On May 6, 2026, Theerarutt Nawamawatthana, Chairman of the Pure Heart Foundation, received a Benefactor Award from Nuarak Mapranet, a senior official of the Thai National Social Welfare Council, during the commemorative event honoring Princess Kalyaniwattana at the council headquarters. The award recognizes supporters of social work and public benefit activities. Theerarutt is recognized as a key figure in advancing social missions through the Pure Heart Foundation's efforts to create opportunities and enhance the quality of life for vulnerable populations.

The foundation chairman expressed her deep honor at receiving the award, which she views as important encouragement to continue her social mission. The Pure Heart Foundation has worked with the intention of creating opportunities and improving people's lives in society. She reaffirmed the foundation's commitment to its volunteer role in driving beneficial social activities while promoting collaboration among all sectors to advance sustainable development in the long term.

The event was held to honor the Royal graciousness and underscore the collaborative efforts of organizations across all sectors in advancing social missions. The atmosphere reflected the spirit of Royal appreciation and demonstrated the collective strength in continuing social activities.

Udon Thani International Horticultural Expo 2026Dates: November 1, 2026 – March 14, 2027Location: Nong Daet Wetland, Udon Thani, Thailand  Spanning over 1,030 rai, this mega-event operates und...

A cancer patient hospitalized alone attempts to order a special menu item called 'friendship' through a food delivery app, requesting someone to sit by her bedside and keep her company to ease her loneliness.

The heartwarming story from Guangdong Province, China went viral when 24-year-old Xiao Li, undergoing treatment for a rare blood cancer, placed the special order. Her family had to work full-time to afford her medical expenses, leaving her to spend most of her time alone in the hospital.

On April 15th, while browsing a food delivery app, she decided to place a special order with a note: 'Come sit by my bed and be my friend for 2 hours.'

One delivery rider accepted the order and not only visited her but also brought fruit and flowers. He then shared her story with other riders in their group, inspiring them to visit Xiao Li. Some brought fruit and milk, while others even rearranged their work schedules to come chat with her.

'She had no family by her side, so I felt sympathetic and wanted to visit,' said Chen, one of the visitors.

After the story spread online, Xiao Li received encouragement from many people, including police officers and cancer survivors who had recovered. This outpouring of kindness deeply moved her, and she said: 'I received encouragement from many people, and I'm very grateful for their friendship.'

Source: AsiaOne Edited by Fresh News Online Team

Isan Creative Festival 2026Dates: July 11 - 19, 2026 Location: Khon Kaen (TCDC Khon Kaen, Central Khon Kaen Campus, Srichan Creative District, KICE, and various Isan locations)  Now in its 6th ...

APE X CRYPTO founder and CEO Kanth Khloawutnunt organized the Thailand Digital Asset Leadership Forum: Road to SEABW 2026 to demonstrate public-private sector cooperation and confirm Thailand's readiness across all dimensions—technology, regulations, and human capital—with the goal of building Asia's strongest digital asset ecosystem and advancing the country's economy. The event serves as international communication showing Thailand's progress and successful real-world projects, highlighting Thai professionals' skills in globally demanded fields that will drive sustainable digital economic growth and potentially attract foreign investment and employment opportunities in Thailand.

Thailand's digital asset regulatory framework, overseen by the Securities and Exchange Commission, is recognized as one of the most comprehensive digital asset ecosystems globally, with clear legal standards comparable to international norms. The SEC's recent initiatives include opening mechanisms like Crypto Futures and providing five-year regulatory exemptions for cryptocurrency innovation to support Thai entrepreneurs' adaptation and growth amid global market changes.

Hojin Kim, CEO of ShardLab (a joint venture between Hashed and SCBX), noted that while South Korea leads in Web3 project development, Southeast Asia and Thailand specifically show significant potential. Developer numbers in Southeast Asia grew 30% last year, exceeding global averages, and Bangkok ranks among the best cities for technology and investment, with readiness in both talent and innovation-friendly environment benefiting not only Thai citizens but also 1.5 million foreign residents, tourists, and Korean entrepreneurs in Thailand.

ShardLab is organizing Southeast Asia's blockchain festival May 20-21 in Bangkok as part of SEABW 2026, showcasing local projects to global audiences while introducing regional people to emerging Web3 technologies. While South Korea benefits from more practitioners, Bangkok's higher global accessibility, greater tourist numbers, and larger foreign population provide distinct advantages in reaching worldwide target markets.

At 1:30 p.m. on May 6, 2025, at Parliament, Chaiwat Sthavarvijit, a party-list MP and deputy leader of the People's Party, announced his resignation from parliament following his candidacy announcement for Bangkok governor. Though he expressed some regret, he emphasized that this opening represents a new opportunity for Bangkok residents, with the People's Party taking the Bangkok election seriously this time.

He acknowledged that finding a suitable candidate for Bangkok governor required a lengthy and careful selection process, and the party ultimately decided to put him forward. He stressed that the party genuinely prioritizes the Bangkok race, otherwise he wouldn't need to resign from parliament. He feels his new role as Bangkok's representative carries the same weight as his previous parliamentary work.

Krunapon Tiensuwan will replace him as a party-list MP. Chaiwat expressed confidence in the seamless transition, noting they've worked together extensively and will continue as a unified team.

However, Chaiwat admitted that had it not been for the complications arising from the 44-MP legal case, former governor candidate Wirojn Lakchanaadisr might have been the party's nominee instead. Since the case's outcome remains unclear, the party decided against risking Wirojn's candidacy.

Regarding his opponent, current Governor Chatchai Sitthiphan, Chaiwat described the race as highly competitive, acknowledging Chatchai's popularity among Bangkok residents. Nevertheless, he expressed confidence in his bid to win and offer Bangkok residents an alternative vision for their city's future.

He emphasized that elections provide opportunities for citizens to choose change and improvement. He aims to present a new vision for Bangkok and better quality of life for residents.

When asked if the party's 33 constituency MPs would guarantee sweeping all 50 districts, Chaiwat cautioned this might be difficult, as Bangkok voters consider multiple factors in their decisions. The party's 33 MPs represent Bangkok residents' trust, which the party aims to repay by presenting a competitive gubernatorial candidate.

Krunapon noted that the party's candidate selection process included external candidates and considered policy alignment, collaborative capabilities with both current and future councilors, as well as parliamentary representatives. Given Bangkok's role as a transitional area requiring coordination with surrounding provinces, these factors were crucial.

He argued that given Wirojn's 44-MP case—which could pose future problems if a verdict is handed down—the party opted for someone with better communication skills, proven competence, and suitability to represent Bangkok moving forward.

Krunapon added that while Chatchai has performed well previously, he alone cannot drive Bangkok's agenda forward. The issues extend beyond minor infrastructure improvements to include major infrastructure problems and questionable budget allocations on multiple occasions. Additionally, Chatchai is not affiliated with any political party.