Deputy Transport Minister Pattharapongse Pattharaprasit announced the seven-point policy framework following a meeting with the Airports Authority of Thailand (AAT), emphasizing modernized, efficient, and integrated transport systems that connect all of the country's transportation networks. The comprehensive approach aims to provide citizens with modern, convenient, safe, and environmentally-friendly transportation infrastructure while fostering industrial growth and sustainable economic development.

The seven policies focus on making airports engines of regional development. The first policy directs the AAT to propose cost-reduction measures for airlines, operators, and stakeholders to mitigate Middle East crisis impacts without compromising service or safety standards. The second calls for supporting government's economic stimulus efforts by accelerating 2025 budget disbursement and preparing the 2026 budget allocation process.

The third policy mandates expediting ongoing construction projects, including runway extensions at Krabi and Surat Thani airports, terminal expansion at Narathiwat airport, and implementing drone detection and bird control technology. The fourth focuses on accelerating approved projects including runway extensions at Chumphon and Phrae airports, plus capacity expansion initiatives at Narathiwat, Phrae, Chumphon, Buriram, Ranong, and Trang airports to accommodate larger international aircraft.

The fifth policy involves upgrading public administration through modern automation technologies, including biometric systems, boarding pass verification services, and passenger pre-screening systems. The sixth directs developing a master plan for airport development and regional connectivity. Additionally, the AAT is tasked with exploring revenue-generating opportunities and studying guidelines for airport income development.

Mazda is nurturing young people's dreams by offering them a chance to pursue professional golf careers. The company is accepting applications from Mazda Family customers' children (including friends and relatives), both boys and girls aged 9-18, with a total of 50 participants invited to join the free Mazda U.S. College PREP Junior Golf Camp 2026, valued at 15,000 baht. Participants will learn golf techniques directly from professional coaches from prestigious American universities, with potential opportunities to receive scholarships for further studies in the United States, paving the way toward becoming a world-class professional golfer. The camp will take place on June 6 at Rancho Charnvee Resort and Country Club in Nakhon Ratchasima province, with registration open until May 25. For more information, visit www.mazda.co.th under the Events and Activities section.

Mr. Phopnipith Jirawattananon, Director of Marketing and Digital Innovation at Mazda Sales (Thailand) Limited, stated: "Supporting people's potential and turning dreams into reality is what Mazda believes in and prioritizes. This reflects our business philosophy aimed at creating long-term value for both customers and Thai society. Through sports marketing activities, Mazda is not only creating brand experiences but also implementing an important mechanism to advance our corporate social responsibility mission, focusing on developing Thai youth by providing access to learning, training, skill enhancement, and advancement in sports they love."

"This event embodies Mazda's Challenger Spirit philosophy—the same spirit that drives our automotive innovation and continuous development to provide people with the best experiences. We hope that this combination of sports marketing and social activities will inspire Thai youth and help elevate their potential to reach the international stage, while building a stronger and more sustainable society together. Moreover, this event offers exclusive benefits to our Mazda Family as a token of appreciation for allowing us to care for you and your families throughout your vehicle ownership journey," Mr. Phopnipith said.

The Mazda U.S. College PREP Junior Golf Camp 2026 is part of the Mazda U.S. College PREP Junior Golf Championship program launched in 2024, a collaboration between Mazda Sales Thailand and The Agency College Recruit, an expert in securing sports scholarships for youth worldwide. The program aims to support young golf enthusiasts by providing opportunities to showcase their skills and pursue their dreams of becoming world-class professional golfers. The camp format allows young participants to learn skills and techniques from professional coaches from renowned American universities. This presents an excellent opportunity for talented young golfers to develop their abilities and gain exposure to international coaching standards.

Mahattana Ampornsisitth, managing director of the Government Housing Bank (GHB), announced the bank's initiative to ease the burden of high electricity bills through a solar rooftop home loan campaign featuring introductory interest rates of just 0.99% per annum with monthly payments starting from 3,600 baht per million baht borrowed. Special offer: installation assistance up to 50,000 baht for solar rooftop loans. For a 300,000-baht solar installation loan, monthly payments begin at just 1,100 baht. The bank also offers high-yield savings accounts at 1.55% per annum, lottery-style savings certificates, and second-hand home loans with fixed 0% interest for the first two years and discounts up to 50%.

Managing Director Mahattana Ampornsisitth revealed that the bank is unlocking expensive electricity costs by offering a solar rooftop home loan campaign with introductory interest rates of only 0.99% per annum, starting monthly payments at 3,600 baht per million baht borrowed.

Special promotion: Installation assistance up to 50,000 baht for solar rooftop installations. For a 300,000-baht solar rooftop installation loan over 40 years, monthly payments start at just 1,100 baht.

Additionally, the bank offers high-yield savings accounts at 1.55% per annum, GHB lottery savings certificates with attractive returns and chances to win major prizes, and second-hand home loans with 0% fixed interest for the first two years.

The event is being held at the 26th Bangkok Finance Festival (Money Expo 2026 Bangkok) from May 7-10, 2026 at Impact Muang Thong Thani.

The bank is committed to helping customers save energy long-term, offering financial products with special promotions to reduce expenses and enable citizens to own energy-efficient homes. The solar rooftop home loan program offers a 1-billion-baht lending framework.

For those interested in purchasing or constructing a home with a solar rooftop installation, interest rates are tiered: 0.99% per annum for months 1-2, 1.99% for months 3-6, and 2.99% for months 7-12 (subject to insurance requirements). The first-year average interest rate equals 2.32% per annum with a 40-year loan term. Borrowing 1 million baht means monthly payments of 3,600 baht. For solar rooftop installation loans with a 40-year term and 300,000-baht limit, monthly payments begin at 1,100 baht.

The bank also reduces installation costs for solar rooftop customers: maximum 30,000 baht for systems under 5KW and maximum 50,000 baht for systems 5KW and above.

The "Cool Home, Happy Living" housing loan offers free mortgage registration and appraisal fees, with fixed interest rates starting from just 2.20% per annum in the first year, covering all loan purposes. The average 3-year interest rate is just 2.86% with a 40-year loan term. Borrowing 1 million baht requires monthly payments starting from just 2,900 baht.

Savings accounts and GHB lottery certificates provide financial security, including savings accounts with interest rates up to 1.55% per annum (for deposits not exceeding 200,000 baht), with tax exemption on interest for individuals.

GHB lottery savings certificates "Golden Prosperity Set" are available at 1,000 baht per unit with a one-year maturity, offering 0.30% per annum face value returns (upon maturity) and a chance to win first prizes worth 3 million baht across 12 drawings.

GHB lottery savings certificates "Prosperity Enhancement Set" are priced at 5 million baht per unit with a one-year maturity, offering 1.20% per annum face value returns (upon maturity) and a chance to win first prizes worth 5 million baht across 12 drawings.

Special offer: Receive monthly interest payments directly into your savings account every month.

Second-hand homes from GHB feature quality properties in diverse locations including single houses, duplexes, and townhouses from across the country—over 600 listings—sold at discounts up to 50% off regular prices. Product promotions include special 0% interest rates fixed for the first two years.

Customers who purchase properties and transfer ownership during the event within the bank's specified timeframe—the first 20 customers—will receive gift vouchers worth 1,000 baht each (one reward per customer).

Properties nationwide can be reserved during the event, May 7-10.

On May 7th, the Athletics Association of Thailand hosted World Youth Athletics Day at the Sports Authority of Thailand building. Thai national track and field athlete Biu Phuriphol Bunsorn gave an interview about his goals this year, focusing on improving his performances in both the 100m and 200m events to break Asian records.

The 20-year-old runner stated he has set targets of 9.80 seconds for the 100m and approximately 19.6-19.7 seconds for the 200m, which represent his ultimate goals. "When my coach (Coach G, Gentry Bradley) returned, he asked me to write down my goals for this year. I wrote that I want to improve my personal records in both 100m and 200m, and also want to break the Asian record in both events," he said.

"In the past, I've competed in many events, including the Asian Games in China, but I didn't have enough experience then. Now I've learned a lot and fixed various shortcomings. For this year's Asian Games, I'm hoping to win the gold medal," he added.

At 10:21 AM on May 7, 2569, Deputy Sergeant Major Natthawut Prabsakul, Investigation Officer at Bang Phli Police Station, received a report of a fatal truck trailer accident on Theppharat Road, parallel express lane heading out, kilometer marker 18 in Samut Prakan province. He rushed to the scene with medical examiners from King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital and Thai Red Cross Foundation personnel.

The victim, identified as Khun Mong Soe, a 34-year-old Myanmar national, was found with severe head trauma from the truck trailer's wheels. His Honda motorcycle bearing a Bangkok license plate was discovered about 500 meters away. The truck trailer was located but the driver was missing, having fled the scene. Police found identification documents naming a 57-year-old man, with blood and brain matter detected on the trailer's left rear wheel.

CCTV footage revealed the motorcyclist was traveling in the far left lane when, seeing the truck approaching in his mirror, he suddenly braked to avoid hitting a curb. This caused his bike to skid on sand, lose control, and collide with the truck trailer behind him. The impact threw him directly under the rear wheels, where he was crushed. The truck driver continued without stopping, but was later identified by witnesses who alerted authorities.

At 11:30 a.m. on May 7, 2025, Pol. Lt. Gen. Sayam Boonsom, Police Chief, accompanied by Pol. Maj. Thierdej Tharmsutheep, Deputy Police Chief, went to an apartment on Soi Kosumruamjai 14, Don Muang Subdistrict, Don Muang District to announce the arrest of two suspects in connection with the theft of exotic animals from Pata Zoo at Pata Pinklao Department Store.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Sayam and police officers searched the apartment and discovered evidence consisting of 13 exotic animals including snakes, raccoons, and Sulcata tortoises, along with stolen animals from Pata Zoo such as tiger-striped salamanders and Chinese crocodile geckos, as well as animals stolen from Samsen Zoo in Bang Khen, including baby squirrel monkeys.

Both suspects confessed before Pol. Lt. Gen. Sayam that they had committed the thefts from zoos. However, they denied selling the animals, claiming they kept them as personal pets, and they apologized for their actions.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Sayam revealed to the media that the arrest stemmed from a tip to the Narcotics Division of the Bangkok Metropolitan Police, led by Pol. Maj. Thierdej, regarding a drug investigation at the apartment. The male suspect had outstanding arrest warrants for drug offenses in other provinces and an arrest warrant for the Pata Zoo theft from Bang Yee Khen Police Station.

Operational units executed the arrest warrant and discovered numerous exotic animals in the suspects' room, particularly those stolen from Pata Zoo as well as those from Samsen Zoo.

Initially, both suspects admitted to stealing tiger salamanders and Chinese crocodile geckos from Pata Pinklao Zoo, and baby squirrel monkeys from Samsen Zoo in Bang Khen. They also confessed to previously stealing a Sulcata tortoise from Ayutthaya Province. Investigations continue regarding the origins of the other animals.

The suspects further revealed that they stole these animals to sell online and used the proceeds to purchase drugs. However, the theft was not commissioned by anyone—rather, both suspects had an interest in and knowledge of exotic animals.

Pol. Lt. Gen. Sayam stated that these exotic animals command high prices and are sought after by rare animal enthusiasts, generating substantial income. The suspects have engaged in this activity for over 2-3 years, constantly moving to different locations to evade arrest. The Don Muang apartment was only recently occupied, within the past week, specifically to avoid easy apprehension.

The suspects targeted locations selling or keeping exotic animals, including various zoos, monitoring Facebook pages and online information. In the case of Pata Pinklao Zoo, the male suspect first surveyed the area, then exploited blind spots in the CCTV coverage while the female suspect watched the cameras and blocked the view. The male suspect then reached into the enclosures and removed two animals, placed them in a bag, and exited the zoo during a time when few people were present.

All animals will be examined to determine their legal status, whether they were stolen property, and to identify which species are protected under wildlife conservation laws, in order to file appropriate charges.