On May 18, 2569, at Royal Thai Air Force headquarters, Pol. Lt. Gen. Withai Laitoummya, spokesperson for the Armed Forces Headquarters, announced that military commanders have proposed guidelines for developing joint autonomous systems capabilities—advanced technology that can analyze and make decisions independently. The operational framework is divided into three levels: (1) human-in-the-loop systems where humans make final decisions, such as attack drones and explosive ordnance disposal robots; (2) semi-autonomous systems that operate under supervision with periodic human intervention, such as unmanned vessels and autonomous vehicle convoys; and (3) fully autonomous systems that operate completely independently and will be deployed in high-risk environments inaccessible to humans, such as drone swarms or autonomous mine-clearing systems.

The benefits of implementing autonomous systems include five key advantages: rapid response, continuous 24-hour operation, reduced battlefield risk, precision target acquisition through sensor networks, and integrated data linkage across land, sea, air, and cyber domains.

The Armed Forces have already implemented autonomous systems including AI-powered cyber threat detection, drones for evacuation and transport operations, and mine-clearing vehicles. For future planning, the Armed Forces aim to establish a new unit, with expectations that fiscal year 2570 will see the creation of the "Thai Armed Forces Joint Capabilities Command" (JCC). Currently operating under internal orders as a pilot program, the proposal awaits Cabinet approval and will coordinate with multiple sectors including the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Industry Department, and leading educational institutions such as Chulalongkorn University, Mahidol University, and Chiang Mai University to develop domestically-produced unmanned aerial systems and counter-drone capabilities, while also revising laws that hinder research and development.

"Joint planning and procurement of mutually compatible systems across all dimensions—land, sea, air, and cyber—represents an effort to ensure all systems can interconnect and operate together at full efficiency and deliver practical operational results," the statement concluded.

Action Air IPSC Handgun tactical airsoft shooting made its official debut as a medal sport at the 41st National Youth Games "Surat Thani Games" held in Surat Thani Province. The competition transitioned from exhibition status and features 15 gold medals across individual male and female categories—Super Junior (age 14 and under) and Junior (age 18 and under)—plus team events in three divisions: Open, Standard, and Production. A total of 196 athletes from 30 provinces participated in the finals on May 17, 2026, with General Perm Puangsarojn, chairman of the Tactical Airsoft Association, and Kansini Opassarangsarn, a Member of Parliament representing Surat Thani's District 1, presiding over the medal ceremonies.

General Perm highlighted that this marks the first time tactical airsoft shooting has been included as a medal sport at the National Youth Games. The association selected Action Air—a lightweight air-powered pistol competition—for its suitability in developing youth skills, high safety standards, and feasibility for indoor venues. He noted that the competition attracted record-young participants, including 6-year-old competitors Teerachat Majchakham from Chiang Mai and Krittpas Thanaseresttawi from Phuket, as well as 7-year-old Sutheema Phusuwan from Bangkok. Eight-year-old Pongpon Khuethanapon earned the youngest medal, claiming a silver in the Standard team division representing Nakhon Pathom Province.

Given the overwhelming interest and participation, the association plans to introduce live firearm competitions in future events. Gold medal winners in the Open division included Kannawech Puekphum (Surat Thani, Junior Men) and Anda Jonmee (Saraburi, Junior Women), while Standard division champions were Nopsuwan Kanjanthrankur (Bangkok, Junior Men) and Phattarathida Makkaew (Bangkok, Junior Women). In the Production division, Pornkiat Suthapradeach (Phetchaburi, Junior Men) and Kanyarat Prasertcharoen (Bangkok, Junior Women) took gold. Team gold medals went to Saraburi (Open), Bangkok (Production), and Bangkok (Standard).

Fortune seems to finally favor Loy and Kamrai, offering them a taste of true happiness after enduring life's hardships. The drama Oklamnee airs at 7:00 PM on Channel One31.

Episode 25 airs Monday, May 18, 2025 at 7:00 PM on Channel One31 "Meyli" declares herself as Loy's wife Just as it seems fate is turning in Loy's (Nike Nidol) and Kamrai's (Mackie Apa) favor, allowing them to experience genuine happiness after weathering life's storms, their joy vanishes in an instant when Meyli (Ahlee Atchareenya) appears and brazenly announces she is Loy's wife, shocking Kamrai into speechlessness.

Episode 26 airs Tuesday, May 19, 2025 at 7:00 PM on Channel One31 "Sapai" protects "Lomta" After being consumed by nightmares and heartache, Lomta (Ploy Ploy Pailin) faces another crisis when a secret she desperately wanted to forget becomes a weapon for extortion and blackmail. Fearing the situation will spiral beyond control, Sapai (Nat Aniporn) must eliminate the thorn in Lomta's life once and for all.

Final Episode airs Wednesday, May 20, 2025 at 7:00 PM on Channel One31 The conclusion of Sapai and Kamrai's revenge saga

Sapai (Nat Aniporn) blames her sister Kamrai (Mackie Apa) for all the misfortunes in her ruined life. Consumed by vengeance, she plots to kidnap Kamrai to settle a long-standing grudge. Find out how this entire saga concludes in Oklamnee's final episode Wednesday, May 20th at 7:00 PM sharp.

Doctors recommend a 'miracle fruit' that can quickly relieve constipation and help prevent colorectal cancer, along with a list of four healthy foods. Compiled by Sanook Online news team on May 18, 2025, reporting from international media.

While prunes are well-known for stimulating bowel function, there is another lesser-known fruit that may deliver equally good or even better results, according to renowned gastroenterology expert Dr. Karan Rajan, a colorectal surgeon from London and a popular social media personality. He revealed that just one kiwi fruit may help quickly relieve constipation.

Dr. Rajan shared a TikTok video with his 5.3 million followers highlighting four foods backed by scientific evidence that can promote bowel health:

1. Kiwi Dr. Rajan noted that kiwis are rich in soluble fiber, which absorbs water and forms a gel-like substance in the intestines, softening stools and increasing bowel movement frequency. When consumed in large quantities, kiwis can relieve constipation nearly as effectively as laxatives, but without the side effects commonly associated with medications. Other foods high in soluble fiber include figs, avocados, flaxseeds, and apples.

Data shows that about 1 in 7 adults and up to 1 in 3 children in the UK have experienced constipation at least once. While occasional constipation is harmless, chronic constipation is considered a potential risk factor for colorectal cancer. Research has found that a slow, prolonged digestive system may increase the risk of gastrointestinal cancer by up to 1.5 times, as toxins accumulate in the intestines when waste remains for extended periods. Therefore, regular bowel movements are crucial.

2. Coffee Dr. Rajan also identified coffee as another beneficial beverage for gut health. This drink has consistently been linked to reduced risk of fatty liver disease and cirrhosis. He explained that coffee contains both soluble fiber and polyphenols, which act as prebiotics to nourish beneficial bacteria in the intestines and stimulate intestinal movement, potentially reducing constipation. Interestingly, both instant coffee and decaffeinated coffee offer the same benefits.

3. Mixed Nuts The third food recommendation is mixed nuts such as almonds, walnuts, and pistachios, which Dr. Rajan says he tries to eat every day. He noted that different varieties of nuts provide different prebiotic fibers that increase microbial diversity in the gut. He referenced research showing that regular daily consumption of about 20-30 grams of nuts is associated with reduced cancer risk, possibly due to reduced inflammation and increased diversity of beneficial gut bacteria.

4. Yogurt The final food on the list is yogurt, which Dr. Rajan describes as a favorite among doctors and nutritionists. Particularly yogurt containing live microorganisms such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium helps increase the amount of beneficial microbes in the intestines. Research also supports its ability to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, including constipation.

KAMPHAENG PHET — An abbot was seriously injured after unidentified attackers opened fire on him inside his temple residence in Kamphaeng Phet province, leaving him with 16 gunshot wounds, police said.

The attack took place at about 21:00 on 17 May 2026 at Wat Krajom Thong in Ang Thong subdistrict, Muang district, Kamphaeng Phet province.

Phra Athikan Boonlert Akapunyo, abbot of the temple, was inside his quarters performing routine religious duties when an unknown assailant entered through a rear door and opened fire, according to his account from his hospital bed.

The abbot said he did not know the identity of the attacker or the motive behind the shooting. He believed the weapon may have been a homemade firearm.

After being shot, he managed to walk outside his quarters and call for help before fellow monks and villagers rushed him to hospital for emergency treatment.

Doctors found bullet wounds across his body, including near his right ear, shoulder blade, shoulder and right hip, with a total of 16 entry marks. He remains under close medical supervision.

The abbot said he could not think of anyone who might wish to harm him, saying he had no known disputes or serious conflicts. While some people had occasionally borrowed small amounts of money from him, he said the sums involved were minor and unlikely to have led to a violent attack.

The shooting has shocked monks and residents, who described the abbot as a respected community figure who lived simply and had no known quarrels.

Investigators from Muang Kamphaeng Phet Police Station noted that a pit bull kept by the abbot near the entrance to his quarters did not bark during the attack. Police also found that CCTV cameras inside the quarters and around the temple grounds were out of order.

Police have gathered evidence, questioned witnesses and are reviewing nearby surveillance footage as they search for the suspects.

In the latest development, investigators summoned all monks from Wat Krajom Thong for detailed questioning to examine possible leads, including whether the attacker had entered or surveyed the temple beforehand, or whether internal disputes or other grievances may have played a role.

The temple remained quiet on 18 May 2026, with the abbot's quarters sealed off behind police tape as monks and devotees visited the site.

A 60-year-old lay caretaker, identified only as Chalo, or "Odd", said he was shocked to learn of the attack. He described the abbot as kind to both monks and villagers, adding that while people occasionally borrowed money from him, he did not involve himself in others' personal affairs.

The caretaker said the temple's CCTV system had previously functioned but could no longer record because its memory device had expired. He also said the pit bull remained calm when close to the abbot but would bark and behave aggressively when separated from him.

BANGKOK — Thailand's Foreign Ministry announced that the European Union has approved the Visa Cascade scheme for Thai nationals, allowing eligible travellers to obtain longer-term multiple-entry Schengen visas more easily.

The European Commission approved the measure for Thai nationals residing in Thailand who apply for short-stay Schengen visas through embassies or consulates of Schengen member states in Thailand.

Thailand is now one of seven countries granted access to the scheme, following India, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Oman in 2024, and Turkey and Indonesia in 2025. Thailand is also the second ASEAN country to receive the privilege.

Under the Visa Cascade system, Thai passport holders with a good record of properly using previous Schengen visas may qualify for longer-duration multiple-entry visas in stages.

Applicants who have previously received and correctly used one Schengen visa within the past two years may be eligible for a one-year multiple-entry visa. Those who have properly used a one-year visa within the previous three years may qualify for a two-year visa, while travellers who have correctly used a two-year visa within the past four years may be eligible for a five-year visa.

The Foreign Ministry said the scheme would help reduce the need for frequent visa applications, while saving time and costs for Thai travellers.

However, the ministry stressed that the measure is not visa-free access. Thai nationals must still apply for Schengen visas under the normal process, with no relaxation of existing requirements.

Authorities also warned that visa holders must maintain a good travel record and comply with the laws of destination countries. Violations could affect future visa eligibility and undermine Thailand's long-term goal of securing visa-free travel to the Schengen area.