MAE HONG SON — Health officials have begun urine testing for arsenic exposure among residents living along the Salween River in Mae Hong Son province after concerns over contamination in the waterway. The health screening follows growing concern over arsenic contamination in the Salween River after researchers from Chiang Mai University reported in late 2025 that arsenic levels in parts of the river were as much as five times higher than Thai safety standards. Authorities later expanded monitoring across Mae Hong Son province, with the Pollution Control Department finding arsenic contamination above standards at all 13 sampling points tested along the river.

Officials from the Department of Disease Control, together with local public health offices and hospitals, conducted urine tests on residents of Sob Moei and Mae Sariang districts bordering the Salween River on May 6 to screen for potential health risks linked to arsenic contamination. Phongphipat Meebenjamat, chief executive of the Mae Sam Laep Subdistrict Administrative Organisation in Sob Moei District, said participating agencies included the Office of Disease Prevention and Control Region 1 in Chiang Mai, the Department of Disease Control's occupational and environmental disease divisions, Sob Moei Hospital, local health promotion hospitals, the Mae Sam Laep local administration, and Salween River monitoring volunteers. The screening operation was carried out at the Salween Building of the Mae Sam Laep Subdistrict Administrative Organisation and focused on residents from Ban Tha Ta Fang, Ban Mae Sam Laep, and Ban Sob Moei villages.

Officials collected medical histories and urine samples from 99 residents, which will be analysed in a laboratory. However, budget constraints and the high cost of testing prevented authorities from screening all villagers in the affected communities. Test results are expected within three months.

Phongphipat noted that residents in both Mae Sariang and Sob Moei districts, who have long relied on the Salween River for daily use and consumption, remain deeply concerned about contamination and its psychological impact on local communities. Environmental researchers have increasingly warned that unregulated mining activity in Myanmar's border regions is affecting major river systems flowing into Thailand, raising concerns about long-term health risks for communities dependent on rivers for drinking water, fishing, and agriculture.

On May 7, 2025, Chaiwithi Bursomboon, Director of the Buriram Highway Department, assigned electrical engineer Suwit Sareenram and staff to inspect the implementation of the street light shutdown measure on secondary roads to conserve electricity under the government policy that began on May 1, 2025. The survey of Highway 2073 identified four light-off sections using both alternating and consecutive shutdown patterns, focusing on low-risk areas that are not residential zones, dangerous curves, or high-traffic routes.

After implementing the shutdowns since May 1, one section received public feedback indicating the darkness posed accident risks, prompting officials to restore lighting in that area. Other sections have not reported problems and continue operating under the energy-saving policy. However, resident Nittaya Kotrowong from Lamplaimat District expressed her disagreement with turning off lights, particularly on main roads with regular traffic, citing increased accident risks. She called for the government to reconsider the measure, though she supports energy conservation efforts, and suggested alternative measures that don't endanger public safety.

Suwit Sareenram reported that the Buriram Highway Department has implemented light shutdowns on six secondary routes numbered with four digits, targeting low-risk areas excluding communities, intersections, and dangerous curves with light traffic. Reflective safety equipment has been installed as replacements to ensure drivers can see clearly. While some sections received feedback about increased accident risks and were restored, other sections continue operating under the policy as surveys confirmed they are low-risk with sparse traffic and adequate reflective safety devices.

On May 7, 2026, Nathaphisit Chettudomlab, acting Chief Executive Officer of Stella X Public Company Limited (STELLA), announced the company's business direction for 2026. STELLA is driving growth across three main business divisions: real estate and hotels, healthcare and medicine, and energy, with primary focus on the first two. The company is shifting its portfolio from emphasizing residential housing development toward generating more revenue from the hotel business, which offers recurring income with strong long-term profit potential.

In real estate, STELLA continues developing single-family home projects and is preparing to launch the Nova Westgate project in the Westgate area, valued at approximately 600 million baht, within the second quarter of this year. The company is implementing a "fast-turnaround" strategy to generate cash flow and reduce interest burden, while preparing to sell large non-core land parcels to pay down debt and strengthen liquidity.

The hotel business will be the primary growth engine moving forward, particularly the Khao Yai project which has a substantial landbank of 400-500 rai. Currently, two hotels are operating, with significant potential for further development. STELLA plans to enhance existing hotel operations over the next 1-2 years before expanding with new hotel developments and upgrading brand standards to increase long-term asset value. The company is considering bringing in new hotel chains to manage properties and maximize revenue potential from its extensive landbank.

In healthcare, STELLA is revitalizing Rama II Hospital and expanding into wellness and longevity businesses by recruiting experienced management from leading hospitals. The company targets expanding its customer base domestically and internationally, viewing the health trend as continuously growing and capable of integration with hotel and real estate businesses to create a comprehensive quality-of-life ecosystem.

The 2026 turnaround will emphasize financial restructuring through debt reduction via asset sales and refinancing to lower financial costs and optimize debt structure. STELLA has issued three debenture tranches at 7.3% annual interest with approximately 1.5-year maturity, backed by collateral valued at 1.5 times the debt amount. The company has maintained a perfect payment record with no defaults, strengthening investor confidence and supporting long-term recovery plans. Management expects to see clear evidence of STELLA's transformation beginning this year.

KRABI — 6 May 2026, Tourists flocked to Ao Nang beach on Phi Phi island in Krabi after authorities relaxed restrictions on fire-twirling performances along the shoreline.

The atmosphere at Ao Nang beach became lively again after the Protected Area Committee (PAC) approved the return of fire shows under strict regulations.

Large numbers of Thai and foreign tourists gathered along the beachfront from dusk to watch the performances. Flames spun skillfully through the air, drawing loud applause and excitement from crowds lining the beach, helping revive the local night-time economy and tourism sector.

The performances had previously been banned by Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park because they were deemed illegal.

One of the most popular performance spots featured a disabled local performer and his team. Sarawut Bilmat, also known as "Nong Bao", expressed his gratitude to Krabi provincial authorities, national park officials, the PAC and the provincial Social Development and Human Security Office for helping restore the performances.

"We can clearly see tonight that Ao Nang beach has come back to life after being quiet for some time without the fire shows," he said.

Sarawut said his team would perform for around 40 minutes each evening, approximately from 18:40 to 19:20, before cleaning the area in accordance with national park regulations.

The easing of restrictions followed discussions between local operators and Hat Noppharat Thara-Mu Ko Phi Phi National Park to find a compromise. Authorities introduced guidelines covering zoning and designated performance areas to minimize impacts on the environment and other beachgoers.

All performers must register with the national park authorities and comply with safety measures, including the use of protective equipment and precautions to prevent sparks or oil stains from contaminating the sand.

The return of the fire shows is seen as restoring livelihoods for local performers, including the disabled entertainer, while also strengthening Krabi's tourism image through cultural "soft power" attractions.

On May 7, 2569 at Bangkok City Hall, Chatchatchai Sittiphan, Bangkok Governor, presided over the 5th meeting of Bangkok department heads in 2569, marking the final session of this administration term. The meeting was attended by political executives including Secretary Narong Ruangsri, all 50 district directors, heads of government sections, unit heads, and relevant officials.

Chatchatchai stated that this was the final meeting of this management team and thanked everyone for working together, expressing that he had been very happy. He believes Bangkok has many talented people who work excellently. Over the past four years, he maintained he was unbiased, but residents have told him the work has improved with many accomplishments addressing public needs. However, the work is not yet 100% complete, so progress must continue.

Rating himself, Chatchatchai gave himself 5 points out of 10, while giving his team 8 points, thanking them for consistently excellent work. He emphasized that remaining issues require careful attention to various policies and urged against letting standards slip.

Regarding homelessness, the situation has improved with the Baan Im Jai shelter program still able to accommodate more residents. He called for intensified efforts given the difficult economic situation. He warned about street vendors potentially exploiting gaps during the leadership transition and stressed existing protocols must continue rather than waiting for the new administration.

As the rainy season approaches, Chatchatchai expressed concerns about flooding, particularly regarding ongoing construction projects including the orange electric train line on Ratchadamnoen and Banglad roads. Currently 12 areas are experiencing flooding. He ordered the Drainage Department to accelerate completion of wastewater collection and treatment systems in Thonburi due to public complaints.

On foreign birth registrations, he instructed district directors to survey their areas for registration integrity and asked the Bangkok Secretary to develop more comprehensive measures, particularly in districts with unusually high foreign registrations.

Regarding the upcoming election, Chatchatchai called for all officials to remain neutral and build public confidence in the electoral process, emphasizing equal treatment whether for Bangkok governor or other elections, without showing favoritism.

On May 7, 2026, Krungthai Bank announced the launch of a new "Direct Cross-Currency Exchange" feature on its Global Savings foreign currency savings account via the Krungthai NEXT app, reinforcing its position as a leader in international financial services. The feature allows direct currency exchanges between foreign currencies without converting to Thai baht first, reducing multi-step exchange costs and maximizing foreign currency management efficiency.

The Direct Cross-Currency Exchange supports three major currency pairs: USD/EUR, USD/GBP, and USD/JPY, providing convenient and swift solutions for travel, investment, and overseas spending through a single platform. The Global Savings account is designed as a comprehensive solution supporting savings, transfers, investment, and spending, with the ability to hold up to 20 currencies and earn interest rates up to 2.5% annually for six major currencies including USD, GBP, EUR, AUD, NZD, and CNY. Account opening and transactions are easy through the Krungthai NEXT app and can be linked with the Krungthai Travel Debit Card for seamless overseas spending.

Krungthai Bank is committed to enhancing its international financial service capabilities through technology and innovation, developing products and services tailored to modern customer lifestyles including travelers, investors, and international business operators. This enables efficient foreign currency management across all dimensions—convenient, fast, secure, and cost-effective. More details about the Global Savings account and Direct Cross-Currency Exchange feature are available at https://krungthai.com/link/globalsavings or by contacting Krungthai Contact Center at 02-111-1111.