Phatthalung Province announced it is fully prepared to host the 18th National Senior Sports and Recreation Games 'Nora Games' in 2026, with infrastructure ready across all sectors and an anticipated economic circulation of no less than 100 million baht. The Department of Physical Education and Phatthalung Province are jointly organizing the event, which officially begins tomorrow. Provincial Governor Dr. Sujit Wajagit stated that although Phatthalung is a small province, it possesses the capability and experience from hosting numerous national-level sporting events. All government agencies have mobilized resources and cooperation to ensure full readiness in transportation, lodging, competition venues, tourism, traffic management, security, medical services, and utilities including water and electricity systems. The province expects to welcome nearly 10,000 athletes, coaches, officials, and tourists. Governor Sujit expressed confidence that this major national sporting event will promote tourism in the province, which is renowned for its natural beauty and water buffalo attractions—recognized as 'Amazing Thailand'—along with rafting activities, various tourism attractions, and local cuisine including three-flavored shrimp and community products, allowing visitors to experience Phatthalung's charm comprehensively. Daily economic circulation is projected at no less than 15 million baht, with total revenue during the entire competition period exceeding 100 million baht. The 18th National Senior Sports and Recreation Games 'Nora Games' will feature 11 sports competitions and 1 demonstration sport from May 27-30, utilizing sports facilities throughout Phatthalung Province and neighboring provinces as competition venues.

Thailand's Trade Representative Veerapong Prachabpaisal revealed on May 25 that he held discussions with Bakutuli Bakutnor, Deputy Governor of Almaty Region in Kazakhstan, along with government and private sector officials during Kazakhstan's delegation visit to the THAIFEX-ANUGA Asia event. The discussions focused on economic cooperation and strengthening trade relations between Thailand and Kazakhstan.

Thailand and Kazakhstan are prepared to become strategic trade partners amid volatile global economic conditions, aiming to promote comprehensive trade cooperation by linking supply chains not only between the two countries but also across Central Asia, connecting to Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. Priority areas include rare earth resources, energy, advanced food processing, and high-tech industries such as digital technology, semiconductors, AI, and cloud services.

Both parties agreed to accelerate support for connecting government and private sector entities of Thailand and Kazakhstan to develop cooperation in workforce development, trade information exchange, and business matching. Veerapong invited Kazakhstani business people to participate in Ministry of Commerce trade promotion activities in 2569, particularly the "TILOG Logistix" logistics and cargo management technology exhibition scheduled for August 19-21 and the "Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair" international jewelry exhibition set for September 8-12.

Veerapong stated that both sides agreed to hold the first Thailand-Kazakhstan Joint Trade Committee meeting, expected in September 2569, to serve as a crucial mechanism for driving trade and economic cooperation. This will provide a foundation for advancing cooperation toward a future Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Thailand and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). Kazakhstan expressed readiness to support and encourage EAEU members to expedite FTA negotiations.

During the final discussions, Kazakhstan demonstrated commitment to elevating cooperation with Thailand in innovative agricultural technology development, investment protection measures, and tax and customs cooperation. Kazakhstan is also prepared to expand collaboration in tourism, trade, and services, aiming to establish both countries as a regional economic gateway.

Kazakhstan ranks as Thailand's second-largest trade partner in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and EAEU member countries, and 90th globally. Thailand-Kazakhstan bilateral trade in 2568 totaled $170.43 million, with Thai exports valued at $93.40 million and imports at $77.03 million. Thailand's key exports to Kazakhstan include automobiles and components, machinery and parts, rubber products, refined oil, and jewelry.

Aseem Puri, Chairman and CEO of Unilever Thailand, announced the company's 2025 business direction, committing to strong growth despite global economic challenges and weakened consumer spending power. The core mission is ensuring consumers can access quality products at the most reasonable prices possible.

The company recognizes that today's consumers face cost-of-living pressures and worry about rising prices. Therefore, Unilever's key responsibility is maintaining affordable price levels and minimizing or avoiding price increases where possible through better cost management.

"Consumers today face pressure on living costs and worry whether products will become more expensive. Our responsibility is to keep quality products accessible at the most suitable prices," Puri said.

Unilever also aims to position Thailand as a center for innovation, research, and manufacturing for export to global markets, particularly in beauty and Thai food products, which enjoy international recognition. Currently, the company manufactures products in Thailand for export to over 60 countries worldwide, with exports exceeding 100 million units. Key markets span South Asia, Japan, Korea, Australia, and Europe.

"What we produce in Thailand isn't just for domestic sales—it must reach the global market. Thai products, especially beauty and food, have international recognition," Puri noted.

Unilever continues investing consistently in Thailand across factories, research and development, technology, marketing, and workforce development to support long-term growth, viewing Thailand as a strategically important regional market.

The company prioritizes integrating digital technology and AI across all business processes—from consumer data analysis and product innovation to digital marketing and e-commerce. It partners with major technology providers including Google, TikTok, and various digital platforms to enhance marketing and sales efficiency.

"AI and digital will be the core of future business. We use data analytics to understand consumer needs and continuously develop innovations and new solutions," Puri said.

Regarding current Thai consumer behavior trends, Unilever found that consumers haven't reduced quality standards despite economic slowdown; instead, they prioritize better value. They compare prices, wait for promotions, and increasingly purchase larger sizes or economy packs.

"Thai consumers still want quality products but with better value—choosing larger packs or refill bags because they save money and last longer," Puri explained.

The company also observes that e-commerce continues growing, with Thai consumers comparing prices across multiple channels—retail stores, convenience stores, and online platforms—before making purchase decisions.

BANGKOK — Thailand has imposed mandatory 21-day quarantine on all travellers arriving from the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda, effective immediately, as Ebola cases in both countries continue to rise.

The Ministry of Public Health announced the upgraded measures following a meeting of the National Communicable Disease Committee on 26 May. Permanent Secretary Dr. Somruek Chuengsamarn said the decision came after the previous self-monitoring system proved difficult to enforce.

Under the old measures, travellers from the two countries were required to report their whereabouts and monitor their own symptoms for 21 days. However, authorities found that some individuals changed hotels multiple times after arrival, making them hard to track. Hotels had also begun turning away guests from high-risk areas.

Officials said an average of five to seven travellers from Congo and Uganda enter Thailand daily via connecting flights, as no direct routes exist. That number has climbed in recent days, peaking at 19 arrivals in one day. Roughly 100 travellers from both countries have entered Thailand in total, with more expected.

All new arrivals from the two countries must now enter a government quarantine facility immediately upon landing, regardless of whether they show symptoms. The Bamrasnaradura Institute will serve as the primary quarantine site, with Department of Disease Control staff monitoring those in quarantine daily.

Costs will be covered by authorities for the first 72 hours. After that, travellers will bear the expenses themselves. Thai nationals will be exempt from charges. Only those who originated from Congo or Uganda are subject to quarantine — passengers on the same connecting flights from other countries are not affected.

Dr. Somruek said no travel ban is currently planned, but that measures will be reviewed regularly based on the situation in both countries. He noted that Thailand's response already goes beyond World Health Organization guidelines.

Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana opened a major exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris titled "La Mode en Majesté: Royal Thai Dress from Tradition to Modernity," showcasing the evolution of Thai royal fashion and its global influence as Thailand and France celebrated 170 years of diplomatic relations.

The exhibition brings together more than 200 pieces spanning seven galleries, including royal garments, antique textiles, handicrafts, and contemporary creations by Thai designers. Princess Sirivannavari, dressed in traditional Siwalai Thai national costume, presided over the opening ceremony attended by Thai cabinet ministers, ambassadors, and international dignitaries, who were then guided through all seven gallery spaces.

Following the exhibition tour, guests attended a gala dinner prepared by CODA Bangkok, a Michelin one-star restaurant, featuring contemporary Thai cuisine prepared with modern culinary techniques. Tables were decorated with intricate handicrafts produced under the Foundation for the Promotion of Supplementary Occupations and Related Techniques, including lacquer boxes repurposed as vases, woven baskets, and handcrafted silver animal sculptures by hill tribe artisans.

The exhibition is organized under Princess Sirivannavari's patronage through collaboration between the Support Arts and Crafts International Centre of Thailand, the Queen Sirikit Museum of Textiles, the Royal Thai Embassy in Paris, and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs. It will remain open to the public until November 1, 2026.

In recognition of her contributions to promoting French culture in Thailand and strengthening bilateral ties, the French government awarded Princess Sirivannavari the rank of Grand Officier of the Légion d'Honneur, one of France's highest honors. The recognition coincided with celebrations of the 340th anniversary of first contact between Siam and France in 2025 and the 170th anniversary of formal Thai-French diplomatic relations in 2026.

The cabinet has acknowledged the National Anti-Corruption Commission's proposal to tighten supervision of state officials who illegally charge their personal electric vehicles using government electricity and to impose penalties as prescribed by law. On May 26, 2025, Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploythale Luksameelangchan announced after the cabinet meeting that the cabinet approved a report on findings and actions to gather input from government agencies regarding recommendations aimed at preventing corruption and conflicts between private and public interests. The case concerns state officials who charge their private electric vehicles using government, state enterprise, or state agency electricity without authorization, as proposed by the Office of the Civil Service Commission and reported to the National Anti-Corruption Commission. Government agencies, state enterprises, and state organizations must comply with guidelines established by the Royal Property Department for installing EV charging equipment and charging stations for government and local administrative organization vehicles. They must also strictly adhere to relevant regulations and practices, including state official ethics, internal welfare provisions, and proper use of government property for official purposes. Agency heads must supervise their staff to comply with these guidelines, particularly those set by the Royal Property Department, for the benefit of the administration. The deputy government spokesperson stated that the Cabinet agreed to enforce the guidelines already established by the Royal Property Department since March 7, 2024. Violations will result in penalties under the law. Previously, the National Anti-Corruption Commission proposed making illegal free EV charging at government agencies a criminal offense for theft of government electricity, carrying both imprisonment and fines.