The Land Bridge study committee has established three subcommittees to accelerate research completion within 90 days, confirming comprehensive impact assessment covering project feasibility, environmental concerns, and public participation from all groups. On May 15, 2569 at 14:50 at Government House, Donucha Pichayanan, Secretary-General of the National Council for Economic and Social Development (NESDB) and secretary to the committee studying implementation of the transport infrastructure development project linking the Gulf of Thailand and Andaman Sea (Land Bridge Project), gave an interview following the first meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprayab and Finance Minister.

Donucha stated that the meeting discussed basic data for the work within a 90-day timeframe, making it impractical to conduct studies from scratch. The committee will therefore use existing research results from the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), the most recent and detailed available study, along with previously prepared Senate reports.

Donucha further explained that the assessment criteria will examine current and future problem trend assumptions, the Land Bridge Project's cargo transportation connecting both regions, and business feasibility, while confirming that the work will assess all-dimensional impacts including environmental aspects and will include public consultation.

The meeting approved establishment of three subcommittees: (1) the Land Bridge Project Implementation Guideline Consideration Subcommittee, including experts from the private sector and academics; (2) the Environmental Impact Assessment Subcommittee, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of Natural Resources and Environment, including environmental experts and agency representatives; and (3) the Public Participation and Communication Process Promotion Subcommittee, chaired by the Permanent Secretary of Transport, which will disclose information to the public and conduct public consultations, considering concerns and local community input.

Donucha stated that all three subcommittees will report their progress to the main committee for consideration at the next meeting in June. When asked whether academics and NGO voices would be included, he confirmed all perspectives would be considered. Regarding whether this would take the form of legislation like the Eastern Economic Corridor Special Development Zone Act, Donucha noted this is a separate issue that depends on whether the project has commercial characteristics, saying the focus initially is on project development feasibility rather than legal mechanisms. He confirmed economic and geopolitical considerations will be included, examining how circumstances have changed since the 2566 OTP study and updating accordingly. When asked if 90 days is sufficient, Donucha said the committee will make its best effort, but will request the Prime Minister for an extension if needed.

Khon Kaen Municipality is actively searching for an unregistered street vendor believed to be selling fish dumplings and sausages without proper registration. Initial investigation suggests the vendor may have sneaked into Gaen Nakhon Lakeside Market, which falls within the municipality's jurisdiction.

The incident began when a consumer purchased fish dumplings from the lakeside market and discovered tissue paper inside the food upon returning home. The consumer posted about the incident on social media, sparking widespread criticism.

On May 15, 2569 (2026), Deputy Mayor Nuchreevan Dordilert announced that the municipality had launched an immediate investigation. The market committee determined that the vendor in question was an unauthorized motorcycle cart operator, not a registered market merchant.

"Vendors at Gaen Nakhon Lakeside Market fall into two main categories: those properly registered with the municipality and walk-in vendors operating under our system," the deputy mayor explained. "However, this case involves a cart that doesn't belong to either group. We're currently identifying the vendor. Regarding the tissue paper found in the dumplings, we need to verify whether it's actually tissue paper, though video evidence appears to show something tissue-like. Today, we're conducting a joint investigation with the Khon Kaen Provincial Public Health Office."

The municipality conducts regular inspections of over 1,000 food establishments across the city, including fresh markets, community markets, and restaurants, covering roughly 35 areas. Each facility is inspected at least once annually, and complaints trigger immediate investigations.

According to the deputy mayor, this is an unprecedented incident. Licensed vendors must comply with established standards and regulations. While the municipality has vendor databases and monitoring systems, unauthorized carts sometimes slip in during nighttime hours or when staff presence is limited.

Initial investigation suggests the vendor may originate from the Wat That area, where various merchants operate despite municipal restrictions on designated areas. The municipality will coordinate with municipal police, market committees, and community representatives to track down the offending vendor.

If violations are confirmed, penalties could include approximately 2,000 baht for selling outside designated areas under the City Cleanliness and Order Act, or up to 10,000 baht under the Food Act if the food was deemed unsafe or illegal. Formal evidence collection and investigation results are pending.

Phra Wichit Saraso (Luang Por Jul Issaranyano), former abbot of Wat Hong Thong in Salkbat subdistrict, Khanuthoralugsaburi district, Kamphaeng Phet province, was a highly respected Buddhist monk who founded Wichit Saraso School and long supported Salkbat School. Born as Jul Putthachat on April 12, 1894, he was the eldest son of his family and ordained at age 23 on May 9, 1917. Throughout his life, he was dedicated to Buddhism and made numerous contributions to the sangha, relatives, and lay followers through his teaching and virtuous conduct.

He received ecclesiastical rank in 1959 and passed away on October 19, 1969 at age 74, having spent 51 Buddhist lent seasons in monastic life. His devotees created several commemorative amulets, with the most popular being the first edition medal from 1956, which Kamphaeng Phet devotees created as a tribute gift. The medal features a square shape with a loop, cast in copper with gold plating. The front displays a seated meditation image with text reading "In commemoration of the gift offering ceremony for Phra Kru Vikrom Wichit Saraso on March 30, 1956." The back features only the center with Buddhist script. This highly sought-after medal is known for its protective qualities and has become increasingly rare, with most pieces now in private collections.

On Saturday, May 16, 2569, devotees commemorated the 43rd anniversary of Luang Pu Khao Analayo's passing, a celebrated forest meditation master from Wat Tham Klong Phaen in Mueang District, Nong Bua Lamphu Province. Originally named Khao Korathai, he was born on December 28, 1888, in Ban Bo Chaneang, Amnat Charoen Province, to a family of farmers and merchants. At age 20, his parents arranged his marriage, and he fathered three children before the couple eventually separated. Characterized by unwavering determination and deep faith in Buddhist teachings, he underwent ordination at age 31 in 1919 at Wat Phi Sri, with Phra Khru Phutisak as his preceptor and Phra Ajahn Bunchan as his ordination witness.

After spending six Buddhist Lents at Wat Phi Sri, inspired by his faith in the teachings of Luang Pu Man Bhuridatto, he requested to become a dhamma disciple in 1925 at age 37 at Wat Phothisombhorn in Udon Thani Province, with Phra Thammajedee (Choom Panthulo) as his preceptor. He spent eight years practicing in Udon Thani before traveling with Luang Pu Man to practice the Dhamma in various locations across nearly every region of Thailand. He also spent many years practicing with other renowned forest masters including Luang Pu Fen Ajaho, Luang Pu Waen Sucitto, Luang Pu Tae Achalodhamma, and Luang Pu Chop Thanasmo.

Having spent decades developing spiritual merit in the forest, he accumulated remarkable experiences with wildlife. Animals appeared to respond to his contemplation—when he thought of an elephant that had not visited in some time, the elephant would arrive that very night and walk directly to his dwelling. Similar phenomena occurred with tigers, which would prowl near his monastery in response to his mindful recollection.

He maintained exceptionally strict discipline, particularly regarding walking meditation. After morning chanting, he would walk in meditation as an offering to the Buddha until afternoon, then from 2 PM to 4 PM as an offering to the Dhamma, and finally from the completion of evening duties until 4-5 PM as an offering to the Sangha before retiring to continue meditation.

He devoted himself to disseminating the Dhamma through travels to many locations until age 70, when he took permanent residence at Wat Pa Tham Klong Phaen. In his final years, he suffered from illness for nine years, including blindness from cataracts and hearing loss from calcium deposits on bone, yet his mental well-being remained sound, and he maintained a cheerful and humorous temperament. He was able to predict the time of his own death.

His teachings emphasized: "Why are living beings not all the same? Their differences arise from their actions and conduct. Those who practice virtue, observe the precepts, give alms, and listen to teachings develop wisdom and good education. Wherever they go, only good arises. When the mind is empty and at peace, because the mind is unified and undisturbed by emotions, it becomes clear and pure. The cooled mind knows only ease and understands the nature of conditioned things and reality. Such a mind does not waver before anything—whether death approaches or suffering and pain arrive, there is no wavering."

He passed away peacefully on May 16, 1983, at the age of 95, having completed 64 Buddhist Lents. On Saturday, February 11, 1984, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej presided over the royal cremation ceremony.

On Thursday, May 7, 2025, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment organized a 'First-Level Buddhist Studies' training program to cultivate moral character within the agency. Phra Phrom Wachirat (Sophon Sophoncitto), abbot of Wat Devoraj Kunchorn and Regional Sangha Chief, led the opening ceremony and offered Buddhist guidance to executives, civil servants, and staff participants at the Trideach Sacred Conference Room on the second floor of the Pollution Control Department building.

Secretary-General Ravewan Phuridech opened the program with a report. Phra Phrom Wachirat expressed great appreciation for all ministry personnel who enrolled in the Buddhist Studies program at various levels—from first-level to advanced—following Wat Devoraj Kunchorn's official establishment as a Buddhist studies institution on May 30, 2024, offering instruction in both Buddhist doctrine and Pali language studies.

The Buddhist doctrine studies curriculum involves learning the Buddha's teachings according to Buddhist principles found in the Tipitaka, designed for monks, novices, students, and the general public to develop understanding and apply these teachings to mental development, practice their faith, and foster peaceful coexistence in society based on the threefold training of morality, concentration, and wisdom.

Phra Phrom Wachirat explained that Buddhist studies are divided into three levels: first-degree, second-degree, and advanced degree scholars. The monastic community has also authorized laypeople to take these examinations. He emphasized that proper goal-setting in life is crucial for societal flourishing, noting that both monks and laypeople with solid education, ethical foundation, and wisdom can support social progress and personal success.

He further elaborated that proper life direction is the first step toward happiness and advancement, as pursuing knowledge without a righteous foundation leads nowhere. True progress requires setting correct life goals based on right livelihood before seeking knowledge and capabilities, then pursuing those goals with diligence, preparation, and perseverance.

In the 2025 academic year, Wat Devoraj Kunchorn's institute, in cooperation with the office of the Ministry's Secretary-General, launched this practical training course.

The 2026 Asia Road Racing Championship Round 2 concluded with outstanding performances by Yamaha Thailand Racing Team at Chang International Circuit in Buriram province, cheered on by enthusiastic Thai motorsports fans. In the SuperSport 600cc class, experienced Thai rider Tee-Anupap Samul, piloting YAMAHA YZF-R6 number 500, secured podium finishes in both races, finishing third in Race 1 and second in Race 2, accumulating 60 points and closing the gap to the championship leader to just 12 points.

In the Asia Production 250cc class, rising star Idea-Kritpat Khemkham from Yamaha Thailand Racing Team and wildcard rider Gus-Theernaai Thuptim showcased excellent teamwork on the YAMAHA YZF-R3. Idea-Kritpat faced challenges in Race 1 after a 200 rpm engine reduction penalty, finishing fifth, but returned stronger in the decisive Race 2, leading from start to finish to secure a home victory with a combined time of 18 minutes 41.804 seconds. Gus-Theernaai, starting from grid 12, demonstrated impressive progress, finishing sixth in Race 1 and fifth in Race 2.

After two rounds, Idea-Kritpat leads the Asia Production 250cc standings with 86 points from three race victories, holding a 22-point advantage over second place. Yamaha Thailand Racing Team maintains first place in the team championship with 112 accumulated points. The championship will continue on June 12-14 at Mobility Resort Motegi in Japan, where Thai fans can support the three Yamaha Thailand Racing Team riders in their pursuit of Thailand's eighth Asian championship.

Veeraphong Thanakitjanon, General Manager of Motorsports at Thai Yamaha Motor, praised the team's overall performance: "The Buriram round was very satisfactory. Our riders collaborated excellently with the team across both categories. Idea won Race 2 while Tee secured podiums in both races, which is better than last season. Data from Race 1 enabled us to improve bike setup and strategy for Race 2 across all three riders. We're already preparing our plan for the Japan round. In the AP250 class, we face a challenge as Idea's large point lead of over 50 points will result in an additional 200 rpm engine reduction next round, which the team must prepare for carefully."