On May 15, 2026, Deputy Education Minister Akkanat Kankittinun, accompanied by Deputy Permanent Secretary Linthiphon Vrinvatchajarojn, staff member Parami Waijongjaroen, and Dr. Keattip Suphavanic, conducted a surprise inspection at Wat Suan Dok School in Chiang Mai to assess the quality of student lunches and drinking water systems. The visit aimed to identify and solve real problems during the new school term.

Deputy Minister Akkanat reported that the school's meal program complied with nutritional guidelines, containing appropriate portions of grains, protein, eggs, oils, fruits, and milk according to Thai school lunch standards. However, he recommended increasing vegetable options to provide more complete nutrition for growing children and to assure parents of quality care. He acknowledged that each school faces different circumstances, but emphasized that quality and adequate quantity are essential priorities.

Beyond meal inspection, Akkanat also reviewed the drinking water system and discovered the school had not yet processed the water purifier equipment procurement, prompting immediate corrective action. He announced plans to conduct similar surprise visits at multiple schools during the semester opening to identify genuine problems and provide support. "This inspection is not about catching mistakes, but about identifying issues and removing obstacles that schools face," Akkanat stated. "Whatever support the ministry can provide, we will do immediately to ensure schools are safe and prepared environments for all students."

CLICX, a branchless commercial bank developed through collaboration between three major Thai organizations—Krung Thai Bank (KTB), Advanced Info Service (AIS), and PTT Oil and Retail (OR)—has become Thailand's first virtual bank after receiving approval from the Bank of Thailand on May 14, 2025. The platform operates under the concept 'Bank in One CLICX,' extending beyond traditional digital banking to offer 'Beyond Banking' services that seamlessly integrate financial services into everyday life.

CLICX distinguishes itself through advanced technology applications including AI-driven customer experience enhancement, real-life behavioral analysis, and alternative data utilization to create comprehensive financial profiles. The platform aims to develop innovative credit assessment models using alternative data sources, expanding access to capital for Thai individuals and businesses while improving debt repayment capacity evaluations.

By combining the strengths of its three partners—KTB's financial expertise, AIS's digital connectivity reaching millions, and OR's consumer-centric ecosystem—CLICX functions as an 'embedded banking platform' that removes traditional barriers of branch locations and documentation requirements. The service covers savings, financial management, and personalized lending options while emphasizing transparency, security, and alignment with customers' actual repayment capabilities, making financial services more accessible, secure, and equitable for all Thais.

Port Authority FC, last season's Thai League runner-up, has successfully secured veteran midfielder Chakraphand Kaewprom, 37, for the upcoming season. The Port Authority club has already signed three players for the 2026-27 campaign at their Pattaya Stadium, including Sirawat Phothisaman, Manuel Tom Biah, and Chayaphol Adton. The latest signing is midfielder "Note" Chakraphand Kaewprom, whose experience proved crucial in helping Ratchaburi FC claim third place in the Thai League and earn an automatic berth in the AFC Champions League Elite 2026-27 league phase.

Navy Commander Assures Thailand-Cambodia Border Under Control, No Provocation, Ready to Support Land Bridge Project

At 12:45 p.m. on May 15, 2025, at Government House, Navy Commander Admiral Thadawuth Thadpitaksakul addressed the situation along the Thailand-Cambodia border on the Trat Province side, confirming that the situation in the area remains normal. The Border Defense Command for Chanthaburi and Trat (BDC CT) continues to maintain control of the situation effectively.

When asked whether there were any provocations in the eastern sea area adjacent to the Cambodian border, Admiral Thadawuth stated there were none, with the situation remaining routine.

Regarding consultations with other agencies responsible for areas bordering Cambodia, Admiral Thadawuth indicated this involves inter-agency coordination that he preferred not to elaborate on, but he reiterated that everything remains under normal control.

Concerning the government's planned land bridge project, Admiral Thadawuth said the Navy follows government policy and is prepared to maintain security according to government directives, pending further policy announcements.

Jibachi Senbei, or 'wasp crackers,' has become one of Japan's most unusual foods, gaining significant attention since the mid-2010s, originating from Omachi in Nagano Prefecture. The snack was born from a local earthen wasp enthusiast club called 'Omachi Jibachi Aikokai,' which partnered with a local bakery to create a treat reflecting the true identity of these insects. The result is a cracker with whole dried wasps (Vespa flaviceps species) visibly embedded in the dough—a safe, high-protein edible insect that doubles as a striking visual oddity. While the protein content is impressive compared to other edible insects, the main draw is the shock factor of seeing whole wasps on the cracker. Taste-wise, the crackers have a distinctive fish-like smell, while the dried wasps themselves provide a texture resembling burnt raisins, making it an unconventional eating experience. The production process involves skilled locals catching and boiling the wasps before sun-drying them, then sending them to local bakeries for mixing into dough and baking into crackers. Today, Jibachi Senbei can be found at local markets and gourmet shops in Omachi, remaining a popular novelty item that many tourists intentionally seek out to try at least once.

Dr. Suphruek Vicharanyan, known as Dr. Oak and creator of the 'Dr. Oak DoctorSixpack' page, has shared educational content about breast cancer, identifying 9 dangerous warning signs. Current statistics reveal that every 30 minutes, one Thai woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, and every 2 hours, one person dies from this disease.

Dr. Oak breaks down the cellular-level understanding of what causes breast cancer, how to self-examine, and what lifestyle adjustments can help prevent it.

**Cellular-Level Insight: Why Are Women Today at Higher Risk?**

Beyond the common knowledge about avoiding obesity and alcohol, lifestyle medicine requires understanding cellular mechanisms.

**Estrogen Dominance:** This is the primary fuel for breast cancer. When people gain weight and accumulate abdominal fat, fat cells produce the enzyme 'Aromatase,' which converts male hormones into female hormones (estrogen), continuously stimulating abnormal cell division in breast tissue. This explains why overweight men with belly fat can also develop breast cancer.

**Liver Dysfunction:** Excessive alcohol or fructose consumption causing fatty liver disease impairs the liver's ability to eliminate excess estrogen, causing hormones to accumulate in the bloodstream and continuously stimulate breast tissue.

**Genetics (BRCA1/BRCA2):** These genes normally repair damaged DNA. If mutated genes are inherited, the body cannot repair itself properly, making breast cells 80% more susceptible to cancerous mutations than in people without these mutations.

**5-Minute Self-Examination Guide (Perform 5-7 Days After Menstruation)**

Breasts are least tender during this period, making lumps easier to detect accurately. Follow these three positions:

**Position 1 - Mirror Check:** Stand with feet shoulder-width apart and observe breast size, shape, and skin color for dimpling, wrinkles, or orange-peel texture. Raise your arms to check for any sagging.

**Position 2 - Shower Check:** Use soap for easier palpation. Raise the arm on the side being examined and use your index, middle, and ring fingertips to feel in circular motions across the entire breast, extending to the armpit area where lymph nodes are located.

**Position 3 - Lying Position:** Place a pillow under the shoulder being examined. In this position, breast tissue spreads flat, allowing you to feel deeper for hidden lumps by pressing in circular motions down to the rib cage.

**9 Dangerous Warning Signs – Seek Medical Help If You Notice Any:**

1. Hard, immobile lumps that don't hurt (cancer is often painless in early stages) 2. Dimpled or tight skin as if being pulled from inside 3. Inverted nipple 4. Clear or bloody discharge from the nipple without squeezing 5. Thickened, rough skin resembling 'orange peel' 6. Red, itchy, or inflamed skin with rash around the nipple that won't go away 7. Noticeably different breast sizes that develop rapidly 8. Lumps in the armpit 9. Unusual persistent breast pain unrelated to menstrual cycle

**Cellular-Level 'Secret Weapon' to Prevent Breast Cancer (Dr. Oak's Recommendation)**

Beyond weight reduction, alcohol cessation, and sugar reduction, Dr. Oak recommends cellular-level interventions with solid research support that modify the body's environment to prevent cancer growth.

**Vitamin D3 + K2 (MK-7):** The first-line anti-cancer hormone. These vitamins are prohormones synthesized from sunlight and work together synergistically.