On May 23, 2025, Yosachanan Wongsawat, Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, chaired the 4th steering committee meeting of the Office of the National Science, Technology and Innovation Policy Council (SOAWC) at the SOAWC headquarters with both in-person and online participation. Director Surachai Statkunarat served as committee member and secretary.

Yosachanan stated that the government is accelerating efforts to strengthen coordination and unity in work related to the National Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy Council across both higher education and science, technology, research and innovation (STRI) sectors. Thailand possesses substantial knowledge, research work, and potential from various fund management units (PMUs) and universities, but has lacked strategic integration. He emphasized the need to consolidate this knowledge into important national clusters to create new industries and develop future human resources that address global changes.

"What we are doing is linking mechanisms of SOAWC, PMUs, universities, and the private sector to create a new Growth Engine for the country. Each organization has its own data and strengths, so we should consolidate and categorize research results by topic areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence (AI), biotechnology (Biotech), and advanced medicine to mobilize knowledge for analyzing needs in human resource development and STRI investment, and to reflect the country's true requirements," Yosachanan said.

Yosachanan also discussed the necessity of increasing the country's research and development (R&D) investment, proposing cooperation with the Board of Investment (BOI) to address constraints in accessing large-scale research funding. He suggested studying global fund models and investments such as Singapore's Temasek to develop measures attracting advanced technology and innovation investments to Thailand. National-level challenges including industrial transition, environmental crisis, and PM2.5 problems require large-scale investment and collaboration from government, private sector, and major investors to build new competitive capabilities.

"If Thailand can drive STRI investment to the 20,000 million baht target, it will be a crucial turning point for enhancing competitive capability and creating a new economic foundation for the country in the long term. We will move forward and study feasibility with BOI concretely," Yosachanan said.

Surachai briefed the SOAWC steering committee and presented an overview of SOAWC missions and major projects for 2025, including STRI system reform and the Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Policy and Strategy Framework 2014-2018, advancement of Thailand's future through agricultural and food technology, implementation of systematic measures and benefits for working-age human resource development, establishment of Thailand Foresight Alliance network partnership, mechanisms to accelerate SME transition to innovation-driven enterprises (IDE), the Social Innovation Policy Framework, and development of Regenerative Tourism innovation policy to promote community-based tourism.

Prime Minister Anusit Chanyaveerakul has adopted a distinctive response pattern when facing various criticisms, typically dismissing critics as lacking knowledge and government management experience. This approach has surfaced regarding the 400 billion baht emergency loan decree, where the first 200 billion was allocated for relief under the "Thai Helping Thai" program. However, opposition investigation revealed that 180 billion baht within the details was designated for the Pracharath Fund to finance the poor citizens card—raising questions about whether such funding should come from regular budgets rather than emergency loans justified by urgent necessity, clearly violating financial discipline standards. Were another government facing complaints to independent agencies, they would likely face serious scrutiny and risk removal from office, as has repeatedly occurred. Yet for this government, Prime Minister Anusit countered by framing it as a matter of experienced practitioners versus inexperienced critics, insisting the 5-page 400 billion baht loan request reflects efficiency. However, society awaits clarification because this 400 billion baht loan will ultimately be repaid not by Anusit or the cabinet, but by Thai citizens nationwide, making expectations for transparent and efficient fund management entirely reasonable. Subsequently, nine advisors met with the Prime Minister regarding disaster prevention coordination with the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, which drew criticism from the Democrat Party regarding democratic principles with the monarchy as head of state. This prompted a heated rebuttal from Prime Minister Anusit, stating: "You don't even know how to manage a country, yet you dare criticize? This shows your lack of wisdom and maturity." This reflects confidence in 'country management' through 'Anusit style'—the belief that this is the correct and appropriate approach. Notably, whether this represents the secret to stable country governance remains to be seen. We'll have to watch and wait.

Mew Gee Praiya Fires Back! After Being Linked to Net Idol Gambling Debt Drama, Denies All Involvement and Challenges Critics to Produce Evidence

Trouble continues for "Mew Gee Praiya" after several popular pages alleged that a well-known net idol is struggling with gambling debts, with friends waiting for bill settlements. The allegations claim she says she has no money but gambles every day, refuses to pay debts, and has sold off everything including birth control pills. Online users began connecting the initials to her.

Now the influencer herself has compiled headlines and issued a detailed clarification, denying any involvement and countering all allegations about debt, gambling, and asset sales amid intense online discussion.

She stated: "It's not me, thank you all for your concern.

1. I don't owe any friends money. #If anyone is owed money, report it in the comments below. 2. I don't gamble in any form. (You can investigate.) 3. I did sell assets, but the money went to support my family and the company during the crisis. 4. I'm confident about this – I don't take any birth control pills because I'm allergic!

Online users are now commenting with the abbreviation 'MK' (referring to another person). I'm not making excuses, but it's not me! This kind of thing can be investigated, you know.

Working to support my children, mother, siblings, nieces, nephews, and junior staff has exhausted me. It's okay if people don't love me, but please don't keep adding more false accusations. I understand the phrase now – don't kick someone when they're down. Kicking when someone's already fallen is real cruelty. I've experienced it. Thank you for all your encouragement and support."

The Tourism Authority of Thailand is advancing Village to the World Season 5 at the Sajouk-Sakiang Royal Agricultural Station in Nan Province by partnering with 9 major organizations to link 9 royal project areas and model communities across Thailand toward establishing a community-based tourism ecosystem.

On May 23, 2025, TAT Governor Thapanee Kiarti Paibul announced that Village to the World Season 5 represents TAT's continued commitment to promoting community-based tourism aligned with international ESG standards. The initiative emphasizes creating shared value among businesses, communities, and natural resources for sustainable growth. In its fifth year, TAT is bringing Her late Majesty Queen Sirikit's conservation vision to life through partnerships with 9 co-host organizations that will develop 9 sustainable tourism routes nationwide.

The project exemplifies Public-Private-Community Partnership, prioritizing meaningful experiences that cater to diverse interests while creating value for all visitors. It shifts Thai tourism toward quality, value, and sustainability.

The partnerships have resulted in 9 designed sustainable tourism routes nationwide:

1. TAT with Sajouk-Sakiang Royal Agricultural Station in Nan Province develops tourism attractions and homestays while promoting sustainable agricultural tourism for community self-reliance.

2. SE Thailand Association partners with the Royal Thai Navy's Sea Turtle Conservation Center in Sattahip, Chachoengsao to enhance sea turtle conservation and local fishing communities, linking them with social enterprises and promoting marine environmental sustainability.

3. Krungsri Bank collaborates with Koh Kret Arts and Crafts Center and Ayutthaya Province communities to preserve local wisdom and traditional crafts as part of Her late Majesty's conservation vision, ensuring Thai cultural identity endures.

4. PTT Energy and Thai Coffee Brand support Doi Buamoei Royal Agricultural Station in Chiang Mai by providing Arabica coffee seedlings and expertise to farmers, while developing nature-based and cultural tourism routes to strengthen highland communities.

5. PTT Global Chemical partners with the Mae Fa Luang Foundation to elevate the Thong Phitaksop Forest conservation project in Amnat Charoen Province into an ecological and cultural tourism route with a "Low Carbon Destination" learning area.

6. NEXTOPIA Siam Paragon collaborates with the Baan Lek Nai Payan Royal Project in Doi Dam, Chiang Rai to develop sustainable tourism routes in the forest community.

National Police Chief General Kittisak Punpetch traveled to Koh Si Chang in Chachoengsao province on May 22, 2025, to inspect operations and provide encouragement to police officers at Koh Si Chang Police Station who work to maintain security and serve the public on this strategically important tourism destination. During this inspection, the police chief emphasized the importance of maintaining officer morale by closely listening to operational challenges in the area while underscoring the need to uphold professional standards and order to build public and tourist confidence.

The police chief engaged in discussions with his subordinates and playfully took on the role of a barber to help groom a senior provincial officer who volunteered to set an example. This gesture was intended to demonstrate discipline, boost morale, show his personal care, and reveal the approachability of the nation's top police commander who closely engages with his staff.

Deputy Commander of Region 2 Lieutenant General Chatchai Surachetpong stated that the police chief's visit greatly boosted the morale of local officers and emphasized that commanders at all levels should care for their subordinates' welfare and benefits while maintaining professional standards, enabling them to serve the public with dignity and honor.

General Kittisak received three electric motorcycles from the Royal Secretary to support Koh Si Chang Police Station's patrols, safety operations, and provision of services to tourists and residents on the island.

Additionally, General Kittisak, accompanied by the Royal Secretary, monitored progress on the 'Koh Si Chang Area Development Project' in Tha Tao Subdistrict, Koh Si Chang District, Chachoengsao province. The project focuses on improving life and property safety systems with efficiency, modernizing tourism, expanding green spaces around the island, implementing comprehensive waste management, and enhancing the local economy.