National

Anutin Dismisses Vacant Cabinet Post, Won't Hold Seat for Sakulsiam; Opposition and Senate File Complaint with Anti-Corruption Commission

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul categorically denied plans to appoint former Transport Minister Sakulsiam Chidchob to the remaining vacant cabinet position, insisting all ministerial appointments follow legal requirements. Anutin emphasized there is no connection between Sakulsiam and the empty seat, stating current government staffing is adequate and there is no plan to fill it. The opposition and Senate have filed a complaint with the anti-corruption commission regarding Sakulsiam's case, which Anutin stated is their right but unrelated to government operations.

30 Apr Khaosod

At 3:30 p.m. on April 30, 2025, at Government House, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dismissed speculation about filling a vacant cabinet position with former Transport Minister Sakulsiam Chidchob, stating: "There is no connection whatsoever. I conducted all cabinet appointments correctly according to law. The law stipulates one prime minister and no more than 35 ministers. I have done everything properly and have no involvement with Sakulsiam." When asked about the empty seat, Anutin said current staff levels are adequate, with 3-4 assistants already supporting the Prime Minister's office, and leaving one or two seats vacant is not unusual. He firmly denied any plans to bring Sakulsiam into the cabinet, saying: "We won't. Let me make this clear—people keep saying one seat is reserved for Sakulsiam since he left politics and resigned from his party and as a member of parliament. He has not been involved in politics since then, and I respect the decisions of all agencies regarding his case. I'm puzzled why some connect Bhumjaithai party matters to cabinet appointments and suggest we're holding a seat for him. I assure you this is not the case and I have never discussed this matter with Sakulsiam. This won't happen in this cabinet." Regarding the opposition and Senate submitting Sakulsiam's name to the NACC, Anutin stated: "That is their right. Everyone must exercise their rights and duties. However, this has no connection to the government or cabinet matters for which I bear direct responsibility, and it is unrelated to Bhumjaithai party, of which I am leader."

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Police

Lawmakers Call for MP Kamolasakdi Shooting Case to Be Elevated to Special Status, Alleging State Uses IO Operations to Spread Misinformation and Deflect Issues

Lawmakers are calling for the attempted assassination case of Nakhon Si Thammarat MP Kamolasakdi to be elevated to special status, alleging authorities are using information operations to spread misinformation and deflect from the shooting

30 Apr Khaosod

On April 30, 2025, at Parliament, Romdan Panjor, a People's Party list MP, held a press conference following House Speaker Sompong Amornvej's rejection of a proposal to establish a committee to monitor the attempted assassination of Nakhon Si Thammarat MP Kamolasakdi Leewamor. Romdan expressed his disappointment, noting that there are significant obstacles and concerns in gathering evidence and tracking case progress.

Currently, Kamolasakdi must personally collect evidence and file complaints. Recently, he filed charges against two naval officers in an attempted murder case, pending clarification from the newly formed Region 9 Police investigative unit on whether they will interrogate the suspects and complainants. The interrogation deadline was today, but progress remains limited. The public is concerned that despite arresting five alleged assassins, Kamolasakdi has filed additional complaints. There are questions about whether the case will be split into two cases, requiring close monitoring. MPs from border-area electoral districts in the southern region must be vigilant, as this directly impacts their work. Kamolasakdi has now missed two weeks of parliamentary sessions due to evidence gathering in the field.

Romdan further stated that the shooting is not an attack on an individual MP, but a challenge to democratic political institutions, requiring protective measures. He will monitor the case and maintain continuous communication with the House Speaker.

The public perceives this case not as a personal matter but as a security issue connected to certain agencies, involving political motivations. Public observers are noting possible attempts to distort or deflect from the main issues, requiring close attention to whether investigators work transparently based on evidence.

Romdan recommended that the government elevate the Kamolasakdi shooting case to special status to ensure neutral, professional evidence gathering, as local police resources may be insufficient. He urged the government to prioritize transparency, correctness, fairness, and professionalism in this case.

There are also suspicions regarding deliberate distortion of the narrative, with suspected information operations using degrading content against politicians, journalists, activists, and civil society members. Romdan interpreted this as a planned and recurring operation.

He called for close monitoring as this affects political institutions and the need for safe spaces for public voices. Otherwise, resolving southern Thailand's problems through peaceful means will be difficult.

"It's unfortunate the House Speaker deflected the issue. From now on, we must use parliamentary committees as mechanisms to monitor progress, conduct close oversight, and ensure this case is transparent, professional, and scientific, pushing it under DSI responsibility," Romdan said.

Chayapol Satad, a Bangkok People's Party MP, noted that the case involves government resources. When people demand facts, authorities use memory-creating strategies and IO operations to deflect, cover up news, and create stories based on anger and hatred to distract public attention.

Kittipong Piyawanno, a People's Party list MP and former military officer, commented on IO operations, noting his background in such operations from military training.

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National

Kisidis Defeats Japanese Player to Advance to Semifinals in ITF Tennis Tournament in Nakhon Pathom

Thai top-ranked player "Boom" Kisidis defeated Japan's Taiseichi Ichikawa 7-6(7-1), 4-6, 6-4 in an ITF Men's World Tennis Tour tournament at Kasetsart University in Nakhon Pathom, advancing to the semifinals. Two Thai women also progressed

30 Apr Khaosod

The professional men's M25 ITF Men's World Tennis Tour (1) tournament with a $30,000 prize pool and women's W15 ITF Women's World Tennis Tour (1) with a $15,000 prize pool were held at Kasetsart University's Kamphaeng Saen Campus in Nakhon Pathom on April 30, 2025, in the Round of 16 competition.

"Boom" Kisidis, Thailand's top-ranked player, world No. 416, and tournament No. 1 seed, had to work hard through three sets against Japan's Taiseichi Ichikawa, world No. 852, who played impressively with tightly contested baseline rallies.

In the first set, the two players fought closely before Kisidis won the tiebreak 7-6(7-1) with strong serving and sharp court-finishing winners. However, Ichikawa dominated the second set, winning 6-4 to level the match at 1-1. In the third set, after the score reached 4-4, Kisidis successfully broke serve in the ninth game to lead 5-4, then served out the set to win 6-4. Kisidis ultimately defeated Ichikawa 2-1 in sets with a score of 7-6(7-1), 4-6, 6-4 in 2 hours and 38 minutes.

In this match, Kisidis hit 13 aces and committed just 1 double fault, while the Japanese opponent had 4 aces but 6 double faults. In the quarterfinals, Kisidis will face India's Siddarth Rawat, world No. 537 and tournament No. 6 seed.

On the women's singles side, two Thai tennis players advanced in the Round of 16. "Eve" Patcharin Chiwarak, world No. 452 and tournament No. 1 seed, defeated South Korea's Zhang Soo Ha, world No. 1273, 2-0 sets (6-3, 6-1). "Tae" Tharasapol Nakklao, world No. 593 and tournament No. 3 seed, defeated Malaysia's Elsa Wan, world No. 1465, 7-6(7-5), 4-1 Ret., after Wan retired due to an abdominal muscle injury.

Other Round of 16 results: Women's singles—Kamalvarn Yodpetch lost to Aichi Das (New Zealand) 4-6, 6-7(4-7); Liu Yuhan (China) defeated Yuka Hosoki (Japan) 3-6, 6-4, 6-2.

Men's singles: Siddarth Rawat (6-India) defeated Shinji Hasazawa (Japan) 6-2, 6-3; Mitsuki Hoey Kang Leong (Malaysia) defeated Joshua Charlton (Australia) 7-5, 3-6, 2-6; Takuya Kumasaka (5-Japan) defeated Mans Keshvani (India) 6-4, 6-4; Cruz Hewitt (Australia) defeated Colin Sinclair (8-Northern Mariana Islands) 7-6(7-0), 6-4; Moerani Bouzidi (2-Australia) defeated Muhammad Rifki Fitriadi (Indonesia) 6-4, 6-3.

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Local

Popular Durian Shop in Nakhon Ratchasima Swarms with Customers During 19-Baht Per Fruit Promotion

Nong Khun Durian in Nakhon Ratchasima is drawing huge crowds with a limited-time promotion selling durians for just 19 baht each, part of a strategy to boost sales during peak harvest season. The shop also offers regular durians at discount

30 Apr Khaosod

On April 30, 2025, a reporter found the fruit sales zone at Thoet Thai Market in Muang district, Nakhon Ratchasima, packed with customers from the province and neighboring areas eager to buy durians at 19 baht each. Shop owner Nong Khun Durian launched this promotion to counter online drama while offering incredibly low prices—19 baht per fruit for customers who share the shop's Facebook post. Beyond the promotional price, the shop also sells durians below market rates, starting from 69 baht per kilogram up to 119 baht per kilogram. Many customers who come for the 19-baht deal end up purchasing additional durians at regular prices to take home.

Sirikachorn Konnkamyai, 25, the shop owner, explained that this promotion is a marketing tactic to boost durian consumption during peak harvest season. The promotion features various premium varieties including Monthong, Kradum, Puang Manee, and Chanee Khai, each weighing approximately one kilogram. Customers can claim a refund or exchange for free if their durians are unripe or spoiled.

Regarding the online drama surrounding the promotion, Sirikachorn views it as simply marketing that attracts customers. She notes that many buyers purchase additional durians at regular prices, and ultimately consumers benefit most by getting affordable durians during a time of high fuel costs. Interested customers can access the 19-baht promotion by sharing the post from the "Nong Khun Durian Seller" Facebook page to their personal profile and presenting proof at Thoet Thai Market. The promotion runs from April 30 to May 6, 2025, with the shop prepared to handle at least 5 tons of durians.

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National

REIC Reports Explosive Land Price Growth in Phra Khanong-Bang Na-Suan Luang, Up 29.8%

Bangkok's Phra Khanong-Bang Na area saw vacant land prices surge 29.8% year-over-year in Q1 2025, leading growth across the capital and surrounding regions.

30 Apr Khaosod

On April 30, REIC reported its Q1 2025 vacant land price index for Bangkok and surrounding areas, showing an increase of 1.4% year-over-year. The index reached 449.1 points, up 3.7% from the previous quarter's 443.0 points.

The top five locations with the highest land price growth rates year-over-year are:

1. Phra Khanong-Bang Na-Suan Luang-Prawet: 29.8% increase 2. Bang Kruai-Bang Yai-Bang Bua Thong-Sai Noi: 25.9% increase 3. Samut Sakhon: 19.4% increase 4. Inner Bangkok: 16.1% increase 5. Ratsada-Bang Khun Thian-Thung Khru-Bang Bon-Chom Thong: 10.8% increase

Regarding vacant land prices along mass transit routes in Q1 2025, the top five transit lines with the highest land price appreciation year-over-year are:

1. BTS Sukhumvit Line: Index of 593.8 points 2. MRT and Dark Red Line (Bang Sue-Hua Lamphong): Index of 756.2 and 744.5 points respectively 3. Purple Line (Bang Yai-Tao Poon): Index of 586.0 points 4. Green Line (Mochit-Saphan Mai-Khlong Kuet) and Dark Red Line (Bang Sue-Rangsit): Index of 667.4 and 657.1 points respectively 5. Orange Line (Cultural Center-Min Buri): Index of 571 points

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National

Global press freedom hits lowest level in 25 years, RSF warns

Press freedom has fallen to its lowest level in 25 years, with more than half the world's countries now facing difficult conditions for journalism, according to Reporters Without Borders' latest index.

30 Apr Khaosod

Global press freedom has fallen to its lowest level in a quarter of a century, with more than half of the world's countries now classified as having a "difficult" or "very serious" situation, according to the 2026 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders.

RSF said the average score across 180 countries and territories has never been lower in the Index's 25-year history, reflecting a steady decline since 2001. The group warned that increasingly restrictive laws — particularly those tied to national security — are eroding the right to information, even in democratic countries.

The legal environment for journalism saw the sharpest deterioration over the past year, signalling what RSF described as a growing "criminalisation of journalism" worldwide.

In the Americas, press freedom also worsened, with the United States dropping seven places, while several Latin American countries, including Ecuador and Peru, saw significant declines amid rising violence and repression.

Norway retained its position as the world's top-ranked country for press freedom for the 10th consecutive year, while Eritrea remained last for the third year in a row. Syria recorded the biggest improvement, climbing 36 places following political changes after the Assad era.

RSF Editorial Director Anne Bocandé warned that attacks on journalism are becoming more visible and systematic, driven by authoritarian governments, weak political leadership, economic pressures and under-regulated online platforms.

She called for stronger protections for journalists, including an end to the misuse of national security laws and legal harassment such as SLAPPs, warning that inaction would amount to "an endorsement" of declining press freedom.

RSF added that only a tiny share of the global population now lives in countries with a "good" level of press freedom — down from 20% in 2002 to less than 1% today — underscoring what it described as a global crisis for journalism.

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National

Internal Security Command Partners with Po Teck Tung Foundation and Thai Volunteer Defense Foundation to Distribute Essential Goods and Relieve Cost of Living Hardships

The Internal Security Command has partnered with Po Teck Tung Foundation and Thai Volunteer Defense Foundation to launch a relief initiative distributing 1,000 aid packages worth over 200,000 baht to help low-income and economically vulnerable citizens. The program, held in Bangkok on April 30, 2025, was led by ISC Secretary-General General Chaiyaprueksa Duangprawat and aims to provide essential consumer goods to those facing hardship from current economic conditions.

30 Apr Khaosod

The Internal Security Command has launched the 'ISC Sharing Kindness' project in collaboration with Po Teck Tung Foundation, Thai Volunteer Defense Foundation, and private sector partners to distribute consumer goods and alleviate cost-of-living pressures on citizens at ISC headquarters in Dusit, Bangkok.

On April 30, 2025, General Chaiyaprueksa Duangprawat, ISC Secretary-General, presided over the project opening alongside Deputy General Thanatip Sawangaeng, Director of the Public Affairs and Communications Office at ISC, Aranyai Totwat, Managing Director of Po Teck Tung Foundation, representatives from Thai Volunteer Defense Foundation, and private sector partners.

The 'ISC Sharing Kindness' initiative aims to assist citizens, particularly low-income earners and vulnerable populations affected by economic difficulties, through the distribution of essential consumer goods. Po Teck Tung Foundation mobilized disaster management personnel and relief workers to contribute 1,000 survival kits valued at over 200,000 baht to support the program at ISC headquarters in Dusit, Bangkok.

Over its 116-year history, Po Teck Tung Foundation has expanded its initiatives widely, providing relief to the suffering regardless of race or religion, while also improving quality of life in multiple ways. The foundation operates as a comprehensive charitable organization serving the public across all sectors in line with its mission: 'Po Teck Tung Foundation—Save Lives, Preserve Lives, Build Lives.'

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National

Shocking! 'Crystal Clear Fried Chicken' Looks Like Glass—the Viral Creation of a Chinese Food Blogger

Chinese food blogger Chai Nan used molecular gastronomy techniques to create "transparent fried chicken" that looks like glass, reconstructing deconstructed chicken using gelatin, spherification, and bone marrow to produce a crystal-like di

30 Apr Khaosod

A Chinese food blogger named Chai Nan has gained widespread recognition for his unconventional cooking style and imaginative menu creations using molecular gastronomy techniques applied to food, resulting in remarkable and eye-catching dishes that have taken the online world by storm.

His latest viral sensation is "transparent fried chicken"—a dish with a glass-like, crystal appearance so striking that many viewers see it as artwork rather than ordinary food. This innovation quickly captured global attention.

Last month, Chai Nan uploaded a video to YouTube titled "I Wanted to Make Transparent Fried Chicken, But the Results Got Really Strange," which instantly went viral, garnering nearly a million views on the platform.

The concept of making "transparent" fried chicken sounds impossible, yet the actual result amazed countless viewers, appearing almost like tangible magic. Chai Nan provided detailed explanations of his creative process, starting by deconstructing the fried chicken piece by piece—from the skeletal structure to the meat—to rebuild the entire food structure from scratch.

For the bones, he used a mixture of bone marrow, collagen, and aspic gel, shaped in a mold resembling chicken bones and allowed to set into a firm, transparent structure. For the chicken meat, he processed it into a water-like liquid before using a technique called "spherification" to reconstruct the muscle fiber structure—a popular technique in molecular gastronomy.

Finally, he assembled the glass-like meat and bone pieces back together in a mold, creating the "transparent fried chicken" that is both striking and mesmerizing, becoming a much-discussed culinary artwork in the social media world.

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National

Rinnai Redefines 'Heat' as a New Home Experience, Driving Smart Kitchen Innovation

Japanese appliance maker Rinnai is repositioning heat as an emotional home experience rather than mere functionality, launching smart kitchen innovations with safety-focused technology at Thailand's Architect69 event.

30 Apr Khaosod

While 'heat' in household appliances is traditionally viewed as a basic function for cooking or hot water, Rinnai—a leading Japanese brand—is reframing this concept through the 'Heat is Home' philosophy, transforming energy into an emotional experience of home living.

At Architect69 event, Sompon Preechawuttinant, General Manager of Rinnai Thailand, explained: "We see heat as more than just energy produced by appliances. We focus on the end result—how heat can improve quality of life. This is the foundation of our 'Heat is Home' concept, which we want to communicate to consumers."

Drawing from over 100 years of brand history, Rinnai's leadership emphasized that consumers don't simply want products, but desire "improved quality of life." Heat represents the beginning of valuable moments at home—whether faster meal preparation bringing families together or truly relaxing baths.

In the modern home context, kitchens are shifting from purely functional spaces to areas reflecting residents' identity and lifestyle. Rinnai prioritizes developing technology that not only works but "truly understands users," with safety as the core focus through the Si Sensor system, which automatically controls temperature and cuts gas in risky situations.

"Safety is always our priority. Si Sensor technology was designed to reduce usage risks, giving users confidence every time they enter the kitchen," Sompon stated.

As a global brand with production and distribution networks across dozens of countries, Rinnai leverages consumer behavior insights from different regions to create location-specific innovations. The company adapted Japan's Ultra Fine Bubbles technology for Thai products to enhance cleaning and hygiene efficiency, exemplifying a "Global Insight, Local Fit" approach.

"We learn from consumers worldwide, then adapt for each country's context. For Thailand, we select technologies that address real usage needs and genuinely elevate user experience," he said.

At Architect69, Rinnai presented products clearly reflecting the brand's DNA—safety, user-friendly operation, and excellent user experience—positioning gas stoves as more than cooking equipment.

"We want consumers to see that a gas stove or kitchen appliance can truly make life easier and safer. It's not just functional—it should feel good to use," Sompon emphasized.

Meanwhile, Thailand's Smart Kitchen trend continues growing with IoT technology connecting appliances to smartphones. However, Rinnai believes true 'smartness' must be practical.

"For us, Smart Kitchen isn't just connectivity—it must reduce cooking steps and complications. We're developing technology for automatic cooking control, making it easier for younger generations to cook."

The company plans to introduce innovative technologies addressing future consumer needs.

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Police

Phatthalung police accused of deceiving mentally ill man during Hi-Lo gambling

Parents in Phatthalung accused a police officer of tricking their mentally ill son into gambling, resulting in a loss of 120,000 baht. The officer allegedly exploited the 20-year-old's condition during a Hi-Lo session at his residence in Ap

30 Apr The Thaiger South

Phatthalung police accused of deceiving mentally ill man during Hi-Lo gamblingLegacyParents accused a police officer in Phatthalung of deceiving their mentally ill son into gambling, leading to the loss of 120,000 baht. The parents, 46 year old Yupaporn and 53 year old Thanasak, sought help from a local journalist, claiming their 20 year old son Peerasak was targeted by a police senior sergeant major identified as Suea, who serves under Provincial Police Region 9. According to the family, the officer contacted their son and persuaded him to join a Hi-Lo gambling session on the night of April 28. The son reportedly lost within 15 minutes, handing over a gold necklace and cash with a combined value of 120,000 baht. The parents said their son has a mental condition that affects his judgement, making him more vulnerable to persuasion. They believe the officer was aware of this and exploited it. Photo via Amarin TV They also alleged that the officer hosts gambling activities at his residence regularly and that their son had previously lost money there. Fearing possible influence over a local investigation, the couple initially approached a journalist instead of filing directly with police. The journalist later accompanied them to lodge a complaint at Mueang Phatthalung Police Station, drawing attention from locals. In an interview with Channel 7 after filing the complaint, Yupaporn said the accused officer contacted her and offered to return the money and valuables if she withdrew the case. She declined the offer. Channel 7 reported an attempt to contact the accused officer to her his account, but it was unsuccessful. Photo via Amarin TV Royal Thai Police (RTP) deputy spokesperson Chaipajon Suwannarak said a full investigation would be conducted as soon as possible. He stated that legal action would proceed without favour if wrongdoing is confirmed. In a separate case reported last October, a former RTP commissioner and 200 other police officers were found to accepted bribes from gambling websites. The case was reportedly under investigation by the National Anti-Corruption Commission, but updates on the investigation have not been made public. The story Phatthalung police accused of deceiving mentally ill man during Hi-Lo gambling as seen on Thaiger News.

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National

Indian Billionaire's Son Offers to Care for 80 Hippos for Life After Colombia Plans to Cull Them

Indian billionaire heir Anand Ambani has offered to relocate 80 hippopotamuses from Colombia to his wildlife sanctuary in India to prevent the government from culling the invasive species, whose population has exploded since the 1980s.

30 Apr Khaosod

Indian billionaire heir Anand Ambani has proposed adopting 80 hippopotamuses to prevent Colombia's government from culling the animals due to their rapidly growing population and environmental impact.

According to CNN on April 30, Ambani made the offer to avoid the Colombian government's plan to eliminate the hippos, which have multiplied rapidly and are damaging the local ecosystem. The hippo population was originally introduced to Colombia in the 1980s and lives in areas around the former Escobar ranch at Hacienda Nápoles, now a tourist destination. The population has grown to approximately 160 animals, with projections potentially reaching 500 by 2030 without intervention.

Ambani proposed relocating 80 hippos to a wildlife sanctuary in Gujarat, India, a project he founded and operates caring for more than 150,000 animals from over 2,000 species.

Sanctuary officials stated they are prepared to provide appropriate and safe environments for the hippos to ensure good quality of life, and confirmed they would strictly adhere to legal requirements, permits, and biosecurity measures if approved by the Colombian government.

Ambani expressed through social media: "These hippos didn't choose to be born, and they shouldn't suffer the consequences of this situation. If we have the capacity to help, we should."

Colombia's environment minister confirmed that culling some hippos is a necessary measure, as the species has been classified as an invasive species since 2022. The ministry stated that uncontrolled hippo population growth threatens native animals like manatees and freshwater turtles in the Magdalena River basin, and failure to act could cause long-term ecosystem damage.

Colombia previously considered alternatives, including relocating hippos to Ecuador, Peru, Mexico, South Africa, and India, but implementation proved difficult due to international legal restrictions and logistical challenges.

Ambani's proposal is currently under consideration, with relevant authorities assessing its feasibility, though the Colombian government has not yet issued an official response.

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