The Thai Newspaper Association, under Royal Patronage, honored the 'Young Monks: Cultivating Wisdom and Virtue' program with the 2025 'Organization Contributing to Media Profession, Education, Society, and Nation' award. The ceremony was presided over by former Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai. The program, initiated by Supachai Jearawanont, Senior Vice President of Charoen Pokphand Group and CEO of True Corporation, aims to transmit Buddhist teachings and promote moral values to young Thai people through 31-day ordination experiences. The reality-dharma series broadcasts live across multiple True channels and platforms nationwide, allowing viewers to learn alongside the young monks and apply Buddhist principles to daily life.

Entering its 12th consecutive year, the program operates from Wat Thawee Tham (Rai Saeng Ngam) in Nakhon Ratchasima province, guided by the concept 'Land of Dharma, Land of Thailand: Love, Learn, Persevere, Give with Conscious Hearts.' The initiative is designed to cultivate youth through mindfulness, wisdom, virtue, and a spirit of generosity by immersing them in Buddhist practices for one full month. Former PM Chuan Leekpai presented the honor to Supachai Jearawanont and the project team at the Thai Life Insurance auditorium in Bangkok.

On May 11, 2026, at the Narcotics Suppression Bureau headquarters, Deputy Police Commissioner Samran Nueammar and a team of senior officers announced the arrest of Ratchanon (Nont), age 20, who served as the truck driver transporting the drugs, and Wipat (Toon), age 39, who acted as a scout driver. Officers seized 300 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, a green Isuzu truck used for transport, a black MG vehicle used for reconnaissance, two mobile phones, and other assets valued at approximately 33 million baht.

The arrests followed an investigation into a drug trafficking network operating in Bangkok that smuggled narcotics from Northeastern provinces for storage and distribution. The Bureau learned that on May 10, 2026, the network planned to transport drugs from the Northeast into Bangkok and surrounding areas for sale. When officers spotted the vehicles traveling along Mittraphap Road (Highway 2) in Sikhiew District, Nakhon Ratchasima, they conducted a search and discovered the methamphetamine in the Isuzu truck.

During interrogation, Ratchanon admitted to picking up the drugs in Nakhon Phanom Province for delivery to major dealers in Bangkok. Wipat confessed to serving as a scout driver under orders from someone named Khit and received 250,000 baht cash for this shipment. Both suspects have been charged with trafficking in Category 1 narcotics (crystal methamphetamine) without authorization for commercial purposes, with intent to distribute and threaten public safety and national security. They have been transferred to the Narcotics Suppression Bureau for further investigation and to the Public Prosecutor's Office for prosecution.

The family of young singer James Ruangsakdi Loychusak and his wife Teacher Ploykoy Natcha is overflowing with joy following the healthy arrival of their second daughter, 'Mee Metta.' On May 11, 2025, the couple opened up about their journey to parenthood at Vichaiyuth Hospital, accompanied by Dr. Kamlabhat Wichakphan, an obstetrician specializing in maternal and fetal medicine.

James expressed his gratitude: "I'd like to thank Vichaiyuth Hospital for taking excellent care of our family. Thank you to all the doctors, nurses, and staff who made us feel warm, safe, and happy."

Regarding their newborn's health, Ploykoy shared: "The baby is perfectly healthy with good weight, and my health is excellent too. At 42 years old, carrying a second child has been smooth and healthy."

James added: "The baby is very strong. She cried loudly right from opening her eyes, crying all the way through cleaning and weighing. The doctor said this is a good sign, indicating her lungs and other systems are working normally."

When asked about Ploykoy's first impression seeing the baby, she became emotional: "I told myself not to get dramatic or sentimental since this is our second child, but I couldn't help it. When they showed her to me, she looked almost 90% like what we saw on the ultrasound—the nose, eyes, eyebrows, and skin all matched."

Ploykov revealed they had her cervix stitched starting around three months into pregnancy to prevent premature delivery. She maintained careful self-care regarding diet, emotions, rest, and used a wheelchair during the later stages of pregnancy.

Dr. Wichakphan noted: "Ploykoy's case wasn't particularly difficult because she took excellent care of herself. My main concerns were her age—42 years old—which increases risks for gestational diabetes and chromosomal issues, but all tests passed, even the diabetes screening. Her cervix was short due to previous surgeries, so we monitored her regularly and provided medication. Everything went smoothly."

James expressed his emotions: "I was very excited. This time, I got to be in the operating room from the moment the doctor made the incision and witnessed the actual birth. Hearing the first cry was touching. When I saw the baby was complete, with good skin and weight and loud crying, it felt like a mountain lifted from my chest. Now I just need to figure out how to pay tuition!"

Regarding who the baby resembles, James noted several people say she looks like him, while Ploykoy noticed the baby has her eyebrows and is developing double eyelids like hers.

Research from the United States reveals that performing sit-ups may have greater benefits for the brain than previously believed, stimulating neural circulation and showing potential in reducing Alzheimer's disease risk.

A new study from Pennsylvania State University offers an intriguing perspective: training sit-ups not only strengthens abdominal muscles but may also affect brain function through microscopic movements of the brain within the skull.

Patrick Drew, a neuroscientist and head of the research team, explains that body movement may be a crucial mechanism supporting brain health, with even small movements potentially affecting brain function.

New research suggests abdominal muscle exercises may benefit the brain similarly to what occurs during sleep.

In their experiments, the research team used advanced imaging technology to monitor the brains of laboratory mice while running on a treadmill, keeping their heads still to observe detailed changes within the brain.

Results showed that before each step, the mice's brains shifted slightly within the skull, occurring simultaneously with abdominal muscle contractions that initiated movement.

Researchers conducted additional experiments by applying gentle pressure to the abdomen of anesthetized mice, finding that even without walking, the brain still moved similarly, and quickly returned to its original position when pressure was released.

Researchers explain that these changes may result from internal body pressure acting like a hydraulic system, causing brain movement and potentially affecting fluid circulation around the brain.

This concept connects to an important process during deep sleep, when the brain has a waste-clearing system using fluid in the brain to remove accumulated residue from the day.

If this process malfunctions, proteins associated with neurodegeneration diseases like Alzheimer's may accumulate, leading to long-term memory problems and nervous system decline.

Although further research in humans is needed, preliminary results suggest that simple body movements such as walking or abdominal exercises may play a larger role than thought in both stimulating the brain and making the waste-removal system more efficient.

Regular exercise is important for brain health because it increases blood circulation, reduces inflammation, and may help the brain eliminate waste more efficiently.

BANGKOK — 11 May 2026, Thailand's Ministry of Tourism and Sports is preparing to scrap extended visa-free stays for foreign visitors by reducing permitted lengths of stay in line with traveller behaviour. Data shows most tourists stay in Thailand for an average of only nine days; believed to have no significant impact on the Thai tourism market.

Speaking on 11 May 2026, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the proposal was being prepared for submission to the Cabinet.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will draft the full details of the plan, which would shorten permitted stays for travellers from 93 countries currently eligible for 60-day visa-free entry.

Surasak said the revised stay periods would be tailored to each country and aimed at matching actual tourist behaviour while helping authorities tackle criminals entering Thailand under the guise of tourism.

As studies found that foreign visitors to Thailand stayed for an average of just over nine days, he said. Visitors from Norway recorded the longest average stay at 21 days, meaning a 30-day visa period would still be sufficient for most travellers. He added that visitors entering Thailand for other purposes, such as internships or medical treatment, could apply for alternative visa categories suited to their needs.

Surasak said he was confident the reduction in permitted stays would not affect Thailand's overall foreign tourism market.

The minister clarified that the government would continue pushing ahead with plans to impose an entry fee on foreign tourists. The preliminary rate has been set at 300 baht per person per visit, mainly targeting arrivals by air, with the revenue earmarked for Thailand's tourism promotion fund. He expressed confidence that the plan would go ahead.

The Thai Meteorological Department issued a severe weather warning on May 11, 2025, forecasting intensified rainfall across southern Thailand over the next 24 hours due to strengthening easterly winds. Heavy to extremely heavy rain is expected in parts of the southern region, with potential for sudden flash floods and flash floods, especially in foothill areas, near waterways, and low-lying zones. Sea conditions in the Gulf of Thailand are expected to reach approximately 1 meter, with waves exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas, prompting fishermen to avoid sailing in such zones. Northern Thailand will experience daytime heat with thunderstorms and strong gusty winds in some areas, as the high-pressure system from China weakens while moisture-laden southeasterly winds move in from the Gulf of Thailand and South China Sea. The public is advised to prepare for thunderstorms and strong winds, while farmers should reinforce fruit trees and take precautions against crop and livestock damage during the changing weather conditions.

Detailed regional forecasts for the next 24 hours:

Northern Region: Daytime heat with thunderstorms in 60% of areas and strong gusty winds. Affected provinces include Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampun, Lamphun, Phayao, Nan, Tak, Sukhothai, Kamphaeng Phet, Phichit, and Phetchabun. Temperatures: low 22-25°C, high 32-38°C. Southeast winds at 10-15 km/h.

Northeastern Region: Daytime heat with thunderstorms in 20% of areas, primarily in Loei, Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, and Surin. Temperatures: low 23-27°C, high 35-37°C. East winds at 10-20 km/h.

Central Region: Daytime heat with thunderstorms in 40% of areas and strong gusty winds in some locations. Primarily affecting Nakhon Sawan, Uthai Thani, Lopburi, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, and Nakhon Pathom. Temperatures: low 25-27°C, high 36-38°C. Southeast winds at 10-20 km/h.

Eastern Region: Daytime heat with thunderstorms in 40% of areas and heavy rain in some places. Affecting Nakhon Nayok, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Temperatures: low 24-26°C, high 34-38°C. Southeast winds at 15-30 km/h. Sea waves approximately 1 meter, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

Southern Region (Eastern Coast): Thunderstorms in 60% of areas with heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in some zones. Affecting Chumphon, Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Temperatures: low 24-27°C, high 33-36°C. Southeast winds at 15-30 km/h. Sea waves approximately 1 meter, exceeding 2 meters in thunderstorm areas.

Southern Region (Western Coast): Thunderstorms in 60% of areas with heavy rainfall in some locations. Affecting Ranong, Krabi, Trang, and Satun. Temperatures: low 23-26°C, high 33-35°C.