CHANTHABURI — A well-known wild elephant named Plai Kor Kaew was found shot dead in an orchard near Khao Khitchakut National Park, prompting renewed concerns over the long-standing conflict between humans and wild elephants in eastern Thailand.

Officials said the male elephant, also known locally as "Ai Mua," was about 30 years old and had tusks measuring more than 80 centimetres. At the scene, initial examinations found at least six severe wounds believed to have been caused by gunfire, including injuries near the ears, chest, abdomen and upper front legs.

Chawinth Pinkaew, chief of Khao Khitchakut National Park, and Police Captain Yodtha Cherdchuechon, an investigator at Khao Khitchakut Police Station, joined forensic officers and veterinarians from the Department of National Parks on Monday to inspect the carcass after local residents reported the death near a pond at the edge of a fruit orchard in Khlong Phlu subdistrict of Chanthaburi province.

Officials said evidence was being collected from the scene to help identify those responsible. The carcass was later transported to a national park protection unit in Thung Phlo for a detailed post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death.

Authorities said the case reflected the worsening conflict between villagers and wild elephants around the Khao Ang Rue Nai Wildlife Sanctuary and nearby forest areas in eastern Thailand. Plai Kor Kaew was known among local residents as a solitary elephant that could sometimes behave aggressively, making him well known among nearby communities.

Wildlife officials said the increasing elephant population and declining food sources inside forests had pushed more elephants into farmland and residential areas in search of food, often resulting in property damage and clashes with villagers. Despite ongoing monitoring and mitigation measures, officials warned that the death of Plai Kor Kaew highlighted growing tensions between people and wildlife in the region.

Officials said more sustainable long-term measures were needed to prevent further losses of wild elephants, which remain important symbols of Thailand's natural heritage.

On May 26, 2025, Phra Maha Abhisit Wiriya, the provincial monastic leader of Nong Kee District in Buriram, along with sangha officials, Department of Religious Affairs staff, and temple committee members, conducted a fact-finding investigation into allegations against a monk at the same temple. The accused monk was reported to be using drugs, receiving male visitors at his quarters, engaging in explicit video calls with contacts from dating applications, and having inappropriate conversations. After reviewing preliminary video evidence, investigators found that the person in the clips resembled the accused monk, though no conclusive proof of drug use was established. However, given that the images damaged Buddhism's reputation, the sangha voted to transfer the accused monk back to his original temple in Pathum Thani within 24 hours and for him to reflect on monastic discipline. The complaining monk, who belongs to a different sect, was also transferred back to his original temple in Roi Et within 24 hours. When questioned, the accused monk declined to comment through media, stating only that he was being framed and did not commit the alleged acts, but accepted the sangha's transfer decision. The complaining monk explained he normally resides in Nong Kee District but came to this temple to care for his ailing parents. Upon witnessing inappropriate behavior that brought shame to Buddhism, he filed the complaint and accepted the sangha's decision. Meanwhile, relatives and supporters who learned of the case came to observe and offer encouragement to the accused monk, with many expressing disbelief in the allegations based on his good conduct.

At 9:05 a.m. on May 26, 2025, at Government House, Danuda Pitchayanan, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDB), discussed the preparation of a clarification statement to be submitted to the Constitutional Court regarding whether the 400 billion baht emergency borrowing decree violates the constitution. He directed inquiries to Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Nitprapat.

Last week, the NESDB coordinated with the Ministry of Finance to jointly draft and discuss the clarification before submission, with Pichai conducting the final review. When asked about the number of clarification documents, Danuda said he was unsure but that the process involved the Ministry of Finance and relevant agencies, with the Finance Ministry serving as the lead agency. All clarifications were sent to Pichai last week.

Regarding the number of project proposals submitted to the project screening committee, Danuda noted the matter is still under consideration and directed detailed questions to the Ministry of Finance.

On the Thai Help Thai Plus program's economic stimulus potential, Danuda explained that rising living costs and inflation make this initiative vital for reducing the cost of living. Beyond that direct benefit, the program is expected to provide additional economic support, with calculations showing it could increase GDP by 0.4 percent. Approximately 200 billion baht from the emergency borrowing decree will be disbursed under this program.

On May 25 at 8:30 PM Paris time at the Palais de l'Elysée in Paris, French Republic, President Emmanuel Macron hosted a dinner for Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Minister of Interior, with a warm welcome atmosphere.

Following the meeting, government spokeswoman Rachada Thanadirek summarized key discussion points:

1. Trade and Investment Promotion: Both the French President and Prime Minister agreed to boost bilateral trade and investment growth, particularly in high-value industries including renewable energy, aerospace and aviation, smart electrical transmission lines, and AI Data Center infrastructure—future industries where French private sector has strong expertise and capacity. Following discussions with MEDEF International and leading French private companies, many firms expressed interest in investing or expanding investments in Thailand, while France commended Thai private sector investments in France and welcomes further expansion.

2. Thailand-EU Free Trade Agreement Negotiations: This is one of the Thai government's key policies, with commitment to conclude negotiations this year. The Prime Minister thanked France for continuous support of the negotiation process, confident this agreement will be a significant turning point creating economic opportunities for both nations.

3. Enhanced Security Cooperation in Cybersecurity: As both sides participate in Cobra Gold exercises, security and cybersecurity cooperation will be expanded, aligning with the government's global efforts to combat cybercriminals and online threats, successfully prosecuting and extraditing suspects, and seizing illegal assets.

4. Thailand-Cambodia and Myanmar Situations: The Prime Minister reaffirmed Thailand's commitment to respecting sovereignty principles, peace, and international law. The decision to cancel MOU 44, after nearly 25 years without progress, led Thailand to apply international law (UNCLOS) through bilateral discussions. For land border issues, Thailand will follow the joint statement signed late last year while requiring proof of Cambodia's sincerity.

Both sides will advance a Joint Action Plan to strengthen the Thai-French Partnership 2026-2028, a significant step toward elevating bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.

French participants included Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, Deputy Minister Éléonore Caroit, Asia-Pacific Bureau Director Benoît Guidée, French Ambassador to Thailand Jean-Claude Poimboeuf, Presidential Diplomatic Advisor Emmanuel Bonne, Asia Affairs Advisor Julie Le Saos, and others.

The latest episode of Nohn Krachae featuring substitute host Ajarn Yingsakdi in place of Num Kharachai has garnered overwhelmingly positive audience response. Fans praised the new host for bringing energy and entertainment to the program. Num Kharachai posted photos from the episode and expressed his gratitude to Ajarn Yingsakdi, saying: "I'm so glad everyone loved today's Nohn Krachae... Thank you so much, Ajarn Yingsakdi. I was thrilled when he answered immediately without any hesitation when I called to invite him. Hope he comes back often, I'd love to hang out!" Kharachai also shared side-by-side comparison photos of himself and Yingsakdi from when they appeared together in a film scene, alongside shots from the recent episode, jokingly captioning it "You two are always on it." Viewers expressed strong approval of Yingsakdi's performance, with many suggesting he become a permanent host, praising his comedic timing and natural chemistry with the show's format. Comments included "Make him the permanent host, he's so sharp" and "I don't have to worry anymore about whether Num will show up."