Bangladesh is struggling with a measles outbreak that started in March, with authorities confirming at least 194 child deaths and over 28,000 suspected cases as of April 23. The death toll has averaged 3-5 children daily over the past week, with peaks of 5 deaths recorded on April 22 and again on April 23, including 3 deaths in Dhaka. The government launched an intensive nationwide vaccination campaign beginning March 15, describing this as the most severe measles outbreak in South Asia in recent decades. Health Ministry spokesperson Sahid Raihan stated that the target is to vaccinate 18 million children, but acknowledged that vaccination efforts have reached less than one-quarter of this goal and may require another two weeks to show results. Prime Minister Tariq Rahman previously blamed the previous government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina—overthrown during a 2024 revolution—and the subsequent caretaker government for failing to promote measles vaccinations to the public.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Puangketkeow disclosed the outcomes of an informal strategic dialogue with Wang Yi, Political Bureau Member and Director of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the Communist Party of China and Foreign Minister of the People's Republic of China, during the latter's official visit to Thailand. Key points include:

1. Wang Yi expressed confidence in Thailand's government's economic and development capabilities, affirming that Thai-Chinese relations will grow stronger and deeper. China will continue supporting Thailand's development across all dimensions based on the "elder brother-younger sibling" relationship founded on mutual trust and respect.

2. Both sides agreed to elevate their partnership to a deeper strategic alliance, promoting a "joint action plan" focusing particularly on digital innovation and technology to facilitate the green economic transition. China views itself as playing a crucial role in solar cells and electric vehicles, and expressed interest in increasing investment in Thailand.

3. Regarding Thailand-Cambodia relations, Wang Yi expressed hope for positive developments between the two neighbors and called for bilateral dialogue mechanisms to resolve issues. China reaffirmed it will not interfere but stands ready to facilitate negotiations if both countries are willing.

4. On security and transnational crime suppression, both sides emphasized enhanced cooperation, particularly targeting transnational criminal networks and scam gangs.

Sihasak concluded by noting Wang Yi's appreciation for Krabi province's beauty and atmosphere, expressing deep impressions from his first visit to the region.

On April 24, 2025, officers led by Pol. Col. Wichai Sansakul, the commander of Bangkok's Metropolitan Police Division 1 Investigation Unit, coordinated with detectives to arrest Thongchai ("Peep"), 42, and Viroon ("Big"), 45. Police had been monitoring the drug trafficking activities of major dealers operating in the Bang Bua Thong area of Nonthaburi Province. Officers tracked a black Toyota Avanza suspected of transporting and distributing methamphetamine. On April 23 at approximately 5:20 p.m., police intercepted the vehicle at a parking lot near Thai Vatsadu hardware store at 59/9 Moo 1, Kanchanaphisek Road, Bang Bua Thong, Nonthaburi.

When officers approached and identified themselves, the two suspects admitted to illegally transporting and storing methamphetamine for distribution. A search of the vehicle revealed approximately 90 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine concealed in the rear cargo area. During interrogation, both suspects confessed to picking up the drugs from Lad Lum Kaew District in Pathum Thani Province and storing them in the vehicle for delivery to customers throughout Nonthaburi Province. They stated they received payment of approximately 80,000 baht per transaction from individuals who acted as intermediaries.

Police charged both suspects with jointly distributing Category 1 narcotics (methamphetamine/crystal meth) with intent to sell in violation of drug laws, actions that constitute commercial trafficking, public health endangerment, and threats to national security and public safety. The suspects and all evidence were handed over to the Bureau of Criminal Investigation for further legal proceedings.

On April 24, 2569 at 5:00 PM, Pol. Col. Udom Tangsema, Commander of Bang Khun Non Police Station, along with Pol. Lt. Col. Siwit Kaewplang, Deputy Commander (Investigation), and Mr. Anumsorn Rakkhwanjit, a CCTV technician from J.R. Office Automation, held a press briefing to address the family's questions regarding the death of a drug suspect who hanged himself in the detention cell.

According to Pol. Col. Udom, on April 19, 2569 at 11:28 PM, Bang Khok Noi Police arrested a drug suspect with 0.90 and 0.80 grams of methamphetamine in two bags. Since the Bang Khok Noi holding cell was under renovation, the suspect was transferred to Bang Khun Non Police Station at 11:50 PM.

On April 20 at 5:00 AM, officers reviewing CCTV footage discovered the suspect sitting unusually still against the cell door. Upon investigation, they found the suspect had used his own long-sleeved shirt to hang himself from the cell bars. Officers immediately called for emergency responders and performed CPR until paramedics arrived within less than five minutes. The suspect was rushed to Siriraj Hospital but was pronounced dead.

Police explained that they immediately checked the CCTV after the incident, fearing family misunderstanding. However, they discovered the CCTV adapter was broken, meaning only live footage could be reviewed, not recordings. This malfunction was discovered on the day of the incident. Police have clarified all facts with the family, who did not initially dispute the cause of death.

Regarding the family's concern about whether the suspect used a shirt or pants, police clarified it was definitely a long-sleeved shirt, which the family visually confirmed. Regarding the absence of bruising on the body and the tongue not protruding from the mouth, authorities explained these are medically consistent with hanging cases and that the soft fabric would not leave visible marks. Since the cell was constantly monitored and no one could enter, there was no possibility of police involvement in the death. Bang Khun Non Police Station had no prior involvement with the suspect and no history of problems with him.

On April 23, the Grand Palace hosted a traditional gongtek ceremony—a Mahayana Buddhist merit-making ritual—honoring Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, with Their Majesties the King and Queen in attendance alongside royal family members. The ritual, conducted by Chinese Buddhist monks and rooted in traditions dating back to King Rama IV's reign, involves the burning of symbolic paper offerings such as houses, vehicles, and possessions, believed to provide comfort and prosperity in the afterlife.

Chinese monastic communities nationwide collaborated using traditional paper craftsmanship to create elaborate offerings reflecting the Queen Mother's life and legacy. Among the most impressive creations was a detailed replica of Chitralada Royal Villa complete with palace attendants, police guards, and court officials represented by 17 carefully dressed paper figures. A particularly striking detail was the inclusion of a paper figure of Pierre Balmain, the legendary French fashion designer who created many of the Queen Mother's iconic royal garments.

The offerings extended beyond the villa to include a royal vehicle with driver, symbolic gold and silver treasuries, mountain-shaped gifts, and ceremonial wealth chests. Additional paper garments replicated the renowned Thai silk outfits associated with the Queen Mother, celebrating her legacy as a cultural icon and patron of Thai textiles. The ceremony demonstrated both spiritual devotion and cultural continuity, highlighting over 150 years of Chinese Buddhist monastic presence in Thailand under the royal patronage.

A severe storm and heavy rain struck Kudsab District, Udon Thani Province on the night of April 23, causing widespread destruction to homes and resulting in at least one death. Field investigations in Ban Non Thana, Moo 9, Sang Ko Subdistrict, Kudsab District revealed large trees snapped and fallen across roadways, power lines severed, and dozens of rubber trees toppled. Approximately 30-40 homes had their roofs blown away, and several were crushed by fallen trees.

Ms. Yo, 43, recounted that the storm arrived around 2-3 p.m. with terrifying winds and rain, forcing residents to seek shelter. Though her home was damaged by a fallen longan tree, she was fortunate it didn't strike anyone. Her brother's house lost its entire roof. Ms. Suphrani, 58, described the unexpected ferocity of the storm, with the roof completely blown away and electrical arcing occurring. She and her grandchild clung together as their roof flew off, noting she hadn't experienced anything similar in 20 years.

On roads between Ban Sang Ko and Ban Pako subdistricts, large fallen trees blocked passages in darkness. Mr. Mai, 42, riding a motorcycle to go fish-catching with his brother, failed to see a massive fallen tree blocking the darkened road and collided head-on with tremendous force, suffering a fatal neck injury.