Kasetsart University is moving forward with its Net Zero Carbon initiative, positioning carbon credits as a transformative income source for Thai farmers. The university will host a significant academic forum titled "Enhancing Farmer Income Through Net Zero Carbon Policy: The Role of Kasetsart University" on June 9, 2025, from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in room EC5205, Building 5, Faculty of Economics, to explore new perspectives and practical solutions for converting carbon credits into tangible supplementary income for Thai farmers.

Dr. Damrong Sripraram, acting rector of Kasetsart University, noted that Thai agriculture faces both challenges and new opportunities as the world shifts toward a carbon-neutral society. Through collaboration among the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, the Institute of Research and Development, the Sugar and Sweetener Research Center, the Thai Sugar and Sweetener Association, the Faculty of Integrated Sciences, and the Thai Rubber and Glove Association, the university organized this academic forum.

The forum will feature nationally recognized experts and distinguished scholars discussing critical issues including: elevating Thai farmers through the carbon credit market (featuring a representative from the Department of Agricultural Extension), rubber plantation carbon credit experiences in Laos and Thai rubber standards (presented by Chairojn Thammaratana, secretary-general of the Thai Rubber and Glove Association), implementing farmer-level carbon credit trading (Dr. Kitti Sophon Thaninsiripinya, carbon credit standards specialist), and guidelines for increasing sugarcane farmer income through Net Zero Carbon policy (Amnuay Patisai, former deputy agriculture minister).

This forum represents a critical turning point in translating national-level policy into grassroots implementation, which will not only help Thailand achieve its Net Zero target by 2050 but also serve as a key driver for creating sustainable economic security and income for Thai farmers. Interested participants can register now through the QR code on the promotional poster or contact 087-495-0488 or thanaporn.at@ku.th for more information.

Arada Fuengtong, director-general of the Department of Foreign Trade, revealed that Thailand participated in technical-level discussions with the USTR on May 13-14, 2025, represented by Deputy Minister Dr. Kirita Phaopitchit and officials from the Department of Foreign Trade, Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Thai Customs Department, and Board of Investment. The delegation addressed U.S. concerns regarding forced labor and excess capacity under a Section 301 investigation of the Trade Act of 1974.

Thailand emphasized that its supply chains are free from forced labor, with strict enforcement of labor laws and exports verified by U.S. buyers and international organizations as compliant with standards and free from exploitation. The country is developing a Human Rights Due Diligence law to enhance supply chain oversight. Both sides acknowledged the importance of close cooperation in preventing forced labor throughout supply chains.

Regarding overcapacity concerns, Thailand affirmed its commitment to free trade and market mechanisms, noting that production and investment decisions are made by the private sector based on market conditions. The government has no production targets but facilitates fair competition, and denies overcapacity in automobiles and parts, rubber products, and machinery and electronics. Thailand also pledged close collaboration with U.S. Customs to prevent goods misrepresentation and enhanced origin verification to ensure Thai exports meet U.S. standards.

"This discussion occurred in a constructive and friendly atmosphere," the statement noted. "Thailand and the United States share long-standing mutual trade interests. Thailand is integral to U.S. supply chains and Thai goods are desired by American consumers—not a trade threat. Thailand reaffirms its readiness for close cooperation to ensure transparent, fair, and sustainable bilateral trade."

At 11:30 a.m. on May 18, 2025, at the third-floor conference room of Nakhon Pathom Provincial Police Headquarters, Police Major General Phitthak Uppong, commander of Nakhon Pathom Provincial Police, along with Deputy Commander Phongswat Khampaechuea, Thipamets Sangkhawanana (Director of Crime Suppression Division 7), Police Colonel Piyoros Kanthaseeri, and other investigation units announced the seizure of ice from an international Malaysian drug trafficking network. Officers seized 44 kilograms of methamphetamine valued at over 6 million baht and an Isuzu MU-X pickup truck (Bangkok license plate 3 ชต-3371) with ice hidden inside, parked at a resort in Ban Thung Krapang Hom, Kamphaeng Saen District, Nakhon Pathom Province. Four suspects rented two rooms but registered only two names before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing. Police arrested one suspect, Mr. Jeeva Olakanathan, a Malaysian national, at the Sadeao Border Checkpoint in Songkhla Province. Three other suspects remain at large.

According to the provincial police commander, this operation stemmed from an initial arrest on May 14, 2025, when officers from the Narcotics Suppression Bureau and Nakhon Pathom Provincial Police arrested five Malaysian nationals with 440 kilograms of ice at a hotel in Taphluang Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nakhon Pathom. Following interrogation, investigators learned of a second Malaysian network staying separately at various hotels and resorts. After hotel staff provided tips on May 15, 2025, police tracked the suspects and obtained a search warrant on May 16. When they opened the locked pickup truck, they found 44 one-kilogram packages of methamphetamine.

During interrogation, Mr. Jeeva confessed that both groups belonged to the same gang. He and three companions—Morgan Rajan Krishnan, Jayalan, and Darendren—separated from the initial group with 44 kilograms of ice. Upon learning on May 14 that their associates at Taphluang Hotel were arrested and their drugs seized, they panicked and scattered. Fearing police pursuit, they abandoned the vehicle, with some fleeing south toward Malaysia. Mr. Jeeva's current whereabouts remain under investigation.

Thai Airways Public Company Limited is celebrating the 33rd anniversary of Royal Orchid Plus (ROP), its frequent flyer program, by offering members special privileges through a "50% Mile Rebate" campaign for reward ticket exchanges on Bangkok-Amsterdam routes. The airline is also celebrating the 55th anniversary of Royal Orchid Holidays (ROH) with exclusive travel packages titled "The Timeless Charm of Amsterdam" and "Hollanda Village in Ayutthaya," showcasing the cultural and historical connections between Thailand and the Netherlands.

ROP members can exchange reward tickets on Thai Airways flights between Bangkok-Amsterdam and Amsterdam-Bangkok and receive a 50% rebate on accumulated miles used. Tickets must be issued between June 1-30, 2025, with travel between July 1-31, 2025. Members can book through www.thaiairways.com, the THAI Contact Center, and Thai Airways ticket offices worldwide.

Royal Orchid Holidays is also launching "The Timeless Charm of Amsterdam – 8 Days 6 Nights," an 8-day, 6-night cultural and art tour covering major European cities including Amsterdam, featuring attractions such as the Rijksmuseum, Dam Square, Magna Plaza, and the fishing village of Volendam in the Netherlands, as well as Dinant in Belgium.

Additionally, ROH invites travelers to experience "Hollanda Village in Ayutthaya," a domestic cultural tourism package exploring Dutch heritage and Western architecture in Ayutthaya province under the theme "Dutch Heritage & Western Architecture in Ayutthaya." The tour traces Thai-Dutch historical relationships and includes expert lectures on Thai-Western history and culture. The tour is scheduled for May 30, 2025, starting at 4,900 baht per person. Inquiries and bookings are available at www.royalorchidholidays.com.

Both campaigns reflect Thai Airways' commitment to delivering meaningful travel and tourism experiences that strengthen cultural connections and relationships between Thailand and international destinations.

Manchester United legend Wayne Rooney believes that if he were Liverpool manager Arne Slot, he would drop Mohamed Salah from this weekend's farewell match following the Egyptian forward's recent post calling for a return to aggressive "heavy metal" football.

Salah's social media post has created internal turmoil at Liverpool after he called for the team to adopt a more attacking approach and maintain that distinctive identity. In his post, Salah stated: "That's the football I know how to play, and that's the identity we need to bring back and preserve. It's not negotiable, and everyone who joins this club should adapt to it."

Many view the post as a full-frontal attack on manager Arne Slot's tactics, particularly following the team's disappointing season performance.

Rooney recently expressed his view that if he were Slot, he would not let Salah anywhere near the pitch in the final game, especially since the winger is set to leave after this season. Rooney believes Salah's post shows a lack of trust in the head coach.

"I feel sorry for what he's achieved and done at Liverpool, but it's not the time for him to attack Arne again," Rooney said.

"He wants heavy metal football, so he's essentially saying he wants Jürgen Klopp's style of football. I think Mo Salah can't handle that intensity anymore. I don't think his legs can cope with the pace and intensity required."

"If I were Arne Slot, I wouldn't have him anywhere near the pitch in that final game. I had problems with Sir Alex Ferguson - we disagreed and fought. In Sir Alex's final game at Old Trafford, he dropped me for that reason."

"He's basically thrown a bomb and said he doesn't trust and doesn't believe in Arne, and he's left his teammates who will be here next season to deal with this mess too."

The Cooperative Promotion Department is moving swiftly to address a massive fraud case at Hat Yai Credit Union, where members have lost over 399 million baht. Following a parliamentary inquiry by Songkhla MP Churi Numkaew about complaints from cooperative members whose savings had disappeared, department director Nirandon Moolthida revealed details of the investigation into Hat Yai Credit Union Limited's fraud.

Investigators found that the IT department head altered computer system codes in the deposit, loan, and member account systems, affecting 88 accounts total. The perpetrators then created ghost accounts using closed member information with altered names and registration numbers to generate fraudulent deposits, which were then withdrawn from the cooperative. The offender entered deposit information into the system without actual cash or transfers, then had accomplices withdraw the funds.

The investigation identified structural weaknesses: the cooperative had only one IT head with unrestricted access to all systems and no confidentiality protocols, creating opportunities for fraud. The total damage amounts to nearly 400 million baht involving 92 suspects. The cooperative's board has dismissed 10 employees implicated in the scheme, including the IT head, and filed criminal complaints with investigators. A civil lawsuit is being prepared for filing by May 2026, and the Anti-Corruption Commission is being coordinated to trace the financial trails.

To prevent future incidents, the department will implement technology-based safeguards, encouraging cooperatives to deploy applications allowing members real-time access to their account information and integrate with the department's central MIS warning system for anomaly detection. The department is also strengthening internal controls, upgrading auditor training in technology oversight, and building inter-agency cooperation with the Anti-Corruption Commission and national police. Orders have been issued to all provincial cooperative offices to conduct thorough inspections of all cooperatives under their jurisdiction and immediately investigate any irregularities or suspected fraud.