On May 25, 2569, at Buriram Province, Sophan Sararum, Speaker of the House of Representatives, addressed the opposition's call for the parliament speaker to remain neutral and use the parliamentary forum to scrutinize the government's issuance of the 400-billion-baht loan decree. He confirmed that he has already submitted the matter to the Constitutional Court for constitutional review in accordance with his official duties and denied claims of government favoritism.

Regarding the opposition's proposal for an urgent bill to establish a special investigative committee, Sophan clarified that this is not a matter of procedural urgency. He explained that when a bill is submitted to parliament, a committee chaired by a deputy speaker reviews whether it qualifies as an urgent matter. He stated he did not interfere in this process and followed the committee's determination that the opposition proposal is not an urgent bill, but rather a standard procedure.

Sophan noted that as speaker, he has a duty to seek cooperation from both the opposition and government. For work to be truly effective, both sides must negotiate with each other. When they reach a consensus, they inform the speaker of their agreement. However, if agreement is not reached, the speaker must direct the parliamentary committee to determine whether a bill is urgent or not. If determined to be a regular bill, it follows the standard legislative process. If the sides can negotiate successfully, the bill can be postponed. He expressed confidence that members understand these working procedures.

Sophan emphasized that parliamentary operations involve coordination according to each entity's defined roles and legal responsibilities. The speaker, opposition, and government each have specific duties to fulfill. He stated that no speaker would want parliamentary sessions to become chaotic—everyone wants smooth proceedings. For smooth operations, both sides must communicate with each other. If all parties cooperate this way, the work will proceed smoothly without confusing the public.

He added that in politics, if one wants to achieve results, one must pursue substantive outcomes. If the goal is merely optics, then only optics will be achieved. However, understanding that politicians need both appearance and substantive results, both elements must be attained to truly benefit the people.

On May 25, the National Innovation Agency (NIA), a public organization, announced the SITE 2026 event under the concept 'Global Innovation Impact: The Year of Investment,' scheduled for June 25-27, 2026 at Paragon Hall with expanded space at Nex Hall (5th floor) and SCBx Next Stage (4th floor) of Siam Paragon shopping center.

Dr. Krichapakh Boonfueng, Director of the National Innovation Agency, stated that SITE 2026 this year will evolve from a networking platform to one focused on delivering concrete results. Building on the previous year's emphasis on building networks and cooperation, this year aims to transform those networks into actual investments, new collaborations, and genuine business opportunities—both in attracting foreign investors and supporting Thai entrepreneurs to grow and access regional and international markets.

"This year, we want SITE 2026 to be a platform where opportunities meet capital and innovations meet global partners, because innovation impact isn't measured by novelty alone, but by the real value and results it generates," Dr. Krichapakh said.

The NIA has structured SITE 2026 around five core pillars: Frontier Tech & Future Industries, Investment-Ready Innovation, Global Connectivity, Multiplier Effect, and Strategic Alliances. These aim to connect Thailand with major innovation city networks worldwide and help Thai startups establish clearer global presence.

The NIA director added that SITE 2026 also targets systemic innovation impact across five areas: economy, society, environment, innovation ecosystem, and global cooperation—through focus industries including AI, Deep Tech, Sustainability, and Wellness Economy, alongside innovations ready for practical application in economic and social sectors.

"The key reason this year's SITE 2026 uses 'The Year of Investment' is because investment is the critical mechanism to transform Thai innovation potential into real growth. Recent data shows that in 2025, investment in Thai startups reached approximately 120 million US dollars or around 4 billion baht, while available capital in Thailand's innovation system totals over 1 billion US dollars or more than 32 billion baht. This shows 2026 is a crucial moment to concretely connect innovations with funding sources," Dr. Krichapakh stated.

For SITE 2026 highlights, the NIA has designed activities covering the future forum, investment opportunity platform, and Thai ecosystem stage. These include global-level forums and discussions, gathering 100 future technology startups and 100 ready-to-use innovations, pitch stages and business matching activities, international pavilions, the next-generation Startup Thailand League, unified state agency support, new collaboration through SYNC Design & Innovation, and the creative Maker Faire Bangkok to intensify hands-on creation and innovation culture.

At 10:00 AM on May 25, 2569, police received a report of construction workers falling from scaffolding inside a five-story police apartment building under construction near Si Wised Road, behind Si Sa Ket city police station. Emergency responders and rescue officials quickly arrived at the scene. Deputy Provincial Police Commander Chayakorn Tesabamrung and other officials investigated the five-story residential building, which has an open ground floor with residential units on floors 2-5. The fifth-floor collapse site showed scattered construction debris, metal, and scaffolding fragments, with severe impact marks on the ground below.

Rescue workers transported three injured workers to Si Sa Ket Hospital: Sanguan Chaibamrung, 58; Noi Rayapsee, approximately 55; and Phitthak Penjaem, approximately 50. All suffered serious injuries from the impact. Sanguan and Phitthak later died, while Noi remains in critical condition requiring detailed brain imaging. Siriwat Namwised, 44, a worker at the scene who narrowly escaped, revealed they were repairing the beam framework on the fifth floor after discovering structural weakness during concrete pouring. As the group worked, they heard a loud crack, and the beam and scaffolding suddenly collapsed, causing three coworkers to plummet from the fifth floor before his eyes.

Siriwat stated he believed he would not survive, as the floor beneath him had completely given way. He desperately grabbed the remaining beam framework and closed his eyes, expecting to fall like his colleagues, but miraculously managed to hold on. Police have cordoned off the scene and coordinated with forensic experts, engineers, and relevant agencies to conduct a detailed investigation into whether the collapse resulted from structural defects, substandard materials, or improper work procedures. Preliminary inquiries will interview workers, supervisors, and contractors, along with a review of construction safety documentation. If negligence leading to deaths and injuries is confirmed, criminal charges will be filed against responsible parties.

Country singer Lamyai Hai Thong Kham posted a clip thanking Captain Chaang for entering her life, with fans delighted seeing the couple together as if they were house hunting. The singer wants to be seen happy in a loving relationship filled only with smiles and laughter. In her latest clip, Lamyai shared sweet moments with Captain Chaang that had her laughing constantly, captioning it: 'Thank you for being the incomplete person in our life @Kritsada Wongkeaw #LamyaiHaiThongKham #CaptainChaang'. The post received various comments from fans praising the couple's adorable chemistry, with many saying they loved seeing only laughter and couldn't help but smile along.

Meanwhile, Captain Chaang also posted a recent clip with Lamyai featuring sweet moments and genuine smiles of happiness. The couple appeared close and affectionate as usual, with the clip seemingly showing them house hunting at a property together, which delighted fans. Fans commented expressing joy at seeing Lamyai so happy, with comments like 'Life is short, love whoever you want. We don't know when we'll die, just don't take what belongs to others', 'I want to see Lamyai happy like this, it's so cute with both of them', and 'True love is the kind that makes you smile every day'.

CHIANG MAI — 25 May 2026, Pop Mart is expanding its presence in Chiang Mai with the opening of a new official store at MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Centre, one year after testing the northern market with a pop-up store at Central Chiangmai.

The new branch marks the company's latest step in building a stronger foothold in northern Thailand, where designer toys and collectible figures have drawn growing interest among local fans, tourists and younger consumers.

Pop Mart opened its Pop-Up Store @ Central Chiangmai in May 2025, describing it at the time as its first pop-up store in the North. The MAYA branch, which held its grand opening ceremony on 21 May 2026, has been promoted as an official store and a larger destination for art toy collectors.

The store features a range of Pop Mart figures and characters, as well as large display pieces including a five-metre-tall HIRONO sculpture and large figures of SKULLPANDA and CRYBABY.

Siriporn Phlaengchanthuek, Head of Southeast Asia for Pop Mart, said Chiang Mai had shown strong market potential since the company first launched its pop-up store in the province.

"Chiang Mai has always been a key city for us. The response we received after debuting our pop-up store here was remarkable and showed strong enthusiasm from local collectors," Siriporn said. "That encouraged our decision to officially open the first Pop Mart official store in Chiang Mai and northern Thailand."

She also thanked provincial authorities, Chiang Mai International Airport and MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Centre for their support, saying the company hoped the store would help make Chiang Mai a destination for art toy collectors and travellers.

The launch was also tied to a tourism campaign with Chiang Mai International Airport called "Pop Mart: Unbox Joy @ Chiang Mai International Airport." From 21 to 22 May, special-edition Pop Mart art toys were distributed to passengers arriving on selected domestic flights from Bangkok and some international routes. Pop Mart Thailand also promoted the campaign through its official social media channels.

A startling incident occurred at a water park in Jakarta, Indonesia, when a woman enjoying a water slide was frightened to discover a large snake sliding down the same chute. The 47-second video was quickly shared across social media platforms.

In the footage, the woman initially appears cheerful as she rides down on a rubber tube before spotting a snake ahead of her. As she accelerates down the slide due to water pressure and the slope, the distance between her and the snake rapidly closes to near-collision. The woman screams throughout, gripping both sides of the slide tightly while attempting to dodge the snake in her path.

Fortunately, the woman reached the bottom safely with no reported injuries. However, it remains unclear whether the snake sustained any damage from the mishap, though authorities have since captured it.

The video has been widely shared across social media platforms, with many calling it "the most unlikely situation in the world" and expressing concern for the woman. Other internet users have reacted humorously, joking that she received a 200% more thrilling experience than other visitors for the same entrance fee, with some suggesting the snake was equally frightened and merely wanted to enjoy the slide too.

Indonesian media outlets report that such incidents can occur in tropical, humid areas, particularly at water parks near natural environments where reptiles may accidentally wander in. This has prompted facility managers to increase safety inspections and wildlife monitoring in the area.