Thai University of Commerce (UTCC), in collaboration with the Thai Chamber of Commerce and the Association of Thai Chambers of Commerce, held a press conference on May 8, 2026, to launch the 'UTCC Tutor 2026 – Conquer Your Dream University' program under the concept 'Unpack Your Dreams – Unlock Your University Dreams.' The initiative continues its mission to provide educational opportunities to students nationwide, now entering its fourth year through intensive tutoring and educational counseling designed to build academic readiness and inspire future aspirations.

The UTCC Tutor program serves as an important platform reducing educational inequality. Over the past three years, it has provided tutoring to over 73,000 Thai students, demonstrating consistent growth and increasing participation annually.

For 2026, the program receives support from the Ministry of Education, partnering with private sector allies and chamber networks nationwide. It offers two formats:

- On-site tutoring covering 39 provinces for TGAT1, TGAT2, and TGAT3 - Online tutoring for TPAT and A-LEVEL

The launch event was attended by senior officials including Dr. Atitaya Punya, Deputy Secretary-General of the Basic Education Commission representing the Education Ministry; Dr. Phot Aramwattananont, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce and Association of Thai Chambers of Commerce; Dr. Kritsana Wajigailas, Vice Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce; Associate Professor Dr. Thanworrathon Polvichay, UTCC President; and representatives from major corporations including Central Group, TCP, Government Savings Bank, and Thai President Foods.

Dr. Atitaya Punya stated that student preparation must encompass academics, analytical thinking skills, and clear future vision. 'The UTCC Tutor program reflects public-private partnership reducing educational gaps between urban and provincial students, while building knowledge, inspiration, and confidence for Thai youth.'

Dr. Phot Aramwattananont emphasized that national development begins with human development, and education is the most important long-term investment. 'Private sector support in the fourth year reflects our genuine belief that giving one child proper opportunity transforms not just their life, but impacts their family, community, and the nation's future.'

Associate Professor Dr. Thanworrathon Polvichay added that 'UTCC Tutor 2026 is not merely exam coaching, but comprehensive development covering intensive academics, educational guidance, and inspiration, helping students envision their own futures.'

As living costs continue to rise due to volatile energy prices and urban expenses, "Full Belly, Full Dreams," a small food business, is launching a new model called "Consignment Meals" to bring affordable food to low-income residents in Bangkok. The pilot program begins in Soi Kib Moo, an area with many workers and unstable income earners.

Over recent years, fluctuating energy prices have driven up overall living costs, particularly food prices in the city. Many workers—including delivery riders, taxi drivers, motorcycle taxi operators, and daily laborers—face unpredictable daily income, making meal costs a significant burden.

Although the business has attempted to sell affordable meals like chicken rice at 20 baht, mobile food carts face limitations in parking, operating hours, and reaching target customers, compounded by economic pressures. To overcome these challenges, the concept shifted from direct sales points to consignment distribution points.

The "Consignment Meals" program was developed by placing food at community shops, rest stops, and retail locations where workers frequently pass through, maintaining the 20-baht price point for affordability. This model transforms food carts from direct sellers into distribution units, reducing location and time constraints while expanding access points without immediately increasing the number of vehicles.

The pilot at Soi Kib Moo placed chicken rice at community shops during peak hours, allowing workers easier access. Initial results showed rapid distribution with meals selling out quickly.

The program plans to expand the model to other Bangkok areas, welcoming partnerships from shops, communities, and interested distributors. Increasing distribution points enables economies of scale, reducing per-unit costs while maintaining the accessible 20-baht price.

The "Full Belly, Full Dreams" initiative focuses on providing affordable food access to low-income urban residents through reasonably priced meals, supporting them to eat well and continue their daily struggles. Interested shops and communities can contact the program to become distribution points and help expand access to affordable food during these challenging times.

NCT's Jaehyun is returning to meet Thai fans! After completing his military service and officially being discharged on May 3, the talented artist has announced his first solo fan concert tour in Thailand. SM True is thrilled to welcome back Jaehyun with the Jaehyun Fan-Con Tour in Bangkok, taking place on Saturday, June 27, 2026 (6:00 PM) and Sunday, June 28, 2026 (4:00 PM) at Thunder Dome.

After fulfilling his mandatory military duty, Jaehyun is ready to reunite with Thai fans for a memorable experience. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated exceptional versatility as a member of the popular boy group NCT, NCT 127, and the NCT DoJaeJung unit, earning global admiration. Beyond his group activities, he has established himself as a compelling solo artist with distinctive charm and artistry, showcasing meticulous attention to detail in every project.

His dedication is evident in his official solo debut album 'J,' where he was deeply involved in every aspect—from songwriting and composition to artistic direction and album conceptualization. His first solo fan concert in October 2024 at Seoul's Jamsil Indoor Stadium was a huge success, with tickets selling out immediately. The concert's theme 'Mute' reflected a serene atmosphere that allowed listeners to focus on the music with complete clarity.

The 2026 Jaehyun Fan-Con Tour continues this narrative by 'unlocking the silence' and returning to the vibrant colors and distinctive sounds of Jaehyun's artistry. The tour kicks off June 6-7 at Jamsil Indoor Stadium in Seoul, followed by stops in Macau, Jakarta, Bangkok, and Taipei—five cities across Asia in total. Fans can expect an immersive experience featuring songs, performances, and heartfelt conversations that will resonate deeply.

Ticket sales for NCTzen 127 members (GL) pre-sale begin Friday, May 15, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 11:59 PM. General public sales (General Sale) start Sunday, May 17, 2026, at 11:00 AM onwards. Tickets are available through All Ticket counters at 7-Eleven stores nationwide and via www.allticket.com/event/JAEHYUN_Mono_in_BANGKOK. Prices range from 2,700 to 6,600 baht for various tiers, with special perks for ticket holders.

For more information, follow SM True on social media: Facebook (facebook.com/smtruethailand), Instagram (instagram.com/smtruethailand), X (x.com/SMTrueThailand), and TikTok (tiktok.com/@smtruethailand). Additional ticket inquiries can be directed to support@allticket.com.

A 41-year-old mother died after a pickup truck, allegedly driven by a sleepy driver, crashed into the rear of her parked sedan on the Ngao-Mae Tib Road in Lamphun province. Her 16-year-old son, who was in the vehicle, sustained injuries.

At approximately 1:00 PM on May 8, 2026, officers from Ngao Police Station responded to a collision between a pickup truck and a sedan on the Ngao-Mae Tib Road in the Ban Pae area of Ban Pong Subdistrict, Ngao District, Lamphun Province. Multiple people were injured, prompting emergency responders from the Ngao District Rescue Association to provide urgent assistance.

Three injured individuals were found at the scene. The first victim was a woman trapped in the driver's seat of the sedan, which had been knocked into the middle of the road. She showed no vital signs. Rescue workers used equipment to extract her body from the wreckage and performed CPR at the scene before transporting her to Ngao Hospital by ambulance. However, she was pronounced dead at the hospital. She was identified as Nipaporn, 41 years old.

The second injured person was a 16-year-old boy, the victim's son, who was traveling in the sedan. He suffered injuries to his left leg, chest tightness, and disorientation. Rescue workers transported him to Ngao Hospital. The third injured person was the pickup truck driver, an Isuzu truck operator. He sustained minor injuries and was identified as Piyakarit, 23 years old. First aid was administered, and he was transported to Ngao Hospital for a thorough examination.

Initial investigation revealed that the sedan was parked on the roadside when it was struck forcefully by the pickup truck, which is believed to have been driven by a drowsy driver. The impact was so severe that the sedan was pushed into the middle of the road, with the rear half of the vehicle crushed. Police from Ngao Police Station will continue investigating the exact cause of the accident.

On May 8, 2025, Nattachon Sri-Ko-Kueoa, a Songkhla MP and Palang Pracharath party spokesman, addressed allegations that the Land Bridge project would incorporate casino operations and foreign 99-year land leases, calling such claims distortions meant to damage the current government. He noted that critics were citing an old legislative draft submitted by Noppadol Kaew-Supatana of the Thai Local Power Party during the 25th parliamentary session, which had already been rejected in two previous sessions. Nattachon explained that Palang Pracharath's Special Economic Zone bill for Southern Thailand is modeled on the EEC framework but adapted to the region's context and potential, and deliberately excludes casino operations and 99-year land lease provisions.

The party spokesman stated that Palang Pracharath proposed the legislation with good intentions for Southern development, but the bill was previously rejected because the Prime Minister at that time did not endorse it. He noted that Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and the Interior Minister have established a committee to study the Land Bridge project comprehensively. If the study determines the project lacks sufficient benefit and local people do not support it, the project will not proceed, nor will the broader southern economic corridor development occur. The decision rests with southern residents.

"If anyone continues to falsely accuse Palang Pracharath with lies causing misunderstanding and damaging the party, we will pursue all legal remedies," Nattachon stated.

CEBU, Philippines (AP) — Southeast Asian leaders met in an annual summit Friday under intense pressure to mitigate the impact on their people and economies from the Iran war, which one top minister said, "should not have occurred in the first place."

The alarm by the heads of state of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations was underscored by their decision to focus discussions on a contingency plan to ensure their fast-growing region, which imports most of its oil and gas from the Middle East, will have stable fuel and food supplies.

The Philippines is hosting the summit on the central island province of Cebu. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has ordered the summit to be stripped of the traditional pomp and pageantry in keeping with the economic headwinds worldwide.

From left, Myanmar's Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs U Hau Khan Sum, Malaysia's Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, East Timor's Prime Minister Xanana Gusmao, Vietnam's Prime Minister Le Minh Hung, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., Singapore's Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, Brunei's Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah, Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto, Cambodia's Prime Minister Hun Manet, and Laos' Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone stand on stage for a group photo during the opening ceremony of the 48th ASEAN summit and Related Meeting in Cebu, Philippines, on Friday, May 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila, Pool)

A key dilemma of the ASEAN leaders is how to carry out large-scale evacuations from the Middle East, where more than a million of their citizens work and live, if widespread hostilities flare up again.

Several Southeast Asian citizens have been killed since the United States and Israel launched military strikes on Feb. 28 against Iran. The hostilities have continued sporadically despite a month-old ceasefire, especially in the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

A draft of a joint declaration by the leaders which outlines a contingency plan and which was seen by The Associated Press, called on the regional bloc's 11 state members to share information and strengthen coordination with international organizations "to ensure the safety and welfare of ASEAN nationals in affected areas."

Marcos told fellow leaders in a closed-door meeting that the Iran war exposed the weaknesses of Southeast Asian nations to external shocks and warned that recovery could take years even if the war ends now.

"We have seen firsthand the vulnerability of our nations to external factors," Marcos said. "The domino effect of oil supply disruptions on the various sectors of our countries has affected how we conduct business, how we work, how we live."

"Even if the tensions de-escalate in time, the damage to critical infrastructure, to vital systems and trust in general will continue to be felt for years to come," Marcos said.

Known for their conservative and careful rhetoric, top delegates to the ASEAN summit avoided blunt expressions of their disap