Ubon Ratchathani, a key province in Northeast Thailand with significant economic, agricultural, tourism, and border trade potential, faces ongoing water resource management challenges due to its location at the confluence of the Chi and Mun rivers before flowing into the Mekong. The convergence of these waterways combined with community expansion and land use changes incompatible with seasonal water flow patterns has resulted in recurring floods in low-lying areas of the Mun River basin.

Following the catastrophic 2011 floods that severely impacted Ubon Ratchathani's economy, utilities, transportation infrastructure, and agricultural areas, the Royal Irrigation Department has studied and designed a comprehensive water management approach through the "Ubon Ratchathani Flood Mitigation Project" to resolve recurring flooding and prepare for future climate variations.

Pichert Ratanaprasetkul, director of the Royal Irrigation Department's Engineering Design and Architecture Office, revealed on June 26, 2025 that the project is currently in the survey and detailed design phase, emphasizing the importance of academic data, public participation, and input from all sectors to ensure the development approach aligns with local conditions and genuine community needs.

"Modern water management is not merely about flood control," Ratanaprasetkul stated, "but must address long-term water security, ecosystem balance, agricultural support, community welfare, and adaptation to ongoing climate change."

The project encompasses areas in Khon Kaen (Kantharalak District, Sisaket Province) and six districts in Ubon Ratchathani (Warin Chamrap, Sawang Virawong, Na Yiao, Pibulmangsahan, and Sirindhon), all interconnected within the Mun River basin.

The project components include:

1. Main water diversion canal spanning 86.84 km, receiving water from Huai Khayung and discharging into the Mun River below Saphue Rapid. This is divided into two segments: Segment 1 (9.68 km) from Huai Khayung to Huai Phap with capacity of at least 400 cubic meters per second, and Segment 2 (77.16 km) from Huai Phap to the Mun River with capacity of at least 1,200 cubic meters per second.

2. Secondary water diversion canal spanning 5.20 km, drawing water from the Mun River below Huai Na Dam and discharging at least 800 cubic meters per second.

3. Five water gates and regulation structures along the diversion canals.

4. Ninety-two structures including 42 intake works, 22 discharge structures, 20 vehicle bridges, 5 water bridges, 2 culverts, and 1 railroad bridge.

The Royal Irrigation Department has contracted PSTG JV to conduct the survey and design phases of the project.

Argentina national team coach Lionel Scaloni has acknowledged that captain Lionel Messi may not be at full fitness when joining the squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Argentina, the defending champions from the 2022 World Cup, will compete in the 2026 tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico in Group F alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan. While Argentina has not yet announced their 26-man squad for the World Cup defense, the main concern centers on Messi, the team's star striker, who recently suffered an injury while playing for Inter Miami, prompting questions about his readiness for the tournament. Scaloni has now provided an update on Messi's condition, acknowledging the star player may not be at 100 percent for defending the world championship. "The initial reports aren't entirely bad. Right now, we need to wait and see how his condition improves, pending further medical tests to confirm the medical findings," Scaloni said. "We all hope Messi will join the team at full fitness, but that's not reality. It's not just him either. Many players are still not fully recovered from injuries. Our main goal right now is to rehabilitate their bodies to ensure they go to the World Cup in the best possible physical condition."

Police spokesman outlines procedures for Thai suspects returned from Laos, including victim trafficking screening, online crime database checks, financial trail investigation, and immediate prosecution of call center gang members. May 27, 2026 – At the Royal Thai Police headquarters, Deputy Police Spokesperson Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairongk Phiwaprn revealed that officials from the Bolikhamxay Peace Command in Laos transferred 106 Thai suspects (55 men, 51 women) to Thai police at the Laos-Thailand Friendship Bridge Border Checkpoint 5 in Bolikhamxai for prosecution. When Thai or foreign nationals are returned from neighboring countries, officers will first initiate the NRM process to screen for human trafficking victims and determine if any individuals qualify for victim protection services. Officers will simultaneously request lists of all returnees for cross-referencing against the Royal Thai Police's online crime database systems, including the TPO system and online fraud investigation database, to check for connections to bank accounts, cryptocurrency accounts, call center gang cases, and online fraud. Pol. Lt. Gen. Trairongk stated that if individuals are found to be involved in financial trails or online crime cases, they will face immediate additional legal prosecution. Information will also be coordinated with relevant agencies to further expand the investigation into transnational criminal networks.

The Royal Thai Police spokesman clarified that police officers appearing on social media as influencers must maintain a professional image while in uniform. Following Police Commissioner General Kittiratchaya Panpetch's urgent directive on appropriate conduct for uniformed officers, particularly police influencers in public and social media, Deputy Police Commissioner Trairangsi Piwparn stated on May 27, 2569 at the Royal Thai Police headquarters that the Commissioner emphasizes proper conduct and adherence to regulations to demonstrate discipline and uphold the honor of the police force. The Commissioner does not ban officers from being influencers; in fact, he encourages all police to act as influencers to promote the force's positive image and showcase police work continuously. However, when officers post content in uniform on social media, they must comply with regulations. Police influencers must be role models, as the most basic police discipline involves proper uniform and grooming standards according to regulations. While there are more complex matters such as personal conduct, maintaining uniform discipline is comparatively straightforward.

Transforming Thai Public Health: NSTDA Partners with Khon Kaen University and Roi Et Hospital to Develop AI-Powered Raman Innovation 'SERS-TB' to Drive 'Wellness Economy' and End the Silent Threat of Latent Tuberculosis, Targeting END TB Northeast by 2035

In the context of public health and the health economy or "Wellness Economy," one of Thailand's longstanding national challenges has been managing the persistent infectious disease of tuberculosis. However, what makes this challenge even more complex is not symptomatic TB itself, but rather the silent threat lurking in society: latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Statistics show that one in four people globally carry hidden TB bacteria without knowing it, as they show no symptoms. Yet this dormant infection can suddenly activate and spread when immune systems weaken, making early intervention critical to ending the disease.

Recently, the National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), through its National Electronics and Computer Technology Center (NECTEC), collaborated with the Faculty of Medicine at Khon Kaen University, Roi Et Hospital, and health networks in Health Region 7 to organize a traveling media event showcasing the "SERS-TB portable blood screening innovation to help end tuberculosis." The event took place May 24-26, 2025, in Roi Et and Khon Kaen provinces to demonstrate the prototype screening innovation that seamlessly integrates AI technology with grassroots public health services, aiming to establish a comprehensive anti-TB technology platform and achieve the END TB Northeast target by 2035.

• 'The Nation's Research Engine' Drives Wellness Economy to Improve Thais' Quality of Life

Dr. Worawong Rak Rueangdech, Deputy Director of NSTDA, revealed the vision behind this research initiative, explaining that the SERS-TB innovation clearly reflects NSTDA's role as a "research powerhouse" and "the nation's research engine" to support the Health Economy (Wellness Economy) policy of the Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation. The initiative focuses on applying advanced science and technology to solve critical health challenges and improve quality of life for all Thais equally.

"For medical device research to move from the laboratory to real-world application in the public health system sustainably, research must be tested comprehensively in terms of performance, compatibility with actual service systems, safety, and medical standards to prepare for regulatory registration. This project's greatest strength is that Thai innovation came down to learn from and address challenges from real work settings during the research phase itself. This allows researchers to understand limitations and gives doctors and frontline workers the opportunity to collaborate in designing development direction together. NSTDA aims to ensure this innovation creates positive impact on Thailand's broader public health system, not just as a prototype model in a laboratory," Dr. Worawong stated.

• 'OnSpec Technology and AI' Cut Latent TB Screening Time from 2 Days to 10 Minutes

Dr. Nopphadon Nantavong, a researcher in the Spectroscopy Devices and Sensors research group at NECTEC NSTDA, explained that the SERS-TB innovation applies Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) technology combined with a portable Raman signal measurement device.

Assoc. Prof. Pimol Srivikrom, chairman of the Thai Olympic Committee Under Royal Patronage, chaired the third 2025 administrative board meeting on May 27 to discuss Thailand's bid for hosting the 2030 Youth Olympic Games. Thailand had advanced to the final round of selection by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) before the government announced plans to withdraw due to budget constraints through an interview with the Minister of Tourism and Sports.

Srivikrom stated that Thailand's status remains in limbo because the original bid proposal was approved by cabinet resolution 7-8 years ago, so any official withdrawal should also require formal cabinet approval. The Olympic Committee has notified the IOC and requested extensions for document submission while the IOC has also postponed its host selection decision. A clear conclusion from the IOC is expected before the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal in October 2025. The committee expressed full understanding of the government's broader economic considerations beyond just sports.

The meeting also addressed issues with the Thai Sepak Takraw Association following the World Championships, where Thailand's team protested against perceived biased referee decisions by walking out before the match ended. This violation of international federation rules could result in sanctions ahead of the Asian Games in Japan in late September. The Olympic Committee pledged to support the sepak takraw association and explore all legal remedies if penalties are imposed.

Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Ekarachai Sirivatana, vice chairman and CEO of the Southeast Asian Games Federation, reported on Malaysia's preparations for the 34th SEA Games. Malaysia has confirmed 38 sports with Thailand requesting 8 additional sports including rowing, canoeing, wrestling, ice hockey, judo, modern pentathlon, kickboxing, and netball. The host can accommodate up to 4 additional sports before the final sports list is announced in June.