Thailand's economy expanded by 2.8% in the first quarter of 2026, accelerating from 2.5% in the previous quarter, according to the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).

Government spokesperson Rachada Dhnadirek said Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul welcomed the latest GDP figures, saying they reflected a continued economic recovery and showed the government was on the right track in addressing economic challenges.

According to the NESDC report, the agricultural sector expanded by 1.2% in the first quarter, up from 0.6% in the previous quarter. The non-agricultural sector grew by 3.0%, compared with 2.7% in the fourth quarter of 2025.

On the expenditure side, private consumption continued to expand steadily, while government spending, fixed investment and exports of goods and services also accelerated.

Private investment rose by 10.1%, up from 6.5% in the previous quarter, driven by increased investment in machinery, equipment and construction.

Exports to key markets including the United States, Europe and ASEAN countries expanded, while exports to Japan and the Middle East declined.

Rachada said the government was preparing to explore new export markets in Africa and the Middle East to diversify risks and create new opportunities for Thai businesses.

She added that the government would introduce measures to reduce production costs for farmers and low-income groups, while stimulating local economies nationwide.

Measures under the Emergency Loan Decree would help ease living costs and support economic growth through projects such as the "Thais Help Thais" scheme and energy sector restructuring aimed at strengthening Thailand's long-term energy security, she said.

The government remains confident that Thailand's economic growth in 2026 will meet its target of around 2%, Rachada added.

Chaba Nattamani Pitchyasuttisil, a talented singer and Miss Grand Udon Thani 2025, has recently become part of the stage musical "Nakhon Ratchasima: The Musical," scheduled to debut on June 18 and 20-21 at M Theatre. She invited the media to observe rehearsals at Point Studio on Ladprao Soi 99 and discussed her current projects and the challenges of entering stage theater for the first time.

Regarding her current work, Chaba explained: "I'm performing in the musical Nakhon Ratchasima and we'll be performing on June 18, 20, and 21. Tickets are available for purchase. I've also been releasing singles regularly on my YouTube channel, Chaba_bie. My latest release features RachYO and has gotten pretty good views. It's a Northeastern hip-hop song that I composed myself, so it's purely a passion project."

When asked about the single format, she stated: "I'm releasing singles for now, following my passion. I write them, make music videos, and release them—purely passion-driven work. Everything I do now comes from passion. With theater, when an opportunity came up, I felt like I wanted to try it, so I went for it. Music is the same way—when I finish writing something and like it, I just release it."

Discussing the difference between stage theater and music, Chaba explained: "They're quite different because stage theater focuses heavily on acting and performing with genuine emotion. But within that, I need to convey the emotion to everyone in the entire hall, which is quite challenging."

Regarding her music production team, she shared: "My songs are being supported by BANANA Record and BANANA Music Studio. I'm not signed with them though—I'm independent and write everything myself, then send it to the BANANA team for refinement."

When asked about her annual music output plans, Chaba responded: "I initially planned to release many songs, but now I'm following my feelings. I only write when the mood strikes because I want the work to come from my own passion and authenticity. I want the stories I tell to be my own. As a kid, I was in a training camp where other people wrote for me, and everything came from someone else's work. We achieved success that way, but now I feel I want to express myself more authentically. I also want to learn new things in creating my own work."

Regarding her goals, she stated: "I'm not expecting it to be wildly famous, but if it becomes popular, that's fine. If people get to hear it, I'd be happy because it's purely my work."

When asked if she's abandoning pageantry, Chaba clarified: "Regarding pageantry, honestly there's some hesitation, but I want to fully pursue my passion for music first. I feel I still have time for pageantry. The age limit has been extended quite a bit anyway, so I'm still keeping up with it."

Asked if she just competed in her first year, she explained: "Yes, I just competed in my first year. I don't want to claim to be standing on high heels yet. I might want to try again, to become more elegant and refined as a woman. Right now I still feel playful and energetic—running, jumping around. Recently at theater rehearsals, the team told me to bring a sarong, saying I walked too awkwardly in pants."

When asked about other aspirations, Chaba expressed: "I want to try acting in films and TV dramas, but gradually and at my own pace. I'm still training and growing. Do you have any opportunities yet? Not yet. I'd like to try acting in dramas, series, and films. If something appropriate comes along, I'd consider it."

Suan Sunandha University participated in the third RYL camp to nurture next-generation leaders for sustainable national development at the Agricultural Museum in Commemorating His Majesty at Khlong Luang District, Pathum Thani Province. Led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Chutikaanya Srivibul, rector of Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, along with senior administrators and student leaders, the university sent representatives to the Rajabhat Young Leadership Program 2026 (RYL 2026) held May 11-15, 2026. The program was honored with opening and closing remarks from Gen. Daopong Ratnasuwan, a member of the Privy Council.

The camp brought together 450 student leaders, council presidents, and student organization leaders from all 38 Rajabhat universities across Thailand. The RYL program aims to develop student leadership potential and create "social engineers" skilled in community and local development, with emphasis on leadership capabilities, communication, teamwork, systematic thinking, and civic consciousness. Participants embraced the Rajabhat identity and commitment to serving their communities, society, and nation.

Participant evaluations showed significant development in leadership qualities including decision-making courage, collaborative work, team management, and learning to be both effective leaders and followers. The camp also fostered confidence, openness to diverse perspectives, and networking among Rajabhat students nationwide. Many participants noted the camp transcended typical training, serving instead as a genuine learning experience that awakened leadership potential and inspired greater pride in being Rajabhat members.

Particularly significant was participants' enhanced awareness of Rajabhat universities' role as educational institutions providing opportunities to citizens across all regions and serving as vital forces in national local development. Privy Councilor Daopong emphasized that Rajabhat youth must be modern individuals combining knowledge, ability, virtue, and public consciousness, ready to work for the common good and sustainably develop their communities. He commended all 38 Rajabhat universities for concretely developing youth potential to nurture quality young leaders as the nation's future strength, embodying the concept of "people of the King" who understand their duty, possess hearts for public service, and are prepared to return their knowledge and abilities to sustainably develop their home regions.

Music industry friends and fans are mourning the peaceful passing of Na Daen Kluay Nam Wa, bringing an end to the legend of this celebrated life-music musician and artist from Nakhon Ratchasima, composer of the hit song 'Luang Thang.' On May 19, 2025, colleagues in the music industry and fans expressed their sorrow over the peaceful death of Na Daen Kluay Nam Wa from a chronic illness. According to relatives, he was treated at Maharaj Nakhon Ratchasima Hospital. Na Daen Kluay Nam Wa was a celebrated life-music artist and distinguished musician from Nakhon Ratchasima, known for his hit song 'Luang Thang' and as a pioneer of the legendary Baan Kluay Nam Wa restaurant in its early days along Thanon Thanarachat, kilometer 2, Pak Chong-Khao Yai, Pak Chong District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The restaurant became a long-standing gathering place for life-music enthusiasts across various fields. Na Daen was a quiet, reserved person who performed live music with numerous renowned life-music bands such as Pong Thep Kradu Don Chamnanai and Na Moo Rai Dok Hueakua. Na Daen Kluay Nam Wa passed away peacefully in the morning of May 19, 2025, closing the chapter on this beloved artist. His friends expressed their deep condolences.

US President Donald Trump has said he is holding off a military attack on Iran planned for Tuesday at the request of Gulf states as 'serious negotiations are now taking place.' In a post on Truth Social, he said he had been asked to do so by the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and that he has been informed there will be a highly favorable agreement for the United States, with 'no nuclear weapons for Iran.' However, the US leader warned he is ready to launch a full-scale and more intense attack on Iran immediately if an acceptable agreement is not reached.

Trump told reporters there are many positive developments but it remains to be seen what results they will yield. 'We've had times when we thought we were close to a deal but it didn't work out. This time is a bit different,' Trump said, noting it appears there is a good chance of reaching an agreement with Iran. 'If we can do it without dropping bombs on them, I'd be very happy.'

On May 17, Trump warned Iran that time is running out and the country should act quickly or there will be nothing left. Iran previously stated it had accepted the latest US proposal and negotiations continue through Pakistan, which is serving as a mediator.

Reports also indicate that on the evening of May 18, Iran's Tasnim News Agency released what it claimed was a statement from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei, warning that new fronts would open in areas where enemies have little experience and would be very vulnerable. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei confirmed that Iran is acting responsibly and with generosity. Iran's demands include an immediate ceasefire on all fronts, including Israel's continued attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon, an end to the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, and guarantees against future attacks on Iran.

These developments coincide with the release of Trump's declining approval ratings, with a New York Times/Siena poll published Monday, May 18, finding that 64 percent of voters believe war with Iran would be wrong.

The Thai Handicraft Promotion Institute (Public Organization), or SACIT, is preparing to launch the year's major craft event, "Crafts Bangkok 2026," an important platform for elevating Thai handicrafts to the international stage. The event will cover everything from raw material development and contemporary craft creation to expansion into global markets, offering a complete Thai handicraft experience and featuring over 380 quality Thai craft shops.

Assistant Professor Dr. Anucha Teerkanan, director of SACIT, revealed that the institute plays a crucial role in promoting comprehensive Thai handicraft development, from developing and revitalizing local raw material sources to improving production processes and design through systematic application of innovation and creativity to ensure practical functionality and environmental friendliness. The institute also builds consumer confidence and expands commercial opportunities in both domestic and international markets to enable Thai handicrafts to compete globally.

Crafts Bangkok is an important annual event organized by SACIT to demonstrate its operational role across all dimensions. It serves as a platform reflecting the strength of Thai wisdom through contemporary Thai handicrafts that connect cultural narratives, lifestyles, and creative thinking of artisans from across the country. The event elevates Thai handicrafts to meet modern global contexts by giving artisans opportunities to showcase their talents and transmit Thai identity through works that blend traditional wisdom with contemporary design, addressing current lifestyle, functional, and market needs.

Crafts Bangkok also serves as a space for creative economic opportunities, generating income, stimulating markets, and expanding business networks for Thai handicraft producers from community level to younger members while promoting Thai crafts' international competitiveness. It plays an important role in inspiring and instilling the value of Thai handicrafts among society and younger generations through activities, exhibitions, and creative experiences that allow visitors to intimately experience the charm of Thai handicrafts, leading to preservation and transmission of Thai heritage wisdom for the future.

This year's Crafts Bangkok 2026 is organized under the concept "The Craft Journey," showcasing the journey of Thai handicrafts from the origin of raw materials and local wisdom through artisan creation to development into valued products linked to both domestic and international markets. Visitors will experience and discover new perspectives learning about Thai handicrafts, including gift and souvenir collections developed by SACIT to elevate Thai handicrafts as "gifts of the nation" reflecting Thai identity, refinement, and wisdom in contemporary form. The exhibition includes learning spaces and showcases the value of local materials, allowing visitors to experience stories from the source of community raw materials such as kratip, hom, rattan, bamboo, and various other local materials reflecting Thai wisdom and lifestyle, before they undergo creative processes and development into distinctive contemporary Thai handicraft works that add value to local resources, promote wisdom preservation, and generate sustainable income for communities nationwide.