Thailand's annual Royal Ploughing Ceremony on Wednesday forecast strong trade, economic growth and abundant food supplies after the sacred oxen selected beans, sesame seeds, water and liquor during the centuries-old rite at Sanam Luang in Bangkok.

The Royal Ploughing Ceremony is one of Thailand's oldest royal traditions, dating back more than 700 years to the Sukhothai period. Rooted in ancient Brahmin beliefs from India and later combined with Buddhist practices, the ceremony marks the start of the rice-growing season and is intended to bring prosperity while predicting agricultural conditions for the year ahead. The rite has continued as an important annual royal ceremony closely tied to Thailand's agricultural heritage.

Their Majesties King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida travelled by royal motorcade from Dusit Palace to the ceremonial pavilion at Sanam Luang to preside over the rite.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives Winairoat Subsongsook served as the Ploughing Lord, leading a ceremonial procession from the Brahmin Ceremonial Hall to the field alongside consecrated ladies, royal pundits and Brahmins. The sacred oxen were then yoked to a traditional plough, completing three lengthwise and three crosswise circuits around the field before rice seeds were scattered.

Earlier in the ceremony, the Ploughing Lord selected a six-khuep cloth, or about 1.5 metres, in the traditional garment selection ritual. Royal astrologers interpreted the choice as a sign of limited rainfall this year, predicting strong yields for lowland rice fields but possible damage and reduced harvests in upland farming areas.

After the ploughing ritual, seven offerings — rice, maize, green beans, sesame seeds, liquor, water and grass — were presented to the sacred oxen for their symbolic selection.

The oxen chose beans and sesame seeds, predicting abundant crops and food supplies. Their selection of water and grass was interpreted as a sign of sufficient rainfall and plentiful agricultural produce and livestock, while drinking liquor was seen as a positive omen for transportation, international trade and economic prosperity.

At a National Police Office briefing on May 13, Police Lieutenant General Trairong Phiwphayom, the national police spokesman, provided updates on the security case involving Ming Chen Sun, a 31-year-old Chinese national who was injured in a vehicle accident in Chon Buri province. Following the crash, authorities conducted a search of a luxury residence in Pattaya where they discovered a large cache of weapons including C4 explosives, M16 rifles, and other ammunition hidden inside.

The investigation has progressed significantly after police gathered additional evidence including witness statements, forensic evidence, and digital data. Investigators discovered chat histories, weapon training photographs, and evidence of weapons accumulation dating back to late last year. According to the evidence, Ming Chen Sun has clear connections to a scammer network operating in Cambodia, though police are still investigating unconfirmed reports that the suspect received murder contracts in Cambodia.

Regarding speculation about connections to Thai politicians, Trairong stated that current investigations have found no evidence linking the suspect to any Thai politicians. He also confirmed that there is no indication the network intends to commit sabotage or violence against Thai citizens within Thailand's borders.

The case has expanded from one suspect to six individuals total, with additional charges expected to follow. When asked about security concerns after the suspect reportedly suffered severe stress and seizures requiring hospital treatment, authorities confirmed that the suspect remains under the Department of Corrections' care with strict security measures implemented by Police Region 2 under orders from Police Commander Kittarat Punthaipetch, despite the suspect's right to medical treatment.

The National Police Office is reviewing the case and upgrading foreign national screening procedures. The Immigration Bureau has been ordered to intensify monitoring of foreign nationals with unusual long-term stays and coordinate with local police to inspect residences and monitor behavior in tourist areas.

Within the next three months, immigration authorities will accelerate database checks on tourists while integrating with the Center for Transnational Crime Suppression and related agencies. A Joint Task Force will be established to investigate foreign nationals suspected of criminal activity. Long-term plans include consolidating criminal databases into the "One Police" system to enable nationwide access to information and more efficient criminal tracking.

When asked about potential damage to the police force's reputation, Trairong noted that Ming Chen Sun was not on any country's watch list.

On May 13, 2025, Ratchada Thanadirek, government spokesperson, addressed misconceptions about reports claiming the government would allow foreigners to conduct business without permits. She emphasized that the draft regulations under the Foreign Business Operations Act B.E. 2485 do not represent a blanket opening of business to foreigners without oversight, but rather a refinement of certain business sectors—primarily high-technology businesses or those with specific regulatory frameworks—while maintaining strict state supervision. The amendment aims to streamline redundant authorization processes, facilitate business operations, and update regulations to align with modern economic contexts, while ensuring all exempt businesses strictly comply with their respective sector laws. Examples of continuing strict oversight include telecommunications under the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, financial management centers under Bank of Thailand guidelines, securities and futures trading under the Securities and Exchange Commission, and petroleum drilling under energy sector regulations. Ratchada noted that the government prioritizes protecting Thai entrepreneurs, evidenced by the removal of software development from the draft regulation following concerns from relevant agencies about impacts on Thailand's digital industry. The regulatory improvements aim to achieve five strategic objectives: reducing unnecessary authorization steps, increasing fair and transparent competition, attracting advanced technology and expertise to Thailand, supporting Thailand's development as a regional service and business hub, and creating overall economic, investment, and employment benefits. The government reaffirms that all economic measures must protect national interests, Thai entrepreneurs, and economic security through improved regulatory efficiency, not deregulation as misunderstood.

Joe Darragh, a Thai-American professional baseball player for Thailand's national team who has also gained prominence in Hollywood, was invited by the Chicago White Sox to throw the opening pitch at their home game against the Kansas City Royals at Guaranteed Rate Field. The White Sox defeated the Kansas City Royals 6-5, with Darragh performing the ceremonial first pitch—a tradition where the team invites celebrities and notable figures from various fields.

Darragh played a crucial role in helping Thailand's national baseball team win a silver medal at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games. In addition to his athletic career, he has appeared in Hollywood productions, notably in a detective series adapted from the New York Times bestseller "Long Bright River," which streams on NBC's Peacock platform. In the series, Darragh plays Detective Danjarat in the Philadelphia Police Department, investigating a missing woman case alongside acclaimed actress Amanda Seyfried, who is known for her roles in Mean Girls, Jennifer's Body, Mank, In Time, and Les Misérables.

Ananda Everingham is absolutely smitten with his young son Phukhin, who is in an adorable stage of development. Both grandparents are competing to help raise him, and just seeing his face instantly brightens life. Ananda speaks openly about experiencing 'the purest love' he's ever known. The devoted father recently appeared at a movie premiere on May 12 at Paragon Cineplex in Siam Paragon for '3 Good Guys,' where he gushed about his son Phukhin. He revealed that raising the boy is easy—he's good-natured and has captured everyone's hearts in the household. Ananda emphasizes that just seeing his son's face makes tiredness disappear and his life brighter instantly, calling this 'the purest love' he's ever experienced.

When asked if he's getting enough sleep as a new father, Ananda responded enthusiastically: 'Honestly, raising him isn't difficult at all. I can't speak for others' experiences, but we're very happy. Phukhin is wonderful with us. I'm grateful. Just stay this cute. He's easy to raise and in an adorable phase. After two months, he's starting to see us—recognizing dad and mom, playing with us. He's quite good-natured. The grandparents are completely smitten and competing to care for him. Our life is easy. If we want to be with him, we just go ahead and do it.'

Regarding clothing, he quipped: 'My wife handles that. Clothes are never enough—there's always a reason they're necessary. Lately, we've been hearing about creating content, but it's not like we're doing it just for that. We use the photos ourselves. Last week we even dressed him in full Chinese New Year attire.'

When asked if his son has fulfilled him, Ananda said: 'Definitely. Everyone says the same thing—that life changes when you have a child. I don't say anything different from anyone else. Just seeing his face makes our life bright instantly.' His eyes sparkle noticeably when talking about his son.

On childcare duties, Ananda explained: 'We don't really call each other because so many family members help out. Whoever wakes up early can pick him up. Mostly I get the evening shift when relatives aren't available in the morning—after 9 a.m. so everyone can eat and bathe. We pick him up again after noon, or if Phukhin wakes at noon, I take the evening shift depending on the day. I'm the one who takes over when others need to do something.'

When asked how attached he is to his son, Ananda laughed: 'Well, for this event, I scheduled it so I could still come. It's not like I'd rush home to see him. Today I realized this is my evening shift, so I can help out. Or maybe I'll get back and see some content first. Will dad dress up nicely? Mom might force us to take photos, but if he's asleep, it's easier.'

On how many hours daily he plans to spend with his son, Ananda replied: 'It varies. Recently we went on a trip—it was his first plane ride, and we were together the whole time. But when we got back, the grandmother missed him so much she came to pick him up.'

Regarding his son's development, Ananda noted: 'It's progressing quite well—his strength, responsiveness. I'm not sure if people are just making me happy, but the doctor said he's developing quickly.'

On what personality traits are emerging, Ananda shared: 'He communicates well. He's got his signature move now—he likes to purse his lips, and it's adorable. Whether he's hungry or needs something, instead of crying, he just comes for milk. Camera-ready and cute—he has his own expressions. We're having so much fun. My wife often says she wishes he'd stay this way forever. She says once he grows up and isn't like this anymore, she wants to savor these moments as much as possible, so we need to spend lots of time with him. As much as possible. If you have a child, you'll understand—life really does change. I can say without hesitation that this is the purest love. It's the clearest goal I've ever had.'

Thailand bids farewell to Phlai Thongbai, the nation's most beautiful bull elephant, whose legendary 53-year life has come to an end. With tusks stretching 2.1 meters—nearly dragging along the ground—Thongbai was not merely an elephant but a source of pride for Surin province, the "Land of Elephants." Many Thai citizens remember him as the majestic tusked elephant featured in famous Chang beer commercials, making him a cultural icon across the nation. In a poignant coincidence, a memorial statue in Surin had its tusks mysteriously broken by heavy rains just days before his death, which locals interpreted as a spiritual sign that the "forest king" was preparing to rest. Online tributes poured in from grieving fans expressing hope that Thongbai can now roam freely in the afterlife, grateful for 53 years of bringing joy and wonder to the Thai people.