Regional

Interior Trade Department Recruits Buyers for 100 Tons of Golden Rambutan from Trat Province to Combat Price Collapse

The Interior Trade Department is recruiting buyers for 100 tons of golden rambutan from Trat Province after prices collapsed to 15 baht per kilogram, distributing the fruit through government agencies and tourism events to stabilize the mar

7h ago Khaosod

The Interior Trade Department has intervened to help rambutan farmers in Bo Rai District, Trat Province, whose golden rambutan prices have plummeted to approximately 15 baht per kilogram. Deputy Director Jirawut Suvanaj revealed that the department coordinated with the Trat Provincial Commerce Office and brought in direct buyers starting May 23, 2025, with an initial target to purchase 100 tons within one week at market-leading prices.

Suvanaj stated that the purchased rambutan will be distributed through various channels including Thailand's Tourism Authority trail running event this weekend in Rayong Province, as well as government and private sector units such as the Customs Department, Royal Thai Army, Teachers' Council, and Central Department Store branches to help clear inventory and stabilize prices for farmers.

Regarding Trat's 2025 rambutan situation, the province has 45,657 rai of rambutan plantations (golden and school varieties) with total production of 106,906 tons, up 5%. Currently 50% of the harvest has reached the market, while golden rambutan production costs stand at 13.86 baht per kilogram. Early season prices were relatively strong and higher compared to the same period last year. However, prices have recently begun declining due to market factors and weather conditions, including Vietnamese market slowdown in purchasing due to economic conditions and competing fruits entering the market, giving consumers more options. Domestically, consumers prefer school rambutan while golden rambutan is mostly used for canned fruit processing. Additionally, recent continuous rainfall has caused some fruit to remain in orchards. The department has moved quickly to prevent further price declines that could impact farmers' incomes.

"The Interior Trade Department will work with the Provincial Commerce Office to closely monitor rambutan prices and production volumes to maintain price stability and promptly relieve farmers' hardship," Jirawut stated.

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Tourism

IconSiam Creates Global Collaboration Phenomenon, Partners with Headstand Entertainment

IconSiam will host Asia's first live stage show based on Snoop Dogg's animated series Doggyland on July 18-19, 2026, featuring a 90-minute performance with interactive activities and character meet-and-greets for families.

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IconSiam is hosting 'DOGGYLAND LIVE! IN BANGKOK 2026,' Asia's first live stage show based on hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg's hit animated series, on July 18-19 at IconSiam Hall, 7th Floor. The world-class riverside landmark is partnering with global entertainment partner Headstand Entertainment, Snoop Dogg, and Doggyland Productions to bring this spectacular show that will allow Thai and Asian fans to experience a complete live stage show for the first time in the region from July 18-19, 2026. This collaboration reflects IconSiam's commitment to creating diverse, meaningful world-class experiences for visitors of all generations, positioning itself as a destination for modern families seeking quality activities for children and shared moments of joy.

Doggyland is a popular educational animation series on YouTube for children created by world-renowned hip-hop legend Snoop Dogg, award-winning composer October London, and producer Claude Brooks. The series combines catchy songs, memorable melodies, dancing, and positive lessons that promote children's learning in fundamentals such as letters, numbers, colors, hygiene, good behavior, self-worth, and social skills through colorful animated dog characters that children love, making it one of the series that has captured families' hearts worldwide.

The arrival of 'DOGGYLAND LIVE! IN BANGKOK 2026' marks a new phenomenon in children's entertainment, presenting a complete live stage show that brings the animated world to life through a 90-minute performance filled with edutainment through hip-hop music and interactive activities bursting with color and positive energy. Thai and Asian fans will have the opportunity to sing along, dance, and have fun with beloved characters such as Bow Wizzle, Woofee, Yap Yap, Barks A Locks, and Chow Wow up close. Special highlights include VIP Meet & Greet experiences where VIP ticket holders can meet the adorable characters, take memorable photos, and receive exclusive souvenirs.

Beyond the stage performance, the event features numerous children's activities including fun activity zones, creative play areas, face painting, hair braiding, a family market, and family facilities such as nursing stations.

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National

TrueOnline Transforms from Home Internet to AI Smart Home with Launch of 'Amy,' Intelligent Home Assistant

TrueOnline launched 'TrueOnline Home Next,' combining home internet with AI-powered smart home technology and an intelligent assistant called 'Amy' that responds to Thai voice commands and controls thousands of connected devices. The move p

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TrueOnline has launched 'TrueOnline Home Next,' combining quality home internet, intelligent IoT devices, and AI technology with the TrueX Home Hub as the smart home control center, alongside 'Amy,' an intelligent home assistant.

On May 22, 2025, Thanapol Manavuddiwech, head of home connectivity management at True Corporation, stated that Thailand's home internet market is entering a significant transformation point. Although the user base reaches approximately 10.41 million with growth stabilizing at 1-2%, consumer demands have clearly shifted. Customers no longer seek only fast home internet but require solutions offering greater convenience, simplicity, safety, and mutual care.

'Modern homes are increasingly filled with IoT devices. According to the Digital 2025: Thailand report by We Are Social and Meltwater, Thailand's smart home market shows 12.3 million smart home devices already in Thai households. However, the technology remains complex to manage, requiring constant commands, settings adjustments, and manual control.'

TrueOnline identified an opportunity to elevate home internet to the next level, becoming Thailand's first AI Smart Home leader seamlessly integrating quality networks, intelligent IoT devices, and AI technology through the TrueX Home Hub. The 'TrueOnline Home Next: Homes that Care for Life' launch combines AI and smart home technology from TrueX partnering with Tuya, a world-leading AI IoT Cloud Platform provider, and T3 Technology, bringing world-class smart home technology to Thai households.

This creates a smart home experience that not only connects but genuinely cares for everyone's life in comfort, safety, and modern Thai lifestyle terms.

The TrueX Home Hub features 'Amy,' an intelligent assistant serving as everyone's trusted friend in the home. She responds to Thai voice commands and easily connects to various TrueX devices and over 3 million Tuya devices throughout Thailand.

Oliver Kittipong Viratetecha, head of brand and communications management, noted that the TrueOnline Home Next launch announces the positioning of Thailand's leading home internet provider no longer viewing itself as merely providing high-speed signals. Instead, it is ushering home internet into a new era where 'home' becomes not just a residence but a life-caring assistant for every family member through technology and AI. 'Amy,' the new intelligent assistant, reflects AI's role not merely as technology but as a close, understanding companion ready to support users daily.

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National

Young Man with Gardner Syndrome Develops Multiple Intestinal Tumors, Bowel Perforation; Treatment No Longer Possible

A Thai man with Gardner syndrome, a rare hereditary genetic disorder, has developed multiple intestinal tumors and bowel perforations eight months after diagnosis, with doctors indicating his condition is no longer treatable and survival un

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A TikTok user (@tonn16548) posted on May 22 to share his devastating experience with Gardner syndrome, a rare hereditary genetic disorder, expressing uncertainty about whether recovery is possible or where his medical journey will end. Now eight months into his diagnosis, he explains that both his small and large intestines have perforated due to tumors caused by his Gardner syndrome. He first discovered the condition after a blood test came back positive, following years of symptoms that began in childhood with the extraction of 13 impacted teeth from beneath his gums. His second major symptom was the development of abdominal tumors—one of which pushed against his intestines and caused the perforation. Doctors have warned that polyps in his large intestine carry a 100 percent risk of developing into colorectal cancer if left untreated. The initial symptoms of bowel perforation included sharp abdominal pain, dizziness, and audible sounds from his abdomen after eating, followed by vomiting and confusion so severe he couldn't communicate coherently at the hospital. Tracing back over a decade, his medical troubles began around age 15 when orthodontists discovered 13 impacted teeth requiring extraction. Four to five years later, his abdomen began swelling, prompting a doctor's visit and tissue biopsy. The swelling recurred and worsened, leading to multiple surgeries where doctors removed tumor masses but couldn't extract them completely, leaving behind fragments that continued to grow. He developed unexplained high fevers that persisted despite antibiotics, and his abdomen became severely bloated and distended. At Siriraj Hospital, doctors admitted him, drained approximately three liters of pus-and-blood mixture from his abdomen, and scheduled surgery. During the operation, doctors discovered a 27-centimeter-long, 15-centimeter-wide tumor mass, plus additional tumors on the back side of his abdomen that they removed simultaneously. The surgery damaged the abdominal wall muscle tissue, requiring him to wear a permanent covering over the surgical site to prevent his intestines from protruding if the skin were to split. Following surgery, CT scans revealed multiple new tumor growths throughout his abdomen, leading doctors to recommend chemotherapy. He underwent 12 rounds of chemotherapy, after which his genetic doctors ordered blood tests that confirmed Gardner syndrome diagnosis. The tumors in his large intestine continued growing and eventually ruptured. His doctors indicated he was unlikely to survive, yet he miraculously did. During his final chemotherapy sessions, CT scans showed the abdominal tumors were continuing to enlarge.

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Breaking

Guardiola Officially Announces Departure from Manchester City, Ending 10-Year Legend with the Club

Pep Guardiola ends his 10-year tenure at Manchester City after Sunday's final match against Aston Villa, during which he won 17 major titles with the Premier League club.

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Pep Guardiola, Manchester City's manager, has officially announced his departure from the club after this Sunday's final match. Guardiola has managed Manchester City for over 10 years, leading the team to 17 major titles during this decade-long tenure. The 55-year-old manager has now confirmed that his final game against Aston Villa at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday, May 24th, will be his last with the club. "Don't ask me for reasons why I'm leaving—there isn't really one, but deep down I know it's my time," Guardiola said. "Nothing lasts forever. If it did, I'd stay here. What will remain forever are the feelings, the people, the memories, and the love I have for Manchester City."

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Community

Young Man Transforms Ordinary Balloons into Spectacular Artwork, Earns Millions Despite Facing Ridicule

A 37-year-old Chinese artist has built a multi-million yuan business creating elaborate balloon sculptures after being inspired by a TV show, overcoming initial ridicule by developing techniques that keep his creations intact for weeks or m

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Sui Dengyong, a 37-year-old from Xiangyang in Hubei Province, China, has transformed ordinary balloons into spectacular artistic creations, generating substantial income with annual revenues exceeding 1 million yuan (around 4.8 million baht).

In his younger years, Sui worked in Guangzhou, starting as a factory employee before advancing to engineer. He initially planned to continue in this field indefinitely. However, in 2013, while watching a television program featuring contestants in balloon-made costumes, he became instantly fascinated with balloon art. He saw it as a low-cost venture with diverse growth potential.

He then used his savings of 30,000 yuan (approximately 140,000 baht) to travel to Henan Province for balloon art training. A month later, he returned to his hometown and opened a shop, launching his business venture seriously. Initially, however, nobody believed the business would succeed, with many questioning whether "blowing balloons could actually make money." But he refused to give up, starting by distributing flyers on the streets and pitching his services to wedding planning companies one by one, eventually securing clients for party decorations and various events.

In 2015, he expanded to other cities and began accepting commissions from shopping malls and large-scale events, attracting clients from diverse areas. A major turning point came in 2017 when he was invited to appear on renowned CCTV programs such as "Shining China" and "Golden 100 Seconds," making his work nationally recognized.

"After that, nobody looked down on me anymore," Sui Dengyong said.

Following the broadcast, orders flooded in from across the country, allowing him to surpass 1 million yuan in revenue. His largest project was creating a balloon art exhibition for a real estate development project in Zhejiang Province, valued at 600,000 yuan (approximately 2.8 million baht).

Sui revealed that the key to creating commercial value in his balloon work is developing techniques to extend durability. While ordinary balloons typically deflate within 3-4 days, his creations can maintain their condition from one week to three months through specialized techniques such as adjusting knot-tying methods to reduce air leakage points, using layered balloon techniques, and applying protective coatings for enhanced durability.

Through continuous innovation, his balloons have become commercial art used to decorate shopping malls, exhibitions, and numerous large-scale events. Over the years, he has won awards from several balloon art competitions and has trained over 4,000 balloon professionals across the country.

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National

Construction Materials Hit 44-Month High as Middle East Tensions Drive Costs Soaring

Construction material prices hit a 44-month high in April 2025, driven by Middle East tensions that spiked oil and energy costs across steel, cement, and concrete categories. Prices are expected to remain elevated through May as regional co

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Construction material prices have reached their highest level in 44 months, according to Nanthapong Jiralertpongse, director of the Office of Trade and Strategic Policy. The construction materials price index for April 2025 equaled 112.4 compared to April 2024, marking a 5.9% increase and the highest level in 44 months. The spike is a direct result of the prolonged Middle East conflict, which has driven up oil and energy prices, disrupting production and logistics chains for construction materials across nearly all categories.

Wood and wood products rose 1.0% due to increased costs for lumber, framing materials, doors, and windows, driven by higher raw material costs and transportation expenses tied to oil prices. The cement category increased 2.8% from rising Portland cement, blended cement, and ready-mix cement prices as energy costs surged from coal and natural gas, reflecting the energy-intensive nature of cement production. Concrete products jumped 5.6% due to increases in precast concrete slabs, beams, and ready-mix concrete as raw material and transportation costs climbed.

Steel and steel products rose 6.2% from higher prices for deformed steel bars, smooth steel bars, black steel pipes, and sheet piles, driven by increased raw material, energy, and shipping costs exacerbated by the Middle East tensions. Tile products increased 1.3% from rising prices for concrete roof tiles, transparent roofing sheets, and glazed floor tiles due to higher natural gas and raw material costs. Finishing materials climbed 0.7% as oil-based paint, acrylic paint, and interior and exterior coatings tracked higher petrochemical and solvent costs.

Sanitary ware was the sole category to decline, dropping 1.2% as ceramic basins, toilet bowls, and paper holders fell with the slowdown in the real estate sector, which faced stricter credit approval policies and high inventory levels. Electrical and plumbing equipment rose 4.9% from increased prices for THW cables, NYY power cables, VCT electrical wires, and street lights as copper, aluminum, and plastic pellet costs increased, alongside growing demand from government infrastructure projects. Other construction materials surged 15.8% largely due to rubber asphalt, a crude oil derivative, which spiked sharply as global crude oil prices and supply remained tight.

May 2025 construction material prices are expected to remain elevated compared to the same period last year due to the continuing Middle East conflict and high uncertainty from the Strait of Hormuz blockade. U.S. naval blockades aimed at pressuring Iran persist, and despite negotiation attempts, both sides have failed to reach agreement. This uncertainty continues to fuel volatile and rising oil and energy prices globally, driving up raw material and transportation costs for many construction materials, particularly those requiring high heat in production such as steel and cement.

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Weather

Meteorological Department Issues Weather Alert for 36 Provinces; Heavy Rain Expected Tomorrow with Risk of Flash Flooding

Thailand's Meteorological Department warns 36 provinces to expect heavy rain and potential flash flooding tomorrow, with the Andaman coastal and eastern regions facing particularly severe conditions from a southwestern monsoon system.

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The Thai Meteorological Department has warned 36 provinces to prepare for heavy rainfall tomorrow with risks of flash floods and flash flooding, particularly in foothill areas. The department's 24-hour forecast for May 22, 2025, indicates continued heavy rain in the northern, upper northeastern, central, Bangkok metropolitan, and southern regions, with particularly heavy rainfall expected in the Andaman coastal areas and eastern regions. The moderate southwestern monsoon combined with southeasterly and southeasterly winds bringing moisture from the South China Sea across Thailand's upper regions, along with a low-pressure system over northern Vietnam, is driving the weather pattern. Residents should take precautions against heavy and accumulated rainfall, which may cause flash floods and flash flooding, especially in foothill areas near water channels and low-lying areas. Health care should also be maintained during this period of weather changes.

Wind and sea conditions in the Andaman Sea and Gulf of Thailand are moderate, with waves approximately 2 meters high in the upper Andaman Sea and upper Gulf of Thailand, and 1-2 meter waves in the lower Andaman Sea and lower Gulf of Thailand. Where thunderstorms occur, waves exceed 2 meters. Sailors in these areas should navigate with caution and avoid areas with thunderstorms.

Weather forecast for Thailand from 6 PM today to 6 PM tomorrow:

Northern Region – Thunderstorms affecting 60% of the area with heavy rain in some places, particularly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lampoon, Nan, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, Phitsanulok, and Phetchabun provinces. Low temperature 23-25°C, high temperature 32-36°C. Southwest wind 10-20 km/h.

Upper Northeastern Region – Thunderstorms affecting 40% of the area with heavy rain in some places, particularly in Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Chaiyaphum, and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces. Low temperature 24-25°C, high temperature 33-36°C. Southwest wind 10-20 km/h.

Central Region – Thunderstorms affecting 70% of the area with heavy rain in some places, particularly in Nakhon Sawan, Lopburi, Saraburi, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Nakhon Pathom, Samut Songkhram, and Samut Sakhon provinces. Low temperature 25-26°C, high temperature 34-36°C. Southwest wind 10-20 km/h.

Eastern Region – Thunderstorms affecting 60% of the area with heavy to very heavy rain in some places, particularly in Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chachoengsao, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat provinces. Low temperature 25-27°C, high temperature 30-35°C. Southwest wind 20-35 km/h. Sea waves approximately 2 meters high, exceeding 2 meters where thunderstorms occur.

Southern Region (East Coast) – Thunderstorms affecting 60% of the area with heavy rain in some places, particularly in Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, and Surat Thani provinces. Low temperature 23-25°C, high temperature 33-36°C. Southwest wind 15-35 km/h. Sea waves 1-2 meters high offshore, approximately 2 meters, exceeding 2 meters where thunderstorms occur.

Southern Region (West Coast) – Thunderstorms affecting 70% of the area with heavy to very heavy rain in some places, particularly in Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, and Krabi provinces. Low temperature 23-25°C, high temperature 32-35°C. From Phuket northward: Southwest wind 20-35 km/h. Sea waves approximately 2 meters high, exceeding 2 meters where thunderstorms occur.

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National

Kris Jenner draws global attention to Thai sunscreen

Kris Jenner highlighted a Thai sunscreen product on Instagram, boosting international recognition of Thailand's beauty industry. The celebrity endorsement reflects growing consumer preference for effective skincare over luxury branding.

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BANGKOK — 22 May 2026, Kris Jenner has once again highlighted a Thai sunscreen product on Instagram, drawing fresh international attention to Thailand's beauty industry.

The Instagram story featured a sunscreen product from a Thai brand among Jenner's daily skincare items, further highlighting the growing reputation of Thai beauty products among international celebrities.

Industry observers said consumer behaviour in the beauty sector has increasingly shifted towards products known for their effectiveness and performance rather than luxury branding or high prices alone.

Jenner, who helped build the billion-dollar Kardashian-Jenner beauty empire, had previously generated buzz for Thai skincare after praising a Thai ultra-light facial sunscreen fluid, prompting online discussions among beauty consumers in Thailand and overseas.

Her newest Instagram story further reinforced support for Thai beauty innovation, this time featuring a serum-based sunscreen product designed for body care and sun protection.

Observers said the continued recognition of Thai sunscreen products by international celebrities reflected the growing competitiveness of Thai beauty brands alongside leading global skincare companies.

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National

Krung Thai Opens Service Points for Pao Tung and Tung Ngoen App Guidance on May 23-24

Krung Thai Bank is opening special service points May 23-24 to help customers enroll in the Thai Help Thai Plus program and learn how to use the Pao Tung and Tung Ngoen apps, with extended hours across multiple provincial branches.

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Krung Thai Bank is facilitating participation in the "Thai Help Thai Plus 60/40" program by opening special service points on May 23-24, 2025, offering enrollment and app guidance for Pao Tung and Tung Ngoen between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM. Customers interested in becoming Tung Ngoen merchants but lacking a Krung Thai account can open one at department store branch locations. Service point locations and hours are available at https://krungthai.com/th/krungthai-update/news-detail/3298. On Saturday, May 23, service points will operate from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at branches in Sakaeo, Phang Nga, Chai Nat, Uthai Thani, Phichit, Phayao, Narathiwat, Yala, Satun, Bueng Kan, and Si Sa Ket. On Sunday, May 24, service points will operate at Bueng Kan and Si Sa Ket branches only.

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National

Thai Disabled Sports Association Partners with South Korea to Develop Para Ice Hockey and Wheelchair Curling, Aiming for International Excellence

Thailand and South Korea signed a cooperation agreement to develop ice hockey and wheelchair curling for athletes with disabilities, aiming to elevate Thai teams to international and Paralympic competition levels.

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The Thai Disabled Sports Association under Royal Patronage, which oversees the Thai Ice Hockey and Wheelchair Curling Association for the Disabled, has signed a major Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Incheon Ice Hockey Association for the Disabled from South Korea. The signing ceremony was attended by Maitri Kongruang, President of the Thai Disabled Sports Association under Royal Patronage, along with Choi Lee Sun, Secretary-General of the Incheon Disabled Sports Association, Vashin Leesagul, President of the Thai Ice Hockey and Wheelchair Curling Association for the Disabled, and Joe Won Ho, Coach of the Incheon Disabled Ice Hockey Association. Athletes, personnel, and officials from both nations witnessed the historic agreement at the Thai Disabled Sports Association headquarters.

This collaboration marks a major milestone for Thai and South Korean disabled sports, designed to promote sustainable development of para ice hockey across all levels, enhance athlete potential, and elevate technical expertise among athletes, coaches, and officials. The partnership will include exchanges of playing techniques, training plans, and competition strategies. South Korea stands as one of the world's leading nations in Paralympic winter sports, making this cooperation an invaluable opportunity for Thai athletes to gain international experience and prepare for global competitions. The partnership also strengthens cultural ties and friendship between the two nations through sports.

Maitri Kongruang, President of the Thai Disabled Sports Association, stated that ice hockey and wheelchair curling for the disabled represent one of 27 sports managed by the association over the past 4-5 years. He acknowledged that these sports have not received substantial support previously, and Thai athletes' international performance has fallen short of expectations. However, with current backing from multiple sectors including South Korean sports associations, Kongruang expressed confidence that Thai ice hockey will develop continuously and achieve international success, particularly targeting qualification for the Winter Paralympic Games. Beyond athletic excellence, the association prioritizes athlete welfare and career development, ensuring financial stability for athletes and personnel.

Following the signing, Thai and South Korean athletes, officials, and coaches visited the Sports Science Training Center at the Thailand National Sports University in Huamark, touring upgraded fitness facilities with modern technology, physical fitness testing centers, sports medicine clinics, medical technology units, and performance enhancement facilities. They also reviewed Thailand's internationally-standardized sports science knowledge and management systems.

Additionally, a two-day friendly para ice hockey match titled "Friendly Match Para Ice Hockey 2026" was held between Thailand's national team and Incheon team on May 19 and 21, 2026 at the Thailand International Ice Hockey Arena.

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