17-year-old Thai wins two global awards for hornbill conservation project

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24 May 2026, 17:28

17-year-old Thai wins two global awards for hornbill conservation project — Yanin (Proud) Tangkaravakoon and presentation. (credit: The Earth Prize)

GENEVA, Switzerland — 15 May 2026, A 17-year-old Thai student has received international recognition from both The Earth Prize 2026 and National Geographic’s Slingshot Challenge for a conservation project aimed at protecting hornbill through artificial nests made from recycled plastic.

Yanin “Proud” Tangkaravakoon was named the Oceania and Southeast Asia winner of The Earth Prize 2026 for her project Homes for Hornbills, which combines wildlife conservation, recycled materials and community engagement to address declining hornbill populations in Thailand. As one of seven regional winners in The Earth Prize, Proud will receive US$12,500 in funding and mentorship to further develop the project. Public voting to select the global winner is scheduled to open on 18 May, with the overall winner due to be announced on 29 May.

The same project was also recognised as a Top Honors Award recipient in the 2026 Slingshot Challenge, a global environmental competition supported by the National Geographic Society and Allen Family Philanthropies. Top Honors Award recipients receive US$10,000 in funding and become eligible for the public-voted People’s Choice Award, as well as the Explorer Connection Award recognising projects closely aligned with the work of National Geographic Explorers.

672298 Proud inspecting the artificial nests made from upcycled plastic bottles JPG e167d4 original 1778077173 — Proud inspecting the artificial nests made from upcycled plastic bottles. (credit: The Earth Prize)

The hornbill artificial nests project

Hornbills are regarded as vital to forest ecosystems because they disperse seeds across wide areas, helping forests regenerate naturally. According to organisers, 51 of the world’s 62 hornbill species are experiencing population declines due to deforestation, habitat destruction and poaching.

Proud said her interest in hornbills began during a primary school field trip to Khao Yai National Park, where she became fascinated by the birds and later learned about the threats they face.

She went on to work with the Thailand Hornbill Research Foundation to develop a three-part conservation model consisting of durable artificial nests designed around hornbill behaviour, school-based conservation education and long-term plans to create alternative income opportunities for local communities to reduce poaching and deforestation.

The nests are built using upcycled materials including discarded plastic bottles.

So far, 20 nests have been installed in southern Thailand. Organisers said 14 hornbill chicks successfully fledged in 2025, while 14 nests were occupied in 2026.

The initiative has involved 60 local students and partnered with TOA Venture Holding to support the use of recycled plastic materials in nest construction.

672299 P3110345 555c23 original 1778077228 — The artificial nests installed. (credit: The Earth Prize)

Award-winning documentary

Proud has also produced Homes for Hornbills, an award-winning documentary that ranked among Thailand’s top 10 youth documentaries and is now streaming on Thai PBS’s VIPA platform. She has presented her findings to the Faculty of Forestry at Kasetsart University and has been featured in Thai media reports.

“Seeing how important hornbills are to forests made me realise how urgent it is to protect them,” Proud said in a statement released by The Earth Prize. “Winning the Earth Prize gives me the chance to scale this work by expanding nest deployment and partnering with local communities to create long-term solutions for both wildlife and the forests they sustain.”

672300 P3130777 1 ac567e original 1778077232 — The hornbill show interested in the artificial nests. (credit: The Earth Prize)

The Earth Prize 2026

The Earth Prize, founded by the Geneva-based Earth Foundation during the 2019 School Strike for Climate movement, describes itself as the world’s largest environmental competition and “ideas incubator” for people aged 13 to 19. The programme has reached more than 21,000 students across 169 countries and territories.

Peter McGarry, founder of The Earth Foundation, said this year’s winners demonstrated “that age is no barrier to meaningful change”.

672301 DSC00246 1 370f63 original 1778077267 — Proud holding a sample of upcycled unsaturated polyester resin during material development in the lab. (credit: The Earth Prize)

National Geographic’s Slingshot Challenge 2026

At the same time, Proud’s recognition in National Geographic’s Slingshot Challenge placed her among leading youth environmental innovators worldwide.

Launched in 2022, the Slingshot Challenge invites young people aged 13 to 18 to submit one-minute videos presenting solutions to environmental issues linked to nature protection, waste reduction, climate change, ocean restoration and air quality.

This year’s challenge attracted more than 2,300 submissions from over 5,900 participants across 104 countries, organisers said.

400-Year-Old Lanna Ruins Found in Mae Hong Son Forest

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24 May 2026, 17:11

MAE HONG SON — 24 May 2026, A group of abandoned Lanna-era pagoda ruins, believed to be at least 400 years old, have been found deep in a forested area of Mae Hong Son province, prompting authorities to begin surveying the site for conservation

The Mae Hong Son Provincial Public Relations Office reported Sunday that Mae Hong Son Gov. Wiboon Waewbandit led officials to inspect ancient sites in Mueang Mae Hong Son and Khun Yuam districts to gather preliminary information, assess the condition of the areas and plan conservation measures.

On 23 May, Gov. Wiboon, together with Deputy Gov. Udomsak Khaonuna, heads of government agencies, the Mueang Mae Hong Son and Khun Yuam district chiefs and related officials, visited the sites to verify information on the ground.

The team first travelled to Ban Mai Hung, Huai Pong subdistrict, Mueang Mae Hong Son district, after receiving reports from the village headman, local residents and teachers in the area. Information about the discovery of abandoned Lanna-era pagoda ruins had also been shared on Facebook.

Officials found that the ruins, believed to be at least 400 years old, still retain clearly visible structures. The site includes two ancient stupas and one building-like structure.

The first stupa is locally known as Doi Kong Mu Ban Mai Hung, while the second is known as Doi Kong Mu Kham Soeng. Along the survey route between the first and second stupas, officials also found traces of several other ancient building structures scattered across the area.

Authorities said the discoveries reflect the historical and archaeological value of the area and may provide important evidence of earlier settlement and civilisation before the establishment of Mae Hong Son province.

Deputy Gov. Udomsak and officials later travelled to the Doi Wiang La Wildlife Sanctuary office in Khun Yuam subdistrict, Khun Yuam district, to study a natural trail and inspect an archaeological site containing stone circles. Local residents refer to the formations as “wong tee kai,” or cockfighting rings.

The stone circles are scattered across several points in the area, with the largest measuring about 10 and 12 metres in diameter. Officials said the formations may indicate traces of past communities that once lived in the area.

Following the inspection, Gov. Wiboon instructed relevant agencies to gather preliminary information, assess the condition of the sites and draft conservation guidelines. The province will also coordinate with the Fine Arts Department to plan the long-term preservation and sustainable development of Mae Hong Son’s ancient sites.

Rocket explosion at Yasothon site leaves several injured

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24 May 2026, 16:03

Rocket explosion at Yasothon site leaves several injured

YASOTHON — 24 May 2026, Several people were reported seriously injured after a traditional rocket exploded at a festival launch ground in Yasothon province, emergency responders said.

The incident occurred at the Ban Don Klang rocket field in Kho Nuea subdistrict, Muang district, Yasothon, on 24 May.

Rescue workers from Huk 31 emergency services transported the injured to Yasothon Hospital. Initial reports said three pickup trucks were destroyed by fire at the scene.

According to emergency dispatch records, the provincial 1669 emergency command centre alerted Huk 31 volunteers at about 13:33 on 24 May to respond to reports of a rocket explosion at the launch base.

One confirmed casualty was a 45-year-old man who suffered severe burn injuries to his lower body and both legs. He was conscious but showed signs of shock, including cold sweats, rescuers said.

Emergency volunteers carried out vital-sign checks, administered first aid and transferred the patient to an advanced life support ambulance before he was taken to Yasothon Hospital.

Authorities had not yet confirmed the total number of injured or the cause of the explosion. An investigation is under way.

Thai cyber police seek suspects over explicit livestream

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24 May 2026, 14:33

Thai cyber police seek suspects over explicit livestream

BANGKOK — 24 May 2026, Thai cyber police said they are seeking those responsible for an explicit sexual livestream widely circulated on Facebook, warning that people who like or share the content could also face criminal charges.

Maj. Gen. Chatpandakarn Klaiklueng, deputy commissioner of the Cyber Crime Investigation Bureau, said on 24 May that cyber police became aware of the livestream on the night it appeared after social media monitoring officers detected the clip and alerted senior officials.

He said the Technology Crime Inspection and Analysis Division had been ordered to investigate the URL and identify the people appearing in the video.

Authorities are examining whether the page owner or individuals in the footage are Thai nationals or located in Thailand. If so, police will pursue charges under Thailand’s Computer Crime Act for importing obscene content into a computer system, he said.

Police pledged to pursue the case “strictly and to the fullest extent of the law”.

Chatpandakarn also said cyber police would coordinate with Facebook Thailand to review why the platform’s online community standards failed to detect and remove the sexually explicit material before it spread to an audience reportedly numbering in the millions.

He said online platforms already have content moderation standards intended to filter harmful material, particularly sexual content, which should normally be removed immediately.

Cyber police urged social media users who encounter similar content to report it and contact the cyber police hotline, 1441.

Officials described such material as harmful online content that could encourage imitation, particularly among children and young people.

Police warned against posting sexually explicit material online, saying offenders could face prosecution under Section 14 of the Computer Crime Act, including provisions covering false information and obscene content uploaded to computer systems.

Violators face penalties of up to five years in prison, a fine of up to 100,000 baht (£2,100), or both, police said.

Authorities also warned users against liking, sharing or redistributing explicit clips, saying those who knowingly disseminate obscene or unlawful computer data could face the same penalties as the original posters under the law.

Drunk driver crashes into fish pond after hit-and-run

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24 May 2026, 11:57

Drunk driver crashes into fish pond after hit-and-run

SAMUT PRAKAN — 24 May 2026, A drunk driver crashed his car into a roadside fish pond after allegedly rear-ending a motorcycle and attempting to flee, police said.

The incident occurred at about 00:40 on 24 May along the Sri Waree Noi road near Khlong Don bridge in Si Sa Chorakhe Noi subdistrict, Bang Sao Thong district, Samut Prakan province.

Witnesses said two young men jumped into the pond to rescue the driver after his grey Honda car lost control and plunged into the water, leaving more than half the vehicle submerged.

Volunteers from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation and officers from Bang Sao Thong Police Station arrived shortly afterwards and found one injured person, identified as Tawee, 48, the motorcycle rider allegedly struck by the car.

The motorcyclist sustained minor injuries and told police he had been riding home towards Bangkok’s Lat Krabang area when the car began swerving behind him before crashing into the rear of his motorcycle, causing him to fall.

He said the driver then sped away before later losing control and crashing into the pond, nearly one kilometre from the original collision site.

A witness said he heard a loud crashing sound and went outside to investigate. He saw the car swerving before veering off the road and plunging into the pond.

He shouted for his son and friends to help rescue the driver from the submerged vehicle. The man appeared heavily intoxicated, the witness said.

Police searching the driver’s bag found a small bottle of liquor containing a small amount of alcohol.

Authorities later administered a breathalyser test to the driver, identified as Narong, 34, which showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.184%, more than three times Thailand’s legal limit.

Narong admitted he had been drinking before the crash and said he had been returning to his company accommodation when the accident occurred. He claimed the vehicle, which belonged to his employer, had suffered a wheel bearing problem that caused him to lose control.

Police charged him with drunk driving causing physical and mental harm to others and handed him over to investigators for legal proceedings.

Monk defrocked after drunken outburst near Udon Thani shopping centre

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24 May 2026, 10:43

UDON THANI — 23 May 2026, A heavily intoxicated Buddhist monk caused a disturbance near a shopping centre in Udon Thani on the eve of Wan Kon, allegedly attempting to enter a popular shabu buffet restaurant and later a nearby bar before challenging police officers to a fight.

A 55-year-old shopping centre security guard said he first saw the monk arrive by motorised tricycle at the railway station before later emerging in an extremely intoxicated state carrying belongings and smelling strongly of alcohol.

The guard said the monk initially asked whether anyone had seen his mother before attempting to enter a shabu restaurant. Security staff stopped him, telling him it was inappropriate. The monk then allegedly walked toward a nearby bar and attempted to enter before staff removed him from the premises and contacted police.

Police said the monk, identified as 60-year-old Phra Samorn Kusumo of the Dhammayut sect, had been ordained for more than 20 years at Wat Pa Lelai in Nong Bua Lamphu province.

Officers from Muang Udon Thani Police Station were called to the area behind a major shopping centre on Thong Yai Road at about 20:00 on Friday after reports of an intoxicated monk behaving aggressively near restaurants and bars about 300 m from Udon Thani railway station.

When police arrived, security guards had already restrained the monk near the entrance of a bar. He was reportedly wearing only a shoulder cloth and saffron lower robe with flip-flops, and was heavily intoxicated, staggering, incoherent and shouting abuse at bystanders.

According to police, the monk claimed he had been drinking white liquor and insisted he could drink wherever he wanted because it was “not against the constitution.” He allegedly continued rambling about politicians and the drafting of laws.

Police searched his belongings and found monk identification documents and a national ID card confirming his identity. Officers said he became agitated during questioning, insulted reporters and twice challenged police officers to fight, reportedly shouting in the Isaan dialect: “You want some?”

Authorities later loaded his belongings and monastic items from Udon Thani railway station onto a police pickup truck before transporting him for defrocking. During the journey, police said he attempted to jump from the vehicle, forcing officers to stop abruptly.

At one point, he allegedly grabbed a restraining pole used by police and tried to strike officers, leading to a struggle before police managed to handcuff him to the rear of the pickup truck, shocking passing motorists and pedestrians.

Police subsequently took him to Wat Phothisomphon, a royal temple in Udon Thani, where senior monk Phra Khun Sutthipanyawat, deputy ecclesiastical governor of the province, formally conducted the defrocking ceremony.

Even after leaving the monkhood, Samorn reportedly remained disoriented and intoxicated, telling authorities he did not know where he was going or where he had come from. He admitted to drinking alcohol whenever he had the opportunity, claiming he drank to relieve arm pain and stiffness.

After changing into white clothing, police attempted to take him to Muang Udon Thani Police Station to sober up, but he reportedly refused and insisted on staying at the temple. Officers said another argument broke out as they escorted him to the vehicle, during which he allegedly shouted further threats at police, including: “I’ll smash a police officer’s mouth.”

He was taken into custody and charged with public drunken disorderly conduct.

Car crashes into house in Chumphon, injuring two

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24 May 2026, 10:23

Car crashes into house in Chumphon, injuring two

CHUMPHON — 24 May 2026, A woman narrowly escaped death after a car crashed through the wall of her house in the middle of the night in southern Thailand’s Chumphon province, leaving both the homeowner and driver injured, police said.

The incident occurred at about 00:30 on 24 May in front of Municipal Soi 6, also known as Talad Nai Soi, in Moo 4 of Tha Yang subdistrict, Muang district.

According to police, the car first struck a rubbish bin before losing control, crossing a four-lane road and smashing through the wall of a roadside home on the Pak Nam–Chumphon road. The impact caused extensive damage to the house and belongings inside.

Officers received reports of a vehicle crashing into a residential property with two people injured. Rescue workers from the Chumphon Charity Foundation and Tha Yang municipal emergency responders were dispatched to the scene.

Authorities found a blue Mazda 323, heavily damaged after ploughing through the house wall and into the building. Household items were strewn across the property.

The homeowner, identified as Pornpasorn Boonyuen, about 50, suffered neck injuries and numbness across part of her body. Emergency workers administered first aid before taking her to Chumphon Khet Udomsak Hospital.

The driver, a man believed to be about 30 years old, was also injured and taken to hospital.

Neighbours told authorities they were awakened by a loud crash and rushed outside to find the car embedded in Ms Pornpasorn’s home. She had been sleeping alone inside at the time.

Witnesses said the vehicle had emerged at speed from a side street opposite the house before losing control, hitting a rubbish bin, crossing the road and crashing into the property.

Police said they were questioning the driver at hospital to determine the cause of the crash and gathering evidence for possible legal action.

Thai masseuse wins gold at world massage championship

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22 May 2026, 20:13

A Thai woman from Nakhon Si Thammarat province has won a gold medal in the oil massage category at the Wellness World Championship 2026 in Bangkok.

Soraya Thaoram claimed the top prize during the international competition held on 18 May at TK Palace & Convention Hotel on Chaeng Watthana Road.

The event featured around 200 contestants from 22 countries competing in four categories: facial massage, Thai massage, oil massage and foot massage.

Soraya, who is from Koh Thuat subdistrict in Pak Phanang district, received widespread congratulations from local residents after bringing home the gold medal for Thailand.

The competition was judged by a panel of 30 experts from Thailand and abroad. Soraya was trained by Kanticha Rodbut, a massage instructor from Thung Song district in Nakhon Si Thammarat.

Organisers described the Wellness World Championship 2026 as one of the year’s major international wellness competitions, showcasing massage and spa skills from around the world.

Emergency worker killed on duty in ambulance crash

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22 May 2026, 19:56

An emergency medical worker in Uttaradit province has died after an ambulance crashed while responding to an emergency call during heavy rain.

The accident occurred on 21 May involving an ambulance from Nam Pat Hospital in Uttaradit. Officials said the vehicle lost control and veered off the road due to slippery conditions while transporting staff to assist an emergency patient.

Nattanicha Bangchan, also known as “June”, was critically injured while on duty inside the ambulance. Rescue workers and emergency personnel in Uttaradit rushed to assist and transferred her to Uttaradit Hospital, where she later died.

The Ministry of Public Health expressed condolences to her family in a statement posted on social media, describing her death as occurring while carrying out emergency medical duties.

Many Thai social media users also paid tribute to Nattanicha, praising her dedication and sacrifice while serving on duty until the final moments of her life.

ICONSIAM teams up with Headstand Entertainment for Doggyland Live Bangkok 2026

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MC Marketing

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22 May 2026, 19:42

The First-Ever Live Stage Show in Asia from Snoop Dogg’s Hit Animated Series 18–19 July 2026 at ICONSIAM Hall, 7th Floor

ICONSIAM, the global landmark along the Chao Phraya River, continues to reinforce its position as a Global Experiential Destination and a destination of happiness for families of all generations. In collaboration with global entertainment partner Headstand Entertainment, legendary hip-hop icon Snoop Dogg, and Doggyland Productions, ICONSIAM is set to present the spectacular “DOGGYLAND LIVE! IN BANGKOK 2026” — bringing the beloved world of educational entertainment for children to life in a fully immersive live stage show experience for the very first time in Asia.

The show will take place from 18–19 July 2026 at ICONSIAM Hall, 7th Floor, offering Thai and Asian audiences an exciting opportunity to experience the vibrant universe of Doggyland live on stage. This marks yet another global collaboration that reflects ICONSIAM’s capability in curating world-class experiences for both Thai audiences and visitors from around the world.

This collaboration also underscores ICONSIAM’s commitment to creating meaningful and diverse world-class experiences for visitors of every generation. By bringing “DOGGYLAND LIVE! IN BANGKOK 2026” to Asia for the first time, ICONSIAM further strengthens its role as a Global Experiential Destination connecting global entertainment experiences to Thailand, while also reinforcing its image as a premier family destination — especially for modern families seeking high-quality activities and joyful moments together. More than just entertainment, “DOGGYLAND LIVE! IN BANGKOK 2026” is designed as an enriching experience that combines learning, fun, and meaningful memories for the entire family.

Doggyland is a popular educational animated series for children on YouTube, created by global hip-hop superstar Snoop Dogg, award-winning songwriter October London, and producer Claude Brooks. The series combines catchy songs, energetic dance routines, and positive life lessons that help children learn foundational topics such as the alphabet, numbers, colors, hygiene, good behavior, self-confidence, and social skills. Featuring colorful and lovable animated dog characters adored by children worldwide, Doggyland has become one of the most beloved family entertainment series globally.

The arrival of “DOGGYLAND LIVE! IN BANGKOK 2026” marks an exciting new chapter in children’s entertainment, bringing the animated world to life through a fully produced live stage performance. Audiences can look forward to a 90-minute edutainment experience packed with hip-hop music, vibrant interactive activities, and positive energy. Thai and Asian fans will have the opportunity to sing, dance, and interact closely with their favorite characters, including Bow Wizzle, Woofee, Yap Yap, Barks A Locks, and Chow Wow.

A special highlight of each show is the exclusive VIP Meet & Greet Experience, where VIP ticket holders will enjoy up-close interactions with the adorable characters, memorable photo opportunities, and exclusive souvenirs — creating unforgettable moments children will cherish for years to come.

Beyond the stage performance, the event will also feature a wide range of family-friendly activities, including fun kids’ activity zones, creative play areas, face painting, hair braiding activities, and a mom-and-kids marketplace. Family conveniences such as nursing stations and stroller parking areas will also be available, ensuring that every family can enjoy quality time together comfortably and conveniently.

Don’t miss out on the fun! Tickets for “DOGGYLAND LIVE! IN BANGKOK 2026” are now available at www.ticketmelon.com. Adult tickets are priced at THB 2,490, while children’s tickets are THB 1,950. Special offer: children under 80 centimeters in height can enter free of charge.

Get ready to bring the whole family for an unforgettable experience at the world-class children’s concert “DOGGYLAND LIVE! IN BANGKOK 2026,” taking place on 18–19 July 2026 at ICONSIAM Hall, 7th Floor, ICONSIAM.

For more information about the event, please contact Headstand Entertainment at Tel. 098-789-8297 or Email: [email protected]. For more information about ICONSIAM, please call 1338 and follow updates via Facebook: ICONSIAM Facebook

The hornbill artificial nests project

Award-winning documentary

The Earth Prize 2026

National Geographic’s Slingshot Challenge 2026

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