On April 17, 2569, the Royal Gazette published a royal proclamation granting ecclesiastical title to Phra Thammawitchirpatiphan Suphithandhammathanit, designated as a special Buddhist orator with elevated monastic rank, stationed at Wat Prayurawongsa Wiharn in Bangkok, with authority to ordain six new monks.

Phra Thammawitchirpatiphan (Bunya Akompunyo) is a Buddhist scholar and master of dhamma discourse who trains monks, novices, and laypeople. Rather than teaching merely for memorization, he emphasizes critical thinking and communicates Buddhist teachings in ways accessible to all levels of society. Currently 76 years old with 56 years of monastic life, he serves as assistant abbot of Wat Prayurawongsa Wiharn, head of the Phasi Charoen district sangha council, and deputy director of the First Buddhist Missionary Network.

Born on January 1, 1950, in Don Tae, Muang District, Ratchaburi Province, he ordained at age 11 on May 18, 1961, at Wat Na Nong. He completed Buddhist scriptural studies, earning bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in Dhamma. He transferred to Wat Prayurawongsa in 1983 and earned a doctorate in Buddhist Education specializing in dhamma instruction from Mahachulalongkorn Rajabhat University.

Wat Prayurawongsa is renowned as a center for dhamma discourse, having maintained distinctive teaching methods since the early Chakri period. The temple's motto emphasizes "fishing outside the house, connecting the ten directions, forging friendships far and wide, cultivating wisdom, and the sarika feeding the prey"—all aligned with authentic Buddhist principles.

Phra Thammawitchirpatiphan has consistently worked to disseminate Buddhism and inspire faith through lectures to students, officials, and professionals in both public and private sectors. He is particularly renowned for "witchir patiphan" (sparkling dhamma discourse)—spontaneous Dhamma dialogue requiring both wit and precise knowledge of the Tripitaka. He has authored numerous works including "Mantra of Happiness," "Meditation Methods," "Karma: Cause and Effect," "Dhamma Instruction Basics," and many others.

"All humans desire a happy life coupled with wisdom greater than a life filled with suffering—whether physical or mental—or cleverness without wisdom. Life with wisdom allows one to distinguish right from wrong, avoid mistakes, and overcome obstacles. Therefore, before acting, one must think carefully; if seeing something is wrong and harmful, find a better way. A good life is lived by those with good thoughts who do not allow themselves to sink into what is wrong."

Following the incident where Adinun, 29, a footballer from Moo 8, Tambon Thammuang, Amphoe Thepa, Songkhla province, was fatally shot after the "Thammuang Cup" football match held during the annual sports competition of Thammuang Municipality on April 30, the latest development occurred on May 1, 2569, when military officials from the Ingkhayuth Camp in Amphoe Nongchik, Pattani province brought 20-year-old conscript Sukhanya to surrender to Pol. Col. Piyawat Kwansri, the investigating officer at Huaypling Police Station.

Initially, investigators charged the suspect with premeditated homicide, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and carrying firearms in civilian areas without authorization. The suspect claims he disposed of the firearm in a canal while fleeing. Pol. Col. Piyawat revealed that the suspect has confessed to the incident, claiming the shooting was solely in self-defense because the deceased's group was numerous. After interrogation, the suspect was transferred to military court at the 42nd Army Region Command at Camp Senanarong, Hadyai District, Songkhla.

At the victim's home in Nongsamai, Moo 8, Tambon Thammuang, relatives and friends continued paying respects amid mourning, with the family preparing to bury the body at the village cemetery. The victim's father stated his son had been a footballer for many years, but never expected this tragic outcome. He requested police prosecute the perpetrator severely.

A relative who witnessed the incident explained that tensions arose during the football match when the suspect's team collided with the victim's team. After the 0-0 match ended, both teams exchanged apologies and dispersed. Later, while watching the next match, the suspect approached the victim's nephew asking why he had fouled him, leading to a physical altercation. When the victim intervened to help his nephew, the suspect drew a firearm and shot immediately, striking the victim's right chest, left armpit, and right ankle.

Authorities have uncovered 45 fraudulent birth registrations connected to a Chinese smuggling ring operating in Nakhon Ratchasima, with six pairs of twins registered illegally. Officials are accelerating the investigation and pursuing comprehensive legal action. Dr. Kitipong Pongsuravet, sub-district mayor of Phothikhlang in Muang Nakhon Ratchasima district, filed a complaint with police after discovering that municipal registry staff had committed fraud by falsifying birth documents for foreign nationals in an organized scheme involving 27 cases, each receiving tens of thousands of baht in benefits. In the latest development on May 1, 2026, Dr. Kitipong revealed that following a meeting with Suranari Camp Hospital—which was falsely listed as the birth location—an additional 28 suspicious registrations were identified, bringing the total to 45 cases. All registered names are Chinese nationals with no Thai citizens involved. Investigators also discovered significant irregularities, including six pairs of twins being fraudulently registered. The registrations occurred between July and October 2025, with suspicious clustering in certain months, such as June 2025 when six registrations were processed in a single month. Immigration officials at Suvarnabhumi Airport have also detained two Chinese nationals who were preparing to leave the country. The initial investigation indicates the fraudulent registrations were conducted in Phothikhlang sub-district, and relevant agencies are coordinating a comprehensive investigation and pursuing maximum legal penalties.

Auau Thanapoom, also known as Auau DEXX, has spoken out about an unsettling experience involving a fan following her to her rehearsal studio. This common problem for artists and celebrities involves invasive fan behavior that violates their personal space outside of work hours.

On April 30, Auau appeared as a Brand Ambassador at the "Dr.Choice presents: Punch Your Blues with Auau and Yuzu" event at Thailand Pet Expo 2026 at the Sirikit National Convention Center, where she opened up about the incident.

According to Auau, she was followed from morning until late at night when she arrived at the rehearsal studio. She admitted feeling uncomfortable because the studio is a private space, and other people were present. She emphasized that everyone deserves a safe work zone and that if they happen to meet by chance, a normal greeting is fine—but she'd prefer fans approach her at official events instead.

"It happened during our concert rehearsals," Auau explained. "I had to be there for quite a while, and I noticed someone following me from early morning. That space felt quite private to me, and I wasn't sure what to do. I really want them to understand it's a private area. If they want to follow me, it's better to do it at events. All artists have personal lives. I'd prefer fans approach me at official events."

When asked if there were other people in the space, Auau confirmed: "Yes, there were others, not just me. And honestly, it made them uncomfortable too."

Regarding how she felt about being followed in a shared space, Auau said: "I felt bad for them. Everyone deserves privacy, actually. I think they themselves would want personal space too. As an artist, my colleagues and I have our own privacy. When we're rehearsing, it should be a safe zone, but when cameras are constantly recording, it doesn't feel very private."

When asked if it was late, she confirmed it was, occurring right after rehearsal ended. She had already encountered the fan earlier in the day. The follower was female. Auau expressed concern for the fan's safety as well, noting it was quite late and isolated. She clarified her intention wasn't to scold anyone, just to ask fans to meet her at official events instead.

Asking fans to respect boundaries, Auau said: "If we happen to meet, a casual conversation is fine. But there needs to be some space. Don't rush in, search for me, or follow me like this. I just need space for my safety and my friends' safety too."

A police sergeant has admitted to hi-lo gambling charges and returned funds to a brain-diseased young man, facing severe disciplinary action. The deputy national police commander will visit the area tomorrow to monitor progress.

The case involves Yupapon, 46, and Thanasak, 53, parents of a 20-year-old man identified as "A" (pseudonym) who suffers from a neurological condition, seeking assistance after their son was allegedly lured by a sergeant from the 9th Region Police to play illegal hi-lo gambling at a house in Muang District, Phatthalung Province, resulting in losses of over 130,000 baht. The incident occurred in the early morning of April 28, and a complaint was filed at Muang Phatthalung Police Station.

Subsequently, Pol. Col. Sompracha Kannakanan, commander of Muang Phatthalung Police Station, ordered officers to investigate all four gambling participants under gambling laws. Whether fraud charges will be pursued depends on further investigation into the actual circumstances to ensure fairness to both parties.

On May 1, 2569, investigators called the victim for additional questioning and summoned the sergeant and three companions to acknowledge charges of joint gambling. The sergeant admitted to playing hi-lo gambling and acknowledged the fraud allegation, returning all money to the victim in the presence of investigators with a record made. Meanwhile, the 9th Region Police established a fact-finding committee to investigate both the accused and the victim. Tomorrow, May 2, Deputy National Police Commander Trairongwit Phiwpan will visit to monitor progress and clarify facts again, amid scrutiny over disciplinary investigation results which could result in severe punishment up to dismissal from service.

On May 1, 2025, Orsitthisak Somphanrat, Permanent Secretary of the Interior Ministry, addressed online social media reports alleging that a Territorial Defense Volunteer member in Chuang District demanded 300,000 baht in bribes for exam assistance, though the applicant was never actually a member. The complainant recovered only 230,000 baht and has pursued the remaining 70,000 baht for four years while facing threats.

The Permanent Secretary ordered the Nakhon Si Thammarat governor to immediately investigate the facts and address public concerns, as the allegations severely damage the government's reputation. Governor Somchai Seelaanoi reported that on April 30, the complainant filed a petition at the Provincial Ombudsman's Office regarding the extortion claim. The governor has directed responsible officials to verify the facts, protect involved parties, and question all Chuang District volunteer members about the incident.

Preliminary findings show no evidence of bribery by any Territorial Defense Volunteer member in Chuang District. Importantly, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province has not opened recruitment for volunteer membership positions since 2024. The Permanent Secretary stressed the urgency of this investigation, noting its significant impact on administrative credibility and the Interior Ministry's image. He emphasized that the province must rapidly complete all legal procedures while simultaneously conducting public relations efforts to inform the general public of the true facts.