On Thursday, May 7, 2025, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment organized a 'First-Level Buddhist Studies' training program to cultivate moral character within the agency. Phra Phrom Wachirat (Sophon Sophoncitto), abbot of Wat Devoraj Kunchorn and Regional Sangha Chief, led the opening ceremony and offered Buddhist guidance to executives, civil servants, and staff participants at the Trideach Sacred Conference Room on the second floor of the Pollution Control Department building.

Secretary-General Ravewan Phuridech opened the program with a report. Phra Phrom Wachirat expressed great appreciation for all ministry personnel who enrolled in the Buddhist Studies program at various levels—from first-level to advanced—following Wat Devoraj Kunchorn's official establishment as a Buddhist studies institution on May 30, 2024, offering instruction in both Buddhist doctrine and Pali language studies.

The Buddhist doctrine studies curriculum involves learning the Buddha's teachings according to Buddhist principles found in the Tipitaka, designed for monks, novices, students, and the general public to develop understanding and apply these teachings to mental development, practice their faith, and foster peaceful coexistence in society based on the threefold training of morality, concentration, and wisdom.

Phra Phrom Wachirat explained that Buddhist studies are divided into three levels: first-degree, second-degree, and advanced degree scholars. The monastic community has also authorized laypeople to take these examinations. He emphasized that proper goal-setting in life is crucial for societal flourishing, noting that both monks and laypeople with solid education, ethical foundation, and wisdom can support social progress and personal success.

He further elaborated that proper life direction is the first step toward happiness and advancement, as pursuing knowledge without a righteous foundation leads nowhere. True progress requires setting correct life goals based on right livelihood before seeking knowledge and capabilities, then pursuing those goals with diligence, preparation, and perseverance.

In the 2025 academic year, Wat Devoraj Kunchorn's institute, in cooperation with the office of the Ministry's Secretary-General, launched this practical training course.

The 2026 Asia Road Racing Championship Round 2 concluded with outstanding performances by Yamaha Thailand Racing Team at Chang International Circuit in Buriram province, cheered on by enthusiastic Thai motorsports fans. In the SuperSport 600cc class, experienced Thai rider Tee-Anupap Samul, piloting YAMAHA YZF-R6 number 500, secured podium finishes in both races, finishing third in Race 1 and second in Race 2, accumulating 60 points and closing the gap to the championship leader to just 12 points.

In the Asia Production 250cc class, rising star Idea-Kritpat Khemkham from Yamaha Thailand Racing Team and wildcard rider Gus-Theernaai Thuptim showcased excellent teamwork on the YAMAHA YZF-R3. Idea-Kritpat faced challenges in Race 1 after a 200 rpm engine reduction penalty, finishing fifth, but returned stronger in the decisive Race 2, leading from start to finish to secure a home victory with a combined time of 18 minutes 41.804 seconds. Gus-Theernaai, starting from grid 12, demonstrated impressive progress, finishing sixth in Race 1 and fifth in Race 2.

After two rounds, Idea-Kritpat leads the Asia Production 250cc standings with 86 points from three race victories, holding a 22-point advantage over second place. Yamaha Thailand Racing Team maintains first place in the team championship with 112 accumulated points. The championship will continue on June 12-14 at Mobility Resort Motegi in Japan, where Thai fans can support the three Yamaha Thailand Racing Team riders in their pursuit of Thailand's eighth Asian championship.

Veeraphong Thanakitjanon, General Manager of Motorsports at Thai Yamaha Motor, praised the team's overall performance: "The Buriram round was very satisfactory. Our riders collaborated excellently with the team across both categories. Idea won Race 2 while Tee secured podiums in both races, which is better than last season. Data from Race 1 enabled us to improve bike setup and strategy for Race 2 across all three riders. We're already preparing our plan for the Japan round. In the AP250 class, we face a challenge as Idea's large point lead of over 50 points will result in an additional 200 rpm engine reduction next round, which the team must prepare for carefully."

Channel 7HD invites viewers to enjoy "The Charm of Vayo" from the series "4 ELEMENTS Wattinwanit House" by North Star Production, produced by 'Tick' Kanyarat Jirachachakij and directed by 'Fuse' Kittisak Cheevasatchasakul. The story immerses viewers in the tale of a "princess" and "female police officer" who must overcome dangers and social barriers.

The lead pair features fan-favorite new generation stars 'Freen' Sarocha Chankimha as 'Vayo Wattinwanit,' a skilled female police officer, and 'Becky' Rebecca Patricia Armstrong as 'Princess Catherine Blue Delena,' heir to the Kingdom of Madeleine. The supporting cast includes Major Wanchana Sawatdee (Lt. Col. Watit), Renée Veronica Pagano (Grace), 'Kim' Tisorn Goodburn (Henry), Peter Thunstrom (King Arthur Delena), Justin Angus Moyer (Karel Jean Delena), 'Namm' Ordhara Poolsak (Buaa), 'Frank' Prompatch Sanit Wongsa Na Ayutthaya (Beem), 'Apple' Lapsara Inthasoot (Earth), Inga Varahara (Water), 'Mew' Thanyatip Tavisindhanath (Sky), and others.

"The Charm of Vayo" tells the story of Princess Catherine Blue Delena (Becky Rebecca), heir to the Kingdom of Madeleine, who travels to Thailand on an important mission but becomes the target of an assassination plot. She must stay under the protection of Vayo Wattinwanit (Freen Sarocha), a skilled female police officer willing to protect her with her life. What begins as a duty gradually transforms into a heartfelt connection that may be inappropriate given their different social standings.

Freen Sarocha revealed: "I play Vayo, a character with a quirky personality, assigned to protect Princess Blue. There are many unexpected incidents where we must protect her. What makes it fun is seeing Princess Blue, played by Becky, doing things a princess wouldn't normally do, and me as a police officer doing unexpected things too. Fans will see many scenes we've never done before. The story has lots of action, drama with various flavors. I have to do a lot of fighting choreography, but honestly, I'm not naturally good at action scenes. I admit it's tiring, but I gave my full effort. Thank you to all the fans. Please follow every episode because this story is intense and fun. Journey through forests and seas with us. Please support us both, as well as all the actors and crew members."

Becky Rebecca stated: "I play Princess Blue, a princess who was raised and groomed to learn only her duties—what she'd need to do if she became Queen one day. The princess's love was only her family and duty. When certain events happen, the princess feels her world crumbles and must live in ways she's never experienced before, discovering new feelings.

But I should mention I play another character too—Helena. Many might wonder why I have two roles. Please wait and watch! I can't say more. Please follow from the first episode to see me in a very luxurious princess dress in the crown-wearing scene—an outfit I love very much that gives an impressive feeling, though it's quite heavy. Please keep watching, because besides the beauty of being a princess, everyone will see how cute and playful I am too. Thank you to all the fans for your support. Please watch and follow along."

Mark your calendars for "The Charm of Vayo" every Saturday at 8:30 PM, starting Saturday, May 16th, on Channel 7HD (press 35), available for live streaming and on-demand viewing on BUGABOO.TV.

On May 15, 2026, Pol. Lt. Col. Pramote Chanbunkacw, commander of Phetchkasem Police Station, along with investigation officers, arrested a 40-year-old Bangkok man named Aek based on a Thanburi Criminal Court arrest warrant for child sexual abuse. The suspect was apprehended at a rental room in the Bang Kaew area of Bangkok.

The incident began on May 2 when Phetchkasem police received a report that an 8-year-old girl had been sexually abused while walking to bathe. Police began their investigation after the child described the incident to her parents, who then filed a formal complaint.

When initially questioned, the suspect denied the allegations. However, police discovered traces of drugs in his system and expanded charges to include drug possession. The girl was taken for medical examination, and inter-agency coordination was initiated for victim interviews before evidence was compiled to secure an arrest warrant.

During interrogation, the suspect admitted that after consuming methamphetamine, he saw the child walking down from the second floor of the rental building toward the bathroom on the lower level. He claimed he became aroused and led the child into the bathroom but insisted he did nothing further.

Investigators remain unconvinced by his statement and are proceeding with legal charges. Background checks revealed the suspect has multiple prior drug-related offenses.

CHAIYAPHUM — May 15, 2026: Thai and British paleontologists have identified a new species of long-necked dinosaur believed to be the largest ever discovered in Thailand and Southeast Asia. The dinosaur, named Nakha Titan Chaiyaphumensis, was identified from fossil remains unearthed in Chaiyaphum province in northeastern Thailand. The right upper arm bone measures 178 centimeters in length. Researchers estimated the plant-eating sauropod measured approximately 27 to 30 metres in length and weighed more than 26 tonnes. The discovery was announced by Dr. Sita Manitkul, a researcher at the Palaeontological Research and Education Centre of Mahasarakham University, who led the study. Scientists examined more than 20 fossil fragments, including a right upper arm bone measuring 178 centimetres in length, as well as ribs and hind leg bones exceeding 2 metres. Researchers determined the dinosaur belonged to the Titanosauriformes group, a branch of giant sauropods that lived during the Early Cretaceous period approximately 100 to 115 million years ago. The name "Nakha Titan" combines "Nakha," referring to the mythical serpent of Thai folklore, and "Titan," the giant figures of Greek mythology. The species name "Chaiyaphumensis" honours Chaiyaphum province, where the fossils were discovered. The fossils were first noticed in 2016 by a local resident in Ban Phanang Suea village before the discovery was reported to Thailand's Department of Mineral Resources. Subsequent excavations by government geologists and paleontologists uncovered more than 20 fossil pieces, including vertebrae, pelvic bones and the unusually large humerus. Some of the fossils are now preserved at the Sirindhorn Dinosaur Museum in Kalasin province, while the excavation site has been developed into a local dinosaur learning centre. The research project later received support from the National Geographic Society under a programme focused on studying Thailand's largest dinosaur discoveries and promoting education in Chaiyaphum Geopark communities. Researchers said the discovery provides important evidence about prehistoric ecosystems, biodiversity and the evolution of giant land animals on Earth before the emergence of humans.

On May 15, Puumpong Nayanaprakan, Director-General of the Department of Business Development under the Commerce Ministry, revealed that the department has coordinated with Thai Post Company Limited and Internet Thailand Company Limited (INET) operating under NextGen Shop Company Limited to establish guidelines for the Thailand Helps Thailand Phase 2 marketing campaign. The initiative aims to assist Thai entrepreneurs in adapting to rapidly changing economic conditions and commercial competition while efficiently pushing SMEs toward online marketplaces to boost income opportunities and reduce operational costs.

The project targets recruiting at least 2,000 community entrepreneurs, small business operators, and SMEs between May and June 2026 through partnerships with ThailandPostMart and Nex Gen Commerce platforms. Support measures include 500,000 discount coupons, free shipping, waived commission fees for over 2,000 shops, and live-selling campaigns featuring influencers to expand sales channels and stimulate grassroots economic growth.

The department is coordinating with other Commerce Ministry units and provincial commerce offices nationwide to recruit participants and promote Thai products on e-commerce platforms. This effort builds grassroots entrepreneurs' online presence while strengthening the grassroots economy. The initiative supports the ministry's policy to maintain living standards, mitigate impacts from Middle East regional instability, and urgently stimulate the economy. The project is projected to generate economic circulation of no less than 150 million baht.

"The Commerce Ministry prioritizes strengthening Thai entrepreneurs, particularly SMEs, which are crucial drivers of national economic growth," said Puumpong. "Expanding access to e-commerce platforms enhances competitiveness, generates revenue, and fosters sustainable business growth. The Thailand Helps Thailand project will circulate funds through the economy, boost consumer spending, and distribute income to grassroots entrepreneurs nationwide, serving as an important measure for robust domestic economic growth."