Fans certainly got their money's worth when renowned Chinese heartthrob Cheng Lei, star of Shadow Love, Legend of the Female General, and the recently concluded How Dare You!?, flew into Thailand as iQIYI International's newest Global Ambassador. The event took place at Sphere Gallery 2 in the Emsphere shopping center, organized by iQIYI International, with excited crowds filling the venue from opening.

The platform had set up exclusive zones for iQIYI VIP premium and annual standard members to experience intimate moments with their favorite star. When Cheng Lei made his entrance, screams echoed throughout the venue. The charming 180-centimeter tall actor impressed Thai fans immediately, greeting them in Thai: "Hello everyone, Thai fans. I'm Cheng Lei" and "I'm happy to see you all." He continued to delight the crowd with flirty Thai phrases like "I love you" and "You're all beautiful."

Cheng Lei then shared his feelings about receiving the iQIYI International Global Ambassador honor and his impressions of Thailand. The event featured an in-depth interview about his feelings and hit series Shadow Love, Legend of the Female General, and How Dare You!?, followed by a Q&A session.

Fans experienced heightened excitement during a series game that drew screams and smiles throughout the hall. A break featured popular Thai dishes including mango sticky rice, milk tea, tom yum shrimp, and pad thai for the actor to sample. The event concluded with a lucky draw where fans received postcards and group photos with the star, plus a tearful surprise where original novelist Qi Yingjun, author of How Dare You!?, appeared to talk with fans and sign autographs.

After the meet and greet, Cheng Lei gave media interviews at EM Tower, sharing his feelings about becoming an iQIYI International Global Ambassador and his impressions of Thai fans. "I feel very honored to receive this opportunity from iQIYI. For this first meeting with Thai fans at the 2026 iQIYI Starship Meet and Greet, I want to thank them so much. I was very nervous at first and sweating the whole time, but all the Thai fans were so excited and having fun. After the nervousness passed, I felt genuinely happy. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity, and I hope to meet everyone again next time."

Regarding his preparation for delivering the best experience, Cheng Lei revealed: "Actually, I prepared a lot of Thai language, but when I got on stage I felt nervous and worried about making mistakes, so I didn't speak much. I hope that on my next visit to Thailand, I can speak Thai fluently for everyone."

He also expressed his impression of Thai fans' warm reception: "Thai fans are really fun and cheerful, especially when I saw the fan project and turned back to face everyone. That moment really impressed and moved me."

When asked about Thai attractions or foods he hadn't tried yet and wanted to experience, the young actor responded: "If I had the chance, I'd like to stay in Bangkok for 2-3 days. Thailand actually has many cities with their own unique charm."

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.