BANGKOK — 5 May 2026, Thailand’s Cabinet has reaffirmed support for 31 draft laws to continue through the legislative process, including the Clean Air Bill, the Prime Minister’s Office said on Tuesday.
Government spokeswoman Ratchada Thanadirek said the bills comprise 21 draft acts proposed by the Cabinet and 10 submitted by members of the previous House of Representatives.
Among the Cabinet-backed bills still pending consideration are draft laws on cheque offences, public service facilitation, bankruptcy, and the protection and promotion of traditional Thai medicine. The Clean Air Bill is also included among those the Cabinet has confirmed should proceed in parliament.
The 10 draft bills proposed by former MPs have already passed initial approval in the House and are currently under Senate consideration. These include legislation on the allocation of broadcast frequencies and regulation of radio, television and telecommunications, as well as a bill on provincial administrative organisations and another concerning dairy cattle and milk products.
Pattaya, Thailand – Fitz Club Pattaya is proud to announce that it has been awarded the prestigious Star Tournament Recognition Award (MT700 category) by the International Tennis Federation (ITF). This historic achievement marks the first time both a venue in Thailand and a Thai individual have received this honour, placing Fitz Club among an elite group of just 9 venues worldwide to earn this distinction.
The award recognises venues that deliver exceptional, professionally run tournaments and provide an experience that exceeds expectations. It is based on player satisfaction, seamless tournament operations, and the overall quality of the event. Evaluations draw on player feedback surveys, tournament supervisor reports and scores, as well as ITF Masters committee assessments—reflecting consistently high standards across all areas.
This success is driven by the vision and passion of Royal Cliff’s CEO, Mr. Vitanart Vathanakul, whose commitment to tennis extends well beyond leadership. As an active ITF Masters Tour player and MT400 champion, he achieved a career-high world ranking of No. 96 in the 35+ category—bringing invaluable player insight into creating a truly athlete-focused tournament experience.
For the past eight years, Fitz Club Pattaya has proudly hosted ITF Masters tournaments, continually improving its facilities and fine-tuning every aspect of the experience. From world-class courts and highly attentive event organisation to exceptional hospitality, accommodation, and attention to detail, the venue has earned outstanding praise from players—many of whom return year after year.
This recognition reflects the team’s unwavering commitment, determination and continuous improvement. It stands as a proud milestone for Fitz Club, reinforcing its position as a leading international tournament venue and its dedication to delivering world-class experiences. The team now looks forward to welcoming tennis players and sports enthusiasts from around the world to experience this excellence first-hand.
Fitz Club – Racquets, Health & Fitness, the elite sports centre under the Royal Cliff banner, continues to reinforce its status as a premier sports destination for professional and recreational athletes. The centre has welcomed world-class talent over the years, including former ATP stars such as Nikolay Davydenko, Mikhail Youzhny, Dmitry Tursunov, Paradorn Srichaphan, Danai Udomchoke, and Denis Istomin, all of whom have trained on its courts engineered to mirror the playing conditions of the Grand Slam Open. With a long-standing legacy in competitive sports, Fitz Club has proudly hosted numerous high-profile events, ranging from prestigious Junior and Senior Tennis tournaments to Squash championships and Table Tennis competitions. This rich history underscores its reputation as one of Thailand’s most established sporting venues. Continuing its commitment to excellence, Fitz Club has further expanded its offerings with upgraded facilities for pickleball, futsal and basketball making it a comprehensive hub for multi-sport athletes and families alike.
For more information on the Royal Cliff Hotels Group and Fitz Club, please visit www.royalcliff.com and www.facebook.com/fitzclub
BANGKOK — Thailand is set to welcome its first official Pokémon Center, with a new store planned at centralwOrld, marking a major expansion of the global franchise in Southeast Asia.
The project is a partnership between Pokémon (Thailand) Co., Ltd. and Central Pattana, which have signed a lease agreement for “Pokémon Center BANGKOK”. The store is expected to open within 2026.
The Bangkok outlet will be the third permanent Pokémon Center outside Japan, following locations in Singapore and Taipei, and is expected to be the largest such store internationally.
Company representatives said the move reflects confidence in Thailand’s growth potential, driven by a strong fan base and the country’s role as a regional tourism hub.
The Pokémon Center is an official retail and experience space offering exclusive merchandise, trading card games and themed activities. It also serves as a hub for news and updates related to the franchise.
Shunsuke Sasaki, director of Pokémon (Thailand), said the opening marks a significant milestone for the company in Thailand.
“We are truly grateful to have the opportunity to open the first official Pokémon Center store in Thailand at centralwOrld,” he said, adding that the location reflects the vibrant and high-traffic environment the brand was seeking.
Isareit Chirathivat of Central Pattana said the collaboration goes beyond retail, aiming to create a destination that attracts both Thai and international visitors.
The new store is expected to become a landmark attraction, contributing to tourism and reinforcing Bangkok’s position as a global lifestyle destination.
Further details about Pokémon Center BANGKOK will be announced ahead of its opening.
Nawat Itsaragrisil, chief executive of Miss Grand International Public Company Limited
Nawat Itsaragrisil, chief executive of Miss Grand International Public Company Limited, has announced a major regional expansion after securing rights to operate the Miss Universe business in five ASEAN countries.
In a filing to the Stock Exchange of Thailand, the company said its executive board approved the agreement at a meeting on 30 April 2026.
Under the deal, the company has obtained exclusive rights to manage and operate the Miss Universe licence in Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Laos.
The agreement covers national pageant organisation, related events and activities, commercial development tied to the brand, and the right to appoint one local sublicense partner in each country.
Miss Grand said the move strengthens its position in the regional pageant industry and expands its business footprint across Southeast Asia.
The company previously acquired the rights to organise Miss Universe Thailand in 2025.
BANGKOK — Thailand’s cabinet has approved the cancellation of the 2001 memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Cambodia on overlapping maritime claims, with Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul insisting the move will not affect border stability.
Speaking after the cabinet meeting at Government House at 12:30 on 5 May, Anutin said the decision was not linked to any current dispute with Cambodia, but reflected a policy review of a framework that has been in place for more than 25 years without reaching a conclusion.
He said both countries could instead rely on existing international frameworks, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to guide future discussions, noting that Thailand and Cambodia are both parties to the convention.
Asked about remarks by Cambodian senate president Hun Sen that scrapping the MOU could intensify disputes, Anutin declined to comment, saying reporters should seek clarification from the Cambodian side.
The prime minister added that there have been no negotiations between the two countries at present, and any future talks would take place under a “new context”, with the 2001 MOU no longer forming the basis.
On next steps, Anutin said Thailand would formally notify Cambodia of the decision before it takes effect. He noted that any future arrangement on sharing benefits from undersea resources would require fresh discussions and potentially a new agreement.
Regarding the upcoming ASEAN Summit in the Philippines, Anutin said he expected to meet Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and stressed that Thailand was ready for dialogue.
“We have no problem meeting and talking,” he said. “I can assure the Thai people of a ‘Thailand First’ approach. There will be nothing for the country to lose.”
Responding to concerns over possible tensions along the Thai–Cambodian border, Anutin said security agencies and the military remain on alert and continue to monitor the situation closely.
“There is no cause for concern. In fact, the situation has improved,” he said, adding that he receives regular updates from the armed forces.
BANGKOK — 5 May 2026, Thai cabinet has approved an emergency decree authorising the Finance Ministry to borrow 400 billion baht funds to address the impact of the global energy crisis, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Tuesday.
Speaking at Government House, Anutin said the decision followed escalating conflict in the Middle East, which has driven up energy prices and severely affected the global economy. The crisis has spread from energy costs to food prices and the cost of living, creating an urgent situation that cannot be delayed, he said.
“The government’s duty is to prevent Thailand’s economy from slipping into high inflation and a slowdown, or stagflation,” Anutin said, adding that swift action was required.
He said the 400 billion baht loan decree would serve as a special legal mechanism for urgent and unavoidable circumstances, aimed at easing the burden on households, sustaining economic activity and accelerating the country’s energy transition to reduce vulnerability.
Measures under the decree will target key groups in need of immediate support, including low- and middle-income earners, farmers, small and medium-sized enterprises, and sectors directly affected by rising energy costs.
The government plans to pursue two parallel approaches: immediate relief to reduce living costs and production expenses, particularly in agriculture through support for fertilisers and essential inputs; and structural adjustments to transition towards modern energy, reduce reliance on fossil fuels and improve long-term competitiveness.
Anutin said the decree would help Thailand navigate the crisis while laying the foundation for greater economic resilience, insisting that fiscal discipline would be strictly maintained.
“The government is committed to standing alongside the people and will do everything within its capacity to help the country get through this crisis,” he said.
NAKHON RATCHASIMA — A seven-year-old novice monk has entered a national competition to become a Patimokkha reciter, raising the prospect of a new record as the youngest participant to pass the demanding test.
Phra Maha Jai Khemacitto of Wat Chana Songkhram, who oversees the sixth Novice Patimokkha Recitation Project in 2026, said 11 novices aged between seven and 17 have applied so far.
Among them is novice Trin Apivansanong from Wat Nikhom Phang 16 in Pak Chong district. If he passes, he would become the youngest successful candidate in the project’s history, surpassing last year’s record set by a nine-year-old novice.
The Patimokkha is a recitation of the 227 monastic rules in Theravada Buddhism, traditionally performed every fortnight on the Uposatha day. The ritual, conducted entirely in Pali, serves as a core discipline governing the conduct of monks and maintaining harmony within the Sangha.
A Patimokkha reciter must memorise the full text accurately without omission or error. The recitation, which spans around 30 pages, typically takes about an hour to complete and cannot be read from a script.
On 5 May, reporters visited Wat Nikhom Phang 16 to meet the young novice. Phra Maha Chit Vajirayana, the abbot who oversees his training, said Trin had expressed a wish to ordain while still in kindergarten in Ayutthaya before joining the temple in early 2025.
Despite his age, the novice has shown remarkable progress, the abbot said. “At first, I was unsure because he is only seven. But over the past five to six months, his memory and focus have been exceptional,” he said, noting that the boy can now recite long passages with precision.
The novice is currently revising the full text in preparation for the competition. Temple officials have called on the public to offer encouragement as the young participant takes on the challenge.
Trin later demonstrated parts of the recitation, delivering the Pali verses fluently.
Lisa arrives at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the "Costume Art" exhibition on Monday, May 4, 2026, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Lisa Lalisa Manobal made her second consecutive appearance at the Met Gala, arriving in a dramatic sheer gown in line with the event’s “Fashion Is Art” dress code, held to mark the museum’s “Costume Art” exhibition.
Lisa arrives at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Costume Art” exhibition on Monday, May 4, 2026, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
The BLACKPINK star also served on this year’s host committee alongside Teyana Taylor, Sabrina Carpenter and Doja Cat, among others.
Lisa wore an ethereal white couture gown by Robert Wun, featuring crystal embellishments and a striking veil with sculptural hand details. The look was paired with jewellery by Bvlgari and heels from Gianvito Rossi.
Lisa arrives at The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute benefit gala celebrating the opening of the “Costume Art” exhibition on Monday, May 4, 2026, in New York. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP)
Her styling was overseen by Brett Alan Nelson.
The appearance marks Lisa’s second year attending the Met Gala, further cementing her presence on one of fashion’s most high-profile stages.
PHAYAO — 5 May 2026, A dramatic fire broke out in front of a 7-Eleven convenience store opposite the University of Phayao after a severe electrical short circuit ignited overhead power lines and communication lines.
Witnesses said a loud explosion was heard before sparks began falling from the cables, which quickly caught fire. Flames spread rapidly along the communication wires, flaring high in the air and causing panic among nearby residents and students, who fled the area for safety.
Provincial Electricity Authority officials and rescue workers rushed to the scene, cutting power immediately to prevent further spread before working to extinguish the blaze. It took some time to bring the fire under control.
Initial reports indicated that at least two poles were damaged, while numerous communication lines were destroyed. Authorities are now working to repair and replace the damaged infrastructure to restore electricity as soon as possible.
Alysa Chang, left, and Li Cheng-wen hold up their snail racers in Fenglin town, Hualien County, eastern of Taiwan, Saturday, May 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
FENGLIN, Taiwan (AP) — The Taiwanese town of Fenglin has grown a reputation as a place where life moves slowly and people can catch their breath.
Rather than push against this rhythm, the town of around 10,000 has chosen to embrace it and make it part of its identity. Enter the snails.
Owners place their snail competitors at the starting point during a snail race in Fenglin town, Hualien County, eastern Taiwan, Saturday, May 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
Fenglin has been putting on snail races as a way to celebrate its focus on a slower, sustainable lifestyle that values healthcare, longevity and community connections while bringing in more tourists in the wake of a strong earthquake in 2024 that dampened travel in surrounding areas.
“The earthquake two years ago had a relatively big impact on tourism because people are worried an earthquake may happen again,” said Hsu Lu, a 32-year-old resident. “Many people have left Hualien because of earthquakes,” Hsu said, referring to the surrounding county and the site of frequent quakes.
Snails are one way to bring tourists back, even if slowly.
People cheer during a snail race in Fenglin town, Hualien County, eastern Taiwan, Saturday, May 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
Focus on quality of life
Fenglin has associated itself with snails since 2014, when it joined the Cittaslow international network of small cities focused on quality of life and locally sourced foods. Cittaslow’s symbol is a snail carrying an assortment of buildings on its back.
The designation of a slow city seemed to fit Fenglin, whose population has shrunk threefold over the past few decades. Today, it is also an example of Taiwan’s “super-aged” society, with more than 20% of its residents older than 65.
To help reinvigorate local tourism after the April 2024 earthquake, which killed 19 people and injured more than 1,100, Fenglin residents decided to host a snail race the following month, said organizer Cheng Jen-shou.
“We thought that our event could attract people, and that would be a small help,” he said.
This year, the town held the third edition of the race over the May Day holiday.
Several dozen enthusiastic residents and tourists attended the event, which featured six snail races spaced out over two days. The winners from each race competed in the final, but not before posing in front of their audiences while slowly being pulled on a piece of plywood across a green carpet as their fans cheered them on.
Snail owner Lin Mei-hui places her champion snail racer on the podium after a snail race in Fenglin town, Hualien County, eastern Taiwan, Saturday, May 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
Snail race attracts dozens from near and far
Li Cheng-wen, a 70-year-old retiree from Fenglin, brought several snails to the race. He caught them in his vegetable garden snacking on his leafy greens, and instead of killing them as some farmers do, he decided to raise them as pets, he said. He feeds them slices of bananas, papaya and vegetable leaves and showers them daily.
“As to the criteria for choosing snails for the race, I usually select those that are very active and pleasing to the eye,” Li said.
Kelvin Hong and Tiara Lin also brought a sightly snail to the race. The couple traveled all the way from the southern city of Kaohsiung, about a five-hour drive away, together with their 2-year-old daughter, Murphy, and their giant African snail, Aquaman.
The couple had signed up Aquaman for a previous race in 2024, but just as they were headed for Fenglin, Lin went into labor. Now the whole family returned to cheer on Aquaman.
Brother Snail, a recurring champion
Despite being larger than most of its homegrown competitors — which had been picked out from local gardens or the side of the road — Aquaman was rather slow.
Once the race started, it and nine other snails were placed near the center of a round table covered with a thin vinyl sheet. The first to reach the edge of the table was crowned the winner.
The absolute champion was Guage, or Brother Snail. Its owner, 39-year-old Tanya Lin from Hualien, had been raising the snail since 2024, when it also won one race.
This year, Brother Snail crossed the 33-centimeter (13-inch) tablecloth in 3 minutes and 3 seconds. That performance earned it the top spot on a tiny stadium and a prize of organic sweet potato leaves.
An alternative to a fast-paced lifestyle
Besides the snail race, the local government has been trying to attract tourism by offering guided e-bike tours with stops at historic tobacco barns, Japanese colonial-era buildings and a Hakka-minority museum.
The idea of a slower pace of life was compelling enough to attract university students Annette Lin and Tanya Liu, who rode the train for about 30 minutes from Hualien on Saturday to check out the snail race and Fenglin’s slow vibes.
The friends found the competition unique and enjoyed Fenglin’s leisurely pace — but only as a respite from the busy city life.
“I think for travel or a trip, it’s a great choice,” Liu said. “But maybe living here would not really be my dream choice.”
A woman rides a bike past a statue of a snail in Fenglin town, Hualien County, eastern of Taiwan, Saturday, May 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Chiang Ying-ying)
