On May 22, 2026, Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana granted permission to the French Republic to present her with the Legion of Honor at the rank of Grand Officier at the French Ministry of Culture in Paris. The ceremony was conducted by French Culture Minister Catherine Pégard and attended by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Deputy Prime Ministers Sihasak Phuangkettkhaew and Ekniti Nitithanprapas, Culture Minister Sabida Thaiset, and French Ambassador Jean-Gaud Poumbouef.

The French Culture Minister paid tribute to Princess Sirivannavari's remarkable contributions and her distinguished role in promoting French culture and the French art of living. France commended her expertise and dedication to advancing French cultural values and strengthening Franco-Thai relations.

In her remarks, the Princess expressed admiration for France's friendship, artistry, and culture, particularly in the fashion and design industries, which align closely with her own work. She emphasized the importance of preserving cultural heritage, promoting fine arts, and developing the creative industries in Thailand—priorities she has consistently championed throughout her career.

Luang Pho Kaen of Wat Kamphaeng Mani, revered for dispelling illness and granting blessings of success, has revealed lucky numbers to devotees. When wishes are fulfilled, followers traditionally present eggs and organize shadow puppet theater performances as offerings.

On May 23, 2569 (2026), the ancient U Thong-era Buddha image at Wat Kamphaeng Mani in Huai Kan Lhaen Subdistrict, Wiset Chai Chan District, Ang Thong Province, remains a spiritual focal point. The image, approximately 5 cubits tall in the diamond meditation posture with left hand over right, earned its name "Luang Pho Kaen" (Black-Core Buddha) when residents discovered a black wooden core beneath the cracked plaster exterior.

According to the temple's abbot, Phra Athikan Phot Anutho, local belief in the deity's powers has been passed down for generations. Residents credit Luang Pho Kaen with healing severe illnesses and injuries when invoked for aid. Those suffering emotional distress report that blessed water—either bathed in or consumed—brings mental clarity and relief. When prayers for success in work, business, or family matters are answered, devotees traditionally express gratitude by presenting eggs and arranging shadow puppet performances.

Phoomi, a 55-year-old oil company employee, testified that he survived a serious car accident through the deity's blessing. He became a temple devotee, volunteering for 15 days before resuming work, and credits the temple with providing lottery number 86 that he subsequently played.

Channel 3 Issues Urgent Statement Defending 'Lingling Kong' After Being Tracked to France, Vows to Pursue Legal Action to the Fullest

Fans expressed significant concern when Channel 3 released an urgent bilingual statement defending actress Lingling Kong after she was followed and tracked in private areas during her travels to France. The station emphasized that this constitutes a serious violation of privacy rights and warned the perpetrators to cease all harassment immediately, threatening full legal prosecution if the behavior continues.

Channel 3's Statement:

Notice of Information

Regarding the case of Sirilakshan Kong (Lingling), an actress affiliated with Thai Television Color Channel 3, who was closely followed by individuals during her travels to France, including in various private areas without authorization. Such actions constitute a serious violation of personal privacy rights, causing anxiety and creating safety concerns for the actress and those involved.

The station requests that such behavior or any actions constituting harassment against the actress's rights cease immediately. Should any further violations of privacy rights be discovered, the station will compile evidence and pursue legal action to the fullest extent to protect the actress's privacy rights and safety.

The station wishes to thank all fans for their love and support of Sirilakshan Kong (Lingling) and other station artists. The station hopes all will continue to support the actress based on respect for her privacy rights.

Issued for public notification

Thai Television Color Channel 3

The King and Queen have graciously bestowed trophies to the champions of the marathon swimming competition in the overall category at 10 kilometers for the Thai national championship Series 2.

The Thai Water Sports Association will host the Thailand Open Water Swimming Championship for 2026 Series 2 on June 13-14 at Ao Dong Tao in Sattahip District, Chon Buri Province, competing for royal trophies presented by Their Majesties.

Secretary-General Thanawit Tosokul, known as "Coach Tuk," revealed that the association will organize the event in collaboration with Tri League (Thailand) Ltd., which will feature triathlon and duathlon competitions. The swimming events will be held across four distances: 1 km, 3 km, 5 km, and 10 km. The 10 km distance will award royal trophies to the overall champions—the men's overall champion will receive a trophy presented by His Majesty, and the women's overall champion will receive a trophy presented by Her Majesty. On behalf of the Thai Water Sports Association, led by Air Chief Marshal Thammasarth Promphao, the association expresses deep gratitude for the gracious royal patronage.

Tosokul also noted that Ao Dong Tao is a regular venue for marathon swimming competitions and athletes are familiar with it. Safety measures are being coordinated with the Royal Thai Navy and Naval Warfare Command. The association continues to develop youth athletes, and in Series 1 at Ban Krut Beach in Prachuap Khiri Khan, young athletes set impressive records and were promoted to the Thai national team for international competition. For the Asian Beach Games 2026 in China, national team members Komanon Kwanmuang and Ratwiit Thamnanantchoti are competing in the Asian marathon swimming championship in Bali, Indonesia, so they will not compete in this Series 2 national championship.

The Energy Commerce Director is clarifying charges against refineries over improper oil transport documentation and directing the DSI to investigate potential fuel hoarding. All oil traders are being ordered to properly complete transport documents.

On May 23, 2026, Sarawut Kaew-tat-thip, director of the Department of Energy Commerce (DEC), issued a clarification to correct potential misunderstandings regarding recent enforcement actions. The department has intensified oversight of oil traders to ensure compliance with the Fuel Trade Act B.E. 2543, using transport documentation as a primary inspection tool.

During recent inspections of six oil storage facilities in Surat Thani province operated by licensed traders, authorities discovered 166 transport documents with incomplete or incorrect information, constituting violations of the law. All six refineries have been formally charged as the document creators and the cases have been referred to the National Police Office and the Department of Special Investigation (DSI) for joint examination.

The document irregularities are considered significant evidence potentially linked to "fuel hoarding operations," which the DSI will lead in investigating and pursuing further. The DEC director has warned all fuel traders that any violations will result in strict legal prosecution.

Since early May, continuous rainfall has prompted Nakhon Ratchasima residents to venture into natural forests to harvest termite mushrooms, a seasonal delicacy known for its tender, delicious texture. The mushrooms help reduce household expenses and provide income when surplus is sold. Residents wake before dawn to forage in the forests, often collecting substantial quantities. Fresh, unopened mushroom caps command 500 baht per kilogram, while older, opened blooms fetch around 300 baht, with prices declining further as quality decreases. Virot Vonsantiea, 46, from Pang Asoek village in Pak Chong district, reported collecting 10 kilograms over two days, generating 3,000-4,000 baht in sales through Facebook. Throughout the forests behind local villages, many residents are simultaneously engaged in mushroom harvesting, capitalizing on the favorable conditions.