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National

Cabinet Appoints Civil Servants and Political Officials to Multiple Positions; Ploythalae Named Deputy Government Spokesperson

The Cabinet approved multiple civil service and political appointments on April 28, including promotions within agriculture and public health ministries, while Ploythalae Laksameesangjun was named Deputy Government Spokesperson.

28 Apr Khaosod

On April 28, 2025, Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Perischvivat announced that the Cabinet has approved the appointment of civil servants to senior administrative positions. In the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, two positions were shuffled: Withaya Kaewmee, who was an Inspector-General, has been appointed Director-General of the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department, while Rachan Silpharaiya, the previous Director-General of that department, has been promoted to Inspector-General. In the Ministry of Public Health, two appointments were made: Phairojn Suratthananich, Deputy Director-General of the Medical Department, becomes Inspector-General, while Leishchai Leitwut, formerly Deputy Secretary-General of the Food and Drug Administration, becomes the ministry's Inspector-General. The Cabinet also approved multiple political staff appointments across numerous ministries and departments, including the appointment of Sarawut Nuengjamnong as Secretary to the Agriculture Minister, Thongsakdi Sngamsai as an advisor to the Agriculture Minister, and various other secretarial and advisory positions throughout the government. Additional appointments include Nirut Kunvat as Deputy Prime Minister's Secretary for Political Affairs assisting Deputy PM Sihasak Phuengketkaew, Narin Kanyanamet as an advisor to the Public Health Minister, and Ploythalae Laksameesangjun as Deputy Government Spokesperson. The Cabinet also appointed Santi Piyathat and Thanadith Rakkatabut as Assistant Ministers.

No. 01 of Read at source → Next
National

Democrat Party Votes to Join Citizens Party in Filing NACC Investigation Request, Reveals New Evidence

The Democrat Party voted to jointly petition the NACC with the Citizens Party to review its decision in the Saksiam Chidchob corruption case, citing new evidence and claims of deliberate oversight by the anti-corruption body. The party identified two previously overlooked issues: a ministerial directive that may constitute undue interference and a conflict of interest involving a company secretly owned by the former transport minister. The Democrats plan to invoke Article 236 of the Constitution to request Supreme Court intervention, while also pushing for constitutional amendments to limit the parliamentary speaker's discretionary power.

28 Apr Khaosod

The Democrat Party held a parliamentary caucus meeting on April 28, 2025, chaired by party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva, where party lawyers presented new evidence and concerns regarding the NACC's ruling in the case of Saksiam Chidchob, former Transport Minister. The party voted on two key resolutions: first, to jointly petition with the Citizens Party under Article 236 of the Constitution to refer the case to the Supreme Court for independent investigation, citing suspicious elements and newly discovered evidence that contradicts the Constitutional Court's previous findings. Second, the party identified two overlooked issues: new evidence in the form of a ministerial directive requiring notification before procurement decisions, and the NACC's failure to clearly address conflicts of interest involving a company with hidden ownership by Saksiam that received contracts under his ministry's purview. Deputy party leader Satit Wongnung announced that the Democrat Party would submit these two matters to the NACC for reconsideration and, working with the Citizens Party, would draft a petition under Article 236 to address concerns that the parliamentary speaker's discretionary authority may not be exercised impartially.

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Police

Unemployed Man Arrested for Stealing Reflective Road Signs from Bridge and Highway Shoulder to Sell for Cash

An unemployed man was arrested on Highway 12 in Khon Kaen after stealing reflective warning signs from bridges and road barriers to sell for cash, endangering nighttime motorists.

28 Apr Khaosod

On April 28, 2026, highway police officers led by Lieutenant Colonel Phon Sakdi Lao Churi Ralay conducted an arrest operation that resulted in the capture of 47-year-old Chaiyant at kilometer 560+281 on Highway 12 in Phra Lap Subdistrict, Muang District, Khon Kaen Province. Officers discovered three reflective sign panels and one hammer in his possession.

The arrest followed a report from Phra Lap Highway Division officials that multiple reflective warning signs installed along bridge railings and highway shoulder barriers—critical safety devices protecting nighttime road users—had been stolen. When officers arrived at the scene to investigate, they caught Chaiyant actively removing a reflective panel from a bridge railing using a hammer. A search of his bicycle revealed two additional panels in the front basket.

During questioning, Chaiyant confessed that he was unemployed and needed money, so he decided to remove the reflective signs along the bridge to sell them. He was charged with theft of public property and handed over to police at Muang Khon Kaen Station for further legal proceedings.

No. 03 of Read at source → Next
Police

Arrest Warrants Issued for Two Gunmen at Wedding Ceremony; Six Guests Injured, Suspects Apprehended at Hospital on Two Charges

Two men face arrest warrants after opening fire at a wedding in Nakhon Si Thammarat, injuring six guests in a dispute over music fueled by alcohol.

28 Apr Khaosod

Arrest warrants have been issued for two men who opened fire at a wedding celebration, injuring six guests. Police have detained both suspects at the hospital. The men face charges of attempted murder and illegal possession of firearms in public. Initial investigations reveal the shooting stemmed from an alcohol-fueled dispute over music between the bride's relative and a group of teenagers. On April 28, Police Captain Monsak Srisuwarn, superintendent of Tha Sala Police Station in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, reported on the shooting incident that occurred at a private residence in Moo 12, Tambon Moklan, Tha Sala District around 4:30 AM, leaving six people wounded. Investigators obtained arrest warrants for Amorn Thep, 24, and Suphachet, 40, on charges of attempted murder and carrying firearms in public without lawful cause. Both suspects allegedly fired weapons during the wedding celebration and were themselves injured. They are currently hospitalized at Maharaj Hospital, where police have taken them into custody. According to witness testimony at the scene, the incident began when Amorn Thep, a relative of the bride, got into a dispute with a group of teenagers at the event. Both parties were intoxicated and became embroiled in an argument over the music being played. When Suphachet attempted to intervene, the situation escalated into a physical fight, leading both sides to draw firearms and exchange shots that wounded multiple wedding guests.

No. 04 of Read at source → Next
National

Commerce Ministry Unveils Commemorative Stamps Honoring Princess Sirivannavari, Celebrating WIPO Award

The Thai Commerce Ministry has unveiled a commemorative stamp series honoring Princess Sirivannavari following her receipt of the prestigious WIPO Award for Creative Excellence. The stamps celebrate the Princess's significant contributions to preserving and modernizing Thai textile heritage and handicrafts while promoting sustainable fashion practices globally. The exhibition showcases her design work that combines traditional Thai patterns from across the country with contemporary aesthetics, generating employment and supporting artisan communities nationwide.

28 Apr Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Suthammaphand revealed that the Commerce Ministry's Department of Intellectual Property, in collaboration with Thailand Post Company Limited, has created the commemorative stamp series titled "Naree Ratana." The stamps feature a portrait of Her Royal Highness Princess Sirivannavari Nariratana in traditional Thai dress, alongside the WIPO award certificate and her initials "S.R." beneath a royal crown, set against the "Sirinart Pasataraphon" textile pattern—a design created by the Princess herself.

The Princess has been instrumental in reviving and advancing Thai textile wisdom and handicrafts, transforming traditional fabrics into contemporary designs suitable for everyday wear while gaining international recognition. She has championed the concept of "Sustainable Fashion," harmonizing cultural artistry with environmental and social responsibility. The exhibition, themed "The Journey of Royal Creative Excellence," involves collaboration from multiple sectors including SIRIVANNAVARI brand, the Community Development Department, the Thai Handicraft Promotion Institute, Thai Post, Icon Craft, and Siam Paragon, showcasing how the Princess studied traditional patterns from all Thai regions and transformed them into modern works that preserve deep cultural roots.

The Princess has granted fabric designs to community artisans nationwide, creating employment and improving livelihoods sustainably. Eighteen of her textile designs have been registered for copyright with the Department of Intellectual Property between 2021 and 2025, including patterns such as "Dok Rak Ratchakanya" and "Siri Vachira Aphon." The exhibition represents an important opportunity for the public to understand the value of Thai textiles, handicrafts, and intellectual property, while recognizing how creative work rooted in cultural heritage contributes to balanced and sustainable economic and social development.

No. 05 of Read at source → Next
National

Football Schedule April 28, 2025: PSG Opens Home Clash Against Bayern Munich in Champions League Semifinal First Leg

PSG hosts Bayern Munich in the Champions League semifinal first leg at Parc des Princes on April 28, with the French side favored despite Bayern's stronger group-stage record and head-to-head advantage in European competitions.

28 Apr Khaosod

Football Schedule April 28, 2025 UEFA Champions League Semifinal First Leg Paris Saint-Germain vs. Bayern Munich will kick off at 2:00 AM and be broadcast live on beIN Sports 1. PSG, the French champions, will open their home stadium, Parc des Princes, to welcome Bayern Munich, the German side known as the "Bavarian Tigers."

From their league campaign, PSG recorded 4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses for 14 points, qualifying in 11th place. Bayern earned 7 wins and 1 loss for 21 points, finishing 2nd in their group.

In the knockout rounds, PSG defeated Monaco 5-4 on aggregate in the playoff, then beat Chelsea 8-2 in the Round of 16, and Liverpool 4-0 in the quarterfinals. Bayern defeated Atalanta 10-2 in the Round of 16 and Real Madrid 6-4 in the quarterfinals.

The two sides have met 15 times in European competitions, with PSG winning 6 and Bayern winning 9. Their most recent meeting came earlier this season in the group stage, where PSG lost at home 1-2.

For this match, PSG must check the fitness of Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz, though both are expected to be ready and could even start. Bayern will be without manager Vincent Kompany due to a ban, and will miss injured players Serge Gnabry, Tom Bischopp, Lennart Karl, and Raphaël Guerreiro.

PSG is expected to field a 4-3-3 formation: Matvey Safonov; Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos, Willian Pacho, Nuno Mendes; Chuao Neves, Vitinha, Warren Zaïre-Emery; Désiré Doué, Ousmane Dembélé, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.

Bayern will likely use a 4-2-3-1 setup: Manuel Neuer; Josip Stanišić, Dayot Upamecano, Jonathan Tah, Konrad Laimer; Aleksandar Pavlović, Joshua Kimmich; Michael Olise, Jamal Musiala, Louis Diaz; Harry Kane.

Both teams are at a high level, but PSG has the advantage of playing at home. With Bayern lacking their head coach on the sideline, the home side appear to have the edge in this encounter.

No. 06 of Read at source → Next
Regional

Windsurfing Federation Pleased with Athlete's Performance at Asian Beach Games, Securing First Medal in 12 Years

Thai windsurfer 'Whalee' Wachirwit Thanupp won a bronze medal in the IQFoil Men's U21 category at the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, marking Thailand's first windsurfing medal at this event in 12 years. Despite being younger and less experienced than competitors in his age category, the 16-17 year old athlete competed impressively against regional rivals. The Thai windsurfing federation expressed satisfaction with the result, noting the team's strong performance and dedication throughout the competition.

28 Apr Khaosod

The Thai windsurfing team achieved a satisfying result at the 6th Asian Beach Games in Sanya, China, after 'Whalee' Wachirwit Thanupp captured a bronze medal in the IQFoil Men's U21 category. The windsurfing competition offered two gold medals at stake. In the men's U21 IQFoil division, Wachirwit finished with 39 penalty points, tying with Denver John Castillo from the Philippines at 19 penalty points, but Castillo's superior heat scores secured him the silver medal. Gold went to Yiqua Wang from China with 12 penalty points. In the same men's category, 'Glao' Ratchanon Khunjueng finished 8th with 78 penalty points. In the women's U21 IQFoil division, 'Cake' Chanatagan Charoensu finished 8th with 77 penalty points, and 'Joy' Wannida Wintachai placed 10th with 91 penalty points. Gold in the women's event went to Yimin Chen from China (18 penalty points), silver to Ching Suouit Yuan from Hong Kong (18 penalty points), and bronze to Li Qing from China (24 penalty points). The Thai team operates under coaches Sakkda Skullfang and Nat Phongprawat. Pattana Bunsawat, Secretary-General of the Thai Windsurfing Association, who traveled to support the team, expressed satisfaction with the bronze medal achievement, noting that Thai athletes aged 16-17 competed against older opponents in the U21 category. Despite physical disadvantages and less experience, all athletes performed with full effort, he added, thanking athletes, coaches, and sponsors for their dedication. This marks Thailand's first medal at the Asian Beach Games in 12 years, with the last competition occurring in 2014 in Phuket, where the team won two silver medals through Siriporn Kaewdwangngan and Nat Phongprawat.

No. 07 of Read at source → Next
Community

Po Teck Tung Foundation Continues Building Livelihoods and Improving Lives Across Southern Thailand

Po Teck Tung Foundation distributed occupational equipment worth over 830,000 baht to 33 poor households in Songkhla Province and provided free medical services to residents. The initiative is part of Phase 4 of the foundation's poverty all

28 Apr Khaosod

On April 28, 2025, the Po Teck Tung Foundation, led by Surapong Techa-Ruenvijit, Vice Secretary-General and Board Member, held a ceremony to distribute occupational equipment to 33 poor households in Songkhla Province worth 804,642 baht and provided 20 bicycles to two rural schools valued at 25,800 baht, totaling 830,442 baht in assistance. The foundation also deployed a mobile community medical unit with volunteer doctors, rescue personnel, and volunteers to provide free general medical checkups, eyeglasses, haircuts, dental services, and recreational activities to local residents.

The event was co-chaired by Chutsip Thamphetch, Deputy Governor of Songkhla Province, and Samart Suwannamon, Vice Director-General of the Department of Community Development. The foundation's integrated poverty alleviation program has completed three phases across central, northern, and northeastern Thailand, assisting 813 households so far. In 2024, an additional 57 flood-affected households in Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai received equipment, bringing the total to 870 households benefiting from over 17 million baht in assistance. The foundation is now implementing Phase 4 in southern Thailand, covering 14 provinces including Chumphon, Surat Thani, Ranong, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phang Nga, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Trang, Satun, Krabi, Phuket, Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat.

No. 08 of Read at source → Next
National

Thammanat Opens Up: Not Waiting on the Sidelines, Says Future Forward Party Will Grow Rapidly, Over 100 MPs Possible With More Preparation Time

Air Chief Marshal Thammanat Prompow, the new leader of Thailand's Future Forward Party, says the party could have won over 100 MPs with more preparation time, following their 56-seat performance in recent elections. He vowed the party will

28 Apr Khaosod

At 4:00 p.m. on April 28, 2569, at the Golden Tulip Sofférin Hotel in Bangkok, Air Chief Marshal Thammanat Prompow, the new leader of the Future Forward Party (FFP), addressed the audience following his appointment. He explained that the leadership change was necessary, noting that the previous leader, Nusara Pinyosinsuwat, had served for over two years and repeatedly asked when he would take the helm. He emphasized that the party operates as a family without hierarchy, with decisions made collaboratively rather than by one person's decree. Thammanat congratulated the 21 new party executives, representing different regions and duly certified by the Election Commission.

Thammanat expressed confidence in the party's rapid growth, citing their impressive performance in the recent election where they secured 56 constituency seats. He suggested that with more preparation time—over 28 days—they could have achieved 100 MPs, with potential support reaching 130 candidates across different voting tiers. He acknowledged the party's growth has been remarkably swift, though he didn't specify the exact reasons.

The new party leader emphasized his pride in serving as the opposition, noting that FFP has talented new MPs capable of making an impact during parliamentary sessions and debates. He stressed that his role requires principles and skills across all political functions. After spending years in the government side since 2562 until early 2569, he acknowledged the adjustment to opposition politics but remains committed to his principles. His primary responsibility is to scrutinize government operations and civil service performance.

Thammanat made clear the party will not engage in personal vendettas or use past relationships as conditions for opposition work. They will function as the opposition—not as a revenge faction or passive observers. He emphasized maintaining political dignity, having grown up with the party as a brotherhood committed to mutual support. He concluded by noting current threats—natural disasters, human-caused dangers, and economic crises—with mismanagement being the most serious concern, rather than war.

No. 09 of Read at source → Next
National

Government Savings Bank Plans to Distribute 300 Billion Baht in New Loans in 2025 to Support Grassroots Communities

Government Savings Bank plans to distribute 270-320 billion baht in new loans throughout 2025, targeting grassroots microenterprises and SMEs with low interest rates to support communities amid economic challenges.

28 Apr Khaosod

Government Savings Bank Plans to Distribute 300 Billion Baht in New Loans in 2025 to Support Grassroots Communities. Songphol Cheevapaññarojanam, Director of the Government Savings Bank, announced that in 2025 the bank plans to distribute new credit loans valued at approximately 270-320 billion baht to assist grassroots entrepreneurs and SMEs. The loans will be divided into three groups:

1. Grassroots microenterprises (over one million borrowers) requiring no collateral, with individual loan amounts between 100,000-200,000 baht depending on customer needs and repayment capacity. The bank targets new disbursements of approximately 70,000-100,000 million baht, comprising various credit types such as revolving credit to improve liquidity and occupational loans tailored to customer needs. Interest rates will be kept low to ease borrower burden.

2. Small and medium-sized entrepreneurs (SMEs) without collateral, with a target of 120,000 million baht in new credit—40% higher than the previous year. This segment receives priority attention as these customers have been significantly impacted by the economic crisis.

3. Low-interest loans (soft loans) valued at 100,000 million baht to support liquidity, create new momentum, facilitate transition and development, and provide loans for solar panel installation and all types of electric vehicles approved by the Cabinet. This program began in late 2024, with 9 billion baht already disbursed; the remaining 90,000 million baht is expected to be distributed more quickly this year. The bank is negotiating memorandums of understanding with commercial banks and non-bank financial institutions to facilitate soft loan disbursements.

Cheevapaññarojanam stated that the Government Savings Bank aims to be a "bank for society, for all lives" serving people at every stage of life. He noted that the Thai economy faces challenges in 2025 from Middle Eastern conflicts and energy price crises, making it essential for the bank to support struggling grassroots communities and SMEs. The bank will offer interest rates below those of commercial banks while providing financial literacy education to help customers understand proper money management. The bank commits to leaving no one behind.

"There are many challenges ahead in this year that we must prepare for. This crisis is an opportunity because our geographic position allows us to continue earning and exporting. We must work together and move forward. The Government Savings Bank is ready to be part of ensuring everyone survives. We will be a bank for society, for all lives, and for all ages," Cheevapaññarojanam said.

Additionally, the bank has implemented a policy to reduce interest rates for borrowers with good repayment discipline. The policy was piloted with home loan applicants—for example, when borrowers complete three years of fixed-rate interest periods and face higher floating rates, the bank will negotiate with borrowers to reduce rates to 3-4% without waiting for the full three-year term to expire. This will be expanded to business loans and microenterprises to encourage and reward those with good payment discipline.

Cheevapaññarojanam announced plans to support customer savings with higher returns, including the planned issuance of Government Savings Bank lottery bonds with total prize money of 113 million baht. Previously, the grand prize was valued at 70 million baht alone, but the structure will be modified.

No. 10 of Read at source → Next
National

Industry Ministry Advances Hazardous Waste Management to OECD Standards

Thailand is upgrading hazardous waste management and chemical systems to meet OECD standards as part of its push toward full membership by 2028. The Industry Ministry is coordinating with government and private sector organizations to align

28 Apr Khaosod

Industrial Minister Warawuth Silparacha announced that the ministry is accelerating efforts to upgrade business capacity and hazardous waste management systems to meet international standards, preparing Thailand for full membership in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) by 2028. Thailand currently holds accession candidate status in the OECD membership process. Following a December 26, 2023 Cabinet resolution, the Department of Industrial Works, the Thai Industrial Standards Institute, and the Department of Medical Sciences have been designated as lead agencies for technical assessments, working with the OECD's Chemicals and Biotechnology Committee (CBC) to support sustainable development while protecting public health and the environment. The initiative aims to prevent trade barriers, reduce costs for the country and industry, and standardize chemical management systems. The ministry is implementing these policies and practices in ways appropriate to Thailand's context while aligning with international standards. Last week, the Department of Industrial Works held meetings with 158 organizations from government, private sector, and independent agencies to discuss preparation guidelines and the benefits of OECD membership, and to clarify understanding of instruments under the CBC committee for coordinated implementation. OECD membership is significant for upgrading the entire legal framework, improving governance and transparency, and attracting foreign investment. The Prime Minister and government are pushing to complete Thailand's transition to full OECD membership within the coming year.

No. 11 of Read at source → Next
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