The Department of Energy Business has partnered with oil traders and the automotive industry to guarantee B20 fuel standards as a joint strategy to advance Thailand's energy security amid the global energy crisis. Department Director Sarawut Kaewtatip announced the initiative, launched following the Middle East conflict that erupted on February 28, which directly impacts global fuel supply stability. With global oil consumption reaching 103 million barrels daily and the Middle East producing 10-20 million barrels per day, transportation and production disruptions have prompted many countries to tap strategic reserves.

The department is closely monitoring energy security daily and assures that Thailand has sufficient oil for at least 100 days of full-scale conflict operations: 50-60 days from domestic reserves, 30 days from vessels en route, and approximately 30 days from supply contracts. All six refineries have been instructed to maintain continuous production and maximize output of finished fuels. Oil traders under Section 7 and Section 10 are required to continuously submit stock data to prevent hoarding and ensure adequate public fuel supply.

The department also supports the government's biofuel promotion policy, particularly B20 and E20, as key strategies to reduce imports and assist farmers. B20 standards are strictly monitored according to European Union standards, with Mobile Lab units regularly testing fuel quality nationwide to reduce PM 2.5 particulates and greenhouse gases in line with global clean energy goals.

Director Sarawut emphasized the government's commitment to sustainability through studying strategic oil reserves while building domestic biofuel dependence, enabling Thailand long-term energy independence regardless of fossil fuel price volatility. Deputy Director Atisak Chusuk of the Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency noted that Thailand's palm production is projected at 21.87 million tons annually in 2026, yielding approximately 3.94 million tons of crude palm oil (CPO) per year.

With domestic demand for CPO at approximately 2.25 million tons annually and exports at 1.20 million tons, about 1.49 million tons remains available for energy use. Promoting B20 diesel at 10% of total diesel consumption would utilize approximately 1.23 million tons of CPO annually for biodiesel production, aligning with projected output and confirming Thailand's palm production sufficiently supports B20 biodiesel blending.

Thailand Automotive Industry Association President Yupin Bunsirijan noted that consumers' primary concern is engine impact. The association's 13 major member brands—including Toyota, Isuzu, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, MG, Hino, Hyundai, Scania, Great Wall Motors, UD Trucks, and Volvo Trucks—have addressed these concerns.

Lucky and Unlucky Days Thursday, May 21, 2025 Astrologer Bussapan

Aries Today you may experience distance from business partners or colleagues for reasons you cannot quite identify. Travel, both near and far, will bring gains, or at least good friendships and mutual benefits. Avoid involvement with large machinery or agricultural investments, as they will not benefit you.

Taurus Today, be careful about your behavior and words toward family members and those with whom you share interests. Your partner's family may closely monitor your conduct. Cold or humid weather will negatively affect your health, and any illness now will be harder to recover from than usual.

Gemini Today, be cautious in negotiations on certain matters. Speak diplomatically, keeping some cards close to your chest. Make claims for benefits straightforwardly and avoid gray-area work as a priority. When you act with moral principles, you will shine in your field. Single people should also look for a partner.

Cancer Do not risk family matters, relatives, and ethics with anyone or anything today, especially concerning female relatives. You will gain wealth through real estate or agricultural products that can be developed further. Studying dharma may not yield good results. You will be interested in old or unusual matters during this period.

Leo Today you are energetic and healthy. Your ruling moon is weak and offers little benefit in the short term. Household and office staff may create complications or be lazy. Something surprising or startling may happen with your partner or associate. Avoid work with unclear origins or questionable integrity.

Virgo Your work goes well today, and you are happy with it. You may gain significantly, largely from applying knowledge or expertise, or work involving communication and brokerage. You may lack the energy to work as you should during this period. Be cautious about sharing items with others or unhygienic people.

Libra Today you must travel far to help an elderly person who is ill or to resolve problems constructively. However, do not carry their stress and become anxious yourself. All your problems will resolve if you are patient enough. Agricultural or real estate work may contain errors.

Scorpio Today you may develop allergies to various environmental factors due to poor circulation. You may develop rashes from hot, humid weather and experience itching. Your administrative work progresses smoothly, but you may be transferred to a position you dislike. Avoid those whose views conflict with yours.

Sagittarius Today the opposite sex visits you with pleasant charm. Be cautious of accidents during travel. Your closeness with the opposite sex will deepen. If you are already in a relationship, you may have quarrels during this period. Be wary of conflicts with relatives and superiors at work.

Capricorn Today you will conduct business with merchants or salespeople whose backgrounds are unclear. Listen to what people say, but be careful not to miss important information. Be cautious in your work and every step of your life, as you may inadvertently act unethically.

On May 20, 2025, a speed boat belonging to a well-known tour company caught fire and was completely destroyed while anchored offshore in Bang Saphan Noi district, Prachuap Khiri Khan province. The boat had been moored near the shore due to shallow water conditions that prevented it from docking at the regular pier. The twin-engine vessel, aged 7-8 years, is used to transport tourists from the mainland to Ko Talu and had recently undergone engine repairs. When the boat operator attempted to start the engines to prepare for picking up tourists, a loud explosion-like sound was heard before flames rapidly engulfed the boat. The operator sustained burn injuries to his arms and upper body. Despite his efforts to use the onboard fire extinguisher, he could not control the rapidly spreading fire and was forced to jump overboard to save his life. He was subsequently transported to a hospital. Preliminary damage assessment estimates the loss at 3-4 million baht. All tourists were safely reassigned to another company vessel to continue their tour to Ko Talu with no injuries reported.

The article features detailed information about collectible Buddhist amulets from several renowned monks. Luang Por Saeng Thammaro's first edition coins from 1979 are particularly rare, featuring an oval metal design with glasses and sacred yantra symbols on the back. Luang Por Durian Thitheesaro's 70-year longevity celebration amulets from Wat Laksanarama in Phetchburi are made of darkened copper with half-length figures and merit-making inscriptions. In 2007, Luang Por Phra Attasanto from Wat Khok Dok Mai in Chainat created 1,000 oil-based Buddha amulets following traditional recipes, which were blessed individually over nine years. Luang Pu La Kesaro from Wat Dong Kwang in Uthai Thani commissioned pressed coins in 1963 made of alpaca and brass-silver plated materials to fund temple renovations, featuring a meditation figure and sacred yantra designs that remain valuable collector's items.

As rice prices fluctuate and production costs soar amid persistent uncertainty, Thai farmers' survival today no longer depends solely on physical labor or experience. Instead, they must adapt, understand the market, and keep pace with a rapidly changing world. While some families give up and others persevere, many choose to shift their mindset to move their lives and farms forward.

One example of modern Thai farmers is Ova-Thanawat Jannimm, a farmer's child from Surin Province who once tried to escape rural life for a corporate job in the city, before returning home and using the online world to transform traditional rice-selling methods into a sustainable market.

Ova grew up in a farming family in a rural province. Fields and agricultural life were familiar from childhood, but they also represented hardship and instability, prompting him to leave home. After graduating from Thammasat University's Faculty of Social Administration, he pursued a corporate career in a major city, living the urban dream for over a decade like many young people.

But over time, city life lost its appeal. Then COVID-19 struck, halting many people's lives. For Ova, however, it became a turning point to return home and recognize the potential of what lay before him. "It's something we know best, we can work with it all the time, and we could sustain it long-term," Ova said of farming, emphasizing that coming home wasn't a retreat but a new beginning.

Returning home revealed that skills from his non-agricultural career—market understanding, communication, and personal branding—could be applied to the family's traditional occupation. He started as an online rice seller, then expanded to collecting quality rice from community farmers to sell together, bringing rice that was once sold only locally directly to consumers nationwide.

As he matured, Ova's perspective on farming transformed. He came to understand that farming isn't just a profession but a root and identity. Returning to farming wasn't failure but choosing a sustainable path in an uncertain world.

Change wasn't easy, especially with his parents unfamiliar with the online world. Early online rice sales were filled with misunderstanding and worry. Ova chose to prove it through action—gradually experimenting, reducing risk, and demonstrating that adaptation is survival. If they don't change today, they may survive, but tomorrow offers no guarantee.

During COVID-19 when people stayed home, the online world became the primary space for living. Ova created content showing farming life in approachable, entertaining, and relatable ways through his unique identity as a transgender rice seller, with distinctive clothing, personality, and storytelling.

This content doesn't sell directly but rather sincerity, happiness, and stories behind every grain of rice—about 60 percent entertainment and 40 percent product presentation. When viewers feel connected, transactions happen naturally, Ova said.

Ova emphasizes telling the story of his family's and community's organic rice, from production processes to community cooperation activities, giving rice deeper meaning.

On May 20, 2569, at the Constitutional Court office, Chanchhai Isara Sena Rak, former parliamentary candidate from Bangkok Noi of the Democratic Party, submitted a witness statement on behalf of the Ombudsman in a case challenging whether the Election Commission's printing of ballots with QR codes and barcodes violates the constitution's secrecy of voting requirement.

Chanchhai stated that the court requested clarification on five key points, including what actions he witnessed regarding barcode use on election day and how he could prove that barcodes compromise ballot secrecy. He submitted additional documents with his statement.

In his clarification, Chanchhai noted he observed barcodes on ballots from election day itself, which he found irregular. He emphasized that in his examination of election fraud cases since 2551, he had never seen barcodes on ballots before, making this evidence significant. Notably, he highlighted that the Election Commission admitted to the Ombudsman that ballots can be scanned to trace individual voters, which he argues confirms ballots are not truly secret.

Chanchhai requested the court call former Election Commissioners, including Somchai Srisuthiyakorn, to testify as witnesses and demonstrate whether scanning ballots can identify individual voters. He submitted sample documents previously obtained from the Election Commission and cited court judgments.

He also pointed out that the Election Commission's own procurement Terms of Reference (TOR) prohibited contractors from producing scannable ballots capable of being photocopied. Since ballots were actually scanned to identify voters during the election, this contradicts the TOR specifications, representing a procedural error by the Election Commission.

When asked whether the Election Commission explained to the Ombudsman how ballot scanning could trace voters, Chanchhai noted the Commission acknowledged using scanning to prevent fraud, citing legal authority. However, he argued this reasoning is flawed, comparing it to having laws against vote-buying that cannot actually prevent such violations. He referenced a previous court case where he obtained all ballots—both used and unused—making it immediately clear who voted for whom.