At 4:20 p.m. on May 4, 2026, at Bhumjaithai Party headquarters, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul addressed differing opinions among party ministers regarding the Land Bridge project, specifically between Industry Minister Warawuth Silpaarcha and Transport Minister Pipat Ratchakij. Anutin characterized the disagreement as merely different perspectives with no real conflict. He announced that Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas will chair the Land Bridge study committee, which must examine all aspects including geopolitics, investment returns, logistics, and broader strategic implications. The assessment must consider not only capital investment but also operational efficiency and overall national benefit, with results expected within 90 days reflecting current global circumstances. Anutin noted that previous studies were conducted under different global conditions, but energy security and geopolitical situations have since changed. Thailand must develop strategies to minimize its vulnerability to external conflicts and disruptions. The PM emphasized that the Land Bridge is a long-term policy, not an immediate project, and that Bhumjaithai has championed it since 2019. Regarding a Nida Poll showing southern citizens support the project but lack detailed understanding, Anutin stressed the government must communicate its benefits more effectively. When asked about potential protests from residents in 14 southern provinces, he noted that opinions vary depending on data and demonstrated returns. Anutin pointed out that Thailand lacks oil but has food security, making rapid agricultural transport crucial in an increasingly unstable global environment where shipping chokepoints face threats. He defended his record, saying he has never favored any particular group despite seven to eight years of criticism, and that he has never catered to any faction.

April 4, 2026 – A boxing camp owner in Khuan Niang district, Songkhla province, contacted the press to witness a boxing match between two young men, with both sets of parents giving their approval. The two had been rivals for months, regularly engaging in gang fights with weapons, most recently wielding knives in a community confrontation. Their mothers decided to resolve the conflict through a sanctioned boxing match at Chang Mahalap boxing camp in Hat Yai district, with journalists present as official witnesses.

When reporters arrived at the camp, they met Ms. Chutima, 45 (mother), Bandit, 20 (son), Ms. Nareerath, 41 (mother), and Nattapong, 20 (son). Both fighters warmed up before the match, which consisted of three rounds of three minutes each, with family members and friends from both sides cheering them on.

The mothers explained that the dispute had started in November 2025 and festered unresolved, with each side blaming the other for initiating the conflict. They decided to arrange the boxing match so both sides could settle their differences and become friends again.

When the fight began, both competitors struck aggressively amid cheers. Before the end of the first round, Bandit delivered an elbow strike and follow-up punch to Nattapong's left cheekbone, causing a significant cut that bled profusely. Referees examined the wound, found it severe, and stopped the fight, declaring Bandit the winner. The boxing camp owner then stepped in to help both fighters understand each other's perspective. Both agreed to end their rivalry and shook hands as friends, fulfilling their mothers' wish to resolve the conflict.

The Thai Association for Persons with Disabilities under Royal Patronage, jointly with the Thai Sports Journalists Association and the Thai Wheelchair Basketball Association, hosted a prestigious reception for "Bass" Phongsakorn Sripirm at Hua Mark Stadium following his historic achievement as Thailand's first wheelchair basketball player to win the Euro Cup 2026 club championship with Italian club Reggio Bic (ASD RC Basket in Carrozzina).

The ceremony was presided over by Maitri Kongruang, president of the Thai Association for Persons with Disabilities under Royal Patronage, accompanied by Bhattraphan Krishana, president of the Thai Wheelchair Basketball Association, and numerous sports journalists expressing warm congratulations.

Phongsakorn Sripirm began his professional athletic journey with Reggio Bic in Reggio Calabria, Italy in 2021, reaching his career peak during the 2026 season. In this Euro Cup tournament, Reggio Bic delivered outstanding performances: dominating the group stage with victories over strong competitors from England and Spain, defeating German powerhouse Köln 99ers 64-49 in the semi-finals.

In the final, Phongsakorn showcased exceptional form, leading his team to victory over Hannover United with a score of 62-54 and claiming the European championship—a historic first for a Thai athlete.

Maitri Kongruang praised the achievement, stating: "Phongsakorn is a true role model for Thai athletes with disabilities competing at the world level. This success not only brings personal honor but also demonstrates the potential of Thailand's athletic development system. We thank the Thai Wheelchair Basketball Association under the leadership of Bhattraphan Krishana for consistently promoting athletes until achieving this level of success."

Meanwhile, "Bass Phongsakorn" expressed his feelings about the achievement: "I'm extremely proud to have carried the Thai flag and showcased our nation's glory in Europe. I want this success to inspire all fellow athletes with disabilities to believe that we can achieve greatness. My next goal is to prepare rigorously to serve the Thai national team at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan this October."

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) — The first beagles removed from a Wisconsin dog breeding and research facility that was the site of recent protests seemed to know right away that they were safe.

"They started within an hour or so coming up to us, wanting attention. Some crawled in people's laps. Every single one of them are super sweet," Lauree Simmons, president and founder of Big Dog Ranch Rescue, said Sunday. "I think they are loving the attention. I just know they know they're safe."

Big Dog Ranch Rescue and the Center for a Humane Economy negotiated a confidential agreement to purchase the 1,500 dogs for an undisclosed price from Ridglan Farms, where police used tear gas and pepper spray to repel activists trying to take beagles from the facility last month. Protesters also broke into the facility in March and took 30 dogs. Sixty-three people were referred by the sheriff's department to the district attorney for potential charges related to that break-in.

Talks to purchase the animals began months before the April disturbance, and Simmons said her group wasn't connected to the protests. Now, Big Dog Ranch Rescue is working with partners all over the country to find homes for 1,000 of the dogs, while the Center for a Humane Economy is taking the rest.

Simmons said her group has received over 700 adoption applications, but it might take some time before the hounds are ready for their new homes as the organization screens potential dog parents, moves the animals to shelters around the country and ensures the beagles are housebroken.

The first 300 dogs were taken from Ridglan on Friday, with more scheduled for removal over the next week. The animal groups have set up a staging area with play yards in Wisconsin, where the dogs are being vaccinated, microchipped, spayed or neutered and prepared for transport, Simmons said. Big Dog Ranch Rescue has already started moving dogs to its location in western Palm Beach County, Florida.

"The younger dogs will adjust quicker, and the older dogs will take time," Simmons said. "A lot of them are more willing to accept love and want to be with people."

Ridglan Farms didn't immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

Beagles are the most common breed of dog used for animal testing, primarily because of their smaller size and gentle temperament, Simmons said.

Rebekah Robinson, the president of Dane4Dogs, center left, speaks at a protest at the Wisconsin State Capitol demanding that the governor and attorney general do what they can to shut down a beagle breeding and research facility, Monday, April 20, 2026, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Scott Bauer)

"A Belgian Malinois is not going to put up with being tested on, being confined in a kennel their whole life," Simmons said of the athletic shepherd dogs commonly used by police and the military. "Beagles are just so trusting and docile and calm and forgiving, so they are the most chosen dogs for animal testing. And so we're going to take one of the sweetest, kindest"

Meet 'Nok': A woman fighting to survive, dancing in the sun to support herself, unbothered by those who think she's crazy or strange because she does honest work and can take care of herself without burdening anyone.

April 5, 2026 – After a video went viral online showing an elderly woman dancing in the blazing sun at the BTS Talad Phlu station across from The Mall Tha Phra, many people expressed admiration for her perseverance and dedication.

At 3 p.m., a reporter from Khao Sod Online met with Ms. Buunlauy, known as 'Nok,' a 64-year-old woman who became the subject of the viral clip.

Nok explained that she has been dancing for income for many years, but has been performing at this location for 3-4 years. It is her primary occupation to earn a living and support herself.

She wakes up at 3 a.m. every day to bathe, do her makeup, and get dressed before heading out to dance at markets during the morning hours. She then moves between different locations with foot traffic where she can dance without disturbing others. She performs at the BTS Talad Phlu station on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at around 3 p.m.

As for her clothing, accessories, and makeup used each day, most are not purchased by herself but are gifts from passersby who feel sympathetic toward her. This allows her to creatively mix and match pieces into new outfits each day without repetition.

Her daily earnings from dancing are unpredictable and depend on the number of people passing by and their generosity. Some days she earns more, other days less, but overall it is sufficient for her daily expenses such as food, transportation, and necessities. While she cannot save large sums due to her age, she is satisfied with a life where she can care for herself without depending on anyone.

Dancing is not just a job but also a form of exercise. Since her living quarters are quite hot and lack air conditioning, being outdoors and moving her body feels much better than staying idle inside a room.

When asked about how she feels regarding people's stares, Nok spoke confidently that she has never felt ashamed or worried about others' comments. She views what she does as honest work, and even if some people find it strange or think she is crazy, she doesn't care. What matters is that she can support herself without troubling anyone.

A young woman from Zhejiang Province, China has gone viral after losing significant weight following a friend's casual remark: "If you get thin, you'll look like Yang Mi"—a reference to the famous celebrity. This simple comment became the catalyst for a serious personal transformation and eventual weight loss success.

Originally standing 156 centimeters tall and weighing approximately 64 kilograms, the young woman decided to make a change after hearing her friend's words. She then began controlling her diet with a focus on clean eating and exercising consistently. Over the course of seven months, she maintained a dedicated weight loss regimen, documenting her progress on Douyin as she dropped from 64 kilograms down to 42.5 kilograms.

After achieving her weight loss goals, her face became more defined with sharper facial features, and her overall appearance transformed dramatically and noticeably. She currently maintains her weight at 42.5 kilograms and has developed a more diverse and varied fashion style.

Following the release of her transformation video, countless internet users praised her efforts, calling her a "top-tier self-improvement icon." Many noted that her face and eyes now closely resemble Yang Mi's. Several commenters expressed they wish they had a friend who could provide such encouragement and inspiration.