CHAIYAPHUM — May 15, 2026: Thai and British paleontologists have identified a new species of long-necked dinosaur believed to be the largest ever discovered in Thailand and Southeast Asia. The dinosaur, named Nakha Titan Chaiyaphumensis, was identified from fossil remains unearthed in Chaiyaphum province in northeastern Thailand. The right upper arm bone measures 178 centimeters in length. Researchers estimated the plant-eating sauropod measured approximately 27 to 30 metres in length and weighed more than 26 tonnes. The discovery was announced by Dr. Sita Manitkul, a researcher at the Palaeontological Research and Education Centre of Mahasarakham University, who led the study. Scientists examined more than 20 fossil fragments, including a right upper arm bone measuring 178 centimetres in length, as well as ribs and hind leg bones exceeding 2 metres. Researchers determined the dinosaur belonged to the Titanosauriformes group, a branch of giant sauropods that lived during the Early Cretaceous period approximately 100 to 115 million years ago. The name "Nakha Titan" combines "Nakha," referring to the mythical serpent of Thai folklore, and "Titan," the giant figures of Greek mythology. The species name "Chaiyaphumensis" honours Chaiyaphum province, where the fossils were discovered. The fossils were first noticed in 2016 by a local resident in Ban Phanang Suea village before the discovery was reported to Thailand's Department of Mineral Resources. Subsequent excavations by government geologists and paleontologists uncovered more than 20 fossil pieces, including vertebrae, pelvic bones and the unusually large humerus. Some of the fossils are now preserved at the Sirindhorn Dinosaur Museum in Kalasin province, while the excavation site has been developed into a local dinosaur learning centre. The research project later received support from the National Geographic Society under a programme focused on studying Thailand's largest dinosaur discoveries and promoting education in Chaiyaphum Geopark communities. Researchers said the discovery provides important evidence about prehistoric ecosystems, biodiversity and the evolution of giant land animals on Earth before the emergence of humans.

On May 15, Puumpong Nayanaprakan, Director-General of the Department of Business Development under the Commerce Ministry, revealed that the department has coordinated with Thai Post Company Limited and Internet Thailand Company Limited (INET) operating under NextGen Shop Company Limited to establish guidelines for the Thailand Helps Thailand Phase 2 marketing campaign. The initiative aims to assist Thai entrepreneurs in adapting to rapidly changing economic conditions and commercial competition while efficiently pushing SMEs toward online marketplaces to boost income opportunities and reduce operational costs.

The project targets recruiting at least 2,000 community entrepreneurs, small business operators, and SMEs between May and June 2026 through partnerships with ThailandPostMart and Nex Gen Commerce platforms. Support measures include 500,000 discount coupons, free shipping, waived commission fees for over 2,000 shops, and live-selling campaigns featuring influencers to expand sales channels and stimulate grassroots economic growth.

The department is coordinating with other Commerce Ministry units and provincial commerce offices nationwide to recruit participants and promote Thai products on e-commerce platforms. This effort builds grassroots entrepreneurs' online presence while strengthening the grassroots economy. The initiative supports the ministry's policy to maintain living standards, mitigate impacts from Middle East regional instability, and urgently stimulate the economy. The project is projected to generate economic circulation of no less than 150 million baht.

"The Commerce Ministry prioritizes strengthening Thai entrepreneurs, particularly SMEs, which are crucial drivers of national economic growth," said Puumpong. "Expanding access to e-commerce platforms enhances competitiveness, generates revenue, and fosters sustainable business growth. The Thailand Helps Thailand project will circulate funds through the economy, boost consumer spending, and distribute income to grassroots entrepreneurs nationwide, serving as an important measure for robust domestic economic growth."

Liverpool manager Arne Slot has reaffirmed that he is unbothered by dealing with booing and criticism from fans, noting that he has faced similar experiences since his playing days. The Reds' supporters booed after Liverpool's 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Anfield. Slot recently responded to questions about handling the current wave of criticism, stating: "I always ask myself how old I am? I think I'm 47! So I'm not 12 anymore. I've been playing professional football since I was 16, it may not have been at the same level as where I am now, but I'm familiar with the reality that sometimes people think you're a great footballer, and sometimes they really don't like you." He continued: "It's the same as being a manager. We're all accustomed to positive feedback and negative criticism. If you can't handle it, you have no business being at a club like this. There's another thing I've learned this season—I can handle criticism quite well. I don't change my behavior. I have a clear vision and I do what I want to do."

On May 15, 2569, Police Major Pinij Netpanya, Commander of Mae Tha Police Station, along with Deputy Investigation Commander Anant Kammai, Investigation Specialist Prasert Yodrueang, and Deputy Investigation Specialist Seksorn Suyawong, led officers in apprehending two suspects on methamphetamine possession and use charges.

The first suspect, identified as Ratchamontri (surname withheld) or "Off," age 30, from Na Khruea Subdistrict, Mae Tha District, Lampang Province, was arrested on May 14, 2569 between 12:00 PM and 3:30 PM. Police seized methamphetamine, one mobile phone, and a red drawstring bag from his possession. He faces charges of possessing Category 1 controlled substances (methamphetamine) without authorization and illegally using methamphetamine. The arrest was made near Nam Tho Road in Na Khruea Subdistrict.

The second suspect, identified as Nueng Manop (surname withheld), age 45, from Hua Sua Subdistrict, Mae Tha District, Lampang Province, was also arrested with methamphetamine, one mobile phone, and one motorcycle in his possession. He faces identical charges of unauthorized possession and illegal use of Category 1 controlled substances. The arrest took place on a village road.

Both suspects and seized items were turned over to Mae Tha Police Station for further legal proceedings.

YLG Bullion and Futures Company maintains that gold's big-picture uptrend remains intact, with prices consistently holding above the 200-day moving average despite mid-term consolidation risks. Since the start of 2025 through May 15, gold prices have climbed 7%, and despite this year's volatility exceeding previous years, gold continues to serve as a reliable safe-haven and investment asset according to YLG CEO Thippha Nawwattansap.

The company's 2025 price target remains unchanged at $5,596-5,769 per ounce (86,000-88,700 baht per baht of gold). Three key factors support gold's continued uptrend: first, massive public debt and money supply expansion will debase the US dollar and other fiat currencies, keeping investor interest in gold strong—the Federal Reserve's M2 money supply expanded roughly 40% between March 2020 and March 2022, injecting 3.7 trillion dollars into the system. Second, central banks worldwide, particularly in emerging markets, continue increasing gold reserves to reduce dollar dependence while uncertainty around Donald Trump's policies accelerates global central bank gold purchases. Third, governments rely on continuous budget deficits to support their economies, pushing already-high debt higher and forcing a "debasement trade" currency devaluation strategy, while preventing central banks from raising rates too high or too long due to fiscal constraints.

While the long-term uptrend remains intact, the mid-term shows correction patterns. In the short term, if gold holds above $4,500 per ounce (69,150 baht), pullbacks may lead to bounces testing resistance levels. Even if gold drops below $4,500, it's unlikely to fall below 2026's low of $4,100 per ounce. First resistance sits at $4,765-4,890 per ounce (73,250-75,200 baht), with secondary resistance at $5,285-5,400 per ounce (81,250-83,000 baht).

Border Tensions Flare: Si Sa Ket Residents Fear Third Round of Clashes, Plead for Government Action

May 15, 2026 – Tensions have escalated once again along the Thai-Cambodian border in Kantharalak District, Si Sa Ket Province, following a Cambodian military M79 mortar attack near Huay Tammaria military base on the evening of May 14. Although there were no reports of injuries or deaths, the incident has sparked renewed fear among local residents who have already suffered significant damage to their homes and livelihoods from previous clashes.

When reporters visited Sao Thangchai village in Kantharalak District, villagers were gathered in anxious groups, closely monitoring the border situation. Many households expressed concern that a third clash may be imminent, given no clear signs the situation is resolving. The previous clashes have left residents in a constant state of alert.

Sixty-two-year-old Nai Jantan revealed that since the Cambodian military's M79 strike, the atmosphere has returned to high alert. Residents are worried and lack confidence in the situation, fearing another confrontation. She noted that Cambodian forces have been observed moving and circulating along the Thai border regularly in the past.

Villagers are urging the government to decisively resolve the border crisis once and for all, preventing future incidents. Jantan suggested that constructing a border fence or wall would significantly enhance public safety, as several villages including Sambaet, Phu Phi, and Phu Makheua are located extremely close to the Cambodian border. Every time tensions escalate, border residents feel unsafe.