Coach Bo Chakrapan Panpi, former head coach of Rayong FC in Thai League 1, has been officially appointed by the Football Association of Thailand as head coach of the Thailand U-20 national football team. Rayong FC posted a statement on their official Facebook page expressing gratitude to their former coach and congratulating him on the national team position.

In their statement, the club praised Coach Bo's dedication over nearly two years with the team, describing him as a quiet yet earnest, determined, and truly professional worker. The club credited him with playing a crucial role in establishing the team's foundation in discipline, game understanding, and continuous player development, helping the club achieve its goals. The club emphasized that his success extended beyond match results to elevating the team in every dimension.

Rayong FC stated that working together as a professional family built on respect, listening, and mutual trust had been integral to their partnership. Club president expressed deep gratitude for Coach Bo's sweat, dedication, and accomplishments with the club, and offered sincere congratulations on this important career milestone in the national team role. The club pledged continued support and best wishes for Coach Bo's success in developing Thai football and bringing honor to the nation.

On May 6, 2569 at Parliament, Sirikanya Tansukul, a Pheu Thai party list MP and deputy party leader, briefed reporters on her shadow cabinet meeting regarding the government's proposed 400-billion-baht emergency decree. She criticized the decree for containing no provisions to assist vulnerable populations, instead channeling 200 billion baht into the 'Buy Thai' cash transfer program, which lacks proper screening mechanisms. This creates the absurd situation where those who truly need help may not receive it, while those receiving aid may not actually be in need.

Sirikanya noted that the previous 'Thailand Helping Thailand Plus' program nearly exhausted its budget within four months, raising questions about whether the government believes the global crisis will end soon. She warned that if the crisis persists beyond four months and energy prices remain high, new borrowing may be required, suggesting this loan round could be the last possible one given current constraints.

Regarding the other 200 billion baht earmarked for economic restructuring, Sirikanya argued these funds should be allocated through a formal law rather than an emergency decree, as there appears to be no urgent justification for bypass normal legislative procedures.

When asked about filing a Constitutional Court petition, Sirikanya said the party is consulting internally and is aware the Democrat Party (Pheu Chai) also wants to request an interpretation ruling. Party coordination is needed before submission to ensure alignment on key issues.

Party Leader Nathpong Ruengpanyawit emphasized that the critical concern is ensuring the loan decree doesn't become wasteful spending, hidden subsidies, or blank checks, and that it includes clear debt management plans. He criticized the government for apparently trying to exploit constitutional loopholes rather than transparently distinguishing urgent measures requiring emergency decrees from non-urgent items that should follow normal legislative processes.

Deputy Party Leader Weerayut Kanchuchat expressed concern about the government's plan to spend 200 billion baht within four months. He questioned whether the government is genuinely preparing for the crisis or simply borrowing to boost fading political popularity and win back electoral support. He cautioned that if the government is truly crisis-prepared and wants to avoid future debt accumulation, it must use borrowed funds wisely.

According to Thanavon Polwichai, rector and advisor to the Economic and Business Forecasting Center at the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, back-to-school spending reflects persistent cost-of-living pressures on Thai households. The projected 66-billion-baht spending figure represents a 6% expansion and the highest level since surveys began 17 years ago in 2010. Despite rising costs, most parents prioritize their children's education by increasing spending on tutoring, school supplies, and tuition, while cutting savings and reducing other household expenses. Higher-quality schools—including international, bilingual, and private institutions—are becoming increasingly popular, demonstrating that Thai families view education as a critical investment in their children's futures.

Umakamol Suntrsurati, assistant director of the forecasting center, notes that average back-to-school spending per family stands at 29,930 baht, varying significantly by school type: 10,975 baht for public school regular classes, 33,874 baht for public school special classes, 31,040 baht for Thai-language private schools, and 52,660 baht for bilingual private schools. Nearly half of parents (48.3%) report increased expenses this year, with primary causes being higher product prices (32.4%), purchasing more items (21.9%), and rising transportation and fuel costs (13.8%).

Parent buying patterns show that 84.4% purchase new textbooks entirely, and 61.4% buy new shoes and socks, while showing more flexibility with other items like school supplies and bags. However, the back-to-school burden strains household liquidity, with 27.1% of parents reporting insufficient funds. To cope, they resort to institutional loans (26.0%), pawning assets (21.7%), borrowing from relatives (15.7%), installment payments (15.4%), cash advances on credit cards (12.4%), and informal loans (3.6%).

Nearly half of parents (49.8%) believe the current economic situation significantly impacts education spending, forcing them to cut back in other areas: reducing travel and recreation (36.4%), personal expenses (26.9%), household food costs (20.9%), and drawing down savings (13.7%). When asked what government support they need most, parents prioritize increased tax deductions for education expenses (36.9%), direct financial subsidies (34.5%), student transportation allowances (21.9%), and price controls on school-related goods (6.7%), highlighting that tuition, supplies, and fuel costs remain the primary pressures on Thai households during the school season.

Ubolratana Rajkananya Rajwitthayalai School in Nakhon Pathom, in partnership with Miracle of Life Foundation, has launched a football excellence classroom under the 'One Heart for Sports' program, providing talented young footballers opportunities to develop their abilities, build promising futures, enhance their academic studies, and compete in the GLO CUP, organized by the Government Lottery Office.

Air Vice Marshal Dr. Manas Nonucc, chairman of Miracle of Life Foundation and principal of Ubolratana Rajkananya Rajwitthayalai School in Nakhon Pathom, stated: "Sports build character; character builds the nation." Allowing young people to utilize their innate talents alongside their studies and use their free time productively is crucial, as football today can provide stable career opportunities.

School Director Darinna Pansane revealed that modern education offers diverse subjects and career pathways tailored to individual strengths. The school believes in utilizing students' potential as it brings them happiness in learning and helps them excel in sports. Every student receives good opportunities from the school.

Football coach Krishana Meedi noted that the school opened tryouts for talented youth and selected a limited number due to facility constraints. He encouraged all participants to commit to self-improvement for their futures.

Chayyanat Samakorkul, captain of the 13-year-old team, expressed gratitude for the school's opportunity and pledged to train diligently and maintain discipline for the team's future.

Kritmet Thongnoi, captain of the 15-year-old team, thanked everyone involved and expressed appreciation for the 'One Heart for Sports' project, hoping to help all athletes achieve their dreams of becoming professional footballers to support their families.

Air Vice Marshal Dr. Manas Nonucc emphasized that to give football athletes experience, the school entered teams in the GLO CUP, a Government Lottery Office competition that provides opportunities for talented young footballers to advance. Selected players will train with professional teams in Japan, with hopes that they will fully utilize their abilities.

Chonburi Province has partnered with Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF) to host the 'CPF Caravan: Helping Reduce Living Costs for the People' festival for 2569 running from today through May 8 at the plaza in front of Chonburi Provincial Hall. The event aims to provide quality food at accessible prices, reflecting the private sector's commitment to improving quality of life while sustainably boosting grassroots economic development in communities.

CPF is showcasing a comprehensive range of quality food products including ready-to-eat meals, fresh foods, frozen foods, snacks, and beverages from leading brands such as CP Five Stars, Chester, Starbucks, Food World, and CP-Meiji. All items are fresh, clean, safe, and nutritionally valuable, available at special prices with discounts up to 40% on over 100 products exclusively during this event.

Additionally, there is a 'Taste–Shop–Enjoy' zone featuring delicious menu items and OTOP products representing the best of Chonburi Province to support local entrepreneurs and promote Thai culture. The event highlights include 'CPF Muay Intensifies the World,' a WBC Asia Super Flyweight Championship (115 pounds) bout between Kumardoi Petchacademy and Akira Hoshiyama on May 6 from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.

The 'CPF Caravan: Helping Reduce Living Costs for the People' festival is free to attend from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM until May 8, 2569 at the plaza in front of Chonburi Provincial Hall.

The Thai government has moved quickly to distribute 33.9 million baht in prize money to Thai athletes following their outstanding performance at the 6th Asian Beach Games, where they won a total of 28 medals and finished as runners-up in Asia.

On May 6 at the Grand Forevang Hotel, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Panchearnjavorakul presided over the awards ceremony, presenting prize money to athletes, coaches, and national sports associations for their achievements at the 6th Asian Beach Games held in Sanya, China.

Attending the event were Dr. Kongsakdi Yodmani, Director-General of the Thai Sports Authority; Thanukiat Janchum, Manager of the National Sports Development Fund; Thana Chaiyapraserthi, Vice-Chairman and Secretary-General of the Thai Olympic Committee; as well as athletes, officials, and coaching staff from the Thai national team who participated in the 2026 Asian Beach Games preparations.

At the 6th Asian Beach Games, Thai athletes delivered exceptional results, capturing a total of 28 medals and finishing 2nd in Asia. The medal breakdown included 10 gold, 9 silver, and 9 bronze medals. The National Sports Development Fund (NSDF) awarded prize money totaling 33,982,500 baht, allocated as follows: 23.7 million baht to athletes, 7.11 million baht to sports associations, and 3.1725 million baht to coaches.

Minister Surasak expressed his admiration for all athletes and personnel who participated in the 6th Asian Beach Games, and thanked every athlete who sacrificed their time and energy to achieve these outstanding results. He stated that the prize money distribution would serve as encouragement and motivation for all athletes, and offered words of support to those who did not win medals, urging them to learn from their experiences, improve themselves, and return to compete in future tournaments.