The Ministry of Commerce's Department of Internal Trade, partnering with Central Pattana Public Company Limited (CPN), is hosting the Fruits Festival 2026 under the concept "Thailand: The Land of Tropical Fruits" to promote Thai fruit consumption and create a direct link between farmers and consumers. The first day saw bustling activity with strong public interest in purchasing Thai fruits.

According to Witthayakorn Maninettr, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, the event brings together approximately 32 vendors and farmers, particularly featuring prominent fruits from the Eastern and Northern regions including durian, mangosteen, rambutan, longan, and specialty mangoes, as well as melon and avocado. A major highlight is the collection of rare durian varieties from Chanthaburi such as Puangmonee, Gabthongkham, and Longchanbnuri, alongside renowned specialty mangoes including Nang Chang Daeng, Daeng Chakkraphan, R2E2, and Khiao Sam Ros.

The department is also bringing mangoes from Ban Hoeng District in Lamphun at a special price of just 15 baht per kilogram to support farmers directly. Due to an oversupply of mangoes this season, the Department of Internal Trade's efforts to connect retailers and wholesalers have helped stabilize prices in farming areas and improved market distribution opportunities.

Witthayakorn stated that the department is advancing forward connections to pre-market outlets to handle the steady flow of Thai fruits reaching the market, while promoting sales through online and live commerce channels. The department brings durian and Thai fruit vendors to department store events, making it easier for consumers to select and sample quality fruits while helping farmers expand market awareness and channels.

Current export-grade durian prices range from 140-150 baht per kilogram, considered a good level. However, maintaining Thai durian quality standards is paramount, with the government taking strict measures to prevent fraudulent or adulterated foreign durian. The authorities are requesting cooperation from farmers, dealers, and local buyers to prevent counterfeiting, as quality is the cornerstone of Thai fruits.

The Department of Internal Trade is connecting buyers to assist farmers, while damaged and non-processable produce will be handled by relevant agencies to prevent substandard durian from being mixed with quality fruits, following directives from the Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister to provide urgent relief to farmers.

The event also features special pricing promotions and workshops on fruit processing to add value to Thai agricultural products and foster participation between consumers and farmers.

The Fruits Festival 2026 runs from May 6-11, 2026 at Central Westgate's Level 1 promotion area, and from June 6-12, 2026 at Central Pinklao, daily from 10:00-21:00. The event is projected to sell no less than 150 tons of fruit and generate significant income for farmers.

Demonstrating remarkable generosity toward public health, the Ubon Ratchathani Governor, representing the residents of Ubon Ratchathani Province, visited the Smitaman family on May 7, 2025, at 3:00 PM to thank them for their donation of 66 rai of land valued at over 1 billion baht to Warinchamrab Hospital for constructing a future medical center.

Governor Narong Tepsena, accompanied by Dr. Piyavat Angkwanitcha, director of Warinchamrab Hospital, Thanaratch Suphaphan, provincial office chief, and Somthida Jakrung, provincial public relations officer, led the delegation to offer encouragement and gratitude to the Smitaman family for donating the land to support the expansion of public health services.

The four donors—Ms. Praphet Smitaman, Ms. Nueamol Smitaman, Ms. Lattdawun Smitaman, and Ms. Kannika Smitaman—are the heirs of Khun Phin and Khun Michiang Smitaman, whose family has a long history of contributing to the province's public health sector.

The Smitaman family previously donated 33 rai of land in 1984 for the original construction of Warinchamrab Hospital. This additional donation of 66 rai represents a continued commitment to public welfare. The land is valued at approximately 1 billion baht based on current market assessments and will be developed into a modern medical center to accommodate increasing patient numbers and improve healthcare services for residents of Warinchamrab District and surrounding areas.

Governor Narong praised the family's compassionate and noble intentions, noting that this donation will serve as a foundation for developing a state-of-the-art medical center that reduces hospital overcrowding, enhances treatment capabilities, and ensures that the public has better access to quality healthcare services. This donation exemplifies sacrifice for society and demonstrates the power of sharing resources for sustainable public benefit, with plans for the land to become a specialized medical center serving the broader region.

At 4 p.m. on May 7, 2569, a water-pouring ceremony was held at Chiang Khao Temple in Saraburi Province for Aphisit 'Bank' Siphatthanagul, 38, who was struck by a car driven by his wife Areeyawong 'Jib,' 42, and then run over. According to witnesses, after hitting him with her sedan, she got out and stomped on his face before turning herself in to Muang Saraburi Police. The ceremony was attended by city officials and family members.

Bank's mother, Anchalai, 66, addressed claims that her son had taken one million baht from his wife, calling the allegation completely false. She explained that during their time together, the couple lived in her home in Ban Jan Subdistrict, and that Jib did not work and certainly did not have that amount of money. She characterized the incident as a matter of karma, noting that she had previously suggested they end their relationship amicably, which Bank was willing to do, but Jib refused. The mother described ongoing daily quarrels and said Jib had drinking problems and a volatile temperament. She stated she is performing merit-making to prevent further karmic consequences and to allow them both to move forward.

Bank's close friend Eak, using a pseudonym, corroborated that the one million baht claim was false, noting that Bank's life circumstances had not improved—he still drove an old car. The friend suggested any missing money had been spent on their shared life together. He also mentioned that Jib had attempted to stab Bank on previous occasions, particularly when drinking, and became verbally abusive and combative.

Bank's ex-wife Wisa, 36, stated she had minimal contact with Bank, primarily discussing their child. She praised his parenting, noting he was very attentive and took their child everywhere. When they separated, Bank requested custody, saying he wanted a child to anchor his emotions. On the day of the incident, he was supposed to take their child out, but the child was asleep, so Bank told her not to wake him and went out alone on his motorcycle. Wisa said that after their breakup, she had no contact with Bank until his new wife attempted to reach out through her mother, suspecting Bank was still in touch and hinting at possible reconciliation. Jib repeatedly called her mother demanding to know about the contact. Going forward, Wisa stated that child care will be the responsibility of Bank's relatives, as they have been the primary caregivers all along, with occasional visits or outings to be arranged as usual.

Bank's funeral chanting will continue for three nights, with the cremation ceremony scheduled for Sunday, May 10, 2569, at 4 p.m. at Chiang Khao Temple.

Michael Carrick, manager of Manchester United, has reiterated his long-term commitment to the club since assuming the interim manager role. Manchester United's performance has notably improved since Carrick took over following the club's departure from Rúben Amorim in early 2026. With questions now arising about whether he will secure the permanent position next season, Carrick explained: "I've made it clear from the start that I don't plan my work day-to-day based on short-term interests. I'm not sure if this differs from others' perspectives." He added, "From my and my team's perspective, we've made decisions for the long-term future—both for the team and individual players—in how we treat them and try to help them develop. I don't think we'll change the approach I'm using to manage things."

On May 7, 2025, Anupong Suksamit, Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, received a formal letter from Mont Chuai Phimai, chairman of the Nakhon Ratchasima Village Headmen Association, accompanied by representatives from the association. The letter expressed strong opposition and dissatisfaction with accusations that alleged village headmen were involved in drug trafficking operations and drug use themselves—allegations made by representatives of the Pheu Thai party.

Mont stated that such accusations constitute a serious insult and degradation of local government officials' work. He emphasized that village headmen have worked tirelessly on the frontlines of drug suppression efforts, and these allegations not only damage morale but also trample on the dignity of the headmen and their families—something the association cannot accept.

Despite some partial apologies from those responsible, Mont noted that widespread damage has already occurred and a simple apology is insufficient to restore public confidence. The nationwide network of village headmen has collectively decided to escalate their demands for justice. On May 11, representatives will travel to Parliament in Bangkok to formally submit a statement of intent to the Speaker and relevant officials, reiterating their position.

The Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) held a workshop on security management for fiscal year 2025 to strengthen knowledge, develop personnel capacity, and improve security operations in line with current conditions. The May 7-8 workshop, held at The Ideal Hotel and Residence in Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani Province, was presided over by Lt. Gen. Thanathip Sawangkaeng, who emphasized inter-agency coordination to ensure efficient security operations responsive to social change. The workshop featured discussions on improving security management, applying information technology solutions, and utilizing the Line "Ready to Help" application to enhance operational efficiency and public communication. Key agenda items included public affairs initiatives such as community strengthening and database development, information dissemination and organizational communication, development projects focused on area-specific security development programs, and planning and budgeting. The workshop also monitored progress on the "Diamond in the Rough" recruitment project. This regular meeting gathered feedback, identified challenges, and collected recommendations from operational units to modernize security management and prepare for multidimensional security threats. ISOC remains committed to integrating cooperation across all sectors to build sustainable security for the nation and its people.