The Department of Climate Change and Environmental Management (DCCE), along with the Pollution Control Department (PCD), supported by the German development agency GIZ, launched a practical workshop on April 29 at Best Western Hotel Chatuchak. Deputy Director-General Pavit Kesavawong opened the session titled 'Upgrading Waste Disposal Site Data Management Toward Sustainable Waste Management Technology Transition.' The workshop, held from April 29 to May 1, 2025, assembled experts and over 33 central and local agencies to strengthen activity data collection from waste disposal facilities, driving sustainable waste management technology adoption and supporting transparency reporting under the Paris Agreement.

Pavit stated that following Thailand's submission of its first Biennial Transparency Report (BTR1) on December 26, 2024, the country entered the technical review process with UNFCCC experts. One key recommendation was upgrading activity data collection processes to comply with IPCC 2006 principles. Today's workshop is crucial for building shared understanding between central and local authorities to establish accurate databases for greenhouse gas emissions assessment, leading to decisions that transition waste management from open dumping to more efficient and sustainable systems.

Pavit added that the workshop receives support from the NDC Partnership group. Participants will hear from waste management experts to enhance knowledge about waste disposal technology according to PCD guidelines, including technology transition strategies, emissions calculations and reduction according to IPCC 2006 principles, practical training for site assessment, and a study visit to the Ornuch waste-to-energy project. This will support improved waste reporting and efficient technology transition going forward.

'Proper waste data management not only helps us achieve our greenhouse gas reduction targets under the NDC, but also directly improves community health and sanitation sustainably,' Pavit concluded.

The Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously 6-0 to maintain the policy interest rate at 1% per year, monitoring inflation expected to breach the 3% target. Economic growth is forecast at 1.5% this year.

Don Nakorntharp, secretary of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), announced that the committee meeting on April 29, 2026 reached a unanimous 6-0 decision to keep the policy interest rate at 1.00% annually.

Thailand's economy is expected to experience slower expansion due to Middle East conflicts, which directly impact business costs and household purchasing power. While inflation is projected to rise in 2026, it is expected to decline in 2027 as supply-side pressures gradually ease.

The committee estimates general inflation for 2026 will average 2.9%, up from negative 0.5% in the first quarter, driven primarily by global energy prices and cost pass-through effects. Inflation is expected to exceed the 3.0% target ceiling for a period before declining to an average of 1.5% in 2027 as supply factors resolve.

Core inflation for 2026 is projected at 1.6% and 2.5% in 2027, reflecting higher cost pass-through to goods and prices. However, price increases will not be widespread or sustained due to weak demand limiting businesses' ability to pass along costs. Medium-term inflation expectations remain anchored within the target framework.

"Pre-conflict economic data showed stronger expansion than previously estimated from both domestic demand and exports," Nakorntharp said. "However, the Middle East conflict has caused 2026 growth projections to slow to 1.5%, with 2027 expected at 2.0%."

Private consumption is under pressure from higher living costs, declining income trends, and reduced foreign tourist arrivals due to increased travel costs and restrictions. Despite these headwinds, merchandise exports continue to show solid growth driven by global demand for technology products.

The committee voted to maintain the policy rate, though it will closely monitor escalating inflation risks from energy prices and potential commodity shortages that may persist longer than expected due to Strait of Hormuz tensions, unexpectedly high business price pass-through, and potentially rising medium-term inflation expectations.

Economic conditions remain highly uncertain, requiring close monitoring of prolonged conflict risks and supply chain disruptions that could severely impact manufacturing and employment. However, should the government implement additional fiscal stimulus measures, the economy could expand faster than currently forecast, though growth would decline next year as stimulus effects fade and base effects diminish.

On April 29, officials from Nong Khai Province held a press conference announcing the seizure of 248 kilograms of ice with an estimated value of 99.2 million baht. The operation was ordered by Nong Khai Provincial Police Commander Pol. Col. Atthachorn Changngam after intelligence suggested narcotics smuggling attempts from neighboring countries using Nong Khai as a transit point.

On April 24 at approximately 6 p.m., undercover officers received a tip that Laotian nationals would transport ice from Laos across the Mekong River near Wat Rat Chaoingkham in Muang District. Around 12:30 a.m., an unmarked Toyota sedan arrived behind the temple where multiple bags were discovered. When two men emerged from the vehicle to load the bags, officers identified themselves and the suspects fled into the forest while firing their weapons to cover their escape.

Authorities found 178 packages of ice, each weighing one kilogram, printed with durian and tea designs to deceive officials. As the driver fled down Baan Tha Dok Kham Road toward Khok Maeng Shadow, officers pursued and discovered two additional bags containing 70 more packages of ice along the route. In total, 248 packages weighing approximately 248 kilograms were seized.

Initial investigation indicates the drugs were destined for distribution within Thailand, particularly in tourist destinations, with an estimated street value of 400,000 baht per kilogram. The narcotics have been transferred to Wiang Kauk District Police for further legal proceedings.

On April 29, 2569, authorities reported that on April 28, Anusorn Saangaeng, Thong Pha Phum District Officer, assigned Yongyut Saewngsuekh, Thong Pha Phum District Deputy Officer, along with members of the Thong Pha Phum Voluntary Defense Corps Unit 9, to patrol and inspect natural water source areas to prevent and address illegal gold panning. During inspections at three locations along the Khwae Noi River in Tha Khonun Subdistrict, Thong Pha Phum District, Kanchanaburi Province, officials discovered a group of individuals illegally excavating and panning for gold. Officers intervened immediately and halted the activity, educating the residents that gold panning in the area violates the law. Officials warned the offenders and confiscated all gold panning equipment as evidence to prevent repeat offenses. Authorities stated that continuous patrol operations will be conducted to protect natural resources and maintain public order in the Khwae Noi River area.

Former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has successfully passed the Justice Ministry's sentence suspension committee review and is cleared for conditional release on May 11 without an electronic monitoring bracelet due to his age exceeding 70 years and chronic health conditions. At a 9 a.m. meeting on April 29, 2025, at the Justice Ministry, the sentence suspension committee chaired by Deputy Permanent Secretary Tharinee Saengswang approved Thaksin's case after more than three hours of deliberation. Thaksin, who has been held at Klongprem Central Prison since September 9, 2024, has served 7 months and 20 days of his sentence, with only 12 days remaining before he completes two-thirds of his one-year sentence. The committee's decision will be forwarded to Klongprem Central Prison, and Thaksin will be released on May 11, 2025, to serve the remaining four months under probation supervision.

Yuasa Battery (Thailand) Public Company Limited, a global leader in motorcycle and automobile batteries, held its grand dealer conference 'Yuasa & Y-Speed Future Forward Dealer Conference' at the Avani+ Riverside Bangkok hotel to announce business direction and showcase product diversity while launching new Y-Speed battery models TZ5 and TZ7, aiming to expand the mass market customer base nationwide.

During the event, Yuasa reinforced its leadership image by showcasing motorcycles from world-leading brands that trust Yuasa batteries as standard OEM equipment, reflecting internationally recognized quality standards. The company also presented a comprehensive range of car batteries to meet diverse consumer needs.

CEO Tsuneo Yoshimura stated: 'Thailand has over 23-24 million motorcycles, with more than 90% used in daily life, reflecting that motorcycles are crucial to Thai lifestyle. Yuasa is committed to developing high-quality batteries to support people's daily lives. The Thai market is very important for us, which is why we developed the Y-Speed brand specifically to serve family motorcycles and scooters, the main market segments in Thailand.'

The event featured an elegant parade-style opening led by 'Prae Twinanth,' a renowned motorcycle industry influencer, along with entertainment from concerts by 'Yaya Ying' and 'China Dolls,' celebrating success with dealers nationwide.

Beyond business cooperation, Yuasa organized a major Lucky Draw giveaway worth over 500,000 baht for dealers, with grand prizes including limited edition Honda Scoopy and Yamaha Fazzio motorcycles from the Yuasa brand.

COO Sukhat Ruangwattanachotee added: 'Yuasa's strength lies in OEM reliability chosen by leading motorcycle manufacturers, combined with quality and continuously developed technology. We have both premium main brand and Y-Speed brand serving the mass market, allowing us to compete in every segment. We also prioritize dealers as long-term partners by supporting products, knowledge, and activities comprehensively, including integrated marketing to create engagement and sustainable growth together.'

This move by Yuasa and Y-Speed not only launches new products but also confirms readiness to drive innovation and expand market share in Thailand under the strong and sustainable 'Future Forward' concept.