The moment has arrived! True Corporation officially introduced "The Chosen 12" dream seekers for 2026 under the concept "MORE THAN A DREAM For A Better Tomorrow" at a press conference attended by senior executives including Chairman Suphachai Chearavanont and other top executives from the corporation.

Excitement built as footage of intense auditions played before the final 100 candidates awaited the judges' crucial decisions. The iconic voice of True AF legends Ate Tone and Srettha Sirachaya echoed to pass the torch to new host Du Sanya Khunakorn, who made a surprise appearance on stage.

The highly anticipated moment came when the 12 dream seekers were announced to enter the True AF house, with esteemed judges Donut Manasnan, Huan Jib Tanarat, Chao Charawat, Jet Jetpipat, Mai Phakaphumi, Son Yukt, Apo Nuttawit, and Yogurt Nattacha offering their support. The show featured a surprise trainer team reveal led by Donut Manasnan and Apo Nuttawit, with dance and voice trainers, closing with performances by Chao, Jet, and Mai.

A major surprise announcement came when it was revealed that Donut Manasnan would serve as the head mentor for all 12 dream seekers this year. Additionally, Chairman Suphachai Chearavanont announced scholarships of 50,000 baht each for 84 contestants who missed making the final 12.

Pirathan Kaesamsri Na Ayutthaya, Head of Content and Media at True Corporation, stated: "The return of TRUE ACADEMY FANTASIA 2026 is not just about bringing back a memorable show, but evolving it to match changing viewer behavior in the digital era. Today's audiences no longer consume content through a single screen format—they want connected, participatory, and real-time experiences. True is integrating its strong digital ecosystem including TrueVisions NOW, TrueID, and other platforms with True AF so viewers can follow, cheer, vote, interact, and share life with the dream seekers 24/7 through multiple content formats suited to every lifestyle. This reflects True's commitment to bringing beloved content back to fill audiences with happiness and create renewed connections in a modern way."

Thai Airways Public Company Limited has launched the 'Mid-Year Escape' promotion campaign offering special fares to encourage passengers to plan their mid-year vacation and travel plans. The campaign features full-service amenities meeting Thai Airways standards covering popular routes throughout Asia, Europe, and Australia for a limited time.

Kittipong Sarnsoomboon, Chief Commercial Officer of Thai Airways Public Company Limited, stated that the airline introduced the 'Mid-Year Escape' promotion as a special offer for passengers seeking mid-year trips at competitive prices with Thai Airways' full-service standards providing comfort throughout the journey, under the concept of "Smooth as Silk," ensuring passengers can travel with confidence and maximum value.

The 'Mid-Year Escape' campaign opens for seat reservations from today through May 31, 2026, with travel available from today through June 30, 2026. The campaign offers special deals for passengers booking during the designated period with diverse flight route options suitable for tourism, leisure, and business travel.

Interested passengers can reserve tickets and obtain further details through the THAI Airways Official Website or through Thai Airways ticket sales offices and authorized travel agents throughout the country.

Hat Yai Hospital in Songkhla Province is recovering from flood damage 20% faster than originally scheduled, according to Health Minister Pattana Prom-pattana during an inspection on May 13, 2025. With 100 million baht in royal assistance, the hospital is upgrading emergency rooms, backup power systems, and specialized centers including bone marrow transplant, hematology, and pediatric cancer wards, with all projects completing by September. The hospital is also implementing comprehensive flood preparedness measures across electrical, water, medical gas, and telecommunications systems to be finished by December, while expanding with Hat Yai Hospital 2 on 130 rai in Ban Phru subdistrict to become a leading health center for Southern Thailand.

At 2:10 p.m. on May 13, 2025, Prime Minister Anuthim Charnvirakul and Interior Minister led a team to Koh Phangan in Surat Thani to address problems affecting residents and businesses in the tourism area, particularly the use of Thai nationals as front men (nominees) for foreign-owned businesses and encroachment on public beachfront areas. The PM visited a house hosting a company's office and discovered illegal construction with an Israeli national as the owner. Deputy National Police Chief Samran Nuanmaa reported the illegal pool villa construction as part of the anti-nominee operation. The PM stated authorities must verify shareholding structures, noting that foreigners have no legal right to own land in Thailand but circumvent this by using nominees to deceive the public into believing these are Thai companies. He ordered an investigation into the company's financial pathways.

Regarding the cabinet's May 12 resolution unlocking foreign investment in eight businesses without permits, the PM clarified this was merely streamlining procedures to reduce redundancy, not opening business to foreigners without authorization. He apologized for confusion caused by the government spokesperson's statement, explaining that foreigners still require permits from relevant authorities but need not seek redundant approvals from the Commerce Ministry. On the Koh Phangan nominee issue, the PM emphasized that while land encroachment would be handled by the Natural Resources Ministry and Land Department, the focus is on companies opened and sold with foreign control exceeding the 49 percent cap through cross-company structures that create the false appearance of Thai ownership while remaining entirely foreign-controlled.

John Bajjo, the Madagascan forward and captain of Sukhothai FC, has posted a farewell message to the club following their successful escape from relegation and confirmation of top-flight football for next season.

Bajjo played a crucial role in Sukhothai FC's final-match performance, helping secure a dominant 3-0 home victory over Muang Thong United by scoring the second goal. This victory ensured the team's survival and guaranteed their continued participation in Thailand's top division next season.

The striker recently posted a farewell message on his personal Instagram account, saying goodbye to Sukhot Stadium after serving the club for approximately 10 years with the following message:

"I am proud to have represented Sukhothai Football Club for 10 years. The time has come to say goodbye. I would like to thank the club, the chairman, and the team management. I would like to thank all the people of Sukhothai who have always supported me. I wish the club success in the next season."

Bajjo has been a vital force for Sukhothai throughout his tenure, consistently earning starting positions and playing a key role in the team's successful relegation survival this season. Over his time at the club, he made 270 appearances, scoring 82 goals and providing 76 assists for his teammates.

IRPC reported first-quarter 2025 net profit of 7.889 billion baht, a dramatic turnaround from a 574 million baht loss in the previous quarter. CEO Thotsaphon Prommuang attributed the performance to net revenue of 67.779 billion baht, up 22 percent from Q4 2024, driven by higher average selling prices following crude oil price increases. The company recorded a Market GIM of 7.902 billion baht (13.21 USD per barrel), up 14 percent from the previous quarter.

The first quarter benefited significantly from Middle East geopolitical tensions, particularly concerns about the Hormuz Strait closure, which created substantial global oil supply constraints and pushed crude prices up sharply. Dubai crude surged from an average of $68 per barrel in February 2025 to approximately $129 per barrel in March, resulting in substantial inventory gains of 9.843 billion baht. This contributed to EBITDA of 14.750 billion baht, up from 13.394 billion baht in the prior quarter.

However, the company recorded unrealized losses of 1.981 billion baht from oil hedging activities during the quarter, compared to gains of 258 million baht previously. Investment gains improved 64 percent to 299 million baht, primarily from proceeds on selling stakes in joint ventures.

Prommuang cautioned that while first-quarter results improved substantially, the rapid crude price movements have created significant impacts on costs, liquidity, and working capital. Should crude prices decline as Middle East tensions ease, IRPC faces downside risk from recognizing inventory losses on high-priced crude holdings purchased in advance. The company continues to face headwinds from supply-demand volatility and geopolitical factors.

For the second quarter of 2025, IRPC anticipates crude oil and petrochemical markets will remain volatile from geopolitical factors and supply constraints, with Dubai crude expected to trade in the $98-105 per barrel range. The company maintains its strategic focus on balancing returns with prudent risk management, cost discipline, financial discipline, liquidity management, and careful energy price risk management to sustain competitive advantage and long-term sustainable growth amid continued economic and energy market uncertainty.