Tobacco farming associations in Phrae province, together with national tobacco associations and local biodiversity networks from Chiang Mai Rajabhat University, organized a practical workshop titled "Adaptation and Implementation of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Environmental Standards" at Phrae Nakorn Hotel in Phrae province. More than 140 tobacco farmers, academics, and government officials from northern Thailand attended the event, with Members of Parliament Sirivarn Prasajsatru and Chanadhip Suphsiree present to hear concerns from local tobacco farmers. The workshop facilitated knowledge exchange on tobacco cultivation techniques, soil improvement, crop rotation, environmental conservation, and adapting to global tobacco control policy changes.

The practical workshop aimed to help farmers understand the impacts of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), particularly environmental dimensions, and to prepare them for future international standards and government policies. Farmers learned techniques to improve production efficiency and reduce costs in environmentally sustainable ways, thereby enhancing Thai tobacco standards for international competitiveness.

Prajya Kanthathon, chairman of the Phrae Tobacco Farmers Association, revealed that tobacco cultivation and curing has been a primary livelihood for Phrae residents and northern farmers for generations. However, in recent years farmers have faced severe crises from high and complex tobacco tax policies, which have rapidly expanded illicit cigarette and electronic cigarette problems due to significant price differences, damaging legal products and reducing farmers' incomes from declining tobacco purchase quotas.

"Virginia tobacco varieties have been an important economic crop in Phrae for over 88 years. The growth of the tobacco cultivation and curing industry has not only created jobs and livelihoods for tobacco farmers but has also boosted the broader economy, promoting income distribution and prosperity throughout communities. However, tobacco farmers remain vulnerable players in the system, affected by policy changes and external conditions that drive up production costs such as fuel and fertilizer prices. Today, what we are attempting is learning and adapting in environmental management, resource management, and production standards to sustain our livelihoods. At the same time, tobacco farmers are bearing the direct burden of strict taxation and tobacco control policies. We want the government to see the impacts throughout the supply chain from farms to curing barns to community labor. Beyond legal enforcement, the state must urgently eliminate illicit cigarettes, target the root sources, and provide clear support measures for tobacco farmers to promote alternative crops or substitute livelihoods, including crop rotation and modern technology application at affordable and practical costs. Before implementing new control measures, comprehensive government assistance is essential," Kanthathon stated.

U.S. President Donald Trump affirmed on May 15 that relations between the world's two largest superpowers are good and improving steadily, despite differing views on several issues including the Iran conflict and Taiwan's sovereignty dispute. Trump began the final day of his China visit in Beijing by posting on social media that Chinese President Xi Jinping "congratulated me on many tremendous successes," with Xi apparently referring to the United States' decline during the Biden administration.

Reports indicate China showed little interest in the U.S. request to help resolve the Iran crisis, though Trump told Fox News that President Xi offered assistance. Trump also praised Xi again, saying "I think he's a genuinely warm person, but he's very serious about business. There's no joking around."

During private talks, Xi warned Trump that mishandling Taiwan differences could push global superpowers toward confrontation and conflict, even as Trump sought to emphasize the special relationship between the United States and China.

However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, one of the senior officials who participated in Trump-Xi discussions, told NBC News that U.S. policy on Taiwan "remains unchanged." He warned that any Chinese military attempt to seize Taiwan would be a serious mistake. Rubio characterized Xi's comments as routine, saying "They always bring this up. We clarify our position and move on to other discussions."

At 9:50 a.m. on May 15, 2025, at Government House, Poj Aramwattananont, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Thai Chamber of Commerce Council, revealed details of a meeting with the "Zero Corruption" working group. The Thai Chamber of Commerce and allied business groups met with the Prime Minister to discuss next steps, with Deputy Prime Minister Prakorn Nilpraband assigned to represent the government in receiving private sector proposals.

The main discussion point centered on addressing corruption, described as a critical issue requiring serious, tangible action. Thailand aims to gain OECD membership, as global attention on this matter is intensifying. Current low credit ratings necessitate improvement efforts.

Pimjai Lee Isaranukul, Chairman of the Federation of Thai Industries, added that multiple urgent issues require boosting national competitiveness and advancing anti-corruption and transparency initiatives. When asked about the government's first priority amid economic challenges, she emphasized focusing on vulnerable groups as a critical segment.

Poj noted that protecting vulnerable populations is essential, while the Prime Minister will hear from business leaders about economic conditions and urgent private sector proposals. He stressed that public-private cooperation is vital, especially on economic matters, where government sets policy but the private sector drives implementation.

Poj explained that since their May 2024 meeting, the private sector believes the country's situation is unsustainable due to pervasive corruption concerns. Though multiple networks and associations have campaigned together, a prior dissolution of parliament delayed progress. In January 2025, efforts focused on election-related matters and vote-buying surveys, which became a major issue. The Thai Chamber of Commerce, working with TDRI, released survey results confirming corruption concerns, particularly regarding bribery matters announced on May 14.

On May 15, 2025, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister arrived at Government House at 8:50 AM and paid respects to the Lion Sculpture on the second-floor balcony of the Thai-Khu-Fa building as usual. He then met with NESDC Secretary-General Danusorn Pichyanont to receive a report on Thailand's economic conditions during the first quarter of 2025. Later at 5:00 PM the same day, Government House will open its doors to welcome over 35 executives from 10 major business sectors to participate in the "Entrepreneurs Speak, Government Listens" event, where they will share ideas and recommendations aimed at developing the country's economic competitiveness.

KYIV — On May 15, 2026, the BBC reported that Russian forces launched waves of missiles and drones at Kyiv and several other Ukrainian regions for the third consecutive day on Thursday, May 14, local time, killing at least nine people, including a 12-year-old girl, according to Ukrainian officials.

Ukraine's emergency services revealed that rescuers recovered bodies from the rubble of a partially destroyed apartment building in Kyiv and were searching for more than 20 missing people. Kyiv Mayor Vitalii Klitschko said dozens of people were injured in the strikes, including two children.

The latest bombardment came after a three-day ceasefire agreement expired on Monday, May 11. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that more than 670 drones and 56 missiles were targeted at Ukraine during the overnight strikes, describing it as one of the largest attacks carried out by Russia since the full-scale invasion began in 2022.

Zelenskyy said the strikes targeted more than 180 locations across Ukraine, including more than 50 residential buildings. Many Russian drones and missiles were intercepted, with the overall interception rate reaching 93%. He added that there must be a response for the sake of justice, while calling on allied nations to hold Russia accountable and maintain global sanctions.

Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said more than 1,500 rescue workers and police officers were deployed following the overnight attacks, including nearly 600 personnel operating in Kyiv.

On May 15, 2026, Supon Sangka, head of the Sa Kaew Animal Checkpoint, ordered officials from the checkpoint and allied security units, led by Worawit Suephakwhaen of the Department of Livestock, along with officers Pornthep Chankaem, Burin Praserthasri, Somphop Thadaphuttakul, and Suteep Phisphirom, to conduct border patrol operations to prevent illegal animal trafficking. When the team reached Ban Saeng in Tambon Thap Sadet, Amphoe Ta Phraya, Sa Kaew Province, they spotted a group herding a large number of mixed-gender cattle toward the Cambodian border. Upon identifying themselves for inspection, the smugglers scattered and fled into the forest, using their familiarity with the terrain to escape. Officers discovered two herds of cattle in the area—the first containing 13 animals and the second containing 30 animals, totaling 43 head. All cattle were seized and brought to the Sa Kaew Animal Checkpoint's Ta Phraya branch for quarantine to prevent disease spread, as the origin of the animals is unknown. Samples have been sent to the laboratory for testing, and records were filed at Thap Thai Police Station. If test results show no disease and no owner comes forward to claim the animals, the checkpoint will proceed with public auction according to regulations.