Deputy Prime Minister Supamas Iamprasirtsuk, overseeing the Public Relations Department, announced on May 20 at Khlong Toei Center mall that the cabinet has tasked the PR Department to negotiate the 2026 World Cup broadcasting rights with FIFA, sponsors, and broadcast regulators. FIFA's initial asking price is unreasonable and cannot be justified to the public, so the government is pushing back on pricing. The public currently wants to see live World Cup broadcasts, but the government is prioritizing fiscal responsibility and economic considerations. If FIFA's price is not fair, the project will be scrapped; only if the price drops and becomes justifiable will negotiations continue.

When asked if the government has shelved the plan, Supamas said negotiations are ongoing but must prioritize public interest and economic concerns. The current 2026 World Cup conditions differ from four years ago, with matches scheduled at 3 a.m., 5 a.m., and 9 a.m., preventing shops and restaurants from generating economic stimulus. Unlike the previous World Cup, sponsors are unwilling to support due to unfavorable broadcast times and market conditions.

Regarding whether the government would purchase rights after the tournament begins when prices drop, Supamas said this seems unlikely then, as people would likely find alternative viewing channels through online platforms. FIFA has not yet provided a timeline for a response but initially indicated prices cannot be reduced significantly. The government will reassess any price reduction to determine if it satisfies public accountability, keeping citizens' interests paramount.

Legendary actor Phinyotpong Thongchua, father of iconic actor Peet Thongchua, experienced a heartwarming moment recently when all his children unexpectedly arrived at home simultaneously without coordinating beforehand. The occasion was his parents' 59th wedding anniversary, which his children celebrated by sharing photos and congratulatory messages on social media, including posts saying "Happy 59th Anniversary to Dad & Mom" and "Dad n Mom 59th anniversary."

His youngest daughter, Nam Taan, posted a family photo featuring both parents and their children—including siblings Peet Thongchua and Nam Phueng—all smiling together. She humorously captioned the photo: "Thought it was Visakha Bucha Day...all the kids came to see Dad and Mom at home at the same time without planning to (laughing emoji)." The warm family gathering showcased the close bonds between the legendary actor and his children.

The Cooperative Promotion Department is preparing to launch an online shopping platform called 'E-Catalog' that emphasizes easy access and partners with Thailand Post to deliver products directly to consumers at fair prices.

Nirand Moolthida, director-general of the Cooperative Promotion Department, revealed that the department is preparing to comprehensively upgrade agricultural product distribution by establishing Cooperative Distribution Centers (CDC PLUS) in every province nationwide. These centers will serve as distribution and exchange points for cooperative products both offline and online, with products circulating throughout the year. Each provincial cooperative has been asked to identify at least one suitable location to serve as a distribution center, consolidating prominent cooperative products from the area for distribution to consumers.

Nirand explained that to make cooperative products easily and quickly accessible to consumers in each province, the department is preparing an online sales platform called 'E-Catalog.' This will showcase featured cooperative products from each province on a real-time website, allowing consumers to search and shop conveniently from their mobile devices. The Cooperative Promotion Department has also signed a memorandum of understanding with Thailand Post Company Limited to deliver cooperative products to consumers quickly and efficiently at fair prices.

'The online trading platform 'E-Catalog' is currently under system development to align with the one distribution center per province model,' Nirand said. 'We intend for this to be a platform that consumers can access easily and conveniently with quick delivery. Users will be able to see immediately what products are available at the source and where they will be distributed, as well as where customers are located, to prevent risks of unsold inventory after receiving products. This serves as another online marketplace channel for cooperatives.'

The 'E-Catalog' online cooperative products platform is expected to be completed and officially launched at the Cooperative Products Fair at Larn Khon Muang in front of Bangkok Metropolitan Administration Hall between July 12-17, 2025. The launch will begin with fruits before expanding to other agricultural products.

Thai entertainment stars Tutor Krabanjorn and Yim Parinya Pon have spoken out about an alarming stalking incident that occurred while they were traveling to Guangzhou, China for the "TutorYim Fan sign" event. The pair was followed intensely by fans from the airport through various locations including restaurants and their hotel, marking what they describe as their most serious encounter with overeager admirers.

On May 19, while attending the screening of their series "Chim Chae" at Lido Connect Hall 2, both actors opened up about the harrowing experience. They explained that fans tracked them from dawn until night, following them so closely that they felt unsafe and were unable to leave their hotel room to eat breakfast or visit the gym—activities they normally do while traveling. Yim described being startled by fans getting uncomfortably close, sometimes walking dangerously near them with phones pointed at their faces. Tutor recounted that fans would follow their car and get so close while walking that their feet would bump into each other, nearly causing them to trip.

Both actors emphasized they understand fans' affection but strongly urged them to meet at official scheduled events instead. They expressed concern not only for their personal safety but also for their public image and the safety of other people in public spaces who could be accidentally hit by overeager fans. While acknowledging that their security team attempted to manage the situation, they stressed that this level of stalking directly impacts their quality of life and ability to conduct normal daily activities. Tutor noted that while most fans understand appropriate behavior, a small minority are motivated by wanting to watch their everyday lives—seeing them eat breakfast or go to the gym—which he finds invasive and unsafe.

Luang Por Rung Tissaro, also known as Phra Phairojn Wuttacharya of Wat Takrabbue in Bang Yang District, Krathumbaen, Samut Sakhon Province, was a highly revered Buddhist abbot born on the eighth day of the ninth lunar month, B.E. 2416 in Nong Nok Khai District, Krathumbaen, Samut Sakhon. As a youth, he studied Thai and Khmer languages along with Pali scriptures and monastic disciplines under Phra Upachaya Thap, abbot of Wat Noi Nop Khun in Bangkok.

He was ordained on May 5, B.E. 2437, receiving the monastic name Tissaro. Just two days after his ordination, he moved to Wat Takrabbue, which at that time was functioning as a monastery. He subsequently studied Buddhist teachings under various masters and traveled to northern Thailand, occasionally venturing into Burma. He devoted himself to studying both conventional discipline and meditation practices under renowned teachers such as Phra Ajarn Kaerd of Wat Kamphaeng in Samut Sakhon and Phra Ajarn Lham of Wat Ang Thong in Samut Sakhon. He is said to have been a dharma companion with Luang Por Chey of Wat Tho Khwai in Singburi, exchanging knowledge with him.

When the previous monastery administrator departed, Luang Por Rung assumed the position of monastery leader. Later, when the monastery was elevated to full temple status as Wat Takrabbue, he devoted himself with unwavering commitment to developing it into a major temple in Samut Sakhon Province. Originally established in B.E. 2430 as a simple monastery adjacent to the Tha Chin River, it was initially called Wat Tho Khwai because it served as a landing place where buffalo came to drink water, before being renamed Wat Takrabbue.

Luang Por Rung was consistently devoted to seeking knowledge and practiced intensive meditation at Wat Suntaraprasit, developing profound understanding of meditation practices that granted him considerable spiritual power. He became renowned for creating sacred amulets and talismans.

In his conduct of precepts, he was a monk of strict moral virtue and compassionate nature, practicing modesty and humility, maintaining a one-meal-a-day practice throughout his life. He established educational institutions including a Buddhist studies hall for monks, novices, and local schoolchildren, as well as a community school.

In propagating the dharma, he regularly gave sermons instructing the Buddhist community and sent monks to teach those observing precepts on dharma days. He promoted meditation practice and mindfulness cultivation.

Administrative positions: B.E. 2442 - appointed abbot of Wat Takrabbue; B.E. 2474 - became an ordaining preceptor; B.E. 2482 - granted the ecclesiastical title Phra Kru Chao Phrathuan; B.E. 2483 - appointed district sangha leader for Krathumbaen District.

Ecclesiastical ranks: B.E. 2489 - elevated to Phra Kru Saññabat Chao II with the title Phra Kru Phairojn Mantakhom; B.E. 2494 - elevated to Phra Kru Saññabat Chao I; B.E. 2499 - elevated to Phra Ratchakhana Chao III with the title Phra Phairojn Wuttacharya.

He passed away on Friday, September 27, B.E. 2500 at the age of 85, after 64 years as a monk. His funeral was held on March 30, B.E. 2501.

He created many auspicious objects and relics for various occasions and participated regularly in important Buddhist ceremonies. His most sought-after creations include sacred cords (takrut), tiger amulets (seua yantra), yantra cloth, yantra flags, tiger forehead leather talismans, protection rings, and sacred beads. His amulets became popular among multiple generations, particularly his medals.

Thai actress Nychaa made waves at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival red carpet with a striking appearance in a custom white haute couture gown by Bent Kahina. The minimalist design featured an elegant high slit and strategic cutout detailing at the waist, emphasizing refined lines and contemporary elegance without relying on ornate embellishments. Known as L'Oréal Paris brand ambassador, Nychaa brought a "Sculpted Silent" aesthetic to the event, showcasing understated luxury and the quiet confidence of modern femininity. Photographers and media outlets captured candid images through Getty Images, with fans and international media praising her flawless complexion and impeccable poise. The look sparked online discussions comparing minimalist sophistication with traditional glamorous styles, with fans celebrating her cultural representation on the international stage.