The Revenue Department is ramping up efforts to combat tax evasion across lower southern Thailand, with contraband cigarettes remaining the top smuggled commodity. Excise Commissioner Pornchai Theerapavet announced enforcement results from the Department's Regional Office 9, covering seven lower southern provinces: Songkhla, Trang, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phatthalung, Yala, and Satun—strategically important border areas for the nation.

During February-March 2026, authorities apprehended 622 cases, representing 8.83% of nationwide violations, with fines and estimated penalties totaling 245.55 million baht—a 119% increase from the previous year. Cigarettes accounted for 317 cases with 5.84 million baht in fines and 232.11 million baht in estimated penalties. Officers seized 200,106 cigarette packs total: 22,030 domestic and 178,076 foreign—a 34% increase (over 50,000 packs) from the previous year.

Other contraband categories included liquor (153 cases, 1.57 million baht), fuel products (125 cases, 5.56 million baht totaling 67,402 liters), beverages (16 cases), playing cards (10 cases), and beverage products (1 case). The enforcement strategy employs data-driven targeting, border surveillance, transportation route interdiction, and technology integration to combat sophisticated smuggling networks.

Beyond enforcement, the department developed an innovative cigarette waste destruction machine replacing traditional burning methods under Zero Waste principles. Seized tobacco is now repurposed—tobacco leaves are processed into biological pesticide solutions for farmers, while tobacco fibers are used in fabric dyeing projects with Songkhla Rajabhat University and local weaving enterprises including Ban Sapanpla, Wat Kok Piao Koh Yo, and Dah La Pa Tae communities, creating added value from previously illegal goods.

Chonburi FC, a top Thai League 1 club, has announced the termination of its contract with Congolese striker Jonathan Bolongi, despite two remaining matches in the season. The club has officially ended the agreement with Bolongi by mutual consent and wished him success in his future football career. Bolongi made 29 appearances for the "Chonburi Sharks" this season, accumulating 2,304 minutes of play and scoring 7 goals. Throughout his time with the club, he was a significant contributor both in matches and training sessions. Chonburi FC expressed its gratitude to Bolongi for his dedication and professionalism during his tenure, wishing him continued success in his professional football journey.

The Thai Football Association has announced a 23-player squad for Thailand's U-17 national team under the leadership of head coach Marco Gol Kerl to compete in the AFC U-17 Championship 2026, taking place from May 5-22 in Saudi Arabia. The team features goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards from prominent Thai clubs and schools including Bangkok Christian College, Buriram United, and various other institutions. The team will depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport on April 30 via Qatar Airways flight QR827. Thailand is grouped in Group A alongside Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Myanmar, with the top two teams from each of the four groups advancing to the knockout rounds. The eight advancing nations from Asia will represent the continent at the FIFA U-17 World Cup to be held in Qatar in November. Thailand's group-stage matches include May 5 against Tajikistan at 00:30 (early May 6), May 9 against Saudi Arabia at 00:00 (early May 10), and May 12 against Myanmar at 00:00 (early May 13), all at King Abdullah Sports City venues.

Thang Thai, the youngest daughter of entertainer Jass Chuan Cheun, is following closely in her father's footsteps, working in both music and film, including a recent project together called "Heng Chia Jass." Recently, Jass opened up about his parenting philosophy, explaining that while he worries naturally as a father, his core principle is simple: as long as he doesn't cause his daughter trouble, he can do whatever he wants. He emphasized that he has never caused problems for anyone in his past.

When asked about his daughter being directly questioned by friends about whether her father is wealthy, Jass revealed he's taught her to answer in a straightforward and simple way: "middle class, honey." Beyond that, he's also teaching her how to navigate social media, believing that one day she'll inevitably encounter both praise and criticism. Her mother will also help monitor her social media presence and teach her to be emotionally strong.

When asked if he worries about his daughter starting her entertainment career, Jass responded: "Right now I just want to do everything I can to make sure she doesn't face hardship. But when it comes to who I am, I haven't hurt anyone or caused anyone problems. That's all that matters. What I am mostly just bothers people's eyes and ears in two ways, but I've never caused anyone real trouble."

Regarding feedback from school, Jass noted that it's typically just what kids naturally experience. When friends ask if her dad is rich, she simply tells them "middle class," and other kids have their own family situations too.

Asked if his daughter can handle these situations, Jass expressed confidence: "I'm trying to teach her because she's active on social media and will definitely encounter these things one day. But I'm confident that one day she'll come and talk to us about it. Her mother will check her Instagram and tell her that when people insult her, she needs to be emotionally strong because life isn't always bright."

Diamond Narakorn is making his musical comeback with a fresh single 'UP' after a year away, delivering an electrifying showcase featuring cool choreography at the 'Diamond ComeBack Stage' event. The new track features energetic Hip-Hop EDM beats designed to get everyone dancing, produced in collaboration with acclaimed producer Hai-Thanwa Gatsuwan (Hai Paper Planes), who helped refine Diamond's artistry into a more mature and powerful version while incorporating Hip-Hop and R&B elements—core elements of his musical DNA.

At the 'Diamond Comeback Stage' event, the venue transformed into a hot stage featuring special performances and high-energy production. The audience got to watch the 'UP' music video and see the performance for the first time. Gang Korn, Head of One Music, and producer Hai-Thanwa joined the discussion about working with Diamond, followed by a surprise announcement from executive producer Boy Thoglgaew Verawat, CEO of The One Enterprise Public Company, who revealed plans for Diamond's debut full-length album with songs releasing soon.

Diamond shared his excitement, saying he never expected so many people to participate and was thrilled to premiere the MV together. He explained that 'UP' carries three meanings: 'Skill UP,' 'Grown Up,' and 'Beat Up,' with Hai producing the track. He described it as his first step inviting everyone to dance and chant 'UP UP UP' while stepping out of their comfort zones. In the upcoming full album, fans will see Diamond in a new version with greater creative involvement, with Hai serving as a mentor and guide. The official MV 'UP' is available on YouTube at One Music channel and the audio is available on all major streaming platforms.

On April 30, 2026, a man brought in a Buddha hair ornament supposedly weighing nearly 50 baht of gold for inspection. Eight years earlier, the family had contributed 45 baht of gold bars to a merit-making ceremony where a Buddhist abbot added another 2 baht, and village relatives donated additional gold jewelry, with all contributions intended for casting this sacred ornament. After suspicions arose about the quantity and quality of gold in the ornament, they consulted with the abbot before having it tested. X-ray examination at Namo gold shop revealed only 2-3% actual gold content, with the remainder consisting of other metals like copper and zinc that resemble brass. Further surface inspection confirmed it was entirely brass, not gold. The actual value of the gold that should have been in the ornament would have been approximately 3.5-4 million baht, representing a substantial loss. The abbot is now preparing to file a police report to pursue legal action against those responsible.