On May 14, 2025, at the Ministry of Education, more than 60 representatives from various youth networks, anti-smoking family networks, social media networks, community risk-reduction networks, and child welfare organizations met with Deputy Education Minister Akkhranon Kankanitinun to address the e-cigarette crisis among students. The groups submitted four proposals to prevent and resolve the issue and launched a symbolic campaign declaring "Educational institutions must be 100% e-cigarette free."

Deputy Minister Akkhranon stated that e-cigarettes are illegal and emphasized that he has been instructed by Education Minister Prasert Chantharawong to prioritize this issue, as e-cigarettes pose a serious threat to children and youth. The Ministry will implement stricter measures, empowering school principals and teachers to work together in safeguarding young people and authorizing all schools to take decisive action. "I will not overlook this issue because it is illegal and damages health," Akkhranon said, adding that the ministry will coordinate with multiple sectors to address the problem.

Akkhranon stressed that educational institutions should be safe spaces for both mental health and physical wellbeing, free from e-cigarette involvement, and that the Public Health Ministry will establish clear guidelines for protecting all children and youth.

Thanicha Limpanich, chair of the Anti-Smoking Family Network, noted that e-cigarette use among Thai youth has surged rapidly. According to the Global Youth Tobacco Survey Thailand (GYTS) 2022, conducted by the Department of Disease Control, e-cigarette use among children aged 13-15 has increased 5.3 times, rising from 3.3% in 2015 to 17.6% in 2022. National Statistics Office data from 2024 shows that Thai e-cigarette users increased 11.44 times, from 78,142 people in 2021 to 900,459 in 2024.

Despite stricter government measures and clear legal penalties for possession and sales, a major weakness remains: online marketing continues to make e-cigarettes easily accessible to youth. Limpanich praised the Education Ministry's control measures, including awareness campaigns about e-cigarette dangers and legal consequences, but expressed concern about unclear authority for teachers when encountering e-cigarettes and the need for better implementation guidelines.

BodinChai Bunyapok, a representative of the Youth Risk-Reduction Network, noted that the network is using the occasion of World No Tobacco Day to push for further action.

Actor Meen Nichakun is another entertainer who excels at basketball. Recently on May 14th, he participated in the opening campaign for 'est Cola 3×3 Basketball U-League' at CU Sports Complex, updating fans on his life as he becomes more involved with the basketball community again and considering returning to competitive play.

Meen revealed that he's been devoting more time to basketball lately because it brings him joy. He acknowledged receiving multiple offers from teams to return to serious competition, but wants to take time training and preparing his body first, as his physical condition isn't what it used to be. He also shared that basketball has boosted his entertainment career, continuously bringing in sports-related event opportunities, though acting remains his main work. He's currently filming the series 'Hidden Bodies.'

When asked if he's focusing only on basketball now, Meen responded: "I'd say I have free time for basketball right now, and I like having free time especially during competition season. There are basketball-related activities happening."

Regarding returning to serious play: "If I go back to how I was before, it might take a while. My body isn't the same anymore. I need to train continuously and stay in the game constantly, and I've been away from training for a long time, plus I'm out of the team system."

When asked about the difference between acting income and basketball: "It's the only thing where I play and feel relaxed, can be myself, and see friends, older players, and younger ones who energize me. During basketball competitions we encourage each other. It's like meeting friends again because I grew up with athletes."

On receiving offers to rejoin: "Yes, I have. But if I'm going to switch teams, I want time to train properly and not just take someone's spot. I want to train seriously so I'm ready to go outside, but with my current team, everyone already knows my level, my training style. If I have to go to a new team, I want to be fully prepared."

Meen shared that his daily plan is to do what he loves and what makes him happy: "If I have free time, I'll definitely do it."

On generating income: "Yes, I do get match opportunities. Actually, I get a lot of basketball-related event work. It's become a pathway. I'm grateful that because I play basketball, people remember me for basketball-related jobs and I can develop from there."

When asked if he'd fully commit to basketball if it went really well: "I did take a break from basketball for about a year. That time I couldn't sleep well, I missed my teammates and the court. I'm someone who likes exercising. If I don't exercise for a while or miss a week of exercise, I feel refreshed and lack energy for work."

On balancing basketball and acting: "I'm managing it. If there's a competition, I divide my time for training, but if there's entertainment work, that's the priority. Everyone on the team and the club understands."

Regarding his current acting work: "I'm filming a series called 'Hidden Bodies.' I'm working with Jackie. We play friends in the story—it's about university students' lives. No regrets!"

On the challenge of the role: "It's a character type I haven't received before. I have a scene partner playing my mother—Khun Ann Sirium—who's a very good actress. I work with her often, and she's very kind on set and even teaches me."

According to Reuters reporting on May 14, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. convened an emergency meeting with top government and security officials amid escalating political tensions following multiple gunshots fired in the Senate chamber on the evening of May 13. Senator Ronald Dela Rosa, the former national police chief and key architect of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war, is hiding inside the Senate building after the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for crimes against humanity related to his alleged conspiracy to launch the drug war campaign between 2016-2018.

Gunfire erupted inside the Senate building in the evening, triggering panic as many people fled in chaos. Dela Rosa appealed through social media for supporters to mobilize and claimed that law enforcement would arrest and remove him from the chamber. The incident caused widespread confusion and disorder. Police spokesperson reported one person was taken into custody and under investigation, with spent shell casings, assault rifle magazines, and other items recovered from the scene.

Chinese superstar Zhao Lusi, affectionately known as "Rosy" by her fans and a top-tier Asian actress, has always received warm welcomes during her visits to Thailand. Her latest fashion moment went viral across both Thai and international media when she carried the FUNDAO bag, a Thai luxury brand, in photos with her beloved dachshund toy mascot, showcasing Thai fashion's soft power and elevating Thai designers to the global stage.

In this look, Lusi opted for a sweet girl aesthetic with a lace camisole, carrying the "AVA mini" bag in ivory from Thai brand FUNDAO, designed by Yin Fandao Baeskul. The design is minimalist yet distinctive, elegant yet expensive-looking in the quiet luxury style, featuring butterfly-wing silhouette details achieved through meticulous handcrafted work. Her adorable dachshund toy mascot "ROSYDOEDIAN TOYS" completed the frame, adding to the cuteness that made this look go viral.

Fans immediately focused on finding the bag's location, quickly elevating it to must-have "it bag" status following Lusi's endorsement. FUNDAO had already begun gaining recognition among international fashion circles, with stylish women worldwide adopting the brand. The fact that an international-level actress like Zhao Lusi chose this Thai brand represents a crucial moment for Thai soft power—creating waves not only among fan communities but throughout the fashion industry both domestically and internationally, marking another significant step in gaining global recognition for Thai brands.

In another tragic loss for the Thai comedy world, renowned comedian Sangkh Doksamao has passed away. His son announced the sorrowful news through the comedian's official Facebook page, explaining the difficult decision made regarding his father's care. In his post, the son wrote: "A miracle did not happen for my father. Since surgery carried the risk of death and even if successful would cause him great suffering, I decided to discontinue surgical treatment and heart pump support. This way, my father could spend his remaining time with everyone until his final breath. He will not suffer, he will not struggle—he will simply rest and peacefully drift away. I apologize to everyone for having to share this explanation. This decision breaks my heart as well, but I hope everyone can understand my choice." Sangkh underwent lung tumor surgery on April 30, 2025. Following the procedure, he experienced severe breathing difficulties requiring constant medication before his condition deteriorated rapidly, necessitating emergency hospitalization.

The Po Teck Tung Foundation, under the leadership of Chairman Wichian Techapaibuul and the foundation's board of directors, cordially invites all members of the public to pay respects during the royal visit on Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 5:00 PM for the opening of the White Jade Tai Hong Shrine celebrating the 72nd anniversary on Charoen Rat Road, Sathorn District, Bangkok. This sacred site houses one of Thailand's largest white jade Buddha statues and stands as a symbol of faith and cultural-architectural heritage. Public screening will begin at 2:00 PM at Kosalanpatravitaya School on Charoen Krung Soi 57, where attendees will be directed to waiting areas before entering the commemoration garden. Those unable to attend in person can watch the live broadcast on Facebook at facebook.com/TaiHongGongShrine and facebook.com/atpohtecktung. Attendees must present valid national ID cards or passports, dress respectfully, and strictly follow all safety and public health measures. For more information and updates, visit linktr.ee/pohtecktung or linktr.ee/TaihonggongshrineTH.