An alcohol-free network has issued a warning to bars running a 'run for beer' campaign where participants who complete a set distance can exchange their results for free beer or drinking privileges. Officials say this violates the law and carries penalties of up to six months imprisonment.

On May 17, 2025, Thira Watchraprani, director of the Alcohol-Free Organizations Network office, expressed concern about the campaign, saying it violates the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act (Amendment 2) B.E. 2568, which was amended and came into effect on November 8, 2024. The law aims to reduce the impact of alcohol consumption and specifically prohibits sales promotions under Section 30 that stimulate drinking through commercial mechanisms such as price reductions, contests, event privileges, aggressive sales, and drinking competitions.

Thira stated that the 'run for beer' campaign violates Section 30(5), which prohibits distributing, providing, or exchanging alcoholic beverages with other products or services, or distributing alcohol as promotional samples that incentivize public consumption. It also includes setting conditions that indirectly force the purchase of alcoholic beverages.

"Setting a condition where runners who complete a certain distance can exchange results for free beer or drinking privileges constitutes a sales promotion," Thira said. "The law imposes criminal penalties of up to six months imprisonment or fines not exceeding 10,000 baht, or both."

Thira noted that the network has been monitoring advertisements and promotions on Instagram, TikTok, X, and Facebook with high share rates. While understanding commercial interests, Thira urged businesses to use alternative marketing methods, as alcoholic beverages are regulated like tobacco and cannot be marketed as freely as other products. He also cited WHO research identifying ethyl alcohol as a Group 1 carcinogen, equivalent to tobacco and processed meat, and criticized using health-related activities to promote beer brands to young runners.

Thira called on business operators to be cautious and urged the public not to share such posts, as they may inadvertently promote illegal activities.

Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungruangkit revealed the directives after visiting the Phakdee Rampai Royal Irrigation Canal Project in Chanthaburi's Muang District and reviewing water management reports for Thailand's Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC). Accompanied by Deputy Agriculture Minister Wachraphon Khaokham and Permanent Secretary Winnarojon Suatsongsouk, Suriya emphasized that Thailand faces below-normal rainfall from mid-2025 continuing into 2026 due to climate fluctuations and El Niño effects.

In response, Suriya has ordered the Royal Irrigation Department and all relevant agencies to immediately implement "proactive water management" covering water collection, allocation, and efficient usage to support farmers, residents, and industries. For the EEC region, authorities must ensure adequate water pumping and transfer between canals and reservoirs. All agencies have been instructed to closely monitor rainfall and water conditions while preparing machinery and equipment to assist affected farmers and communities promptly.

Should flooding occur, Suriya directed all agencies to protect critical infrastructure including hospitals, temples, historical sites, and provincial and community facilities with "minimal" damage. In cases of dry spells, the irrigation department will deploy water trucks and pumping equipment to assist affected populations immediately.

"Water is not merely a production cost but the foundation of Thailand's economic infrastructure," Suriya stated. "The EEC must have water security alongside energy and logistics to attract investment."

The government frames this not as a crisis but as "advance preparation" to manage all risks through five measures:

1) Accelerate water storage in reservoirs, community water sources, and medium and small-scale distribution systems for dry spells and droughts 2) Manage water based on priority and location data, integrating with electricity, industrial, and local government agencies 3) Promote efficient water use, especially in agriculture, through precision irrigation systems, soil analysis, crop planning, and climate-smart agriculture technology 4) Monitor and forecast water conditions and crop yields closely to alert farmers and businesses in advance, reducing losses and market volatility 5) Increase "water productivity" so each unit of water generates greater output, income, and added value

Suriya stressed that Thailand must shift from "emergency drought response" to "strategic water management" for long-term food security, economic stability, and investment. "If all sectors collaborate using scientific data and efficient management, Thailand can navigate this climate volatility and turn challenges into opportunities to strengthen agriculture and the economy," he concluded.

A young watermelon juice vendor has revealed he has dyslexia, making it difficult to read and calculate numbers, so he doesn't display prices and instead lets customers pay what they choose.

This heartwarming story from Malaysia features a teenager with dyslexia who sells freshly blended watermelon juice despite struggling with reading and arithmetic like most people, yet perseveres through life with determination and a smile.

The young man is Muhammad Zufar bin Azman, 17, from Johor state in Malaysia. His story went viral on TikTok and garnered widespread attention. What caught many people's eyes was that his shop displays no price tags. Zufar explained: "Many people ask why I don't post prices. It's because I'm not good at math and can't read numbers well. My doctor told me I have dyslexia."

Despite life's limitations, Zufar maintains a positive perspective and views this as a life lesson. He shares that because he can't read well, he's been confined to his home, sometimes feeling useless. However, his family has continuously encouraged and supported him, never abandoning him or losing faith in his potential.

"Even though I'm not good at reading, I know one thing: I understand what effort means. Every glass of watermelon juice, I make with all my heart and sincerity."

At the end of his video, Zufar thanks everyone who supports him—whether customers who stop by, well-wishers, or those who specifically traveled to encourage him.

After the story spread, many netizens praised his diligence, perseverance, and resilient attitude. However, some criticized certain customers for exploiting the situation by paying far too little, with reports of some paying only a few baht per glass. Many hope Zufar will continue pursuing what he loves and has a bright future ahead.

At 12:30 a.m. on May 17, 2025, officers from Bang Kaew Police Station responded to a report of a motorcycle striking a parked pickup truck, resulting in fatalities and injuries near Ging Kaew Soi 50/2 on Ging Kaew Road in Samut Prakan province. Medical staff from Ramathibodi Chakri Naruebodindra Hospital and the Poh Teck Tung Foundation arrived at the scene.

At the incident location, officers found a Toyota pickup truck parked on the roadside that had been struck on the right rear by a blue Honda Wave motorcycle without license plates. The motorcycle's front was severely damaged and lay overturned on the road. A 16-year-old rider identified as Mr. A (pseudonym) was found with a broken neck and was pronounced dead at the scene. A 15-year-old passenger, Mr. B (name withheld), sustained minor injuries.

According to Mr. B's account, he and the deceased had gone out on several motorcycles to get food with friends and stopped at a convenience store near Romklao Road. Upon leaving the store, they encountered older teenagers on a blue Wave motorcycle. The passenger was wielding machetes in both hands and chased after them despite the group not knowing them. They scattered and fled via Lad Krabang and onto Ging Kaew Road, with only four motorcycles remaining. The attackers continued pursuing them with the machetes. The motorcycle that Mr. B was riding lost control and struck a parked pickup truck, resulting in the death of his friend who was driving. The perpetrators then fled the scene.

Officers have sent the body for autopsy at Ramathibodi Chakri Naruebodindra Hospital and plan to review CCTV footage along the route to identify and prosecute the perpetrators.

Chelsea Football Club has officially announced the appointment of Xavi Alonso as the club's new manager, effective July 1st. The Spanish head coach has signed a four-year contract to lead the team at Stamford Bridge. Speaking about his new position, Alonso stated: "Chelsea is one of the greatest clubs in world football, and I feel immensely proud to be the manager of this great club." He continued: "From my conversations with the ownership group and sporting leadership, it's clear we share the same ambitions. We want to build a team that can consistently compete at the highest level and fight to be champions." Alonso added: "The team has excellent players with tremendous potential, and it's a great honor for me to lead them. Now the goal is to work hard, build the right culture, and bring trophies to the club."