On May 6, 2025, at Parliament during a House of Representatives session chaired by Sophon Saruamya, Kalee Liawpairojn, list-based MP and deputy leader of the Democratic Party, spoke as a concerned mother about youth mental health, revealing that her daughter reported two schoolmates had decided to end their lives within a similar timeframe.

She appealed to the ministers of Public Health, Education, Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation to urgently upgrade mental health policies.

Kalee emphasized that the fragility of Thai youth mental health is not merely an individual problem but a structural crisis requiring urgent intervention from adults in society. The troubling incidents affecting close circles demonstrate that stress problems among teenagers are intensifying and leading to irreversible losses.

Despite the Department of Mental Health's memorandums of understanding and various policies, results remain insufficient. Statistics show that the 18-24 age group experiences depression at rates as high as 26.9%, while secondary students show 17.6% have seriously considered ending their lives. These stress factors stem from academic pressure, social media, and economic conditions that transmit family anxiety to children.

Kalee called for enhanced measures during Mental Health Month, proposing three key actions for the three relevant ministries: 1) Target-focused policies that move beyond MOU signatures to swift and serious field-level implementation; 2) Increase personnel and budgets to ensure counselors and psychologists are assigned to every school and university; and 3) Raise public awareness to reduce stigma against those facing mental health challenges.

According to Nanthapongsir Jiralert Pongsir, director of the Office of Trade and Strategic Policy, Thailand's consumer price index rose 2.89% year-on-year in April 2025, marking the highest increase in 38 months. Non-food and beverage categories surged 4.14%, with fuel prices jumping 30.23%, while food and non-alcoholic beverages rose 0.98%, driven by increases in prepared dishes like curry rice and noodles, as well as fresh produce including limes, cucumbers, and herbs.

The inflation surge stems primarily from crude oil price fluctuations following Middle Eastern conflicts and the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. These pressures have been passed to consumers, particularly in single-dish meals, which carry significant weight in the inflation basket at 14.86%, seeing price increases of 5-10 baht per plate. Public transportation costs also jumped 38.83%, with airfare increasing most dramatically at 24.09%.

The Ministry of Commerce maintains its 2025 inflation forecast at 1.5-2.5%, or 2.0% at midpoint. However, if regional conflicts persist and push crude oil to $120 per barrel through June, inflation could rise to 2.5-3.5%. Despite current pressures, officials confirm Thailand has not entered stagflation, citing continued consumer spending growth, Q1 export expansion of 17.8%, ongoing investment, and unemployment remaining stable at 0.96%. The government's economic stimulus measures, including the 'half-price for all' program, are expected to support the economy through Q2.

Thailand's summer isn't just about hot weather—it's a battle between your skin and intense UV rays blazing all day long. Many people think they're applying sunscreen consistently, but there are often blind spots that get overlooked, causing your skin to gradually darken, develop spots, and accumulate fine lines without you realizing it. Let's look at five common summer situations where Thais often neglect sunscreen protection.

Even though people know how dangerous Thai sunlight is, there are moments when they get complacent and think "surely this won't hurt." These habitual behaviors are the root cause of accumulated skin damage. Check yourself to see if you've missed UV protection in these five situations:

1. Sitting in a car still exposes you to full UV rays Many skip sunscreen on days they're only in the car, thinking they won't be directly exposed to the sun. In reality, UVA rays can penetrate car windows up to 79%. This means every time you drive or sit by a window, the left side of your face (for drivers) is constantly receiving UV exposure without you knowing. Your skin gradually darkens unevenly, with one side noticeably duller than the other.

2. Cloudy days still have full UV protection On dark, overcast days without intense sun, people feel safe and skip sun protection. However, clouds only filter UVB rays—UVA, which causes skin dullness and wrinkles, still penetrates clouds at up to 80%. On rainy or humid days, this is a classic blind spot that causes the deepest skin damage.

3. Just stepping out for a quick errand "just a moment" Walking out for 5-10 minutes of midday sun is enough to accumulate UV damage on your skin. A simple trick is always carrying a sachet cream in your bag—it's compact, portable, and you can apply it anytime, anywhere, perfectly filling the gap to protect your skin during those short periods.

4. Swimming, water activities, or heavy sweating Summer often comes with beach trips or pool visits. Many apply sunscreen before leaving home thinking they're protected all day, but most sunscreens lose effectiveness when exposed to water or sweat. Even water-resistant formulas should be reapplied every 40-80 minutes. Wet skin also reflects light and absorbs UV more than dry skin, making reapplication essential.

5. Sitting by office or café windows Even when working indoors all day, if your desk is near windows with direct sunlight, your skin is receiving UVA for many hours without you feeling the heat. This type of radiation quietly accumulates deep skin damage, causing dullness without an obvious cause. The best solution is applying sunscreen before leaving home and keeping sachet creams in your desk drawer for midday touch-ups.

At 10:45 a.m. on May 6, 2025, at the National Assembly, MP Seya Champathong of the Pheu Thai party's list-based representatives, alongside the Thai Textile, Garment, and Leather Products Industrial Workers Federation led by deputy president Thanpong Cheuamueangpan, submitted a letter to Labor Minister Chulphon Amorwiwattana requesting that the cabinet advance two stalled worker protection bills for parliament's continued consideration.

The first bill would establish rest periods and reduce working hours to no more than 40 hours per week while increasing paid vacation days. The second bill would enhance worker dignity by adding menstrual leave rights and establishing nursing rooms in workplaces. Both bills were originally proposed by Pheu Thai party representatives.

Seya noted that although both bills passed their first reading and a special committee was established to review them, parliament was dissolved before the second reading could take place, leaving the bills in limbo. He expressed satisfaction that the labor minister personally received the letter and indicated Pheu Thai's support.

Federation deputy president Thanpong emphasized that these bills represent the lifeblood of workers' lives. He argued that amid economic hardship and instability, workers should not be further burdened; instead, laws should improve their quality of life. He expressed frustration that beneficial legislation could be lost due to political failures or the indifference of those in power who undervalue workers' wellbeing.

Labor Minister Chulphon responded that he is prepared to take action on the various points raised, though details require discussion. He clarified that since the cabinet did not endorse the bills for parliament's review, the legislative process must restart from the beginning. He stressed that he does not oppose the laws themselves and believes many proposals have merit, warranting careful government consideration. Regarding menstrual and maternity leave provisions, the ministry will establish a working group to discuss the matter and develop a joint draft bill for submission to parliament as soon as possible.

The Department of Intellectual Property has officially registered the geographical indication (GI) for Mae Klong coconut sugar from Samut Songkhram province, a signature product recognized for its distinctively sweet, aromatic, and rich flavor derived from traditional production methods. Mae Klong coconut sugar has long enjoyed a stellar reputation, with historical records from King Rama V's travels documenting the superior quality of coconut sugar from nearby Bang Cha town in Samut Sakhon, describing it as "exceptional in sweetness, richness, and fragrance." This renowned flavor profile stems from Samut Songkhram's unique geographical characteristics as a coastal lowland area where freshwater, saltwater, and brackish water converge—creating mineral-rich clay-sandy soil ideally suited for coconut cultivation and producing exceptionally high-quality coconut sugar.

The province currently produces over 107 million kilograms of Mae Klong coconut sugar annually, generating economic value of up to 129 million baht per year. The GI registration covers multiple product forms including fresh coconut flower nectar, coconut sugar blocks, coconut sugar syrup, and coconut sugar powder—all derived from coconut flower sap processed according to time-honored local wisdom. Traditional production techniques include careful tapping and scraping of coconut flower clusters, using wooden containers treated with bark to prevent spoilage without chemicals, and heating at precisely controlled temperatures, ensuring purity and safety.

Beyond safety, Mae Klong coconut sugar offers nutritional benefits with low carbohydrates and a low glycemic index that doesn't spike blood sugar levels, making it an attractive choice for health-conscious consumers. The meticulously crafted production process combined with its distinctive characteristics positions it as a versatile ingredient for the food industry, suitable for savory dishes, desserts, baked goods, and beverages including coffee and tea, where it enhances flavor profiles and adds unique aromatic notes.

Mae Klong coconut sugar marks Samut Songkhram's sixth geographical indication product, following white pomelo, kam longan, Bang Cha chili, Mae Klong mackerel, and Mae Klong salt. The Department of Intellectual Property is implementing comprehensive support measures with emphasis on quality control systems to build consumer confidence.

Phra Khru Plad Sambat, the former abbot of Sanam Chai Temple in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya province, has explained his reasons for leaving the monkhood and firmly stated he will not return to temple life. He admitted to feeling "tired of many things" and wants to live a normal life.

After disappearing for over a month, the ex-abbot turned himself in to Bang Rak police station early morning on May 5th, asking to be arrested.

On May 6th, 2569 B.E., Pol. Lt. Col. Pongphop Prasombopichai, commander of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya police station, interviewed Somsat Khlai Jindah, the former abbot.

Somsat revealed during the interview that he has decided to renounce his monastic vows and will no longer be involved with the temple. He firmly stated that even if offered a position to return, he would refuse because his decision is final.

He also acknowledged that the main reason for his decision stemmed from a feeling of being "tired of many things" that accumulated during his time as the temple's abbot, which led him to choose a normal life instead. However, he admitted uncertainty about how to proceed with his future.

Meanwhile, Pol. Lt. Col. Pongphop expressed concern about the former abbot's adjustment to civilian life, noting that having spent many years living in the temple, he may face significant challenges adapting to work and financial independence.