National

Gold Prices Today, May 15, 2026: Volatile Swings Throughout the Morning, Continues to Drop by 1,400 Baht

Gold prices plummeted by 1,400 baht on May 15, 2026, with ornamental gold trading at 71,350 baht per baht weight, according to the Gold Traders Association. The significant drop has prompted gold traders to predict a potential surge of 1,000-2,000 baht per baht at tomorrow's market opening. Global gold spot prices remain at 4,616.00 US dollars per ounce.

4d ago Khaosod

The Gold Traders Association announced today, May 15, 2026, that gold prices have dropped sharply and continuously, urging quick decision-making. Ornamental gold is selling at 71,350 baht per baht weight, representing a 1,400 baht decline compared to the previous day's closing on May 14. According to the latest information released by the Gold Traders Association at 1:07 PM, gold bars are selling at 70,550 baht per baht weight in their 23rd announcement. For 96.5% ornamental gold, the buying price is 68,947.68 baht per baht and selling price is 71,350 baht per baht, while the global gold spot price (Gold Spot) stands at 4,616.00 US dollars per ounce. Gold traders predict the market will open tomorrow with gold prices potentially surging by 1,000-2,000 baht per baht, possibly breaking through the 80,000 baht level.

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Tourism

One Bite and Your Heart Skips! Japan Serves Up 'Wasp Crackers' - Strange Snack or Life-Changing Challenge?

Japan's Omachi city in Nagano Prefecture has created an unusual snack called Jibachi Senbei—crackers made with whole dried wasps baked into the dough. While the wasp species is safe to eat and protein-rich, the snack has become famous primarily for its shocking appearance and distinctive fishy smell, attracting curious tourists seeking unique local delicacies.

4d ago Khaosod

Jibachi Senbei, or 'wasp crackers,' has become one of Japan's most unusual foods, gaining significant attention since the mid-2010s, originating from Omachi in Nagano Prefecture. The snack was born from a local earthen wasp enthusiast club called 'Omachi Jibachi Aikokai,' which partnered with a local bakery to create a treat reflecting the true identity of these insects. The result is a cracker with whole dried wasps (Vespa flaviceps species) visibly embedded in the dough—a safe, high-protein edible insect that doubles as a striking visual oddity. While the protein content is impressive compared to other edible insects, the main draw is the shock factor of seeing whole wasps on the cracker. Taste-wise, the crackers have a distinctive fish-like smell, while the dried wasps themselves provide a texture resembling burnt raisins, making it an unconventional eating experience. The production process involves skilled locals catching and boiling the wasps before sun-drying them, then sending them to local bakeries for mixing into dough and baking into crackers. Today, Jibachi Senbei can be found at local markets and gourmet shops in Omachi, remaining a popular novelty item that many tourists intentionally seek out to try at least once.

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National

DITP Launches Push into Chinese Fruit Market as Thai Commerce Attachés Join Live-Streaming Sales on PUPU App, Targeting 100 Million Baht in Revenue

Thailand's commerce attachés in Xiamen achieved a major breakthrough in promoting Thai fruits on China's popular PUPU online supermarket, generating 1.33 million baht in sales within one hour through live-streaming of durian and mangosteen. The Department of International Trade Promotion is expanding this successful strategy across seven Chinese cities, targeting 100 million baht in total campaign revenue and positioning Thailand as a leading tropical fruit producer in the Chinese market.

4d ago Khaosod

Thai commerce attachés in Xiamen achieved remarkable success in a live-streaming sales event on China's PUPU online supermarket app on May 10, generating 1.33 million baht in sales within just one hour by promoting Thai durian and mangosteen. The campaign is projected to reach a total of 100 million baht, with the DITP continuing to organize promotional activities across seven cities throughout China.

Sunanta Kangvalkulgit, Director-General of the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) under the Ministry of Commerce, revealed that DITP has instructed its overseas trade promotion offices and commercial attachés in major fruit export target markets to accelerate market expansion for Thai fruits in alignment with Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Suthammaphand's policy directives.

The Xiamen trade promotion office reported outstanding success from the promotional campaign on PUPU, with Chinese consumers showing strong and sustained interest in purchasing Thai fruits. Products featured in the promotion include durian, mangosteen, coconut, longan, pomelo, rice, bottled coconut milk, frozen durian, pork belly rice, instant noodles, tapioca flour, seasoned seaweed, and cosmetics. The platform also offered special Mother's Day discount coupons, with preliminary sales reaching over 280,000 yuan (approximately 1.33 million baht) in just one hour.

During the May 10 event, Xiamen's commerce attachés conducted live-streaming sales with key opinion leaders (KOLs), providing information about Thai fruit cultivation sources and quality standards while demonstrating how to peel durian and mangosteen to guarantee quality. They answered viewer questions about Thai fruit seasons and promoted Thailand's frozen and processed durian products. KOLs then rotated live-streaming Thai products throughout the day and continued promoting durian, mangosteen, and other Thai goods throughout the month.

The PUPU platform indicated that Thai products were already popular with consumers before the promotion, and the marketing campaign has further boosted consumer confidence in Thai goods. With this year's high-quality Thai durian harvest and satisfied customers, sales of durian, mangosteen, and other Thai products are expected to reach the campaign target of approximately 100 million baht upon completion.

PUPU is an online supermarket platform selling daily consumer goods, both imported and local products, through a mobile application with home delivery service. It operates across major cities in Guangdong Province and nearby areas including Xiamen, Fuzhou, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Wuhan, Chengdu, and Sichuan, serving 30 million regular customer accounts, with 4.5 million accounts concentrated in Guangdong Province alone.

All seven Thai trade promotion offices in China are actively conducting promotional campaigns for Thai fruits during the current harvest season, working to reinforce Thailand's image as a producer of tropical fruits and boost consumer awareness and consumption of Thai fruits in the Chinese market.

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National

Quick Check: 9 Dangerous Warning Signs of Breast Cancer – Seek Medical Help Immediately, Men Can Get It Too

Dr. Oak presents nine critical warning signs of breast cancer requiring immediate medical attention, noting that one Thai woman is diagnosed every 30 minutes. The post explains cellular mechanisms behind breast cancer development, including estrogen dominance and liver dysfunction, along with a five-minute self-examination guide. Dr. Oak also recommends specific vitamins and lifestyle modifications supported by research to reduce cancer risk.

4d ago Khaosod

Dr. Suphruek Vicharanyan, known as Dr. Oak and creator of the 'Dr. Oak DoctorSixpack' page, has shared educational content about breast cancer, identifying 9 dangerous warning signs. Current statistics reveal that every 30 minutes, one Thai woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, and every 2 hours, one person dies from this disease.

Dr. Oak breaks down the cellular-level understanding of what causes breast cancer, how to self-examine, and what lifestyle adjustments can help prevent it.

**Cellular-Level Insight: Why Are Women Today at Higher Risk?**

Beyond the common knowledge about avoiding obesity and alcohol, lifestyle medicine requires understanding cellular mechanisms.

**Estrogen Dominance:** This is the primary fuel for breast cancer. When people gain weight and accumulate abdominal fat, fat cells produce the enzyme 'Aromatase,' which converts male hormones into female hormones (estrogen), continuously stimulating abnormal cell division in breast tissue. This explains why overweight men with belly fat can also develop breast cancer.

**Liver Dysfunction:** Excessive alcohol or fructose consumption causing fatty liver disease impairs the liver's ability to eliminate excess estrogen, causing hormones to accumulate in the bloodstream and continuously stimulate breast tissue.

**Genetics (BRCA1/BRCA2):** These genes normally repair damaged DNA. If mutated genes are inherited, the body cannot repair itself properly, making breast cells 80% more susceptible to cancerous mutations than in people without these mutations.

**5-Minute Self-Examination Guide (Perform 5-7 Days After Menstruation)**

Breasts are least tender during this period, making lumps easier to detect accurately. Follow these three positions:

**Position 1 - Mirror Check:** Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and observe breast size, shape, and skin color for dimpling, wrinkles, or orange-peel texture. Raise your arms to check for any sagging.

**Position 2 - Shower Check:** Use soap for easier palpation. Raise the arm on the side being examined and use your index, middle, and ring fingertips to feel in circular motions across the entire breast, extending to the armpit area where lymph nodes are located.

**Position 3 - Lying Position:** Place a pillow under the shoulder being examined. In this position, breast tissue spreads flat, allowing you to feel deeper for hidden lumps by pressing in circular motions down to the rib cage.

**9 Dangerous Warning Signs – Seek Medical Help If You Notice Any:**

1. Hard, immobile lumps that don't hurt (cancer is often painless in early stages) 2. Dimpled or tight skin as if being pulled from inside 3. Inverted nipple 4. Clear or bloody discharge from the nipple without squeezing 5. Thickened, rough skin resembling 'orange peel' 6. Red, itchy, or inflamed skin with rash around the nipple that won't go away 7. Noticeably different breast sizes that develop rapidly 8. Lumps in the armpit 9. Unusual persistent breast pain unrelated to menstrual cycle

**Cellular-Level 'Secret Weapon' to Prevent Breast Cancer (Dr. Oak's Recommendation)**

Beyond weight reduction, alcohol cessation, and sugar reduction, Dr. Oak recommends cellular-level interventions with solid research support that modify the body's environment to prevent cancer growth.

**Vitamin D3 + K2 (MK-7):** The first-line anti-cancer hormone. These vitamins are prohormones synthesized from sunlight and work together synergistically.

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National

Japan Announces 2026 World Cup Squad – Mitoma Left Out

Japan has confirmed its 2026 World Cup roster, notably excluding injured Brighton striker Kaoru Mitoma. The Samurai Blue will face the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia in Group F during the summer tournament. The full squad has been announced with goalkeepers, defenders, and outfield players selected for the upcoming competition.

4d ago Khaosod

Japan has unveiled its squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with injured Brighton forward Kaoru Mitoma notably absent from the roster. Japan will compete in Group F this summer alongside the Netherlands, Sweden, and Tunisia. The Samurai Blue recently announced their tournament squad, which excludes Kaoru Mitoma, the Brighton striker who recently sustained an injury in a match against Wolverhampton. The complete squad includes: Goalkeepers: Tomoki Hayakawa, Sion Suzuki, Keisuke Osako; Defenders: Yuto Nagatomo, Shogo Taniguchi, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Go Itakura, Tsuyoshi Watanabe, Hiroki Ito, Junnosuke Suzuki, Ayumu Seko, Yuganari Sugawara; Midfielders/Forwards: Daichi Kamada, Kaichu Sano, Ao Tanaka, Wataru Endo, Keto Nakamura, Ritsu Doan, Junya Ito, Takefusa Kubo, Yuito Suzuki, Ayase Ueda, Goki Okawa, Daisen Maeda, Kento Shioji, Keisuke Goto

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National

MPs Concerned Pheu Thai's New Constitution Draft Could Be Worse Than Current One, Warn Anutin Against Blocking Reform With 21 Million Referendum Votes

Thai lawmakers expressed serious concerns on May 15 that the government's proposed constitutional amendment could be worse than the current charter rather than more democratic. They invoked the 21 million referendum votes supporting Article 112 amendment reform as a clear public mandate, warning that if those voters took to the streets, they would overflow from Ratchadamnoen Avenue to Government House. The MPs called on Prime Minister Anutin to respect the referendum and support dismantling mechanisms that obstruct democratic governance.

4d ago Khaosod

MPs expressed uncertainty on May 15, 2569 whether the government's new constitution draft would be worse than the current one, citing the 21 million referendum votes as a powerful mandate. If those 21 million people took to the streets of Ratchadamnoen, their feet would overflow all the way to Government House, lawmakers warned. At the parliamentary session chaired by Sophon Saramay, MP Seksakit Yaemsongwansak from Bangkok of the Pheu Thai Party expressed concern about the proposed constitutional amendment prepared by the ruling coalition, saying he was uncertain whether the new draft would contain democratic principles or be even worse than the current charter. He noted that during the constitution-making process, Pheu Thai deliberately disconnected the drafting committee from the public, even in indirect election mechanisms, and attempted to route final approval back through parliament with only one-third Senate votes needed for passage in the future. Seksakit criticized the 2560 Constitution for creating mechanisms that oppose democracy through the Constitutional Court and independent agencies that used legal suppression against progressive political movements while restraining democratic forces. He emphasized that the 21 million referendum votes represent genuine sovereign power belonging to all Thai people, exceeding the combined election votes of the top two political parties, and constitute cross-party political will. Stating that 21 million voices equal 21 million pairs of feet that would flood Ratchadamnoen Avenue if they marched, he called on the prime minister to respect the referendum results and cooperate in dismantling anti-democratic mechanisms without obstruction.

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National

Yam Matira Launches Cosmetics Brand Business; Six-Year Relationship with Bot Nadol Includes Marriage Discussion

Thai actress Yam Matira has transitioned from traditional television work to become an online entrepreneur, launching her cosmetics brand called Sun Dream. The actress also revealed she's been in a six-year relationship with boyfriend Bot Nadol, with the couple having discussed marriage plans, while remaining open to select acting opportunities if the right roles come along.

4d ago Khaosod

Yam Matira Tantipresuit, who took a break from television screens, updated her life status at a press meet-and-greet event for the drama series 'Payak Rai Song Lai' at Malinont Building. She shared her new path as an online entrepreneur and cosmetics brand owner that she's fully committed to, and opened up about her relationship with Bot Nadol, her long-time boyfriend outside the entertainment industry, whom she's been dating for over six years, along with future plans and marriage discussions.

"I've been away for quite a while," she explained. "Over the past 2-3 years, I've been doing more streaming series work rather than traditional TV. Recently, I've shifted to online content on TikTok and now have my own business."

Asked about her business name and type, she replied: "It's called Sun Dream, a cosmetics brand. We just launched recently."

"We're already selling now, but the actual production process took quite a long time—about a year," she added.

Has she fully transformed into an influencer and entrepreneur? "Yes, I'm a full-time business owner now, and it's really fun," she said. "During COVID, many people shifted to online businesses, and we found a new path that we really enjoy. When I post videos, it's authentic—showing what I do, my makeup, where I eat, where I travel. It's very easy."

How different is this life from being an actress? "It's quite different. I actually miss it—I miss waking up early to go to film sets. But this is a new path as I've matured."

Is she now a freelance actress? "Yes, I've been freelance for about 2-3 years since after COVID."

Would she consider signing with an agency again? "I'm very okay right now because I have the freedom to do whatever I want. If the right opportunity comes along, I'd still like to do drama series."

Is she completely closed off to acting work for sales only? "No, I'm not closing the door on acting entirely. If the script is right, at the right time, I can still take on roles."

Is she currently working on any drama projects? "Not at the moment because I want to focus on one thing at a time. Otherwise, the quality won't be good."

Is the business focused only on online sales? "Yes, primarily on TikTok and Shopee."

Does she do TikTok live streams often? "Not very often. Occasionally, depending on my schedule, but I have a talented team member who helps with the live streams."

Are the products available on TikTok Shop? "Yes, they're on TikTok Shop with clips tagged to the cart, and also on regular Shopee."

How does she feel about the current trend of celebrities selling products, and does this brand come from her own passion? "It comes from very high personal passion," she said. "If you watch my TikTok, you'll see I'm constantly posting makeup content. I've always loved makeup, though I'm not the best at it. So I created products that suit me—colors and products that are easy to use. That's how this business came about."

Does she think this era is suitable for pursuing careers beyond acting? "It's an opportunity to try new things," she reflected. "I've always wanted to have my own business. When I thought about what my passion was and considering the timing, everything aligned perfectly, and this is what emerged."

How's the market response? "It's okay, but cosmetics have intense competition. It's something that requires time and perseverance. I don't want instant fame that disappears. I want this to be sustainable for the long term."

Does she feel discouraged given how challenging business is in this era? "It is challenging, but I'm not discouraged yet since we just started. I have dreams of taking this brand far and keeping it going for a long time."

For those missing her acting work, there's the drama series 'Payak Rai Song Lai'...

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Tourism

Zhao Lu Siyu Showcases Hotel Room Items, Chinese Netizens Prepare 'Must-Buy Souvenirs' Checklist

Chinese influencer Zhao Lu Siyu's hotel room photos featuring Thai-branded fragrance products have triggered a viral buying trend among her Weibo followers, making the items a must-have souvenir for Chinese tourists visiting Thailand. The endorsement has significantly boosted interest in Thai brands and created a new economic opportunity for the country's cosmetics and fragrance industry. The product featured, Reunrom, is now sought after by international travelers as an authentic Thai souvenir certified by a global celebrity.

4d ago Khaosod

Fans of Chinese influencer Zhao Lu Siyu are adding Thai fragrance products to their souvenir shopping lists after she displayed them in her hotel room. The post has sparked a buying frenzy on Weibo, with followers declaring these items essential purchases to bring back home from Thailand. The viral moment is driving significant economic momentum for Thai brands targeting Chinese tourists.

Zhao Lu Siyu's casual hotel room photos showing Thai-branded fragrance products have become an unofficial recommendation guide for Chinese travelers. Her Weibo followers have flooded the comments insisting they must purchase the same scents on their next Thailand visit. This surge in interest demonstrates how influencer endorsements can rapidly boost exports of Thai products.

The fragrance featured is Reunrom, now positioned as the ultimate Thai souvenir endorsed by an international celebrity. For those wanting the exact product Zhao Lu Siyu uses, the brand is readily available at department store counters, offering visitors a tangible connection to both the influencer and Thai consumer culture.

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Regional

Cambodia Releases Thai Man Detained Near Border

Cambodian authorities have released Thai man Yot Sainoi, known as "Uncle Yot," and returned him to Thailand through coordinated border committee efforts. The 58-year-old had illegally crossed into Cambodia in April and was detained on charges of illegal entry and military area trespassing before being prosecuted in Oddar Meanchey province. His return marks a positive example of bilateral cooperation between Thailand and Cambodia in managing border security issues.

4d ago Khaosod

SURIN — Cambodian authorities have released a Thai man known as "Uncle Yot" and returned him to Thailand following coordination between Thai and Cambodian regional border committees, officials said on Friday.

Maj. Gen. Nid Narong, deputy chief of staff of Cambodia's Border Protection Force 4 and head of the Cambodian Regional Border Committee (RBC), contacted Thailand's 2nd Army Region on Thursday regarding the repatriation of Yot Sainoi, known as "Uncle Yot."

The handover occurred at Chong Sa-ngam border checkpoint in Phu Sing district of Sisaket province around 11:00 on May 15. Maj. Gen. Kampanat Waphansu, chief of staff of the 2nd Army Region and head of the Thai RBC delegation, received the 58-year-old Thai national from Cambodian officials.

Officals confirmed that Yot was in good health with no visible signs of injury.

The 2nd Army Region stated the return was achieved through close coordination between Thailand's 2nd Army Region and Cambodia's Border Protection Force 4 under the RBC mechanism, which both sides praised as a positive demonstration of ongoing bilateral cooperation aimed at reducing tensions along the Thai-Cambodian border.

Yot, a resident of Prasat district in Surin province, had been reported missing by his family after entering a forest area near the Thai-Cambodian border in Kab Choeng district on April 25. Thai authorities discovered his abandoned motorcycle near the forest edge and initiated a joint search operation with security agencies.

Following discussions with Cambodian officials, Thai authorities learned that Yot had illegally crossed into Cambodia and was arrested by Cambodian forces. He was prosecuted in Oddar Meanchey province for illegal entry and trespassing in a military area, and was held in a provincial prison before his release.

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National

MIXUE turns to Win Metawin as it expands Thai youth appeal

Chinese bubble tea chain MIXUE is expanding its reach in Thailand through celebrity partnerships and community engagement, featuring Thai actor Win Metawin in promotional events. The brand has combined marketing efforts with social initiatives including flood relief donations and visits to special education centers. This strategy reflects a broader trend of international brands building deeper cultural connections with Thai youth consumers who increasingly value meaningful local engagement over aggressive advertising alone.

4d ago Khaosod

BANGKOK — 15 May 2026, Chinese bubble tea and ice cream chain MIXUE is expanding its presence in Thailand by combining celebrity-driven marketing with community outreach efforts, including a recent event featuring Thai actor Win Metawin Opas-iamkajorn.

As competition in Thailand's beverage and lifestyle market intensifies, international consumer brands are increasingly seeking ways to build stronger local connections beyond rapid branch expansion and online visibility. Industry observers say younger Thai consumers are paying closer attention to whether brands engage meaningfully with local culture and communities, rather than relying solely on aggressive marketing campaigns.

MIXUE, which entered Thailand in 2022, has steadily expanded across major cities including Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Phuket. Alongside its commercial growth, the company has also participated in several local social initiatives over the past year.

During severe flooding in southern Thailand last year, MIXUE Thailand donated 1 million baht to support relief efforts in affected communities. Earlier this year, company representatives also visited the Nakhon Nayok Special Education Centre, which operates under Thailand's Ministry of Education, where drinks and gifts were distributed to students and teachers.

More recently, the company organized a "One-Day Store Manager" event at its Siam Square branch in Bangkok on 9 May, featuring actor Win Metawin. Large crowds gathered at the event, reflecting both the actor's popularity and the growing role celebrity engagement plays in Thailand's youth-focused consumer market.

Rather than functioning purely as a product promotion, the event centred on customer interaction and social media engagement. Win took part in drink preparation, interacted with customers, and joined staff in routine store activities throughout the day.

This type of campaign has become increasingly common as brands compete for visibility among younger consumers who value experience-driven engagement and online shareability.

Thailand's youth market has become particularly important for international brands seeking long-term growth, especially as younger consumers increasingly expect companies to demonstrate awareness of local culture and social issues alongside commercial expansion.

MIXUE's partnership with Win Metawin reflects a broader strategy of embedding itself more deeply within Thai youth culture, including through university-oriented promotions, online campaigns, and entertainment partnerships.

While many foreign brands previously emphasized their international image when entering Thailand, consumer expectations are shifting toward brands that appear more locally engaged and culturally aware.

The company has indicated it plans to continue investing in local marketing partnerships, youth-oriented campaigns, and social initiatives as it expands further in Thailand. In an increasingly competitive consumer landscape, long-term success may depend not only on pricing but on genuine engagement with local communities and culture.

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National

Bangkok governor set to resign ahead of re-election run

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt is expected to resign before officially launching his re-election campaign, with his candidacy registration planned for late May 2026.

4d ago Khaosod

BANGKOK — 15 May 2026, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt is expected to submit his resignation ahead of launching a bid for a second term, local media reported. The resignation letter is expected to be filed with Thailand's Interior Ministry before Chadchart formally re-enters the Bangkok gubernatorial race. Officials at Bangkok Metropolitan Administration headquarters said Chadchart was absent from a scheduled briefing on revisions to the city's comprehensive urban development plan, with Deputy Governor Wisanu Subsompon appearing in his place. When asked whether the governor's absence was linked to plans to resign before the end of his term, Wisanu said Chadchart had multiple engagements. Wisanu declined to confirm whether he would remain part of Chadchart's administration if the governor wins another term, saying Chadchart had yet to formally announce his candidacy. According to reports, Chadchart plans to travel to the United States after resigning to visit his son and attend celebrations marking his graduation. One of Chadchart's campaign slogans is "Invite you to work, to make the city work". He is expected to officially register his candidacy and unveil his deputy governors and campaign team on 28 May 2026. Officials said Chadchart's resignation would automatically dissolve the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's political executive team, including deputy governors, advisers and secretaries. During the transition period until a new governor is elected, the Bangkok permanent secretary, as the city's highest-ranking civil servant, will oversee the administration. City officials are also expected to finalise Bangkok's 2027 fiscal budget proposal worth 93 billion baht before the new governor takes office and submits it to the Bangkok Metropolitan Council for approval.

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