer had already spread to his lymph nodes—confirming lung cancer. Many believe "not smoking much means nothing serious," but the truth is there is no safe number of cigarettes. Symptoms lasting more than 2-3 weeks warrant attention. Five warning signs to monitor are: persistent cough, weight loss, hoarseness, easy fatigue, and bloody cough. Serious diseases sometimes start with the most ordinary symptoms.

The Department of Marketing at Chulalongkorn Business School (CBS) and Hakuhodo International (Thailand) Limited (HIT) announced the successful completion of the third year of their strategic HIT Program collaboration under the theme "Human x AI: The Future Marketer Challenge." The program cultivates a new generation of marketers with world-class skills through real-world application, using artificial intelligence technology to create marketing solutions that address the needs of SMEs across six provinces nationwide.

Students face genuine challenges from society and employ Marketing AI Tools throughout every process—from in-depth data analysis and strategy formulation to creative content production—to align with the complete transition to a digital economy.

This year, six community enterprises from six provinces were selected as primary case studies for marketing plan development. Six student teams conducted fieldwork and developed real campaigns in the following areas:

1. Pathum Thani Province (Lamthai Pattana Community) - processed catfish products 2. Lampun Province (Ban Hone Community) - processed fruit products 3. Rayong Province (Koh Kok Community) - herbal and rice products 4. Sisaket Province (Phak Hamai Community) - processed rice products 5. Phetchaburi Province (Makham Hairy Rice Center Community) - local rice products 6. Ranong Province (Plaeng Yai Coffee Community) - coffee products

The championship-winning team tackled the processed catfish project from Lamthai Pattana Community in Pathum Thani Province, transforming ordinary catfish into high-protein crispy catfish snacks. They reframed the product from a casual snack to a symbol of care and safety, positioning it in the "authentic market" segment with proper business structure and producer-focused content communication.

The second-place team addressed processed fruit products from Ban Hone Community in Lampun Province, elevating local Thai fruits into healthy premium freeze-dried snacks. They created gift sets targeting Chinese tourists, featuring "longans stuffed with strawberries" as a signature innovative product while optimizing online platform communications.

The runner-up team handled herbal products from Koh Kok Community in Rayong Province, shifting from traditional agriculture to an innovative business model to preserve the last rice fields in Mab Taphut. They developed "Horm Herb" herbal pillows as an urban wellness brand, designing a three-phase marketing strategy: building awareness through ASMR content showcasing herbal ingredients, creating real experiences through trial points in offices and shops, and fostering consumer loyalty through LINE QR scanning for daily relaxation points.

This success announcement marks not only the conclusion of the third-year program but also stands as proof that new-generation marketers from Chulalongkorn are ready to drive industry innovation with both technological intelligence and balanced understanding of human values.