Thailand is preparing to welcome its first Pokémon Center, marking a major milestone as the largest store of its kind outside Japan. Pokémon (Thailand) Co., Ltd. has partnered with Central Pattana, a leading sustainable real estate developer, to open "Pokémon Center BANGKOK" at CentralwOrld shopping mall in central Bangkok by 2026, positioning Thailand as a genuine global lifestyle destination.

The signing ceremony was attended by Shunsuke Sasaki, executive director of Pokémon (Thailand) Co., Ltd., and Isares Jiratiwat, Head of Leasing – Fashion & Luxury at Central Pattana, reflecting a significant strategic partnership. The event was highlighted by an appearance of Pikachu dressed in Thai-inspired attire, symbolizing the blend of Thai culture with the Pokémon world.

Elevating the Pokémon Experience in Thailand

The opening of "Pokémon Center BANGKOK" represents a major expansion of Pokémon's business in Southeast Asia, serving as the largest flagship store outside Japan. This reflects confidence in Thailand's market potential as a high-growth region with an expanding fan base and a key lifestyle and tourism destination. The Pokémon Center is more than a merchandise store—it's a complete immersive space where fans can experience the Pokémon world through trading card tournaments, special events, and the latest news updates. With existing locations in Singapore (opened 2019) and Taipei (opened 2023), "Pokémon Center BANGKOK" will become the third international location.

The new store is positioned as a destination rather than merely a retail outlet for global Pokémon fans. CentralwOrld was selected as the inaugural location due to its status as a world-class landmark in central Bangkok with high foot traffic from both Thai citizens and tourists, and its reputation as a global destination where world-class brands create experiences. This strategic positioning will truly elevate "Pokémon Center BANGKOK" as a major destination for Pokémon fans across the region.

Strengthening a New Landmark Through Partnership with Central Pattana

The collaboration with Central Pattana combines the strengths of both organizations to create new value in the shopping mall experience. Central Pattana brings expertise in developing national landmarks, while the Pokémon brand enjoys global recognition. The opening of "Pokémon Center BANGKOK" is expected to enhance the appeal of the shopping mall, create new reasons for visitors to travel to Bangkok, and contribute significantly to Thailand's tourism industry in the long term.

Executive Perspective

Shunsuke Sasaki, Executive Director of Pokémon (Thailand) Co., Ltd., stated: "We are greatly honored to open the first Pokémon Center in Thailand at CentralwOrld. This partnership represents a significant milestone for Pokémon in the region, and we are delighted to collaborate with Central Pattana. For this Bangkok project, we envisioned 'where would a Pokémon Center belong in Bangkok?' and the answer was a place brimming with people and vibrant energy—CentralwOrld."

Teacher White presents the top 4 zodiac signs blessed by Mercury's movement, revealing which signs are hitting their lowest point in the year and which are about to experience sudden fortune and prosperity.

Rank 1: Taurus

During the past month, the financial planet entered the house of destruction, causing severe hardship, stress, and difficult problems. After May 10, 2026, when Mercury exits the destructive house, your fate will recover. Good news will arrive to replace what was lost, bringing new blessings and greater prosperity. During this period, focus on merit-making and helping those in need.

Rank 2: Virgo

After a major impact from Mercury's entry into the death house, which damaged your fortune—finances, health, and stress—you've already passed the lowest point of the year. After May 10, 2026, begin anew. Let go of losses and failures; start fresh with better opportunities in positions, projects, and work. Money will flow in rapidly.

Rank 3: Dragon

Exciting news awaits—new beginnings, opportunities to do what you love, and happiness. Negotiations will bring prosperity and successful business. Between May 10-27, 2026, major success is coming, with income flowing from multiple sources. Seek blessings from trusted deities during this period.

Rank 4: Cancer

You're in a waiting period as your fortune is about to surge with sudden good luck. Long-anticipated matters and hopes are nearing completion. Someone will bring you great news. After May 10, 2026, success begins its ascent—your greatness is returning with flowing income.

At 11:45 a.m. on May 5, 2569, at Government House, Ms. Theerayut Samraja, deputy leader of Pheu Thai Party overseeing Bangkok, discussed preparations for fielding candidates for Bangkok Metropolitan Assembly (BMA) seats. She confirmed that Pheu Thai's existing BMA constituencies will continue competing, requesting permission to use the party logo—which the party has not opposed. Therefore, candidates can register under the Pheu Thai Party banner.

When asked if candidates would contest all 50 districts, Theerayut stated they won't cover all seats. Although the party has available personnel, they must assess conditions in each area. Among Pheu Thai's 20 existing constituencies, some candidates remain while others have switched to independent or alternative slate candidacies. The party will therefore select candidates from both existing and new aspirants and aims to finalize the candidate list quickly. Currently, multiple groups are working on this process, and at minimum, existing constituencies without named candidates will continue competing. Preliminary figures show around 20 names available, consisting of those currently working with the party and those proposing themselves as local representatives.

When asked if she's confident the party will maintain its current BMA seat count, Theerayut expressed belief in the party's strength, citing Pheu Thai's continuous grassroots work, community engagement, and track record of addressing public problems through proper channels. A primary BMA council function is examining Bangkok municipal legislation. Many policies announced in 2565 have been successfully advanced, and the party believes its achievements will resonate with voters. However, she distinguished this from the recent general election results, as BMA elections involve different variables than national legislative races.

When asked if she's concerned the BMA election landscape might shift like the general election did, Theerayut stated the party remains committed to serving the public regardless of outcomes. Pheu Thai, she emphasized, is a political institution that must continue working for the people whether elected or not.

Dr. Jessada Bunyavongvarot, Deputy Director of Primary Care Services at Maha Rachachon Hospital, shared warnings on his Facebook page about skin signs indicating liver malfunction. Many people assume liver problems always come with abdominal pain, yellowing skin, or jaundiced eyes, but the liver can deteriorate silently. Your skin is often the first warning signal, as the liver handles waste elimination, hormone regulation, and toxin removal. When liver function declines, wastes accumulate and manifest through the skin without you realizing it.

Key warning signs include:

1. Unexplained darkening of skin - If your skin appears duller and darker without increased sun exposure or normal rest changes, this may indicate poor waste and hormone management by the liver, causing pigmentation changes particularly on the face, neck, and underarms. Dark patches resembling stubborn dirt stains sometimes correlate with fatty liver disease or insulin resistance.

2. Persistent itching without visible rash - Itching without rash or all-over itching, especially at night, may result from waste like bile accumulating in the body when liver or bile duct function is impaired, irritating nerve endings and creating a deep itch that scratching won't relieve.

3. Yellowing skin and eyes - This is a clear sign of elevated bilirubin caused by the liver failing to properly eliminate waste from red blood cells, causing yellow pigment accumulation in skin and whites of eyes. This requires immediate medical attention as it may indicate hepatitis, bile duct obstruction, or severe liver disease.

4. Red spider-like blood vessels (spider angioma) - Small branching red vessels resembling spider webs, typically found on the face, neck, or chest, result from hormone imbalance as the liver fails to properly regulate estrogen. This sign is common in people with chronic liver disease.

5. Abnormal redness in palms - Particularly at the base of the thumb and pinky, called "palmar erythema," caused by capillary dilation under the skin related to liver and hormonal abnormalities, often appearing alongside other liver dysfunction signs.

6. Easy bruising or prolonged bleeding - The liver is the "main factory" for producing blood clotting proteins. When the liver struggles, clotting protein production drops, resulting in large bruises from minor bumps or prolonged bleeding after brushing teeth. This signals the liver is "giving up" and affecting circulation.

If you notice multiple signs, don't just monitor symptoms—check and reduce liver stress simultaneously. Get blood tests checking AST, ALT, ALP, and bilirubin levels; eliminate alcohol immediately; reduce sugar, fat, and processed foods; ensure adequate sleep; be cautious with medications and supplements requiring doctor consultation; and seek immediate medical attention if experiencing jaundice, severe itching, or unusual fatigue. Your skin is truly a "mirror reflecting liver health."

At 10:00 a.m. on May 5, 2026 in Narathiwat Province, Deputy Commander Thares Kaewlaeliead of Region 9 Police revealed that investigators had summoned Navy Lieutenant Montri Toppraserit and Navy Ensign Detcho Rattanapun. This followed an additional complaint filed by MP Kamomsak Leevamao (Phak Prachathai, District 5 Narathiwat) accusing both military officers of hiring or supporting an assassination attempt. Both men were scheduled to meet investigators at 10:00 a.m. at Narathiwat Provincial Police Command, with Deputy Commander Thares leading the investigation personally.

Reporters noted that Lieutenant Montri arrived with his lawyer, wearing his Navy dress uniform, though Ensign Detcho had not yet appeared. Following the interrogation, investigators are expected to formally charge the suspects. While both men arrived voluntarily on summons rather than arrest warrant, investigators are likely to request detention orders and have both presented before Narathiwat Provincial Court, which will decide on temporary release. The court proceedings are expected to conclude on May 6, 2026.

This is the first public appearance by either officer since the shooting incident against MP Kamomsak on March 20. The victim has requested police examine 10 phone numbers believed to be evidence connecting the shooting team to the person who ordered the attack.

Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister Suriya Jurungrueangkit addressed concerns at Government House regarding the El Niño phenomenon, which has caused farmers to worry about potential water shortages. He assured the public that reservoir water supplies are fully sufficient for agricultural needs. For non-irrigated areas, he has ordered the Irrigation Department to prepare pumping equipment and other necessary tools for farmers outside irrigation zones.

Beyond water management, the ministry plans to organize a Fruit Expo to promote Thailand's fruit industry on the global stage, including initiatives for export promotion, fruit research advancement, and fruit logistics development. The ministry recently met with Gerald Bose of Koelnmesse, a world-renowned exhibition expert from Germany who has long collaborated with Thailand, including organizing Thaifex Anuga, the world's 4th largest and Asia's largest food trade show. Bose is scheduled to visit the Ministry of Agriculture on May 26 for further discussions.

Regarding durian exports, Minister Suriya noted that production is expected to exceed 30% this year. He has directed improvements in efficiency and expanded quality inspection timeframes before export to facilitate smoother trade. At the Nakhon Phanom checkpoint, authorities are requesting the National Bureau of Agricultural Commodity and Food Standards to extend inspection hours for durian exports to ensure Thai agricultural products can be bought and sold smoothly.