The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is advancing the Chiang Mai Prototype project to elevate tourism products and services in Chiang Mai province to international sustainability standards. Ms. Oibhlap Sripirm, Director of Tourism Products at TAT, announced that the authority will organize a "Sustainable Tourism Route Design for Chiang Mai Province" workshop to gather input and foster collaboration among partner networks from all 18 districts of the province.

TAT aims to drive Thailand's tourism industry toward Sustainable Tourism Goals (STGs), strengthening the nation's competitive position as a sustainable destination across social, economic, cultural, and environmental dimensions. The authority will develop and add value to tourism products and services in the prototype area through a Sustainable Product Prototype process, while enhancing the quality and capabilities of businesses in the supply chain to meet both national and international sustainability standards.

Chiang Mai was selected for this prototype initiative due to its diverse tourism resources, distinctive Lanna identity, solid infrastructure, and regional connectivity. The province has been recognized by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for its handicrafts and folk arts, and is developing into a Smart City through international partnerships.

TAT collaborates with partner networks including STGs STAR (Sustainable Tourism Acceleration Rating), the Thailand Tourism Awards, and CF-Hotels (Carbon Footprint Hotels) to establish international standards. The initiative focuses on creating sustainable tourism routes, raising awareness, and marketing them to attract quality-conscious travelers while expanding the prototype model into a new green destination for Thailand.

The workshop attracted 68 representatives from all 18 districts including Mueang, Samoeng, Sankampaeng, Santhisuk, Maeo-on, Kalyanaiwattana, Doisaket, Sarnphi, Omkoi, Maechaem, Chiang Dao, Wianghaeng, Chiangdao, Johmthong, Maerim, Maeai, Maewang, and Maetaeng, along with relevant government agencies.

Participants proposed sustainable tourism products and services based on principles of self-care, environmental respect, and community responsibility. Selection criteria align with Sustainable and Regenerative Tourism concepts, including commercial readiness, connections to major attractions, and offerings that reflect local identity, lifestyle, culture, and wisdom while creating valuable experiences and positive impacts on communities, society, and the environment.

The return of Octopus Music Festival 2026, organized by Sixty Nine My Station Limited, has generated overwhelming enthusiasm with fans snapping up promotional tickets in record time. The beach venue at Khao Noi in Nakhon Si Thammarat was completely sold out, with giant octopus mascots greeting attendees throughout the night and creating a festive atmosphere.

The festival kicked off beautifully with Gen Z rapper favorite SARAN, whose viral hits quickly energized the crowd. This was one of SARAN's final performances before studying abroad. BOWKYLION followed with romantic pop hits that had beachgoers singing along, while boy group sensation ATLAS delivered impressive choreography and high-energy performances.

As evening fell, UrboyTJ brought his signature hip-hop style, followed by Singto Namchoke with beach-perfect pop songs that complemented the seaside setting. The rock segment began with Silly Fools, featuring their catalog spanning from the '90s to the Gen Z era, complete with spectacular fireworks. POTATO continued the rock momentum before hip-hop legend JOEY BOY took the stage with his lyrical prowess.

Festival closer Big Ass concluded with an explosive set of hit songs that made Khao Noi Beach reverberate, finishing with dazzling fireworks right until the final moment. The enthusiastic crowd has already begun requesting artists for next year's festival across all social media platforms, with the organizers hinting at surprising lineup announcements for the 2027 edition.

The moment of anticipation has ended with the official unveiling of the 12 dream hunters at the 'TRUE ACADEMY FANTASIA 2026' press conference, hosted at Central World's EDEN Plaza on Level 1. This year marks more than just a singing competition—it's a proclamation of a new generation who have undergone rigorous selection from tens of thousands across the nation, narrowing down to just 12 exceptional individuals ready to enter the entertainment industry with full confidence.

The event was graced by True Corporation executives, including Chairman Suphachai Chearawanan, Managing Director Kachorn Chearawanan, and other senior leaders. The excitement began with a video montage showcasing the intense audition atmosphere before introducing the final 100 contestants. The legendary True AF voice of Atoey-Setsada Sirachaya passed the torch to new host for this season, Du-Saniya Kunakorn, marking a fitting start to True AF's new era.

The highlight came with the announcement of the final 12 dream hunters selected by a prestigious panel of judges including Donut Manasanan, Wanj Chuang, Chow Churawat, Jes Jetsadapipat, Mai Phakpum, Sorn Yukt, Apo Nathvinij, and Yogurt Nathchach. Moss Pattipan, representing the judging panel, spoke to their impressive dedication in selecting these gems from across all regions. The evening concluded with remarks from three executive producers—Boy Attapol Na Bangchang, Pond Krittida Wittayakajorn, and Om Puntapol Prasarnrajkij.

The 2026 edition also featured the introduction of a dream team trainer group, with special performances by judges Donut and Apo, along with dance and voice trainers. Donut Manasanan was announced as the head mentor for all 12 dream hunters this year. The event climaxed with all 12 finalists appearing in their stunning new looks, marking their official transformation.

At noon on May 12, 2569, Defense Minister Gen. Adulyadej Boontherm stated at the Government House regarding the case of Ming Cheng Sun possessing a weapons cache that includes naval firearms, that weapon inspections during periods of command transfers will involve special surveys counting weapons by individual unit—a process all units are already conducting and no cause for concern. Regarding weapons that may have fallen into the hands of transnational criminals, the general said he would personally investigate. When asked about assistance for a local resident detained by Cambodian soldiers while foraging, Gen. Adulyadej reported that the resident was taken on April 25 and is understood to be undergoing Cambodia's illegal entry process, but he will verify what the person was doing since traveling alone. He emphasized that not only Regional Command 2, but all military branches must work together to educate the public to prevent similar incidents. A military intelligence chief acknowledged that Ming Cheng Sun, a young Chinese national, was linked to a neighboring gang of scammers.

On May 12, 2025, at the Electoral Commission (EC) headquarters, former EC member Somchai Srisuthiyakorn and data science expert Dr. Thammatee Sukchotirat (known as Dr. Rian Bin), CEO of JIB Digital Consult Group, submitted a formal request for 20 documents concerning the printing of 2025 election ballots featuring barcodes and QR codes that could potentially be traced back to individual voters.

The requested documents include: EC resolutions approving the use of barcodes and QR codes on 2025 ballots; EC regulations, announcements, orders, or documents specifying the intent or purpose of these codes; procurement documents for ballot printing; technical explanations of how the codes prevent counterfeiting; and policies for protecting voters' personal data.

Somchai noted that while barcodes and QR codes were used in the 2023 elections, they could not be traced to individual ballots. However, in the 2025 election, this is the first time the codes can be traced to specific ballot numbers, effectively compromising ballot secrecy by revealing who voted for whom.

Somchai emphasized that the critical question is understanding the basis for the Electoral Commission's decision to include these codes. He expressed concern that if the codes are not mentioned in EC resolutions or procurement documents, it raises questions about what authority the Commission used to implement them. He indicated the team would release these documents gradually through social media and make them available to petitioners seeking to submit them to the Constitutional Court.

Somchai also stated that the evidence presented to the Constitutional Court by both petitioners and respondents is insufficient, as there are many more related documents. The documents requested represent only about 20 percent of what has been submitted to the Court.

Thammatee added that the submission invokes public rights under the Official Information Act to verify how voting rights data is being used and whether it is secure, particularly regarding concerns that barcodes and QR codes may be linked to voters' identities.

Superlek, ONE Championship's flyweight kickboxing champion, is preparing to face Russian boxer Abdulla Dalakaev in a Muay Thai bantamweight bout at The Inner Circle event on Friday, May 15 at Lumpinee Boxing Stadium (Ramintra). Superlek has revealed through onefc.com that he wants to defeat the Russian fighter after they challenged each other on social media, and an intense staredown moment between them has already generated significant buzz among fans, who immediately dubbed it the "stare down battle." "When the promotion offered me the fight with Abdulla, I agreed right away because I'd seen him fight against Rambo Lek, Nontchai Jitmeuang Nonthaburi, and Yodaikhiq, and after watching his fights, I felt confident I could compete," Superlek stated. "When he stared at me, I didn't even know who he was at first—I was busy taking my fighters to their corners and didn't notice him staring. I only saw it later on social media, but that moment actually made the fans want to watch this fight even more, which made me even more eager to compete." Superlek emphasized his game plan: "This fight, I'm coming back with my classic 'kicking machine' style. In several recent fights, I forgot to use my main weapon and relied too much on kicks. This time, I'm committed to showcasing my full arsenal and I have other tools ready to seal the victory." He added, "It's been a long time since I fought in Thailand, and I'm hungry for a win. I'm determined to get a knockout and I believe I can do it. I'm grateful people want to see this fight—I want to make him remember me. I'll show him this won't be as easy as he thinks."