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.

The National Police Office is launching a crackdown on transnational crime and intercepting illegal foreign residents.

On May 6, Deputy National Police Commissioner Trairuang Phiwpharn, serving as spokesperson for the National Police Office, revealed that Police Commissioner Kittirhat Panpetch has ordered comprehensive prevention and suppression of all crime types, including transnational crime. This includes strict law enforcement against offenders, particularly foreign nationals residing in Thailand illegally or engaged in criminal conduct—cases that have generated media coverage and social media discussion. The government prioritizes national security, public safety, and national confidence.

The police commissioner has issued three measures: impartial law enforcement, particularly against corrupt officials; strict vigilance and interception to prevent foreign criminals from sheltering or hiding in Thailand; and concrete implementation across three critical dimensions:

1. Transparent public communication: To prevent confusion, misinformation, and reduce public alarm, confirming all actions comply with facts and law.

2. Security cooperation integration: Coordinating with the National Security Council, military, administrative agencies, police, Internal Security Command (ISOC), and relevant bodies to monitor, prevent, and counter threats affecting national security—including transnational crime, smuggling, sabotage, and all forms of illegal networks.

3. Impartial law enforcement: Especially in cases involving corruption, bribery, or state officials enabling illegal activities, which undermines national confidence.

Deputy Commissioner Trairuang further stated that the National Police Office affirms Thailand welcomes foreigners entering legally and respecting the law, and will ensure their safety and convenience. However, the office will not tolerate anyone committing crimes in Thailand or threatening national security and order.

The office requests public cooperation in monitoring information from credible sources. Anyone with leads or suspicious activity can report to police immediately via hotline 191 or 1599, available 24/7.

At 10:30 AM on May 6, 2025 at Parliament, Nattapong Ruangpanyawuth, list-based MP and Pheu Thai party leader, led the opposition shadow cabinet (shadow government) in making a statement following their meeting.

Nattapong stated that this was the first meeting of Pheu Thai's shadow cabinet, aimed at demonstrating how weekly government decisions centered on the people's welfare could improve citizens' lives week by week. Rather than individual-to-individual comparisons or pitting shadow ministers against real ministers, their approach focuses on agenda-by-agenda examination driven by public concerns.

Nattapong outlined three main priorities: First, monitoring and amplifying voices of overlooked citizens, particularly regarding the energy crisis impacting transportation and fishing sector operators. Second, forward-thinking on major issues like the land bridge project, questioning whether government decisions favor superpowers or prioritize public interest, and examining geopolitical implications. Third, calling for urgent measures, including fast-tracking the Clean Air Act and a 400 billion baht loan decree previously mentioned.

Nattapong emphasized using this platform to reflect concerns not reaching the government and offer recommendations, with Pheu Thai serving as an intermediary to the administration.

For fishing communities, critical issues include fuel, debt, and seafood prices. B20 biodiesel is difficult to access, especially for small-scale fishers unable to pool purchases due to fuel pump regulations. This represents a compounding crisis requiring relief measures for debt-burdened fishers who cannot operate. Additionally, while some neighboring countries face trade restrictions, illegal seafood imports undercut Thai fishers' fair pricing. Short-term, the sector seeks stricter import controls; long-term, fishers express readiness to transition to clean energy.

For transport operators, concerns focus on whether government relief measures are equitable or neglecting some. With unemployment rising and job losses causing income problems, the opposition urges government to better calibrate assistance programs.