Thailand's top beauty queens and national-level models are gathering for the spectacular "PAKAIAN MELAYU 2026: The Gold of Pakaian" event, where they will showcase traditional Malay fabrics on an international platform.

Yala province, working with Yala Municipality and domestic and international partner organizations, is hosting the 2026 "Pakaian Melayu" event on a grand scale to promote and preserve local Malay textile heritage while positioning Southern Thailand's identity as an international fashion and cultural soft power.

This year's event marks the fifth edition of "Pakaian Melayu," reflecting continuous efforts to bring local culture to national and international creative stages. The opening ceremony was presided over by Khongskul Chantarach, Yala Provincial Governor, at Yala Municipality Hall, with attendance from Pongsak Yingchonmjearng, Yala Municipality Mayor, representatives from Malaysian and Indonesian consulates in Songkhla province, Yala's cultural office, and various partner organizations.

This year's event stands out as one of the most ambitious cultural fashion platforms in the Southern Border region, featuring nationally renowned models and beauty queens showcasing the allure of "Pakaian" fabrics through stunning contemporary fashion shows. Leading models include Kanyalaksana Nukaew, Manita Farmer, Chotinpha Kaewjarun, Patharaporn Wang, Karina Mueller, Worangkhana Sirisat, Nanthiya Suvannsavaeng, Jennifer Jones, Neercha Darling, and Pornlapat Chansiri, who are creating a new phenomenon by transforming local Southern Border textiles into distinctive contemporary fashion at the national level.

Yala Governor Khongskul Chantarach stated that the project aims to instill pride in Malay culture among youth and the public, emphasizing that "Pakaian" fabrics represent more than just traditional clothing—they embody wisdom heritage reflecting the lifestyle, identity, and cultural roots of local communities. Additionally, they serve as an important soft power that can generate sustainable circular income for communities, improve living standards for artisan groups, and create long-term economic value.

The event includes competitions, design showcases, exhibitions, and various creative activities, providing youth, designers, entrepreneurs, and the public with platforms to demonstrate their talents by blending traditional wisdom with contemporary design, positioning Yala as a new center for Malay fashion in the region and on the global stage.

On May 25, 2569, at Buriram Province, Sophan Sararum, Speaker of the House of Representatives, addressed the opposition's call for the parliament speaker to remain neutral and use the parliamentary forum to scrutinize the government's issuance of the 400-billion-baht loan decree. He confirmed that he has already submitted the matter to the Constitutional Court for constitutional review in accordance with his official duties and denied claims of government favoritism.

Regarding the opposition's proposal for an urgent bill to establish a special investigative committee, Sophan clarified that this is not a matter of procedural urgency. He explained that when a bill is submitted to parliament, a committee chaired by a deputy speaker reviews whether it qualifies as an urgent matter. He stated he did not interfere in this process and followed the committee's determination that the opposition proposal is not an urgent bill, but rather a standard procedure.

Sophan noted that as speaker, he has a duty to seek cooperation from both the opposition and government. For work to be truly effective, both sides must negotiate with each other. When they reach a consensus, they inform the speaker of their agreement. However, if agreement is not reached, the speaker must direct the parliamentary committee to determine whether a bill is urgent or not. If determined to be a regular bill, it follows the standard legislative process. If the sides can negotiate successfully, the bill can be postponed. He expressed confidence that members understand these working procedures.

Sophan emphasized that parliamentary operations involve coordination according to each entity's defined roles and legal responsibilities. The speaker, opposition, and government each have specific duties to fulfill. He stated that no speaker would want parliamentary sessions to become chaotic—everyone wants smooth proceedings. For smooth operations, both sides must communicate with each other. If all parties cooperate this way, the work will proceed smoothly without confusing the public.

He added that in politics, if one wants to achieve results, one must pursue substantive outcomes. If the goal is merely optics, then only optics will be achieved. However, understanding that politicians need both appearance and substantive results, both elements must be attained to truly benefit the people.

On May 25, the National Innovation Agency (NIA) announced the SITE 2026 event scheduled for June 25-27, 2026 at Paragon Hall, expanding into Nex Hall (5th floor) and SCBx Next Stage (4th floor) at Siam Paragon shopping center. The event operates under the concept "Global Innovation Impact: The Year of Investment" and will feature special panel discussions with participants from government, financial innovation, investment, and business sectors who collectively emphasize that innovation impact today means creating real results—not just generating new ideas—across business dimensions, capital access, competitive capability, and Thailand's expanded global role.

Parivarth Wongsamnuai, NIA's Innovation Systems Deputy Director, noted that SITE 2026 is designed as a platform connecting key players in the innovation ecosystem—startups, entrepreneurs, investors, businesses, government agencies, and international partners—to transform meetings into genuine opportunities and cooperation. Dr. Suruat Suphachaturos, NIA's Innovation Finance Deputy Director, emphasized that investment is not merely about capital but a critical mechanism enabling innovation to move from potential to practical application, business expansion, and economic growth. He pointed out that many Thai entrepreneurs face gaps in accessing capital, networks, and suitable opportunities, which SITE 2026 will address by concretely connecting entrepreneurs with investors, partners, and support mechanisms.

Thrit Jumlerungsart, Director of the Economic Information Division at the International Economic Affairs Department, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that SITE 2026 will enhance Thailand's image as a hub for opportunity, connecting Thai startups and innovation with foreign markets and investors. The Foreign Ministry will deploy economic diplomacy and its global network of embassies and consulates to support Thai entrepreneurs seeking overseas markets and business partnerships.

Thanaphong Na Ranong, Chairman of the Thai Venture Capital Association (TVCA), noted that today's investors seek not just interesting innovations but businesses capable of growth, market expansion, and real results, particularly in AI, Deep Tech, and Sustainability sectors. He emphasized SITE 2026 as a platform letting investors see startups, investment opportunities, and market direction within a single context.

Paem Bunyiem-suphachit, Chairman of the Thai Startup Association (TSA), emphasized that Thai startups need more than inspiration—they need real opportunities including capital, partnerships, markets, and appropriate support systems. SITE 2026 provides the space where these connections can genuinely happen.

The event runs June 25-27, 2026 with free admission. Registration available at site.nia.or.th

At 10:00 AM on May 25, 2569, police received a report of construction workers falling from scaffolding inside a five-story police apartment building under construction near Si Wised Road, behind Si Sa Ket city police station. Emergency responders and rescue officials quickly arrived at the scene. Deputy Provincial Police Commander Chayakorn Tesabamrung and other officials investigated the five-story residential building, which has an open ground floor with residential units on floors 2-5. The fifth-floor collapse site showed scattered construction debris, metal, and scaffolding fragments, with severe impact marks on the ground below.

Rescue workers transported three injured workers to Si Sa Ket Hospital: Sanguan Chaibamrung, 58; Noi Rayapsee, approximately 55; and Phitthak Penjaem, approximately 50. All suffered serious injuries from the impact. Sanguan and Phitthak later died, while Noi remains in critical condition requiring detailed brain imaging. Siriwat Namwised, 44, a worker at the scene who narrowly escaped, revealed they were repairing the beam framework on the fifth floor after discovering structural weakness during concrete pouring. As the group worked, they heard a loud crack, and the beam and scaffolding suddenly collapsed, causing three coworkers to plummet from the fifth floor before his eyes.

Siriwat stated he believed he would not survive, as the floor beneath him had completely given way. He desperately grabbed the remaining beam framework and closed his eyes, expecting to fall like his colleagues, but miraculously managed to hold on. Police have cordoned off the scene and coordinated with forensic experts, engineers, and relevant agencies to conduct a detailed investigation into whether the collapse resulted from structural defects, substandard materials, or improper work procedures. Preliminary inquiries will interview workers, supervisors, and contractors, along with a review of construction safety documentation. If negligence leading to deaths and injuries is confirmed, criminal charges will be filed against responsible parties.

Country singer Lamyai Hai Thong Kham posted a clip thanking Captain Chaang for entering her life, with fans delighted seeing the couple together as if they were house hunting. The singer wants to be seen happy in a loving relationship filled only with smiles and laughter. In her latest clip, Lamyai shared sweet moments with Captain Chaang that had her laughing constantly, captioning it: 'Thank you for being the incomplete person in our life @Kritsada Wongkeaw #LamyaiHaiThongKham #CaptainChaang'. The post received various comments from fans praising the couple's adorable chemistry, with many saying they loved seeing only laughter and couldn't help but smile along.

Meanwhile, Captain Chaang also posted a recent clip with Lamyai featuring sweet moments and genuine smiles of happiness. The couple appeared close and affectionate as usual, with the clip seemingly showing them house hunting at a property together, which delighted fans. Fans commented expressing joy at seeing Lamyai so happy, with comments like 'Life is short, love whoever you want. We don't know when we'll die, just don't take what belongs to others', 'I want to see Lamyai happy like this, it's so cute with both of them', and 'True love is the kind that makes you smile every day'.

CHIANG MAI — 25 May 2026, Pop Mart is expanding its presence in Chiang Mai with the opening of a new official store at MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Centre, one year after testing the northern market with a pop-up store at Central Chiangmai.

The new branch marks the company's latest step in building a stronger foothold in northern Thailand, where designer toys and collectible figures have drawn growing interest among local fans, tourists and younger consumers.

Pop Mart opened its Pop-Up Store @ Central Chiangmai in May 2025, describing it at the time as its first pop-up store in the North. The MAYA branch, which held its grand opening ceremony on 21 May 2026, has been promoted as an official store and a larger destination for art toy collectors.

The store features a range of Pop Mart figures and characters, as well as large display pieces including a five-metre-tall HIRONO sculpture and large figures of SKULLPANDA and CRYBABY.

Siriporn Phlaengchanthuek, Head of Southeast Asia for Pop Mart, said Chiang Mai had shown strong market potential since the company first launched its pop-up store in the province.

"Chiang Mai has always been a key city for us. The response we received after debuting our pop-up store here was remarkable and showed strong enthusiasm from local collectors," Siriporn said. "That encouraged our decision to officially open the first Pop Mart official store in Chiang Mai and northern Thailand."

She also thanked provincial authorities, Chiang Mai International Airport and MAYA Lifestyle Shopping Centre for their support, saying the company hoped the store would help make Chiang Mai a destination for art toy collectors and travellers.

The launch was also tied to a tourism campaign with Chiang Mai International Airport called "Pop Mart: Unbox Joy @ Chiang Mai International Airport." From 21 to 22 May, special-edition Pop Mart art toys were distributed to passengers arriving on selected domestic flights from Bangkok and some international routes. Pop Mart Thailand also promoted the campaign through its official social media channels.