Border Patrol Police Region 2 arrested a man attempting to smuggle crystal methamphetamine weighing over 316 kilograms valued at 40 million baht while preparing to deliver to customers in the Central Region. The suspect confessed to having conducted similar smuggling operations multiple times.

On May 7, 2025, Border Patrol Region 2 officers coordinated with Khon Kaen provincial police and Muang Khon Kaen police station to intercept a silver-bronze Toyota Altis with Bangkok license plate 1 ขฒ 6100 on Mitmtraphap Road in Muang Kao Subdistrict, Muang District, Khon Kaen Province. Officers signaled the vehicle to stop, but the driver attempted to flee into a nearby forest before being apprehended. A search of the vehicle revealed a large quantity of crystal methamphetamine.

Following the arrest, Khachoreekiat Raktpanichmonee, Khon Kaen Governor, and Deputy Border Patrol Region 2 Commander Kunitsit Klinsrisuk inspected the seized items and confirmed crystal methamphetamine drugs totaling over 316 kilograms valued at approximately 40 million baht.

Deputy Commander Klinsrisuk revealed that officers had received intelligence from informants about a large drug shipment transiting through Khon Kaen Province via a gray Toyota Altis with Bangkok license plates traveling on Mitmtraphap Road. After receiving the tip, officers conducted surveillance. Around 9:00 PM, officers spotted the suspicious vehicle passing the Weluwan Police Station area and followed it closely.

Around 10:00 PM, the vehicle turned into a company compound in Muang Kao Subdistrict, Muang District, Khon Kaen Province. Officers revealed their identities and attempted to search the vehicle, but the driver tried to escape by opening the car door. Officers pursued and successfully apprehended him.

Searching the vehicle, officers discovered six black bags containing crystal methamphetamine weighing approximately 316 kilograms total. They took custody of the driver, identified as Samad or "Lek," 40 years old. Under interrogation, he stated he was preparing to deliver all the drugs to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province for onward shipment to a third country.

The suspect confessed that he was contacted by a Thai man residing in Laos to transport drugs from Bueng Kan Province's Muang District to customers in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. Upon successful delivery, he would receive 250,000 baht in compensation. He admitted to having conducted similar operations multiple times previously.

Initially, officers charged him with "trafficking in Category 1 drugs (methamphetamine or crystal methamphetamine) with intent to distribute as a commercial operation, causing widespread distribution among the public and threatening state security or public safety." The drug batch has a value exceeding 40 million baht. Had it reached its destination, it could have caused severe social and public safety consequences. The suspect and seized items were forwarded to investigators for further legal proceedings.

On April 29th, the inaugural VELA Longevity Forum was held at Dusit Central Park Offices, with the theme "Microbiome-related Products for Empowering Healthspan." This event represents a significant milestone in advancing longevity knowledge and preventive healthcare awareness across Thai society.

The key highlight was a presentation by Dr. Tarun Thanitnidhipund, CEO of Inter Pharma Public Company, who cited research from Nature Medicine (2021) demonstrating that individuals with diverse gut microbiomes tend to have longer lifespans. Additionally, dysbiosis—an imbalance of gut microbiota—is linked to multiple chronic diseases through the gut-brain axis. Research shows that over 70% of the immune system resides in the intestines, and approximately 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut.

Inter Pharma Public Company presented its innovative probiotic and synbiotic products under the "Total Synbiotic Formula" concept to address diverse health needs, including gut care, immune support, brain and emotional health, weight management, and skin health. The product line includes: Probac 7, a synbiotic for gut health; Probac Mood, a specialized probiotic for brain and emotional wellness proven to enhance dopamine and serotonin levels while reducing anxiety and depression; Probac BL, which alleviates respiratory and skin allergies, reduces constipation, and strengthens overall health against pollutants; Probac Fit, a clinically-supported weight control formula that reduces visceral fat; and Probac Ultra Collagen, Thailand's exclusive synbiotic innovation combining bioactive collagen.

The forum brought together prominent medical experts including Honorary Clinical Professor Udom Kasinton, Assistant Professor Dr. Amornpun Seerimasakun, and Dr. Thisara Veeromsai, alongside physicians from leading hospitals, with television personality Kalamare Patchaonsri Benchamas as moderator.

The VELA Longevity Forum reflects Thailand's growing commitment to preventive healthcare, emphasizing that true health extends beyond mere longevity to encompass quality of life at every life stage.

The film 'Go Hang...Go Home Heart' has become an unstoppable phenomenon, surpassing 100 million baht in box office revenue amid widespread praise from movie enthusiasts and animal lovers nationwide. Lead actor Chaowalee Jinchonsatit opened up about the film's success at the 'Go Hang...Welcome Home by Pramy' event at Paw and Pal+ Thonglor Animal Hospital on Rama 9 Road, sharing updates on his acting journey and revealing that while several BL series offers have come in, he must first balance his music work and acting commitments.

When asked about the milestone, Chaowalee expressed profound gratitude: "I feel fulfilled. It's a figure that makes anyone who hears it smile. I'm grateful to every ticket holder who came to support us. There were conversations about how strong the support would be, and I'm delighted it exceeded expectations. Thank you is all I can say."

Reflecting on whether the success exceeded initial expectations, he noted: "I think it did surpass our expectations. My mindset was to focus on doing good work rather than expecting specific numbers. The film's message about the dog reached everyone the team aimed for. I continue to see stray dogs everywhere, and I feel the film activated the right message. We've hit 100 million in box office, but the momentum continues."

Regarding BL series offers, Chaowalee was candid: "Yes, I've received several BL offers—about 2-3 rounds of inquiries. However, my primary focus is on my Sony contract and my work as a singer. I need to balance between acting and singing commitments, so timing is crucial before I can commit to a new project."

Lucky and Unlucky Days Friday, May 8, 2569 By Bussaphan Lak Na

Aries Those who exercise early morning or evening tend to suffer minor injuries. It's best to skip or change your daily routine. You may inexplicably dislike items you've used for years. Don't stand out at celebrations or large meetings with many attendees, as you'll attract many enemies.

Taurus Your subordinates will be disobedient and cause considerable trouble. While you can prevent issues, your response will be delayed. Any travel tends to be problematic and may involve unforeseen dangers. Your spouse should avoid risky activities; beware of electrical hazards.

Gemini You'll make new friends for long-term contact, and among them may be someone who increases your fortune. However, you'll tire and bore easily, making travel less enjoyable. News received will be mostly negative, and negotiations won't proceed as intended.

Cancer You'll encounter elderly female relatives who are ill or in distress seeking help, leaving you uncertain whether to assist. Don't criticize elders even if confident you speak truth, as you may displease many people. However, they won't be able to harm you.

Leo Work and business will face various annoying complications from yourself or your environment. Higher-ranking colleagues may try to reassign your duties to others they prefer. Beware of errors or misuse of important documents against you.

Virgo You'll apply professional expertise to new ventures without needing credentials, earning respect. Those unemployed will earn from multiple freelance sources or other fortunate income streams. However, avoid gambling.

Libra Your fortune mixes joy and sorrow—like buying expensive items but getting good quality, or owning a mansion with no electricity bill money, driving a sports car with no fuel money. Expected profits slip away, but siblings provide good support despite disagreements.

Scorpio You'll improve your household's stability. Traveling and camping with many friends won't benefit your wallet, as friends can't commit. Praising anyone makes them think you're insincere. Express opinions minimally during this period.

Sagittarius Don't demand justice from friends; no one will support you, or they'll think you're asking too much. If strange events occur, whether work-related or personal, avoid confrontation. Matters will pass smoothly this way.

Capricorn You may lose money or fortune unknowingly. If you can't control excitement, losses will increase. Untrustworthy colleagues will bring trouble.

Online users are questioning a well-known school in Trang province over its new strict attendance policy that uses a progressive point deduction system for late arrivals, potentially leading to school transfer as punishment. On May 7, 2025, the "Bad Student" Facebook page shared images of the school's tardiness rules, which deduct 5 points for every 10-minute delay beginning at the 7:50 AM flag salute, accumulating up to a maximum of 60 points by 9:50 AM. Arriving after 9:50 AM results in only a 20-point deduction, as it is classified as unexcused absence. The post sparked substantial debate both supporting and opposing the policy.

According to the Facebook post comparing the rules to the 2025 student and parent handbook, tardiness penalties are equivalent to serious misconduct offenses: arriving 8:01-8:10 AM (10 points) equals wearing PE uniforms inappropriately or skipping formation; 8:20-8:30 AM (20 points) equals skipping class, wearing makeup, or forging teacher signatures; 8:41-8:50 AM (30 points) equals hair dyeing, eyebrow trimming, or leaving campus. Point deductions of 30-50 are categorized with actions that damage school reputation, such as posting inappropriate images. Arriving 9:21-9:30 AM (50 points) is equated with threatening or coercing others, while 9:41-9:50 AM (60 points) represents the highest penalty for tardiness.

Students accumulating 51-100 points face potential ethics training, religious counseling, or school transfer based on student discipline committee discretion. However, a teacher at the school countered the "Bad Student" page's claims, arguing the presentation was unfairly damaging to the school. The teacher clarified that arrivals after 9:50 AM require parental escort, reducing the penalty to 20 points. The teacher also noted that teacher tardiness requires biometric scanning like students, with school administration requiring all staff to arrive before 7:30 AM, with frequent latecomers facing salary implications. The teacher emphasized: "Discipline is fundamental to life in any organization or society. Without discipline, society cannot develop and the nation cannot prosper."

On Wednesday, April 15, 2569, the Chao Mae Suchada Foundation (Wang Ya Thao) under the patronage of Luang Pho Khem Khemako held the fourth "Cultural Heritage and Tradition Continuation Day Following Luang Pho Khem Khemako's Teachings." Governor Vivat Inthaiyavongsa of Lamphun Province attended with distinguished Buddhists and disciples at Chao Mae Suchada Shrine in Lamphun's city district.

The ceremony was graced by Somdej Phra Maha Ratchamongkol Muni (Thong Chai Thammathayo), a senior committee member and deputy abbot of Wat Trimit in Bangkok, who presided over the sangha. Phra Chindha Rattanapon (Serm Katakij), provincial sangha leader and abbot of Wat Phrakeo Don Tao Suchada Temple, led the monks in conducting the Buddhist blessing ritual for Chao Mae Suchada medals and a five-inch statue, followed by collective chanting for auspiciousness.

Prior to the main ceremony, Somdej Phra Maha Ratchamongkol Muni visited Central Lamphun shopping center to receive donations for the foundation before leading a procession to the shrine for the ritual bathing of Luang Pho Khem's statue.

Beyond expressing gratitude to Luang Pho Khem Khemako, a revered ascetic venerated by Lamphun residents, the event also promoted cultural tourism and preserved local traditions. The ceremony concluded with the senior monk blessing devotees with auspicious items.

Luang Pho Khem Khemako (1912-), a highly respected Buddhist master from Lamphun, was born into a noble family and ordained at age thirteen. After mastering Buddhist scriptures and Pali language, he dedicated himself to intensive meditation practice under the guidance of Kruba Kaen Sumano, a renowned vipassana master. Following years of ascetic practice in the forest, he eventually became abbot of Bun Yuen Temple and earned widespread respect as a spiritual leader whose teachings and practices exemplified Buddhist ideals.