The Treasury has greenlit the Half Plus program offering 4,000 baht to over 20 million people—the largest beneficiary group in program history—and confirmed that welfare card holders will be included. On April 27, government sources revealed that Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has completed consultations with Finance Ministry officials on the Half Plus program. More than 20 million people will receive simultaneous benefits, with registration opening in May and payments starting in June at 1,000 baht monthly for four months. "Deputy PM Ekniti has finalized the Half Plus program framework, covering over 20 million beneficiaries ensuring universal assistance regardless of tax status," a source stated. "The government will cover 60 percent of costs while recipients pay 40 percent as an energy crisis relief measure." Funding sources are being prepared through multiple channels, pending finalization of unused 2024 budget allocations by April 30 to enact the necessary budget transfer legislation. The Half Plus program will run alongside additional payments to approximately 14 million existing welfare card holders, each receiving an additional 4,000 baht distributed monthly at 1,000 baht increments, though recipients pay full product prices. Both programs fall under the broader "Thailand Helps Thailand Plus" relief package. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul previously noted this Half Plus iteration offers the largest benefits and highest beneficiary count yet, as citizens face severe energy crisis impacts with recovery expected to take longer than typical economic downturns.

Luang Pu Chan Khemigo, originally named Chan Suwanmacho, was born on Monday, December 5, 1924, at Ban Tha Uten in Mueang District, Nakhon Phanom Province. At age 10, following his father's illness and death, he ordained as a novice at Wat Phon Kaew under Phra Khanthi Kantiko as his preceptor. At age 19, he left the monastic life to pursue a trading business, but at age 20 in BE 2445, he returned to monastic practice at Wat Phon Kaew, receiving the name Khemigo.

In BE 2445, under guidance from Phra Achan Sao Kantasilo of Ubon Ratchathani, he was ordained as a Dhammayut monk at Wat Sri Ubol Ratanaram in Ubon Ratchathani. He traveled to practice meditation in the forests before settling at Wat Sri Thep Praditsaram in BE 2449, spending 7 Rains Retreats restoring the abandoned temple.

In BE 2453, he journeyed to Bangkok to pursue higher Buddhist studies under Somdet Phra Phutthakhosa Chao at Wat Thep Sirin Thrawat, where he studied Buddhist texts and Pali. He was appointed abbot of Wat Sri Thep Praditsaram and district ecclesiastical chief. In BE 2459, he established one of Thailand's first modern Thai language schools and Pali studies programs for monks and laypeople combined.

His monastic positions included: abbot of Wat Sri Thep Praditsaram (BE 2459), preceptor (BE 2460), and provincial chief monk of Nakhon Phanom (BE 2502). He received successive ecclesiastical ranks, culminating in the divine rank of Phra Thep Sitthacharya in BE 2502.

Luang Pu Chan passed away peacefully on February 2, 1973, at 08:00 AM, at the age of 92, having completed 72 Rains Retreats. Prior to the royal cremation ceremony at Wat Sri Thep Praditsaram, a commemorative medal was created in his honor in BE 2521, consisting of 99 silver medals and 10,000 bronze medals.

Mark your calendars for the "PATTANI NIGHT FEST ON THE BEACH 2026," a grand night festival showcasing everything remarkable about Pattani at Wasukri Beach in Saiburi District. Scheduled for May 2-3, 2026, and organized by Taluban Municipality, this event elevates traditional community activities into cultural tourism products. The festival aims to promote Pattani's multicultural heritage, coastal lifestyle, and long-standing local wisdom, particularly highlighting Saiburi District's deep connection to the sea across economic, social, and cultural dimensions. Traditional fishing is not merely the community's primary occupation but the foundation of their customs, beliefs, and identity. The Saiburi fishing competition therefore reflects the "culture of the sea" passed down through generations.

A major highlight is the international-standard KATPRO On The Beach Kickboxing competition, featuring professional-level K-1 rules matches—the same ruleset used at the KATPRO K1 event in Bangkok on April 11, 2026. The fast-paced, intense action emphasizes powerful punches, kicks, and knee strikes delivered by professional fighters against the scenic beachfront backdrop.

The festival also offers numerous activities for all visitors, including creative photo zones, over 100 food and beverage vendors, and spectacular closing events featuring drone light shows above Pattani's sky, demonstrations from entrepreneurs across three southern provinces (Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat), plus cultural performances and contemporary shows showcasing local youth talent.

Actress Koi Orachai recently spent quality time with her boyfriend Tim Pitha Lim Charoenrat during Songkran in America. Upon returning to Thailand, she appeared at the launch event for the "SALZ Ready Plus" campaign at CentralWorld shopping center as a presenter, where she opened up for the first time about their relationship.

How did you two meet? Koi: "We met through a TV show and things developed naturally. We've been keeping in touch, and at some point we decided to get to know each other better and things felt good. So we ended up where we are now."

When did the spark turn into love? Koi: "(laughs shyly) I'm not sure which exact moment it was. There were many moments, but I just felt at ease with him and happier than being alone. That's really it. I don't want to get into the details of when exactly it happened. The point is, it's really simple—like any normal couple. When you're together and feel at peace and happy, that's all that matters."

What about him won your heart? Koi: "He makes me want to be a better version of myself. He's a warm person. We share similar interests in many things—books, movies, and various aspects of life. We're basically on the same wavelength, so it's easy for us to connect."

Many people were surprised about the announcement. Did you two discuss the timing? Koi: "Yes, we talked about it. We decided to keep things simple since we'd already made a decision about each other. Keeping it simple means just living a normal life, like regular people. Posting pictures is just something people do to express themselves on Valentine's Day. We did discuss it."

Did you anticipate people's reactions before going public? Koi: "I had a sense that people might be surprised, but like I said, I'm trying to live simply. Once I knew I wanted to get to know this person, that was it. There's nothing complicated about it. I'm not hiding, but I'm not broadcasting either. I just live normally—eating at the same places, seeing friends as usual. I just didn't announce it to everyone."

Did Tim ask to be official to make the relationship clear? Koi: "Yes, that's normal. He asked, and I thought things were going well, so I agreed. That's all."

After going public, have you seen comments? Koi: "I haven't been on TikTok much because there's so much noise. I prefer to be aware of only what I want to be aware of. I've heard some things from people, but nothing serious. I stick to what makes me happy and doesn't hurt anyone else. That's my principle. Other people's opinions don't affect how I feel or our relationship."

Has Tim done any checking up on you? Koi: "He just tells me he trusts me and is confident in how I handle things like this. Of course, we show concern for each other. But both of us have been in the industry for a while, and he's used to seeing things like this. So it's not something we obsess over or talk about constantly."

Regarding the previous situation with Top (Tossapol), were there connected rumors? Koi: "I've answered this since day one, and my answer remains the same: we're just friends. That's really it. There have been many times when I've stood here and didn't want to answer before because I was being considerate of my boyfriend. Say he sees the news—we're in a long-distance relationship already, and then he reads about another man. I felt like I should avoid what can be avoided. But to be honest, there's nothing there. We're just friends."

How are things with Tim now? Koi: "Things are great. I just got back from America after 10 days, and it was wonderful. I barely touched my phone—it felt like a real vacation. As for the distance being a problem... (response appears incomplete in the original)

Transport Deputy Minister Siripong Angsukulkiarti revealed on April 27 that following his inspection and policy handover to the State Railway Department, the government under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has tasked the Transport Ministry with accelerating development of the country's transportation system to be modern, efficient, and interconnected across all travel modes, ensuring the public receives convenient, safe, standard-compliant, and environmentally friendly services while supporting industrial and economic growth.

Following the enactment of the Railway Transport Act 2568, the State Railway Department, as the country's rail system overseer, must rapidly implement policies with concrete results. Four key policy areas have been assigned:

1. Reducing cost-of-living burden and elevating public safety: Regulate fares to be appropriate, fair, and aligned with energy price conditions, while accelerating the 40-baht all-day electric train fare policy expansion and studying sustainable zone-based fare structures. Simultaneously, support transport operators affected by rising energy and production costs to prevent fare increases. Public hearings are expected in September with results concluding by January 2570. Safety-wise, strict safety standards must be enforced throughout construction and operations, particularly contractor oversight for engineering compliance, equipment inspection readiness, and requiring large projects to carry accident insurance.

2. Stimulating the economy and accelerating major rail projects: Expedite fiscal year 2569 budget disbursement and prepare fiscal year 2570 budgets efficiently, considering value and maximum public benefit while reducing unnecessary spending. Accelerate quick-win projects including expediting double-track railway and ongoing construction for rapid service opening, improving freight transport efficiency, and developing Lat Krabang ICD to reduce logistics costs. Advance high-speed rail and major projects as planned, promote inter-agency integration, and develop government digital systems for speed, transparency, and accountability.

3. Promoting clean energy in rail transport: Support practical implementation of electric power in rail systems to reduce fossil fuel dependence, reduce air pollution and PM2.5, and align with the country's long-term greenhouse gas reduction targets.

4. Establishing infrastructure foundations and developing sustainable rail systems: Create systematic transportation network and infrastructure master plans considering value, appropriateness, and public benefit, while promoting private sector investment participation. Expedite priority projects including Phase 2 double-track railway, high-speed rail, and regional networks, plus connecting networks with neighboring countries. Additionally, emphasize improving service quality in cleanliness, safety, and comfort at stations and trains, incorporating technology in services, and developing personnel capabilities.

On April 27, Natural Resources and Environment Minister Suchart Choomklin commented on the government's plan to present the Land Bridge project to the Cabinet for consideration in June-July. He emphasized that the project must undergo environmental impact assessments and public consultations. While environmental concerns warrant opposition if adverse effects occur, such opposition must be reasoned and not obstruct national development. Suchart noted that the Land Bridge is a major project involving multiple agencies beyond his ministry alone, spanning Andaman National Park and mangrove forests under his department's supervision. When informed of 112 academics and organizations' open letter criticizing serious flaws in the EHIA, Suchart acknowledged this as an important matter and pledged to consult with relevant departments. Dr. Thon Thamrongnawasuwat, Deputy Dean of Kasetsart University's Faculty of Fisheries, highlighted a critical discrepancy: the EHIA uses 47.57 ground organisms per square meter across 32 million square meters of affected area, calculating 1.524 billion organisms. However, field surveys by marine science experts found 1,685 organisms per square meter, yielding a total loss of 53.953 billion organisms—a difference of 52.429 billion. Dr. Thon recommended new surveys by multiple agencies to clarify these figures and ensure public confidence, arguing that Thailand's government should protect national interests, maritime integrity, and fairly compensate affected communities before allowing foreign private investment.