The Royal Irrigation Department is accelerating implementation of systematic water management projects in the Yom River basin through construction of water control structures in the upper and lower sections across Phayao, Phrae, Phichit, and Nakhon Sawan provinces to address water shortages in agricultural areas and enhance capacity at existing pumping stations.

Dr. Phormmongkhol Chidchop, director of the Water Management Development and Participation Division at the Royal Irrigation Department, explained that the Yom River basin suffers from recurring floods and droughts due to inadequate water control and storage infrastructure. During the rainy season, water flows unused, while the dry season brings severe water shortages. The project adopts a "stepped water retention" concept, with three pilot projects selected based on engineering, economic, and environmental impact criteria.

The three selected projects are:

1. Ban Pa Khhaem Water Gate Project in Moo 4, Ban Pa Khhaem, Ban Maang Sub-district, Chiang Muan District, Phayao Province, benefiting over 3,000 rai of rice paddies, longan, teak, rubber plantations, and mixed crops.

2. Den Chai Water Gate Project in Moo 4, Ban Nam Khong, Den Chai Sub-district, Den Chai District, Phrae Province, benefiting approximately 30,469 rai across 10 sub-districts and supplying water to the Den Chai Provincial Waterworks Authority.

3. Tha Nang Water Gate Project in Moo 4, Ban Tha Nang, Tha Nang Sub-district, Pho Tha Le District, Phichit Province, covering approximately 27,375 rai across 10 sub-districts for rice, bananas, citrus, fruit trees, cassava, and sugarcane cultivation.

Combined, the three projects will benefit approximately 60,844 rai across Phayao, Phrae, Phichit, and Nakhon Sawan provinces. Dr. Phormmongkhol stated that the areas are technically suitable and strategically distributed across the upper, middle, and lower Yom River basin. The projects prioritize environmental protection through environmental impact assessments, fish passage designs, water level management, and continuous water quality monitoring. Affected landowners will receive fair compensation according to law, and public participation is ensured at all stages.

Simultaneously, the department organized site visits to the existing Ban Doi Isaan Water Gate Project in Ang Thong Sub-district, Chiang Kham District, Phayao Province, which uses a similar approach to mitigate flooding and drought in the Ing River basin, allowing stakeholders to examine concerns and compare implementation methods.

KHUN Foundation held a warm celebration honoring singer Kong Saharath Sangkapricha's birthday while launching the second year of the "Young Environmental Guardian Development" project through a cooperative agreement with multiple partners. Kong, an acclaimed artist and environmental advocate, joined forces with key partners including KHUN Foundation, Chulalongkorn University's Petroleum and Petrochemical College, ASEAN Vinyl Council, RICOH, Assumption Primary School, Assumption Samutprakarn School, and new partner STP and I to advance sustainable social development.

Beyond environmental initiatives, the event featured a special birthday moment on May 4th, with Khun Jiaw Prangthip Anantwibat organizing a surprise performance and tribute showcasing Kong's eight years of dedicated environmental activism, establishing him as an inspiring figure in entertainment committed to planetary protection.

Kong expressed his agreement with KHUN Foundation's approach and confidence in youth as a key force for sustainable change. Khun Prangthip revealed that the first year of the project successfully developed over 100 young environmental guardians from both partner schools, with certificate and badge presentations held in a celebratory atmosphere.

A highlight of the event was the presentation of certificates and badges honoring teachers who played crucial roles in advancing the project, with Kong personally presenting awards. This reflects his genuine commitment to fostering environmental consciousness among Thai youth. It exemplifies how entertainment figures can leverage their influence to drive sustainable social and environmental change alongside their professional careers.

On May 8, 2025, Dr. Monton Khanasawat, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control under the Ministry of Public Health, disclosed that the World Health Organization (WHO) reported on May 7 confirmed cases of Hantavirus infection linked to a cruise ship operating in the South Atlantic Ocean, with three reported deaths. WHO assessed the risk to the general public as low. The incident garnered international attention due to its connection to international travel and reports of human-to-human transmission in certain cases, prompting close monitoring in multiple countries.

Dr. Monton explained that Hantavirus is a zoonotic disease, with rats and certain rodents serving as natural reservoirs. Most people become infected by inhaling aerosolized particles contaminated with rodent urine, feces, or saliva, particularly in poorly ventilated areas such as storage rooms, warehouses, or abandoned buildings. However, this disease does not spread as easily as COVID-19 or influenza, as infection primarily occurs through environmental exposure rather than person-to-person transmission. Human-to-human transmission has been reported only in limited areas of South America.

Dr. Monton noted that initial symptoms resemble influenza, including high fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Some cases may progress to severe symptoms such as pneumonia, shortness of breath, respiratory failure, or acute kidney failure. Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) specifically carries a mortality rate of approximately 30-40 percent.

Regarding Thailand, Dr. Monton stated that there have been no reported outbreaks of this disease in the disease surveillance system. The Department of Disease Control has instructed all international disease control checkpoints to closely monitor the situation, increased surveillance of travelers from affected areas, and maintained continuous coordination with airlines, ports, and relevant agencies.

Simultaneously, all national health service units have been alerted to enhance screening and investigation for disease symptoms in patients, particularly those with exposure history to rodents or recent travel from risk areas.

Dr. Direk Khampaen, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, advised the public to avoid contact with rats and rodent secretions, maintain cleanliness of homes and workplaces, store food in airtight containers, dispose of garbage properly, and seal entry points for rodents. When cleaning areas potentially infested with rodents, ensure adequate ventilation first and use damp cloths or disinfectant when cleaning, while wearing masks and gloves to prevent airborne transmission.

Dr. Direk advised that anyone experiencing high fever, muscle aches, or unusual shortness of breath following rodent contact or travel from risk areas should seek immediate medical attention, while informing healthcare providers of their travel and exposure history for prompt diagnosis and treatment. For additional information, contact the Department of Disease Control hotline at 1422.

The Department of Corrections is launching a full-scale manhunt for escaped inmate Seksorn Rupthong, 37, from Thanyaburi District Prison, who fled on May 7, 2025 at approximately 10:47 AM while participating in an external vocational training program. Rupthong, convicted on assault charges, had only 23 days remaining on his sentence (scheduled release May 30, 2025) and was selected for the work-release program as a low-risk, long-term inmate preparing for reintegration. He escaped during the training session by slipping away from the prison front area, exiting through the back of the prison café, and boarding an unregistered pickup truck. Following the incident, the Department of Corrections' Special Operations Division, in coordination with Thanyaburi District Prison, police, and relevant agencies, has launched continuous pursuit and arrest operations while establishing a fact-finding committee to investigate. The Department of Corrections has instructed all subordinate units to increase vigilance to prevent similar incidents. The public is urged to report any information about the escapee to Thanyaburi District Prison at 083 074 1060, 02 577 2341, or the emergency hotline 191, available 24/7.

On May 8, 2025, at 10:30 AM, three families visited the Paveena Hongsakul Foundation for Children and Women to seek urgent help repatriating their sons from Malaysia. The affected children were ages 5, 11, and 12. The families explained that Buddhist monks had approached them in April 2025, requesting permission to take the children to participate in a summer ordination program in Malaysia. The monks assured them there would be no issues and that the temple had extensive experience organizing such trips.

Two monks were arrested by Malaysian police on human trafficking charges after authorities discovered a four-year pattern of deceiving Thai children. The scheme targeted children aged 5-15, some without travel documents and without parental consent. While 17 children with proper documentation have been returned to Thailand, seven children—including the 5-year-old—remain detained in Kedah state, Malaysia.

Paveena Hongsakul, foundation president, has sent urgent letters to the Malaysian embassy in Thailand and assigned Diana Foo, the foundation's foreign affairs consultant, to contact the Malaysian embassy directly for immediate assistance. The foundation is also coordinating with Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs to secure the children's safe return.

Ms. Ann, 40, mother of the 5-year-old, revealed she works as an engineer in the Philippines and left her son in the care of his grandparents in Prachuap Khiri Khan. On April 2, 2025, monks from a local temple—which the grandparents regularly patronized—requested permission to take the boy to Malaysia for the summer ordination program. Despite her concerns about the lack of a passport and the child's young age, the monks assured her there would be no problems and that the temple regularly organized such trips without incident. Due to the family's trust in the monks, they granted permission.

On April 4, contact with the child was lost. On April 6, a temple student informed the family that the children were at the border waiting for documents but would cross the next day. On April 8 at 5:08 PM, the family learned that seven children without passports—including Ms. Ann's son—had been detained at the Malaysian border, along with the monks and driver, while those with passports were allowed to return to Thailand. On April 29, Ms. Ann attempted to visit her son.

Dr. Jetsada Bunyavongsirojana, Deputy Director of Primary Care at Maha Rajachachon Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital, shared on Facebook as "Dr. Jed" about beverages that help the liver manage fat more effectively. He outlined 4 bedtime drinks that help clear fat from the liver.

Many people have fatty liver disease without realizing it, as there are often no early symptoms. Some only discover the problem when liver enzyme levels rise or ultrasound reveals fat accumulation. The period before sleep is particularly important because it's when the liver begins repair and processes excess energy. Choosing the right beverages can reduce inflammation and help the liver manage fat better.

The 4 recommended beverages are:

1. Warm water - Supports metabolism and circulation. Drinking one glass of warm water before bed improves blood flow, reduces blood viscosity, and helps the liver and kidneys process waste more effectively. This is especially beneficial for those who drink little water throughout the day, wake with dry mouth, or have dark urine.

2. Chamomile tea - Reduces inflammation and improves sleep. Sleep is crucial for liver recovery, as poor sleep worsens fat management. Chamomile contains no caffeine, helps the body relax, improves sleep quality, and provides antioxidants that reduce inflammation. It suits those who are stressed, have trouble sleeping, or frequently wake at night.

3. Unsweetened soy milk - Provides satiety and reduces late-night snacking. Many people get hungry before bed and reach for sweets or fried foods, worsening liver fat accumulation. Unsweetened soy milk provides protein from soybeans, keeps you full longer, reduces nighttime cravings, and contains some beneficial fats that help the body manage energy better than sugary drinks.

4. Water mixed with apple cider vinegar - In proper amounts, some research suggests apple cider vinegar may help with insulin sensitivity and reduce some fat accumulation. However, use appropriately—such as 1-2 teaspoons mixed in one glass of water—and never drink it concentrated, as it can irritate the stomach and damage tooth enamel. This is not suitable for those with acid reflux, gastritis, or stomach ulcers, as the acidity may worsen symptoms.

Beverages to avoid before bed if you don't want more fatty liver: - Milk tea, sugary drinks, and high-sugar beverages - Alcohol, which directly increases liver inflammation - Sweet coffee or high-caffeine drinks at night - Late-night snacks like fried foods and crispy snacks - Late bedtimes, which disrupt liver recovery and metabolism

In summary, no beverage can "cleanse" the liver instantly. However, choosing appropriate drinks before bed helps reduce inflammation, improves sleep, and supports better long-term fat management. Most importantly, these habits must be paired with reducing sugar, limiting alcohol, and maintaining a healthy weight.