On May 9, Deputy Education Minister Akkhananth Kankit, accompanied by Linthipon Vrinvatchrojan and Parami Waichongcherun of his working group, traveled to Loei Province to inspect and address educational facilities affected by recent disasters and structural deterioration. The delegation was received by Loei Provincial Governor Chaipat Saruenpong and local education officials at Ban Na Kho School in Pak Chom District and Ban Rai Suksan School in Phu Luang District.

Akkhananth reported that Ban Na Kho School suffered severe storm damage, with normal budget procedures requiring 16 months for repairs—an unacceptable timeline that would leave students without adequate facilities. He pledged to expedite emergency budget allocation to provide immediate relief. During his visit, he also held a working meal at the school cafeteria and heard concerns from two other institutions: Ban Mai School, which needs cafeteria improvements, and Tha Li Withaya School, the area's only secondary institution, which has lacked a proper cafeteria for 30 years.

Tha Li Withaya School currently uses temporary space beneath its main building, accommodating only 200 students when the school has over 900 staff and students combined. Akkhananth committed to streamlining budget approval procedures. At Ban Rai Suksan School, he inspected wooden structures damaged by termite infestation, which pose safety risks. The Ministry of Education has allocated funds to replace these structures with durable materials to eliminate recurring maintenance problems.

"The Minister of Education has authorized me to assess conditions faced by students and educators in the field so the ministry can allocate appropriate budgets," Akkhananth stated. "Most importantly, students and teachers need safe facilities ready before the school term begins. Repairs must be done properly and permanently to resolve problems long-term, eliminating the need for repeated maintenance. This ensures efficient use of government budget and timely assistance to the public."

In an English Premier League match at Anfield on May 9, defending champions Liverpool hosted Chelsea at home.

Liverpool were without injured star striker Mohamed Salah, while goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, the team's second-choice keeper, returned between the posts after Freddie Woodman, the third-choice goalkeeper, had been deputizing during his injury.

Chelsea came fully prepared, with João Félix anchoring the attack alongside Cole Palmer and Enzo Fernández combining to orchestrate the play.

The hosts broke through just six minutes in with a beautiful goal when Rio Enquemohaa picked out Ryan Gravenberch, who curled a stunning shot from outside the penalty box into the net.

Chelsea then equalized 1-1 from a cleverly executed free kick that deceived the goalkeeper in the 35th minute, before the first half ended with that scoreline.

In the second half, Chelsea came out aggressively. Marc Guéhi showed pace down the left flank before crossing to the center, where Cole Palmer fired home, but the VAR check revealed an offside in the build-up during Guéhi's initial movement in the 49th minute.

After that, both teams battled fiercely, but neither could break the deadlock. The match finished 1-1 after 90 minutes with both sides sharing a point. This leaves Liverpool with 59 points from 36 matches, still unable to guarantee Champions League qualification, while Chelsea remain in ninth place with 49 points from the same number of matches.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supattanapong Punmeechaow held a press conference following a meeting on marketing strategies and price stabilization for mangosteen and durian in Chanthaburi province.

Supattanapong stated that this year's fruit market, particularly durian, faces greater challenges than last year. The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives forecasts a significant increase in durian production. Meanwhile, rising transportation costs due to Middle East tensions have resulted in lower opening-season prices compared to the previous year. Combined with this year's hot and dry weather producing abundant small-sized durian, exports could be affected.

"We don't want to wait for problems to arise before solving them, so we've taken proactive measures since the beginning of the year," she said. These include advance market development in foreign countries, boosting domestic consumption, expanding new markets in Western China, and establishing trade routes through Laos-Chiang Khong-Chengdu to accommodate the harvest.

Supattanapong appealed to farmers and business operators to maintain strict product quality standards, particularly by preventing unripe durian harvesting, which could undermine foreign market confidence. She emphasized that Thailand must leverage its quality advantage to compete, especially after Vietnam encountered cadmium detection problems in some of its produce.

Regarding mangosteen, peak market arrivals are expected between May 21 and June 10, with small-sized mangosteen representing approximately 55% of the harvest. Support measures must be accelerated, including opening mangosteen distribution centers, connecting markets with modern trade channels, promoting exports, distributing produce through the "Thai Help Thai" program, and collaborating with partner agencies such as the Interior Ministry, Thai Post, and the private sector.

TOKYO, Japan — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow on Saturday expressed concern following the arrest of a Chinese national linked to a cache of military-grade weapons and explosives discovered in Chonburi province. Speaking in Tokyo, Sihasak said authorities needed to closely examine the investigation findings and the suspect's immigration history, especially because the weapons were found in the possession of a foreign national. "It is concerning, but we need to wait for the investigation results first because we still do not know the objective," he said. The case emerged after police in Na Jomtien, Chonburi, arrested a Chinese man following a car crash that led officers to discover firearms and eventually a large stockpile of military weapons and C4 explosives at a rented property. Sihasak said Thailand's immigration screening process may need to become stricter, noting that Thailand remained an open society welcoming tourists and foreign investment. However, he warned that authorities also needed to be more cautious regarding visa regulations, as some foreigners may enter the country claiming to be tourists or using visa-free schemes. The foreign minister said the Foreign Ministry was currently reviewing visa measures, with the visa committee considering reducing the current 60-day visa-free stay to 30 days. He added that officials were also examining whether existing visa categories were sufficiently strict and secure.

Another significant milestone for Payplay Oreo, or Payplay Chatrapanya Khiowkham, a beloved singer who consistently receives unwavering support from her fanbase. Payplay held a celebration event called "Shine 30 Life in Full Bloom" to mark her 30th birthday with fans under the concept "Shine 30 NO.1996 Life in Full Bloom BLESSED, Lucky, Happy" at Charoen Thip Restaurant on Srinakarin Road in Bangkok. Before the event began, she gave an interview to media, sharing her feelings about her achievements and life plans for her thirties.

Turning 30? "I was a bit shocked by myself, but I'm climbing the steps of life. I feel more composed, quieter, not as energetic as I used to be," she said. On her dedicated fanbase, "I'm grateful to everyone who bought tickets. The system was difficult, but everything sold out in just 5 minutes. The venue only accommodates 700 people. For those who came today, it's been 7 years since Payplay Oreo was established. I'm deeply grateful to everyone who loves and supports me from the very beginning to this day. I believe everyone sees my development. At 30, the number three for the first time, being with loved ones on this day, I'm so grateful you took the time. Thank you for loving Payplay."

On her major gift to herself, "I've already received it. It should be six figures or possibly more. It's very heartwarming and energizing, motivating us to move forward. (Any gift for yourself this year?) This year I'm building stability for myself. I bought a new house from every drop of sweat I've invested into this home." What's special about this house? "There's a change in my life. I want to live with my mom, want to spend more time with her. So I decided to buy a house in Bangkok as a main residence. It's eight figures for complete furnishing and move-in ready."

Did your mom bless you? "My mom always says to live carefully, take care of my health, and make myself very happy. That's enough. My mom doesn't ask for much. (Did you post about your mom?) Yes, I wish for all the blessings I received this year, and bless my mom so she stays healthy and with us for a long time. That's enough. My fans' happiness is Payplay's happiness. Whether big or small, all happiness matters. Every bit of happiness that comes our way is happiness."

What about your friend Nook? "Today she has to call me 'older sister Payplay.' She was born in October, so she's younger. Today she has to call me 'older sister Payplay.' Normally she doesn't, and I'm not really her older sister."

Did you get a gift from your friend? "I see a 10-wheel truck parked outside. I might get a sports car. (Are you hoping for that?) I hope every year. Last year I got a remote-controlled car."

Thank you to yourself at age 29 that passed? "It's year 30 from 29. Every year has been miraculous and very happy. I've gone through everything. I cried throughout the year, and I was happy throughout the year too. But above all, there were people around me who loved me. Every journey, every moment had people I cared about. There were so many stories along the way. But I'm glad I've grown. I've grown amid storms, clear skies, and difficult times. But I got through it with my two legs and two arms."

At 30, do you want someone to be by your side? "I'm building a solid foundation for myself. As time passes, people come and go. Some good, some not. But their coming and going is fine. Some people pass through just leaving memories. At 30 now, I'm focused on work, I have a house, a solid foundation for my life. Personally, as an LGBTQ+ person, I need to have a strong family foundation. My future goals at 30, 31, and beyond? "Right now I'm planning to build stability, live happily, live with my family. (What's your happiness now?) Payplay's happiness is seeing people around me happy. When they're happy, it's Payplay's happiness too."

But are you an adult now? "Yes, you can tell from the way I stand and my body..."

PHÚ QUỐC, Vietnam — Once known mainly as a quiet fishing island off Vietnam's southern coast, Phú Quốc has rapidly transformed into one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing beach destinations.

With white sand beaches, luxury resorts, night markets and massive entertainment projects, the island is increasingly attracting travellers looking for a tropical getaway that combines nature with modern tourism infrastructure.

Located in the Gulf of Thailand near the Cambodian coast, Phú Quốc is Vietnam's largest island and has become a key part of the country's tourism ambitions.

Beaches, sunsets and clear water

Phú Quốc's biggest attraction remains its coastline. Long Beach, stretching along the island's western side, is known for sunset views, beach bars and resorts, while Sao Beach on the southeast coast is famous for powdery white sand and turquoise water.

The dry season between November and April is considered the best time to visit, when calm seas and sunny skies make the island ideal for swimming, snorkelling and island hopping. Compared with many larger beach destinations in the region, parts of Phú Quốc still retain a slower and more relaxed atmosphere.

From fishing island to tourism giant

Over the past decade, the island has seen major investment in tourism infrastructure. Large-scale developments such as Sunset Town and Grand World have transformed parts of the island into entertainment and shopping hubs filled with colourful Mediterranean-style architecture, restaurants and nightlife.

Luxury international resorts now line many sections of the coast, while Phú Quốc International Airport has made access far easier for foreign travellers. The island is also becoming increasingly popular among Thai tourists because of short regional flight times and visa-friendly entry policies for many visitors.

The world's longest sea-crossing cable car

One of the island's most famous attractions is the Hon Thom Cable Car, which stretches across the sea connecting Phú Quốc with smaller southern islands. The cable car offers panoramic views of fishing boats, coral reefs and the Gulf of Thailand below. Visitors can also take boat tours to nearby islands for snorkelling, diving and seafood dining.

Seafood and local culture

Despite rapid development, traditional fishing communities still remain part of island life. Seafood is one of the highlights of visiting Phú Quốc, with fresh crab, squid, sea urchin and grilled shellfish widely available at local markets and beachside restaurants. The island is also known across Vietnam for fish sauce production and pepper farms.

Easy access from Thailand

Travellers from Bangkok can reach Phú Quốc through connecting flights via Ho Chi Minh City or direct regional routes depending on airline schedules. As Vietnam continues investing heavily in tourism, Phú Quốc is positioning itself as one of the region's major island destinations — offering a mix of tropical scenery, entertainment and fast-growing resort development.