The SME Promotion Office (สสว.) and Suan Dusit University have launched the 'Thai Street Gold Star' project to elevate Thai street food operators to international standards through AI technology, digital innovation, and modern management systems. The government views Thai food and street vending as crucial soft power assets, with the tourism sector generating over 3 trillion baht annually—nearly 20% of GDP—yet lacking standardization and consumer confidence, particularly in food safety and hygiene.

Deputy Prime Minister Naphinthon Srisarnpang emphasized that the government prioritizes grassroots economic development, noting that Thailand's 3 million SMEs employ over 10 million workers and drive the national economy. The new project targets global wellness tourism travelers who demand assurance that street food meets safety, quality, and health standards.

The project will guide vendors through comprehensive quality checks including pesticide residue testing, ingredient safety, shop hygiene, service standards, cost management, and business administration. A dedicated 'Thai Street Gold Star' mobile application will serve as a central platform showcasing certified restaurants, allowing both Thai and foreign tourists to search for dining options, read reviews, access menus, and verify sanitation information. The app incorporates AI to analyze consumer behavior and recommend personalized dining experiences while linking tourism data, promotions, and food and wellness travel routes.

SME Promotion Office Director Panita Chinnawat announced the pilot phase will operate in three strategic tourism and economic cities: Bangkok, Chonburi, and Chiang Mai, initially screening approximately 1,500 vendors with roughly 1,000 advancing into the standards development and certification process.

A Chinese model went viral after a video of him modeling in his grandmother's blanket, transforming his life over seven years from a rural boy to a supermodel. Though now a famous model, 27-year-old Lu Xianren from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China still remembers the pivotal moment in his life when he wrapped his grandmother's blanket around himself and modeled in front of his house, a video that went viral worldwide online.

Lu Xianren was born and raised in a small village in Hengzhou. He lived with his grandparents since childhood after his parents traveled to Guangdong province for work. He became fascinated by the fashion world from an early age, inspired by models and their confident walks and runway charm he saw on television. This led the village boy to secretly practice modeling in front of mirrors by himself.

At age 16, he dropped out of school and went to work in Guangdong province, taking various jobs including as a waiter and factory worker. However, after work, he still spent his free time doing what he loved—repurposing materials into clothing, filming modeling videos, and posting them on social media.

"After finishing work late at night, I had a lot of free time, so I did what I loved," Lu Xianren recalled those days.

During Chinese New Year 2019, he decided to quit his job, return to his hometown, and pursue online content creation seriously. Despite lacking money for expensive clothes or fancy runways, the fields, mountains, and village paths became his fashion stage. He used fertilizer sacks, palm leaves, duct tape, and everyday items to create fashion outfits before modeling barefoot in nature.

With his striking face, unique walk, and distinctive style, his videos gradually attracted more attention. On May 20, 2019, running out of creative ideas, he grabbed his grandmother's blanket, wrapped it around himself, and filmed a barefoot modeling video in the sweltering heat—not expecting the clip would go viral overnight, gaining millions of likes and making "Lu Xianren" a household name across the country.

However, fame came with both praise and criticism. Some saw him as having a "high-fashion face" destined for the industry, while others viewed him as merely seeking attention.

"I'm happy when people praise me, and criticism is normal. Since we make a living from the online world, we must accept both the positives and negatives," Lu Xianren said.

His distinctive style opened doors to the global fashion industry, leading to appearances at China International Fashion Week and fashion weeks in Paris, Milan, and London, where he walked alongside world-renowned supermodels. From an unknown young man, he now has tens of millions of social media followers and regularly participates in variety shows and entertainment projects.

Despite his success, Lu Xianren hasn't forgotten his hometown. He often wears traditional Zhuang ethnic clothing while modeling and continues to promote jasmine flowers, a famous product from his hometown, through online media. Credit: hk01 Compiled by Sanook Online News Team

On May 18, 2569 at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister Pakorn Nilepreun, alongside private sector representatives and the Zero Corruption working group, issued a statement clarifying the disclosure of a private sector survey on corruption risks in state agencies. They emphasized the survey was conducted using academically recognized methodology aligned with OECD and World Bank standards. The government confirmed its ongoing commitment to combating corruption through comprehensive legal reforms, including modernizing outdated laws, reducing bureaucratic discretion, and digitizing administrative processes.

When asked about reports that the Prime Minister rejected the survey findings and encouraged state agencies to sue the researchers, Pakorn clarified that the PM's initial comments were brief legal observations—that any party claiming damage has the right to pursue court action. He denied accusations of suppressing criticism, stating this was standard tort law principle rather than a directive to prosecute. Pakorn asserted the survey data would serve as a foundation for government agencies to review their operations for transparency and public confidence, and that agencies without issues should proceed normally while communicating with the public.

The government established the Anti-Corruption Coordination Committee via Prime Minister's Order No. 174/2569, with the PM as chairman and Pakorn as co-vice chairman alongside the Justice Minister. The committee includes relevant agency heads, representatives from the Thai Chamber of Commerce, Federation of Thai Industries, Thai Bankers Association, and Thailand Institute of Development Administration to advance anti-corruption efforts.

On May 18, 2569, the Thai Meteorological Department issued alert No. 12 (72/2569) regarding heavy to very heavy rainfall across Thailand and strong winds in the Andaman Sea, with continued impact through May 21, 2569. Upper Thailand will experience heavy rain in parts of the Northern, upper Northeastern, and Central regions, with very heavy rainfall in some areas of the western and eastern coasts of Southern Thailand. Residents should beware of dangers from heavy rainfall accumulation, which may cause flash floods and flash flooding, especially in hillside areas near water channels and low-lying areas. The southwestern monsoon affecting the Andaman Sea, Thailand, and the Gulf of Thailand is fairly strong. People should also monitor their health during weather changes. Andaman Sea and Gulf waves are moderately to fairly strong, with the upper Andaman Sea from Phuket northward experiencing 2-3 meter waves, and over 3 meters during thunderstorms. The lower Andaman Sea from Krabi southward and upper Gulf of Thailand will see approximately 2-meter waves, exceeding 2 meters during thunderstorms. Fishermen are advised to navigate cautiously and avoid thunderstorm areas, while small boats in the upper Andaman should remain ashore. Heavy rainfall is expected to increase from May 19-21, 2569, with very heavy rainfall in many areas, particularly on the western side of the country in the Northern, upper Northeastern, Central, Eastern, and western Southern regions, due to the strong southwestern monsoon and a low-pressure system over the coast of upper Vietnam. The public is urged to monitor announcements from the Meteorological Department via www.tmd.go.th, by phone at 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182, available 24 hours daily.

A video clip showcasing an incredibly tiny apartment in Paris, France has instantly gone viral on social media, offering a glimpse into life in surprisingly cramped living quarters. The clip was posted on Instagram by Sebastian Hedberg (@seb_hed), who interviewed a tenant claiming to live in what he calls "Paris's smallest apartment" with a monthly rent of 600 euros, or approximately 22,750 baht.

At the beginning of the video, Sebastian asks about rental prices in Paris. The tenant straightforwardly explains that he lives in the city's tiniest room and pays that rental rate. He mentions the apartment is within walking distance and invites viewers to see it in person.

The tenant revealed he found the place through a popular French secondhand marketplace website and app, which serves as a hub for various types of housing and used goods across the country.

When the two arrive at the building, Sebastian observes it has a genuinely "Parisian" atmosphere. The tenant mentions they should wait to see the view from above and notes that he lives on the 7th floor. However, when asked if there's an elevator, the tenant clearly states there isn't one—residents must climb all 134 stairs. Sebastian jokes that this day will double as a workout.

Upon entering, Sebastian expresses shock, calling it "crazy" as the tenant gives a tour of the tiny room, welcoming him with "Welcome home" while explaining the extremely limited space, with the closet and bathroom in separate areas.

Despite the small interior, the apartment's standout feature is the "balcony" offering a clear view of Paris's cityscape. Sebastian compliments it as the most impressive part of the space.

The tenant says the balcony is his favorite spot and never gets bored, proudly gazing at the view while saying, "We have Paris in the palm of our hands."

Coach Phuwadet Phattrachitra, a contract teacher and petanque coach at Wat Boworn Mongkol School (Wat Ling Khop), revealed that students from the school demonstrated exceptional performance at the 41st National Youth Sports Championship "Suratthani Games" held May 7-17, 2569, bringing home medals that bring pride to both the school and Bangkok's youth sports community. The athletes' achievements include Miss Paphada Boontonkaew earning gold in women's shooting and silver in women's team petanque, plus the outstanding athlete award; Miss Phanthila Mahanin earning silver in women's team petanque; Miss Phattaramont Mantaphong earning bronze in petanque; and Miss Suchanya Phakapi earning bronze in women's team petanque. Coach Phuwadet emphasized that the success reflects the athletes' dedication, discipline, and commitment, supported by school leadership under Principal Wachara Ngammurutthee and the school administration, parents, and alumni association who jointly propelled the students to achieve glory at the national competition level and reinforced the potential of Thai youth in the national petanque sports arena.