At noon on May 19, 2026, Chachoengsao Governor Narit Niramaiyang, accompanied by provincial police commander Maj. Gen. Phongphan Wongmonithes, deputy commander Pol. Col. Wasurachai Chaithairapatthana, and Bang Lamung District Chief Anusak Piriyamorn, along with police and security personnel, conducted a search warrant at a luxury pool villa in Moo 10, Huai Yai Subdistrict, Bang Lamung District, Chachoengsao Province. The operation followed a tip-off from the public about suspicious Chinese nationals illegally mixing chemicals at the residence.

The property, approximately one acre with perimeter walls, contained two residential buildings. Officers discovered over 80 chemical substances in plastic drums, steel drums, and bags on the lower floor. The upper floor had been converted into a laboratory-style facility with three chemical production machines and large glass equipment, all in operation producing Etomidate—commonly called "zombie drug"—a psychoactive substance mixed into e-cigarettes and vaping devices spreading among nighttime party crowds.

Police apprehended two Chinese nationals: 47-year-old Jia Jing Zhuang and 24-year-old Teng Ji. Both face charges of illegal employment. They claimed responsibility only for facility maintenance and equipment operation. Officers subsequently searched a warehouse in Moo 2, Bang Lamung Subdistrict, connected to the villa, discovering 20 and 200-liter chemical drums, glass equipment, scales, and new production apparatus ready for expanded operations.

Chachoengsao Governor Narit Niramaiyang stated the arrest resulted from ongoing investigations following a similar operation two months earlier in Nong Pla Rai Subdistrict. He urged village headmen and residents to report foreign nationals renting properties for illegal chemical production, particularly drug-related manufacturing, which is rapidly spreading in Chachoengsao Province.

Maj. Gen. Phongphan stated investigators tracked behavioral patterns before obtaining the search warrant. Police will coordinate with Region 2 Border Patrol Police, Narcotics Suppression Bureau, and Immigration Bureau to identify chemical sources and prosecute masterminds.

The Secretary General of the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) unveiled an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) policy centered on three core principles: accuracy, speed, efficiency, transparency, and accountability on May 19 at ONEP headquarters. Secretary General Bannaruek Seermtong received the policy directive from Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Chomklin and Deputy Permanent Secretary Dr. Raviwan Phuridej to distribute the policy to the EIA System Development Division and the EIA Assessment Division, with over 120 staff members participating.

Secretary General Bannaruek emphasized that the EIA process is fundamental to establishing environmental protection and mitigation measures through public participation, involving multiple stakeholders including affected communities, report preparers, expert committees, relevant agencies at national and local levels, private environmental organizations, NGOs, educational institutions, independent academics, media, and the public. He therefore requested all staff to conduct their work under the principles of "accuracy, speed, and efficiency."

"Accuracy" means assessments comply with academic standards and law, areas where ONEP has consistently received praise for technical rigor and maintains high public confidence levels in its EIA process. "Speed" refers to efficient operations following established procedures; ONEP currently completes assessments in approximately 80 days, faster than legally required. Both divisions have developed guidelines and manuals for report preparation and review, as well as related guides for public use. "Efficiency" encompasses the quality of EIA reports based on academic standards, implementation of measures, and the provision of online and on-site EIA clinics, along with the Smart EIA Plus system, which enhances operational effectiveness and transparency.

Secretary General Bannaruek stressed the importance of transparency and accountability at every stage of the EIA process, urging all staff and stakeholders to communicate regularly about EIA missions and performance results to build organizational credibility and public understanding. Those witnessing misconduct or inappropriate behavior by ONEP staff or EIA system participants can report directly to the Secretary General at 0 2265 6502 or bannaruk@onep.go.th, or through the complaint system at https://e-petition.onep.go.th/. Updates on EIA system operations can be tracked at http://eiathailand.onep.go.th/

The Bank of Thailand's Deputy Governor for Financial Institution Supervision, Somchai Lertsathapornvashin, revealed that Thailand's commercial banking system showed strong financial fundamentals in Q1 2025, though economic headwinds are starting to pressure profits and credit quality for certain customer segments.

The banking system maintains high stability with strong capital, reserves, and liquidity to weather economic volatility. However, total credit expansion grew only 0.2% year-on-year—a sluggish pace reflecting an economy still losing momentum.

Large corporate credit has recovered thanks to increased demand for working capital as energy and raw material costs surged due to Middle East conflict. In contrast, SME and retail lending continues to shrink as banks tighten risk controls against loan defaults. Banks are simultaneously running protective support programs for vulnerable borrowers through debt restructuring measures and the "You Fight, We Help" initiative.

Non-performing loans (NPL) remain stable at 535.8 billion baht, or 2.85% of total credit, with no acceleration. Positive signals include declining new NPL additions across all segments and some borrowers resuming payments, pushing Stage 2 credit classification down to 7%.

Bank profits fell from the previous year due to declining interest income as policy rates dropped, while banks reduced rates to assist borrowers and increased provisions against Middle East conflict risks.

"We need to closely monitor the outlook," the deputy governor warned. "With economic slowdown, rising costs, and falling household incomes putting pressure on SME and household debt repayment capacity—especially in a tight credit environment—household debt-to-GDP has ticked up slightly from accelerated spending via credit cards and home loans in late 2024."

"Overall, the banking system remains strong, but the grassroots economy and retail borrowers remain fragile," he concluded, noting this will be a critical factor shaping credit trends and bank profits through the rest of 2025.

Rising star D GERRARD (Big Ukrit Willy Broad Dongabriel), a singer, songwriter, and actor known for hits like Galaxy, Sky Train, and Parallel World, has made his official debut as a fully independent artist under his new image 'Prince of Light.' After eight years under a record label, GERRARD is now taking complete creative control, launching his ambitious new album project ASTRONOMY—a musical journey through the cosmos told across 10 tracks.

The album's listening party was held on May 17 at SF World Cinema, Level 8, Central World, featuring industry peers walking the red carpet in royal Thai-inspired attire. Hosted by Nene Kaet Sepyasawat, the event showcased the album's concept and inspiration, followed by an exclusive listening experience with premium cinema sound and a Q&A session where GERRARD detailed the creative process behind each track.

GERRARD emphasized that ASTRONOMY is more than just a collection of songs—it's a carefully crafted musical universe spanning music, fashion, and sci-fi storytelling. The album features world-renowned engineers including Matt Sim (known for work with John Legend, The Chainsmokers, and Jackson Wang on mixing) and Randy Merrill (who has mastered tracks for Bruno Mars, Taylor Swift, and BTS). The project also includes a music video for 'Superstar' featuring GERRARD performing a real skydive from 13,000 feet.

The event concluded with The Galactic Bar, created by Zimplex Mixology, serving signature cocktails inspired by each of the 10 album tracks, accompanied by DJ KOB FLATBOY. The pre-stream of ASTRONOMY is now available at https://www.openlink.co/dgerrard.work

CHIANG MAI — On May 19, 2026, Thai and Myanmar officials agreed to strengthen cooperation on tackling transboundary haze pollution by integrating monitoring platforms and sharing air pollution data under a long-term regional strategy, Thai authorities announced.

The meeting held in Chiang Mai under the "Clear Sky Strategy 2024–2030" brought together Surin Worakitthamrong, director-general of Thailand's Pollution Control Department, and Dr. San Oo, director-general of Myanmar's Environmental Conservation Department, along with representatives from other agencies to discuss joint responses to the annual cross-border haze crisis affecting the Mekong region.

Surin reported that Myanmar had reduced wildfire hotspots by 12% in 2025 compared to the previous year, based on the latest Myanmar government data.

He said the reduction reflected Myanmar's enforcement of environmental protection laws and public awareness campaigns in high-risk areas, though major challenges remain, particularly limited air-quality monitoring infrastructure and incomplete environmental databases.

Thai officials said Thailand would provide technical support to Myanmar to strengthen long-term trilateral cooperation in addressing haze pollution, including: • developing online platforms and websites for reporting transboundary haze conditions and air quality in Myanmar • providing technical assistance on air-quality standards, Air Quality Index systems and Myanmar's national air-quality management planning • sharing expertise in developing fire-risk maps using hotspot-monitoring technology to improve wildfire response capabilities

Surin said sharing technology and knowledge would help connect regional air-pollution data systems and improve the accuracy and effectiveness of cross-border haze management across the Mekong region.

The global beverage industry is valued at 65.52 trillion baht, with Informa Markets organizing ProPak Asia 2026 to support Thai entrepreneurs in using technology and innovation to enhance beverage production and development, targeting the wellness-longevity segment amid global mega-trends.

Thailand maintains its status as the world's fifth-largest non-alcoholic beverage exporter. The global beverage market is projected to reach approximately 2.03 trillion U.S. dollars, or about 65.52 trillion baht, by 2026, with an average annual growth rate of 5.65%. Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing market, driven by rising incomes, growing populations, urbanization expansion, and increasing consumer demand for convenient products that support health-focused consumption behaviors (wellness), quality longevity (longevity), and preventive health care.

Thai beverage industry is expected to maintain its position while the domestic market value in 2026 is projected to exceed 500 billion baht, following the same global trajectory. To enhance competitiveness and address current challenges, innovation and technology are critical solutions for improving operations and production processes efficiently.

ProPak Asia 2026 is significant for the industry's transformation. Beyond being the region's largest processing technology and packaging exhibition, it will highlight machinery innovations and technologies supporting comprehensive production across all beverage types, including advanced aseptic technology, production line adjustments for lightweight packaging, recycled plastic packaging (rPET), and AI-driven production management for zero waste and reduced energy costs.

The event will feature ProPak Drinksphere, a hub for the beverage industry's future, offering expert insights, demonstrations, and workshops on modern beverage innovation, advanced water production technology, functional drinks and craft alcohol, and industry technologies and trends. A special seminar on "Hydration & Health: The Role of Beverages in Health and Longevity" will be held by the Thai Beverage Industry Association, inviting industry entrepreneurs and interested parties to attend.

Emil Haddad, General Manager for Southeast Asia at Husky Technologies Limited, a leading technology company in machinery and injection molding systems, shared perspectives on the beverage industry.