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.

Thai actor Tack Pharunyoo Rojnavuddhi posted a video chatting with legendary Thai boxer Buakao Banchamek about the Manchester derby, where Manchester United narrowly defeated Liverpool, with Buakao jokingly remarking 'Two balls, don't talk too much.'

Manchester United defeated Liverpool 3-2 at home, and the Red Devils have swept both fixtures against their rivals this season.

In the video, Tack discusses the match with Buakao, who is wearing a Liverpool shirt. Buakao jokes, 'Two balls, don't talk too much—once in a while.' In the clip, Buakao says: 'When you lose something, no need to be loud about it. Just accept it as it is. But when our team wins a lot, we can talk about it too. We only won by half a goal or two (a reference to Tao Somchai). Don't even see them, don't talk too much. Their chance to win had to be like boom, boom, boom—a complete disaster. Just a tiny bit. The gap isn't that big anyway. Two balls, don't talk too much—once in a while. Or you can take it if you want.' The clip drew laughter from those around him.

Authorities have identified the cause of the road collapse near the Fai Chae intersection on Charoen Sanitwong Street as an old canal beneath the surface, combined with heavy rain and truck traffic. Multiple agencies rushed to inspect and repair the area after the incident disrupted traffic on this critical Thonburi route. At 4 p.m. on May 9th, Deputy Bangkok Governor Vishnu Saemphon visited the site and announced that repair crews and engineers were mobilized to fix the collapsed section, with completion targeted for that evening to restore normal traffic flow.

Since the road serves as a major route connecting multiple areas including Buddhhamonthon Lane, Tha Phra intersection, and Wang Lang-Siriraj, delays in repairs risked severe traffic congestion. Traffic police coordinated partial road closures and temporary tunnel diversions until the area could be cleared and repairs completed.

Daw Sithigulmanit, project supervisor for the water tunnel, revealed that the area was originally an old canal with an existing bridge. Although elevated railway construction had been completed in the area, the underlying soil along the old canal remained intact clay. This clay gradually eroded, creating cavities along the canal route. Currently, a siphon pipe is being installed beneath the tunnel, requiring excavation to 12-15 meters depth using 2.5-meter diameter piping, with directional boring coming from the opposite side.

When asked whether the soil had entirely disappeared from the old canal area, Daw explained that the original canal fill may not have been sufficiently compacted. The underlying clay soil experienced movement over time, creating cavities along the canal line. While the opposite side had been completed, this side's boring had just reached this point. Cavities had been detected and preparations were underway to drill and inject concrete to fill the voids, but heavy rain combined with heavy truck traffic caused the road to collapse before this work could be completed.

Daw noted that around 1 p.m., unusual road surface conditions appeared after the first vehicle passed. By 2 p.m., when a second heavy trailer truck passed, the road suddenly gave way. The team aimed to clear the area and complete preliminary repairs by night to restore normal traffic flow. Currently, coordination is underway to plan repairs for full restoration of the road.