Mukdahan province is taking concrete steps toward becoming a model wellness city following the Health Promotion Foundation's (สสส.) partnership with the province to organize 'The Iconic Run Fest Thailand Series 2026 – Run Mukdahan' for the second consecutive year under the 'Mukdahan Model' concept. The innovative 'Slow Run Rally' emphasizes developing a healthy city alongside community economics and green tourism, with high safety standards implemented through diverse physical activities over a full two-day program on May 9-10, 2026, receiving overwhelming support from residents, communities, and all stakeholders.

The event aims to propel Mukdahan toward becoming a 'sustainable wellness city' using festivals as a key mechanism to communicate the city's image, reflecting its environmental identity, culture, and potential while promoting prevention of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) through behavioral changes in reducing sugar, fat, and salt, as well as encouraging daily physical activity.

The first day of activities on May 9, 2026, attracted significant interest from the public and tourists through various programs including Race Pack Collection and BIB registration, Active Dance Contest for local youth, Healthy Workshops featuring green community markets, VIP Meets Communities markets, Welcome Performances by indigenous communities, Mukdahan Yoga Showcase at Klong River, CPR demonstration workshops, Sunset Active Dance, and Mekong Wellness Cuisine showcasing local dishes elevated to national health standards.

The highlight came on May 10, 2026, with the 'City Community Run' in the 8-kilometer Slow Run Rally format, starting and finishing at the Mukdahan Governor's Residence (old building) along the city's signature route. Participants passed through 11 community checkpoints, combining tourism, exercise, learning, and creative content creation in a single activity.

The event was graced by Krai Iamjula, Deputy Governor of Mukdahan Province, alongside Prappasri Bunyawisett, Chairman of the 5th Committee at สสส., Dr. Pairot Saonuam, Deputy Manager of สสส., and Niromol Rasri, Director of the Wellness Lifestyle Promotion Institute, among other officials who warmly sent off participants.

Participants received a 'Slow Run Rally Passport' to collect stamps from all 11 checkpoints through tasks involving seeking answers, taking selfies, collecting stamps, and sharing experiences on social media. Those completing all checkpoints received medals at the finish line, adding excitement and fun throughout the route.

All 11 checkpoints represent important landmarks in Mukdahan province, including City Pillar Shrine, Muk Street Art, the Five-Intersection Breakfast Street community area, Jao Uan Temple Shrine, Phai Thang Jia traditional pastry shop, and Srimung Temple.

After the Cabinet decided against Thailand hosting the 2030 Youth Olympic Games due to economic concerns, despite preparations reaching the final review stage of the International Olympic Committee, the KBU SPORT POLL—conducted by Kasetsart University's Center for Human Capital Development Innovation in partnership with the Sports Management Institute for Sports Organizations (WISDOM) and the B Bang Pakong page—surveyed public opinion on the "Bangkok Youth Olympic Games 2030 phenomenon." The survey was conducted online and via telephone interviews between May 6-8, 2025, with 1,219 respondents aged 18 and above from across the country, comprising 704 men (57.75%), 417 women (34.20%), and 98 LGBTQIA+ individuals (8.03%).

Regarding the government's withdrawal from hosting the 2030 Youth Olympic Games, 55.10% of respondents expressed regret, 28.90% were not bothered, 10.20% were indifferent, and 3.80% offered no opinion.

When asked about the consequences of withdrawing, 28.50% felt the country lost an opportunity to demonstrate its capabilities and readiness, 25.00% believed athletes and youth missed a chance to showcase their abilities, 23.11% thought foreign confidence in Thailand's ability to host international sports events in the future would diminish, 19.90% noted the country would lose potential revenue and added value, and 3.49% cited other reasons.

Regarding potential benefits had Thailand hosted the event, 27.00% cited elevating the country's international image, 23.10% mentioned stimulating the economy through tourism and job creation, 22.65% highlighted youth and public engagement, 14.50% pointed to international recognition, 10.70% mentioned infrastructure development and modernization, and 2.05% cited other benefits.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rattapong Bunnyanumart, Director of the Center for Human Capital Development Innovation, noted that the survey results reflect public regret over Thailand losing the opportunity to demonstrate its capabilities and enhance its international image while boosting tourism and employment. He emphasized that the decision represents a significant missed opportunity for Thai sports and the nation, and could potentially diminish international confidence in Thailand's ability to host international sporting events in the future.

Myanmar has captured international attention in the gemstone world following a remarkable discovery by mine workers in Mogok, Mandalay Region, who unearthed a colossal ruby weighing more than 11,000 carats—roughly 2.2 kilograms—making it the country's second-largest ruby on record. According to Myanmar media sources, the ruby was discovered in mid-April near Mogok, the epicenter of Myanmar's gemstone mining industry, an area currently engulfed in ongoing civil conflict and instability. Although this ruby weighs only about half as much as the legendary 21,450-carat ruby found in 1996, gemstone experts believe the newly discovered stone may command a higher value. This assessment is based on its exceptional characteristics: a high-quality purplish-red color with subtle yellow undertones, medium transparency, and a remarkably lustrous surface that has generated considerable interest in the global gemstone market. Myanmar stands as the world's leading ruby producer, responsible for approximately 90% of global ruby output, with the majority sourced from Mogok and Mong Hsu. The country's gemstone industry, however, has faced persistent scrutiny from human rights organizations, as revenues from both legitimate and illegal gem trading are regarded as a major funding mechanism for Myanmar's military government. The giant ruby was subsequently presented for inspection by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, chairman of Myanmar's military council, in Naypyidaw following the establishment of a new civilian government after elections widely criticized for lacking transparency.

The Thai Cycling Federation is moving forward with its development plan for the national short-track cycling team, sending athletes to compete in the Japan Track Cup in two consecutive rounds to accumulate world ranking points before relocating the team to China for intensive training ahead of the 20th Asian Games and Olympic 2028 qualifying attempts throughout 2026.

General Decha Hemkrasri, Vice President of the Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC), President of the ASEAN Cycling Confederation (ACF), and President of the Thai Cycling Association under Royal Patronage, revealed that the federation plans to prepare short-track cyclists for the 20th Asian Games in Japan while simultaneously competing in events to accumulate points for Olympic 2028 qualification in the United States throughout 2026.

After four months of training and competing in three major events—the 2026 Asian Track Cycling Championships in the Philippines, the 2026 UCI Track World Cup rounds in Hong Kong and Malaysia—Thailand's three short-track cyclists "TJ" Chai Angsuthasawin, "Naew" Noresarath Thada Bunma, and "Makham" Yuenyong Petchrattana have resumed their training immediately upon returning from Malaysia.

"In addition to planned training, the federation will send Noresarath Thada and Chai to the Japan Track Cup in Japan on May 14-17, competing in two preferred events: keirin and sprint," Hemkrasri explained. "These Class 1 competitions offer up to 200 points per event for each championship."

After the Japan competitions, the short-track team will continue training with middle-distance cyclists under "Lieutenant Colonel Bee" Chudathip Maniphon to prepare physically. The next phase involves the national team relocating to Taiyuan, China for 6-8 weeks of training in July and August on the same 250-meter wooden velodrome that will be used for the Asian Games. Athletes must return to Thailand by late August to compete in the Track Asia Cup 2026 on August 28-30, which serves as both world ranking point collection and a pre-Asian Games test. Track cycling at the 20th Asian Games will run September 29-October 2, followed by the UCI Track World Championships 2026 in Shanghai on October 14-18, both critical for securing Olympic 2028 quotas for Thai cyclists.

On May 10, 2025, Police Lieutenant Colonel Kongkrit Lertsitthikul, CIB commander, ordered Police Major Thanathat Sripipatana, Deputy Chief of CIB's 2nd Division, and other officers to coordinate with the Plant and Agricultural Material Control Office to raid a warehouse in Samut Prakan province after receiving tips about product sales through multiple online platforms.

Preliminary investigation found the advertising emphasized the product as "high-quality organic fertilizer" suitable for various commercial crops including durian, jackfruit, black pepper, oranges, watermelon, and mango. However, marketing content heavily focused on durian orchards following seasonal trends. The promotions used persuasive messaging about accelerating fruit ripening, increasing weight, boosting meat percentage, and improving product quality. Sales through social media featured presentations with supposed agricultural experts or experienced farmers endorsing the products to build credibility and persuade farmers to make purchases easily.

Officers then test-purchased the products through online channels before submitting samples for analysis by relevant agencies. Testing revealed the products were unregistered fertilizers under the law and likely counterfeit since they failed to undergo quality certification processes by state agencies.

The raid discovered 8 types of fertilizer products totaling approximately 17,400 units worth over 10 million baht. Products were sold at approximately 575 baht per container, with about 300 orders shipped daily from the distribution point. During the search, officers also found numerous Thai-language label stickers prepared for application to product packaging before distribution to the public through online channels.

Investigation also revealed that order management and partial product delivery operations were conducted by a group of Vietnamese nationals. Officers are expanding investigations to determine additional connections.

Analysis of all seized products confirmed they were "unregistered" under fertilizer law, meaning they had not undergone formula inspection, component verification, or quality standard checks by state agencies and legally qualify as "counterfeit fertilizer." Producing, selling, or importing counterfeit fertilizer is prohibited and carries penalties of five to fifteen years imprisonment and fines of 200,000 to 2 million baht under the Fertilizer Act (No. 2), 2550 BE.

Following this, criminal complaints will be filed with CIB's investigation division to prosecute those responsible according to law.

No One Else brought their signature romantic hits to a sold-out crowd at "Mama Presents No One Else Symphonique," a special orchestral rendition of their beloved songs performed in collaboration with Mahidol University's College of Music. The concert at Mahidol Sithakarn Hall featured over 72 musicians from the Thailand Philharmonic Pops Orchestra conducting the reimagined arrangements, led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanapol Setaprahan.

The venue was filled with devoted fans and colleagues from SPICYDISC record label, including label executives and fellow artists. Before the show began, the organizers provided merchandise and food stations for fans to enjoy. When the hall doors opened, the three-member band—Cook and Natty—took the stage in formal suits, opening with "This Year You Won't Be Lonely Anymore" before launching into emotional favorites like "Still Can't Forget," "The Collector," and "We'll Meet Again Someday."

The setlist seamlessly transitioned between poignant ballads and sweeter love songs, including "The Clock Hands Turn Together" and "You're Like Morning Coffee." Natty captivated the audience with solo guitar performances during several numbers. The highlight was Natty's solo rendition of "Every Love Song From Now On Will Only Be Yours," which gained even greater emotional depth with the orchestral arrangements.

During the intermission, all three band members performed together with crowd favorites like "Should We Go Back." The second half showcased duets and special performances, including a duet with Ploy from the band HERS on an emotional ballad. No One Else delivered an extensive medley of their hits, closing with romantic favorites like "Someone I Don't Know Yet," "Maybe It's Called Love," and "Just Having You Is My Good Fortune." The concert concluded with a comprehensive setlist that left fans emotional and satisfied, with many pledging to remember this orchestral experience for years to come.