The Ministry of Industry is moving forward to support Thai entrepreneurs facing global economic challenges by launching the second round of "Tiger with Wings" and "Strong Foundation" credit programs through the SME Development Fund, injecting a combined 1.5 billion baht. These initiatives aim to maintain business liquidity and equip enterprises with innovation tools to achieve sustainable growth amid regional economic crisis.

Nathapol Rangsitpol, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Industry and chair of the SME Development Fund, explained that Thailand's industrial and economic sectors are facing unavoidable challenges from global economic conditions, particularly the Middle East conflict driving up crude oil prices, which directly and indirectly impacts Thai manufacturing, trade, and exports.

Following the policy of Industry Minister Varawut Silpaarcha, who prioritizes supporting small and medium-sized enterprises as the country's foundation, the ministry aims to enhance SME competitiveness and maintain quality standards under crisis conditions, emphasizing sustainability and transition to new economy industries. The "Tiger with Wings" program will inject capital to encourage adaptation by applying innovation and technology to reduce costs, while the "Strong Foundation" program will serve as business protection, strengthening liquidity for entrepreneurs to maintain operations.

The SME Development Fund is fully prepared with over 1.5 billion baht divided into two programs: "Tiger with Wings" Round 2 with 1 billion baht ceiling, offering loans up to 15 million baht per applicant at fixed interest rates of 3-5% annually for innovation and technology investments; and "Strong Foundation" Round 2 with 500 million baht ceiling, offering loans up to 5 million baht per applicant at fixed rates of 5-7% annually to maintain business liquidity.

Applications are open from today until June 30, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. Interested entrepreneurs can apply online or contact the SME Development Fund office, provincial industry offices, or the Thai Small and Medium Enterprises Development Bank (SME Bank) nationwide.

A viral photo emerged after couple Kao Jirayut Lao-ong Manee and Vee Violet Wattier recreated a sweet hugging pose with couple Goy Oracha and Tim Pita, prompting fans to tease them online.

On May 5, 2026, both couples opened up at a premiere event for the horror film franchise "Term 4" at Sahamongkol Film International (Phahon Yothin Soi 2). Vee emphasized it was just a fun moment during a live stream with friends. She noticed Goy and Tim had posted birthday photos, so she jokingly recreated the pose. Kao admitted he was confused and didn't know beforehand—he was just asked to hug and complied.

When asked if they usually embrace that way, Kao laughed: "Not really. We barely touch. We say 'I love you' from eight meters away." He revealed this was the closest they'd stood in 10 years, despite knowing each other for 8 years. Vee joked about his reserved nature but insisted Kao is actually quite romantic in his own way—he's caring and attentive, especially during emotional filming scenes.

Kao's idea of romance is more practical: calling taxis for Vee. This led to today's playful conflict—he called her a taxi that morning but forgot to pay, leaving Vee humorously "angry" though not genuinely upset. "It's more of a teasing anger," she clarified.

The couple, together for 8 years, recently started moving into their new home, which features numerous decorative lights. Kao joked he needs half an hour to turn them all off before bed. Despite needing to adjust to each other's differences, their love remains strong and stable. Vee confirmed she truly loves him, while Kao expressed his philosophy: "Having something is always better than having nothing." He's drawn to Vee's genuine, straightforward nature, which makes their relationship comfortable and unpredictable-free.

School uniform sales are experiencing a sharp decline as parents reduce purchases ahead of the new school term in mid-May. A uniform retailer in Nakhon Ratchasima reported noticeably fewer customers, despite prices remaining unchanged so far.

Store owners attribute this year's slump to the lingering economic downturn, compounded by expensive fuel costs and geopolitical instability that have driven up prices across all goods, significantly raising the cost of living. As a result, households are implementing strict cost-cutting measures, especially as school opens.

Families are adopting different strategies to cope. Beyond tuition and educational materials, many face additional expenses when children advance to a new grade level, necessitating new uniforms. This year, many families are purchasing fewer uniforms—reducing from the typical four sets to just two or three. For children remaining in the same grade level, parents may only buy one or two new sets, or if old uniforms still fit properly and show minimal wear, they simply reuse them. Some families are taking old uniforms to tailors to have them enlarged or altered.

Shop owners are appealing to the government to intervene and provide relief to parents and guardians, helping families navigate through the current economic crisis.

At 12:30 p.m. on May 5, 2025, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Interior Minister announced the cabinet's decision to terminate MOU 44, the 25-year-old memorandum of understanding between Thailand and Cambodia regarding overlapping continental shelf claims. Anutin clarified that the termination is not related to disputes with Cambodia but rather reflects the government's policy decision, as the agreement has made no progress toward resolution. Thailand will reference international maritime law and UNCLOS, which both countries recognize as signatories, to guide future negotiations.

When asked about Cambodia's concerns that termination could escalate disputes, Anutin said he would need to consult with Cambodian leadership. He noted that no formal negotiations have yet begun and cautioned against making premature assumptions about their impact. Following termination, any new discussions would likely result in a different framework, potentially "MOU 70" rather than MOU 44.

Anutin confirmed that while the termination takes effect today, Thailand must formally notify Cambodia before sending official documentation. Regarding the upcoming 48th ASEAN Summit in the Philippines, he stated that meetings with Cambodia are inevitable but expressed no concern, reaffirming the government's commitment to "Thailand First" and protecting Thai interests. On border security concerns, Anutin assured the public that military forces are maintaining full vigilance along the Thai-Cambodian border, with the security situation actually improving based on weekly military briefings.

On May 5, 2026 at 13:35 at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprasoet announced that the cabinet has approved a 400 billion baht borrowing decree. After publication in the Royal Gazette on May 14th, the decree must go before parliament and be subject to a project screening committee chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Finance Ministry. The framework emphasizes transparency and information disclosure, with all projects requiring cabinet approval.

When asked whether the borrowing decree would fund the Thai Helping Thai Plus program, Ekniti confirmed it is one project aligned with the objectives of assisting citizens and entrepreneurs, with funding coming partly from this source and partly from a budget reallocation law. He stated the government would gradually borrow funds rather than taking a lump sum to avoid accumulating costs.

Regarding the number of beneficiaries, Ekniti said authorities are still considering the details but preliminary budget projections suggest approximately 30 million entitlements. This number should be sufficient, as previous programs achieved a maximum of 28 million beneficiaries. The question of whether beneficiaries must be over 18 years old requires further review. Registration for state welfare card holders is expected to open simultaneously by late May.

SC Asset is launching a major marketing push with the 'SC IS NOW – Buy a Home Now' campaign, offering maximum discounts of 10 million baht, three years of free living expenses covered by SC, free transfer fees, up to five years of free common area maintenance, and a Tesla Model Y valued at 1.99 million baht as the grand prize. The campaign runs May 5-10, 2025 at Central Ladprao Shopping Center, Ground Floor.

Nattakitti Sirirat, Deputy Managing Director of Marketing and Innovation at SC Asset Corporation PLC, revealed that the company is accelerating its real estate market competition by showcasing a comprehensive lineup of single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums across prime locations including Vibhavadi, Rangsit, Ramintra, Kasetnaiwamin, Chaeng Watthana, and Bang Yai. All offerings are consolidated in one venue to give customers complete selection flexibility.

"This is the perfect time to buy a home. Customers will receive the best deal yet, with discounts and benefits we've bundled without any tricks or hidden costs. These types of offers don't come around often. SC wants people looking for a home not to wait, because an offer at this level is the answer to making a decision right now," Nattakitti stated.

The 'SC IS NOW – Buy a Home Now' campaign consolidates comprehensive housing cost benefits in one package, including maximum discounts of 10 million baht, three years of free living expenses paid by SC, free transfer fees, up to five years of free common area fees, plus additional benefits.

These include a Tesla Model Y L Premium worth 1.99 million baht, cashback up to 500,000 baht, fuel vouchers up to 200,000 baht, free utilities for 60 months up to 200,000 baht, one year of free expressway tolls up to 25,000 baht, and consumer products up to 20,000 baht, plus furniture and appliances. The campaign addresses first-time homebuyers, pet owners seeking pet-friendly homes, those looking for properties near international schools, investors, and those seeking lifestyle upgrades.

Nattakitti added that customers who book during the event receive additional on-the-spot privileges, including appliances upon booking and a chance to win gold worth a combined 2 million baht. The campaign covers residential projects priced from 2.09 to 55 million baht, serving first-time home and condo buyers through luxury property seekers.

Special activities will enhance the event experience, with a mini-concert by singer Ink Warunthorn on opening night, May 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM, creating a vibrant atmosphere and reflecting SC's vision of connecting residential living with consumer lifestyle across all dimensions.

The company expects this campaign to significantly accelerate both bookings and transfers in the first half of the year. The promotion applies to customers booking between May 5-10, 2025 and completing transfers by June 30, 2025, establishing a clear and limited timeframe to encourage immediate decision-making.

*Terms and conditions apply as determined by the company.