Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Prof. Dr. Yotchanan Vongswasdi delivered a keynote address on "Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Ministry Policies" at the 2026 Chiang Mai University Executive Seminar held May 23-24 at the university's Academic Services Office. The event was attended by Chiang Mai University Rector Prof. Dr. Pongrak Sribanditmongkol and Council Chair Prof. Dr. Surakiat Satiarthai, along with other ministry officials.

Yotchanan emphasized that advancing the nation requires integrated cross-sector collaboration to create a "new economic engine." He characterized the ministry as a "mini Cabinet for Science" capable of establishing sandbox spaces to pilot solutions to national challenges across economics, security, foreign affairs, disaster management, and public administration. He highlighted the need to accelerate research and innovation commercialization to propel Thailand toward sustainable high-income status.

The deputy PM commended Chiang Mai University's strong capabilities in innovation, startup incubation, and technology development for society through its Science and Technology Park, which plays a crucial role in building the nation's innovation-based economy.

Council Chair Prof. Dr. Surakiat Satiarthai delivered remarks on "Changing Global Geopolitics and Its Impact on Universities," noting that geopolitical crises now directly affect higher education institutions as global conditions shift simultaneously across energy, trade, finance, technology, education, and security.

Universities must evolve from traditional "knowledge producers" to become strategic mechanisms for anticipating the future, driving innovation, supporting societal adaptation, and co-designing policies to address global challenges, he stated.

Chiang Mai University Rector Prof. Dr. Pongrak Sribanditmongkol presented a draft framework for the university's 14th development plan (2028-2032), maintaining the vision of "a leading university socially responsible for sustainable development through innovation." The plan includes stakeholder consultation to align the university's direction with future national and societal needs.

At the 2026 Singapore Open World Tour Super 750 tournament in Singapore on May 27, world No. 7 May Rachanov faced off against Scotland's Christie Gilmour, ranked 32nd in the world, in the women's singles first round. May Rachanov secured a convincing victory in 34 minutes, winning 21-14 and 21-19 to advance to the second round where she will next meet Japan's Natsuki Nidaira, ranked 27th. World No. 8 Miew Pornpavee Chochuwong also progressed by defeating South Korea's Kim Ga Eun, ranked 15th, with scores of 21-9 and 23-21. In mixed doubles, Title Rushthanapon and Jen Chayanichsa advanced past Canada's Kevin Lee and Elina Zhang (ranked 124th) with a 21-16, 21-13 victory. Omo Pornpol Thiraratskulchai and Poppo Truatsiri Taeratchai, seeded 16th in the world, defeated Germany's Marvin Seidel and Duc Phuong Nguyen (ranked 26th) 18-21, 21-18, and 21-14 to also secure their place in the next round.

Companies listed on the mai reported first quarter 2025 results with combined sales of 51.66 billion baht, up 3.3%, and total net profit of 2.526 billion baht, up 25.3%. MAI Market Manager Praphan Charoenprawat disclosed that 216 of 222 listed companies—representing 97%—submitted their Q1 2025 financial results. Sales reached 51.66 billion baht with a 3.3% increase, while cost of sales totaled 38.159 billion baht, up 3.1%. This resulted in a slight improvement in gross profit margin (GPM) from 26.0% to 26.1%. Selling and administrative expenses (SG&A) reached 9.581 billion baht, up 2.5%, leading to operating profit of 3.92 billion baht, growing 7.8%, and net profit of 2.526 billion baht, up 25.3%. This reflects strong adaptability, with operating profit margin (OPM) increasing from 7.3% to 7.6% and net profit margin (NPM) rising from 4.0% to 4.8%. "Q1 2025 performance of mai-listed companies maintained healthy profitability margins amid economic challenges and declining consumer purchasing power," Praphan noted. "While some mai companies demonstrated effective cost management, others restructured their businesses to achieve sales growth." Two business sectors showed growth in both sales and net profit: the financial and services sectors. The agriculture and food industry and industrial goods sectors remained stable, though some sectors faced pressure from weakening consumer demand, particularly consumer goods and real estate. Regarding financial position, mai companies held total assets of 313.795 billion baht, up 3.7% from year-end 2024, with a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.74 times, up from 0.70 times at end-2024. As of May 25, 2025, there are 229 listed companies on mai. The mai index closed at 214.37 points, with market capitalization at 208.27 billion baht and average daily trading value of 374.93 million baht.

The Automotive Institute has announced its readiness to organize the 'Automotive Summit 2026' on June 17-18, preparing Thai entrepreneurs to capitalize on future automotive industry opportunities. Kriengsak Wongpromrut, director of the Automotive Institute, revealed that despite Thailand facing multifaceted challenges, the country continues to maintain its powerful position as the world's 11th largest vehicle manufacturer, Asia's 5th largest, and ASEAN's leading automotive producer. In 2024, total vehicle production reached 1.45 million units, a decline of approximately 1% from the previous year, with alternative energy vehicles (xEV) comprising over 20% of production. Domestic sales reached 620,000 units, up 9% with xEV accounting for 44%, while exports totaled 927,000 units, down 9% compared to the previous year.

In the first quarter of 2025, recovery signals are emerging, with vehicle production reaching 370,000 units, up 5%, domestic sales increasing 19%, while exports stood at 220,000 units, down 2%. The 2025 production target is set at 1.45 million vehicles, with domestic sales of 550,000 units and exports of 950,000 units. The electric vehicle (BEV) market is experiencing explosive growth due to the EV 3.0 and EV 3.5 measures. Last year, domestic BEV production reached 70,914 units, a sixfold increase from the previous year, with sales hitting 121,415 units, up 81%.

Tailand's automotive industry is fully entering the Smart Mobility era, reflected in the adoption of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) in new vehicle models. Major export markets have announced GSR safety measures aligned with the Vision Zero goal of eliminating road fatalities by 2050. A Deloitte survey found that Thai consumers today prioritize quality and smart technology at 62% and 59% respectively. The Automotive Institute is promoting a national roadmap through four key dimensions: 'Safe, Convenient, Economical, and Environmentally Friendly'—concepts gaining global importance. The Automotive Summit 2026, held under the theme 'Smart Mobility – Smarter is Future,' will be conducted in Thai and English, covering these four dimensions across 19 seminars including topics such as 'Driving Safer Roads: Smart Mobility Solutions for Thailand's Traffic Challenges' and 'How Smart Passive Safety Systems Save Lives.'

Graeme Souness, Liverpool's legendary midfielder, has criticized Mohamed Salah, the club's young star, for displaying selfish behavior during his final season with the Reds.

The incident stems from Liverpool's 1-4 away defeat to Aston Villa in the 2025-26 Premier League season's penultimate match. Salah, who will leave the club after this season ends, posted on social media expressing his desire to see Liverpool play aggressive, heavy-metal style attacking football again and maintain that identity.

While Salah didn't explicitly name anyone, many observers believe his post was indirect criticism of manager Arne Slot, whose tactics have produced disappointing results this season.

Additionally, the 32-year-old previously gave an interview stating his relationship with the manager had broken down after he became a backup for three consecutive matches and was subsequently dropped from the squad for one game.

Most recently, Souness criticized Salah's post as a selfish act, saying: "I think Salah is a big problem. I'm quite disappointed with the way he's leaving. It's all about him. He should have left with grace, but he didn't."

"He should accept his own situation and shouldn't make selfish comments the way he did after the Leeds United match. Accept that your best days are behind you. Don't blame others."

"He's tried to drag the manager down with him. I'm very disappointed by that. He's a brilliant player and will be remembered as a great in history, but I think he's let himself down in the way he's treated Liverpool."

Thailand train-bus crash compensation paid, motorists chargedLegacySix of the eight families of those killed in the Thailand train bus collision on May 16 have received compensation, with charges filed against the train driver and motorists found blocking the tracks, Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkaskulkiat announced yesterday, May 26. The Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) have jointly paid out 2.9 million baht to the six approved families. A further 300,000 baht per case is pending approval from the Rights Protection Fund, with the BMTA and SRT to submit those requests. Injured survivors have also received initial payments, with compensation for remaining victims to follow. The Rail Transport Department has filed a negligence complaint against the train driver. Separate charges have been filed against the drivers of all vehicles found parked on or across the railway tracks at the time of the collision for traffic violations. Police investigators are continuing proceedings against those involved. Asked whether the Ministry of Transport would conduct a formal review of the incident, Siripong said the ministry had not used that framing, adding that the underlying problems should have been addressed long ago. Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkaskulkiat | Photo via ThaiPBS He described the collision as an accident waiting to happen, and said unsafe rail crossings used as informal shortcuts between the tracks and nearby communities would be addressed immediately. The ministry has already consulted with the Railway Technology Research and Development Institute on using revenue from the premium licence plate number fund to upgrade rail crossing safety infrastructure. The programme will be piloted in Bangkok and surrounding areas before being rolled out nationally, with warning lights, audible alerts, and potentially automatic barriers and detection systems to be installed at crossings to reduce the risk of human error. On calls from the State Railway of Thailand Labour Union for additional staffing to address management shortfalls, Siripong said he believed technology could substitute for personnel. He noted that staff numbers had previously been reduced without corresponding investment in technology, and said that if additional staff were needed, the employment model may need to change to avoid long-term budget commitments. Photo by Sakchai Lalit via AP The story Thailand train-bus crash compensation paid, motorists charged as seen on Thaiger News.