About the Korea Season Cultural Festival Program

The Korea Season is a cultural initiative hosted by South Korea's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and organized by the Korea Foundation for International Cultural Exchange. The program selects one strategic country annually to present Korean culture and arts comprehensively throughout the year, aiming to promote the spread of Korean culture and build sustainable foundations for cultural exchange.

In 2026, the festival will be promoted through collaboration with the Korean Cultural Centers in Vietnam and Thailand, significant cultural hubs in Southeast Asia. The official launch of Korea Season 2026 is set for May, with diverse programs continuing throughout the year. The festival will provide extensive opportunities for local audiences and artists to participate in cultural exchange activities.

The festival will engage local audiences through varied programming including dance, media art exhibitions, festivals, and classical performances. Key events include contemporary ballet in May, the K-Live Festival in October, media art exhibitions presenting traditional Korean concepts from December through January, and SM Classics Live in Hanoi in November.

Opening Performance: A Meeting of Korean Aesthetics and Ballet

In mid-May, a contemporary ballet production will inaugurate Korea Season 2026 for Vietnamese and Thai audiences. The work interprets Korean aesthetics through Western ballet, primarily featuring the traditional Korean hat 'gat' as its central motif. It reinterprets traditional forms and symbols such as the 'ssaksa' (bamboo hat) and 'jokhtu' (women's ceremonial headdress), conveying uniquely Korean emotions on stage, including the integrity of scholars, the perseverance of warriors, and the elegance of women.

The production benefits from a creative team including notable national and international award winners, led by artistic director Yoon Byeol and choreographer Park So-yeon from the Yoon Byeol Ballet Company. As a ballet company emphasizing creativity and representing the new generation of Korean ballet, the Yoon Byeol Ballet Company is expanding the possibilities of contemporary ballet through refined performances that transcend both tradition and modernity.

Notably, the 2025 national tour of this contemporary ballet garnered significant attention from the dance community, achieving sold-out performances with an average 99% attendance rate. This work, which reinterprets traditional narratives in contemporary form, has gained popularity through word-of-mouth, receiving critical acclaim and expanding its audience primarily through social media, particularly attracting younger viewers.

The opening performance of Korea Season 2026 aims to present new dimensions of Korean culture and arts to local audiences through a stage that bridges tradition and modernity, as well as East and West.

Prime Minister Anuthim Charnvirakul and Interior Minister held a press conference at the Second Army Area in Sanam Luang regarding Cambodia's return of Yochon Sainoi to Thailand on May 15th, describing it as a positive sign of cooperation. The PM characterized the move as demonstrating discretion, stating this proves Thailand and Cambodia don't have people-to-people problems, but rather government and administrative system issues to resolve through proper channels. He emphasized that neither country is using citizens as negotiating tools or bargaining chips.

Anuthim noted this is a good omen showing both countries can distinguish between diplomatic matters, though it doesn't obligate Thailand to accept everything Cambodia proposes—each issue depends on negotiations. During a summit with Cambodian PM Hun Manet in the Philippines, Anuthim formally announced Thailand's cancellation of the 2002 MOU and requested both nations follow UNCLOS instead. Cambodia initially expressed disappointment but agreed to adopt UNCLOS as a common reference point, with Anuthim noting this gives both countries the same legal foundation, unlike previously when they operated on separate principles.

When asked about confidence levels toward Cambodia, Anuthim stated that until everything stabilizes, Thailand must remain cautious, particularly regarding security protocols and border safety for Thai citizens.

Knight Club Capital Holding Public Company Limited (KCC) reported first quarter 2025 net profit of 266.29 million baht, surging 1,828% year-over-year from 13.81 million baht, with total revenue of 395.12 million baht, up 558% from 60.61 million baht in the same quarter last year. The dramatic growth stems from the company's aggressive NPL acquisition strategy, investing over 190 million baht primarily in secured non-performing loans while generating cash flow management capabilities. The company also divested equity investments totaling over 30 million baht, representing a strategic shift in income structure and asset management.

Operating cash inflows in the first quarter reached approximately 70.55 million baht, a 6% increase year-over-year, demonstrating the company's continued ability to generate cash flows from managing non-performing assets despite economic uncertainty. Revenue from NPA sales increased significantly to 10.46 million baht from 1.8 million baht in the prior year quarter, resulting from refined marketing strategies that expanded buyer reach and accelerated sales closures.

For the second quarter, KCC expects continued strong growth from new debt portfolio investments, progressive revenue recognition from asset investments, and enhanced NPA and investment management strategies. The company will mature 431 million baht in debentures in Q2, which it plans to address through business cash flows and debt collection from its loan portfolios. Following maturity, KCC plans to issue new debentures in June 2025 to optimize funding costs and maintain financial flexibility while supporting long-term growth plans. The company remains committed to consistent dividend policies and disciplined investment practices to generate steady shareholder returns.

On May 16, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, accompanied by his wife Thananon Charnvirakul, Public Health Minister Patana Prom Pattana, and Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Perisivivat, traveled to Phetchabun province by National Police helicopter. The delegation visited Sri Thep Historical Park in Si Thep District and the Khao Klang Nok archaeological site before presiding over the opening of the 2026 Hak Bang Fai Phu They festival in Wichian Buri District. The visit aimed to monitor developments at archaeological and historical tourist attractions while participating in an important local tradition that reflects the community's identity, culture, and collective cooperation, ultimately promoting tourism and stimulating the regional economy.

BANGKOK — 16 May 2026, Thai police, livestock officials and food and drug regulators have raided an illegal animal medicine operation accused of importing and diluting unregistered cat medications before selling them online, authorities said.

Investigators seized products and equipment worth more than 1 million baht ($27,000) during a raid at a factory in Samut Prakan province near Bangkok.

The operation was carried out by the Central Investigation Bureau, the Department of Livestock Development and the Food and Drug Administration after complaints about illegal antiviral drugs marketed for treating feline infectious peritonitis, or FIP, in cats.

Authorities said the suspects sold products under the brand name "Emune", claiming the medicine contained GS-441524, an antiviral compound used in some FIP treatments.

Police said investigators discovered that the operators allegedly increased profits by diluting liquid medicines with water and mixing powdered substances into tablet formulations before repackaging and selling them online through social media pages and websites.

During the raid on 29 April, officers seized dozens of boxed and unpackaged medicine products, pill-making machinery, sealing equipment, chemicals, labels and thousands of empty bottles and packaging materials.

Officials said the products were not registered under Thai drug regulations and were manufactured without quality or safety controls.

Authorities warned that the medicines could pose serious risks to pets because of unknown ingredients, unsanitary production methods and inconsistent concentrations of active substances.

Police said the suspects could face charges under Thailand's Drug Act, including illegal production, importation and sale of unregistered medicines, as well as unauthorised advertising.

Livestock officials and the Thai FDA warned pet owners and veterinarians to verify whether animal medicines are legally registered before purchasing them, particularly through online platforms.

A reproductive health condition that affects fertility and increases diabetes risk in women, previously known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), is undergoing an official name change. Experts have determined that the original name fails to accurately reflect the disease's true nature and may be contributing to widespread underdiagnosis and improper treatment.

The condition was originally called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), referring to multiple cysts in the ovaries. However, the World Health Organization notes that the disease has broader symptoms and impacts, including irregular periods, infertility, male-pattern hair loss, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. WHO data indicates that 10-13% of women of reproductive age globally are affected by this condition, yet approximately 70% are unaware they have it.

Hellena Teede, an endocrinologist and professor of women's health at Monash University who led the renaming process, states that throughout her 25-year career she has had to correct widespread misconceptions about the disease being limited to "ovarian cysts," when in reality it affects multiple body systems.

Research published in the medical journal The Lancet has officially announced the new name: "Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome" or PMOS, to more accurately reflect the disease's characteristics.

Experts emphasize that the primary goal of the new name is to make society and medical professionals understand that this condition extends beyond ovarian cysts to involve hormonal and metabolic system dysfunction.

Alla Vash-Margita, an associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive medicine at Yale University, notes that the old name caused misunderstandings, with many people thinking patients had "large cysts" when that is not actually the case.

Andrea Dunaif from Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai explains that historically the condition was viewed solely as a reproductive system disorder due to its association with elevated male hormone levels, causing irregular periods and fertility issues.

During the 1980s, researchers discovered the condition also involves insulin resistance, where the body doesn't respond well to insulin, potentially leading to diabetes. Recent research has further linked PMOS to liver disease, heart disease, sleep apnea, depression, anxiety, and body image issues.

Experts note that the term "polyendocrine" in the new name reflects that this is an endocrine or hormonal system disorder affecting multiple body parts, not just the ovaries.

The renaming process took 14 years and involved collaboration from over 56 patient and professional organizations worldwide.

Rachel Morman states that this name change will help shift society's perspective and ensure the condition receives serious attention as the complex chronic disease it is.