Thailand's windsurfing team encountered rainstorms that delayed their initial training, but after weather conditions improved, they successfully conducted sea training in Portugal. Although facing large waves, strong winds, and alternating rain and sunshine, all athletes adapted well and are prepared for the 2026 IQ Foil European Championship in Portimão, Portugal, running from May 16-23, 2026.

The Thai windsurfing team competing in the championship consists of six athletes: Nitiphattana Chaiyavutthivettaya, Siriporn Keadduangngam, Wachirawit Thanuap, Wachirawit Manburung, Ratchanan Khuncheng, and Chanatkaan Chareunsuk, led by coaches Nathphongse Pothinophrat and Sakda Skulfahng. They departed for pre-competition training starting May 4, 2026.

Pattana Bunsawat, secretary-general of the Windsurfing Association, reported that upon arrival, storms disrupted initial training as weather conditions were unfavorable with heavy rain and strong winds and waves. Coaches had athletes train through running, wading, and beach volleyball to maintain fitness. After 2-3 days, conditions cleared and sea training commenced. Despite fairly large waves, strong winds, and intermittent rain and sunshine, all athletes performed well. Night temperatures dropped, causing some cold, prompting coaches to monitor athletes' health closely.

Bunsawat stated: "This team includes both senior and youth athletes. The association intends to use this championship as preparation for Thai national athletes competing in upcoming international competitions, particularly the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, from September 19 to October 4, 2026. We believe the athletes will strengthen their capabilities and develop their potential significantly."

On May 11, 2025, at Government House, Paradorn Parisunantkul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office and overseer of the Budget Bureau, disclosed progress on budget reallocation intended to address urgent national needs. While the Finance Ministry and Budget Bureau initially estimated 50-70 billion baht in budget returns, recent verification revealed the actual amount may not exceed 30 billion baht.

Paradorn explained that the lower-than-expected figure results from the government's policy to continue project implementation to keep the economy moving. Clear criteria have been established: any projects not commenced by the April 30 deadline will have their budgets withdrawn. However, for projects with binding commitments, the government opted to reduce first-year budget allocations rather than cancel them entirely. For example, projects originally approved for 20 percent first-year disbursement may be reduced to 10-15 percent to allow them to proceed and avoid broader economic impact.

Regarding the progress of the 4 trillion baht emergency decree, Paradorn stated that despite the opposition submitting the matter to court, since the law has already been published in the Government Gazette, parliamentary proceedings continue normally. The government has already submitted the matter to both the House of Representatives and Senate, with the parliamentary speaker expected to include it on the meeting agenda around May 14, pending the speaker's discretion.

Thailand's Tourism and Sports Minister is moving to eliminate the free visa exemption for foreigners and reduce their allowed stay duration in the country. Minister Surasak Panchjaroen revealed on May 11 that the visa exemption cancellation is being prepared for submission to the Cabinet, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs handling all details. The measure will reduce permitted stay periods to match individual countries' profiles, down from the current 60-day free visa for citizens of 93 countries.

The adjustment aims to better align with actual tourist behavior and help prevent criminals from entering under the guise of tourists. Research shows that foreign visitors' average stay in Thailand is approximately 9 days, with Norway having the longest average at 21 days. Setting a 30-day visa limit is therefore considered sufficient. Those with other purposes, such as internships or medical treatment, can apply for alternative visa categories suited to their needs.

The minister expressed confidence that reducing foreign tourist stay durations will not negatively impact Thailand's overall tourism market. Panchjaroen also announced that the ministry is moving forward with collecting an entry fee from foreign tourists at a preliminary rate of 300 baht per person per visit, primarily targeting air arrivals, with proceeds going to Thailand's tourism promotion fund. He confirmed this measure will be implemented.

A German man has won a lawsuit against his tour company and received approximately $1,200 USD (around 39,000 baht) in compensation after experiencing problems at a resort in Greece that made his family's vacation fall far short of expectations.

The unidentified tourist paid over 7,186 euros (approximately 275,000 baht) for an 11-day vacation package on the island of Kos in August 2024, traveling with his wife and two children aged 9 and 12. However, from the first day of their stay, the vacation atmosphere turned chaotic. The swimming pool area was crowded with guests, but there were no available lounge chairs, despite temperatures reaching around 35 degrees Celsius.

Every morning, the father had to wake up at 6 a.m. to "hunt for a seat," only to find that all chairs were already claimed with towels in advance, even though no one was actually using them. During the entire 11-day stay, the family managed to find available lounge chairs only once, and even then, they got only 2 chairs for 4 people, forcing the children to sit on towels on the ground instead.

The man reported that it took approximately 20 minutes each day to find an empty spot. He confirmed that the resort had a rule against reserving chairs with towels in advance, but the rule was not strictly enforced. When he complained to the tour guide, he was told it was the hotel's responsibility to manage. When he approached hotel staff directly, nothing was resolved.

The case was brought before the Hannover Regional Court in Germany. Video evidence showed numerous poolside chairs with towels reserved from early morning with no actual users, which the court considered a significant problem affecting service quality.

The court ruled that the vacation constituted a "defective travel package" because the family could not access basic facilities as advertised, even though the tour company did not directly operate the hotel. The judge emphasized that tour operators have a responsibility to ensure that facilities like poolside chairs are proportionate to the number of guests.

The man had previously received a partial refund of 350 euros (approximately 14,000 baht), but the court deemed this insufficient and ordered an additional 986.70 euros (approximately 37,662.83 baht) in compensation, representing a roughly 15% reduction in the trip's value for each day services could not be used. The ruling specifically stated that children aged 9 and 12 are entitled to lounge chairs just like adults, highlighting resort guest rights standards and a classic problem occurring frequently in tourist destinations across many countries.

In a tragic incident on May 10 at approximately 12:30 PM, Muak Lek police received reports of severe summer storm conditions at a restaurant in Muak Lek district, Saraburi province. Heavy rainfall and powerful wind gusts caused a large tree branch to collapse onto a 40-year-old tourist from Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakan, who was eating with her family and 13 coworkers near a waterfall platform. The massive tree struck her violently in the head and torso. Emergency responders immediately transported her to Muak Lek Hospital, but she died from her injuries. Authorities emphasize this tragic event as an important reminder for the public to avoid sitting or parking beneath large trees during thunderstorms and strong winds to prevent unexpected hazards.

Kasikornbank has launched the KBank Scholarship 2026 program, offering full master's degree scholarships at world-class universities with comprehensive financial support for recent graduates and promising professionals. According to Deputy Managing Director Hathaiporn Chaiampraserit, the initiative is part of the bank's long-term human resource development strategy to cultivate new talent with international competencies and perspectives aligned with the bank's direction and strategy. Scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to contribute to financial innovation and work across various customer segments and new business units.

For 2026, the program will accept applications for eight master's scholarships at leading universities in eight countries: the United States, United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, Japan, China, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Applicants must be no older than 30 years old as of December 31, 2025, and hold a bachelor's degree in any field. The bank seeks candidates who demonstrate initiative, collaborative skills, analytical thinking, and commitment to continuous learning.

Scholarship recipients will play a key role in driving the bank's "3+1 and Productivity" strategy with a customer-centric approach. Interested candidates can apply from now until June 30, 2026, through www.kasikornbank.com/kbankscholarship or contact the Scholarship Office at 02-470-3144 extension 38509-38511 or KBankScholarship@kasikornbank.com for more information.