The Thai Association of Travel and Tourism Businesses (ATTA) and the Thai Association of Tourism Services (TTAA) met with Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenkul to discuss support measures addressing the tourism crisis. ATTA President Thanapol Cheevarataporn revealed three key strategies: First, 1,000 million baht in subsidies for 3,000 charter flights; second, a domestic co-pay travel incentive program worth 3,000 million baht covering up to 1 million people at 3,000 baht per person; and third, suspension of the 1,000 baht foreign travel tax under the 2526 BE law to prevent damage to Thailand's outbound travel market and future international flight reductions.

Thapol explained that inbound markets face pressure from rising fuel costs and shrinking long-haul markets, making support for nearby markets like China, India, and ASEAN nations critical. The domestic co-pay program strengthens tourism as a domestic consumer protection measure, while reducing outbound travel helps mitigate current international flight cancellations. ATTA has scheduled roadshows in Chinese cities including Xinjiang, Urumqi, Dunhuang, and Lanzhou from May 28 to June 4, 2569, with support from the Tourism Authority of Thailand and ministerial participation to strengthen the "Two Way Tourism" strategy in key markets.

The associations are collaborating with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, King Power, and academic institutions including the National Science Research and Innovation Council to maximize program efficiency. The Tourism Minister reiterated the government's commitment to promoting quality tourism, separating the tourism ministry into separate tourism and culture portfolios, and implementing visa policy adjustments effectively.

Five Officers and Two Hotels Under Investigation After Gambling Raid in Nimitmai and Bung Kum Areas; Officials Ordered to Investigate Possible Negligence. On April 27, 2569, Deputy Metropolitan Police Commissioner Siam Bunsomboon disclosed developments in the case where the Department of Provincial Administration's special operations unit raided two illegal Hi-Lo gambling dens in the Hathai Ratsada and Seri Thai areas—jurisdictions of Nimitmai and Bung Kum police stations. The operation resulted in the arrest of over 100 gamblers and the seizure of evidence worth millions of baht on April 25, 2569. Deputy Commissioner Siam ordered Pol. Col. Prasang Anmani, Commander of Police Region 3, and Pol. Col. Kampanate Arunkirirotsana, Commander of Police Region 4—overseeing Nimitmai and Bung Kum police stations respectively—to establish a fact-finding committee to determine whether local police negligently allowed gambling operations to exist in their areas. Meanwhile, Region 3 and Region 4 commanders are preparing to reassign five officers from Nimitmai and Bung Kum police stations to the operations center pending completion of the investigation, with orders expected within one to two days.

Volatile oil prices are creating a 'double shock' to both consumers and businesses, as advance announcements of large price swings are destabilizing the entire energy management system. The Petroleum Products Retail Association (PDA) has written to Energy Minister Eknath Prompan and the Fuel Fund Management Board chairman, urging them to urgently review oil pricing guidelines, particularly the practice of announcing large price changes in advance that is significantly disrupting the market.

The letter makes clear that while the oil price adjustment policy aims to reduce living costs, it is directly impacting gas station operators nationwide who are the primary distribution mechanism for energy.

PDA points out that advance announcements of price increases of one baht per liter or more are significantly changing consumer and business behavior. When prices are expected to drop, consumers delay refueling while stations rush to clear inventory to avoid losses. But when price increases are announced, consumers rush to fill up early while operators scramble to order more fuel to meet sudden demand spikes. This opposing behavior creates supply-demand imbalances and pressures the entire system from refineries through transportation to the pump.

With average fuel station margins of only 0.90 baht per liter, operators cannot absorb the shock. Sharp price drops leave those holding expensive stock with immediate losses, while price spikes force costly emergency orders during peak demand.

Price adjustments during holidays and festivals—already high-demand periods—compound the problem, potentially causing localized shortages without supporting measures.

PDA proposes three concrete policy recommendations: (1) limit price adjustments to no more than 0.60 baht per liter per change; (2) use gradual adjustment rather than sudden jumps to reduce speculation; and (3) create compensation mechanisms for necessary large increases. These aim to restore system balance without placing excessive burden on any single party.

Many consumers still believe that refrigerated and frozen food products contain harmful preservatives, that microwaving boxed meals destroys nutritional value, and that eating processed foods causes disease. We're here to clear up these misconceptions and explain how to properly and safely select processed foods with Dr. Wanaporn Thongchom, a health educator and professional dietitian from the Health Promotion Division at Ramathibodi Hospital's Faculty of Medicine at Mahidol University.

Do Refrigerated and Frozen Foods Contain Preservatives?

"Preservatives are another concern many people worry about. Even though there are healthy refrigerated, frozen, and ready-to-eat food options, consumers may still wonder if they contain preservatives.

Modern production processes no longer require preservatives. Instead, foods stay fresh through temperature control, specifically freezing at temperatures below -18 degrees Celsius, which prevents disease-causing microorganisms from growing. High-pressure processing kills pathogens, and specialized packaging like Retort Pouches—multi-layered laminated food containers that are durable and withstand high heat and pressure—are also used. Ready-to-eat foods frequently use Retort Pouches, which preserve food through sterilization and oxygen removal, preventing pathogenic microorganisms from developing.

Therefore, refrigerated, frozen, and ready-to-eat food products don't need preservatives. Consumers can read the nutrition labels and ingredient lists on packaging before purchasing," Dr. Wanaporn Thongchom said.

Does Microwaving Boxed Meals Destroy Nutritional Value?

"This may be a misconception. During freezing, major nutrients like protein, carbohydrates, fats, and fiber don't break down. Research shows that when temperature is properly controlled for long-term storage, certain nutrients are preserved, such as vitamin A, folate, and vitamin C. Microwaving is very safe, and the main nutrients remain at satisfactory levels," Dr. Wanaporn Thongchom said.

How Safe Are Containers Used in Microwaves?

"Some people wonder if microwave-safe containers can withstand heat. The answer is yes, they must be. Plastics come in different grades, and containers labeled as microwave-safe are Food Grade Plastic that can withstand heat and are safe. However, be careful—products may not be designed for repeated microwaving. After using them once or twice in the microwave, you shouldn't reuse them. If you need to microwave more than twice, it's recommended to transfer the food to a different container," Dr. Wanaporn Thongchom said.

Do Frozen Foods Actually Cause Disease?

"Pre-prepared foods that are frozen to extend shelf life fall into the fourth category of the NOVA Classification—Ultra-Processed Foods. However, this isn't necessarily concerning. Industrial production processes inevitably result in foods being classified as Ultra-Processed.

I don't want people to think all Ultra-Processed Foods are health risks. You need to examine each product individually. Today, many ready-to-eat rice bowls are quite healthy because they have clear nutritional labels, confirming we get the energy and nutrients we need," Dr. Wanaporn Thongchom said.

50-Year-Old Groom Walks Down the Aisle Alone, Revealing the Touching Story Behind It—Love Never Fades, He Insists the Ceremony Wasn't Perfect, But Our Love Is

Recently, a wedding photo from Hai Phong, Vietnam went viral when the bride was nowhere to be seen on her special day, leaving only the groom to complete the entire ceremony alone.

According to reports, the groom, Ho Huy Tan, 50, is a taekwondo coach in Ho Chi Minh City, while the bride, Gwyn Hoang, 25, works in another field.

Their relationship began unconventionally, starting as an uncle-niece dynamic before the man's sincerity and maturity gradually opened the woman's heart. Their love blossomed despite facing both a distance of over 1,600 kilometers and a 25-year age gap.

Originally, the couple planned to hold their wedding in July 2025 at the bride's hometown. Everything was prepared—invitations were sent, and both families made arrangements.

However, just days before the ceremony, the unexpected happened. The bride had to be hospitalized and couldn't attend her own wedding.

Since the wedding couldn't be postponed, the groom traveled from Ho Chi Minh City northward to care for his bride while helping both families manage all the arrangements. On the wedding day, he had to complete every step of the ceremony alone.

Although there was no bride in a wedding dress or that moment of walking hand-in-hand down the aisle, the ceremony proceeded smoothly. Both families stepped in to fulfill the roles, while also explaining the situation to the guests.

The groom revealed that his biggest concern wasn't an incomplete wedding ceremony, but rather wanting his wife to recover quickly. For him, the wedding was merely a beginning—true happiness lies in building a life together for the long term.

Source: emdep Edited by the Sanook Online News Team

On the afternoon of April 27, 2025, at Wat Suang Arom in Nakhon Pathom Province, Phra Kru Yuttithammanuyut, known as Luang Pho Pae, a highly revered abbot, conducted the temple's annual water blessing ceremony on the final day of Songkran 2025. The abbot held an elaborate celebration marking the end of the Thai New Year festival, drawing devotees and disciples from numerous provinces. The temple provided over ten free food stations staffed by disciples throughout the day.

Ceremonies began in the morning with traditional rituals including candle water offerings and mystical inscriptions to bring good fortune to worshippers during Thai New Year. After noon, Luang Pho Pae presided over the formal monks' water blessing, inviting 108 monks from neighboring temples. Over 100 elderly devotees aged 70 and above received blessings and gifts of large water containers and rice from the abbot to conclude the Songkran festival.

Following the formal ceremony, Luang Pho Pae opened the water blessing to the public, allowing nearly 1,000 devotees to participate. When the abbot stood on a platform for personal water blessings, many devotees requested his robes as blessed objects. Fearing they might forcefully take them, Luang Pho Pae removed his robes and tossed them to the crowd, resulting in a chaotic scene as hundreds of people swarmed to tear the fabric into pieces to take home as sacred blessings.

In the afternoon, an ancient ritual called 'bridge of merit' was performed, where hundreds of devotees lay face-down in rows covered with cloth to serve as a bridge, allowing Luang Pho Pae to walk across their backs while holding a staff to dispel illness and misfortune. The red cloth used during this ritual was later taken home by devotees for worship.

In the evening, a grand Phanom Yak chanting ceremony was held to ward off dangers and welcome good fortune for the new year. Luang Pho Pae regularly performs this protective ritual on the final day of Songkran each year. The ceremony attracted over 1,000 devotees, with additional seating required to accommodate the crowds. Distinguished abbots and monks from other temples, including a revered hermit monk from Ayutthaya Province, participated in the ceremonies.

Devotion seekers and lottery enthusiasts who attended the Songkran closing ceremony remain hopeful for their lucky numbers.