On May 15, 2025, Rajamangala University of Technology Isan held a certificate presentation ceremony for 24 military personnel—one with a vocational certificate and 23 with advanced vocational certificates. Defense Minister General Adulai Boontherm, Nakhon Ratchasima Governor Anupong Suksamnit, and Regional Commander 2 General Veeruyut Raksilp attended as witnesses.

General Adulai revealed that the project began during his tenure as Deputy Regional Commander 2, overseeing personnel matters. After becoming Regional Commander 2, he signed a cooperation agreement with the university for the initiative titled "One Command, One Educational Institution: Developing People, Strengthening the Military, Building the Nation."

The Defense Minister emphasized that this collaboration provides soldiers with opportunities beyond military service alone. Participants benefit from physical and mental training that builds strength and patriotism; gain educational qualifications that improve employment prospects and self-sufficiency; and develop quality lives with discipline and stable careers.

General Adulai recounted that the cooperation concept emerged during a casual meal with the university president at a local laab restaurant, leading him to call today's success the "Laab Shop Proclamation." He expressed pride that the initiative has flourished and produced its first graduating class, serving as a model for the government's volunteer military program.

University President Khosit Sriputhon noted that General Adulai championed the project consistently from his Deputy Regional Commander position through his tenure as Regional Commander. The university could implement the program immediately due to its campuses throughout the Northeast, aligning with Regional Command 2's responsibility area comprising multiple provinces.

Education was delivered through flexible methods including classroom instruction, field training, and online systems, building upon soldiers' existing discipline with additional knowledge. The president stated that graduates from this "One Command, One Educational Institution" program will become quality community leaders, possessing both knowledge and discipline.

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At 10:00 a.m. on May 15, 2025 at Parliament, the House Committee on Budget Preparation and Monitoring held its first meeting to elect the committee chair and various positions. Prawat Tongsomboon, a representative from Maha Sarakham of the Phum Jai Thai Party, served as interim chairman as the committee's most senior member and conducted the chair election.

Natthapong Premsulsawat, a Bangkok representative of the People's Party, proposed the committee positions, which were approved as follows:

Ms. Rakchanok Srinawk - Committee Chair Nattapol Towichakchaikul - First Vice Chair Sombat Yaseinthun - Second Vice Chair Pachon Chantharuang Thong - Third Vice Chair Risutthit Tantinan - Fourth Vice Chair Throngsak Musikong - Fifth Vice Chair Prachaya Ngokchhai - Sixth Vice Chair Surottin Picharan - Seventh Vice Chair Chada Thaiserit - Committee Member and Advisory Board Chair Sewongsak Rengpaiboolwong - Committee Member and Advisory Board Member Prawat Tongsomboon - Committee Member and Advisory Board Member Nattapol Charatsraphipong - Committee Member and Advisory Board Member Pattana Sappaso - Committee Member and Advisory Board Member Witthawat Traisonkul - Committee Spokesperson Natthapong Premsulsawadi - Committee Secretary

Ms. Rakchanok then assumed her duties as committee chair and stated she would present her vision and agenda for the committee before proceeding with the meeting agenda. Chada was unable to attend due to other obligations.

This article is authored by Peter Lan, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand.

As the 79th World Health Assembly (WHA) approaches, the global community once again gathers to address the most pressing health challenges of our time. From the rising tide of noncommunicable diseases to the complexities of aging societies, the need for inclusive, science-based cooperation has never been more urgent. In this endeavor, Thailand stands as a beacon of leadership in Southeast Asia, and Taiwan stands ready to contribute as a vital, professional partner.

Thailand's Leadership: A Model for the Region

Thailand has long been recognized as a regional leader in public health, particularly through its Universal Health Coverage (UHC) system. In 2026, Thailand continues to champion science-based actions and health equity, emphasizing that health is a fundamental right. By hosting significant international health forums and actively participating in World Health Organization (WHO) initiatives, Thailand has demonstrated how strategic investment in primary healthcare can transform a nation's well-being.

Peter Lan, Representative of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Thailand.

Taiwan and Thailand: Shared Visions and Synergistic Strengths

Taiwan and Thailand share a remarkably similar outlook on the future of healthcare. Both sides are navigating the transition into "super-aged" societies, smart healthcare and are pivoting toward high-tech, people-centered solutions.

Taiwan's "Healthy Taiwan" initiative, launched by President Lai Ching-te, focuses on extending healthy life expectancy and integrating physical and mental well-being. This aligns perfectly with Thailand's focus on holistic health. Our cooperation can yield transformative results in several key areas:

Digital Healthcare and AI: Taiwan has pioneered AI in chronic disease management, such as AI-based diabetes risk prediction models developed with partners like Google. These tools, linked with our National Health Insurance (NHI) system, allow for precise, personalized care.

Infectious Disease Surveillance: Taiwan's highly digitalized surveillance system successfully flagged the initial COVID-19 outbreak in late 2019. Our geographic proximity to regional hubs allows us to detect outbreaks early, providing a stronger early warning system for Southeast Asia.

Smart Long-Term Care: As populations age, Taiwan is deploying smart assistive technologies to reduce the burden on personnel. Sharing these innovations can help both sides maintain high-quality care amidst demographic shifts.

The Cost of Taiwan's Exclusion

Despite our proven track record—including achieving WHO hepatitis C elimination targets five years ahead of schedule in 2025—Taiwan's participation in the WHO remains limited. Between 2012 and 2025, Taiwan was invited to an average of only seven technical meetings per year.

This "blind spot" in the global health network is a risk for the entire world. When Taiwan is excluded from critical health discussions, the global community loses access to valuable expertise and innovative solutions.

At 9:30 AM on May 15, 2025, at parliament during the first joint parliamentary session chaired by Sophan Saram, parliament speaker, an urgent agenda item addressed approval to consider draft laws not yet endorsed by parliament under Article 147, second paragraph of the constitution. Nattapong Ruangpanya, Prachathai party list MP and party leader, noted appreciation for the cabinet's decision to return 34 bills for parliament to consider which to advance. However, he questioned the government's criteria for deciding which bills to return and which to reject, requesting clear explanation for rejecting environmental protection laws, the PRTR law, factory act drafts, land amnesty legislation, labor protection bills, and military court constitutional amendments.

Nattapong challenged the government on whether legislative authority belongs to the cabinet or parliament, questioning whether the cabinet can decide on behalf of MPs. He then posed a counterargument: if using the same logic applied to the rejected constitutional amendment draft—claiming it would fail regardless—how can the government guarantee all 34 bills will pass parliament? He suggested the government must have already secured approval through back-channel negotiations with both chambers.

Nattapong concluded by requesting government response rather than legal technical explanations, asking what criteria the cabinet uses to select which bills to return, and whether the nation's constitutional framework has become merely a tool granting power to the government and military-aligned system.