On May 7, 2025, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Choomklin addressed Parliament regarding Mekong River contamination and solutions for land and livelihood rights of people in forest areas. The government under Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin prioritizes improving public quality of life while conserving natural resources, coordinating relevant agencies for sustained, concrete problem-solving.

The briefing followed inquiries from MP Kriengyos Sudlapa regarding land and housing security in forest communities, and MP Moltida Chaiyabal of Chiang Rai concerning the river contamination's impacts on health, economy, and tourism.

Suchart stated the government has closely monitored the Mekong situation since 2024, establishing a task force to assess impacts and develop solutions through cooperation with neighboring countries via the Foreign Ministry to reduce ecosystem and watershed impacts. The Pollution Control Department continuously collects and analyzes water and sediment samples, while health and fisheries agencies jointly assess public health and aquatic safety impacts.

The ministry is securing backup water sources for water supply in at-risk areas, upgrading village water systems, cleaning wells, and assisting affected schools, temples, and communities to ensure adequate, safe clean water access.

Regarding economic impact, the government is preparing assistance measures for businesses and communities affected by water quality concerns, particularly tourism-dependent areas, to restore confidence and reduce income losses.

On land rights, the government is accelerating land title documentation for over 800,000 people by 2027 to ensure housing and livelihood security, while promoting community forests currently covering over 6 million rai with over 4 million users. The government is also advancing carbon credit revenue systems for sustainable community income and resource management.

Additionally, the government is addressing electricity costs for forest community residents, pushing for rates equal to permanent meter holders to reduce expenses and ensure fair access to basic utilities.

"The government aims for people to live harmoniously with natural resources, with secure farmland, good environment, and fair economic opportunities. All agencies will continue addressing these issues comprehensively," Suchart said.

Heavy rain in Surat Thani city caused significant roof leaks at Surat Thani Hospital at 1:30 PM on May 7, 2025, with water pouring down like an open faucet and affecting both staff and patients receiving care.

A Facebook page named 'Mon Mai Surat Thani' posted a video of water cascading into the hospital, appealing for help and expressing concern for hospital personnel and patients during the heavy rainfall in the city at that time.

The page later noted that the hospital's 2-story OPD building is very old and has been in use for a long time, with roof leaks occurring after just half an hour of rain. Commenters suggested this is not surprising and that urgent renovations may be necessary until a new building can be constructed. However, they also noted that the new 7-story special ward building is also experiencing leaks, which is concerning.

The hospital is expected to issue a clarification statement regarding the situation.

General Decha Hemkrasri, Chairman of the Cycling Association of Thailand, has announced that the association is implementing comprehensive sports science methodology in training the Thai national cycling team for the 20th Asian Games in Japan. The program covers all disciplines including anatomy, physiology, nutrition, psychology, biomechanics, sports medicine, and sports technology as part of the association's ongoing commitment to apply sports science across all dimensions of cycling.

Recently, the association received collaboration from the Sports Science Center under the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) through the National Training Center project, with cycling as one of ten pioneering sports. Saksiam Saengwaisayasuk, Director of the National Training Center, led sports science experts in conducting blood lactate analysis of Thai national cyclists in road and mountain bike categories at Chateau de Khao Yai hotel in Nakhon Ratchasima province, the Thai cycling team's training camp.

Based on the blood analysis results, road coach Phuchoong Sailudomsilp and American mountain bike coach Robert Herber Jr. will design personalized training programs using the lactate data to develop athletes' endurance—the critical factor in road and mountain bike racing. Two additional lactate tests are planned at eight-week intervals to measure training progress and physical development.

For track and BMX racing, the sports science approach differs, focusing on strength and speed rather than endurance, emphasizing muscle development that directly impacts racing velocity. General Decha emphasized the association's comprehensive policy of continuously applying all branches of sports science—direct and indirect—to develop and improve the overall health and performance of Thai national athletes across training, competition, equipment, nutrition, psychology, and physical recovery. Medical affairs deputy director Phusit Fuengfu oversees the entire process, providing guidance to coaching teams while adapting protocols to each discipline's specific needs.

Additionally, the association continues its policy of sending young cyclists to compete internationally. Recently, Varutt Bpaekratok and Apisara Srimoungkol competed in Indonesian Track Cup 1 (April 30-May 2) and Indonesian Track Cup 2 (May 4-6) in track cycling, delivering satisfactory performances.

Who can handle it first? Chongqing's most extreme zigzag road features 18 sharp hairpin bends, slopes reaching 70 degrees, and requires driving along narrow cliff faces that leave drivers breathless—a nightmare for drivers worldwide.

China ranks among the world's top countries for infrastructure development, from suspended highways spanning rivers to elevated expressways climbing steep mountain passes. Yet amid all this grandeur, one road stands out as every driver's nightmare: Lingbai Xi Road in Wuxi, Chongqing.

This route winds through a narrow canyon, hemmed in by massive rock cliffs on both sides. The serpentine path connects the small community of Tianping to the outside world. Though it appears ordinary at first glance, the terrain transforms it into anything but an ordinary road.

The total road length spans just 3.7 kilometers, running from Tianping village to Provincial Highway 201. However, the true highlight is the zigzag section measuring only 453 meters—packed with relentless hairpin bends like a maze on a mountainside.

Despite its short distance, this route's difficulty exceeds all expectations. Even experienced drivers must exercise maximum caution at every moment, as even a slight mistake could result in loss of control instantly.

Construction began in 2012 and paving was completed in 2019, designed to force slow driving with drivers carefully navigating each curve for maximum safety.

Another critical issue is the road's extreme narrowness, offering virtually no space to turn around. The road also features slopes reaching up to 70 degrees in some sections, demanding significant skill and concentration to navigate the vehicle safely.

Fortunately, Tianping has only about 137 residents from 37 households, so traffic remains light. This gives drivers more space and time to manage the complex curves.

However, Lingbai Xi Road restricts certain vehicles—trucks, buses, and large trailers are prohibited due to their inability to handle the narrow width and continuous hairpin bends. Even small vehicles must utilize specially designed curve-entrance areas, and on the steepest sections, first gear is recommended throughout to maintain safe control. This makes Lingbai Xi one of China's most challenging zigzag roads.

PHETCHABURI — On May 7, 2026, residents in Phetchaburi province gathered to make merit and pay respects to eight ancient skeletons discovered at the Don Yai Thong archaeological site, believed to date back 1,500 to 2,000 years. The ceremony took place in Ban Don Phlap village, Samo Phlue subdistrict, Ban Lat district, where locals offered food to Buddhist monks and dedicated merit to the deceased. Officials present included Phetchaburi Provincial Administrative Organisation President Chaiya Angkinan, Ban Lat District Chief Preecha Ananworanat, and Nipa Sangkhonakhin, director of Fine Arts Office 1 in Ratchaburi.

Archaeologists from Fine Arts Office 1 began excavations after discovering two ancient bronze drums in February in a rice field. These "Mahorathuk" drums are believed to originate from the Dong Son culture in northern Vietnam and later spread throughout the Suvarnabhumi region. No similar drums had previously been found in Phetchaburi or Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces, making this discovery significant. Excavations under archaeologist Kannika Premjai began on February 9, 2026, and have continued for nearly three months.

Initial findings included damaged bronze drum fragments, pottery, bronze containers, human leg bones, and gold jewelry, which prompted the team to expand their search. Between March and April, archaeologists uncovered eight skeletons laid flat on their backs in rows, some overlapping each other. All eight skeletons had bronze head ornaments resembling helmets placed over their skulls, and were accompanied by bronze artifacts, stone beads, glass beads, and pottery. The first skeleton discovered contained a remarkable collection of gold ornaments including bracelets, rings, pendants, beads, and earrings. Four additional bronze drums were later found, bringing the total to six.

Archaeologists believe these discoveries reveal prehistoric burial practices dating back approximately 1,500 to 2,000 years, before cremation became common practice. The presence of gold jewelry, bronze artifacts, and bronze drums indicates the buried individuals held high social status rather than being ordinary villagers. Experts noted that the intricate gold ornaments resembled Indian craftsmanship, suggesting the community had trade connections with external civilizations. Nipa expressed gratitude to local residents, officials, educational institutions, and landowners for supporting the excavation. However, she warned that heavy moisture, underground water, and the approaching rainy season were creating significant challenges for the ongoing work.

Doctors Warn: Three Morning Habits for Men Damage the Liver Faster Than Alcohol

Compiled by Sanook Online News Team May 7, 2025

According to foreign media reports, when people think of behaviors that harm the liver, alcohol consumption usually comes to mind first. However, certain habits performed regularly in the morning can damage the liver just as severely.

At 6:30 a.m., 52-year-old Zhou from China wakes up and goes through his normal daily routine before starting his day. Although he doesn't drink alcohol and doesn't stay up late, his annual health checkup shocked him when it revealed abnormally high liver enzymes (ALT and GGT) and fatty liver disease.

Doctors analyzed that the main cause stemmed from behaviors he performed regularly every morning to energize his body: smoking, drinking strong tea, and exercising. Fortunately, Zhou had some good health habits, including avoiding alcohol, so his liver hadn't suffered severe damage and could still be treated.

Zhou's case serves as a warning, especially for men, about morning behaviors that many overlook but are silently damaging the liver. Even without touching alcohol throughout life, one can still risk serious liver disease or even liver cancer if engaging in these three daily morning habits:

1. Skipping Breakfast Generally, men place less importance on diet than women, whether due to rushing, work stress, waking late, or health negligence. Many skip breakfast despite it being one of the behaviors silently "eroding" the liver.

Experts note that skipping breakfast can lead to nutrient and protein deficiency, factors that cause fat accumulation in the liver. After sleeping all night, the body lacks energy. Without breakfast, it cannot handle daily activities normally.

During this time, the body draws glycogen from the liver and stimulates insulin production. Without sufficient food for metabolism, the liver must work harder. If this continues for extended periods, it may lead to liver dysfunction and disease. Additionally, prolonged breakfast skipping or long gaps between breakfast and lunch harms the gallbladder, as bile remains too long and becomes concentrated, potentially forming gallstones. Though not immediately apparent, this behavior accumulates long-term liver damage.

2. Smoking Immediately After Waking Many men smoke immediately after waking to feel refreshed or relieve nicotine cravings after sleeping all night. Some even use cigarettes instead of breakfast or as an energy boost before starting the day.

However, chemicals in cigarettes damage not just the lungs but also the liver, since the liver detoxifies the body. Smoking makes the liver work harder and increases damage risk, especially on an empty stomach in the morning.

Doctors explain that after sleep, the liver is still in recovery and detoxification mode, making it weakest and most vulnerable to damage. Meanwhile, the body lacks nutrients and immunity is low.

Additionally, metabolism is slower than normal in the morning after waking. Smoking during this time allows toxins to enter the body faster and more severely, making the liver work harder and increasing risk of liver weakness and disease with continuous exposure.