The National Savings Fund (NSF) has released findings from the Center for Economic and Business Forecasting at Thammasat University on back-to-school spending for 2025, revealing total education expenditures exceeded 66 billion baht—a 6% increase and the highest figure in 17 years of surveying. More than 27% of parents reported insufficient funds, forcing them to borrow money or pledge assets to pay school fees, highlighting the severe financial burden impacting Thai family welfare.

The survey serves as a critical reminder that economic volatility directly affects children's education. In response, the NSF is inviting students and youth aged 15 and above to use the back-to-school period to start managing their personal finances by setting aside portions of their daily allowance as savings, developing financial discipline and building their own emergency fund. This approach helps reduce the risk of facing future financial crises similar to current circumstances.

Why youth should start saving with NSF:

• Easy savings without cutting pocket money: Begin with just 50 baht per transaction with no mandatory monthly requirement—perfect for students starting from daily leftover allowance.

• Government matching contributions: For every baht saved by youth aged 15-30, the government immediately contributes 50% (capped at 1,800 baht annually), providing valuable returns with complete safety.

• Building pride and reducing family burden: Personal savings from student years establish strong financial foundations and help lighten the family load as youth mature into adulthood.

Despite parents willingly reducing other expenses for their children's education, students can help their families by learning to save starting today—simply putting aside 5-10 baht daily from their snack money. With monthly savings of 150-300 baht through NSF and 50% government matching, students saving 300 baht monthly will receive 150 baht from the government. Over a full year of consistent monthly savings, they'll accumulate 3,600 baht with an additional 1,800 baht government contribution—totaling 5,400 baht.

The NSF aims to strengthen the next generation's financial resilience, breaking the debt cycle, with NSF as their partner in financial planning through retirement. The fund invites Thai citizens aged 15 and above not covered by other state welfare schemes to register and begin saving easily through the "NSF" mobile application or call the savings hotline at 02-049-9000 for more details.

Tagline: "You save, the government saves for you, and you get a pension." For more information, join the savings family via Line @nsf.th or follow updates through Facebook (National Savings Fund-NSF), the NSF app, website www.nsf.or.th, or call the hotline 02-049-9000 (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-5:30 PM).

Changan Automobile is now inviting Thai customers to experience and reserve test drives for the all-new "Changan NEVO Q05," an intelligent electric SUV designed to meet modern urban lifestyle needs under the "Smart Drive, Easy Life" concept. The vehicle makes every journey easier and smarter with a spacious and comfortable interior across all seating positions, complete smart driving technology, and fast charging capabilities. The design stands out with sleek lines created by world-class designer Klaus Zyciora, Head of Global Design at Changan Automobile.

The NEVO Q05 features a 2,735mm wheelbase with ergonomically designed seats for comfortable long-distance travel. The interior uses soft-touch materials in over 80% of surfaces for a premium feel, with maximum cargo space of 1,380 liters when the rear seats are folded. The intelligent cabin comes equipped with a 14.6-inch touchscreen display paired with a 10.17-inch digital dashboard, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus OTA software updates and smart voice command system. Powered by a CATL battery from a world-leading manufacturer, the vehicle supports 3C fast charging, reaching 80% charge from 30% in just 15 minutes.

Customers can experience the NEVO Q05 and book test drives starting today at Changan authorized dealerships nationwide, with official pricing to be announced on May 28.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) hosted the 'TAT Happiness Giveaway - Claw Your Joy Across Thailand' event, featuring an energetic atmosphere and smiling faces of visitors participating in large numbers. The highlight activity was a prize claw machine filled with over 800 rewards totaling more than 500,000 baht, supported by various brand partners to share happiness with travelers. Prizes included airline tickets, accommodations, luggage, beauty vouchers, restaurant credits, tourism activities, and iPads that delighted participants throughout the event.

The activity took place under the campaign 'Instant Happiness When Traveling Thailand - The More You Travel with Heart, the Greater Your Joy,' designed to inspire and encourage continuous domestic travel through accessible, fun activities that engage younger travelers. The concept emphasizes that 'travel happiness can happen instantly, you just need to set out.'

Aphichai Chaturlermkij, TAT Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing, explained: 'As the world faces economic and energy challenges that increase travel costs, people seek simpler, accessible, and energy-efficient vacation options. Domestic tourism is no longer just an alternative but a solution addressing both economic concerns and quality of life. This event aims to revitalize domestic tourism and encourage continuous travel through activities engaging younger generations with genuine participation. We believe travel is more than just movement—it's an experience that energizes, brings joy, and creates meaning in life.'

Aphichai added that today's travelers value 'experience quality' over travel quantity, so TAT focuses on campaigns creating meaningful human connections and deeper significance in every journey.

'Thailand offers charm and diversity satisfying every travel style—nature, cuisine, culture, creative activities, and hidden local attractions many haven't experienced. We invite everyone to travel and discover happiness, experiences, and inspiration available instantly throughout Thailand.'

Supporting partners included Dermatige Aesthetics, KTC Credit Card (Thai Credit Card Company), Grab Thailand, Santhiya Resorts & Spas, Cape&Kantary Hotels, Centara Life Cha-Am Beach Resort Hua Hin, The Heritage Chiang Rai Hotel and Convention, JP TRAVELSTORE, Cross Pattaya Pratamnak, and S-Tech Pharma. Follow updates on Facebook: The Story of Thailand - Instant Happiness Travel Thailand.

On May 14, a young woman posted a warning in the 'Phu Kradueng Love' Facebook group after a disturbing camping experience at Phu Kradueng National Park. The incident occurred between 1-2 AM on May 12 when a man claiming to be a park official approached her tent with increasingly aggressive behavior. He first told her to turn off lights that weren't on, then claimed she needed to move her tent due to wild gaur activity. When she began changing clothes to pack up, the man reappeared, shining his phone flashlight through the tent's ventilation in her face. As she requested time to put her shirt on, he immediately unzipped the tent. She managed to photograph him before he fled, and she revealed this was the fourth such incident reported.

Phu Kradueng National Park has issued an official statement confirming they received the report on May 12 afternoon. Initial investigation found that the individual falsely claimed to be park staff, approached the tourist at night, pressured her to relocate without proper identification, circled her tent, and used phone light to obscure his identity by shining it in her face through ventilation gaps. The man had a red leather phone case. When the tourist began recording, he quickly fled toward the rear right of the tent. Due to limited evidence and identifying details, park officials cannot yet confirm the perpetrator's identity and continue investigating. They have requested the tourist remain available for further inquiry until her scheduled departure on May 14.

A major lesson for Markie Rassamee! The celebrity has issued a public apology to Tray Scott, expressing genuine remorse for her actions and accepting all critical feedback.

Following the controversy where several celebrities commented on Mind Labhasalai's Instagram post regarding her husband's family matters, Markie Rassamee has posted a message apologizing for the incident and specifically addressing Tray Scott.

In her statement, Markie says she wanted to speak directly about what happened and apologizes sincerely to everyone involved. She expresses deep regret over her own actions and acknowledges that she should not have interfered or voiced opinions about other people's family matters, especially when she didn't have complete information about the situation.

Markie recognizes that her comments disappointed and upset many people, and she feels genuinely sorry about this. She particularly apologizes to Tray, acknowledging that she should not have meddled in matters that weren't her concern. If her remarks caused Tray any pain or discomfort, she asks for forgiveness once more. She emphasizes that she never intended to hurt anyone's feelings.

Markie takes full responsibility for the incident and vows to accept all the criticism as a major life lesson moving forward.

Roi Et PB United, a Thai League 3 team in the northeastern region, has announced a major organizational overhaul aimed at transitioning to full professional status, bringing in 'Tonno' as a shareholder. The club is preparing comprehensively for the new season with restructuring across management, staff, and club development strategies. The major highlight is the involvement of Pakhin Khamwilaisak, or 'Tonno,' a renowned artist and actor, as a new shareholder—a crucial step toward achieving true professionalism.

Team manager Awut Eifah, known as 'Bosbuck,' explained that the partnership with 'Tonno' generates widespread interest while reflecting a shared vision of sustainable regional football development in Thailand. Tonno will contribute through investment, brand building, and attracting a new generation of football fans to the club.

The club has restructured its management to cover technical departments, youth player development, marketing, and commercial operations to support long-term growth. The goal is clear: elevate to a fully professional football club meeting standards equivalent to national league clubs. The club is also establishing a systematic youth academy to develop local talent for the senior team, while enhancing the fan experience at matches under the motto 'Together as One.'

Roi Et PB United is also prioritizing commercial revenue generation through sponsorships, digital marketing, and merchandise sales to ensure sustainable long-term management. This transformation marks a new era for the club, looking beyond just match results to build a comprehensive football ecosystem genuinely connected to the community.