Winanat Thaetsongsuek, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, chaired the 7th meeting of the Committee for Children and Youth Food and Milk Programs in 2026. The committee approved benefit allocations for the school milk supplement program for the 2026 academic year, adhering strictly to existing transparency and fairness standards to prevent legal impacts on compliant operators.

Following a detailed examination by a task force, raw milk quantities were reduced by over 77 tons to align with actual production capacity. The committee also considered reinstating rights for certain operators who appealed on technical grounds with clear trade documentation. All decisions prioritize farmer welfare and milk quality for children and youth.

The committee set May 14, 2026 as the deadline for announcing benefit allocations, aiming to deliver milk to students as quickly as possible after the school term begins. Despite tight contract timelines, relevant agencies and regional groups are coordinating closely to ensure continuous milk delivery. The target is for all children to receive their full entitlement of 260 days of milk per academic year. Schools unable to begin on schedule must make up purchases during breaks to maintain consistent health and nutritional standards.

The committee also approved supporting raw milk supply stability by encouraging procurement units to purchase 200ml UHT milk boxes at 7.35 baht per unit during the first 30 days of the school term—equivalent to pasteurized milk prices—to incentivize units and reduce transportation burdens at semester start. The Ministry will maintain strict quality inspections and raw milk stock checks throughout the year, with penalties imposed for any violations to preserve public confidence in the program's transparency and fairness.

On May 11, 2025, the Office for Knowledge Management and Development (OKMD), a public organization, announced the establishment of the National Knowledge Center (NKC) on over 16,000 square meters of land on Ratchadamnoen Klang Road in Bangkok. The center will function as the country's 'National Intellectual Infrastructure' to support knowledge-based economics and navigate the artificial intelligence era.

The announcement was made at the 'OKMD Next to the Future: 22 Years Designing Thailand's Learning Ecosystem' event, reflecting a transformation from a 'knowledge organization' to a 'national knowledge ecosystem' that systematically connects knowledge, networks, and people to enhance the country's long-term competitive capability.

Dr. Thavarat Sootabut, Director of OKMD, stated that entering the organization's 22nd year is not merely a milestone but a pivotal moment for Thailand's role on the global stage. The NKC will not simply serve as a knowledge facility, but as the country's intellectual infrastructure that organizes, connects, and elevates Thailand's knowledge assets to create genuine value in the new economy, while enabling all Thai citizens to access meaningful learning opportunities.

"The NKC on Ratchadamnoen Klang Road is designed to be more than a physical space, but a 'national central platform' connecting knowledge units, educational institutions, businesses, and the public as one of the country's most important intellectual public spaces," Dr. Thavarat explained.

Dr. Nrongchai Akrasareni, Chairman of Khon Kaen University Council and former Minister of Commerce and Energy, delivered a special address stating that OKMD's founding originated from lessons learned during the Asian financial crisis, which prompted Thailand to shift toward a 'knowledge-based society.' In the modern world, countries cannot survive competing solely on labor or material costs; they must build 'systematic competitive capability' based on a strong knowledge ecosystem.

"I want Thais to remember: 'If you want to know something, think of NKC,' because NKC must be a center that creates knowledge value and connects all sectors, not just a data repository," Dr. Nrongchai stated.

Dr. Nrongchai also suggested that NKC requires sustainable operational models with revenue-generating capacity alongside partial state support to maintain agility in continuous knowledge and innovation development. In the context of new economic development, OKMD can serve as a crucial mechanism for promoting the 'Wellness Economy' by leveraging the country's medical and healthcare service capabilities, linking knowledge from upstream to downstream and creating industrial value-addition. Thailand possesses global-level health strengths; if knowledge systems can be interconnected effectively, it will become one of the country's important economic engines.

In the AI-era context where data access is unlimited, NKC's role is not to serve as a data repository but to create 'knowledge value' and enable society to use knowledge to drive real change.

This advancement toward NKC thus represents the laying of Thailand's foundational 'intellectual infrastructure' at the systemic level for the first time, serving as a crucial mechanism to drive the country toward a knowledge-based economy, enhance competitive capability, and build sustainability.

On May 11, 2025, Lieutenant General Nattasakdi Chaowasnasai, Commander of the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), disclosed progress in the case involving Ekaphop Luangprasert, founder of the "Saiyai Tong Rod" Facebook page, who filed a complaint with the Suppression Division after victims reported being assaulted by a renowned northern fortune teller claiming to perform spiritual cleansing. A third victim has now come forward, bringing the total to three.

According to Nattasakdi, officers conducted raids on May 10 at the suspect's residence, which operates as a spiritual practice center in Lamphun Province, plus two additional locations. The suspect was located and cooperated with investigators, though detailed questioning has not yet occurred.

Police successfully seized significant evidence including bedsheets, clothing, and numerous history books to support victim testimony, though no obscene materials related to animals have been found at this time.

"We had to conduct the raid urgently yesterday because we feared crucial evidence would be destroyed. We want to confirm the suppression division has no concerns about interference from any group of disciples," the CIB commander stated.

Investigators will expedite detailed questioning of all victims to clarify specific charges before issuing a summons for formal interrogation. The CIB has also ordered investigation into claims made by "Noiz Udom Thaepanit" during a podcast about similar misconduct by a fortune teller, to determine if they refer to the same individual.

The CIB appeals to any other victims of similar misconduct to file additional complaints at the Suppression Division to ensure the case is fully prosecuted.

The Central Investigation Command has deployed the deputy police chief to review phone records and financial trails of Ming Chen Sun, 31, a Chinese national arrested in Banglamung district, Chonburi province with military-grade weapons, high-explosive devices, anti-personnel explosives, and hand grenades totaling 10 rounds, along with detonation equipment and large quantities of fuel. On May 11, 2569, Police Commissioner Natthasak Chaowasnai announced that authorities are coordinating with Regional Police Division 2, the Metropolitan Police Bureau, and Deputy Police Chief Samran Nualma's security task force to piece together the complete investigation before determining the suspect's intent. Chaowasnai stressed the case will not be handled lightly and stated that while preliminary information suggests potential terrorism charges, authorities are not yet making a final determination. The case remains under investigation by Regional Police Division 2 and has not yet been transferred to the police chief's office.

A 29-year-old British woman has shared her shocking experience after what started as minor ear itching escalated into half-face paralysis, ultimately diagnosed as Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, which can take up to a year to recover from or may never fully resolve.

Paige Weston, a mother of two from Liverpool, noticed a small lump near her ear in early April but initially dismissed it. Days later, her ear became intensely itchy, swollen, and painful. Her doctor initially diagnosed a bacterial ear infection and prescribed antibiotics, but her symptoms worsened with severe, continuous headaches. Despite a second visit, tests, and medication changes, she didn't improve. Soon after, she noticed abnormalities on her face before symptoms rapidly escalated, leading to an emergency room visit where doctors revealed it wasn't a bacterial infection but shingles in the ear, which was connected to her facial paralysis.

Weston was subsequently diagnosed with Stage 3 Ramsay Hunt Syndrome, caused by the varicella-zoster virus—the same virus behind chickenpox and shingles. The virus can remain dormant in the body for years before reactivating. The condition can damage facial nerves, causing paralysis, rashes around the ear, severe pain, and hearing loss in some cases.

Doctors emphasized that early treatment, particularly within the first 72 hours of symptom onset, is crucial for recovery. However, Weston received antiviral medications and steroids nearly three weeks after her symptoms began. She admitted the diagnosis period was filled with confusion and fear, particularly regarding facial changes.

"I lost a lot of confidence. When I smiled or laughed, I'd cover my mouth because I didn't feel like myself and didn't want others to notice my face," she shared.

While her shingles have begun improving, Weston continues experiencing stabbing pain, itching, and burning sensations in her ear, with facial muscle weakness remaining a significant daily challenge. However, she's starting to see small signs of recovery, which give her hope.

"I'm seeing small improvements, and that gives me hope I'll recover. While recovery takes time, I won't let this disease stop me from living," she said.

She also warns others not to dismiss unusual symptoms, particularly those affecting the ears and face. "Early treatment, especially within the first 72 hours, can make a huge difference in recovery. And if the disease affects your face, know you're not alone in facing this—it takes a serious psychological toll."

Weston revealed that joining online support groups for patients and hearing recovery stories from others has given her strength to fight the disease.