On May 13, 2025, Prime Minister Anuthın Charnvirakul and Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Choomklin led a multi-agency inspection team to Koh Phangan District in Surat Thani Province and Phuket to investigate foreign nominees conducting business and illegal encroachment on state forest land. The team included Deputy Secretary-General Nipont Chumngamsiriwong, National Park Director Arthapol Chaounchansaa, and Marine Resources Director Pinsak Suraswadee, along with military and police officials and local administrators.

Minister Suchart emphasized reviewing natural resources data in Koh Phangan, which spans 121,437.50 acres, including Khao Sam Roi Yot-Koh Phangan National Park (26,866.27 acres) where recent inspections found no encroachment. The Koh Phangan National Forest Reserve (3,441.40 acres) has had four cases prosecuted with no new encroachment detected currently.

The Prime Minister issued urgent policies to manage agricultural land by properly registering farmers' rights according to law while protecting the environment and preventing further forest encroachment. He ordered relevant agencies to use geographic data for monitoring to prevent multinational capital from exploiting Thailand's natural resources. After Koh Phangan, the PM's team proceeded to Phuket to address illegal encroachment on public beaches at Freedom Beach in Kathu District.

The acting ecclesiastical chief of Chumphon province has criticized a temple abbot's ban on monks from other temples sitting on the ordination platform during funeral rites as "too harsh," and has ordered an investigation into the controversy that erupted online. The incident occurred at Tham Pru Ta Kian Temple in Tha Sae District, Chumphon, where the abbot refused to allow monks from Khao Chedi Temple to participate in the ceremony, citing "temple rules." This sparked widespread debate among Buddhists and Chumphon residents questioning the appropriateness of excluding monks from participating in funeral rites, especially since both groups are disciples of the late respected monk Luang Pho Prong Chotigo.

On May 13, 2025, reporters met with Phra Kru Bundit Thammatada, the acting ecclesiastical chief of Chumphon province, at Koh Kaew Dusitiyarangsrit Temple in Muang Chumphon District. He stated that while he had not yet received formal detailed reports, any temple implementing specific rules should notify the ecclesiastical administration so they can assess appropriateness. He emphasized that times have changed and flexibility and dialogue are necessary in many matters.

According to preliminary information, the incident may have occurred because the funeral sponsor invited monks from Khao Chedi Temple without consulting or informing the abbot of Tham Pru Ta Kian Temple beforehand, which may have caused the dispute. Currently, many temples lack sufficient resident monks, so inviting monks from other temples to participate in ceremonies is a common practice. The funeral sponsor and temple should have communicated and reached understanding beforehand to avoid problems during the merit-making ceremony.

"If there really is a rule banning visiting monks from participating in chanting, personally I think it needs to be reconsidered because it seems too harsh. However, we don't yet know all the facts and I don't want to make premature judgments," Phra Kru Bundit Thammatada said, adding that the ecclesiastical administration would contact the provincial religious supervisor, district ecclesiastical chief, and the abbot of Tham Pru Ta Kian Temple to gather facts before determining further action.

The Performance and Audit Committee (PPPC) on promotion of people's rights and freedoms is partnering with Kasetsart University to hold public forums across seven regions nationwide, collecting input from deaf individuals, hearing individuals, and relevant agencies. The initiative focuses on developing the Thai Telecommunication Relay Service (TTRS), which enables communication between deaf and hearing people, as part of a 2025 consultant engagement project monitoring people's rights and freedoms.

Isarasmet Kruea-hong, PPPC committee member, stated that communication system development must ensure all citizens have equal, fair, and universal access. For people with hearing and speech disabilities, promoting telecommunication access requires both appropriate service packages and development of efficient Relay Services using communication formats suited to users' limitations. Therefore, TTRS should be continuously improved and elevated to stable and sustainable communication infrastructure.

Researchers from Kasetsart University, representing faculties of social sciences, engineering, and economics, outlined two key activities: public hearings with deaf individuals to gather real-world experiences and service access challenges, and focus group discussions with relevant agencies and disability experts to exchange perspectives and propose systemic improvements.

The seven-region hearing tour (February-April 2025) includes: Bangkok with 50+ agency representatives at Rama Gardens Hotel and 200+ deaf participants at Best Western Nada Don Muang; Northern Region in Chiang Mai with deaf hearings at Anusorn School for the Deaf and focus groups at Mercure Hotel; Eastern Region in Chon Buri with deaf forums at Chon Buri School for the Deaf and focus groups at Bang Saen Heritage Hotel; Central Region in Nakhon Pathom with deaf hearings at Nakhon Pathom School for the Deaf and focus groups at Mida Grand Twarawadi; Western Region in Kanchanaburi with deaf forums at Kanchanaburi School for the Deaf and focus groups at Prelude Hotel; Northeastern Region in Khon Kaen with deaf hearings at Khon Kaen School for the Deaf and focus groups at Charoenthanee Hotel; and Southern Region in Songkhla with deaf forums at Songkhla School for the Deaf and focus groups at Buriisriphoo Hotel in Hat Yai. Data and feedback from all seven regions will be analyzed to develop policy recommendations.

Eugene Aiphon Faces Backlash After Being Caught on Phone Call While Ignoring Senior Actress Muddam—Apologizes with Flowers

Eugene Aiphon, a new actor under CHANGE2561, recently became the target of online criticism after he was caught taking a phone call and not paying attention when senior actress Muddam Kachapa greeted a group of junior actors. Some netizens commented critically, saying "In front of the media, no matter how urgent, one shouldn't be on the phone. It's disrespectful and shows a lack of manners. You should step away to finish your call before entering the entertainment industry—you need to be more respectful to seniors."

On May 13, CHANGE2561 held an auspicious merit-making ceremony at their office building to launch two new series under their CHANGE2561 ORIGINAL project: the BL romance "Chasing Love, It's Tough Being the Older One" and the fast-paced youth series "Class Crush Crisis." After the ceremony, Eugene Aiphon gave an exclusive interview about the incident.

Was there an issue on social media beforehand? "I felt relieved and really happy to have the chance to meet Senior Muddam. At first, I didn't even think she would reply to my DM. I felt terrible for not talking to her at that moment. She replied and asked when I was free to meet, so I made an appointment. I went and bought her flowers and gave them to her. I never expected it would end up on a variety show."

Let's rewind to that moment? "We were about to go home. I was talking to my mom. When I saw Senior Muddam, I was focused on my mom so I didn't hear her. That's how it became a social media issue."

How did you feel when it became a thing? "I set my alarm for 8 a.m., but at 7 a.m. my mom woke me up and said it was already trending on social media. I was confused about what I'd done. When I saw the clip, oh... I was on a phone call with my mom. It became drama on social media. I was shocked. That whole day was nerve-wracking."

Did you seem stressed? "Yes, I consulted with my senior AR at the company. I thought the matter wouldn't reach higher-ups, so I talked to AR first."

When did you decide to bring flowers to Muddam? "I was very happy. Senior Muddam was surprised. She didn't expect me to come. She said that in her life, no man has ever come to sweet-talk and plead with her like that."

Your fan base grew because people saw how cute we are together? "Somewhat. Ultimately, I'm glad I got to learn and gain experience faster than most people. When other people face issues later, they can't fix them in time. So I see this as something positive, an experience that happened to me early."

What lessons did this teach you? "This taught me that I need to be aware of my surroundings at all times and stay mindful. Talking to parents is important, but if there's a senior or elder in front of you, you should talk to them first. I don't know when I'll get to see them again."

On May 13, 2025, the Thai Meteorological Department issued its second warning (No. 62/2569) regarding heavy to very heavy rainfall and strong winds in the Andaman Sea, effective from May 14-18, 2025. During this period, rainfall will increase across northern, central, eastern, and southern Thailand, with some areas experiencing very heavy downpours that may cause flash flooding and flash floods, particularly in foothill areas and low-lying zones near waterways.

The severe weather is caused by a strengthening low-pressure system moving from the lower to upper Bay of Bengal, combined with an intensifying southwest monsoon across the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand. Sea conditions will deteriorate significantly, with the Andaman Sea experiencing 2-3 meter waves, exceeding 3 meters in thunderstorm areas. The upper Gulf of Thailand will see approximately 2-meter waves, exceeding 2 meters during thunderstorms.

The public is advised to be cautious of heavy rainfall and accumulated water that could cause flooding. Fishermen should exercise extreme caution and avoid sailing in thunderstorm areas. Small boats in the Andaman Sea should remain ashore during this period. The public is encouraged to monitor updates from the Thai Meteorological Department via their website (tmd.go.th) or by calling 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182, available 24/7.

Provincial Impact Areas:

May 14: Heavy rainfall expected in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Nan, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun, Tak (north); Loei (northeast); Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi (central); Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chanthaburi, Trat (east); and Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi, Trang, Satun (south).

May 15: Very heavy rainfall in Tak, Kanchanaburi, and Phetchaburi. Heavy rainfall in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Phrae, Uttaradit, Kamphaeng Phet, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun (north); Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Mukdahan, Amnat Charoen, Sisaket, Ubon Ratchathani (northeast); Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Ratchaburi (central); Rayong, Chanthaburi, Trat (east); and Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, Trang, Satun, Ranong, Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi (south).

May 16: Very heavy rainfall in Tak and Kanchanaburi. Heavy rainfall in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet (north); Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon (northeast).

Deputy Governor Don Nakhonthap of the Bank of Thailand's Monetary Policy Division stated at the first Monetary Policy Forum of 2569 that prolonged conflict has impacted Thailand's economy on two dimensions. First, economic growth is expected to slow to 1.5% this year, down from 2.3% in a scenario without the conflict. Second, inflation is likely to rise to 4-5% from the 2-3% range at the start of the year, though officials consider this a temporary spike with inflation expected to moderate next year, depending on when the conflict resolves.

"While inflation may reach 4-5%, we see no signals of stagflation, and this inflation level is not exceptionally high compared to the Russia-Ukraine war period when inflation hit 7-8%, prompting the Monetary Policy Committee to raise rates," Nakhonthap said, noting the current situation does not yet warrant immediate rate increases but requires close monitoring.

Prahnee Sutthisri, Senior Director of the Macroeconomic Division, said the conflict situation remains highly uncertain, depending on intensity and duration. The baseline scenario assumes the conflict will be resolved in the first half of the year with shipping through the Hormuz Strait disrupted only through mid-year before normalizing. Oil prices are expected to remain elevated in the first half before easing in the second half, with crude prices averaging $100 per barrel this year and declining to $80 in 2026, though still higher than pre-conflict levels.

Under a worst-case scenario, the conflict would drag through the entire year with sustained shipping disruptions and oil price spikes, potentially causing supply chain disruptions that impact production and employment.

Regarding the emergency loan decree, the first 200-billion-baht tranche through direct assistance and state welfare card transfers is already factored into the 0.6% GDP growth estimate. The second 200-billion-baht phase is expected to have minimal impact this year pending economic developments.

Surach Thaenbun, Director of Monetary Policy, said preliminary assessments indicate limited risk of second-round inflation effects. However, officials will closely monitor business pricing and medium-term inflation expectations, as this supply-side shock is substantial. "Maintaining the current policy rate accommodates uncertainty across multiple economic scenarios," Surach explained, noting that raising rates too quickly could further dampen the economy while cutting rates might inadequately manage inflation risks given current uncertainty. The Monetary Policy Committee considers the current 1.0% annual policy rate appropriate for supporting economic recovery as inflation remains elevated.