Ancient China had a notorious legal system known for extreme severity and unusual punishments. Many of these laws would shock modern society, as behaviors considered normal today were once viewed as serious offenses. Historical records indicate that imperial Chinese rulers used law as a crucial tool for controlling people, maintaining social order, and fostering loyalty to the emperor, with many laws deliberately designed to instill discipline and strict obedience to authority.

One of the most widely discussed laws emerged during the Qin Dynasty, when adult men could be punished simply for "crying." Officials of that era believed tears symbolized weakness and were incompatible with the image of strong masculinity. Those caught crying in public could face punishment through eyebrow shaving and removal of facial hair, constituting public humiliation. In ancient Chinese culture, physical appearance was intimately connected to honor and dignity, so eyebrow shaving was not merely temporary embarrassment but damaged one's social image.

Beyond the crying prohibition, the Sui Dynasty had another peculiar law during the era when the imperial examination system gained prominence. This examination system provided an important pathway for ordinary people to rise to official status and serve in the imperial court. However, "handwriting" was not merely an aesthetic matter but symbolized respect for the emperor and discipline. Historical records indicate that exam takers with poor handwriting could be forced to drink ink as punishment, serving as a reminder of their mistakes.

Ancient documents also mention even more severe punishments including facial tattooing, mutilation, and public execution for certain crimes. The purpose of punishment extended beyond inflicting pain on the wrongdoer—it also aimed to shame and instill fear throughout society. Historians view these laws as reflecting imperial Chinese values that prioritized obedience, discipline, and respect for authority above all else.

Although these punishments faded with time, historical accounts continue to fascinate people worldwide due to their stark contrast with modern legal systems.

Sweet Moment! "Mameow Porchadha" Walks Down the Aisle with Non-Celebrity Boyfriend "Bank Phakkhavorn" in Simple Yet Heartwarming Ceremony as Entertainment Figures Celebrate

Following a surprise underwater proposal at Raya Island in Phuket during a diving trip late last year, Channel 7HD actress "Mameow Porchadha Werapatcharaj" officially exchanged vows with her groom on May 20, 2025.

The ceremony took place in a simple, warm atmosphere filled with joy from family, close friends, and entertainment colleagues who came to witness their love in large numbers, including Gan Natchcha, Om Angkhana, Fon Parita, Ott Chakrit, and actress-YouTuber Ploy pigkaploy, who all came to share in the celebration.

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is intensifying proactive drug screening for employees involved in train safety operations following an elevated safety protocol triggered by an accident at the Asok-Dindaeng level crossing. On May 19, 157 employees were tested with no positive results, while on May 20, testing of 141 employees revealed two positive cases. The affected employees were immediately removed from safety-related duties and referred for medical verification, followed by fact-finding inquiries, disciplinary investigations, and enrollment in treatment and rehabilitation programs under public health guidelines. Acting SRT Governor Anant Phodnimdaeng announced that the agency will continue aggressive drug screening across all train operations nationwide with zero tolerance for safety-related violations. He stated that the incidents prompted the SRT to review safety measures comprehensively, particularly addressing drug problems within the organization through rigorous and ongoing efforts combined with proper employee care and recovery support. The SRT is also implementing enhanced "drug-free organization" standards in safety-critical departments to establish stricter work practices and reduce risks to public safety.

On May 21, 2025, Dr. Sarawut Bunsuk, Director-General of the Department of Medical Sciences under the Ministry of Public Health, reported that the food industry commonly uses sodium and potassium nitrate (Nitrate) or nitrite (Nitrite) preservatives in processed meat products such as sausages, hot dogs, ham, and cured pork to maintain the pink-red color of meat and inhibit dangerous bacteria like Clostridium botulinum.

However, high-level exposure can cause the body to become oxygen-deprived, resulting in symptoms such as cyanosis, shortness of breath, dizziness, and irregular heartbeat. Dr. Sarawut noted that when foods containing nitrate or nitrite undergo high-heat cooking methods such as grilling, roasting, or deep frying until charred, these substances can react with proteins to form "nitrosamine," a carcinogenic compound.

According to the Ministry of Public Health announcement (No. 468, 2025), nitrate usage is limited to no more than 200 milligrams per kilogram, and nitrite to no more than 80 milligrams per kilogram.

Surveillance data from 2024-2025 shows that sausages, bologna, and ham have the highest detection rates for nitrate (61%) and nitrite (55%), though most remain within legal limits. However, ham, cured pork, Isan sausages, and Chinese sausages, while having lower detection rates (nitrate 38%, nitrite 12%), showed four samples exceeding safety standards—one nitrate sample and three nitrite samples—mostly from small-scale producers lacking precise production formula controls.

A particularly alarming finding involved ready-to-eat meat dishes with nitrite levels reaching 3,880 milligrams per kilogram—nearly 50 times the legal standard. Consumers who purchased these products reported abnormal symptoms including vision problems, dizziness, numbness in hands, muscle twitching, and in some cases, loss of consciousness.

The Department of Medical Sciences urges the public to exercise caution when purchasing processed meat products. Recommendations include avoiding products with abnormally bright pink or deep red colors, reducing frequent consumption of these items, and diversifying food choices to mitigate long-term cancer risk from chemical accumulation. Officials also call on all producers to strictly adhere to legal food additive standards to ensure consumer safety, particularly for children and youth.

MILAN — 21 May 2026, Thailand's Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) brought 25 Thai brands to exhibit handcrafted products and sustainable material innovations at Milan Design Week 2026, one of the world's largest design festivals, held in April.

The exhibition, titled "Slow Hand Design 2026", was held at Superstudio Events in Milan under the concept "Heritage Reimagined: The Futuristic Thai Crafts Evolution".

Organisers said the exhibition aimed to demonstrate how innovative materials rooted in local Thai wisdom could meet international design standards.

Participating brands presented materials developed from agricultural and industrial waste, including tiles made from mycelium, rice scraps and coffee grounds, as well as materials developed from acid sulphate soil.

The exhibition reflected growing global interest in sustainable materials with strong cultural and environmental narratives, organisers said.

Among the featured works was "SEA of Love" by AVALON ARTISAN GALLERY, which showcased a wall sculpture created from "MyraShell", a biomaterial developed from discarded mussel shells from Thailand's seafood industry.

The material was developed in collaboration with Thailand's National Innovation Agency, Kasetsart University and the university's Faculty of Fisheries.

According to the developers, the material's microporous structure allows it to diffuse fragrance, highlighting its potential in sustainable design and material innovation.

DITP said the exhibition highlighted the potential of Thai designers and sustainable materials on the global stage while introducing contemporary interpretations of Thai craftsmanship to international audiences.

New business closures reached 4,217 registrations in the first four months of 2025, up 7.5 percent. Poonpong Naiyanapakorn, Director-General of the Department of Business Development (DBD) under the Ministry of Commerce, revealed findings from April 2025 business registration analysis showing 6,454 newly established businesses. Compared to the previous month, this represents a decline of 14.94 percent, though year-over-year figures show a 2 percent increase.

Registered capital totaled 22.765 billion baht in April, increasing by 3.265 billion baht (16.74 percent) from the previous month, but declining 29.17 percent compared to the same period last year. One notable registration was TT1 Holdings Company Limited with registered capital of 7.843 billion baht, operating primarily as a non-financial holding company and investor in various limited and public limited companies domestically and internationally.

For the four-month period from January to April 2025, a total of 29,679 new businesses were established, representing a 1.56 percent decline compared to the same period in 2024. Accumulated registered capital reached 81.341 billion baht, up 27.41 percent.

Analysis of business establishment growth trends identified three expanding sectors:

1) Internet retail businesses: 801 registrations, an increase of 274 (51.99 percent) with registered capital of 1.121 billion baht 2) Other supporting services not classified elsewhere: 333 registrations, an increase of 194 (139.57 percent) with registered capital of 275 million baht 3) Restaurants and food service businesses: 1,408 registrations, an increase of 171 (13.82 percent year-over-year) with registered capital of 2.335 billion baht

Business closure registrations in April 2025 reached 981, down 11.70 percent from the previous month and up 20.52 percent year-over-year, with closed registered capital of 5.214 billion baht. For the four-month period, business closures totaled 4,217, up 7.55 percent, with accumulated closed capital of 26.258 billion baht, up 64.21 percent.

As of April 30, 2025, total registered businesses nationwide stood at 2,079,756 with combined registered capital of 32.29 trillion baht.

Naiyanapakorn noted that fluctuations in business registration numbers do not necessarily reflect actual business conditions, stating they represent only partial indicators. He attributed the April decline partly to intensified enforcement against unregistered businesses and increased business closures.