The Contemporary Art and Culture Office has leveraged youth graphic design to help develop communities in Nakhon Phanom province. Recently, at the Old Governor's Mansion Museum in Mueang Nakhon Phanom district, Nakhon Phanom province, Kaset Kamneod Phet, director of the Contemporary Art and Culture Office (SCAO), announced that SCAO is implementing the New Generation Designer Development Project for the 2569 fiscal year (Chonchang Graphic, Year 11).

Grand Prize Winner

The office selected 5 finalist teams that presented graphic design work based on field research and data collection from important sites and communities in Nakhon Phanom province to create graphic designs reflecting community identity. All 5 teams received prize money and certificates of honor from SCAO.

First Runner-Up

The grand prize winners are Team Harsa from Silpakorn University, Ms. Alina Saisuk, and Mr. Jiraphut Laksaen. First runner-up is Team Wanyen from Rajabhat Bansomdet Chaopraya University, Ms. Phappim Prabuchagang, and Ms. Chanyathida Waicharoen. Second runner-up is Team Patahkanchlai from King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi North, Ms. Jitsupa Surawut, and Ms. Nongnaphat Treesurpon.

Two merit award recipients include Team Baby G from Chulalongkorn University, Ms. Emilie Peier and Ms. Chayya Palkavong, and Team Pungklom from King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi, Ms. Araya Wongtongchoosakul and Ms. Kanchonanya Prompriechadhanakul. The SCAO will forward the youth's work to various communities for practical community development applications.

The New Generation Designer Development Project for the 2569 fiscal year, or Chonchang Graphic Year 11, aims to develop graphic design skills for new generation designers, foster broader design expertise and experience, transmit knowledge and inspiration for community-focused graphic design, create learning between designers and communities, and produce practical design work reflecting each community's unique identity.

For more information and to watch Chonchang Graphic Year 11, visit the Facebook page Chonchang.therealgraphic and the Contemporary Art and Culture Office page.

Panel Plus, a market leader in wood substitute materials manufacturing and interior design partner, is showcasing its new product line at Architecture '69 Thematic Pavilion: Limitless, reframing 'boards' into 'boundless rubber plantations' for 'unlimited design and architectural ideas.' Designer Anon Chitranukul explained that the booth's internal structure uses Perfect Wood Super E-Zero grade with 9-foot-long panels featuring melamine coating that mimics real wood texture and grain. The design communicates sustainability by tracing materials from expired rubber trees through a value-creation process, ultimately becoming boards for limitless design possibilities. The concept draws inspiration from natural rubber plantation grid patterns, creating an immersive experience connecting visitors with nature through visual and tactile elements.

Managing Director Bunnya Sirisak highlighted the official launch of Purple Core Super E-Zero grade wood in Thailand as the pavilion's major achievement. This innovative material reflects the 'Quality of Life' concept—a tangible superior lifestyle—with odorless properties and formaldehyde emissions below 0.03 ppm, meeting JIS standards equivalent to Japan's F4-star grade. The product suits health-conscious residents, children, elderly people, those with allergies, asthma sensitivities, and pets. Purple Core represents more than product development; it marks Panel Plus's commitment to elevating quality of life through safe, beautiful materials aligned with the longevity trend.

Purple Core Super E-Zero introduces new design dimensions in Thailand, available in 9-foot lengths and 6×9 and 4×9-foot sizes, addressing seamless height requirements and professional-grade precision. Panel Plus also provides Cut to Design Service, offering custom-sized cuts with finished edges designed for architects, designers, contractors, and furniture manufacturers requiring accuracy, speed, and consistent quality. The Architecture '69 Thematic Pavilion serves not merely as a product showcase but as a platform where Panel Plus, under Mitmueangrop Group's operations, communicates a vision extending beyond business to prioritize social benefit and people's quality of life.

Surge in gold and tool pawning as school year opens—many families face cash flow shortages with over 22 million baht in circulation; pawn shop reduces interest rates to help May 5, 2026—Ms. Nooriyah Samae, manager of Betong Municipality Community Credit Union in Yala province, revealed that with schools in Betong district opening between May 13-16, parents face increased expenses, leaving many families short on cash. The community credit union is providing relief by offering special reduced interest rates during the school opening period. Daily customer visits have surged to 100-200 people, with circulation exceeding 22 million baht, primarily in pure gold and tools. Pawning activity has increased over 70 percent during this period. While the exact total weight of gold pledged cannot be determined—as some customers withdraw less than their item's appraised value—the volume is substantial, with approximately ten thousand baht in gold weight based on the 22 million baht in loans issued. The credit union is assisting parents with adjusted rates: for principal amounts not exceeding 5,000-10,000 baht, the rate is 0.75 percent monthly for the first three months, then 1 percent monthly thereafter, with a maximum loan of 100,000 baht per borrower. This assistance program runs from today through June 30.

As the official partner of ONE Championship, Singha reinforces its "Global Sports Partnership" strategy by offering Thai sports fans an exclusive experience. The company is sending 8 winners of the "Singha ONE HIT THE RING – UNLEASH YOUR MUAY THAI SKILLS" competition to Japan to watch ONE Samurai 1 up close at Ariake Arena in Tokyo.

The competition was open to muay thai enthusiasts aged 18 and above who tested their speed and accuracy through five challenging stages. Over 1,400 people registered, with 8 elite finalists selected: Saphan Simma, Panai Ketkaew, Anthony Lam, Patiphan Palubpla, Natthanan Saengwannaloy, Irene Guillet, Linh Nguyen, and Sirikanya Ariyamongkonsuk.

Throughout the trip, the 8 winners will enjoy exclusive experiences including staying at the same hotel as ONE Championship superstars, witnessing the Face Off event, and having the opportunity to take photos on the actual ring after the matches. The itinerary also features a full Tokyo sightseeing experience with visits to major landmarks, creating memorable moments over the 5-day, 4-night journey.

EXIM Bank reported that in the first quarter of 2025, it has disbursed new loans exceeding 10 billion baht to support Thai entrepreneurs in navigating the global economic crisis and strengthening economic competitiveness. Managing Director Chalat Ratanamolnit stated that the global economy faces continued uncertainty from conflicts and Middle Eastern tensions, leading to volatile energy prices and increased production and transportation costs, which heighten payment risks for both export and tourism sectors—key drivers of Thailand's economy.

In response, EXIM Bank has prioritized supporting Thai entrepreneurs, especially SMEs, through several relief measures including debt repayment extensions of up to 365 days, interest rate reductions up to 20%, and special revolving credit at rates not exceeding 3.99% annually for exporters affected by Middle Eastern conditions. The bank is also strengthening cooperation with government and private sector organizations to enhance entrepreneur capabilities and develop new markets, positioning itself as an "Academy" for exporters to create economically resilient businesses equipped with risk management tools and market expansion strategies.

Despite the contraction in systemic credit, EXIM Bank continues to provide financial support and liquidity assistance through tailored products such as EXIM Global Plus for SME international expansion and EXIM Expand Sure for payment default protection. By the end of the first quarter of 2025, the bank approved 10,961 million baht in new credit facilities, bringing total outstanding loans and commitments to 186,836 million baht. Investment and sustainability-focused (ESG) credit and commitments reached 93,415 million baht, representing nearly 50% of total outstanding balances, demonstrating the bank's commitment to supporting vulnerable exporters and those seeking competitive advancement.

Regarding risk management, EXIM Bank strengthens stability for Thai businesses by reducing payment risks from conflict or logistics disruptions in trading partner countries through expanded export insurance and other risk management tools. As of March 2025, cumulative export insurance services reached 50,093 million baht. The bank also leads in developing Thai entrepreneur capabilities through diverse training programs, including the EXIM 2X curriculum version 2 for intensive training in international trade strategies delivered by export experts.

Chai Mai, a triathlete from the Royal Thai Navy, completed a 83-kilometer long duathlon and secured second place in the Age Group category at the T100 Triathlon World Tour Singapore 2026 with a finishing time of 3 hours, 2 minutes, and 4 seconds, achieving third place overall.

The Thai Triathlon Association partnered with OP Sport Academy to bring over 30 Thai athletes to compete at T100 Triathlon World Tour Singapore 2026, which attracted a large number of athletes from around the world. Chai Mai's standout performance in the Long Duathlon category (9.5km run, 64km bike, 9.5km run) proved to be one of Thailand's most impressive results at the event.

The T100 triathlon distance is recognized as an international standard equivalent to World Triathlon's Long Distance (L1) level, comprising a 2km swim, 80km bike ride, and 18km run for a total of 100 kilometers. The event also featured other categories including Olympic Distance triathlon and both standard and long-distance duathlon competitions, allowing athletes of various levels to participate. Thai athletes competed in the Age Group category, which serves as a global platform for amateur athletes.

Kritpong Chavalit, president of the Thai Triathlon Association, stated that this success was not achieved by a single athlete but resulted from teamwork involving athletes, coaches, and supporters from all sectors. Age Group sports represent an important mechanism as they are accessible to people of all ages and continue to gain popularity across all distances, from short sprint formats to long distances like IRONMAN, which is recognized internationally.

Chaitpong noted that Thai athletes' success this time came from continuous preparation beginning in October 2568 (2025), with comprehensive athlete development covering physical, technical, and mental aspects through collaboration between coaching teams and specialists. Over several months, athletes underwent training and fitness testing including VO2 Max measurement and Lactate Tests, systematic swimming training, nutrition management, and sports psychology support, along with equipment and competition preparation assistance both in Thailand and Singapore. This reflects development through an "ecosystem" approach that elevates Thai athletes to international standards.

Chaitpong further stated that the team gathering of athletes and support staff reflects structural development of the Thai triathlon sector at an organizational level, not just individual achievement, and represents a significant step in elevating Thai athletes to the international stage. The Thai Triathlon Association plans to expand such initiatives to provide more Thai athletes with opportunities to compete at global events in the future.

This participation was supported by multiple partners including Optima Bike, Hydrodynamic, Stage Find The Real U, Pro Engy, Canon Thailand, Strength Lab, and TC Coach Psychologist Sport Exercise.