Doctors recommend a 'miracle fruit' that can quickly relieve constipation and help prevent colorectal cancer, along with a list of four healthy foods. Compiled by Sanook Online news team on May 18, 2025, reporting from international media.

While prunes are well-known for stimulating bowel function, there is another lesser-known fruit that may deliver equally good or even better results, according to renowned gastroenterology expert Dr. Karan Rajan, a colorectal surgeon from London and a popular social media personality. He revealed that just one kiwi fruit may help quickly relieve constipation.

Dr. Rajan shared a TikTok video with his 5.3 million followers highlighting four foods backed by scientific evidence that can promote bowel health:

1. Kiwi Dr. Rajan noted that kiwis are rich in soluble fiber, which absorbs water and forms a gel-like substance in the intestines, softening stools and increasing bowel movement frequency. When consumed in large quantities, kiwis can relieve constipation nearly as effectively as laxatives, but without the side effects commonly associated with medications. Other foods high in soluble fiber include figs, avocados, flaxseeds, and apples.

Data shows that about 1 in 7 adults and up to 1 in 3 children in the UK have experienced constipation at least once. While occasional constipation is harmless, chronic constipation is considered a potential risk factor for colorectal cancer. Research has found that a slow, prolonged digestive system may increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancer by up to 1.5 times, as toxins accumulate in the intestines when waste remains for extended periods. Therefore, regular bowel movements are crucial.

2. Coffee Dr. Rajan also identified coffee as another beneficial beverage for gut health. This drink has consistently been linked to reduced risk of fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. He explained that coffee contains both soluble fiber and polyphenols, which act as prebiotics to nourish beneficial bacteria in the intestines and stimulate intestinal movement, potentially reducing constipation. Interestingly, both instant coffee and decaffeinated coffee offer the same benefits.

3. Mixed Nuts The third food recommendation is mixed nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and pistachios, which Dr. Rajan says he tries to eat every day. He noted that different varieties of nuts provide different prebiotic fibers that increase microbial diversity in the gut. He referenced research showing that regular daily consumption of about 20-30 grams of nuts is associated with reduced cancer risk, possibly due to reduced inflammation and increased diversity of beneficial gut bacteria.

4. Yogurt The final food on the list is yogurt, which Dr. Rajan describes as a favorite among doctors and nutritionists. Particularly yogurt containing live microorganisms such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium helps increase the amount of beneficial microbes in the intestines. Research also supports its ability to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including constipation.

KAMPHAENG PHET — An abbot was seriously injured after unidentified attackers opened fire on him inside his temple residence in Kamphaeng Phet province, leaving him with 16 gunshot wounds, police said.

The attack took place at about 21:00 on 17 May 2026 at Wat Krajom Thong in Ang Thong subdistrict, Muang district, Kamphaeng Phet province.

Phra Athikan Boonlert Akapunyo, abbot of the temple, was inside his quarters performing routine religious duties when an unknown assailant entered through a rear door and opened fire, according to his account from his hospital bed.

The abbot said he did not know the identity of the attacker or the motive behind the shooting. He believed the weapon may have been a homemade firearm.

After being shot, he managed to walk outside his quarters and call for help before fellow monks and villagers rushed him to hospital for emergency treatment.

Doctors found bullet wounds across his body, including near his right ear, shoulder blade, shoulder and right hip, with a total of 16 entry marks. He remains under close medical supervision.

The abbot said he could not think of anyone who might wish to harm him, saying he had no known disputes or serious conflicts. While some people had occasionally borrowed small amounts of money from him, he said the sums involved were minor and unlikely to have led to a violent attack.

The shooting has shocked monks and residents, who described the abbot as a respected community figure who lived simply and had no known quarrels.

Investigators from Muang Kamphaeng Phet Police Station noted that a pit bull kept by the abbot near the entrance to his quarters did not bark during the attack. Police also found that CCTV cameras inside the quarters and around the temple grounds were out of order.

Police have gathered evidence, questioned witnesses and are reviewing nearby surveillance footage as they search for the suspects.

In the latest development, investigators summoned all monks from Wat Krajom Thong for detailed questioning to examine possible leads, including whether the attacker had entered or surveyed the temple beforehand, or whether internal disputes or other grievances may have played a role.

The temple remained quiet on 18 May 2026, with the abbot's quarters sealed off behind police tape as monks and devotees visited the site.

A 60-year-old lay caretaker, identified only as Chalo, or "Odd", said he was shocked to learn of the attack. He described the abbot as kind to both monks and villagers, adding that while people occasionally borrowed money from him, he did not involve himself in others' personal affairs.

The caretaker said the temple's CCTV system had previously functioned but could no longer record because its memory device had expired. He also said the pit bull remained calm when close to the abbot but would bark and behave aggressively when separated from him.

BANGKOK — Thailand's Foreign Ministry announced that the European Union has approved the Visa Cascade scheme for Thai nationals, allowing eligible travellers to obtain longer-term multiple-entry Schengen visas more easily.

The European Commission approved the measure for Thai nationals residing in Thailand who apply for short-stay Schengen visas through embassies or consulates of Schengen member states in Thailand.

Thailand is now one of seven countries granted access to the scheme, following India, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman in 2024, and Turkey and Indonesia in 2025. Thailand is also the second ASEAN country to receive the privilege.

Under the Visa Cascade system, Thai passport holders with a good record of properly using previous Schengen visas may qualify for longer-duration multiple-entry visas in stages.

Applicants who have previously received and correctly used one Schengen visa within the past two years may be eligible for a one-year multiple-entry visa. Those who have properly used a one-year visa within the previous three years may qualify for a two-year visa, while travellers who have correctly used a two-year visa within the past four years may be eligible for a five-year visa.

The Foreign Ministry said the scheme would help reduce the need for frequent visa applications, while saving time and costs for Thai travellers.

However, the ministry stressed that the measure is not visa-free access. Thai nationals must still apply for Schengen visas under the normal process, with no relaxation of existing requirements.

Authorities also warned that visa holders must maintain a good travel record and comply with the laws of destination countries. Violations could affect future visa eligibility and undermine Thailand's long-term goal of securing visa-free travel to the Schengen area.

On May 17, the "Tough Phuket" Facebook page released video footage showing two Thai men in a black pickup truck illegally dumping trash along Anuphas Road near Prince of Songkla University's Phuket campus, an area designated as off-limits for waste disposal. Following the post going viral, Wichit Subdistrict Municipality officials launched an investigation after receiving complaints from residents about repeated illegal dumping that was damaging the environment and Phuket's reputation as a tourist destination.

Officials discovered large amounts of waste including construction materials, old furniture, and general garbage scattered along the roadside. They successfully tracked down the perpetrators and required them to clean up the mess themselves. The offenders were charged under environmental protection laws and issued a combined fine of 6,000 baht.

The incident has drawn widespread praise from netizens for the swift and serious response by authorities, with many calling for stricter enforcement against illegal dumpers to prevent copycat behavior and maintain Phuket's cleanliness. Wichit Subdistrict Municipality is now appealing to residents and businesses to help monitor and protect the environment by reporting any similar violations to their office at 076-540751.

Thailand's taekwondo team is competing at the 2026 Asian Taekwondo Championships from May 21-24 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. Head coach Chatchai Che is leading a full-strength 15-member delegation featuring competitors in multiple weight divisions. Thai Taekwondo Association secretary general Thanadid Raksabut emphasized the championship's significance as a qualifying tournament for the 20th Asian Games in Japan later this year, requiring at least a semifinal appearance to secure spots. The athletes have undergone intensive training with no injuries reported, and both coaching staff and athletes expressed confidence in their physical and mental readiness. Coach Che noted the team previously competed at the Turkish Open with strong results, and emphasized the importance of maintaining focus without pressure while aiming for at least one gold medal and more than three Asian Games quotas. The coaching staff has been preparing athletes since January for the new ruleset changes. World champion Ballanngk Thapthimaedang, competing in the 68kg men's division, shared that he won silver at last year's Asian Championships and is now targeting gold this year. He acknowledged that Thailand's reputation means other nations study their techniques and style, making it necessary to continuously improve while addressing weaknesses. He added that the team has already trained and competed under the new rules at the Turkish Open and feels comfortable with the changes.