BANGKOK — The Cabinet has approved a budget of 1.16 billion baht to support Thailand's preparations to host the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2026, with around 15,000 participants expected.

Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said on 28 April that the funding, drawn from the central emergency budget for fiscal year 2026, will be allocated to the Fiscal Policy Office, the lead agency responsible for organising the event.

The budget will cover venue preparation, registration systems, information technology infrastructure, office equipment and furnishings, in line with standards set by the IMF and the World Bank Group.

Preparations must be completed ahead of an inspection scheduled for September–October this year, with the meetings set to take place from 12–18 October 2026.

Ratchada said hosting the meetings would demonstrate Thailand's readiness to stage major international events and provide a platform to present the country's economic policies on the global stage, while strengthening cooperation with international partners.

The annual meetings are regarded as one of the world's most important economic and financial gatherings, bringing together finance ministers and central bank governors from nearly 190 member countries, alongside delegates from across the globe.

Two Centara properties celebrate international recognition from the DestinAsian Readers' Choice Awards 2026, underscoring Centara's excellence in service and position as a leading luxury hospitality chain in Thailand and beyond.

The DestinAsian Readers' Choice Awards 2026 results from votes cast by readers of DestinAsian magazine, a premier high-end travel and lifestyle publication for the Asia-Pacific region that showcases luxurious travel stories, culture, and distinctive Asian destinations.

Held annually, this prestigious award honors outstanding luxury destinations, resorts, and travel experiences across the Asia-Pacific region. This year, two Centara properties in Thailand and internationally received recognition in the following categories:

Centara Reserve Samui claimed 9th place in the Best Thailand Resorts category, standing out as a luxury resort designed to meet individual needs, offering holistic wellness care, and occupying a serene beachfront location on one of Koh Samui's most beautiful beaches, Chaweng.

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives achieved 9th place in the Best Maldives Resorts category, delivering a luxurious oasis experience that seamlessly blends the natural beauty of the Maldives with warm Thai hospitality and service, creating memorable moments for travelers worldwide.

Interested guests can learn more about accommodations and activities at both properties at https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centarareserve/th/crs for Centara Reserve Samui and https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/th/cglm for Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives.

Police Assert More Than Two Charges Against Subdistrict Chief Who Bound Youth to Mango Tree and Subjected Him to Red Ant Torture for Four Hours; Torture Investigation Pending. On April 28, Police Lieutenant Colonel Nattaphak Nuiyodod, commander of Srinakarin Police Station in Phatthalung Province, disclosed progress in the case against Adisak, subdistrict chief of Lam Sinthoe Subdistrict in Srinakarin District, Phatthalung Province. The case involves assault and alleged torture of Sutheep Chuenmak, the victim. The subdistrict chief arrested the youth claiming he had stolen beetles, but instead punished him by handcuffing him to a mango tree before assaulting him. The chief then applied ant nests to the victim's head across four nests, torturing him for over four hours, until the victim's mother and aunt reported the incident to Srinakarin Police Station, forcing the chief to remove the handcuffs. The incident occurred on April 25.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Nattaphak revealed that today he called the victim along with his mother and aunt to provide additional statements to gather evidence determining which charges will be filed. He affirmed that charges are not limited to just trespassing and assault, but may also include unlawful detention and misconduct by a public official under Section 157, as the case must be referred to the National Anti-Corruption Commission and requires investigation into torture allegations. He also inquired with the Srinakarin District Officer whether Adisak remains an active subdistrict chief, with confirmation expected today.

The subdistrict chief has not yet been called to make a statement, as today was designated for the victim's side to present their account before determining which charges to file against the chief. Police emphasized they will ensure fairness to both parties.

The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran remains unresolved despite a temporary ceasefire, with no negotiations in sight and ongoing uncertainty about when fighting might resume. Combined with volatile fuel prices, this geopolitical tension is rippling across the global economy with serious impact.

The controversy has extended to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iran has qualified as a participant and will play matches on American soil, complicating matters further.

The World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, but problems persist. Most recently, President Donald Trump requested that FIFA expel Iran's team and allow Italy to compete instead—a request FIFA flatly rejected. Even Italy itself refused to participate, as FIFA rules are clear: teams must qualify through official qualification rounds to earn the right to play. Teams cannot simply replace others due to political disputes.

Trump's war has created chaos that extends even to football. It comes as little surprise that armed gunmen recently attempted to shoot the US president at a media event.

Thailand's football enthusiasts now worry whether economic downturn will allow Thai broadcasts of this World Cup. Commercial impact due to the US-led conflict means Thai businesses may be unwilling to invest in broadcasting rights. Additionally, since the tournament is in the Americas, matches will air during early morning hours in Thailand—very different from European tournaments that broadcast during late night or after midnight.

Live viewing events at entertainment venues during dawn hours simply aren't practical for dining and drinking businesses. The combination of economic hardship and unfavorable broadcast timing makes it unlikely Thai private companies will invest in World Cup coverage.

Yet Thai people are addicted to free, live World Cup broadcasts. The burden may fall to the government instead. However, the government itself is financially stretched thin.

Whether Thai football fans will get to watch this World Cup remains uncertain, leaving everyone in suspense.

Chatchai Bangchad, Secretary-General of the National Security Council (NSC), briefed on the progress of the southern border peace dialogue process, which is currently awaiting formal appointment of a new chief negotiator by the Prime Minister.

Regarding the negotiating committee's composition and format, the NSC Secretary-General stated that the new chief negotiator will be responsible for determining the structure and composition of the team.

He confirmed that previous peace talks had achieved substantive progress, but the process was interrupted due to government transitions. Once the Prime Minister formally appoints the chief negotiator, negotiations can immediately resume.

The NSC previously approved appointing Thanat Suwannannon, Director of the National Intelligence Agency, as the new chief negotiator. The council also approved seeking cooperation with Malaysia to resolve the southern border crisis, as Malaysia plays a crucial role in supporting the peace process.

The NSC emphasized that while Malaysia will serve as a facilitator for formal talks, equal importance will be given to domestic dialogue to create comprehensive linkages and systemic solutions to the southern border problem.

Peace negotiations to end the southern insurgency and establish sustainable peace began during the administration of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, achieving significant progress. However, efforts stalled after the 2014 coup, and subsequent attempts at revival lacked full implementation, remaining heavily focused on military-led governance and harsh law enforcement.

The current government under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has committed to reviving peace efforts and preparing to appoint a new negotiating team, hoping to establish genuine civilian-led political dialogue rather than military-dominated approaches. Critically, beyond dialogue with opposing parties, all stakeholder groups and local populations in affected areas must be given meaningful participation.

CPRAM (CP Ram Co., Ltd.), a leader in ready-to-eat food manufacturing, has partnered with Chester's, the legendary grilled chicken brand beloved by Thais, to introduce "Delicasia x Chester's Spicy Grilled Chicken"—a new culinary sensation for spice lovers. The product features Delicasia's special roasting style while maintaining Chester's authentic taste, offering that fresh-grilled experience available anytime, anywhere at 7-Eleven stores nationwide, 24 hours a day, for just 42 baht per pack, launching April 30, 2026 onward.

Delicasia x Chester's Spicy Grilled Chicken elevates the convenience store dining experience by delivering legendary taste at an affordable price. The product features carefully selected premium chicken wings—three pieces per pack—marinated in spices and specially roasted Delicasia-style to deliver bold, satisfying flavors. The result is tender, juicy chicken with aromatic spice notes and a smooth, penetrating heat that reaches the meat inside, perfectly suited for modern consumers seeking convenience, speed, and ease.

Whether paired with a simple rice meal, served as an appetizer, or enjoyed late at night, simply tear open the package, microwave briefly, and experience Chester's fresh-grilled chicken as if you ordered it directly from the restaurant.

Amid the global "spicy chicken wings" trend—from Korean-style bold flavors to American hot wings—combined with Thailand's top-ranking position worldwide in spicy food consumption, CPRAM recognized an opportunity to address market demand with "familiar flavors." The company leveraged "Chester's Spicy Chicken Rice," a beloved taste spanning over three decades across Gen X, Gen Y, and Gen Z, carefully innovating while preserving the chicken's juiciness post-heating and maintaining the proper balance of aromatic spice penetration. The brand seamlessly blends nostalgic appeal with modern ready-to-eat food innovation—convenient, fast, and easy around the clock.

The launch features two special promotional offers:

Offer One—Special introductory pricing: From April 30 to May 23, 2026, Delicasia x Chester's Spicy Grilled Chicken is reduced from 42 baht to just 39 baht.

Offer Two—Exclusive app deal for 7-Eleven shoppers: June 4 to July 1, 2026, pre-order four packs for just 159 baht (normally 168 baht) and receive a free limited-edition Chestie water glass—only 500 available.

CPRAM continues offering diverse ready-to-eat menu options from popular brands, available at over 20,000 locations including 7-Eleven, Makro, Lotus, and leading department stores nationwide, plus online through Fudidiworld—a marketplace platform providing premium menu access 24/7 everywhere, anytime.