Prince of Songkhla University's Halal Institute officially opened its Halal Spa Learning Center and celebrated 15 years of operation, advancing the halal wellness industry to global standards while creating jobs and positioning southern border regions as a hub for halal health economics. The ceremony, chaired by Arun Boonchom, a Royal Advisor, brought together over 150 participants including Pattani Governor Patiema Sadiyamu and university officials, establishing a crucial network among government, private sector, and civil society to develop sustainable economy and society based on halal identity while supporting Thailand's international health center ambitions.

The event featured panels on "The Future of Thai Massage and Halal Spa: Gaining Global Muslim Recognition," exhibitions of the institute's 15-year achievements in halal industry research and innovation, and the formal opening of the spa learning center. Arun Boonchom emphasized how the center reflects Thailand's progress in developing comprehensive halal standards encompassing wellness dimensions, building confidence among domestic and international users while establishing Thailand as a model for halal society. He highlighted that this center represents a critical step in expanding halal services into high-potential, rapidly growing wellness industries by raising spa service standards to comply fully with Islamic principles across hygiene, products, and service ethics.

The Pattani Governor and PSU Rector Niwat Kaewprab both stressed that over 15 years, the Halal Institute has successfully connected halal principles with science, innovation, and services, generating academic, research, and grassroots economic benefits. They noted that opening the Halal Spa Learning Center marks another significant milestone for the university while creating new economic opportunities and sustainable growth for southern border communities through creative economy development.

On May 2, 2569, at the Yuniman Hotel in Chiang Mai, Artsisdh Sampaththarat, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, along with Chinnaratcha Sampaththarat, President of the Interior Ministry Women's Association, presided over the opening of a workshop titled 'Project to Build Awareness and Promote Royal Excellence in Upgrading and Developing Thai Textile and Handicraft Heritage Under the Royal Initiative of Princess Siriwannawaree Nariratana Rajakanya,' the fifth operation point.

The event featured consultants and experts in Thai textiles including Thananrat Thansethakar, Dr. Srinida Jamraman, Dr. Kroglod Kamsuk, Assistant Professor Dr. Rwitep Musikapan, Dr. Kittisak Yaowavanon, Dr. Thisiruk Potawanich, and Dr. Prawa Rujinrong as speakers. Attendees included Rathapol Naradisorn, Governor of Chiang Mai Province, along with governors from neighboring provinces and representatives from the Thai textile industry.

Artsisdh noted that Princess Siriwannawaree Nariratana Rajakanya has demonstrated remarkable dedication in supporting the royal initiative and advancing Thai textile and handicraft heritage in a sustainable manner. Her royal vision combines traditional textile artistry unique to each region with contemporary fashion perspectives through the 'Thai Fabric for Enjoyable Wearing' initiative, which has gained widespread popularity across all ages and genders while creating employment and elevating Thai textiles internationally.

The Princess has played a crucial role in advancing Thailand's cultural and creative industries at an international level, notably receiving UNESCO recognition and a commendation medal on July 18, 2568, for her contributions to cultural heritage preservation and promotion. She has championed various initiatives to promote indigenous Thai weaving, including the Don Koy Model Project, the Na Wa Model Project, the Batik Learning Center Model, and the Thai Fabric for Enjoyable Wearing project.

Artsisdh further noted that the Princess proposed registering the 'Thai suit' as an intangible cultural heritage in 2569, reflecting the beauty and uniqueness of Thai culture rooted in the royal vision of the late Queen Sirikit. Throughout her work, she has provided numerous approved textile patterns and established the 'Sustainable Fashion' certification mark for environmentally-friendly textile and handicraft producers, demonstrating her long-term vision for advancing handicraft arts while protecting the environment.

Artsisdh expressed honor and delight at the gathering, noting that Chiang Mai is a province rich in cultural arts and valued traditions, particularly Thai textiles, which represent invaluable national cultural heritage.

A shocking crime has emerged at Asahiyama Zoo in Hokkaido, Japan. On May 2nd, Japanese media reported a horrifying case at the zoo where a 33-year-old zoo employee was arrested on suspicion of murdering his wife. The suspect, Tatsuya Suzuki, confessed to cremating his 33-year-old wife Yui Suzuki in a furnace within the zoo grounds in late March. Human remains were discovered in the furnace during the police investigation.

The case came to light after the victim's family reported her missing on April 23rd. When police questioned the suspect, they discovered inconsistencies in his statements. The suspect admitted to incinerating the body at night while the zoo was closed. Police also revealed that the suspect had previously threatened to burn his wife's body so completely that nothing would remain and hinted that he had committed the murder himself. Further investigation is ongoing to confirm all details.

Friends of the couple revealed that the suspect and his wife had been together for over 10 years since their university days, but their marriage was plagued with problems throughout, ultimately leading to this tragic incident.

Despite the shocking nature of the crime, Asahiyama Zoo has continued operations, postponing its opening for two days to allow authorities to conduct their investigation. Zoo Mayor Hirosuke Imatsu issued a public apology while reaffirming that the zoo will continue its educational mission as usual.

According to the zoo's official blog, Tatsuya Suzuki began working at the zoo in 2015 and was promoted to animal keeper in 2018, where he cared for animals including otters.

Did you know your teeth can predict how long you'll live? Experts reveal one critical factor to observe that indicates long-term health. The key to a longer life starts with the small things.

Recent research clearly shows that "oral health" may be one of the most important indicators of lifespan. Scientists from Japan and the United States found that strong, well-maintained teeth aren't just about aesthetics—they're directly linked to overall health and longevity.

The Unexpected Key to a Longer Life: It All Starts in Your Mouth

For many people, visiting the dentist might be an unpleasant experience, from the sound of instruments to the clinic smell or fear of treatment. But new evidence shows that regular dental checkups and treatment can add years to your life. Research from Osaka University, working with researchers from the US and Finland, found that oral health is closely connected to overall health and human lifespan.

Tooth Decay and Tooth Loss: A "Silent Danger" More Serious Than You Think

Historically, cavities, infections, and mouth inflammation have caused serious diseases and death. Though modern dental technology has advanced greatly, this problem remains a major threat. The World Health Organization lists declining oral health as a major risk factor for the elderly. A Japanese study analyzing data from nearly 200,000 seniors (age 75+) found that those with many missing teeth or untreated cavities had significantly higher mortality risk than those with healthy or properly treated teeth.

Good Teeth = Good Health = Long Life

Researchers note that the number of strong, well-maintained teeth is a crucial indicator of overall health. The more teeth you lose, the greater your risk of serious disease, including:

- Diabetes - High blood pressure - Heart disease - Kidney failure - Dementia - Even cancer

US research found that people with untreated cavities have higher heart disease mortality risk. In Finland, heart disease patients who maintained proper dental care lived longer than those who neglected oral health. The key finding is that it's not just the number of teeth, but their "condition" that determines our health and lifespan.

"Oral Fragility": A New Risk Factor Drawing Attention

Research from a scientific institute in Tokyo highlights a condition called "oral fragility," which includes symptoms such as:

- Missing teeth - Dry mouth - Speech difficulty - Chewing or swallowing difficulty

Seniors with three or more of these symptoms have a 34% higher mortality risk compared to those without them. The main cause stems from malnutrition, as they can't chew or swallow food properly, leading to a weaker body and increased illness.

Visiting the Dentist: An Investment in a Longer Life

Interestingly, regular dental visits can extend your lifespan by approximately one year. Researchers from Tokyo note that "tooth condition has a significant relationship with shortened lifespan, emphasizing the importance of oral health to the quality of life for seniors." Whether male or female, maintaining your teeth and receiving continuous dental care increases your chances of living a longer, healthier life.

Oral health isn't a minor issue—it's one of the critical factors affecting your long-term health. Brushing your teeth, flossing, and visiting your dentist regularly may be simple keys that help you live a longer, higher-quality life.

Sophon Sarum, President of Parliament and Speaker of the House of Representatives, along with executives from the House Secretariat, visited the parliamentary indoor gymnasium located on the 5th floor of the Parliament building during a public holiday. The facility is available for use by parliamentary members and staff from both the House and Senate secretariats for exercise and health maintenance.

Sophon stated that the visit aims to establish guidelines for promoting and developing health and fitness programs for all parliamentary members and staff, with the goal of ensuring everyone maintains good physical health, reduces work-related stress, improves quality of life, and ultimately enhances work efficiency.

The Prachathai Party has launched a major Out of Home (OOH) advertising campaign featuring over 100 billboards strategically placed across Bangkok, covering business districts, main routes, and areas where residents work and go about their daily lives. The billboard messages highlight various difficulties facing Bangkok residents, including taking parents to the doctor, commuting home in the evening, saving money, running a business, walking alone at night, breathing clean air, raising children, and maintaining good health. The campaign aims to encourage Bangkok residents to pause and reflect on daily hardships they may have become accustomed to, ending with the message 'Simple Bangkok for simpler lives for everyone.' This is intended to inspire residents to imagine an easier Bangkok should the Prachathai Party's candidate and team lead the city. The party will formally launch its Bangkok gubernatorial candidate on May 5 at 5 p.m. at Siam Paragon's The Mitr-ting Room on the fifth floor, though earlier reports suggested the event would be held at the Siam Museum.