Khon Kaen Zoo is opening a public naming poll for a female baby pygmy hippo that opened her eyes to the world on April 5th. The calf was born to father Nadetn, a pygmy hippo from Khao Khiao Open Zoo, and mother Nanya, a pygmy hippo from Nakhon Ratchasima Zoo. Since Nadetn is the brother of the famous Moo Deng, this baby girl officially becomes Moo Deng's granddaughter.

On May 6th, Tipavadee Kittikun, director of Khon Kaen Zoo, revealed that the baby pygmy hippo passed her one-month health check with flying colors. She has fully healthy lungs, normal development for her age, and is under close care from a veterinary team and specialized staff. Physical examinations show normal tooth and tusk development, with two upper teeth and four lower teeth. She has been microchipped for systematic health monitoring.

The calf currently weighs 16.45 kilograms, up from her birth weight of 5.76 kilograms. Her measurements show robust growth: body length 72 centimeters, head length 15.5 centimeters, tail length 7.5 centimeters, waist circumference 67 centimeters, chest circumference 61 centimeters, and head circumference 40 centimeters.

Since the baby pygmy hippo still lacks an official name, Khon Kaen Zoo is launching a public voting activity to engage visitors and strengthen their connection with wildlife. Five name options have been proposed for voting:

Moo Yo Moo Waterfall Moo Deh Moo Ping Moo Drung

Khon Kaen Zoo is open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Visitors can follow the zoo's various channels for more information, updates, and details about the naming campaign.

On May 7, 2026, Paveena Hongsukul, chairwoman of the Paveena Hongsukul Foundation for Children and Women, accompanied Ms. Nok (pseudonym), a 24-year-old from Mukdahan province, to Bang Lamung Police Station to meet with Major Sarawut Nuchnarote, the station commander, to request assistance in locating her 3-year-old daughter who was swapped by a 29-year-old hired caregiver. The caregiver had taken the biological daughter and returned a different child to Ms. Nok when the baby was just 5 months old. Ms. Nok only discovered the truth when the child turned 1 year 6 months old, when a stranger suddenly messaged her on Facebook claiming to be the biological mother of the child she had been raising.

The caregiver has been arrested and sentenced to jail by the lower court, and has been released on bail pending appeal. However, Ms. Nok has no knowledge of the whereabouts of her biological daughter. The caregiver has remained silent about the child's location, claiming only that a Myanmar couple took the child away. Ms. Nok appealed to Paveena Hongsukul to coordinate with police to find her biological daughter.

Paveena Hongsukul stated that this is a complex and sensitive case and immediately coordinated with Major Sarawut. She also arranged for Ms. Janchira Thai Bandith, the Chachoengsao provincial women's affairs officer, to be present. The investigation must locate the Myanmar couple, as the case may involve human trafficking if the child was sold. Police must also interview the woman who claims to be the biological mother of the child currently in Ms. Nok's care and determine her intentions. The Paveena Hongsukul Foundation will closely follow up with Bang Lamung Police Station and the provincial women's affairs office.

Ms. Nok recounted her story: In 2022, she became pregnant unexpectedly and broke up with her boyfriend, fearing her family would find out. She consulted a friend who introduced her to the caregiver living in a rented room with her husband and four children in Bang Lamung, Chachoengsao province. The caregiver claimed to love children and agreed to care for the baby. Ms. Nok gave birth to a daughter in October 2022 and arranged to pay the caregiver 8,000 baht monthly while she worked on construction sites in Chachoengsao.

After one month of care, the caregiver told Ms. Nok about a Myanmar couple willing to pay 20,000 baht for a child to raise as their own, but Ms. Nok refused. She continued paying the caregiver to care for her daughter. When her daughter was 5 months old, on March 1, 2023, the caregiver suddenly brought the child back, claiming she needed to run an errand. Days passed without the caregiver returning to collect the child.

Ms. Nok then left the child with her grandmother in Chachoengsao province and continued working.

PATHUM THANI — May 7, 2026 — Firefighters returned to battle a blaze at a popular pub in Rangsit on Wednesday morning after flames reignited inside the building, causing extensive damage throughout the venue.

Deputy Mayor Chayut Sinpoonphak of Rangsit municipality and municipal councillor Jamrat Chusuk led emergency crews and five fire engines to the entertainment venue in the Khlong Nueng area along the Rangsit-Nakhon Nayok canal road in Prachathipat subdistrict, Thanyaburi district, after reports of the reignited fire.

Firefighters discovered flames and heavy smoke spreading from the ceiling on the second floor. Crews sprayed water into the ceiling cavity, where soundproof foam panels had been installed, as authorities worried that trapped heat could cause another flare-up.

According to officials, the initial fire was first reported around 4:50 a.m., with firefighters and officers from Pratunam Chulalongkorn police station arriving at approximately 5:00 a.m. Large flames and thick smoke were found on the second floor, particularly in a storage room containing old chairs and other items. Firefighters brought the blaze under control later that morning.

Because the venue was an enclosed space fitted with soundproofing materials, residual heat caused the fire to reignite. The pub was closed when the fire broke out, and no injuries were reported.

Authorities have not yet assessed the full extent of damage. Municipal engineers will inspect the building structure to determine its safety following the fire.

Deputy Transport Minister Pattharapongse Pattharaprasit announced the seven-point policy framework following a meeting with the Airports Authority of Thailand (AAT), emphasizing modernized, efficient, and integrated transport systems that connect all of the country's transportation networks. The comprehensive approach aims to provide citizens with modern, convenient, safe, and environmentally-friendly transportation infrastructure while fostering industrial growth and sustainable economic development.

The seven policies focus on making airports engines of regional development. The first policy directs the AAT to propose cost-reduction measures for airlines, operators, and stakeholders to mitigate Middle East crisis impacts without compromising service or safety standards. The second calls for supporting government's economic stimulus efforts by accelerating 2025 budget disbursement and preparing the 2026 budget allocation process.

The third policy mandates expediting ongoing construction projects, including runway extensions at Krabi and Surat Thani airports, terminal expansion at Narathiwat airport, and implementing drone detection and bird control technology. The fourth focuses on accelerating approved projects including runway extensions at Chumphon and Phrae airports, plus capacity expansion initiatives at Narathiwat, Phrae, Chumphon, Buriram, Ranong, and Trang airports to accommodate larger international aircraft.

The fifth policy involves upgrading public administration through modern automation technologies, including biometric systems, boarding pass verification services, and passenger pre-screening systems. The sixth directs developing a master plan for airport development and regional connectivity. Additionally, the AAT is tasked with exploring revenue-generating opportunities and studying guidelines for airport income development.

Border Patrol Police Region 2 arrested a man attempting to smuggle crystal methamphetamine weighing over 316 kilograms valued at 40 million baht while preparing to deliver to customers in the Central Region. The suspect confessed to having conducted similar smuggling operations multiple times.

On May 7, 2025, Border Patrol Region 2 officers coordinated with Khon Kaen provincial police and Muang Khon Kaen police station to intercept a silver-bronze Toyota Altis with Bangkok license plate 1 ขฒ 6100 on Mitmtraphap Road in Muang Kao Subdistrict, Muang District, Khon Kaen Province. Officers signaled the vehicle to stop, but the driver attempted to flee into a nearby forest before being apprehended. A search of the vehicle revealed a large quantity of crystal methamphetamine.

Following the arrest, Khachoreekiat Raktpanichmonee, Khon Kaen Governor, and Deputy Border Patrol Region 2 Commander Kunitsit Klinsrisuk inspected the seized items and confirmed crystal methamphetamine drugs totaling over 316 kilograms valued at approximately 40 million baht.

Deputy Commander Klinsrisuk revealed that officers had received intelligence from informants about a large drug shipment transiting through Khon Kaen Province via a gray Toyota Altis with Bangkok license plates traveling on Mitmtraphap Road. After receiving the tip, officers conducted surveillance. Around 9:00 PM, officers spotted the suspicious vehicle passing the Weluwan Police Station area and followed it closely.

Around 10:00 PM, the vehicle turned into a company compound in Muang Kao Subdistrict, Muang District, Khon Kaen Province. Officers revealed their identities and attempted to search the vehicle, but the driver tried to escape by opening the car door. Officers pursued and successfully apprehended him.

Searching the vehicle, officers discovered six black bags containing crystal methamphetamine weighing approximately 316 kilograms total. They took custody of the driver, identified as Samad or "Lek," 40 years old. Under interrogation, he stated he was preparing to deliver all the drugs to Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province for onward shipment to a third country.

The suspect confessed that he was contacted by a Thai man residing in Laos to transport drugs from Bueng Kan Province's Muang District to customers in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province. Upon successful delivery, he would receive 250,000 baht in compensation. He admitted to having conducted similar operations multiple times previously.

Initially, officers charged him with "trafficking in Category 1 drugs (methamphetamine or crystal methamphetamine) with intent to distribute as a commercial operation, causing widespread distribution among the public and threatening state security or public safety." The drug batch has a value exceeding 40 million baht. Had it reached its destination, it could have caused severe social and public safety consequences. The suspect and seized items were forwarded to investigators for further legal proceedings.

On April 29th, the inaugural VELA Longevity Forum was held at Dusit Central Park Offices, with the theme "Microbiome-related Products for Empowering Healthspan." This event represents a significant milestone in advancing longevity knowledge and preventive healthcare awareness across Thai society.

The key highlight was a presentation by Dr. Tarun Thanitnidhipund, CEO of Inter Pharma Public Company, who cited research from Nature Medicine (2021) demonstrating that individuals with diverse gut microbiomes tend to have longer lifespans. Additionally, dysbiosis—an imbalance of gut microbiota—is linked to multiple chronic diseases through the gut-brain axis. Research shows that over 70% of the immune system resides in the intestines, and approximately 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut.

Inter Pharma Public Company presented its innovative probiotic and synbiotic products under the "Total Synbiotic Formula" concept to address diverse health needs, including gut care, immune support, brain and emotional health, weight management, and skin health. The product line includes: Probac 7, a synbiotic for gut health; Probac Mood, a specialized probiotic for brain and emotional wellness proven to enhance dopamine and serotonin levels while reducing anxiety and depression; Probac BL, which alleviates respiratory and skin allergies, reduces constipation, and strengthens overall health against pollutants; Probac Fit, a clinically-supported weight control formula that reduces visceral fat; and Probac Ultra Collagen, Thailand's exclusive synbiotic innovation combining bioactive collagen.

The forum brought together prominent medical experts including Honorary Clinical Professor Udom Kasinton, Assistant Professor Dr. Amornpun Seerimasakun, and Dr. Thisara Veeromsai, alongside physicians from leading hospitals, with television personality Kalamare Patchaonsri Benchamas as moderator.

The VELA Longevity Forum reflects Thailand's growing commitment to preventive healthcare, emphasizing that true health extends beyond mere longevity to encompass quality of life at every life stage.