The Commerce Ministry reported April exports grew 23% while imports surged 45%, mostly semi-finished raw materials for manufacturing and re-export, pushing Thailand's trade deficit to a historic record of 340 billion baht. Nanthapong Jiraleschpong, Director of the Office of Trade Policy and Strategy (OTPS) under the Commerce Ministry, revealed that April exports reached $31.583 billion, up 23.1% year-on-year, driven by 5.5% growth in agricultural and agro-industrial products and 27.5% growth in industrial goods. Strong export performers included electronics and circuit boards (up 19.4%), automobiles (up 9.4%), fresh and frozen fruits (up 74.3%), and processed chicken (up 6.1%), along with market recovery as importers accelerated purchases to hedge against price volatility and supply chain disruption concerns. Imports reached $41.604 billion, up 45%, resulting in a trade deficit of $10.021 billion or approximately 340 billion baht—a historic record—because Thailand is importing more semi-finished raw materials for production and export, while energy import costs have risen due to Middle East conflict impacts. For the first four months (January-April), exports totaled $127.752 billion, up 18.9% year-on-year, while imports reached $147.250 billion, up 35.7%, resulting in a trade deficit of $19.497 billion. Key export markets showed continued expansion: the United States (up 44.2%), the EU (up 19.2%), China (up 21.9%), Japan (up 23.4%), the Middle East (up 19.3%), ASEAN (up 34.3%), and South Asia (up 9.2%). However, the OTPS maintained Thailand's 2024 export target in the range of -3% to 8%, valued at approximately $329.446-366.805 billion, with a midpoint of 3% or an average annual export value of $349.824 billion. For the remaining eight months, average monthly exports must reach $27.758 billion to meet this target.

The project management committee under the Royal-Patronized Sports Promotion Project for National Development, working with the Thailand Volleyball Association and the National Sports Development Fund, is advancing the comprehensive Domestic Power 2026 volleyball development program to promote and develop athletes and sports personnel toward excellence at both professional and national team levels.

On May 25, 2026, at the Golden Tulip Sofarin Hotel in Bangkok, Air Chief Marshal Samarn Mitthraphan, committee member and secretary, chaired a press conference announcing the Domestic Power 2026 volleyball program under the Royal-Patronized Sports Promotion Project for National Development. The event was attended by Dr. Pattapong Pongsukul, inspector-general of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports; Surasak Kaetjunthuk, deputy director-general of the Sports Authority of Thailand; and Somporn Chabangyang, president of the Thailand Volleyball Association.

The Domestic Power Volleyball program operates under the policy of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports and the Sports Authority of Thailand, with budget support from the National Sports Development Fund to fulfill the royal initiative of His Majesty to promote physical activity and sports participation across all age groups, ensuring good health, discipline, and using sports as a tool for developing people and the nation.

The program has also received royal patronage through the placement of the royal emblem on trophies, medals, and certificates presented to all participants.

In 2568, the Thailand Volleyball Association, one of seven pilot sports, implemented 57 projects nationwide comprising four main activities: youth volleyball competitions across all age groups nationwide, peer-teaching Volleyball Grassroots programs, coach development training in seven regions, and talent identification and development for national camps.

For 2569, the Thailand Volleyball Association continues advancing the program with 31 projects covering competitions, coach training, elite athlete development, and Volleyball Grassroots activities. The association will send athletes, coaches, and personnel to international training and competition, and promote coaches to international standards through the FIVB Coaches Course Level 1.

The event also featured the presentation of royal volunteer sports shirts under the Royal-Patronized Sports Promotion Project to young athletes and coaches participating in the program.

Air Chief Marshal Samarn Mitthraphan stated that His Majesty is firmly committed to promoting physical activity and sports participation across all age groups to ensure strong health, discipline, sportsmanship, and using sports as a vital tool for developing people, society, and the nation.

Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit gave a victory sign and rushed to the field in Udon Thani to tackle flooding and drought issues, declaring his commitment exceeded 100 percent despite health concerns. The minister had been hospitalized late on May 24 after experiencing exhaustion but was discharged on the morning of May 25 and posted on Facebook: "Although I'm not well, I've already made a commitment to the people that I will solve these problems—my heart is over 100 percent." During his field visit to the Sam Phrao water gate in Muang Udon Thani district, accompanied by Deputy Minister Wachraphon Khaokhram and other government officials and local leaders, Suriya was greeted with applause from civil servants and residents. He emphasized that the main issues—shallow water sources, deteriorating embankments, and malfunctioning water gates—have been assigned to the Irrigation Department for urgent resolution, with budget allocation and completion targeted during his tenure as minister to prevent recurring chronic problems.

The Pheu Thai Party plans to submit two constitutional amendment drafts to Section 15/1 this week, establishing a framework for an elected charter-drafting assembly without granting additional powers to the Senate. On May 25, 2025, Pricha Vatchrsindhul, a Pheu Thai list MP and deputy party leader, announced the party would submit both drafts to open discussion on forming the charter-drafting assembly through elections, including both geographical and issue-based representatives, without expanding Senate authority.

The party will present detailed drafts to parliament on May 26, with the following key features:

1. A 150-member assembly divided into geographical representatives and issue-based, professional, and social sector representatives

2. Assembly members selected through public elections. Draft 1 has voters directly elect all 150 members, then submit their names for parliamentary endorsement as a complete slate—if parliament approves all 150, they begin work; if not, a full new election is held. Draft 2 has voters elect 300 candidates, whom parliament then narrows to 150 using safeguards against monopolization and maintaining independence from political parties and parliamentary members.

3. The assembly can establish committees, including a mandatory constitutional drafting committee with both assembly members and outside experts selected by the assembly, plus other committees as needed such as a public consultation and participation promotion committee.

4. The assembly has authority to draft a new constitution as long as it does not change the system of government or state form, as stipulated in Article 255 of the current constitution.

5. The assembly has a maximum of 360 days to draft the new constitution.

6. The assembly continues operating regardless of parliamentary dissolution or the end of the current legislature's term.

7. Once the charter-drafting assembly completes the draft, it must submit it to parliament for approval requiring more than half of parliamentary members' support. If approved, the draft proceeds to a national referendum.

Pricha also noted that beyond the two Pheu Thai drafts, the party is willing to co-sign drafts from other political parties or other parliamentary members needing additional signatures, provided they align with Pheu Thai's core principles.

Thailand's top beauty queens and national-level models are gathering for the spectacular "PAKAIAN MELAYU 2026: The Gold of Pakaian" event, where they will showcase traditional Malay fabrics on an international platform.

Yala province, working with Yala Municipality and domestic and international partner organizations, is hosting the 2026 "Pakaian Melayu" event on a grand scale to promote and preserve local Malay textile heritage while positioning Southern Thailand's identity as an international fashion and cultural soft power.

This year's event marks the fifth edition of "Pakaian Melayu," reflecting continuous efforts to bring local culture to national and international creative stages. The opening ceremony was presided over by Khongskul Chantarach, Yala Provincial Governor, at Yala Municipality Hall, with attendance from Pongsak Yingchonmjearng, Yala Municipality Mayor, representatives from Malaysian and Indonesian consulates in Songkhla province, Yala's cultural office, and various partner organizations.

This year's event stands out as one of the most ambitious cultural fashion platforms in the Southern Border region, featuring nationally renowned models and beauty queens showcasing the allure of "Pakaian" fabrics through stunning contemporary fashion shows. Leading models include Kanyalaksana Nukaew, Manita Farmer, Chotinpha Kaewjarun, Patharaporn Wang, Karina Mueller, Worangkhana Sirisat, Nanthiya Suvannsavaeng, Jennifer Jones, Neercha Darling, and Pornlapat Chansiri, who are creating a new phenomenon by transforming local Southern Border textiles into distinctive contemporary fashion at the national level.

Yala Governor Khongskul Chantarach stated that the project aims to instill pride in Malay culture among youth and the public, emphasizing that "Pakaian" fabrics represent more than just traditional clothing—they embody wisdom heritage reflecting the lifestyle, identity, and cultural roots of local communities. Additionally, they serve as an important soft power that can generate sustainable circular income for communities, improve living standards for artisan groups, and create long-term economic value.

The event includes competitions, design showcases, exhibitions, and various creative activities, providing youth, designers, entrepreneurs, and the public with platforms to demonstrate their talents by blending traditional wisdom with contemporary design, positioning Yala as a new center for Malay fashion in the region and on the global stage.

On May 25, 2569, at Buriram Province, Sophan Sararum, Speaker of the House of Representatives, addressed the opposition's call for the parliament speaker to remain neutral and use the parliamentary forum to scrutinize the government's issuance of the 400-billion-baht loan decree. He confirmed that he has already submitted the matter to the Constitutional Court for constitutional review in accordance with his official duties and denied claims of government favoritism.

Regarding the opposition's proposal for an urgent bill to establish a special investigative committee, Sophan clarified that this is not a matter of procedural urgency. He explained that when a bill is submitted to parliament, a committee chaired by a deputy speaker reviews whether it qualifies as an urgent matter. He stated he did not interfere in this process and followed the committee's determination that the opposition proposal is not an urgent bill, but rather a standard procedure.

Sophan noted that as speaker, he has a duty to seek cooperation from both the opposition and government. For work to be truly effective, both sides must negotiate with each other. When they reach a consensus, they inform the speaker of their agreement. However, if agreement is not reached, the speaker must direct the parliamentary committee to determine whether a bill is urgent or not. If determined to be a regular bill, it follows the standard legislative process. If the sides can negotiate successfully, the bill can be postponed. He expressed confidence that members understand these working procedures.

Sophan emphasized that parliamentary operations involve coordination according to each entity's defined roles and legal responsibilities. The speaker, opposition, and government each have specific duties to fulfill. He stated that no speaker would want parliamentary sessions to become chaotic—everyone wants smooth proceedings. For smooth operations, both sides must communicate with each other. If all parties cooperate this way, the work will proceed smoothly without confusing the public.

He added that in politics, if one wants to achieve results, one must pursue substantive outcomes. If the goal is merely optics, then only optics will be achieved. However, understanding that politicians need both appearance and substantive results, both elements must be attained to truly benefit the people.