Deputy National Police Chief General Nirandon Leumsri announced on April 25, 2025, that the Royal Thai Police are collaborating with the Customs Department to strengthen their database and preventive measures against the smuggling of gold, currency, and cannabis flowers. Beyond the economic concerns of protecting import-export revenues and preventing tax evasion, the effort aims to safeguard public security by restricting prohibited items such as narcotics and materials threatening financial stability like precious metals and foreign currency. Customs law classifies these offenses as criminal violations carrying imprisonment and fines as deterrents.

Unlike typical criminal cases, customs violations can be settled without police investigation when violators agree to pay fines assessed by the Customs Director. However, cases involving contraband valued above 400,000 baht require approval from a Comparison Committee before settlement. General Nirandon noted that the current Comparison Committee includes Puntthong Loykoolnun (Customs Director), Panit Theerabhaphawong (Finance Ministry Inspector), and himself handling legal matters, meeting nearly monthly to review cases.

The Deputy Chief reported that both Thai and foreign nationals frequently violate customs laws by smuggling prohibited items with security implications. Particularly common are cases of Thais illegally exporting Thai currency beyond permitted limits without notifying customs authorities, or smuggling gold out of the country—offenses carrying 10-year prison sentences. Individual smugglers transport valuables worth millions of baht, potentially facilitating overseas money laundering. Currency smuggling is typically detected at border checkpoints near casinos, often involving ASEAN nationals, while gold smuggling is usually discovered at airports by South Asian smugglers. Records show many offenders have entered and exited Thailand dozens of times, with some having repeat offenses.

Recently, foreign nationals have begun illegally exporting cannabis flowers to European markets. Cannabis flowers are controlled herbal substances under health ministry regulations and classified as prohibited drugs in many countries. Although the Customs Department is investigating these violations seriously, the law permits case settlement through the Director or Comparison Committee without police investigation, leading many accused smugglers to choose settlement. However, many repeatedly enter and exit Thailand, potentially committing the same offenses again. General Nirandon stated discussions are ongoing with Customs Director Puntthong to address this pattern.

A 40-year-old delivery driver has been diagnosed with severely compromised kidney function equivalent to that of someone 70-80 years old, despite having no underlying chronic diseases. The case was revealed by Dr. Heng Yang-sheng, a renowned Taiwanese nephrologist, on a popular television program, shocking many viewers. The patient works as a delivery driver with physically demanding work and chronic fatigue, experiencing leg swelling. His kidney filtration rate (GFR) measured only about 60 milliliters per minute, typical of elderly patients.

The doctor determined the patient had no diabetes or clear chronic conditions, but the primary cause stemmed from years of poor eating habits driven by cost savings and convenience. He regularly ate a "budget meal" for dinner consisting of instant noodles, one sausage, and a can of soda, 4-5 times weekly.

While appearing simple and familiar to many, this meal represents a combination of ultra-processed foods produced through multiple industrial processes and containing high levels of additives, salt, sugar, and preservatives. Dr. Heng explained that these foods contain excessive phosphates used as preservatives and flavor enhancers, potentially accelerating calcium buildup in blood vessels and damaging kidney filtering units. High sodium content, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives further strain the excretory system, forcing the kidneys to overwork long-term.

Software drinks additionally increase metabolic disorder risks, while processed foods typically lack fiber and essential nutrients, leaving the body in a state of "excessive calories but nutrient deficiency."

After diagnosis, the doctor immediately recommended the patient stop consuming ultra-processed foods, switch to fresh foods, reduce seasoning, and drink adequate water. Within just three months, kidney function improved noticeably—GFR increased by 20 units and blood pressure stabilized, representing significant recovery and demonstrating that kidneys can regenerate with proper care.

Large-scale research corroborates this single case: a study of roughly 500,000 people found that every 10% increase in ultra-processed food proportion increases kidney deterioration risk by 7%. Ultra-processed foods extend beyond instant noodles, sausages, and soft drinks to include french fries, packaged snacks, canned foods, fast food, fried items, industrial dairy products, flavoring powders, instant soups, mass-produced sweets, and low-sugar drinks using artificial sweeteners.

Despite convenience, affordability, and ease of consumption, regular intake of these foods significantly increases health risks, particularly to the kidneys—which filter body waste and are among the first organs affected. This 40-year-old's case serves as a warning that youth does not guarantee the body can withstand risky behaviors.

On April 25, 2026, Pol. Lt. Gen. Songprerth Sirisuka, commander of Provincial Police Region 3, along with Deputy Commander Pol. Col. Chinwut Tangwongsalit, Pol. Col. Suriya Phuangsombat, and Pol. Col. Khemchat Watannapakham led a coordinated team to apprehend a high-profile cryptocurrency investment fraud suspect following an Interpol red notice and FBI warrant. Intelligence indicated that the target was hiding at a luxury resort in Phuket. When authorities conducted a passport inspection at the resort, they identified the suspect as Mr. William, a 33-year-old Indonesian national wanted by the FBI and international police for transnational fraud charges involving electronic devices. He was subsequently arrested and his legal status in Thailand was revoked as he violated immigration regulations.

Pol. Col. Suriya revealed that the suspect operated a hybrid scam between 2022 and 2026 targeting cryptocurrency investors through dating apps, social media, and various online channels. The operation employed attractive models and actors to conduct video calls and establish romantic relationships (romance scams) that appeared highly credible before soliciting investment in fake cryptocurrency platforms with fabricated profit displays. The scam caused extensive damages, with losses in the United States alone exceeding 10 million USD or approximately 350 million baht.

The hybrid scam method combines multiple deception techniques, making it particularly effective at victimizing people globally. The Royal Thai Police and relevant agencies urge citizens to verify information thoroughly before conducting any financial transactions and remain vigilant against such schemes. Thailand reaffirms its commitment to cooperating with international law enforcement agencies in combating transnational crime, particularly online fraud cases that cause widespread harm to people worldwide.

Actress Ploy Chermarn Bunyasak is enjoying one of her happiest periods, recently appearing at the Own the Mat event organized by LBC CLINIC and ABSOLUTE at Urban Oasis, Kimpton Maa-Lai Bangkok. She shared updates about her lifestyle in her forties, which she's now embracing to the fullest, including treating her mother to beauty treatments. Her health has returned to excellent condition.

When asked about recent cosmetic work, Ploy explained that her mother had undergone surgery previously but had avoided injectables and laser treatments. Ploy encouraged her mother to try a non-invasive skin-tightening treatment to feel refreshed and address age-related concerns like sagging skin. Her mother's beauty goals include lifting her cheekbones, achieving a radiant complexion, and addressing fine lines under the eyes and neck.

Regarding aging concerns, Ploy admitted feeling anxious about turning 40, noticing decreased physical strength compared to her younger years. She's concerned that at 50 and beyond, she may not be able to enjoy sports the way she does now. However, she believes in the longevity wellness trend and is committed to maintaining her fitness, building muscle, and caring for herself both internally and externally. She began this regimen at 30 with intensity, confident that at 50 she'll maintain the vitality of a 40-year-old.

On her current health status, Ploy reported feeling excellent. She's gained 12 kilos and has no health issues. Recent check-ups showed everything is normal. Though she continues taking medication and requires regular health monitoring, she's not overly worried. Having survived more difficult health challenges previously, she feels grateful to have recovered and regained her strength and weight. Her doctor praised her recent blood test results, noting significant health improvement. She also mentioned previously donating to a cancer foundation with support from LBC.

The athletics competition at the 6th Asian Beach Games in China on April 25, 2569 was highlighted by the men's 60-meter sprint, where Thailand's star sprinter Biu Puripol Bunsorn put on an impressive finishing kick to cross the finish line in 6.62 seconds and claim the gold medal. In the women's 60-meter event, Belle Jiraphach Khananottae also delivered an outstanding performance, earning gold with a time of 7.46 seconds, while her teammate Nan Suphanit Poolkerd finished in 6th place with a time of 7.67 seconds.

Gold prices for April 25, 2026 have been announced by the Thai Gold Merchants Association, showing gold prices surging today. If you're interested, decide quickly compared to yesterday's closing price, with fashion gold selling at 73,000 baht per gram. Gold prices for April 25, 2026 increased by 250 baht compared to yesterday's closing price, with fashion gold selling at 73,000 baht per gram, according to the latest data from the Thai Gold Merchants Association published on their website at 09:01 this morning. Ninety-six-point-five percent gold bars are currently being bought at 72,000 baht per gram domestically and sold at 72,200 baht per gram. For fashion gold, the buyback price is 70,554.64 baht per gram and the selling price is 73,000 baht per gram, while the global gold spot price stands at 4,708.00 US dollars per ounce.

Today's Gold Price Summary for April 25, 2026: Gold Bars: Buy 72,000 baht per gram, Sell 72,200 baht per gram Fashion Gold: Buy 70,554.64 baht per gram, Sell 73,000 baht per gram