The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is actively tackling drought in Kalasin province by accelerating water storage development and promoting 'Khao Khao Vang,' a regional rice variety, to nearly double its yield and create additional value for both domestic and international markets, supporting grassroots economic stability and sustainable farmer income.

On May 11, 2026, Deputy Agriculture Minister Watcharapol Khaokhwam visited Na Thun subdistrict in Kham Muang district, Kalasin province, to meet with local farmers and assess water shortage problems. He inspected the water levels in the Huai Laeng royal-initiative reservoir at Ban Non Kho community hall and pledged coordinated government action to secure water resources. "We are here to listen directly to the needs of the community and farmers, and we will coordinate all relevant agencies to develop urgent assistance measures, particularly in securing adequate water sources for consumption and agriculture, so people can live and work with stability," Watcharapol said.

Na Thun subdistrict faces challenging conditions, situated in elevated terrain without large-scale water retention facilities to capture seasonal rainfall. Additionally, groundwater is saline and unsuitable for consumption. The Agriculture Ministry, through the Kalasin Irrigation Project, has surveyed a new reservoir that will store over 1.2 million cubic meters of water, providing adequate supply for five villages with approximately 4,000 residents.

Watcharapol then visited the Lam Pa Yang upper reservoir in Song Phraleuk subdistrict, Khao Vang district, to assess water conditions and meet with local farmers about agricultural challenges. The medium-sized reservoir holds an average of 4.6 million cubic meters and supports irrigation for over 5,600 rai through an 18.05-kilometer pipe network, enabling year-round cultivation.

The reservoir has boosted production of 'Khao Khao Vang,' a native rice variety of Khao Vang district, from 273 kilograms per rai to 501 kilograms per rai, demonstrating improved efficiency and water management. The Ministry is also promoting high-quality rice cultivation, market development, and value creation to make 'Khao Khao Vang' competitive in both Thai and international markets, increasing farmer income.

Additionally, Watcharapol distributed aquatic species seeds, rice seeds, and eggs to farmer representatives to enhance food security and reduce production costs.

A landowner from Chai Nat province who had been unable to sell a one-rai property for years sought blessings from the revered Luang Por Somwang statue at Wat Klang Bang Phra in Nakhon Pathom. After placing a land deed beneath a replica statue and making a vow in February 2569, the property sold within two months at a good profit. The grateful owner, named Sarawut (surname withheld), then fulfilled his promise by bringing 999 chicken eggs, a pair of clay chicken statues, and three garlands to make merit offerings in May. Sarawut claimed he randomly selected lottery numbers 1, 6, and 7 from the eggs before leaving, planning to donate any winnings back to the temple's charitable programs. The donated items will be distributed to underprivileged families through the temple's welfare initiatives. Luang Por Somwang is a sacred Buddha image depicting the subjugation of Mara, standing over 30 meters tall and revered by both Thai and foreign devotees.

Nakhon Ratchasima: A 31-year-old woman became emotionally distressed following an argument with her boyfriend and climbed onto an overpass, dangling her legs over the edge in a suicide attempt. Fortunately, alert police officers patrolling the area discovered her and executed a daring rescue operation to save her life.

On May 11, 2025, police body cameras captured a dramatic rescue operation in which Muang District police demonstrated quick thinking and bravery while helping a 31-year-old woman in severe emotional distress. After a heated argument with her boyfriend, she impulsively climbed onto the pedestrian overpass railing and prepared to jump. Fortunately, patrol officers spotted her and intervened successfully.

The incident occurred at 3:19 AM on May 11, 2025, at a pedestrian overpass in front of the Mechanical and Commerce Technology College in Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Officers conducting a temporary checkpoint on Mittraphap Road noticed a woman appearing distressed, crying, and walking up onto the overpass.

When the woman climbed onto the overpass railing and dangled her legs over the edge, officers immediately began speaking calmly to her to prevent further harm. Meanwhile, they developed a careful rescue plan, with some officers positioning themselves behind her while others watched for the right moment to charge forward and pull her to safety.

The woman, identified as Ms. B (pseudonym), 31, from Chao Ho Subdistrict in Muang District, later acknowledged that she had argued with her boyfriend, leading to emotional distress and her decision to attempt the act. She was fortunate that officers arrived in time to help. Her family was then contacted to come retrieve her for further care.

After the incident, reports were filed with Sirichai Srichaipanya, superintendent of Muang District Police Station, and Deputy Superintendent Yutthapong Khokhunthod. This incident exemplifies the proactive work of patrol officers who not only maintain public order and safety but also rescue citizens in critical moments.

The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) under the Ministry of Transport will waive expressway tolls on three routes as follows:

Chalerm Maha Nakhon Expressway (Din Daeng-Bang Na-Daw Khano) - 21 toll booths Sri Rat Expressway (Sai Yut-Bang Khlo-Srinakarin) - 32 toll booths Udon Expressway (Bang Pa-in-Pak Kret) - 10 toll booths

The waiver applies on Wednesday, May 13, 2025 (Visakha Bucha Day) from 00:01 to 24:00 hours, a national public holiday declared by the Prime Minister's Office.

This measure follows government and Ministry of Transport policy outlined in amended concession agreements between EXAT, Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM), and Bangkok Northern Expressway Company Limited (NECL). The waiver aims to facilitate public travel during the holiday, reduce financial burden on citizens, and minimize traffic congestion at toll booths.

EXAT requests public cooperation in safe driving under the concept "Safe Driving - No U-turns for Safety." For travel information, contact the Expressway User Information Service Center (EXAT Call Center) at 1543, available 24 hours.

Government Advances Infrastructure Upgrades to Attract Digital and Clean Energy Investments for Future Industries

May 11, 2026 – Rachada Thanadirek, spokesperson for the Office of the Prime Minister, announced that the government is advancing infrastructure upgrades and promoting investment to support the economy and future industries.

The Board of Investment (BOI) has approved 6 major investment projects worth a combined 958,168 million baht. Simultaneously, 9 additional projects have been selected for the Thailand FastPass accelerated investment program phase 2, valued at 52,104 million baht combined.

This brings the total number of projects in the system to 25, worth over 223,216 million baht. These measures aim to reduce approval steps and enable faster investment implementation.

Rachada stated that beyond short-term investment facilitation measures, the government is also accelerating energy infrastructure upgrades to support high-electricity-consuming industries and long-term power demand. The energy ministry is preparing electricity guarantee measures for major power consumers.

Meanwhile, the provincial and metropolitan electricity authorities are developing standards for electricity guarantees to align power network investment plans with business electricity usage plans. The Energy Ministry is pushing forward the Power Development Plan (PDP) to support high-electricity-consuming industries by studying the recommissioning of decommissioned power plants and promoting modern energy technologies in the electrical system. The government is also advancing clean energy support mechanisms, including the Direct PPA program, which has completed rate calculations and awaits consideration by the Energy Regulatory Commission. The green electricity rate (UGT2) has been announced by the provincial and metropolitan electricity authorities as of April 30, 2026. Additionally, the government is reviewing regulations regarding rooftop solar systems to increase flexibility and support investor needs in transitioning to environmentally friendly business operations.