Thai Volleyball has appointed "Chompoo" Pornprapan Gerdprachai, the national team's setter, as captain for major competitions in 2026. Gerdprachai returned to the national team camp after completing her stint in the American league, where head coach "Coach Odd" Kiartipong Ratchakrainkai surprised her with the captaincy announcement for various competitions throughout 2026.

Gerdprachai expressed excitement and great honor at returning to the captain's role, which she previously held in 2022. She emphasized that this comeback represents increased responsibility, particularly given how significant 2026 will be for the team. Gerdprachai pledged to perform her duties to the best of her ability and expressed confidence in her leadership, believing she will guide her teammates toward achieving the best results possible this year.

Buzz is spreading online once again as K-pop superstar G-Dragon makes headlines after reports emerged that he gifted condominiums to his long-time team members. The gesture has sparked a viral question from internet users: 'Are you still hiring?'

Kwon Ji-young, known professionally as G-Dragon, is the 38-year-old leader of legendary boy band BigBang and is recognized as the "King of K-pop." He is one of Asia's most influential artists and has achieved worldwide success.

Reports indicate that in late April, he presented apartment units to core members of his Team GD, including his manager and key staff members who have worked alongside him for over 20 years since his entertainment industry debut. While the exact number of recipients hasn't been disclosed, the gesture is widely viewed as a token of appreciation for their unwavering dedication and long-standing loyalty.

G-Dragon has previously stated his work philosophy: "My comfort comes second, but my team's well-being must always come first"—a clear reflection of his care for those around him.

The artist reportedly earned over 65 billion won from his agency Galaxy Corporation last year and owns multiple luxury properties across Seoul with a total asset value exceeding 56 billion won.

G-Dragon is also renowned for his generosity toward his team, typically offering compensation double the industry average and luxury gifts including gold bars, diamonds, and designer watches. He famously gifted gold necklaces valued at approximately 1.65 million won each to every dancer on his world tour. He's also known for presenting gold jewelry to pregnant female employees and is regarded as one of K-pop's most team-focused artists.

This latest condo gift further solidifies G-Dragon's image as a successful artist with wealth, fame, and deep loyalty to his team—a story that continues to go viral online.

"GD is always amazing. We love GD," one netizen commented.

"Are you still hiring? What do we need to do to join your team?" asked another.

"I really admire his generosity and sincerity toward his team," another user noted.

On May 12, 2025, Somchai Marakatsriwan, director-general of the Department of Employment under the Labor Ministry, addressed the issue of Thai agricultural workers fleeing their employers while working in South Korea under E-8 visas. South Korea has blacklisted four Thai provinces—Udon Thani, Khon Kaen, Maha Sarakham, and Chaiyaphum—suspending all worker placements under this visa type due to escapes exceeding the agreed threshold.

Thailand currently sends workers to South Korea through multiple channels, particularly for seasonal agricultural work. The Thai government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with seven South Korean districts to place Thai workers on E-8 visas for approximately 5-6 months before returning home, with the option to work again in subsequent seasons.

A critical MOU condition requires that workers not flee their employers. If any province exceeds a 20% escape rate, it faces immediate suspension from sending workers under E-8 visas—a standard provision in similar agreements with other nations, not exclusive to Thailand.

To date, Thailand has sent 80 workers under E-8 visas. South Korea reported that four provinces exceeded the 20% escape threshold. Somchai acknowledged this as a significant problem affecting legitimate workers who wish to work legally but lose their opportunity through no fault of their own.

When asked about the scale of escapes, Somchai stated it hasn't reached half the total sent, though some provinces exceed 20% while others like Buriram and Surin remain below the threshold. He ordered provincial employment offices to contact families to locate escaped workers and facilitate their return.

Under South Korean law, visa violations carry criminal penalties including imprisonment and fines. Thailand currently lacks direct criminal penalties but must implement additional measures as worker escapes harm Thailand's overall reputation and could eliminate legal work opportunities for interested Thai workers.

Approximately 45 workers from Nong Khai and Ubon Ratchathani await South Korean Embassy visa approval and remain unaffected as they're not from blacklisted provinces. Somchai noted this marks the first time South Korea has blacklisted Thai provinces, despite Thailand signing the MOU earlier.

On May 12, 2025, Sirikanya Tansukul, a list MP and deputy leader of the Pheu Thai Party, discussed the cabinet's approval of 1.3 billion baht for the NBTC to purchase World Cup broadcasting rights. She noted that the cabinet resolution remains unclear about who will actually purchase the rights and who will pay for them, raising concerns that history may repeat itself. Four years ago, funding came from multiple sources including approximately half from the Public Broadcasting, Television, and Telecommunications Development Fund (BTPC) and the Thai Sports Authority (SAT) sports fund, with private sector participation.

Sirikanya pointed out two previous issues with this approach. First, the BTPC fund was not designed for this type of use; its purpose is to serve vulnerable groups like low-income individuals and persons with disabilities by providing media access. Second, regarding the sports development fund, using it to purchase broadcasting rights rather than develop domestic sports raises questions about priorities.

She expressed concern that without clarity on funding sources and without private sector commitment, the government may resort to the same subsidy model. Sirikanya also noted a different context this time: the NBTC's Must Have regulations no longer require free World Cup broadcasts since it was removed from the mandatory list, and previous private sector involvement has proven problematic—as seen in the dispute between True and the NBTC over Must Carry rules, where viewers couldn't access broadcasts on all platforms.

Sirikanya argued that if the government hastily guarantees free viewing, it weakens negotiating power with international rights holders and private bidders, who may then demand state subsidies. She emphasized that while funds from these sources have specific purposes and shouldn't be diverted for short-term economic solutions, they should instead be returned to the treasury if not used as intended.

During this astrological period, each zodiac sign's destiny undergoes significant changes, with shifts occurring in both positive and challenging directions. Astrologer Mor Kaek Dol Bandal has identified five zodiac signs experiencing extraordinary fortune following Mars's transit: Libra, Leo, Dragon, Aries, and Scorpio. These signs are primed to experience exceptional prosperity where everything they pursue becomes profitable. The divine realm is opening unprecedented lucky pathways, with work that once seemed exhausting beginning to bear fruit and supplementary income arriving in abundance. Influential figures show strong support, and those previously constrained by financial difficulties will find their troubles resolving. Opportunities for acquiring major assets like homes and vehicles are on the horizon, with charisma and attractiveness reaching peak levels.

The five most fortunate signs are:

1. Libra: Everything turns profitable; divine luck arrives unexpectedly. Career momentum surges; prepare for a windfall.

2. Leo: Charisma and charm are irresistible to influential people. Prospects for acquiring homes, vehicles, and major possessions abound, while finances flow smoothly. Travel brings additional luck.

3. Dragon: The time for exhaustion has passed as previous efforts begin yielding results. Supplementary income streams in steadily, reputation shines, and endeavors progress smoothly.

4. Aries: Overflowing energy with constant support from others; adversaries face their own troubles. Previously stuck financial matters begin resolving, and new income opportunities emerge in abundance.

5. Scorpio: Destiny stands brilliantly highlighted with prospects for promotions and substantial salary increases. Single individuals should prepare to meet high-profile partners who will set hearts racing.

Thailand's Cabinet on Tuesday approved a special healthcare support scheme dubbed the "UC Heroes" or "Golden Card for Heroes" programme to provide continued medical coverage for the families of 27 soldiers killed during clashes along the Thai-Cambodian border.

Deputy government spokeswoman Lalida Pherdsriwattana said after the Cabinet meeting at Government House that the measure is intended to ensure family members of deceased military personnel continue receiving healthcare benefits even after the rights holder has died.

According to the government, the deaths of the 27 soldiers resulted in 40 family members losing access to the civil servant medical welfare scheme and reverting to Thailand's universal healthcare system.

Under the new measure, the National Health Security Office (NHSO) will grant affected family members "UC Heroes" status, allowing them to receive healthcare benefits equivalent to those provided under the civil servant medical scheme.

The benefits will remain in place until recipients become eligible for other healthcare rights under the law. Children of deceased soldiers will continue receiving coverage until reaching legal adulthood.

Lalida said the government recognised the sacrifices made by military personnel and state officials protecting national sovereignty and public safety.

"Those who sacrificed for the nation should not only be remembered on the day they passed away. Their families must also be cared for with dignity," she said.