Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchat Chomklin has ordered the Department of Climate Change and Environment to accelerate negotiations with Germany to access IKI Large Grant 2026 funding for managing Thailand's climate crisis. On May 5th, he directed Dr. Pirun Saiyasitthipanich, the department's director-general, and other officials to negotiate a funding framework with the German government, positioning Thailand as a strategic partner to reduce greenhouse gases and enhance climate resilience. An initial video conference meeting was held on April 29th with Germany's Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Nuclear Safety and Consumer Protection, resulting in a preliminary agreement to request 30 million euros (approximately 1.14 billion baht). The funding is divided into two components: 10 million euros (approximately 380 million baht) for policy coordination and operational mechanism development with relevant agencies, and 20 million euros (approximately 760 million baht) in grant support for greenhouse gas reduction and co-benefits related to Thailand's natural resources and environment. The department is currently in advanced discussions to finalize the funding framework with German counterparts in June 2026 during the Bonn Climate Change Conference, where officials will meet under the UNFCCC subsidiary bodies for implementation and scientific and technological advice.

At 9:15 AM on May 5, 2025, at Government House, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives Watcharapol Khaokhram announced the summons of Fisheries Department Director-General Tithiporn Luaprasert to clarify issues surrounding the Thailand fishAI application, which has reportedly encountered discrepancies and faced scrutiny over inflated procurement budgets. Khaokhram stated that he initially wants to review the project documentation before making any determinations, as he lacks full familiarity with the details and needs to understand the project's background. When asked whether an investigation committee would be formed, Khaokhram replied that he first needs to examine the specifics before deciding on such measures. Regarding concerns that the application development budget may be excessive relative to its performance, Khaokhram noted he has received numerous public complaints and recommendations, prompting today's meeting with the Fisheries Director. He indicated that once he understands the details, further clarification will be provided.

Namo Goldsmith has posted an explanation regarding the controversy surrounding a golden Buddha amulet purportedly containing 50 baht of gold, insisting that discussions with the craftsman have already taken place and asserting that his intention was genuinely to help. The shop accepts all criticism.

On May 5, 2025, Namo Goldsmith's jewelry shop posted a clarification about the golden Buddha amulet drama, stating they will conduct a live stream with the craftsman again. The shop offers free metal testing for all customers, and many people bring items for testing daily.

The case began when a customer brought the amulet requesting verification of whether it was genuinely golden and contained at least 45 baht of gold. The customer video-called the abbot as a witness during the testing process, and the goldsmith recorded video documentation.

When tested, the exterior metal was found to be brass. The goldsmith explained in the video that only the outside could be tested—determining whether gold exists inside would require breaking or drilling the amulet. Since this is a temple property, the process requires multiple steps. He recommended that the abbot consult with the craftsman who performed the original casting, as they would have the most knowledge.

Both the abbot and the donor reported that during the casting ceremony, they witnessed gold being poured into the mold. The goldsmith believed this testing method would definitely detect any gold inside.

After this incident became news, the case was featured on a television program to verify and investigate further. The donor, the abbot, and the casting craftsman discussed the matter on the program. The goldsmith was pleased when the casting craftsman appeared and explained the casting process in detail.

On the program, the craftsman revealed that there had been a second melting and recasting. The craftsman and abbot were aware of this, but the donor was not informed—only experiencing the original casting ceremony. The craftsman explained that they had created a brass mold, poured gold inside, sealed it with plaster, which prevented detection equipment from finding the gold because the exterior appeared to be brass. Everyone on the program finally received the answer directly from the craftsman, finding clarity and relief in resolving their doubts. By now, the amulet has been cut open for verification, and the goldsmith is pleased to report that gold was indeed found.

Had the goldsmith known from the beginning that there was a second melting and recasting process, he could have provided additional recommendations to benefit everyone involved.

If any of the goldsmith's intentions or words caused anyone involved in this matter to misunderstand or make any errors, he apologizes sincerely. His genuine intention was to help.

He accepts all feedback to improve himself and develop further. For any errors pointed out, he welcomes the guidance.

Krung Thai Bank is preparing to debut 18 new Depositary Receipts (DRs) covering technology, rare earth minerals, consumer goods, and future industries, providing Thai investors with convenient access to world-class companies.

Executive Ravint Bunyanusasn from Krung Thai Bank's Money Market and Capital Market Business Group stated that the bank is committed to developing investment products that make it easier for Thai investors to access quality global companies through the Thai stock market.

Most recently, the bank has issued 18 new Depositary Receipts for foreign securities, carefully selecting assets aligned with long-term growth mega-trends including digital technology, clean energy, modern consumption, and rare earth minerals that are crucial to future industries. The offering also includes alternative assets and gold-backed funds to help diversify risk and increase portfolio flexibility.

The new DR package covers 18 leading securities across four major industry groups:

Technology Group (4 securities): Led by SoftBank Group Corp. (SOFTBANK80), a Japanese telecommunications company that has expanded its role into global technology investments through SoftBank Vision Fund, holding stakes in OpenAI and major AI projects like Project Stargate. Also included are Arista Networks (ANET80), SanDisk Corporation (SNDK80), and Montage Technology (MONTAGE80).

Energy and Rare Earth Group (6 securities): Led by MP Materials Corp. (MP80), the only rare earth mining operator in the United States with government support to reduce dependence on China. Also included are NextEra Energy (NEE80), GE Vernova (GEV80), JL Mag Rare-Earth (JLMAG80), China Northern Rare Earth (Group) High-Tech (CNRE80), and SPDR® Gold Shares ETF (GOLDUS80).

Global Consumer Products Group (4 securities): Led by Midea Group (MIDEA80), a leading Chinese electrical appliance manufacturer expanding into robotics and industrial automation. Also included are Kweichow Moutai (MOUTAI80), Mao Geping Cosmetics (MAOGEP80), and Mixue Group (MIXUE80).

Future Industries Group (4 securities): Led by Coinbase Global (COIN80), a leading U.S. digital asset trading platform serving as both exchange and custodian for over 1,000 financial institutions worldwide. Also included are AbbVie (ABBV80), Rocket Lab Corporation (RKLB80), and The Boeing Company (BOEING80).

"The launch of these new DRs enhances opportunities for convenient, transparent, and standardized access to foreign investments, addressing Thai investors' needs at all market conditions. It enables investors to plan confidently and achieve their long-term financial goals," said Ravint.

Existing securities account holders can invest in Thai baht through the Streaming application immediately without pre-subscription. Those without securities accounts can open one independently through KTX on the Krungthai NEXT application, receiving the same benefits as direct foreign investment.

Trading of all 18 DRs will commence on May 13, 2025. DRs referencing Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Japanese stocks can be traded between 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM. DRs referencing U.S. stocks and U.S. ETFs can be traded in two sessions: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM and 7:00 PM – 2:45 AM (T+1).

A devastating explosion at the Huasheng Fireworks factory in Liuyang, Hunan Province, has claimed at least 21 lives and injured 61 others. Nearly 500 rescue personnel were mobilized to search for survivors and treat the wounded, with robots deployed to help locate workers potentially trapped inside the facility. Authorities evacuated all residents within a 3-kilometer radius of the plant as a precaution. Police are investigating the cause and will pursue strict accountability measures against company officials responsible for the blast. Officials identified two gunpowder storage warehouses within the factory as high-risk areas and implemented safety measures including area humidification to prevent secondary explosions during rescue operations. The force of the blast was so powerful that windows in nearby residential buildings were shattered. Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for an expedited search and rescue effort and ordered a thorough investigation to hold those responsible accountable. Liuyang, known as the world's largest fireworks manufacturing hub, has experienced repeated industrial accidents. In February, another fireworks shop explosion in Hunan Province killed 12 people and caused numerous injuries.

Minister Suchart Chomklin expressed delight and pride in the success of Ao Kuak within the Similan Islands National Park being ranked among the world's top 10 beaches for 2026. He thanked park officials for their strong natural resource management and emphasized maintaining strict management standards to preserve this world-class beauty sustainably.

On May 5, 2026, the global rankings of "The World's 50 Best Beaches 2026" were announced by a network of over 1,000 tourism experts worldwide. Ao Kuak (Donald Duck Bay) within the Similan Islands National Park achieved the 10th position globally.

This recognition reflects the bay's outstanding natural beauty, complete ecosystem integrity, and unique characteristics acknowledged on the international stage.

Minister Suchart Chomklin expressed his joy and pride in this success, thanking the Department of National Parks staff and all relevant parties for their strong commitment to natural resource management. He emphasized maintaining strict management standards and using this achievement as a model to elevate national parks throughout the country, promoting Thailand's conservation-based tourism for sustainable growth and international recognition.

Athitpol Charoenchansri, Director-General of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation, noted this success as a point of national pride, reflecting the effectiveness of proactive management measures including visitor capacity limits, seasonal resource rehabilitation closures, and strict waste management, which help maintain high-level marine and coastal ecosystem integrity.

Sirivat Supsai, Director of Similan Islands National Park, explained that Ao Kuak on Eighth Island (Similan Island) features crystal-clear waters, fine white sand, and the distinctive "Sailing Stone" rock formation that attracts visitors worldwide. Balancing tourism with conservation and cooperation from operators and visitors have been key factors in gaining international recognition.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation affirmed its commitment to conserving and protecting invaluable natural resources, ensuring this world-class beauty remains for Thailand and future generations in a sustainable manner.