National

Udon Thani residents delighted as PM Anutin orders Suchat to distribute land rights documents to resolve farmland issues

Thailand's government is accelerating land rights distribution in national forest areas, with hundreds of Udon Thani farmers receiving legal documents to farm and build homes on previously disputed land. The initiative, championed by PM Anu

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On May 23, 2025, Suchat Chomklin, Minister of Natural Resources and Environment, presided over a ceremony to distribute identity documents to residents who had been granted land use rights in national forest reserve areas under a Cabinet Resolution from May 26, 2018. The event took place at the Ta Pla District Hall in Udon Thani province, attended by Dr. Raviwun Phurideach, Permanent Secretary, and senior officials including Nikorn Silarojanun, Director-General of the Forestry Department, with Deputy Governor Sorpong Manasukhonnan welcoming large numbers of community residents and local leaders.

Suchat stated that the Ministry is accelerating Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul's policy to resolve housing and farmland issues in national forest reserve areas, ensuring citizens receive proper legal recognition of their residential and occupational rights, enabling them to generate sustainable income and improve their quality of life. In Udon Thani province, the Forestry Department has covered nine districts spanning over 317,566 rai of land divided into four zones based on watershed quality grades and usage periods. Currently, Group 1 has provided farmland documents to 35 communities covering approximately 118,047 rai, with permits issued for 12 areas, while remaining areas are under further authorization. Groups 2, 3, and 4 have received project approvals and proclamations across all nine districts.

Suchat highlighted that the distribution of identity documents represents a major achievement in securing land rights for citizens. He cited the success of durian farmers in Lap Bua district who, after receiving land rights documents, obtained GAP certification from the Agricultural Department, allowing their "Lin-Long Lap Bua" durians to be verified as non-encroached and commanding premium prices with advance orders. The ministry also issued a timber harvesting permit to farmer Ms. Semian Mongta in Khun Fang subdistrict, Mueang Udon Thani, granting rights to harvest 830 teak trees from Huay Kiang Wa and Nam Krai national forest reserves under strict forestry regulations.

Forestry Department Director-General Nikorn Silarojanun revealed that in fiscal year 2025, 1,800 farmers in Udon Thani province have received identity documents covering areas across eight districts and thousands of plots, representing a significant step toward securing farmland rights for residents while advancing the government's policy of "people and forests in sustainable balance."

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Police

China Reels from Mine Explosion: Death Toll Climbs to at Least 90

A gas explosion at a coal mine in China's Shanxi Province killed at least 90 people and injured over 100 on May 22nd, with authorities investigating high carbon monoxide levels at the facility.

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A gas explosion at the Liushenyu coal mine run by Tongzhou Group in Shanxi Province, northern China, occurred around 7:30 p.m. on May 22nd, resulting in at least 90 deaths with over 100 injured and hospitalized. Mine officials have been detained for questioning, though authorities have yet to reveal the explosion's cause. Reports indicate that carbon monoxide levels at the facility exceeded safe limits. China's emergency management ministry has deployed 345 rescue personnel from six rescue units to the site. President Xi Jinping called for maximum efforts in treating the injured and conducting a thorough investigation, emphasizing that regions and departments must learn from this accident by maintaining continuous workplace safety vigilance and preventing future catastrophes. China has experienced multiple mining disasters over the past two decades, including a 2009 mine explosion in Heilongjiang Province that killed over 100 people and a 2023 collapse at an open-pit coal mine in Inner Mongolia that left 53 dead.

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Community

Weekly Horoscope – Probability Trends for the Week (May 24-30, 2025) Check Your Fortune if You're Still Single – Great Romance Potential Ahead, But Beware of Bringing Up Old Issues

This week's horoscope forecasts mixed fortunes across zodiac signs, with Aries gaining social recognition and romance while facing workplace obstacles, Taurus enjoying financial gains but needing health caution, and other signs warned to av

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Weekly Probability Trends for May 24-30, 2025 by Setthawooti. Aries: This week you will live with characteristic strength and determination, boldly following your plans and ideas. Praise this week will enhance your social reputation and credit, serving as a foundation for building stronger friendships. If you're in a poor mood, avoid activities with family and coworkers as anger may arise more easily than usual. Long-awaited benefits may come unexpectedly, but work often faces obstacles and won't proceed as intended – coworkers may cause trouble. Your romantic relationship will grow closer. Taurus: This week you'll have opportunities to use your special abilities for personal benefit and increased interest in finances. You can generate impressive income through negotiations, business dealings, and community initiatives. Generally very fortunate in whatever you do. However, with Mars entering the house of loss, carefully guard your health – insufficient sleep causes fatigue and health decline. The opposite sex may make demands that make a relationship unsuitable right now. Gemini: This week you'll have many unplanned activities – family may visit suddenly or you'll frequently encounter elders and teachers by chance. Beware of old issues being dredged up and criticized, damaging your reputation among friends. Family members will show special ability and support your work well. You'll communicate fluently with anyone, showing business acumen in negotiations. Enemies may attempt slander to cause financial loss, but won't succeed because you have better fortune and strong supporters. Cancer: If you already have debts, creditors may demand payment rudely. If you're comfortable financially, you'll be troubled by your own words and opinions. Family problems will smolder for a while – remain neutral and cautious. Any aggression could lead to confrontation with authorities or serious consequences. You'll encounter new friendships that don't suit you well, or supervisors may misunderstand your true needs. Any travel will be inconvenient, whether tourism or work. Leo: You'll benefit from those offering friendship and generosity, bringing comfort and opportunities from multiple sources. However, be cautious of foreigners or those from distant places, and guard against conflicts with them. Complete any work before month's end, as after Jupiter enters the house of loss on May 30, things may not go as desired. Be very careful to avoid quarrels or estrangement from your partner. Virgo: [text appears incomplete in source material]

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Police

Mother Devastated After Finding Son's Body Following Mysterious Disappearance Over 10 Days

A man missing for over 10 days was found dead in a palm grove near his home in Samut Sakhon province with ligature marks around his neck; police are investigating the cause of death through forensic examination.

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A mother is heartbroken, remembering the shirt and shoes she bought for her son. Her son disappeared from home over 10 days ago and was found dead in a palm grove not far from their house. Police are accelerating their investigation into the cause of death.

At noon on May 23, 2025, Maj. Kittiwat Suwannpraserit, investigation deputy chief at Krathumbaen Police Station, received a report of a body discovered in a palm grove along the Khlong Muensaram canal road in Kaen Chai subdistrict, Krathumbaen district, Samut Sakhon province. He rushed to the scene with district administrative officials, an on-duty doctor from Krathumbaen Hospital, forensic officers, and volunteer rescue workers from the Ruam Katanyu Foundation.

The team had to trek through the palm grove for 200-300 meters to reach the body. The deceased was a male with a bloated body, dark discoloration, and partially peeling skin. He was found sitting on the ground with ligature marks around his neck. He wore a black t-shirt and warm-up pants, with flip-flops placed beside him. The body had nine tattoos, wore a stainless steel necklace with a fallen ring, and two overturned plastic containers were nearby. A black backpack was found in a water channel.

The deceased, known as Mr. Deft (pseudonym), 53 years old, is believed to have died approximately 10 days ago. His mother confirmed the identity through the shirt and shoes she had purchased for him, as well as the backpack he always carried. The deceased lived across the street from the palm grove where he was found.

The deceased lived alone with his elderly mother, whom he cared for. He had no conflicts with anyone, no chronic illness, and received financial support from his son. However, he was a worrier and easily took things to heart. Before his disappearance, he had mentioned going to work with a friend. Around May 14, his mother went to pay his insurance. When she returned, he was not at home. His calls went unanswered. Inside the house, she found his waist pouch containing his ID card and phone, but she did not know what to do.

When his grandson, the deceased's son, came home on his day off to collect money for his father, his grandmother told him his father had disappeared and could not be reached. The grandson then filed a missing person report at Krathumbaen Police Station. The cause of death remains unknown.

Police have instructed forensic officers to collect evidence from the scene. The body has been sent to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Siriraj Hospital for a second autopsy to clarify the cause of death before the family receives it for merit-making ceremonies.

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Community

Chef Buce Warns of Hotel Stay in Nakhon Nayok: Charged 50 Baht Per Item for Stained Towels, Hotel Owner Claims They Were Already Washed

Chef Buce warned hotel guests after being charged 100 baht for allegedly stained towels at a Nakhon Nayok hotel, only to be told upon return that staff had already washed them.

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Chef Buce Bunyasomit Pukkanasut, a renowned chef and expert on ingredients and traditional Thai cuisine, posted a video and message on his Facebook page 'Chefbook' warning hotel guests to be cautious about towel charges. He shared his experience of staying at a hotel in Nakhon Nayok province, where upon checkout he was charged 100 baht total (50 baht each) for allegedly stained towels and pillowcases. Pressed for time, he paid without questioning. However, after reconsidering, he returned about 10 minutes later to inspect the items, only to be told by staff that they had already been washed. He then spoke with the hotel owner, which led to the confrontation shown in the video.

Following the post, numerous comments poured in criticizing the hotel owner's practice. Commenters expressed various concerns: many had never encountered such charges at other hotels; they argued the hotel should show guests evidence of stains before charging them, not claim items were already washed; they questioned whether hiring housekeeping staff wasn't the hotel's responsibility; and they questioned whether the hotel was opened to scam customers. Some noted the charge amount wasn't substantial but said it would definitely upset them emotionally, and joked that the resort owner wouldn't get rich from such practices.

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Community

Fresh from the Temple – Taste Local Delicacies, Admire the Landscape, Make Merit Offerings at Lad Long Lae-Takua Tung

A new temple visit program launched in Takua Tung, Phang Nga combines merit-making with local tourism, featuring traditional foods, crafts, and cultural activities designed to boost community income while promoting Buddhist practices.

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The Department of Religious Affairs, Ministry of Culture, working with the Phang Nga Province Cultural Office, launched a Dhamma Day temple visit program titled "Taste Local Delicacies, Admire the Landscape, Make Merit Offerings at Lad Long Lae" in Lad Long Lae, Takua Tung District, Phang Nga Province. The initiative aims to stimulate community economic activity by generating income through food, clothing, souvenirs, homestays, hotels, and tourism ventures, while promoting local knowledge and providing Buddhists with regular opportunities for merit-making, precept-keeping, and meditation. On the morning of Saturday, May 16, 2025, Department of Religious Affairs Director Chaiyapol Sukeiam led officials, administrators, and residents in visiting cultural networks, releasing crabs into mangrove forests, and meeting religious and community leaders at Ban Sam Chong School, including paying respects to Phra Prasart Sarophon (Chaiwat Issaratham), the provincial sangha leader. The program leverages the area's rich natural resources and cultural capital, including local foods, traditional crafts, performances, and community products using palm gardens as activity venues. Community members will showcase local produce such as vegetables, shrimp, shellfish, crab, fish, and seasonal fruits, along with traditional handicrafts and cultural performances to generate income and engage youth in community development. The Department of Religious Affairs is expanding this successful program by selecting locations with distinctive traditions, nearby temples, merit-offering services for tourists, traditional costume rentals, and vendor areas that boost local revenues. Director Chaiyapol emphasized that the program helps communities and encourages Buddhists to visit temples regularly for merit-making beyond just holy days.

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Community

Anchoring Art and Culture – Opening the Arena for UOB Painting Competition #17

UOB Thailand opens entries for its 17th annual Painting Competition, offering artists pathways to international recognition and career development through exhibitions and an alumni support network. The 2025 edition features refined eligibil

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To reinforce its commitment to promoting artistic potential and supporting long-term professional development for artists, UOB Thailand has announced the opening of entries for the 17th UOB Painting Competition for 2025. Beyond serving as an annual art competition, the UOB Painting Competition acts as a gateway to sustainable career development for artists, offering continuous opportunities to showcase work at both regional and international levels, coupled with ongoing support through the UOB Artist Alumni Network.

For 2025, UOB is elevating artistic excellence by refining the eligibility criteria for professional artist applicants to be more clearly defined, reflecting experience, creative continuity, and the artist's role within the art community. These refined standards help elevate competition quality, ensuring artists are evaluated alongside peers with comparable experience.

Ms. Tharrat Oularahankij, Assistant Chief Executive Officer of Communications and Corporate Image at UOB Thailand, stated: "We believe that art is not merely about creating beauty, but is an important force that connects diverse perspectives, creates dialogue, and brings communities together."

Previous award-winning artists from the UOB Painting Competition in Thailand shared their professional experiences in both domestic and international contexts, reflecting the competition's role in opening doors to broader recognition.

Panpan Yodmani, the grand prize winner from the UOB Painting Competition in 2010, which was the competition's inaugural year in Thailand, has achieved international recognition for her work, including the Benesse Prize from Singapore Biennale 2016, and was selected for an artist residency in Paris in 2024. Most recently, her work has been continuously displayed at the White Space: Unbroken Wisdom exhibition at Lim Hak Tai Gallery at NAFA in Singapore.

Panpan stated: "Our work distinctly reflects cultural identity. Opportunities like foreign artist residency programs help open spaces for Thai art to participate in broader global conversations. The truly impactful factor is continuous, long-term support rather than just a single award."

Ms. Yamila Hali, Thailand's national grand prize winner and UOB Southeast Asian Painting of the Year for 2024, won with her work "Dua (Pray for a Blessing)," which was exhibited at Art Central 2026 in Hong Kong.

"The UOB Painting Competition platform plays a crucial role in creating new opportunities for artists, generating international recognition, and supporting artists to confidently develop and grow in their careers long-term," Yamila stated.

Ms. Thanyadhat Manasarakul, winner of the Most Promising Artist of the Year award for emerging or amateur artists at the 2024 UOB Painting Competition (Thailand), won with her work "Ctrl + Alt + Destruct," which has also been displayed at Art Central 2026 in Hong Kong. She added: "Thai artists play a role as storytellers on the world stage, conveying social issues and human values through perspectives deeply rooted in local context. Visibility and support from institutions help us maintain our cultural identity while meaningfully communicating and connecting with international audiences."

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National

Sunny Sunday – Namtarn Happy with Acting Career, 11 Years in the Industry Without Burning Out

Actress Namtarn plays a 100-year-old ghost with no memory of her death in new film 'City Curse,' marking her latest role after over a decade in the industry without burning out.

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Actress Namtarn Pichukkana Vongvarotanasil takes on another challenging role as 'Fang Kham Ghost' in the film 'City Curse,' paired with fresh-faced actor Tee Bunyakiat Vongsa-ajem.

Today she discussed her work on the film, her acting career spanning over a decade, and future goals, while also sharing updates about her wedding after her long-time boyfriend Pai Pattish Pisetchkul—whom she's been dating for 14 years—surprised her with a marriage proposal during the Northern Lights trip in Norway.

On her role in 'City Curse': Nametarn said: "In this story, I play Fang Kham Ghost, a spirit that has existed for over 100 years with no memory of how she died. A human has been taking care of her all this time, and the role has evolved across generations until the current era where the caretaker is a social media kid. He wonders why other ghosts have legends but I don't, so he tries to create pages and Instagram accounts for me to make me legendary. He tries to teach me how to be a scary ghost, but I can't do it. I'm bad at scaring people. So he brings me different horror movies to copy from. My co-stars like Sprite, John, and Ann teach me how different ghosts move and act—how Japanese ghosts crawl, how Thai ghosts dance—and I try to copy them, but no one is ever scared of me."

On finding answers about her character's death: Nametarn explained: "Yes, the character needs to find out why she died. I noticed that everyone has a partner, so why don't I? I believe my destined partner must have a shell-shaped mark on their neck. The male lead happens to have one, so I'm convinced he's the one. Turns out it's a tattoo, not a mark, so I'm disappointed. The story has a lot of cute, romantic comedy elements. Mostly I'm the one pursuing him because I've been around for 100 years, so my jokes might be outdated compared to Gen Z kids—it has that puppy-tricking vibe."

On working with actor Tee Bunyakiat: Nametarn said: "He's very sweet. When I found out I'd be working with him, I looked him up and discovered he's a famous footballer. He's close in age to my younger brother, so we connected easily. He's also from the North like me, so communication was smooth. His character is very heavy—he has the most emotional baggage in the story. He's emotionally complex and has to be depressed throughout most of the film. He has less screen time but delivers a lot. His acting is excellent. I saw his potential from the workshop day itself. He came to ask me for advice on some scenes, especially the comedic parts or difficult film scenes because films are different from series—they use a single camera and need to shoot dramatic scenes multiple times from different angles. He once asked why later takes didn't feel as good as the first one, and I explained that you have to reset yourself each time, which is already difficult."

On how quickly she decided to take the role: Nametarn said: "Not long at all. I've worked with director Kop since the film 'Som Bai.' We've actually been discussing this project for 3-4 years before it came together. When he contacted me, I asked to read the script first because I didn't want to repeat a character. After reading it, I loved it. The character is contemporary and connected to the social media era where ghosts have to create content. It was challenging—could I make people believe she's Fang Kham without looking like Som Bai?"

On whether the shooting locations were scary: Nametarn said: "We actually shot in Phu Chiao forest and in old houses that were decades old. But no one got haunted by ghosts because we shot from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m., and by the time we'd go back to sleep, the sun was already rising. Ghosts can't haunt you then. (laughs) But there was something incredible—the male lead's house in the story belonged to an elderly owner who once told her descendants not to demolish or sell the house because someone would come to film a movie there. At the time, no one believed her."

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Community

Synopsis: Sinto Lam Zing Episodes 2-5 Monday-Thursday on Channel One 31

When family patriarch Chalit falls ill, creditor Danai pressures his mother and daughter to sell their last land plot to settle debts and medical costs, forcing them to navigate hardship and suspicion as they pursue a bold new vision for th

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When Chalit falls ill from an accident, Danai sees his opportunity to pressure Nong Yao into selling her last plot of land. Episode 2 airs Monday, May 25, 2569 at 7 PM on Channel One 31. As the family's pillar Chalit (Wit Phuthrithisut) becomes incapacitated from an accident, the influential Danai (Poori Hiranyaprueksa) pressures mother and daughter Tae (Noo Lek Thithinan) and Nong Yao (Muay Anjana) to sell their remaining land to pay debts and fund Chalit's treatment. Episode 3 airs Tuesday, May 26, 2569 at 7 PM on Channel One 31. Tae prepares to lead the Kimhan Lion Dance troupe into a new era. When Tae (Noo Lek Thithinan) takes the helm of the Kimhan Lion Dance troupe, she decides to revolutionize their performances by combining lion dances with traditional lam zing singing featuring Sai (Yuki Haitongkham), despite objections from senior members. Episode 4 airs Wednesday, May 27, 2569 at 7 PM on Channel One 31. Klai doesn't trust Nathi. As Tae's family faces hardship, young businessman Nathi (Tao Setthapong) offers his assistance, but Klai (Nook Thanadol) distrusts his motives and investigates his true intentions. Episode 5 airs Thursday, May 28, 2569 at 7 PM on Channel One 31. Tae rallies the troupe for lion dance rehearsals. Committed to perfecting the new performance style, Tae (Noo Lek Thithinan) gathers all members of the Kimhan Lion Dance troupe for a meeting to rehearse their lion dances in coordination with the lam zing rhythm, an exciting new challenge for the group.

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National

"Coffin Therapy" – Japan's Bizarre New Wellness Trend: Lying Still in a Coffin for Mental Healing

A Japanese wellness trend called "Coffin Therapy" has people lying in coffins for 30 minutes to contemplate mortality and reduce anxiety about death, with proponents suggesting it may help address the country's rising suicide rates.

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Japan is embracing an unconventional mental health practice called "Coffin Therapy," which involves lying in a coffin for approximately 30 minutes to reflect on life and contemplate mortality. Originally piloted by a funeral company in Chiba Prefecture, the practice has expanded to spas and workshops nationwide.

Participants can choose between open and closed coffins. Supporters argue that the enclosed space creates a peaceful, private environment for genuine introspection without distractions. While the concept may seem strange internationally, it connects to Japan's "Kuyō" tradition—memorial rites for the deceased that promote awareness of life's fragility and acceptance of death.

The trend emerges as Japan grapples with elevated youth suicide rates. Some proponents believe that safely confronting mortality in a controlled, reversible format may reduce fear of death and help people appreciate life's value more deeply.

Businesses offering Coffin Therapy, including Grave Tokyo, frame it as a "mental reset." Grave Tokyo designer Mikago Fuse emphasizes making death less frightening and helping people recognize life's worth. The company designs colorful, friendly coffins to counter traditional morbid associations.

Tokyo spa "Meiso Kukan Kanoke-in" offers the service for approximately 400 baht, allowing customers to choose open or closed coffins with optional add-ons like relaxing music, projected imagery, or complete silence.

In 2024, a Kyoto university hosted a Coffin Therapy workshop for students. Many participants reported reviewing life anxieties and experiencing reduced fear of death. Some felt motivated to live more fully.

Mental health experts continue recommending standard treatments for depression and suicidal ideation—meditation, mindfulness, CBT, SSRIs, and emerging therapies like ketamine and esketamine for severe cases. However, Coffin Therapy supporters believe symbolically "rehearsing" confrontation with death may complement these established approaches.

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National

Yossakorn Insists Corruption Can't Be Fixed in 100 Years—Must Push Thailand Toward High Income, Believing Wealthy People Won't Cheat

Deputy Prime Minister Yossakorn argues Thailand must achieve high-income status to curb corruption and social problems, positioning higher education and research as economic engines during a keynote at Chiang Mai University.

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Deputy Prime Minister and Higher Education Minister Yossakorn Wongswaddi delivered a keynote speech at Chiang Mai University's 2026 administrators' seminar on May 23, outlining the ministry's policy direction. Rather than pursuing new strategies, Yossakorn stressed the need to fill existing gaps and foster collaborative governance, positioning the ministry as a science-focused mini-cabinet equipped with world-class knowledge and personnel capable of creating sandbox pilot programs to address the nation's major challenges across multiple dimensions.

The core mission involves linking research with the economy, foreign affairs, security, disaster management, and public administration to achieve results that responsible agencies can scale up. Yossakorn's paramount objective is pushing Thailand toward high-income status through a new economic engine, which he argues is the foundation for sustainably solving entrenched social problems.

"I set the goal for Thailand to become a high-income country, and people might laugh, but everything comes down to making a living," Yossakorn said. "On corruption, even fixing it for 100 years won't solve it completely. But if we ensure people have enough money, who would want to commit corruption? It's basic human nature—if we trust our people, they won't cheat anyway. Therefore, we need a new economic structure with new economic engines to be the nation's salvation."

Yossakorn highlighted the World Bank's framework for developing an innovation ecosystem by balancing three pillars—education, research, and innovation—growing proportionally. Losing any single pillar would stall the economic wheel. He called for outdated disciplines to be abandoned by educational institutions, instead focusing on upskilling and reskilling workers to keep pace with new technologies.

Yossakorn urged researchers to leave their labs and build networks, reorienting research to meet market demands and investor needs while prioritizing intellectual property creation with real economic value. He also advocated for universities to redesign education management around user experience, expanding programs across all life stages from infants' first 100 days through elderly palliative care.

Chiang Mai University's Science and Technology Park exemplifies one of Thailand's finest startup incubation ecosystems and serves as the nation's innovation training hub. "Chiang Mai isn't remote—it's a hub connecting India and China, and Thailand's biodiversity strength serves as crucial source material for medical industry advancement and promoting Nature Positive concepts," Yossakorn concluded.

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