School uniform sales are experiencing a sharp decline as parents reduce purchases ahead of the new school term in mid-May. A uniform retailer in Nakhon Ratchasima reported noticeably fewer customers, despite prices remaining unchanged so far.

Store owners attribute this year's slump to the lingering economic downturn, compounded by expensive fuel costs and geopolitical instability that have driven up prices across all goods, significantly raising the cost of living. As a result, households are implementing strict cost-cutting measures, especially as school opens.

Families are adopting different strategies to cope. Beyond tuition and educational materials, many face additional expenses when children advance to a new grade level, necessitating new uniforms. This year, many families are purchasing fewer uniforms—reducing from the typical four sets to just two or three. For children remaining in the same grade level, parents may only buy one or two new sets, or if old uniforms still fit properly and show minimal wear, they simply reuse them. Some families are taking old uniforms to tailors to have them enlarged or altered.

Shop owners are appealing to the government to intervene and provide relief to parents and guardians, helping families navigate through the current economic crisis.

At 12:30 p.m. on May 5, 2025, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Interior Minister announced the cabinet's decision to terminate MOU 44, the 25-year-old memorandum of understanding between Thailand and Cambodia regarding overlapping continental shelf claims. Anutin clarified that the termination is not related to disputes with Cambodia but rather reflects the government's policy decision, as the agreement has made no progress toward resolution. Thailand will reference international maritime law and UNCLOS, which both countries recognize as signatories, to guide future negotiations.

When asked about Cambodia's concerns that termination could escalate disputes, Anutin said he would need to consult with Cambodian leadership. He noted that no formal negotiations have yet begun and cautioned against making premature assumptions about their impact. Following termination, any new discussions would likely result in a different framework, potentially "MOU 70" rather than MOU 44.

Anutin confirmed that while the termination takes effect today, Thailand must formally notify Cambodia before sending official documentation. Regarding the upcoming 48th ASEAN Summit in the Philippines, he stated that meetings with Cambodia are inevitable but expressed no concern, reaffirming the government's commitment to "Thailand First" and protecting Thai interests. On border security concerns, Anutin assured the public that military forces are maintaining full vigilance along the Thai-Cambodian border, with the security situation actually improving based on weekly military briefings.

On May 5, 2026 at 13:35 at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprasoet announced that the cabinet has approved a 400 billion baht borrowing decree. After publication in the Royal Gazette on May 14th, the decree must go before parliament and be subject to a project screening committee chaired by the Permanent Secretary of the Finance Ministry. The framework emphasizes transparency and information disclosure, with all projects requiring cabinet approval.

When asked whether the borrowing decree would fund the Thai Helping Thai Plus program, Ekniti confirmed it is one project aligned with the objectives of assisting citizens and entrepreneurs, with funding coming partly from this source and partly from a budget reallocation law. He stated the government would gradually borrow funds rather than taking a lump sum to avoid accumulating costs.

Regarding the number of beneficiaries, Ekniti said authorities are still considering the details but preliminary budget projections suggest approximately 30 million entitlements. This number should be sufficient, as previous programs achieved a maximum of 28 million beneficiaries. The question of whether beneficiaries must be over 18 years old requires further review. Registration for state welfare card holders is expected to open simultaneously by late May.

SC Asset is launching a major marketing push with the 'SC IS NOW – Buy a Home Now' campaign, offering maximum discounts of 10 million baht, three years of free living expenses covered by SC, free transfer fees, up to five years of free common area maintenance, and a Tesla Model Y valued at 1.99 million baht as the grand prize. The campaign runs May 5-10, 2025 at Central Ladprao Shopping Center, Ground Floor.

Nattakitti Sirirat, Deputy Managing Director of Marketing and Innovation at SC Asset Corporation PLC, revealed that the company is accelerating its real estate market competition by showcasing a comprehensive lineup of single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums across prime locations including Vibhavadi, Rangsit, Ramintra, Kasetnaiwamin, Chaeng Watthana, and Bang Yai. All offerings are consolidated in one venue to give customers complete selection flexibility.

"This is the perfect time to buy a home. Customers will receive the best deal yet, with discounts and benefits we've bundled without any tricks or hidden costs. These types of offers don't come around often. SC wants people looking for a home not to wait, because an offer at this level is the answer to making a decision right now," Nattakitti stated.

The 'SC IS NOW – Buy a Home Now' campaign consolidates comprehensive housing cost benefits in one package, including maximum discounts of 10 million baht, three years of free living expenses paid by SC, free transfer fees, up to five years of free common area fees, plus additional benefits.

These include a Tesla Model Y L Premium worth 1.99 million baht, cashback up to 500,000 baht, fuel vouchers up to 200,000 baht, free utilities for 60 months up to 200,000 baht, one year of free expressway tolls up to 25,000 baht, and consumer products up to 20,000 baht, plus furniture and appliances. The campaign addresses first-time homebuyers, pet owners seeking pet-friendly homes, those looking for properties near international schools, investors, and those seeking lifestyle upgrades.

Nattakitti added that customers who book during the event receive additional on-the-spot privileges, including appliances upon booking and a chance to win gold worth a combined 2 million baht. The campaign covers residential projects priced from 2.09 to 55 million baht, serving first-time home and condo buyers through luxury property seekers.

Special activities will enhance the event experience, with a mini-concert by singer Ink Warunthorn on opening night, May 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM, creating a vibrant atmosphere and reflecting SC's vision of connecting residential living with consumer lifestyle across all dimensions.

The company expects this campaign to significantly accelerate both bookings and transfers in the first half of the year. The promotion applies to customers booking between May 5-10, 2025 and completing transfers by June 30, 2025, establishing a clear and limited timeframe to encourage immediate decision-making.

*Terms and conditions apply as determined by the company.

On May 3, 2025, the charitable walk-run initiative 'Doctor Ortho Invites You to Take a Step for 13 Hospitals' held at Phaya Nak Field, Thammasat University Rangsit Campus, achieved significant success with participation from over 70,000 nationwide and donations surpassing 100 million baht. Leading executives including Suphachai Chearavanont, Senior Vice President of Charoen Pokphand Group and Chairman of the Suphachai-Butsadee Foundation; Butsadee Chearavanont, Vice Chairman of the foundation; Saksit Pargkhe, CEO of the telecom and digital business group; Dr. Theeraphol Thanomsak Yutthi, head of sustainability and strategic development; and Monsini Nakpanant, Co-Managing Director of Ascend Money, joined employees and citizens in the charitable event, reflecting the power of collaborative action and commitment to elevating orthopedic and joint care access for Thai patients.

The project's success began when Butsadee Chearavanont had the opportunity to discuss with Professor Keerati Charoenchirawanich, Chairman of the Royal College of Orthopedic Surgeons of Thailand (RCOST) and project initiator, leading to meaningful support from the Suphachai-Butsadee Foundation and collaboration with a broad network of partners.

Suphachai Chearavanont stated: 'Doctor Ortho Invites You to Take a Step for 13 Hospitals is a project with clear objectives and genuine social significance, aimed at helping hospitals lacking orthopedic and joint medical equipment—a critical problem affecting the quality of life for many patients in the provinces. Additionally, this project inspires Thais to prioritize their own health, demonstrating the power of multi-sector collaboration in driving broad participation.'

Butsadee Chearavanont added: 'This project reflects the transformative power of giving, with all support directed toward procuring medical equipment for under-resourced hospitals across regions. Many orthopedic patients currently face barriers to treatment, whether waiting for equipment, traveling long distances, or resource limitations, which may lead to complications and more difficult recovery. This is not merely fundraising but closing the gap between patients and treatment opportunities.'

Professor Keerati Charoenchirawanich, Chairman of RCOST, explained: 'This initiative aims to improve orthopedic and joint care, an area where many hospitals, especially in remote regions, lack modern medical equipment and tools. This walk represents more than exercise for health—it mobilizes support from all sectors into a powerful force driving the 'Doctor Ortho Invites You to Take a Step for 13 Hospitals' project to success, with donations exceeding the 100 million baht target. All funds will be used to purchase orthopedic and joint medical equipment for distribution to under-resourced hospitals.'

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has declared that Thai people must be able to watch the World Cup, noting that every previous government has ensured this access—so why should his administration be any different? No broadcaster has yet acquired rights to air the 2026 FIFA World Cup final tournament, which will take place across the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19, 2026, due to the high licensing fees estimated at approximately 1.3 billion baht. Following a cabinet meeting on May 5, when reporters asked PM Anutin about the World Cup broadcast situation, he responded: "We need to make sure Thai people can watch the World Cup. Every government has done this—will my government be an exception? We'll figure out how."