UBON RATCHATHANI — 18 May 2026, Thailand's 2nd Army Region has launched an exploration and nature trail route to an ancient underwater carving of "Narai Banthomsin", believed to be the only underwater rock carving of its kind in the country, as part of efforts to promote conservation tourism in Ubon Ratchathani province. The initiative, led by Lt. Gen. Weerayut Raksasin, commander of the 2nd Army Region, followed a route traditionally used by villagers from Khae Don village in Nam Yuen district to reach and worship the site. The route begins from the Phra Yai base of the 23rd Ranger Regiment near Phu Wang Nam Chan monastic retreat and is intended to support sustainable eco-tourism and historical education. The bas-relief sandstone carving, depicting the Hindu deity Narai reclining on the serpent king Ananta Naga, was discovered by chance in 1979 by a local hunter searching for fish in a stream near Khae Don village. Archaeological examinations found the carving portrays Narai reclining on his right side atop a three-headed naga. A lotus bud rises from the deity's navel, while a female figure, believed to represent Lakshmi, appears near the feet. The carving measures about 120 centimetres long and 50 centimetres high and is believed to be more than 1,000 years old. The site is currently overseen by the Fine Arts Office 9 and Phu Chong Na Yoi National Park in the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range, within Yod Dom Wildlife Sanctuary in Nam Yuen district, Ubon Ratchathani province. The story of "Narai Banthomsin" appears in the Mahabharata epic, describing the end of a cosmic age when all things are destroyed and submerged beneath the ocean before Narai awakens to recreate the world — a belief reflecting longstanding religious faith and cosmological traditions. Following past clashes in the area, the 2nd Development Division and the 23rd Ranger Regiment task force began improving strategic access routes connecting the site to main roads, with plans to develop the area into a conservation and cultural tourism destination. Authorities are also considering community tourism activities linked to the protection of natural resources and antiquities to generate sustainable income for local residents. Each year, a ceremonial offering ritual for Narai Banthomsin is held during the dry season, usually in early March when water levels recede, drawing worshippers from Ubon Ratchathani and across Thailand.

The Women's Volleyball Nations League 2026 (VNL 2026) returns to Thailand for Week 2 competition from June 17-21, 2026 at the Huamark Indoor Stadium in Bangkok, with six nations participating: Thailand, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Canada, the Netherlands, and Poland. Ticket sales begin Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM on https://www.thaiticketmajor.com, with general admission starting at 200 baht and topping out at 4,000 baht. For matches featuring the Thai national team specifically, five seating zones are available, with the premium VVIP section priced at 4,000 baht and the most affordable Level 3 seats at 300 baht. Thailand's opening match will be against Ukraine on June 17 at 8:30 PM.

On May 18, 2569, at Royal Thai Air Force headquarters, Pol. Lt. Gen. Withai Laitoummya, spokesperson for the Armed Forces Headquarters, announced that military commanders have proposed guidelines for developing joint autonomous systems capabilities—advanced technology that can analyze and make decisions independently. The operational framework is divided into three levels: (1) human-in-the-loop systems where humans make final decisions, such as attack drones and explosive ordnance disposal robots; (2) semi-autonomous systems that operate under supervision with periodic human intervention, such as unmanned vessels and autonomous vehicle convoys; and (3) fully autonomous systems that operate completely independently and will be deployed in high-risk environments inaccessible to humans, such as drone swarms or autonomous mine-clearing systems.

The benefits of implementing autonomous systems include five key advantages: rapid response, continuous 24-hour operation, reduced battlefield risk, precision target acquisition through sensor networks, and integrated data linkage across land, sea, air, and cyber domains.

The Armed Forces have already implemented autonomous systems including AI-powered cyber threat detection, drones for evacuation and transport operations, and mine-clearing vehicles. For future planning, the Armed Forces aim to establish a new unit, with expectations that fiscal year 2570 will see the creation of the "Thai Armed Forces Joint Capabilities Command" (JCC). Currently operating under internal orders as a pilot program, the proposal awaits Cabinet approval and will coordinate with multiple sectors including the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Industry Department, and leading educational institutions such as Chulalongkorn University, Mahidol University, and Chiang Mai University to develop domestically-produced unmanned aerial systems and counter-drone capabilities, while also revising laws that hinder research and development.

"Joint planning and procurement of mutually compatible systems across all dimensions—land, sea, air, and cyber—represents an effort to ensure all systems can interconnect and operate together at full efficiency and deliver practical operational results," the statement concluded.

Action Air IPSC Handgun tactical airsoft shooting made its official debut as a medal sport at the 41st National Youth Games "Surat Thani Games" held in Surat Thani Province. The competition transitioned from exhibition status and features 15 gold medals across individual male and female categories—Super Junior (age 14 and under) and Junior (age 18 and under)—plus team events in three divisions: Open, Standard, and Production. A total of 196 athletes from 30 provinces participated in the finals on May 17, 2026, with General Perm Puangsarojn, chairman of the Tactical Airsoft Association, and Kansini Opassarangsarn, a Member of Parliament representing Surat Thani's District 1, presiding over the medal ceremonies.

General Perm highlighted that this marks the first time tactical airsoft shooting has been included as a medal sport at the National Youth Games. The association selected Action Air—a lightweight air-powered pistol competition—for its suitability in developing youth skills, high safety standards, and feasibility for indoor venues. He noted that the competition attracted record-young participants, including 6-year-old competitors Teerachat Majchakham from Chiang Mai and Krittpas Thanaseresttawi from Phuket, as well as 7-year-old Sutheema Phusuwan from Bangkok. Eight-year-old Pongpon Khuethanapon earned the youngest medal, claiming a silver in the Standard team division representing Nakhon Pathom Province.

Given the overwhelming interest and participation, the association plans to introduce live firearm competitions in future events. Gold medal winners in the Open division included Kannawech Puekphum (Surat Thani, Junior Men) and Anda Jonmee (Saraburi, Junior Women), while Standard division champions were Nopsuwan Kanjanthrankur (Bangkok, Junior Men) and Phattarathida Makkaew (Bangkok, Junior Women). In the Production division, Pornkiat Suthapradeach (Phetchaburi, Junior Men) and Kanyarat Prasertcharoen (Bangkok, Junior Women) took gold. Team gold medals went to Saraburi (Open), Bangkok (Production), and Bangkok (Standard).

Fortune seems to finally favor Loy and Kamrai, offering them a taste of true happiness after enduring life's hardships. The drama Oklamnee airs at 7:00 PM on Channel One31.

Episode 25 airs Monday, May 18, 2025 at 7:00 PM on Channel One31 "Meyli" declares herself as Loy's wife Just as it seems fate is turning in Loy's (Nike Nidol) and Kamrai's (Mackie Apa) favor, allowing them to experience genuine happiness after weathering life's storms, their joy vanishes in an instant when Meyli (Ahlee Atchareenya) appears and brazenly announces she is Loy's wife, shocking Kamrai into speechlessness.

Episode 26 airs Tuesday, May 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM on Channel One31 "Sapai" protects "Lomta" After being consumed by nightmares and heartache, Lomta (Ploy Ploy Pailin) faces another crisis when a secret she desperately wanted to forget becomes a weapon for extortion and blackmail. Fearing the situation will spiral beyond control, Sapai (Nat Aniporn) must eliminate the thorn in Lomta's life once and for all.

Final Episode airs Wednesday, May 20, 2025 at 7:00 PM on Channel One31 The conclusion of Sapai and Kamrai's revenge saga

Sapai (Nat Aniporn) blames her sister Kamrai (Mackie Apa) for all the misfortunes in her ruined life. Consumed by vengeance, she plots to kidnap Kamrai to settle a long-standing grudge. Find out how this entire saga concludes in Oklamnee's final episode Wednesday, May 20th at 7:00 PM sharp.

Doctors recommend a 'miracle fruit' that can quickly relieve constipation and help prevent colorectal cancer, along with a list of four healthy foods. Compiled by Sanook Online news team on May 18, 2025, reporting from international media.

While prunes are well-known for stimulating bowel function, there is another lesser-known fruit that may deliver equally good or even better results, according to renowned gastroenterology expert Dr. Karan Rajan, a colorectal surgeon from London and a popular social media personality. He revealed that just one kiwi fruit may help quickly relieve constipation.

Dr. Rajan shared a TikTok video with his 5.3 million followers highlighting four foods backed by scientific evidence that can promote bowel health:

1. Kiwi Dr. Rajan noted that kiwis are rich in soluble fiber, which absorbs water and forms a gel-like substance in the intestines, softening stools and increasing bowel movement frequency. When consumed in large quantities, kiwis can relieve constipation nearly as effectively as laxatives, but without the side effects commonly associated with medications. Other foods high in soluble fiber include figs, avocados, flaxseeds, and apples.

Data shows that about 1 in 7 adults and up to 1 in 3 children in the UK have experienced constipation at least once. While occasional constipation is harmless, chronic constipation is considered a potential risk factor for colorectal cancer. Research has found that a slow, prolonged digestive system may increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancer by up to 1.5 times, as toxins accumulate in the intestines when waste remains for extended periods. Therefore, regular bowel movements are crucial.

2. Coffee Dr. Rajan also identified coffee as another beneficial beverage for gut health. This drink has consistently been linked to reduced risk of fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. He explained that coffee contains both soluble fiber and polyphenols, which act as prebiotics to nourish beneficial bacteria in the intestines and stimulate intestinal movement, potentially reducing constipation. Interestingly, both instant coffee and decaffeinated coffee offer the same benefits.

3. Mixed Nuts The third food recommendation is mixed nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and pistachios, which Dr. Rajan says he tries to eat every day. He noted that different varieties of nuts provide different prebiotic fibers that increase microbial diversity in the gut. He referenced research showing that regular daily consumption of about 20-30 grams of nuts is associated with reduced cancer risk, possibly due to reduced inflammation and increased diversity of beneficial gut bacteria.

4. Yogurt The final food on the list is yogurt, which Dr. Rajan describes as a favorite among doctors and nutritionists. Particularly yogurt containing live microorganisms such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium helps increase the amount of beneficial microbes in the intestines. Research also supports its ability to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including constipation.