A major controversy is erupting in Japan as authorities investigate multiple online shops selling used schoolgirl indoor shoes at abnormally inflated prices, with some pairs reaching tens of thousands of yen. Society is concerned about the ethical and propriety issues surrounding these transactions.

Worn indoor shoes that have clearly been used are reportedly being sold online by recently graduated female students, becoming the center of widespread controversy over the appropriateness and ethics of the transactions.

In Japan, removing shoes before entering homes, schools, or public buildings is a deeply rooted cultural practice that reflects concepts of cleanliness and respect for shared spaces. School indoor shoes, known as "uwabaki," are typically simple, white, and ballet-like in appearance.

Students from kindergarten through university must change into uwabaki when entering school buildings, and often write their names or classroom details on the shoes, along with small decorative touches to mark ownership.

While it's common for some school shoes to be resold through second-hand apps after graduation—usually in unused or good condition—the current controversy involves shoes that have been actively used with clear wear marks.

One listing from Saitama Prefecture was priced at 6,900 yen (approximately 1,500 baht), marketed as a "graduation souvenir," with the description noting three years of use and evidence of the original owner's name being erased.

Meanwhile, reports indicate some similar shoes have sold at auction for up to 50,000 yen (approximately 11,000 baht) following bidding competitions among online buyers.

One internet user noted that buyer interest may increase if product images contain personal details such as traces of the original name or even partial photos of the seller—fueling further social controversy.

Japanese media reports suggest this type of transaction may have various motivations, ranging from collecting to symbolic interest in school-age experiences, prompting many to voice concerns about propriety boundaries and protecting minors' personal information in the online marketplace era.

Critics have expressed concern that selling such items may involve sensitive issues and could be linked to inappropriate views of youth in certain perspectives.

Astrologer Maw Boi ranks the top 5 zodiac signs experiencing rapid wealth accumulation and fortune reversal. Money flows like water, and luck strikes powerfully under Madame Devi's blessing. Zodiac signs are experiencing change—some for the better, some requiring caution—depending on each person's actions. Maw Boi clearly ranks the 5 luckiest zodiac signs for wealth-grabbing fortune, revealing that those with negative intentions will exit from these people's lives. The ranking is as follows: 1st Leo, 2nd Gemini, 3rd Virgo, 4th Pisces, 5th Libra. Previously burdened by obstacles and carrying heavy expectations, these signs now break free from hardship. Their wait will not be in vain, and soon they will be reborn stronger and more prosperous. Money flows abundantly, and luck surges overwhelmingly, while those wishing them harm will disappear from their lives. Blessed by spiritual protection and guidance under Madame Devi's fortune.

On May 7, 2569 at Bangkok City Hall, Governor Chatchai Sittiphand discussed the 2568 fiscal year budget surplus, which showed revenues exceeding expenditures by over 5 billion baht. He explained that Bangkok's budgeting approach aims for a balanced budget with equal revenues and expenditures, estimated conservatively in advance. Chatchai stated that rather than borrowing, the city generates additional revenue beyond projections and reduces unnecessary spending, creating surpluses like the 5 billion baht excess in 2568—a pattern that has historically occurred, though revenues declined during the COVID-19 pandemic period. He emphasized efforts to maintain maximum reserves because the city must allocate accumulated funds to pay BTS debts from reserves accumulated over decades, with over 60 billion baht already disbursed. Chatchai warned that if these reserves are depleted, future administrations would lack emergency funds, making efficient management essential to preserve buffers for unforeseen crises. He clarified he is not claiming credit for creating these reserves, noting that throughout history Bangkok has experienced both budget surpluses and deficits, and his policy focuses on maximizing revenue collection and minimizing procurement costs through competitive bidding, with the difference resulting from better-than-expected procurement results and higher-than-projected revenue collection. Regarding Democrat Party spokesman Pongskor Kwanmuang's (former Bangkok spokesperson) assertion that Bangkok has drawn from accumulated reserves since the era of former Governor Awin Kwanmuang to pay BTS debts, Chatchai acknowledged Pongskor spoke correctly about the continuation of accumulated reserves, though the city has had to supplement and manage debts from previous administrations. The article also references an earlier report where 'Earth Pongskor' showed Bangkok's reserves under former Governor Awin's administration totaled 76,000 million baht, not the 94 million baht cited elsewhere.

At 9:30 AM on May 7, 2026, Chayut Sinphunpakdi, Deputy Mayor of Rangsit Municipality in Pathum Thani, and Chamras Chusukhapat, an official of Rangsit Municipality, mobilized five firefighting vehicles with crews to extinguish a fire at a well-known entertainment venue in the Khlong Neung area along Khlong Rangsit Nakhon Nayok in Prachatipat subdistrict, Thanyaburi district, Pathum Thani province. After receiving reports of a fresh fire outbreak, firefighters discovered flames and thick smoke on the second-floor ceiling of the building. They sprayed water to control the fire, with the fire chief ordering crews to spray water through the ceiling panels due to soundproofing foam insulation, fearing the fire could reignite.

According to Chayut Sinphunpakdi and Chamras Chusukhapat, the fire began around 4:50 AM at the bar. Firefighters and police from Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Police Station arrived at approximately 5:00 AM. They found significant smoke and flames on the second floor, which housed stored old chairs and supplies. Firefighters contained the fire by morning, though the closed venue with soundproofing materials allowed the fire to reignite due to accumulated heat. The interior of the entertainment venue sustained total damage. The building's structural integrity now requires inspection by municipal engineers, while the cause of the secondary fire outbreak has been attributed to accumulated heat. Damage assessment is ongoing pending further structural evaluation.

At 11:50 a.m. on May 7, 2025, at Parliament, Dr. Worrung Dejakitvikrom, Thai Raksa Party leader and list MP, commented on former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra receiving a sentence suspension and his scheduled release from prison on May 11.

Dr. Worrung noted that Thaksin's situation involved breaking the law and abusing privilege by claiming illness to avoid imprisonment, which prompted public resistance and led to a court judgment requiring his incarceration. Having now served eight months, Thaksin has fulfilled the regulatory requirements and deserves the sentence suspension, a right that should be granted to him and others.

"Personally, I'm okay with it because it adheres to legal principles," Dr. Worrung stated. "Since he accepted responsibility and served time, I must commend him. But from here on, it's Thaksin's responsibility to plan his own future."

When asked about Thaksin's release impacting politics, Dr. Worrung observed that mass mobilization efforts—including lottery distributions and welcoming events—suggest Thaksin hasn't abandoned politics, which is his right. However, he expressed hope that Thaksin would learn from past mistakes and understand what should and shouldn't be done.

Dr. Worrung emphasized that if the rule of law is respected and everything proceeds legally, there should be no problems. However, given their age, Thaksin should understand that disrespecting the law creates social division. He acknowledged the release will impact politics but its severity depends on Thaksin's restraint.

Regarding potential complaints, Dr. Worrung said that since the court issued its judgment, he considers his duty fulfilled and rarely comments on Thaksin, as everything followed proper legal procedure. He respects Thaksin for respecting the court's decision and praised his conduct. However, if any future legal violations occur—whether by Thaksin, the government, or others—he will fight to protect the rule of law and justice.

Thai entrepreneurs in Saudi Arabia say Thai business and products still have significant opportunities in the Middle East despite recent regional conflicts. Akkarawut Tangsirikosolwong, chairman of the Asian and Middle Eastern Export Trade Association and CEO of Vega Group, revealed that while recent Middle East tensions negatively impacted Thai business for just one month, most regional countries have now adapted and returned to normal operations. Trade and investment in Saudi Arabia continue as usual, and the country's Vision 2030 development initiatives are proceeding on schedule.

"News coverage may have made the situation seem severe, but the impact was actually short-term," Akkarawut explained. "People in the region still conduct normal daily life, especially in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The economy continues to function well, and despite a temporary dip in tourism, it's now recovering. Rising oil prices have also boosted regional income and consumer spending."

While the closure of the Strait of Hormuz initially disrupted export operations, Akkarawut noted that businesses have adapted by rerouting shipments through Oman instead. Although this increases shipping costs, commerce continues. Airports have also resumed operations. "I see the Middle East market as a strong opportunity for Thai products and services because the economy is growing well. Thai exports should recover fairly quickly since consumers in the region prefer Thai goods," he said. Product categories with strong market expansion potential include food products, processed foods, herbs, cosmetics, fashion, and home decoration items.

Thai food service businesses, particularly restaurants, continue to expand throughout the Middle East, reflecting strong consumer demand, especially in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. In the second half of the year, business events and trade shows postponed due to the conflict are expected to resume in July and August, presenting important opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs. Private businesses are preparing major projects including Global City in Dammam in eastern Saudi Arabia, offering showcase space for 40-50 Thai entrepreneurs and potentially generating 300-400 million baht in revenue.