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.

Ajax Amsterdam has held talks with Liverpool manager Arne Slot about taking over as their new head coach. Slot is contracted to Liverpool through summer 2027, though contract renewal negotiations have been delayed following disappointing results this season. According to Mike Verweij of De Telegraaf, Ajax has approached Slot regarding the managerial position. The Amsterdam club is actively seeking a new manager, with chairman Jordi Cruyff making significant efforts to secure a long-term head coach. While Ajax has been linked with several Spanish coaches, including Miquel from Girona, the technical director has boldly decided to contact Slot. However, it has been reported that the 47-year-old coach is not interested in the offer and has chosen to remain with Liverpool. Verweij stated: "I've been told again that they asked Arne Slot as well. Arne is stable in his position. He is simply staying with Liverpool. I understand that Arne doesn't really want to go to Ajax right now."

Bangkok – The Marketing Organization for Farmers (MOF), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, is advancing its strategy to bring Thai agricultural products to international markets, with emphasis on promoting high-value tropical agricultural products to compete in the global marketplace.

MOF is preparing to participate in promotional and marketing activities for Thai agricultural products at Thai Festival Tokyo 2026 in Tokyo, Japan, a major platform for presenting Thai agricultural potential to international audiences, particularly the continuously growing Asian markets.

This initiative aligns with Thailand's BCG (Bio-Circular-Green Economy) model, which emphasizes economic development coupled with sustainability. MOF prioritizes upgrading agricultural product quality, promoting internationally-certified production, and increasing product value through innovation and technology.

At the festival, MOF will showcase exportable Thai agricultural products including mango with jasmine fragrance, aromatic coconut water, durian, golden banana, and tamarind. All products are premium quality selections under the "OR TOR KOR SELECT" brand, emphasizing strengths in quality, safety, and certified production standards such as GAP, GMP, and HACCP.

Additionally, business matching activities will be organized to connect Thai farmers and entrepreneurs with foreign importers and trade partners, opening new marketing channels, increasing trade value, and creating sustainable income for Thailand's agricultural sector.

MOF is committed to serving as a crucial link connecting Thai agricultural products from farms to global markets under the concept "From Thai Farms to Global Markets," while elevating the image of Thai agricultural products to international recognition standards.