Informa Markets Thailand reports that the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, and packaging industries are experiencing sustained growth as they transition toward Industry 5.0, where humans, AI, and machinery work together efficiently. ProPak Asia 2026 is being elevated to serve as a regional business and innovation hub, with an expected 80,000 visitors and over 5.5 billion baht in trade value. Sarnchai Numbunnai, General Manager of Informa Markets Thailand, explained that future manufacturing is advancing toward Industry 5.0, integrating human workers, AI, and automation systems to boost efficiency, reduce costs, and improve production quality. The industry is shifting from mass production to flexible, consumer-centric manufacturing, requiring businesses to adopt smart factories and data-driven innovation. To support this technological transition, ProPak Asia 2026 is relocating to Impact Muang Thong Thani, marking more than just a venue change—it reflects a vision to elevate from a regional event to a global manufacturing and packaging innovation hub. The new 60,000-square-meter space (20% larger) will showcase cutting-edge machinery and smart production lines operating in real-time from global manufacturers. New zones including DigitalisationAsia Zone, Intelligent Automation, and Data-driven solutions will feature AI, machine learning, collaborative robots, and analytics tools. The event will function as a knowledge center with over 100 expert seminars covering trends like future foods, global food security, and international testing standards. This year's event features 2,500 brands from 45 countries with national pavilions from South Korea, China, Japan, Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, France, the United Kingdom, North America, India, and Italy.

On May 10, a powerful summer storm swept through Rayong province, causing significant damage to durian orchards across multiple areas. The hardest-hit districts were Wang Chan, Kaeng, Khao Chamao, and Pluak Daeng—areas where harvest season was imminent—leaving many farmers in distress. Toppled trees and fallen fruit posed immediate challenges during this critical growing period.

Somhmai Phonmani, director of Rayong Provincial Agriculture Office, confirmed that after the storm struck, agricultural extension officers coordinated with local authorities, community leaders, and relevant agencies to conduct damage assessments and provide support to affected farmers. The initial survey on May 9 documented impacts across 4 districts, 12 subdistricts, and 31 villages, affecting 146 farmers with 16 trees toppled in Wang Chan district alone.

Total damage reached over 43 tons of durian valued at approximately 4.3 million baht, distributed as follows: - Wang Chan: 18.1 tons, affecting 77 farmers - Pluak Daeng: 2.95 tons, affecting 4 farmers - Khao Chamao: 18 tons, affecting 9 farmers - Kaeng: 3.95 tons, affecting 56 farmers

Official recovery guidance emphasizes pruning damaged branches, supporting remaining branches, and tying fruit to prevent further losses. Farmers are advised to process ripening fruit into value-added products like fried durian and durian ice cream, while softer fruit can be converted into compost to minimize waste.

Meanwhile, Rayong's agricultural office coordinated with the Department of Agriculture and a durian quality control task force to conduct strict monitoring and inspections. The goal is to prevent wind-damaged or underripe durians from entering the market under the guise of quality fruit, thereby protecting Rayong's durian reputation and consumer confidence.

Farmers are urged to monitor weather forecasts closely and update their agricultural registrations to ensure rapid access to government assistance should another disaster strike during this vulnerable period.

On May 10, 2569, Parliament President Sopon Saramet, accompanied by Sakdi Saramet (Buriram MP) and officials from administration, police, public health, and other government agencies, visited Lamplaimat District in Buriram Province to launch the integrated "United Effort Love and Faith Drug Problem Resolution Project" at Chanthrawat Temple Treatment Center, offering encouragement to patients and center staff following activities on May 9.

President Sopon led officials and patients in merit-making and chanting on Buddhist observance day, presented offerings to the sangha, and participated in a hair-cutting ceremony symbolizing discipline for the ninth batch of patients. He also provided financial support for a seven-a-side football tournament to promote sports as an alternative to drug use.

Sopon revealed that he plans to use legislative mechanisms to amend laws that hinder effective drug prevention and suppression efforts. He subsequently inspected the preparation of an "Integrated Drug Problem Resolution Information Center" at Lamplaimat Municipality, emphasizing his goal to establish this project as a model that can be replicated in other areas of the country to address drug problems.

Dr. Yong Phuvaravarn has revealed that Thailand discovered hantavirus over 40-50 years ago, but the risk level is considered very low and there is no cause for concern.

On May 10, 2025, Dr. Yong Phuvaravarn, a Royal Institute member and clinical virology expert at the Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, posted about hantavirus and whether it poses a threat to Thailand.

Hantavirus is an RNA virus in the Hantaviridae family, with rodents and other small mammals serving as primary hosts. Humans typically become infected through inhalation of contaminated dust or rodent excretions such as urine, feces, or saliva in the environment.

The name "Hanta" comes from the Hantan River in South Korea, where the virus was discovered after the Korean War. When I was a student, I already knew about it. When dengue fever occurs, we must distinguish it from this virus, especially when kidney failure is involved. Later, with leptospirosis, we also had to consider this disease because of many similar symptoms.

The disease is found worldwide and is divided into two groups of symptoms: - Symptoms resembling dengue fever with kidney problems (Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome - HFRS), commonly found in Asia and Europe - Respiratory or lung symptoms (Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome - HPS), found in the Americas, particularly Central and South America

Transmission occurs through inhalation of contaminated dust from rodents, contact with rodent droppings, and rodent bites (rarely). Generally, person-to-person transmission is uncommon, except for the Andes strain currently in the news.

Symptoms include high fever, muscle pain, headache, nausea, and vomiting. In severe cases, kidney failure, hemorrhaging similar to dengue fever, pulmonary edema, and respiratory failure may occur.

The Andes strain currently causing outbreaks has a mortality rate of 30-40%.

Has it been found in Thailand?

Thailand "has found" evidence of hantavirus and antibodies in both rodents and humans. Hantavirus genetic material has been detected in various rodent species, particularly rats such as the roof rat, and antibodies have been found in certain populations, especially those who have contact with rodents or work in agriculture.

Hantavirus cases in Thailand are considered extremely rare, and the strain found is different from the current outbreak strain. Thailand's risk level is very low. Although the virus exists in Thailand, it is a different strain and has been present for over 40-50 years, so there is no cause for concern.

Red-shirted supporters are steadily gathering at Khlong Prem Central Prison to welcome former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's release tomorrow, with 500 police officers deployed to maintain order. On May 10, 2025, at 11:30 AM, the area outside Khlong Prem Central Prison became unusually busy following news of Thaksin's imminent release. Reporters noted that red-shirted supporters from various regions across Thailand have been arriving to stake out positions to show support and welcome the former premier's return home.

Starting from 11:00 AM, crowds laid out mats along the sidewalk at the prison entrance, bringing basic supplies such as handheld fans, umbrellas, and food. Most wore red shirts symbolizing their political stance and carried welcome banners reading "Welcome home, former PM." Activities in the area included music playing to create a festive atmosphere, group discussions about the country's political direction, and emotional exchanges about finally seeing the former premier return to life with his family.

For security, police officers from Prachakon and Tung Song Hom stations, along with prison officials and over 500 plainclothes officers, have been closely monitoring the area to ensure peace and order.

On May 10, 2025, Metropolitan Police Commander Siam Boonsom signed Order 154/2569 establishing a fact-finding committee following online reports of a raid by Bang Saothong Police Station officers in Samut Prakan Province. The raid uncovered a Chinese national named Sun Mingchen with firearms, ammunition, and equipment. Initial investigation revealed that some of the seized weapons were in the possession of officers in the Metropolitan Police Bureau's command structure, necessitating a formal inquiry into whether any officers were connected to the seized weapons or involved with the individual in question.

A six-member investigative committee was established with Deputy Commander Thanakrit Bouncherueng serving as chair. Officers were instructed to complete the investigation promptly and submit findings to their superiors for further action. The order was signed on May 9, 2025, by Metropolitan Police Commander Siam Boonsom.