The Special Criminal Criminal Court has postponed the indictment hearing for eight Election Commission (EC) officials in the ballot barcode case for the second time after the EC submitted clarifications and supporting evidence. The hearing was originally scheduled for May 19, 2569 at the Special Criminal Court on Railway Lane. The case, docket number Ot. 31/2569, was filed by attorney Yongyut Saowkaewsathit against EC Chairman Niran Kalawarintr and seven other officials.

The accused face charges of official misconduct or corruption under Criminal Code Section 157, read with the Election Commission Act B.E. 2562 Section 83, the House of Representatives Election Act B.E. 2561 Section 149, and the Anti-Corruption Act B.E. 2561 Section 172. According to the charges, all eight officials allegedly conspired to order the addition of QR codes to green ballot cards for constituency elections and barcodes to pink ballot cards for party-list elections, allegedly intended for verification purposes in a manner that lacked integrity and transparency. The plaintiff claims this unnecessary addition increased printing costs and compromised the confidentiality of the voting process.

During today's hearing, the court informed the plaintiff that the EC office had submitted written clarifications along with supporting evidence. The plaintiff was given 15 days to review the documentation and file any rebuttals, with failure to respond considered acceptance. The court has rescheduled the judgment hearing to August 11, 2569 at 9:30 a.m. This marks the second postponement; the hearing was previously moved from March 17 to May 19 before being delayed again to August.

"Calming the mind is finding the right balance," according to Luang Pho Cha Suphatthō of Wat Nong Pa Phong in Ubon Ratchathani. Luang Pho Phao Phuttha Saro of Wat Tham Tago in Lopburi was a respected monk in Khao Samokhon subdistrict who rarely created sacred amulets, making his coins extremely rare and highly collectible. The second edition, cast in 1927, was distributed to devotees who participated in the temple restoration. It features a cylindrical design with the monk's portrait and Thai inscriptions including the year 2470 on the reverse with a square yantra. In 1934, devotees commissioned Luang Pho Yid Chanthsuvanno to create the "Brahma Muni Great Prosperity Medal" dedicated to parents and distributed to temple contributors. Luang Poo Yim Chanthachoti, a revered elder from Kanchanaburi, was renowned for creating closed-eye Buddha amulets and candy-shaped takrut charms called "World Element Takrut." In 2011, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Luang Poo Sun Tikkhapanyo's death, Wat Tikkhamoni Wanna temple created a new amulet series featuring flower designs with the monk's portrait, produced in both gold-plated and copper versions as promising collectibles.

Lucky and Unlucky Days Wednesday, May 20, 2569

Aries (Fire Sign) Today you enjoy excellent financial luck. Warm, supportive relatives will bring you good fortune. Despite some chaos, money will flow in steadily. Your current work succeeds well. However, be very cautious when hiring foreign domestic help, as unexpected problems can arise.

Taurus (Earth Sign) You may experience physical ailments and illness today. Avoid disputes with government officials over fines and arguments with business contacts. Your memory is unreliable; you tend to forget easily. Your staff assistance will improve.

Gemini (Air Sign) Senior colleagues will show unexpected kindness and consideration, possibly including teachers. Travel may encounter some obstacles but will ultimately resolve smoothly with divine protection. Be cautious about showing sympathy to others, as they may question your sincerity.

Cancer (Water Sign) You receive gains and praise from friends and colleagues. Someone connected to your superiors may complicate matters or make insincere investment proposals. Home renovations will not proceed smoothly with limited luck. Your romantic partner or business partner may consider further education or foreign travel.

Leo (Fire Sign) You achieve success in life and work proportionate to your foundation and abilities. Jupiter provides favorable influence during this period. Mercury enters your work sector with the sun. Your income has increased significantly recently. However, exercise great caution after May 2569 ends.

Virgo (Earth Sign) Despite high expenses, your income is good. Major business dealings will succeed. Minor friendship complications may arise, but you experience good fortune overall—tasks succeed as desired. If your home needs repairs, attend to them quickly, as theft is possible during this period.

Libra (Air Sign) Do not offer unsolicited advice or admonish anyone, as they won't listen and may ridicule you instead. Farmers' agricultural income will be low. Beware of conflicts with influential community members or family elders; patience will reduce disputes.

Scorpio (Water Sign) Requesting help from elders won't yield satisfactory results. Even using forceful authority in work matters won't bring success. Use negotiation and compromise instead, focusing on long-term rather than short-term gains. You'll be interested in language studies and achieve success in long-distance travel.

Sagittarius (Fire Sign) Be careful with your communication. Damage usually comes from your inflexibility; even kind words may displease others. Your staff and children will fall ill scattered throughout, though you remain well. Retail businesses or sales typically don't perform well.

Capricorn (Water Sign) New ideas emerge today, or you spend money on entertaining friends or travel, though results may be unsatisfactory. Don't overwork elderly staff. Avoid allowing strangers to interfere in your office.

Channel One 31 delivers entertainment by blending two cultures—Chinese lion dancing and Isan lam sing—in the drama 'Singo Lam Sing,' written by Sakunkarn Wetchacheewa and Patinaya Punshiratta, directed by Rattanapon Wanlai and Charivatn Upagaichaipatana.

Action star 'Noo Lek' Tithianan Sanhaluang plays Thaew, heir to the Kim Han lion dance troupe, opposite leading man 'Tao' Saettapong Pienpo as Nati, an ambitious young entrepreneur.

They're joined by a colorful ensemble including Nook Thanadol as Glab, Yuki Haitongkam as Sai, Tri Chainaorng as the secretary, and Lamyong Nonghinhao as Sriyram, alongside veterans like Phuri Hiranyaprueksa, Yingying Saruda Petchroj, Wit Phutthiphot, Mayuree Anyasana, and Somjit Jongjao.

'Singo Lam Sing' follows the Kim Han lion dance troupe facing crisis after Chlit, the troupe owner, suffers an accident. His daughter Thaew must take over as leader to save the group from financial collapse and protect their land from the powerful Dnai, who's eyeing their community property. Young entrepreneur Nati steps in to help fight for the troupe's survival.

Noo Lek revealed the challenges of playing Thaew: 'At first I thought lion dancing was just lifting and blinking, but it's actually extremely demanding. One hand controls the mouth while the other pulls the strings for the eyes. You carry the head on your shoulder while bending your legs to match the drum rhythm. It requires all your senses and strength.' She explained how she bonded with the professional lion dancers through workshops and performances, gaining insight into their lifestyle and dedication. 'Singo Lam Sing' blends lion dancing choreography with lam sing dance moves, with Yuki singing while the actors perform both lion movements and traditional Isan dance steps—a significantly more advanced challenge than traditional lion dancing alone.

Watch 'Singo Lam Sing' every Monday-Thursday at 1 p.m., premiering Thursday, May 21, on Channel One 31, with reruns available on the oneD app.

In a proactive effort to elevate Thailand's education system into a new era, Microsoft Thailand is creating opportunities for youth to learn digital skills and AI through the National Digital Learning Platform (NDLP). The initiative kicks off with an AI Hackathon competition.

Benjamrathutsit Chanthaburi School wins championship

Under the theme "My Future Community," the competition offers educational grants exceeding 150,000 baht and targets upper secondary students from 1,018 pilot schools nationwide using the NDLP platform. Students apply world-class AI skills to develop solutions for real problems in their communities before eight finalist teams advance to the championship round. Participants develop analytical and creative problem-solving skills through Hackathon Workshops, learning to create pitch decks and smart community solutions while receiving expert guidance.

Khukhan School places first runner-up

The Ministry of Education and Microsoft aim to promote digital learning and AI nationwide by expanding access to schools under the ministry's supervision, targeting over 29,000 schools by 2026 to ensure all Thai youth have equal opportunities to learn and innovate with AI.

Awards presented

Championship winner: Team "Taste Isareo" from Benjamrathutsit Chanthaburi School receives 50,000 baht and the trophy for their project "RubberGuard AI," which creates a Smart Community for Chanthaburi rubber farmers using AI to boost productivity by 20-50%, reduce losses from leaf disease, lower expensive labor costs, and prevent illegal tree cutting. The expected outcome is stable and sustainable income for farmers and a Smart Agri Community using real technology, reducing labor shortages and preserving rubber plantation areas.

Presenting their work

First runner-up: Team "KKS re NPK" from Khukhan School in Sisaket province wins 30,000 baht for "Smart Fertilizer Management," which assesses soil conditions and recommends suitable fertilizer formulas to reduce costs, improve crop quality, and promote sustainable agriculture.

Yothinburanat School places second runner-up

Second runner-up: Team "Bergamot" from Yothinburanat School wins 20,000 baht for "MindMirror," an AI system that detects conceptual understanding gaps in learners and reduces gaps between teachers and students. Five consolation prize winners each receive 10,000 baht in educational funds. All teams receive certificates of participation.

On May 19, Deputy Provincial Police Commander Pol. Col. Thanawat Debunya Na Chumphae, along with traffic police and provincial disaster prevention officials, led an inspection of railway crossing points in Khon Kaen municipality. The operation aimed to prevent accidents at crossings, including locations at Nong Kung village kilometer 454 and Sila subdistrict kilometer 458.

Pol. Col. Thanawat stated that the operation represents an integrated, multi-faceted approach to solving the problem. The physical dimension includes improving visibility by cutting trees and clearing vegetation blocking sightlines, allowing drivers to see approaching trains clearly from a safe distance. The province will also consider installing CCTV cameras, alarm systems, and additional warning signs at appropriate locations, along with public safety education campaigns.

The deputy commander instructed eight police stations along railway routes—including Khon Kaen city, Nam Phong, Ban Phai, Phol, Khao Suan Kwang, Ban Haet, Tha Phra, and Non Sila—to coordinate with relevant agencies and intensify safety inspections. Traffic police will conduct strict enforcement throughout the month, with penalties of up to 1,000 baht and immediate deduction of one driving behavior point via the PTM system for drivers who run red lights or breach safety barriers.

Pol. Col. Thanawat appealed to the public to follow traffic regulations and remember the railway safety mantra: 'three musts, three prohibitions'—slow down, stop 5 meters from tracks, and look both ways; don't breach barriers, don't overtake within 30 meters of a crossing, and don't reverse. Citizens can report damaged barriers or blocked sightlines to local police pages, the 191 emergency radio center, or the State Railway hotline at 1690 any time.