UBON RATCHATHANI — On May 20, 2026, the family of "Rose," a woman killed in Saturday's catastrophic collision between a train and a public bus, has brought her body back to her hometown in Ubon Ratchathani Province for funeral rites, amid desperate calls from her family for stricter public transport passenger safety.

A funeral service was held at Wat Suan Sawan in Phibun Sub-district, Phibun Mangsahan District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, on Wednesday, for "Rose" Wiparak Phaophuree, a recent graduate of Kasetsart University's Faculty of Humanities, who died in the tragic train-bus crash on Saturday. Condolence wreaths from multiple organizations were sent to pay respects, and neighbors gathered at the temple to assist the grieving family with funeral arrangements amid a deeply somber atmosphere.

The religious rites will span three days. Ubon Ratchathani Governor Narong Thepsena and local authorities are scheduled to host the first night of the three-day Buddhist funeral prayers. The cremation ceremony will take place on May 23.

The victim's mother called for improvements in passenger safety measures on public buses, questioning why the driver would drive onto railway tracks and stop across them with no regard for safety. She emphasized that passengers place their lives entirely in the hands of drivers and called for better safeguards.

Meanwhile, the victim's aunt shared that her niece routinely commuted using a combination of motorbikes, buses, and taxis. The family was able to immediately confirm she was on the ill-fated bus because she had paid her fare via mobile banking and posted a social media story stating she was on the bus.

The victim's aunt expressed that one minute of carelessness destroyed decades of her niece's future, along with seven others. She emphasized that if the driver had sacrificed just one minute to wait, eight lives would not have been lost.

Khao Khiao Open Zoo celebrates a major wildlife conservation breakthrough as white-necked storks, a critically endangered species, have successfully nested, laid eggs, and hatched chicks in the wild once again at Dong Yai Wildlife Sanctuary. Zoo Director Norngwit Chadchoy announced this significant achievement for Thailand's wildlife conservation efforts, noting that the white-necked stork—a rare member of the heron family facing critical extinction risk—has successfully reproduced in its natural habitat, marking another crucial step in restoring endangered wildlife populations to nature sustainably.

This success resulted from collaboration between Khao Khiao Open Zoo staff and conservation agencies who carefully nurtured and prepared the white-necked storks from their enclosures before releasing them into the wild to adapt and live naturally. From their initial incubation and close monitoring to the birds now forming their own families in the forest, this achievement reflects the hope and success of Thai wildlife conservation efforts—not only increasing the population of rare species but also maintaining ecosystem balance and biodiversity.

Director Norngwit stated that this success proves "effort is never wasted" and serves as important motivation for all conservation officers working tirelessly to protect endangered wildlife and ensure they can continue to flourish in nature. Khao Khiao Open Zoo remains committed to conservation and breeding programs for rare wildlife, while simultaneously raising public awareness about the importance of preserving natural resources and passing on forests and biodiversity to future generations.

On May 20, 2025, Chumphon police reported the latest developments in an ongoing investigation into a gang and village officials who allegedly stormed and robbed homes of Myanmar workers in Tha Sae District. The fourth suspect—a village assistant—was arrested on warrant before surrendering at Tha Sae Police Station amid intensive questioning, as his statements contradicted existing evidence. Three other suspects were remanded to Chumphon Provincial Court for trial without bail, after police opposed their release citing the severity of charges and risk of witness interference.

The case stems from allegations that the gang, working with village officials, invaded a rubber plantation in Tambon Rab Ro, Tha Sae District, and robbed Myanmar workers of multiple valuables including a safe. Police, led by deputy investigators Nithikhot Srisang and Wiwat Chimmanee, tracked suspects through CCTV footage and witness accounts.

Police previously arrested Anucha Chachai, alias "Not," 32, a gang associate, seizing rings, necklaces, cash, a black Toyota Vigo Champ truck, and other items. They also arrested Santinaiya Praserit, alias "Gla," 34, from Lamae District, recovering a .45 caliber handgun and an iPhone 11. Both face charges including armed robbery while impersonating police or military, vehicle use in crime, illegal detention, threats, and illegal firearm possession.

On May 18, Chalermpol, alias "May," 35, from Tha Sae District, voluntarily surrendered. On May 20 at 2 p.m., police arrested Ram Muadpakdi, 41, a village assistant from Tambol Sonphee Noi, Tha Sae District, following his brother's facilitation of his surrender.

During interrogation, Ram claimed he visited Gla's house because they trained together in reserve work 10 years prior. He stated Gla invited him to "check news," but he only intended to visit and watch fireworks. Ram alleged he knew nothing of robbery plans, which were the gang's responsibility. He claimed that upon arriving at the Myanmar worker's home, Not immediately turned the truck into the property, and while Not and May spoke with the workers, Ram remained seated in the vehicle. He alleged he only saw Not return, open the truck, and unload a safe alone.

Army Region 2 has officially opened a nature study trail to the 'Underwater Narayana Reclining on the Ocean,' an ancient archaeological site in Ubon Ratchathani province that is recognized as Thailand's only submerged stone carving. Led by Lt. Gen. Wirayut Raksasil, commander of Army Region 2, the expedition surveyed and established a route from the Pha Yai base of the 23rd Ranger Regiment near Phu Wang Nam Jan temple in Nam Yuen District, using traditional paths that local residents once traveled to pay respects to the sacred site.

The initiative aims to develop the area into a conservation-focused tourist destination and educational center for history, archaeology, and nature. The 'Narayana Reclining on the Ocean,' known locally as the underwater Narayana carving, is an ancient low-relief sculpture over 1,000 years old carved mysteriously into natural sandstone rocks along a riverbank. Measuring approximately 120 centimeters long and 50 centimeters high, the carving depicts Vishnu reclining on the serpent Ananta Naga, with clearly visible three-headed nagas and lotus stems emerging from his navel—a symbol of world creation in Hindu cosmology. A female figure believed to represent Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity and fortune, appears at the base.

Experts believe the carving was created during the late Khmer civilization period, dating between the 15th-17th Buddhist century—over 1,000 years ago—serving as significant evidence of Khmer artistic and cultural influence in the northeastern region. What distinguishes this site from typical archaeological monuments is its harmonious blend of art and nature; rather than being housed within a grand stone sanctuary, it lies hidden on rocks in the middle of a river deep within the forest, like a secret treasure of ancient civilization.

Army Region 2 reports that the site is increasingly attracting history enthusiasts, trekkers, and nature lovers. The opening of this nature study trail is expected to establish 'Underwater Narayana Reclining on the Ocean' as an important cultural and natural tourism destination for Thailand.

Shop with Purpose, Support Thai Veterans: 'POPPY memorandum' – A Small Store Filled with the Heart of War Veterans that transforms every purchase into a force of support for those who once protected the Thai nation. The War Veterans Organization (WVO) oversees war veterans, their families, and reserve soldiers by promoting careers for retired or disabled veterans. The organization has arranged handicraft production for war veterans and families to manufacture and sell at their small shop. The shop doesn't merely sell products, but passes on 'encouragement' and 'dignity' to war veterans and families of those who sacrificed for the nation.

That shop is 'POPPY memorandum,' a store selling war veteran handcrafted products that transforms every purchase into a force supporting those who once defended Thailand. Going back to 2004, the War Veterans Organization established the '1 Community 1 Product' shop to open a marketplace for war veterans, their families, reserve soldiers, and agricultural community members to sell their handmade goods and earn dignified income for their families. In 2023, the shop underwent a rebranding under the name 'POPPY memorandum,' a name with deep meaning—serving as a space of memory and tribute to the heroism of war veterans who sacrificed for the nation, while also reflecting the potential and value of products they created together with their hands and hearts.

Upon entering the shop, visitors are greeted by the charm of Thai handicrafts filled with intricate details and character. These include Thai military scarves, Mukdahan clay-infused fabrics, woven bags, hand-knitted items, and contemporary ethnic clothing suitable for everyday wear. The shop also features home décor items and various crafts including patchwork pillows, soldier dolls, Thai elephant-patterned dolls, crocheted curtains, and traditional wisdom crafts from across Thailand.

Health enthusiasts can purchase herbal products and cosmetics including natural lemongrass shampoo, hot-formula green oil, fragrant lemongrass mosquito spray, and herbal toothpaste. Food lovers can choose from jasmine rice, rice berries, sai oua (northern sausage), coffee, and local souvenirs to support.

One popular service is the 'POPPY memorandum Gift Basket,' customizable according to budget, suitable for gifts, hospital visits, or special occasions—each item carries meaning far beyond its monetary value.

Currently, POPPY memorandum operates two branches: the central War Veterans Organization office opposite Pramongkutklao Hospital and the War Veterans Hospital branch. Customers can also browse and order online through Facebook and Line under the name 'POPPY memorandum.'

Because every baht spent is not merely a purchase, but passing on opportunity, encouragement, and the value of sacrifice to Thai war veterans who, though retired, continue to struggle for life and family with the same dignity as when they stood defending their nation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Suphajee Suthammaphand presided over a digital government advancement event at the Santitiprachai Building of the Government House, announcing that starting July 1, 2025, over 320 Thai government agencies will coordinate to link government databases under the concept of "unlocking government data, reducing public burden." The Department of Business Development, under the Commerce Ministry's supervision, along with the Office of the Public Sector Development Commission and the Digital Government Development Agency, will lead this collaborative effort, which has been assigned by the Prime Minister as a crucial step in enhancing national competitiveness in the digital economy.

The government's policy aims to reform economic structure and upgrade public sector efficiency through intelligent digital systems, reducing business costs and eliminating trade obstacles to position Thailand as a regional economic hub. Integrating databases across government agencies will be essential to achieving this goal. The transition to a fully data-driven government with seamless digital systems will ensure transparency, enable citizens and businesses to access information digitally, and provide precise tools for solving national problems while helping SMEs grow equitably and access government data rapidly.

Suphajee emphasized that Thailand faces three major transformations: technological transition, building investment confidence, and elevating the country to international standards. Technology is no longer optional but essential for the government to improve public services. The database integration will enable faster service delivery, reduce paperwork steps, travel requirements, and costs for citizens and businesses.

In 2024, the Department of Business Development issued 2.3 million legal entity certificates and 10 million document copies, consuming approximately 19.2 million sheets of paper annually. Starting July 1, 2025, all 320 government agencies will access corporate data from the Department in real-time through the Business Data Exchange system, transitioning from paper-based to fully electronic services for inter-agency data verification and inspection.