TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Thailand, the country's leading racing team, has unveiled its 2026 season plans while celebrating 40 years of motorsport excellence dating back to 1986. The team has evolved from a factory operation into an international-standard racing organization, with continuous development of vehicles, technology, and drivers as its core strength. Under the philosophy "MAKING EVER-BETTER MOTORSPORTS-BRED CARS," the team collaborates with TOYOTA MOTOR ASIA and Thai engineers to transfer racing data into performance improvements for production vehicles sold in Thailand. Rising star Mario-Sitthichai Khangnimit, the latest Corolla Altis GR Sport One Make Race champion, joins the main team this season.

Team director and driver Sutthipong Smitchat noted that the team's 40-year strength lies in continuous development. The team boasts impressive achievements including four consecutive victories at the 24-hour Nürburgring endurance race in Germany and five consecutive Thai national championships.

For 2026, the team will compete across multiple categories on both asphalt and gravel surfaces. On asphalt, the team will participate in TSS The Super Series with four classes (GT4, GTC, Super Touring, and Super Pickup) and RAAT Thailand Endurance Championship. Gravel competitions include RAAT Thailand Rally Championship with the Yaris Cross HEV, Thailand Rally Raid Championship with the Hilux TRAVO, and Asia Cross Country Rally.

The 2026 driver lineup blends experienced racers with new talent, led by established drivers such as Sutthipong Smitchat, Natthawut Charoensukhawatthana, and others, alongside emerging drivers Mario-Sitthichai Khangnimit and rally specialists. The highlight of the season is the introduction of the new GR Supra GT4, which will strengthen the team's competitive edge.

M STUDIO has officially launched its mission on the world cinema stage at the 2026 Cannes International Film Festival in Cannes, France, leading with BamBam (Kanpimuk Phuwakul), alongside Alek (Theeradeach Methawarayuth) and Denis (Jelilchaa Kapcun). The team includes M STUDIO CEO Surachet Asvareunganan and director Ton (Nattanon Chollumpee) of 'Confessions of a Spirit Doctor,' promoting Thai cinema to international media and film industry professionals.

The first day was bustling with activity as the cast and crew participated in official discussions with the Ministry of Culture before attending the opening of the Thailand Pavilion, which attracted continuous international media attention. Following the opening ceremony, the lead actors shared their emotions about bringing Thai cinema to the global stage.

BamBam expressed, "I feel incredibly honored to be part of Thai cinema on the world stage at the Cannes Film Festival. For me, this isn't just about one film—it's another crucial step for the Thai film industry to show the world our potential and the charm of Thai cinema."

Alek shared his excitement: "I'm thrilled because this is one of my first times experiencing the atmosphere of a world-class film festival up close. Seeing people from different countries gathered together for their love of cinema is extraordinary, and I'm proud to be part of the team bringing Thai cinema to international audiences."

Denis reflected on her Cannes experience: "Arriving in Cannes, I felt both excited and proud. This is the stage filmmakers worldwide dream of. Having Thai cinema and our team here is a significant moment I'll treasure forever. I hope international audiences will open their hearts to Thai cinema even more."

M STUDIO CEO Surachet Asvareunganan stated: "We've always believed in the potential of Thai cinema and remain committed to promoting it on the global market. Bringing 'Confessions of a Spirit Doctor' to the Cannes Film Festival isn't just about presenting one film—it demonstrates that Thai cinema has quality, unique identity, and can stand firmly on the international stage. We hope this journey opens new opportunities for Thai cinema in the future."

'Confessions of a Spirit Doctor' stands as a Thai film capturing attention at this year's Cannes Film Festival, marking an important milestone not only for the filmmakers and cast but also representing a genuine opportunity for Thai cinema to reach audiences worldwide before its Thai theatrical release on August 12.

The anime community is devastated by the loss of legendary Japanese voice actress Yamazaki Wakana, the iconic voice of Ran Mouri from Detective Conan, who passed away peacefully at age 61. Her agency confirmed her death on April 18, with the official announcement made on May 15. Yamazaki Wakana became a household name among anime fans for her decades-long portrayal of Ran Mouri, the female lead in Detective Conan, establishing herself as one of the most distinctive voices in Japanese animation.

In February, she had announced through her agency that she was receiving medical treatment and would temporarily suspend all work on doctor's orders. Just two months later, the sad news of her passing shocked fans worldwide, who expressed their condolences through social media. Her agency has announced that Akemi Okamura, known for voicing Nami in One Piece, will take over the role of Ran Mouri going forward.

The official anime website stated that the team will inherit the spirit and dedication Yamazaki Wakana brought to the character and works, while thanking fans for their continued support and asking them to pray for her peaceful rest. Though she has passed, her voice will remain in the latest Detective Conan Movie 29: The Heavenly Angel Mystery (2026), currently in theaters, marking her final performance as Ran Mouri.

Born on March 21, 1965, Yamazaki Wakana had an extensive career beyond her iconic role as Ran Mouri. She voiced Ayane in the Dead or Alive game series and briefly portrayed Nami in the One Piece anime during episodes 70-78. She will be remembered as an important figure in Japanese voice acting whose contributions to anime will endure in the hearts of fans forever.

On May 15, 2569, Region 1 Internal Security Command under Bangkok ISOC, in coordination with relevant agencies, conducted inspections of commercial establishments in Bangkok following National Council for Peace and Order Directive No. 22/2558 to prevent and suppress illegal activities. The operation involved personnel from Bangkok ISOC, military intelligence, Huai Kwang District Office, Suthisarn Police Station, Immigration Bureau Region 1, Revenue Department Area 3, disaster prevention officers, Bangkok Police Bureau, and the Department of Employment. Inspectors discovered unstamped spirits in one establishment and proceeded with legal action. The operation aimed to educate business operators about proper legal operation of service venues, prevent crime and human trafficking, verify business licenses, and ensure alcohol sales comply with government regulations. All three inspected establishments cooperated fully with officials and accepted recommendations for strict compliance.

NONTHABURI — May 15, 2026 — Thailand's National Communicable Disease Committee (NCDC) has officially designated hantavirus infection as a dangerous communicable disease, establishing stricter surveillance protocols and requiring disease investigations for patients meeting the criteria within 12 hours, along with a mandatory 42-day quarantine for high-risk contacts, officials announced Friday.

The decision came from the NCDC's second meeting of 2026 held at the Department of Disease Control, chaired by Public Health Ministry Permanent Secretary Dr. Somruek Chungsaman. The committee had instructed the Department of Disease Control on May 8 to evaluate whether hantavirus should receive this classification under the Communicable Disease Act of 2015.

A panel of experts convened on May 12 and recommended the designation due to the disease's high severity, potential for respiratory droplet transmission, and evidence that certain strains can spread person-to-person, alongside growing international concern. The classification covers both Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) and Hemorrhagic Fever with Renal Syndrome (HFRS).

With this approval, hantavirus becomes Thailand's 14th disease on the high-alert list, granting disease control officers broad enforcement powers for isolation measures. Dr. Somruek outlined the clinical criteria: fever exceeding 38°C accompanied by symptoms including chills, muscle pain, headache, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, plus at least one clinical abnormality.

Severe cases may manifest with coughing, breathing difficulties, pneumonia, lung fluid accumulation, shock, low blood pressure, bleeding, acute kidney failure, respiratory failure, and death. The rapid investigation and quarantine protocols aim to enable swift surveillance, prevention, and disease control.

Mehdi Taj, president of Iran's Football Federation, disclosed that Iranian national team players are still waiting for US visas to compete in the 2026 World Cup. Iran, previously one of twelve nations subject to US travel restrictions, continues to experience heightened tension with the United States while peace negotiations remain stalled, affecting numerous sectors. The latest development reveals that not only Iranian fans but the national football team itself has yet to receive any visas.

Thousands of supporters gathered for a send-off event in Tehran on Wednesday before the tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, kicks off on June 11. Currently, the US and Iran are in a state of conflict, though both countries have announced a one-month ceasefire.

"The visa issue remains unresolved. We will have an important meeting with FIFA soon—they must provide certification for our team. We haven't been informed by the other side about who has received visas. So far, not a single visa has been issued," Taj stated.

According to the schedule, Iran will face New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, both matches in Los Angeles, and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle, with the team based in Tucson, Arizona.

The conflict has created uncertainty about Iran's World Cup participation. However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated at the recent FIFA Congress in Vancouver that Iran would definitely compete in the United States. Notably, Iran was the only nation without representatives at that congress, as the Iranian Football Federation's delegation, including Taj, was denied entry at the Canadian border. The US cited the cancellation of Taj's visa due to alleged links to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that Iranian players would be welcomed to the tournament, though individuals with IRGC connections may face entry restrictions.