Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Panitchpakdi met with Singapore's Sustainability and Environment Minister Grace Fu on May 22, 2026, during the APEC Trade Ministers Meeting in Suzhou, China to discuss food security cooperation mechanisms, multilateral trade agreements, and expansion of rice and agricultural exports to increase bilateral trade and investment opportunities.

Supachai revealed that both sides exchanged views on the volatile global trade situation caused by various factors and agreed to strengthen economic and trade cooperation, particularly on food security and supply chain resilience. Thailand proposed elevating cooperation from general trade to a food security framework during crisis periods, focusing on product volume and price stability. Rice was identified as a key starting product, with plans to expand cooperation to other consumer goods including chicken eggs, meat products, canned food, and seafood ingredients. Both sides agreed to closely collaborate on perishable goods and proposed organizing technical workshops to develop concrete and practical cooperation guidelines.

Singapore's expertise in trade management and supply chain systems positions the two countries to become strong supply chain partners. Thailand also pushed to accelerate the Singapore-Thailand Enhanced Economic Relationship (STEER) meeting to this year instead of 2027 to keep pace with rapid global economic and geopolitical changes. Singapore invited Thailand to join the Future of Investment and Trade Partnership (FIT P) framework with over 16 member countries to strengthen supply chain, digital trade, and innovation cooperation. Thailand signaled positive interest but requires domestic approval before formal participation. Both nations emphasized the importance of ASEAN regional cooperation in addressing crises such as food and energy security.

Singapore ranks as Thailand's third-largest ASEAN trade partner and ninth globally. Two-way trade in 2025 totaled $19.66 billion (up 10.75%), with the first quarter of 2026 reaching $6.72 billion, comprising Thai exports of $4.48 billion (up 86.33%) and imports of $2.23 billion (up 31.67%).

A 55-year-old student van driver has given a statement to police after surrendering himself, claiming it was his first day driving the route and he was not familiar with the area. On May 23, 2025, video footage circulated showing a student van attempting to cross railroad tracks while a train was approaching. The van, originating from Pra Chiang intersection in Muang district, Lopburi province, drove through the lowering barrier to cross to Kosapan alley, constituting a violation of railway safety signals. Deputy Pol. Col. Banyang Santiprichawattana, commander of Lopburi Provincial Police, ordered Ta Hin Police Station to urgently track down the vehicle and summon the driver for questioning. Through CCTV footage review, officers identified the Bangkok-registered van driven by 55-year-old Sangwal (surname withheld). The driver appeared before investigators and stated he had picked up five students from Ta Oung Wai district to transport to schools. On his first day driving and unfamiliar with the route, particularly the railway crossing signals, he heard only the warning sound and could only see the barrier lowering on the opposite side but not the barrier in front of him, so he stopped to check. Investigators charged him with three violations: crossing a railway barrier, failing to stop at a safe distance of 15 meters from the tracks, and transport business violations, with a fine of 2,000 baht.

Settling a household debate: which is more cost-effective for water bills—doing laundry all at once or washing frequently? A Japanese laundry expert reveals an answer that surprises many.

With living costs on the rise, many families are trying to cut household expenses. One common strategy is to "do one big load of laundry on the weekend" to save on water and electricity bills. However, Japanese laundry expert Rie Hirajima has revealed that bulk washing may not be the money-saver many assume it to be.

Hirajima explains that the most recommended approach is "regular, frequent washing with smaller loads," because bulk washing can actually become "a false economy that costs more in the end."

Stains set deeper, harder to wash out, leaving yellowing and odors

The longer clothes sit before washing, the more sweat stains, dirt, and odors seep deep into fabric fibers, making them harder to remove. This can result in yellowed clothes, musty smells, or the need for multiple wash cycles—ultimately using more water, detergent, and electricity than before.

Overloading the machine reduces cleaning efficiency

Another problem with bulk washing is that people often stuff machines to capacity, preventing clothes from moving freely. This makes it harder for dirt to release from fabrics.

Recommendations: - Top-load washers: fill to 70-80% capacity - Drum washers: fill to only 50% to allow room for rotation and agitation, which are crucial to effective cleaning

Hoping to save water costs, but ending up spending more

While many choose bulk washing to reduce water bills, experts point out that if clothes don't get clean and need rewashing, or develop yellow stains requiring replacement, the total cost exceeds whatever water savings were attempted.

If bulk washing is unavoidable, here's what to do:

1. Address heavily soiled clothes first Sweat-soaked or stained clothes should be washed the same day to prevent odors and stubborn stains from setting.

2. Don't leave clothes in the washer Leaving wet clothes in the machine creates dampness and mold growth. Use a well-ventilated laundry basket instead.

3. Air-dry damp clothes first Especially towels—if left wet, bacteria multiply and odors develop easily. If you can't wash immediately, hang them to dry first.

Those drying clothes indoors should "wash less but more often"

For those air-drying indoors or in condos, washing smaller loads helps clothes dry faster and prevents musty smells from incomplete drying. Washing large batches at once and hanging them all together creates moisture buildup and slower drying, easily leading to "damp odors."

In an era of rising water, electricity, and product costs, proper clothing care not only reduces expenses but also extends the lifespan of your favorite clothes.

A new TikTok trend is creating confusion and concern among many people, as users have been posting videos of themselves eating miniature clay pots. The trend involves coating small earthenware containers with lime juice and seasoning powder before consuming them whole.

The trend was initiated by TikTok creator Janeth Herrera, who posted a video of herself eating clay pots while pregnant. Her video went viral rapidly, accumulating millions of views. While some viewers expressed interest in trying it themselves, others found the trend strange and unappetizing.

Experts suggest that this eating behavior may be related to a condition called "pica," which causes people to crave non-food items such as soil or clay. This condition can occur during pregnancy or when the body lacks certain nutrients, such as iron. However, even if basic laboratory tests appear normal, hidden nutritional deficiencies may still exist.

There is also a cultural dimension to consider, as some communities have long-standing traditions of consuming clay based on health or spiritual beliefs. However, modern medical experts warn that eating clay has virtually no nutritional value and may be unsafe for the body.

Medical professionals point to several health risks: clay is difficult to digest and may accumulate in the digestive tract, potentially causing blockages. It can also interfere with nutrient absorption and medication effectiveness. Additionally, there is risk of contamination from harmful substances such as heavy metals, particularly since many clay products are not subject to strict quality control standards.

Even products labeled as "Food Grade" or safe for consumption do not guarantee complete safety, experts emphasize, as these products have not undergone the same level of certification as food or medicine, leaving consumers reliant on manufacturer credibility.

Although the trend continues to spread online, medical advice remains clear: the health risks far outweigh any potential benefits.

An Indian national was arrested on Koh Phangan after videos emerged showing a foreigner displaying long and short firearms and conducting shooting practice drills. On May 23, 2025, Deputy Police Commissioner Samran Nualma, as director of the Anti-Transnational Criminal Center and Immigration Bureau, ordered a coordinated operation. Police units led by Colonel Prawit Engchuan raided a residence and apprehended Mr. Shabeelkunnon Valappil, a 33-year-old Indian national, at house number 151/10, Moo 1, Koh Phangan Sub-district, Koh Phangan District, Surat Thani Province.

Valappil faces charges of overstaying in Thailand, illegal possession and distribution of methamphetamine and ketamine, and drug consumption. Officers found nine bags of narcotics and drug paraphernalia in his possession during the arrest.

The investigation began on May 13 following tips about a foreign national engaged in suspicious behavior and drug trafficking near a durian orchard in Koh Phangan, with reports of frequent firearm discharges at his residence. Police identified the suspect as Valappil and conducted the raid on May 23. When officers arrived, Valappil attempted to flee on a motorcycle but was apprehended. Searches revealed he possessed a fascination with firearms, with evidence of target practice including ammunition casings and shooting targets. Officers seized drug-related evidence and transferred him to Koh Phangan Police Station for further legal proceedings.

On May 23, 2025, Lieutenant Colonel Phromsophon Fuenwoongfueng, deputy investigation chief at Ayutthaya City Police Station, responded to a report of a death found in a rental room in Hanthra Subdistrict, Ayutthaya City. Officers and staff from the Putthaisawan Foundation rushed to inspect the scene, which consisted of a divided house with three adjoining rental rooms. The front and back doors of the room were locked from the inside. The house owner and colleagues forced open the back door to investigate.

Inside, they found the body of 48-year-old Sanyalak (surname withheld) lying on his side, shirtless and wearing only shorts. A steam fan and regular fan were left running in the room. Initial inspection found no signs of struggle or theft. According to questioning, Withaya (surname withheld), the security chief and deceased's supervisor, stated that Sanyalak had worked as a security guard for over 10 years and lived in the rental room, which was his own house. That morning, Sanyalak was supposed to come in for his regular shift but never arrived for the shift change. When checked, both doors were locked from inside. Despite calls and knocking, there was no response. After requesting help from colleagues and the chief's wife, the woman went to the back of the house and called out to the deceased, saying "If you've passed away, please let the door open easily." The back door then opened on its own, startling everyone. They found the deceased had already died.

The security chief reported that the previous night, he had seen Sanyalak ride his motorcycle back to his room and they chatted normally. The deceased was known as a good-natured, cheerful person with no serious underlying illnesses. Friends who socialized with him that night said that before parting ways, Sanyalak drank about three beers and only complained of back pain, showing no unusual symptoms. Later, they learned of his death.

The security chief also recounted a strange incident from approximately four years ago. His wife claimed to have seen the deceased in a peculiar appearance resembling a headless state, so she advised him to perform merit-making to ward off bad luck. The deceased followed this advice, and afterward, his life became increasingly fortunate, particularly regarding luck and gambling. The deceased was fond of buying government lottery tickets and frequently won prizes. Over the past year, he had won the second prize twice, earning 400,000 baht in prize money. Most recently, he won the second prize again on April 1, 2025, bringing his total to two second-prize wins within less than a year. He also frequently won the last two and three digits of the lottery. Those close to him regarded him as exceptionally lucky. Latest information indicates that before his death, he had ordered his regular shopkeeper to find the number "46" to purchase lottery tickets for the upcoming draw.

Investigators have contacted the deceased's relatives in Suphan Buri Province and assigned Putthaisawan Foundation staff to transport the body for a detailed autopsy at the Institute of Forensic Science in Pathum Thani Province to determine the actual cause of death.