The Senate urges the government to advance constitutional amendments. Phraratchadej reaffirms commitment without deviation, awaiting the new constitution draft. He declines to provide a timeline for constitutional amendments, citing inability to circumvent the legislative branch.

At 9:30 a.m. on May 18, 2025, at Parliament, the Senate convened with Mongkol Surasatja, Senate President, presiding over a question examination.

Senator Noraseth Prachyakorn questioned the Prime Minister about constitutional amendment, noting that 21 million voters approved the amendment in a referendum, yet the government has offered little clarity on how it will proceed. He emphasized this is the government's responsibility to advance. While the government often says constitutional amendments are not as urgent as economic concerns, the public does not necessarily want amendments prioritized first but seeks clarity on the process. Constitutional reform can proceed alongside addressing economic issues, he said, asking when the government will submit the amendment to Parliament and when the second referendum question will be held, and what guarantees the government provides for full public participation to ensure the new constitution is legitimate and truly belongs to the people.

Phraratchadej Parisnananatkul, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, clarified on behalf of the PM that pushing for constitutional amendments through Section 15/1 is not directly the government's power but falls under the legislative branch. The authority to propose constitutional amendments belongs to Parliament. The Bhumjaithai Party stands ready to follow the voice of 21 million people by submitting a constitutional amendment to Section 15/1, with a party meeting scheduled for May 19 to consider the primary issues. If MPs approve, the party will proceed to register as one of the five entities authorized to submit the draft to Parliament.

"The government cannot set a timeline for Parliament, as we don't know if the first reading will pass or how long the committee process will take. However, we can confirm the government will implement every procedure and accelerate what we can control, such as expediting the referendum process and supporting the constitutional amendment," Phraratchadej stated.

Phraratchadej further noted that public participation extends beyond voting booths. Citizens should have more than three seconds to express their views, not just the time spent in a voting booth. The amendments must align with the Constitutional Court's ruling, as the court did not permit direct election of constitution drafting assembly members.

The government reaffirmed it will utilize all mechanisms requested by Parliament to maximize public participation in all dimensions, ensuring the new constitution truly belongs to the people.

Police investigators from Muang Kamphaeng Phet Station have summoned all monks from Wat Krajom Thong to the police station for detailed questioning in connection with the shooting attack on Abbot Phra Athikan Bunlersi Akpunyyo, 64, of Wat Krajom Thong in Mueang District, Kamphaeng Phet Province on May 18, 2025. The abbot was struck by multiple gunshots of unknown caliber while inside his cell, suffering serious injuries to his right ear, neck, shoulder, and hip. He was rushed to the hospital by fellow monks and villagers.

Police are focusing their investigation on finding clues about the shooter, who may still be hiding or frequenting the temple. They are also examining internal disputes or grievances that could have motivated the attack and reviewing CCTV footage from surrounding areas. Investigators are particularly puzzled by the fact that the abbot's pitbull guard dog did not bark during the incident.

Chalor, 60, the caretaker who attends to the abbot daily, expressed shock upon learning of the attack. He noted that the abbot is well-liked by both monks and villagers, though he does lend money to some. Chalor mentioned that while the temple's security camera system once functioned, the memory card has been expired for a long time. Regarding the pitbull, Chalor explained that the dog remains calm and quiet when with the abbot but becomes aggressive and barks when separated from him.

Young actor and artist Winwakeen Simawaara, known for his emotionally resonant music, has made waves on social media following the buzz around a film discussing extraterrestrial life. He posted images and a thought-provoking caption stating: 'We are the aliens.'

Following the post's release, fans have interpreted it in various ways—some believing it hints at his upcoming third single release, while others dig deeper into its meaning. Many interpret 'aliens' not as literal extraterrestrial beings, but as a metaphor for 'creative thinkers, those who dare to think differently, and people who refuse to conform to society's conventional frameworks.' These individuals are often viewed as outsiders or oddities by mainstream society, much like extraterrestrial life.

Netizens have praised the post, with comments like 'Brilliant, P'Win, gave me chills' and 'If thinking differently makes us aliens, I'm proud to be one of them.'

GPSC has selected its subsidiary Getz Energy to serve as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for an IRPC-CP solar farm project with a capacity of 98 megawatts, with commercial operations expected to begin in Q3 2028. This will expand the company's installed capacity portfolio to over 290 megawatts.

Pirappol Ampaiwit, managing director of Getz Energy Limited—a subsidiary of global power company GPSC (which is 100% owned by PTT Group)—announced that the company has been selected as the EPC contractor for the solar farm project of IRPC Clean Power Limited (IRPC-CP), a small independent power producer (SPP). The project spans over 628 rai and is located in Songkhla province with a capacity of 98 megawatts, scheduled for commercial operation in Q3 2028.

The project demonstrates the company's capability as a comprehensive clean energy solution provider with expert teams. It represents another significant step in the company's continuous expansion of energy business operations. In 2026, the company aims to advance its EPC business in both solar energy and cold energy sectors, with plans to add over 100 megawatts of installed capacity. The company currently has 290 megawatts installed domestically.

For its cold energy business operated through affiliated companies, the company is expected to expand production capacity to nearly 28,000 tons of refrigeration.

With experience and expertise in comprehensive clean energy solutions both within and outside industrial zones, the company has developed various solar energy projects including rooftop systems, carport installations, floating solar systems, and ground-mounted systems. This demonstrates the company's engineering capability, international safety standards, and readiness as a clean energy partner that meets customer needs across all sectors.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand, led by Governor Ms. Thapanee Kiatphaibool, (ฐาปนีย์ เกียรติไพบูลย์) is shifting strategy amid energy crisis and slowdown in...