On May 18, 2569 at Wat Maha Rat Noi School in Phra Nakhon district, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittiphand gave an interview following his announcement of resignation to run for a second term as governor, effective at 5 PM today. He explained that he submitted his resignation letter this morning, with immediate effect at 5 PM, as he needs to travel abroad tonight for his son Saenpit Sittiphand's graduation ceremony. This allows him to avoid creating administrative gaps and eliminate the need for an acting governor. He confirmed his intention to run for Bangkok Governor in the next election.

For this election, he will emphasize a productivity policy because Bangkok must now compete with cities worldwide. He plans to maximize output while minimizing resource use and enhance city efficiency through technology, comprising three elements: happiness, opportunity, and hope. He noted that in recent years, residents have become happier with improved quality of life. Going forward, appropriate technology must be used to strengthen Bangkok's position as an economic center competing with global cities.

When asked about concerns during the interim period without a permanent governor, Chadchart said there would be no problems as the administrative work will continue through his team and staff. He noted this is normal in a democratic system where there is such a transition period for citizens to choose new leaders. His team has performed well, and he is confident they will continue to do so.

"I have to keep working because they pay me until the very last second. There are many concerns," Chadchart said.

He mentioned that this morning he will visit Don Mueang district, the area hit hardest by flooding since his early tenure, where road construction is now nearly complete. He also expressed concern about several projects, particularly a wastewater treatment pond on the Thonburi side that is progressing slowly. He asked the Permanent Secretary of Bangkok to oversee these matters and brief the incoming administration.

His campaign team will consist of both existing and new members. He thanked his team and civil servants for their excellent work over the past nearly four years.

When asked if he still gives himself a 5 out of 10 score, Chadchart said he maintains that rating because self-assessment is impossible. However, he gave his team an 8 out of 10 and prefers others to judge his performance.

What pleased him most over four years was the responsive service format changes for residents. Systems like Traffy Fondue made officials recognize the importance of the public and significantly improved efficiency. Previously, resolving citizen issues took approximately two months, but over these four years it has averaged just 1.9 days.

When citizens request action, it gets done faster. People feel that power has been decentralized more and trust in the administration has grown. When he first took office, residents distrusted Bangkok, which had been plagued by corruption and backroom dealings. Now that has changed through structural transformation that brings government closer to people without changing laws, using appropriate technology with minimal investment but maximum returns. He pledged to become more proactive in identifying problems rather than just waiting for citizen reports.

Som Chiang embraced her youngest daughter Kim with tears as she opened her heart about the closure of her noodle shop due to economic downturn and an investment loss of 16 million baht from a scam. After announcing she would take on review work to raise capital, she faced criticism from some who questioned whether she was using the money for personal enhancement rather than business investment. Today, she brought her youngest daughter "Kim" onto the talk show "Khui Saep Show" on Channel One31, hosted by DJ Phut Phuttachai and Pekkie Srithanya, to share her pride in Kim's achievement.

Kim recently completed her master's degree in Digital Marketing in the United Kingdom, which took approximately a year and a half. Som Chiang expressed her immense pride, noting that as a person who came from a different province with limited education, seeing her daughter study abroad filled her with joy.

During the interview, Kim revealed her dreams and future plans. When asked about her aspirations, she humorously mentioned wanting to help her mother create YouTube content and find brand partnerships. Her childhood dream has been to become a flight attendant, inspired by the elegant appearance of cabin crew members she observed while traveling. Som Chiang supported this ambition, hoping Kim would work for an international airline after learning English abroad. However, Kim decided she prefers to work for a Thai airline to stay close to her mother.

Kim explained that after experiencing life abroad, she realized she felt most comfortable in Thailand. She appreciates the convenience and especially the food in her home country, which played a major factor in her decision to return. During her master's studies, Kim worked part-time at two places: photographing products at outlet stores and working at a Thai restaurant.

Som Chiang was amazed by her daughter's independence, joking that Kim had never even swept the house at home but managed to handle various tasks abroad. When the restaurant owner saw Kim's work, he even told Som Chiang that she could now rest easy and let go of their maid, which shocked Som Chiang with pride at how capable her daughter had become. Kim described her part-time restaurant work as enjoyable and rewarding, allowing her to practice English with foreign customers, learn more menu items, and make good social connections. She joked that while she wouldn't do such chores at home without payment, having earned money made the experience worthwhile.

The epic theatrical film Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu arrives in cinemas on May 21st, bringing audiences a brand new adventure. Directed by Jon Favreau and from the studio behind the massive Star Wars franchise, The Mandalorian and Grogu presents the latest grand adventure of the dynamic duo: Din Djarin (played by Pedro Pascal), the legendary Mandalorian bounty hunter, and Grogu, his young apprentice.

With the evil Empire fallen but chaos still raging, warlords from the former Empire remain scattered across the galaxy. Meanwhile, the newly formed New Republic struggles to protect everything the Rebellion fought for, prompting them to seek help from this remarkable pair.

The film is directed by Jon Favreau and stars Pedro Pascal, Sigourney Weaver, and Jeremy Allen White. The screenplay is written by Jon Favreau in collaboration with Dave Filoni and Noah Kloor, with producers Jon Favreau, Kathleen Kennedy, Dave Filoni, and Ian Bryce, alongside executive producers Karen Gilchrist, John Bartnicki, and Carrie Beck.

Prepare for a new adventure in Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, coming to theaters on May 21st.

Gold prices for May 18, 2025 have been announced by the Gold Traders Association, showing a sharp decline compared to yesterday's closing price of 71,000 baht per baht weight for ornamental gold. According to the latest data released by the Gold Traders Association at 9:04 AM this morning, today's gold prices have dropped 200 baht from yesterday's final price, with ornamental gold trading at 71,000 baht per baht weight.

Gold bars are priced at 70,000 baht per baht for buying and 70,200 baht per baht for selling according to the first announcement. For 96.5% ornamental gold, the buying price is 68,599 baht per baht and the selling price is 71,000 baht per baht. Global gold spot prices are currently at 4,532 US dollars per ounce.

Today's Gold Price Summary, May 18, 2025 (First Announcement):

Gold Bars: - Buying: 70,000 baht per baht weight - Selling: 70,200 baht per baht weight

Ornamental Gold: - Buying: 68,599 baht per baht weight - Selling: 71,000 baht per baht weight

After facing backlash from a previous interview clip, actress Fern Pimchanok has spoken again about actress Mind Ladisalal's decision to seek a divorce, which was announced at the 17th Natarach Awards ceremony at M Sphere. Fern confirmed she has spoken with and supported her junior colleague, while emphasizing her desire for everything to proceed through the proper legal channels to ensure that Tray Scot and all victims receive maximum justice.

When asked about Mind's divorce decision, Fern explained: "I did talk with my junior. Everything has unfolded as she posted. This situation has had severe impacts on everyone involved. What I want is for those who are wrong to take responsibility and proceed through the legal process so that Tray receives the utmost justice."

Fern clarified she spoke with Mind after her public announcement rather than before, and said she only offered encouragement by telling her "ultimately, time will help make things better." Regarding Mind's emotional state, Fern acknowledged it's "difficult for her" and noted that "everyone can imagine how much tears have been shed."

Fern expressed concern for Mind's unborn child and emphasized her compassion extends to all victims affected by the situation, not just those in the headlines. She stated: "Everyone is hurting from this situation. I want to offer support not just to Mind and the baby, but to all the victims—many more than what's been reported. For those dealing with or recovering from this situation, I want to be a source of strength for them."

When asked about those continuing the drama, Fern said she understands it's a serious matter. She reiterated her hope that the legal process will proceed so that victims ultimately receive full justice, concluding that the mood among supporters has improved.