First images from an underwater cave 50-60 meters deep in Vavuu Atoll, Maldives have been released following a tragedy that claimed the lives of five Italian tourists on May 15. The photographs, captured by Finnish rescue diver Sami Paakkarinen during the final search mission, show how sediment clouds reduce visibility to near-zero in the cave's depths, with rescue teams believing the group became disoriented before running out of air.

Images near the cave entrance still show natural light penetrating the water—this is where diving instructor and boat captain Gianluca Benedetti was found on May 14, the day of the incident. However, deeper inside the cave, the water becomes so murky that visibility is nearly impossible. Rescue divers believe the group lost their way inside the cave before their air supplies were exhausted.

Experts note that the cave contains narrow passages and large amounts of sediment that can be easily stirred up by even small fin movements, completely obscuring vision. It is believed the diving instructor attempted to find the exit but ran out of air near the cave entrance.

Rome's prosecutor's office has launched a formal investigation to determine why experienced divers exceeded safe diving depth limits of 30 meters—which is the Maldives' regulatory maximum—without proper permits, training, or required equipment.

Previous reports indicated that all five divers went missing while exploring the underwater cave at approximately 50 meters depth, exceeding the Maldives' authorized diving depth of 30 meters, and they lacked the necessary permits, training certifications, and safety equipment required by law.

Thailand's men's sepaktakraw team withdrew from their final match against Malaysia at the ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, protesting what they considered unfair officiating by referee Muhammad Radi. The team disputed a foul call for stepping on the center line in the third set, claiming the current rules no longer penalize this action.

Sepaktakraw expert and page administrator 'Mor Khae Jae Takraw' has clarified the current ISTAF regulations: the 'Phu Tawan' move is not a line-stepping foul and has not been penalized for 14 years.

After reviewing the sepaktakraw rules on center line stepping from 2008-2009 through today, a significant rule change was identified in 2012. Previously, stepping on the center line was considered a foul except during follow-through movements after kicking or blocking. However, starting in 2012, the federation removed all references to line-stepping violations, and this change has remained in effect for approximately 14 years.

The original English rule stated: "Stepping on the center line … except during follow through after kicking or blocking." After 2012, this language was completely removed, meaning stepping on the line in such circumstances no longer constitutes a foul unless the player fully crosses the line or commits another violation.

The 'Phu Tawan' move in question was a repositioning step before kicking, where only a portion of the right foot touched the center line—not the full foot, just heel to toe. Under current rules, this clearly does not constitute a foul. Additionally, similar moves by the opposing player also resulted in line touching but were not whistled as fouls, raising questions about refereeing consistency.

In conclusion, according to rules in effect since 2012 through today, the disputed 'Phu Tawan' move absolutely does not constitute a center line-stepping foul.

The expert noted that all references were drawn from an interview with an ISTAF federation referee who requested anonymity (as of May 24, 2025).

The Pollution Control Department has expressed gratitude to the Junk Traders Association for sending a letter of encouragement and support to its staff. The department acknowledges the critical role that secondhand goods traders play in helping solve Thailand's waste management problems and commits to supporting the association in elevating the profession toward environmental and circular economy standards.

The letter came in response to recent media reports alleging lack of transparency in the Pollution Control Department's operations. The Junk Traders Association clarified that over seven years of cooperation with the department, they have witnessed genuine commitment to grassroots environmental problem-solving and respect for the profession. The association praised the department's strong stance against opening import quotas for plastic waste into Thailand and noted that the department operates as an academic and developmental agency rather than an enforcement body, lacking jurisdiction over criminal cases and business licensing authority.

The association expressed agreement and support for the three-institution joint private sector committee's anti-corruption approach.

Aerobics fever at Suan Lum Park has reached new heights as Kru Took (Somruedee Srimark), the park's first dance instructor, opens up about her journey. When she started teaching aerobics at Suan Lum Park at age 20, she was still a first-year university student, but her extensive dance experience—including traditional Thai dance training and years of dance competitions—prepared her well. "I've been teaching here for 28 years now, dancing seven days a week without a break," she explains. Today, she leads classes alongside two other instructors, Kru Maew and Kru Noi.

Kru Took's unique style blends multiple dance genres into her own signature moves. The classes feature 13 songs that vary based on current trends. "I like diverse styles, and I think everyone does too," she says. "I mix them together to create our own identity and moves. When people hear songs they like and do the steps, they get excited—I can hear them cheering."

The park itself has transformed dramatically over the years, becoming brighter and more welcoming with improved landscaping and lighting. This evolution has attracted people of all ages and backgrounds. Seniors, in particular, have embraced the energetic dance style, feeling like they've stepped back into their younger years. "Everyone comes in their own way, wearing whatever they want," Kru Took notes. "People aren't focused on judging each other—they're focused on me, the instructor. It's like we're all joining together, having fun, talking, and some even make new friends here."

The aerobics trend has exploded, drawing both Thai participants and foreign visitors. When asked how the phenomenon started, Kru Took admits she isn't sure, but credits the collective effort of all instructors who share the same goal: bringing happiness and health to their members. "The trend has been wonderful," she reflects. "It's created a fever that's gotten more people exercising and revitalized public parks. Before this, dance culture had really slowed down. I receive messages from people thanking me for bringing dance back."

The Thai Volleyball Association held its 2025 Thai Volleyball Family Day with the theme 'Moving Forward Together' to express gratitude to national team athletes, coaches, and supporters who have advanced Thai volleyball to success. The event took place on May 24 at the Chatturathip Room of the Golden Tulip Sofitel in Bangkok, with Association President Somporn Chabangyang serving as opening chairman. The gathering honored coaches and athletes across indoor and beach volleyball of all age levels, as well as personnel and sponsors who contributed to the association's outstanding achievements throughout 2025, bringing honor to Thailand. Attendees included Air Vice Marshal Chanyarut Wongprasoet, Honorary Secretary-General and Executive Director of the Thai Volleyball Association, alongside former and current national team athletes, coaching staff, and sponsor representatives.

The association distributed awards to senior and youth team athletes as well as coaches who dedicated themselves with sacrifice, patience, and determination. Prize money totaling over 10 million baht came from the association and the National Sports Development Fund, with particular recognition for the women's indoor team's outstanding achievements, including a gold medal at the 2025 SEA Games, the 2025 SEA V.League championship, and a 13th place finish at the 2025 Women's Volleyball World Championship. The men's indoor team also captured the 2025 SEA Games gold medal with continuously improving performance.

The association also appointed Dissagorn Gunthon, chairman of the Playground Intelligence Development Foundation, as Honorary President of the Thai Volleyball Association in recognition of his support in building the association's international reputation. Association President Somporn Chabangyang stated that the event aimed to create warmth within the volleyball family while honoring benefactors and rewarding coaches and athletes who represented Thailand in international competitions throughout the past year. He noted that although prize money was limited this year due to significant budgetary expenditures on hosting the Women's Volleyball World Championship, all athletes understood and took pride in serving their nation.

Regarding preparations for the Thai women's volleyball team for the 2026 Volleyball Nations League, which begins the first week in June in China (June 3-7), foreign-based players have returned. The association plans to gather approximately 30 athletes before narrowing the roster to around 20 in line with Asian Games 2026 quotas, with possible retention of 1-2 additional players as injury replacements given the lengthy VNL competition schedule. The association will also prepare promising young athletes to gain international competition experience for future representation.

Health warning: A 56-year-old Chinese man endured three years of urinary obstruction without seeking treatment, only to discover a giant bladder stone weighing 1.3 kilograms requiring emergency surgery.

About three years ago, Mr. Chen (pseudonym), a 56-year-old farmer from Longtang in western Guangdong Province, China, began experiencing abnormal urination symptoms including frequent urination, difficulty urinating, and occasional sudden urinary interruptions that required him to change positions to successfully urinate.

Initially, Chen assumed his symptoms were related to common prostate problems and refused medical examination or treatment, choosing instead to use symptom-relief medication. His farm work also made it impractical to take time off for hospital visits.

As time progressed, his condition deteriorated significantly. He became reluctant to venture far from home, fearing sudden urinary episodes, and had to wake up multiple times nightly. This resulted in insufficient sleep and physical exhaustion.

Doctors noted that the stone, measuring 10×13 cm and weighing 1.3 kg—nearly equivalent to two adult fists combined—severely obstructed urine flow.

Eventually, his family persuaded him to seek medical treatment. Chen visited the urology department at Guangzhou Medical University Hospital in Shuixi City, where he received shocking news: doctors discovered a massive stone in his bladder.

The stone measured approximately 10 centimeters by 13 centimeters and weighed around 1.3 kilograms—nearly the size of two adult fists—and severely obstructed urine flow.

X-rays revealed that the stone occupied most of the bladder space and posed a life-threatening risk if left untreated due to continuous pressure on the bladder wall.

The hospital assembled a multidisciplinary medical team and developed a detailed surgical plan specifically for this case. The surgery ultimately succeeded, allowing Mr. Chen to return to normal life after years of suffering.

Source: Oddity Central