Walailak University is organizing a Pre-Semester English Course to prepare freshmen for the upcoming semester with 120 hours of free intensive study from May 8-30, emphasizing practical, real-world communication skills.

Associate Professor Dr. Prakasit Sithithikul, acting dean of the School of Multilingual Studies and General Education at Walailak University, revealed that the university places high importance on developing students' English proficiency. The school has commissioned the multilingual studies department to organize the free one-month Pre-Semester English Course before the semester opens, aiming to foster positive attitudes and emphasize practical communication through active learning methods, with a goal of bringing students to CEFR B1-B2 standard levels.

"This program is not just academically focused, but primarily aims to help students adapt to the university environment and develop a positive attitude toward English," said Associate Professor Dr. Prakasit. "We want to turn fear into love and enjoyment before beginning regular coursework."

The 120-hour curriculum uses student-centered teaching methods aligned with global standards set by the UK Professional Standards Framework, emphasizing active learning and practical daily communication. Rather than traditional lectures, the program promotes small group interaction of 25-30 students with foreign instructors and senior mentors to reduce anxiety about speaking English.

Beyond the preparation course, Walailak University provides comprehensive English instruction throughout the first and second years totaling over 390 hours across eight courses—among Thailand's highest—supplemented by extracurricular activities such as the ChatterBox Café and PLEARN (Play and Learn) program, which allow students to practice conversations with international students in a relaxed atmosphere.

The program concludes with an "English Showcase Day" event where students demonstrate their progress through presentations and role-plays, confirming their increased confidence and readiness before fully entering university life.

"We want all of you to open your minds—English is only difficult if you think it is," said Associate Professor Dr. Prakasit. "Walailak University is ready to support you and create a learning environment that promotes success. We only ask that you commit and are ready to begin this journey with us for your future careers."

On May 5, 2025, Chayant Muangsong, Secretary-General of the National Water Resources Office (NWRO), along with Deputy Director-General Dech Lekvichay, Deputy Director-General Thananchorn Suthipis, and other relevant officials, conducted a field inspection of water resource development projects in Phetchaburi and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces.

In the morning, the team visited Kaeng Krachan Dam in Kaeng Krachan District, Phetchaburi Province, to monitor improvements to the dam's water storage capacity. The project involves installing 1-meter-high folding spillway gates on the existing overflow structure, which will increase water storage by approximately 53.06 million cubic meters, bringing the total reservoir capacity to 763.06 million cubic meters. This will help address water scarcity during the dry season and improve water management efficiency during the rainy season.

The team also inspected progress on the lower Phetchaburi River Basin flood mitigation project undertaken under royal initiative at the Canal 1 drainage gate in Tha Yang District, Phetchaburi Province. The main component involves constructing a 38.852-kilometer drainage canal with a maximum discharge capacity of 350 cubic meters per second. The project is currently in the preparation phase, including preliminary studies, design work, and community engagement. Land surveys and site preparation are underway, though some areas require additional community consultation before formal project approval. The implementation timeline spans 10 years (2027-2036) and, upon completion, will protect 33,690 rai of Phetchaburi province from flooding while providing water for consumption and agriculture in Tha Yang and Cha-Am districts, with a storage capacity of approximately 5 million cubic meters.

The team also inspected construction progress on the Huai Krathing reservoir improvement project in Cha-Am District, Phetchaburi Province, an important water storage facility for agricultural and regional development support.

In the afternoon, a meeting was held at the Irrigation Agricultural Learning Center in Hua Hin District, Prachuap Khiri Khan Province, with relevant agencies to review project implementation, identify obstacles, and discuss strategies to keep the water resource development projects on schedule.

Chayant stated: "This field inspection aims to accelerate these critical projects to achieve tangible results and enhance overall water resource management efficiency, particularly the lower Phetchaburi River Basin flood mitigation project, which will increase drainage capacity, reduce flood risk, and ensure water security for the local population sustainably. This supports agriculture, consumption, and long-term economic development of the country."

On May 5, 2569, officers from the Tourism Police Division 2, Region 3 headquarters, led by Pol. Col. Naraphon Wattanakrothavee, assigned Pol. Maj. Sarawut Koh Klang and arrest team members Pol. Sgt. Maj. Chalemsak Noinaem and Pol. Sgt. Maj. Nrongsakdi Pinpetchpong to apprehend Ms. Bunyanucha (alias), age 42, on charges of conducting tour business without authorization under the Tour Business and Tour Guide Act.

Evidence seized included 8 tour program photos, 33 photos of the suspect providing tourist services, 1 list of tourists, 4 payment transfer screenshots, and 4 copies of tour business license documents from the Department of Tourism online system.

The investigation began after police received complaints about illegal tour sales through Facebook. Officers discovered a Facebook account named "Bass Withanthraikul" advertising a two-country Malaysia-Singapore tour (April 30-May 4, 2569) under the company name "Bunyanucha Travel Co., Ltd." Checks revealed the company's tour business license had been revoked, yet the suspect continued operating, offering comprehensive services including air-conditioned transport, 4-night accommodations, 4 meals, Thai-Malaysian-Singaporean guides, travel insurance, and Skyway cable car tickets.

Officers arrested Ms. Bunyanucha as the tour bus dropped off tourists at a bus station in downtown Suratthani. She was handed over to Muang Suratthani Police Station, where she faces charges of operating a tour business without authorization from the Registrar.

Arsenal remains the runaway favorite to win the Premier League this season with an 86.53% championship probability, according to the latest supercomputer forecast from Opta, following Manchester City's shock 3-3 away draw against Everton.

In the 2025-26 Premier League season, as of May 5, most teams have completed 35 matches, while Manchester City and Crystal Palace have played 34 matches.

Opta's renowned supercomputer has calculated the championship probability for all Premier League teams this season based on their current standings.

Arsenal, currently leading the table with 76 points from 35 matches, remains the strong favorite to win the Premier League title this season with an 86.53% probability of winning.

Second favorites are Manchester City, the defending runners-up, who recently stumbled with a 3-3 away draw against Everton on May 4. With 71 points from 35 matches, Manchester City's championship probability has dropped to just 13.47%.

On May 5, 2025, the Ministry of Interior launched a crackdown on human trafficking and cybercrime in accordance with government policy, resulting in the arrest of a 24-year-old dental assistant in Surin province. Authorities discovered he was operating a secret Telegram group selling explicit videos of minors through monthly (299 baht) and lifetime (599 baht) subscriptions.

The investigation began after The Scientia Program and Destiny Rescue foundation reported finding a Telegram group admin offering child sexual abuse material. Investigators traced the admin to the dental assistant, who allegedly used social media and dating apps to befriend victims, gain their trust, then secretly film sexual acts before uploading the content to his paid group.

To increase membership appeal, he fabricated storylines claiming the videos depicted various scenarios including encounters with debt collectors and sexual acts with a junior high school girl. A search of his residence yielded phones and digital evidence documenting sexual exploitation of numerous minors, with over 300 videos recovered. Some videos showed unprotected sexual acts, and authorities identified at least four child victims, with the youngest being only 13 years old.

The suspect faces charges including human trafficking, computer crimes, and child sexual abuse material offenses. One 16-year-old victim has been referred to the National Referral Mechanism for psychological rehabilitation and victim support services.

Deputy Director-General Ranrong Tipsiri of the Bureau of Civil Administration stated: "Preventing and combating human trafficking and cybercrime remain urgent government priorities. Criminals are increasingly using technology and deception to exploit children for sexual gain, exploiting their innocence. Such actions destroy children's futures and permanently stigmatize victims online. We will continue to relentlessly dismantle these criminal networks."

The Thailand Sports Authority will need a new director when Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee's term ends in September 2026, prompting multiple candidates to announce their intentions. The TAT Board, led by Deputy PM Songsak Thongsri and with Sports Minister Surasak Khaworngchul as vice chair, will establish a selection committee at an upcoming meeting to begin the recruitment process.

Dr. Meechai Inwud, TAT's administrative deputy director, is among the leading internal candidates being considered. When asked about his intentions, Dr. Meechai stated he has not yet made a final decision, noting that multiple qualified candidates exist both within and outside the organization. He emphasized that any decision must carefully consider various factors and organizational fit. With three years remaining in his civil service career, Dr. Meechai acknowledged the difficulty of continuing work if his candidacy is unsuccessful, but also recognized the opportunity to modernize sports management if he were selected.

Sports Minister Surasak Khaworngchul stressed that the new TAT director must possess genuine sports expertise and knowledge. He firmly rejected the idea of appointing someone without sports credentials, stating that while candidates may excel in other fields, the sports sector requires deep understanding and insider recognition. The minister emphasized he will not consider candidates who lack authentic sports background, regardless of their business acumen, and dismissed speculation about competing candidates, insisting the focus should remain on finding someone with comprehensive, substantive sports knowledge and experience worthy of the position.