At 8:30 a.m. on April 28, 2025, at the Government House, Energy Minister Eknath Phrom-phun outlined a restructured household electricity rate before a cabinet meeting. The new structure charges no more than 3 baht for the first 200 units, 3.95 baht per unit for 200-400 units, and a new rate of 5 baht per unit for usage above 401 units. The minister explained that previous electricity price increases were driven by LNG costs tied to global market prices, which spiked when Middle East tensions caused gas prices to double. The new rate formula will reduce electricity costs system-wide by 30-40%, benefiting all 23 million households assessed under this structure. The minister clarified misconceptions, emphasizing that the new tiered structure means households using the first 200 units receive full benefits with a 20% reduction, while those exceeding 200 units still benefit from the 10% discount on that baseline. The Energy Ministry's agenda, designated as a national priority, will be presented at the cabinet meeting today, including initiatives to promote solar rooftop installations with reduced bureaucracy—condensing multiple agency visits into a single process completed within 30 days—and securing affordable installment financing. Additional measures include promoting domestically-produced electric bicycles and motorcycles, improving energy efficiency in government facilities and street lighting, and permanently reducing electricity rates by canceling perpetual unfair contracts. The government aims to reduce gas dependency in power generation by cutting expensive imports and expanding solar energy use. The minister will meet with the National Energy Policy Committee on April 29 to proceed with public consultation, with implementation expected in June's bill cycle, allowing consumers to pay the new rates by month-end.

At 7:35 AM on April 28, 2569 at Government House, Deputy Prime Minister Yuthasak Wongswat, also Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation, explained that his ministry is working to convert waste and agricultural material burning into a circular system. The plan involves collecting materials farmers would otherwise burn and exchanging them for solar panels in partnership with private companies using the ministry's technology to create a closed loop that reduces farmer expenses. A project announcement is planned for this afternoon.

When asked about proposals for today's cabinet meeting, Yuthasak said budget-related matters requiring quick action would likely be presented, along with several urgent items, particularly those addressing people's income as household expenses continue rising. He expects various ministries will submit quality projects, with his ministry's budget expected to remain at previous levels as specified by Deputy PM and Finance Minister Ekniti.

Yuthasak emphasized his focus on the Wellness Economy, believing that investments generating long-term returns could transform taxpayer money into high-value economic activity. He noted the Prime Minister has assigned him to oversee the Circular Economy initiative, with the ministry working to improve air quality and environmental conditions. During a recent field visit to Udon Thani province on April 25, he addressed public awareness about flooding and drought, coordinating with multiple ministries. The ministry is also promoting fertilizer programs developed with agricultural cooperatives.

The Commerce Ministry is closely monitoring live-streamed durian sales and stands ready to implement legal measures immediately if influencers launch promotions that destabilize the market and artificially depress prices.

On April 28, 2025, Kornit Nonchuay, spokesman for the Ministry of Commerce, revealed that following public interest in the case of influencer Pimrypie's high-volume live durian sales, the ministry inquired with the influencer and learned that the entrepreneur's intent is to support farmers in line with the Commerce Ministry's policy of expanding distribution channels for Thai fruits through live commerce directly from production sources.

This approach enables faster product distribution and broader consumer reach to efficiently address this year's increased production. To achieve this, durians are being sold through live streams using promotions to accelerate sales turnover, a practice that occurs annually. The goal is to provide farmers with new assured markets and higher product prices.

The Commerce Ministry welcomes private live commerce operators to participate in elevating agricultural prices. The ministry has no policy of providing special support to any particular influencer, farmer, or merchant.

Distribution methods, promotions, and prices are determined through direct negotiation between farmers and sellers. All parties can negotiate terms aligned with costs and to prices farmers find acceptable, following each merchant's marketing plan. The Commerce Ministry will oversee transactions to prevent farmer price suppression and ensure genuine market mechanisms.

Durian prices as of April 27, 2025, according to market rates:

- Export Grade AB: 135-150 baht per kilogram - Grade C: 90-100 baht per kilogram - Grade D: 70-80 baht per kilogram - Mixed Grade: 125-130 baht per kilogram

Price ranges vary according to product quality.

The Commerce Ministry will closely monitor price and production volume situations to ensure balance in both price and quantity, while continuously supporting expanded distribution channels so farmers can sell at fair and appropriate prices.

"Going forward, the Commerce Ministry will closely monitor and oversee all merchants and influencers. If any party's promotions cause market disruption affecting supply and prices—particularly causing significant price drops—we will immediately implement legal measures to ensure farmers can sell their products at fair and appropriate prices," the spokesman stated.

Gold prices fell again on April 28, 2026, according to the Gold Traders Association's announcement. Ornamental gold dropped 200 baht per baht weight compared to April 27's closing price, now selling at 72,600 baht per baht weight. According to the latest data from the Gold Traders Association released at 9:04 AM, gold bars are trading domestically at 71,600 baht per baht weight for buying and 71,800 baht per baht weight for selling. For 96.5% ornamental gold, the buying price stands at 70,160.48 baht per baht weight and selling price at 72,600 baht per baht weight. Global gold spot prices remain at 4,670.50 USD per ounce. Market analysts predict gold prices may surge 1,000-2,000 baht per baht weight when markets open tomorrow, potentially breaking through 80,000 baht.

Emergency responders in Sri Thoi Subdistrict, Mae Jai District, Phayao Province received an accident report at 8:47 p.m. on April 27, 2569 (2026) of a pickup truck that had veered off a mountain road near Village 13. Upon arriving at the scene, rescue teams discovered a Toyota pickup truck with Chiang Rai license plates that had careened down a roadside ravine approximately 50 meters deep. The vehicle was heavily damaged at both the front and rear, coming to rest amid dense vegetation and large trees. Cargo including bags of fertilizer and various personal belongings were scattered throughout the crash site. The darkness and steep, sloped terrain made rescue operations extremely challenging.

Rescue teams located two injured persons—the driver and a passenger—both sustaining only minor abrasions and bruising. Both individuals remained in stable condition and declined transportation to a hospital. First aid personnel provided assistance on-site.

Authorities suspect the accident resulted from the combination of darkness, a steep and winding road, causing the vehicle to lose control. Investigators plan to conduct a detailed examination of the incident to implement preventative measures and avoid similar accidents in the area.

Thai boxing star Rodtang Jitmuangnon cleared weigh-ins on his first attempt without any weight complications, and is now set to compete against Takeru Segawa in a kickboxing bout for the interim flyweight world championship at ONE SAMURAI 1 on April 29 in Japan. Rodtang, who has previously experienced weight-cutting challenges, demonstrated excellent preparation this time by passing weigh-in immediately on his first try, registering 134.8 pounds with a hydration coefficient of 1.0095. His opponent Takeru also passed weigh-in successfully on the first attempt, weighing in at 134 pounds with a hydration coefficient of 1.0226. The flyweight division requires fighters to maintain a weight between 125-135 pounds.