Durian season is bustling in Phrae province, with Jao Jaek durian shop launching an exciting promotion where customers purchasing durians can enter a raffle to win one baht of gold along with many other prizes. Since opening over three years ago, the shop near Phya Phol intersection on Suang Muen road has been sourcing quality durians from Chanthaburi and offering multiple varieties—both whole and pre-peeled—including Monthong, Long Stem, and Volcano durian. The shop operates daily from 8 AM to 8 PM and provides spacious parking. Owner Khunna Kamsut, 47, explains that the shop receives fresh durians daily by the ton, with Volcano durian priced at just 150 baht per kilogram. The promotion allows unlimited durian purchases with automatic entry into the gold raffle, plus additional durian prizes. Interested customers can visit Jao Jaek on Suang Muen road before Phya Phol intersection for convenient shopping and unbeatable seasonal deals.

At a Bhumjaithai Party event on April 28, 2025, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasakdi Phanjaroen addressed the concept of collecting a 1,000 baht fee from Thai tourists traveling abroad. He explained this would be a departure tax under a royal decree that existed since 1983 and was previously collected in 1997. Surasakdi clarified that the Finance Ministry is studying this idea, noting his ministry lacks authority to implement such a fee. The Finance Ministry has consulted with the Thai Travel Agents Association (ATTA) and other agencies, raising concerns about how collected funds would be used.

The minister stated the fee would apply only to tourism-related departures, with exemptions for diplomatic visas, work permits, and other visa categories. He emphasized this is still in the information-gathering phase and not finalized. The 1,000 baht figure references a historical rate and represents preliminary consideration. The rationale is to use revenue from outbound travelers to support domestic tourism initiatives.

ATTA and other associations have submitted recommendations aligned with government tourism stimulus plans like "Let's Travel Together" and nationwide tours. However, Surasakdi noted budget constraints remain a challenge. He explained the concept as "collecting from those traveling abroad to help Thais without opportunities for international travel enjoy domestic tourism."

Surasakdi emphasized the fee would not apply to students or workers abroad. The existing royal decree allows for a maximum collection of 5,000 baht. He stressed this remains purely exploratory, with no Cabinet approval date set. The Finance Ministry and government are still gathering feedback on implementation details, including approval, appropriate rate, timing, and eligible exemptions before moving forward.

On April 28, 2026, Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angskulgiat chaired a meeting addressing grievances from rising fuel prices and solutions for public transport operators. Attendees included transport ministry officials and representatives from five ride-hailing associations: the Steel Network Public Taxi Team, the Thai Motorcycle Taxi Riders Association, the EV Motorcycle Taxi Riders Association, and the Thai Riders Association, along with relevant agencies at the former Civil Service Commission office.

Deputy Minister Siripong stated the meeting aimed to comprehensively address public transport operators' concerns for targeted, swift, and concrete solutions. Taxi association chairman Vorapol Gamkhunatod and representatives from the five associations presented seven key proposals:

1. Enforce the 2564 Electronic Ride-Hailing Regulation and related digital platform service announcements 2. Control fares according to the 2564 Transport Ministry announcement on fare rates 3. Consider license renewals and new registrations for motorcycle taxis 4. Develop a state public app platform for taxi, motorcycle taxi, and other registered vehicle services 5. Amend regulations on seven-passenger vehicles from 2560, 2563, and 2564 6. Strictly enforce laws against expired taxis and personal vehicles illegally offering services 7. Establish a committee with representatives from the five associations to address nationwide ride-hailing issues

The deputy minister tasked the Land Transport Department with reviewing and implementing the proposals, improving laws and regulations for fairness and equality while prioritizing public welfare, with continuous progress reporting. Illegal vehicles will face enforcement action.

The Football Association of Thailand has confirmed the championship match of the 2025-26 Thailand Cup between BG Pathum United and Chachoengsao FC will be held at Thammasat University's Rangsit stadium. The competition, running from October 7, 2024 to May 24, 2025, has progressed through multiple rounds to determine these two finalists. The final match is scheduled for May 24 at 7:00 PM at Thammasat University's Rangsit campus.

The match will utilize VAR (Video Assistant Referee) technology for officiating purposes. Both clubs are required to comply with all relevant regulations and must arrive on time as scheduled.

A press conference will be held on May 22 at the Muang Thai Insurance conference room, Muang Thai Phatthanakan Complex, Tower A, 14th floor.

The 2025-26 Thailand Cup, running from the 32-team round through the final, follows an elimination format. The champion will receive a trophy and 5 million baht in prize money, plus qualification for the 2026-27 AFC Champions League. The runner-up receives 1 million baht. All away teams from the preliminary rounds through the quarterfinals will receive 50,000 baht in travel support.

Songkhla Province has partnered with Charoen Pokphand Foods Public Company Limited (CPF) and the CPF Running Club to organize a charity walk-and-run event called 'CPF RUN FOR CHARITY 2026.' More than 1,600 dedicated runners came together to share "the power of giving," raising 785,000 baht after expenses, which was donated to Tinsulanonda Fisheries College to support education and contribute to the construction of a historical learning center dedicated to General Prem Tinsulanonda.

The opening ceremony was presided over by Winit Theppanit, District Officer of Songkhla, alongside Kittisak Kwaopanich, Director of Tinsulanonda Fisheries College, and Bunserm Charoonwattana, Senior Managing Director of CPF's Livestock Feed Business Division. The District Officer stated that this collaboration between CPF and Songkhla Province reflects the collective strength of all sectors—government, private, and public—working together to build a strong and sustainable society while promoting health and fostering a spirit of sharing in Thai society.

"The funds from this activity will be used to develop education and support the construction of a monument to General Prem Tinsulanonda within the college, serving as a historical learning resource and source of inspiration for youth," said Kittisak Kwaopanich, Director of Tinsulanonda Fisheries College.

Meanwhile, Bunserm Charoonwattana revealed that CPF is organizing 'CPF RUN FOR CHARITY' for the 11th consecutive year under the concept of "doing good for society." Over the past decade, runners have collectively covered more than 600,000 kilometers, and CPF has delivered a total of 18 million baht to hospitals and various organizations throughout the country to support the purchase of medical equipment and strengthen the public health system, benefiting society as a whole. This aligns with the CP Group's "3 Benefits for Sustainability" principle.

The atmosphere at the event was vibrant and filled with joy, as runners and the public added color to the celebration while enjoying quality food and beverages from brands under the CPF and CP groups. The next 'CPF RUN FOR CHARITY' event will be held at Nong Bon Park in Bangkok, inviting the public to continue spreading "the power of giving" to build a sustainable society together.

KAYIN STATE — Karen armed forces have seized a Myanmar military base in the strategic Mutraw (Hpapun) area, following sustained attacks by allied resistance groups, according to local reports.

On 28 April 2026, the Karen Information Center (KIC) reported that the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), in coordination with allied forces, captured the "Kabaw Tu" base from the Myanmar military on 25 April in Lu Thaw Township.

The base, located in the Mutraw area between Hpapun and Kamamaung, had been considered a key strategic position used by Myanmar forces to control transport routes and security in the region for nearly 30 years.

Sources said the operation was carried out through a siege-style offensive, with Myanmar forces attempting to defend the position while also relying heavily on airstrikes to repel the advance.

KNLA Brigade 5 spokesperson Lt. Col. Saw Kler Doh said Myanmar forces conducted near-daily aerial bombardments prior to the capture, but the base was fully seized by KNLA troops at around midday on 25 April.

Following the takeover, KNLA and allied forces conducted clearing operations in surrounding areas. However, details on seized weapons and casualties from both sides have not been disclosed.

The capture of Kabaw Tu follows a series of recent gains by resistance forces. In late March, KNLA and allies also seized two other Myanmar military bases in northern Hpapun, including Tae Nay Jo and Kaw Soe Jo.

Since the 2021 coup in Myanmar, the Mutraw area has become a key battleground between the military and resistance forces, with ongoing clashes reported across the region.

Currently, around 10 Myanmar military bases remain in the area, including the main Hpapun base, while pro-military Border Guard Forces continue to reinforce positions amid fears of escalating fighting.