The Toyota Land Cruiser FJ stands out as the most talked-about and hottest vehicle right now, combining its appealing boxy design with impressive off-road performance that preserves the Land Cruiser's 75-year legacy. The FJ is developed from the Toyota Hi-Lux Champ short-wheelbase pickup platform and features a retro-cool cubic design that embodies fun and strength, true to its FJ (Freedom & Joy) designation.

Design highlights include angular LED headlights with daytime running lights, a split front bumper, large wheel wells, extended side panels, black door handles, and 18-inch black alloy wheels. The rear features a spare tire with an organized cover and a side-swing tailgate that locks securely, complemented by distinctive LED taillights.

The interior, while appearing compact from outside, offers decent width and height. The second-row seats slide back 75mm for additional legroom, though the seats are somewhat short and lack rear air conditioning vents. The suspension delivers surprising comfort, absorbing bumps and lane-change forces smoothly despite its pickup-truck foundation, offering the refinement of a premium SUV.

The driving position provides excellent forward visibility from the vehicle's height and the recessed center of the hood. The 12.3-inch central touchscreen and 7-inch driver display feature durable, sunproof coating materials, though the rear-view mirror is slightly obstructed by the spare tire and headrest.

Powered by a 2.7-liter engine producing 166 horsepower and 245 Newton-meters of torque, the FJ accelerates smoothly despite its 2-ton weight. The responsive 6-speed automatic transmission offers a manual mode for spirited driving, complemented by tight suspension and responsive steering.

Off-road testing revealed impressive capabilities: on gravel roads with 4H mode engaged, traction remained excellent. The short wheelbase proved advantageous on tight, twisting trails with sharp turns. On steeper terrain, 4L mode was necessary, and the 2nd Start Mode button helped with initial hill-climbing by engaging second gear, demonstrating the vehicle's thoughtful off-road engineering.

Transitioning from goalkeeper at Uthai Thani FC, 'Tee' Bunjakiat Wongsa-Aeng makes his acting debut alongside 'Nam Taan' Pichakkhana Wongsaratanasil in the film 'Curse of the City,' directed by 'Kop' Anuvart Promjang.

On his first film experience: 'Tee' – "I'm very excited. As a footballer, I don't usually get opportunities like this. I decided to take the role because it's a Northern Thai film, and I'm from Lampang already. When the opportunity came up, I talked with my manager about trying something new. This is my first entertainment project and my first film role. I play Sai, a Northern Thai boy who sells fireworks back home. The preparation was intense and every scene was challenging, but I got through it well thanks to the film crew and Nam Taan's support."

On working with Nam Taan: 'Tee' – "I was nervous at first, but she told me to relax and said she believed in us. She gave me confidence during shoots, making me feel comfortable and enjoy the experience."

On working with director Kop: 'Tee' – "The director is also from the North, from Lampang like me. He told me he's been following me as an athlete from our province. Turns out we're from the same sub-district, living close by. We understand each other easily, especially speaking Northern Thai dialect. Since the other actors are also from the North, we bonded quickly and got along well."

On using the Northern dialect: 'Tee' – "100 percent, and it's the local dialect. We specifically focused on the Lampang accent. When I slipped into a Chiang Mai accent, the director would correct me to use the Lampang pronunciation."

On the most memorable scene: 'Tee' – "All scenes impressed me, but the most memorable is when my character reunites with his father after he's gone, and Nam Taan's character makes that happen. It required me to build up emotions, and in real life I've also lost my father, so it really touched me. This film is a romantic comedy with some scary elements, but it's cute scary. I want everyone to watch it. It's a Northern Thai film in 4-5 years since 'Som Por.' I'd like people to come see this love story from the murals of 'Poo Man Ya Man' from Nan province."

On his football career: 'Tee' – "I'm still with Uthai Thani FC and still training. This year I might step back a bit from my role since I'm doing my first BL series 'Don't Be Too Emotional.' I might focus more on acting this year, but I won't abandon football."

On his coach and teammates' reactions: 'Tee' – "They were shocked because I've been with the team for 6 years as a regular player. Before the season started, I talked to the club president about this project. He was surprised but gave permission. Between acting and football, acting might take up more time this year. Once I tried it, I found it fun and quite different from football. The BL series is a new experience. Before filming, the production company Dee Hup sent me to workshops for almost a year. I want people to remember me as both a footballer and an actor, remembering both sides. I've been playing football for 10 years and just started acting—I don't want anyone to forget either role. The discipline, physical training, and focus from football can be applied to acting. With 2-3 thousand spectators in the stadium, I bring that calmness into acting."

On love and his ideal type: 'Tee' – "I like someone fun and easy to talk to, someone who makes me laugh. Our jobs are stressful enough. But right now, I'm not focusing on relationships. I want to dedicate myself fully to football and acting first because I feel like time might be tight for both."

Message to fans: 'Tee' – "I'd like to promote the film...

Mega Bangna shopping mall, in collaboration with the Chor Chor Sar Project, has delivered animal shelters to SOS Animal Thailand Foundation in Ratchaburi province to improve the living conditions of animals under the foundation's care. The shelters provide protection from sun and rain, along with appropriate living spaces for these vulnerable animals.

These shelters are part of the social initiatives stemming from Mega Pet Day 2026: See the World Through My Paws, now in its fifth consecutive year of strengthening the pet-loving community. As part of the event, pet owners and participants created collaborative canvas artwork under the concept "From Paws to Paws Charity," which was then assembled into functional shelters for delivery to the foundation's care center in Ratchaburi.

The Chor Chor Sar Project applied small-scale architecture principles to design the shelters using recycled materials, creating practical refuges for stray and rescued animals. These shelters not only enhance safety and improve living conditions for stray animals but also reflect harmonious coexistence between people, animals, and the community. This donation demonstrates the collective power of the pet-loving community generated through Mega Pet Day 2026, transforming small individual efforts into tangible benefits for animals in need.

The Contemporary Art and Culture Office has leveraged youth graphic design to help develop communities in Nakhon Phanom province. Recently, at the Old Governor's Mansion Museum in Mueang Nakhon Phanom district, Nakhon Phanom province, Kaset Kamneod Phet, director of the Contemporary Art and Culture Office (SCAO), announced that SCAO is implementing the New Generation Designer Development Project for the 2569 fiscal year (Chonchang Graphic, Year 11).

Grand Prize Winner

The office selected 5 finalist teams that presented graphic design work based on field research and data collection from important sites and communities in Nakhon Phanom province to create graphic designs reflecting community identity. All 5 teams received prize money and certificates of honor from SCAO.

First Runner-Up

The grand prize winners are Team Harsa from Silpakorn University, Ms. Alina Saisuk, and Mr. Jiraphut Laksaen. First runner-up is Team Wanyen from Rajabhat Bansomdet Chaopraya University, Ms. Phappim Prabuchagang, and Ms. Chanyathida Waicharoen. Second runner-up is Team Patahkanchlai from King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi North, Ms. Jitsupa Surawut, and Ms. Nongnaphat Treesurpon.

Two merit award recipients include Team Baby G from Chulalongkorn University, Ms. Emilie Peier and Ms. Chayya Palkavong, and Team Pungklom from King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Ms. Araya Wongtongchoosakul and Ms. Kanchonanya Prompriechadhanakul. The SCAO will forward the youth's work to various communities for practical community development applications.

The New Generation Designer Development Project for the 2569 fiscal year, or Chonchang Graphic Year 11, aims to develop graphic design skills for new generation designers, foster broader design expertise and experience, transmit knowledge and inspiration for community-focused graphic design, create learning between designers and communities, and produce practical design work reflecting each community's unique identity.

For more information and to watch Chonchang Graphic Year 11, visit the Facebook page Chonchang.therealgraphic and the Contemporary Art and Culture Office page.

Panel Plus, a market leader in wood substitute materials manufacturing and interior design partner, is showcasing its new product line at Architecture '69 Thematic Pavilion: Limitless, reframing 'boards' into 'boundless rubber plantations' for 'unlimited design and architectural ideas.' Designer Anon Chitranukul explained that the booth's internal structure uses Perfect Wood Super E-Zero grade with 9-foot-long panels featuring melamine coating that mimics real wood texture and grain. The design communicates sustainability by tracing materials from expired rubber trees through a value-creation process, ultimately becoming boards for limitless design possibilities. The concept draws inspiration from natural rubber plantation grid patterns, creating an immersive experience connecting visitors with nature through visual and tactile elements.

Managing Director Bunnya Sirisak highlighted the official launch of Purple Core Super E-Zero grade wood in Thailand as the pavilion's major achievement. This innovative material reflects the 'Quality of Life' concept—a tangible superior lifestyle—with odorless properties and formaldehyde emissions below 0.03 ppm, meeting JIS standards equivalent to Japan's F4-star grade. The product suits health-conscious residents, children, elderly people, those with allergies, asthma sensitivities, and pets. Purple Core represents more than product development; it marks Panel Plus's commitment to elevating quality of life through safe, beautiful materials aligned with the longevity trend.

Purple Core Super E-Zero introduces new design dimensions in Thailand, available in 9-foot lengths and 6×9 and 4×9-foot sizes, addressing seamless height requirements and professional-grade precision. Panel Plus also provides Cut to Design Service, offering custom-sized cuts with finished edges designed for architects, designers, contractors, and furniture manufacturers requiring accuracy, speed, and consistent quality. The Architecture '69 Thematic Pavilion serves not merely as a product showcase but as a platform where Panel Plus, under Mitmueangrop Group's operations, communicates a vision extending beyond business to prioritize social benefit and people's quality of life.

Surge in gold and tool pawning as school year opens—many families face cash flow shortages with over 22 million baht in circulation; pawn shop reduces interest rates to help May 5, 2026—Ms. Nooriyah Samae, manager of Betong Municipality Community Credit Union in Yala province, revealed that with schools in Betong district opening between May 13-16, parents face increased expenses, leaving many families short on cash. The community credit union is providing relief by offering special reduced interest rates during the school opening period. Daily customer visits have surged to 100-200 people, with circulation exceeding 22 million baht, primarily in pure gold and tools. Pawning activity has increased over 70 percent during this period. While the exact total weight of gold pledged cannot be determined—as some customers withdraw less than their item's appraised value—the volume is substantial, with approximately ten thousand baht in gold weight based on the 22 million baht in loans issued. The credit union is assisting parents with adjusted rates: for principal amounts not exceeding 5,000-10,000 baht, the rate is 0.75 percent monthly for the first three months, then 1 percent monthly thereafter, with a maximum loan of 100,000 baht per borrower. This assistance program runs from today through June 30.