NONG KHAI — 18 May 2026 — Thai authorities seized more than 150 kilograms of ivory and animal remains along the Mekong River in Nong Khai province and are cooperating with Laos to expand an investigation into a suspected transnational wildlife trafficking network, officials said on Sunday.

Sadudee Phanphakdee, Director of the Wildlife and Flora Protection Division under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), revealed that officials received a tip-off about an attempt to smuggle illegal goods across the border into Laos. Authorities then deployed officers to inspect a riverside stairway along the Mekong River in Ban Mueang Mi Yai, Mueang Mi Subdistrict, Mueang District, Nong Khai Province.

Upon arriving at the scene, the suspects used the cover of darkness and their familiarity with the area to narrowly escape arrest. A search of the surrounding area uncovered abandoned suspicious items. Officials seized 22 cut sections of ivory weighing a combined 130.9 kilograms, along with two sacks containing unidentified animal remains resembling skeletal fragments, weighing a total of 29 kilograms.

Other animal remains seized at the scene were laid out for inspection but could not immediately be identified.

Authorities initially recorded and confiscated all evidence before transferring the case to local investigators for further legal proceedings. Officials are also working to trace and apprehend other members of the trafficking operation.

Meanwhile, the Wildlife and Flora Protection Division under CITES has already shared details of the seizure and related cases with representatives of the Lao People's Democratic Republic. Thai and Lao authorities are now coordinating investigations, expanding intelligence-sharing efforts and strengthening joint law enforcement operations aimed at dismantling cross-border wildlife trafficking networks along the frontier.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Panitchpakdi has unveiled a policy to elevate data analytics in managing agricultural supply and demand systematically across the entire value chain, from production through distribution. The initiative focuses on using a rice production forecasting dashboard to enable accurate monitoring of regional conditions and precise planning of production, marketing, and product absorption. "We must shift from reactive problem-solving to proactive, data-driven management, with the dashboard serving as the critical tool for linking our entire information system to enable accurate and timely decision-making," Supachai stated.

The Office of Trade Policy and Strategy, in collaboration with the Ayutthaya Provincial Commerce Office, conducted field verification on May 12, 2025 in two districts—Phachi and Uthai—to advance the dashboard pilot program using satellite data from the Geo-Informatics and Space Technology Development Agency (GISTDA). The initiative integrates data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, the Office of Agricultural Economics, the Department of Agricultural Extension, and local farmers to create a unified information system supporting policy decisions.

The field assessment identified three key priorities: improving forecast accuracy by integrating rice variety data and field survey information; consolidating rice variety databases into a single system for production planning and targeted market positioning; and leveraging shared databases to enable agriculture officials to manage production and quality precisely while commerce officials can forecast market trends and prepare contingency measures in advance. Farmers confirmed that satellite data accurately reflects planting timelines, validating the dashboard's development potential.

The ministries aim to deliver concrete results within two months for operational field-level deployment. Future phases will incorporate AI technology and the Prism Model (Precision Rice Intelligence for Strategy & Market Model) to analyze global rice demand, assess market potential, identify trade barriers, and formulate proactive export strategies tailored to specific consumer groups.

The successful Ayutthaya pilot is planned to expand nationwide across all 76 provinces, transforming rice management through Big Data and AI technologies to enable real-time production monitoring and dynamic supply-demand management.

Yok Thong, known as Yok Jitraprorn, has made history as Thailand's first influencer, rising from her humble beginnings as a street vendor to gracing the world's most prestigious red carpet at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival in France. The accomplished Thai influencer appeared as the sole Thai VIP influencer honored by global beauty giant L'Oréal Paris, creating massive excitement among her fanbase. The highlight came on May 16th when Yok Thong stepped onto the red carpet in a stunning custom-made white gown from haute couture brand Phatrawi Design, complemented by white pearl rings and earrings from Matarastudio and the iconic René Caovilla shoes from the "Bloom / Spring is About to Bloom" collection. She confidently shared the frame with world-class superstars, radiating beauty and poise as she commanded the global red carpet.

Hallodara – Thanwa guarantees the drama Rose Play with Fire delivers intense emotions, bringing the characters Thanon and Buppesannivas to life in a BL series version with plenty of heart-fluttering moments arriving July 14. The series on Channel 7HD is heating up in its second half. Young lead actor Thanwa Suriyajak shared: "The drama is now in its final stretch and will get more intense. I want to thank all Channel 7HD fans for following along and supporting us. Fans have commented that this version of Thanon doesn't seem playful and appears sympathetic, caught in the middle as a tool for the female characters' revenge. But I'm playing Thanon as someone quite clear in his own emotions. Some scenes may have emotional contradictions and confusion, but he genuinely loves the female lead and acts maturely. I hope fans will keep watching."

The BL series Buppesannivas has released its second teaser, showing when Pohdej (Augusd Wachirawichay) falls in love with Pohkaew (Leng Thanapol) who has crossed through reincarnation. The cast includes Pohrueang (Na Naphatthorn Wikayarungrojun) paired with Pohwad (Win Thanapol), Ai Kin (Thanya Thanython) with Ai Yem (Faye Chinthaph), Fortune Teller (Chaturong Mokchuk), Madam Champa (M.L. Khuantip Thewakul), Marie Tonguimar (Anna Seunggaim), and Thisara Varitthisara playing Lord Srichulalaksana, delivering cross-reincarnation thrills on July 14.

Disney+ swept awards at the 62nd Baeksang Awards ceremony in Seoul, with Hyun Bin from Made in Korea winning Best Actor and Im Soo-jung receiving Best Supporting Actress for the series Low Life. Both series are available on Disney+, with Made in Korea Season 2 coming late this year.

Luk Thung artist Rung Nakhon Phanom shared her experience acting in the music video for "Samsati Maowad," which featured her first real on-screen kiss. She revealed: "I was excited but nervous about the kissing scene since it was my first time. I had to concentrate hard and use strong emotions to make it look natural. The performance required high energy with crying scenes in nearly every segment, and sometimes I needed help triggering real tears to deliver continuous and authentic emotions." Watch on YouTube: GRAMMY GOLD OFFICIAL.

Police investigators from Muang Kamphaeng Phet Station have summoned all monks from Wat Krajom Thong to the police station for detailed questioning in connection with the shooting attack on Abbot Phra Athikan Bunlersi Akpunyyo, 64, of Wat Krajom Thong in Mueang District, Kamphaeng Phet Province on May 18, 2025. The abbot was struck by multiple gunshots of unknown caliber while inside his cell, suffering serious injuries to his right ear, neck, shoulder, and hip. He was rushed to the hospital by fellow monks and villagers.

Police are focusing their investigation on finding clues about the shooter, who may still be hiding or frequenting the temple. They are also examining internal disputes or grievances that could have motivated the attack and reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding areas. Investigators are particularly puzzled by the fact that the abbot's pitbull guard dog did not bark during the incident.

Chalor, 60, the caretaker who attends to the abbot daily, expressed shock upon learning of the attack. He noted that the abbot is well-liked by both monks and villagers, though he does lend money to some. Chalor mentioned that while the temple's security camera system once functioned, the memory card has been expired for a long time. Regarding the pitbull, Chalor explained that the dog remains calm and quiet when with the abbot but becomes aggressive and barks when separated from him.

GPSC has selected its subsidiary Getz Energy to serve as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for an IRPC-CP solar farm project with a capacity of 98 megawatts, with commercial operations expected to begin in Q3 2028. This will expand the company's installed capacity portfolio to over 290 megawatts.

Pirappol Ampaiwit, managing director of Getz Energy Limited—a subsidiary of global power company GPSC (which is 100% owned by PTT Group)—announced that the company has been selected as the EPC contractor for the solar farm project of IRPC Clean Power Limited (IRPC-CP), a small independent power producer (SPP). The project spans over 628 rai and is located in Songkhla province with a capacity of 98 megawatts, scheduled for commercial operation in Q3 2028.

The project demonstrates the company's capability as a comprehensive clean energy solution provider with expert teams. It represents another significant step in the company's continuous expansion of energy business operations. In 2026, the company aims to advance its EPC business in both solar energy and cold energy sectors, with plans to add over 100 megawatts of installed capacity. The company currently has 290 megawatts installed domestically.

For its cold energy business operated through affiliated companies, the company is expected to expand production capacity to nearly 28,000 tons of refrigeration.

With experience and expertise in comprehensive clean energy solutions both within and outside industrial zones, the company has developed various solar energy projects including rooftop systems, carport installations, floating solar systems, and ground-mounted systems. This demonstrates the company's engineering capability, international safety standards, and readiness as a clean energy partner that meets customer needs across all sectors.