An overwhelming wave of popularity has swept over talented actor 'Trai' Praphapat Srikhojrdeecha for his role as 'Phran Areht' in the epic historical series "Hongsa Wadi: The Last Duel" on Channel 31. The actor shared his thoughts on the unexpected fame, personal growth, and how he nearly considered giving up acting.

When asked about the massive response to his character, Trai expressed gratitude: "I'm truly thankful that everyone has come to support us in Hongsa Wadi. Thank you to all of you who love me in the role of Phran Areht. Thank you to Channel 31 executives for giving me this incredible opportunity. This is the highest honor of my life."

Regarding whether he anticipated such positive feedback, Trai revealed: "Not at all. As I grew older, I stopped having expectations about my work because disappointment would hurt too much. Instead, I focus on doing my absolute best with every opportunity I receive. Before filming, I trained intensely—fitness, martial training, horseback riding, sword fighting—everything from scratch. I even studied ancient Thai language and pronunciation to truly understand the character's heart."

Describing the intensity of his newfound fame, Trai said: "My face is everywhere on apps now. I'm not used to it. Friends tell me they see my face all day. People quote his line 'Mang Chi Chawa Fang Kha' to me constantly—at the market, convenience stores, gas stations. They call out 'Phran Areht' everywhere. I'm not comfortable with constant attention, though I'm more suited to acting in dramas than dealing with real-life fame. Even meeting fans in person makes me shy."

He also described his awkward moment at the fan club gathering at Grammy Building: "I wasn't myself at all. But even though public appearances aren't my strength, I realize it brings joy and entertainment to my fans. I've learned that in 10 years of acting, I never had to deal with things like fan chants and special gestures. My castmates like Obeey, Pingping, Puma, and In taught me everything. I admit I wasn't prepared for this level of social media engagement."

When asked if he's ready to engage with fans, Trai responded: "I see so much fan service happening. It's about giving them happiness. If you want something, you must give it first."

Reflecting on the dramatic shift from his previous career, Trai noted: "This is completely different from my acting work before. I don't have to do fan gestures or appear at photo booths—just be myself. But now I need to adapt and evolve with the times. After exactly ten years, I've encountered this fan phenomenon."

When asked if this is a gift, Trai corrected: "I'd say it's more like a reward—an unexpected reward I never anticipated. Truthfully, when so many people approach me on the street, I feel awkward. But seeing myself in social media and experiencing things I never encountered in 10 years of acting, it feels like validation that I'm on the right path in my career."

The Thai Meteorological Department reports today's weather shows rising temperatures exceeding 40°C, with thunderstorms and strong winds affecting 50 provinces, including the Bangkok metropolitan area.

As of May 2, 2569, the Meteorological Department forecasts that over the next 24 hours, rainfall in northern Thailand will decrease, though thunderstorms and strong wind gusts will still occur in scattered locations with rising overall temperatures. Daytime conditions will be hot, with extremely hot weather in some areas of the northern and central regions, as a weakening high-pressure system from China influences the northeast and South China Sea, while southwesterly and southeasterly winds cover northern Thailand.

The public is urged to protect their health by avoiding prolonged work or outdoor activities in the open sun, and to remain cautious of dangers from thunderstorms and strong winds that may occur in certain areas.

The southern region will experience scattered thunderstorms due to easterly and southeasterly winds covering the Gulf of Thailand, southern regions, and the Andaman Sea.

Regarding dust and haze levels, northern Thailand currently shows good to moderate particulate accumulation due to scattered rainfall in some areas.

Detailed 24-hour forecast (today 06:00 to tomorrow 06:00):

Northern Region: Hot daytime conditions with extreme heat in some areas. Thunderstorms in 10% of the area with strong gusts in places, mainly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Tak, and Phetchabun provinces. Minimum temperature 22-25°C, maximum 35-40°C. Southwesterly winds at 5-15 km/h.

Northeastern Region: Hot daytime conditions with thunderstorms in 10% of the area and strong gusts in places, mainly in Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces. Minimum temperature 22-25°C, maximum 34-39°C. Southeasterly winds at 10-15 km/h.

Central Region: Hot daytime conditions with extreme heat in some areas. Thunderstorms in 10% of the area with strong gusts in places, mainly in Kanchanaburi, Lopburi, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya provinces. Minimum temperature 22-25°C, maximum 38-40°C. Southerly winds at 10-15 km/h.

Eastern Region: Hot daytime conditions with thunderstorms in 20% of the area and strong gusts in places, mainly in Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Sakaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat provinces. Minimum temperature 24-27°C, maximum 35-38°C. Southerly winds at 15-30 km/h. Seas approximately 1 meter high; over 2 meters during thunderstorms.

Southern Region (East Coast): Hot daytime conditions with thunderstorms in 30% of the area, mainly in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces. Minimum temperature 23-27°C, maximum 32-38°C. Southeasterly winds at 15-30 km/h. Seas approximately 1 meter high; over 2 meters during thunderstorms.

Southern Region (West Coast): Hot daytime conditions with thunderstorms in 30% of the area, mainly in Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun provinces. Minimum temperature 24-26°C, maximum 33-35°C. Easterly winds.

Five PERSES members—led by Jang Vikr, Ne Niran, Kritin Sorsungnoen, Palm Piriwitch, and Pluggy Thrakorn from G'NEST—are making a triumphant return to the stage with a complete image overhaul. They unveiled their new single "Turn Me On" with an energetic party theme at the PERSES Comeback Stage event today (May 1, 2026) at Outdoor Space Square B, CentralWorld. The music video, which just dropped, features a collaboration with artist Tobii, adding a fresh dimension to the track.

The group expressed genuine excitement about their comeback after a hiatus from releasing new music. The new single represents a significant departure from their previous work, embracing a groovy, smooth aesthetic with Afro Beats influences—a style favored by collaborator Tobii. The choreography proved challenging for some members, requiring them to use unfamiliar muscle groups in ways they hadn't previously explored.

During interviews, members highlighted their enthusiasm for the project. Jang emphasized the song's fresh direction and Tobii's contribution, while Pluggy ranked it among their best work. Ne acknowledged the difficulty of the choreography but appreciated the creative challenge. The performance itself is entirely new, as Kritin noted. The music video was shot in a bar setting featuring members from the broader G'NEST family, with themes of flirtation and romance throughout.

Working with Tobii proved seamless, with members praising his professionalism and accessibility. Pluggy remarked that Tobii brought such intensity to the set that the crew had to encourage him to dial it back slightly. As for expectations moving forward, the group hopes "Turn Me On" becomes a hit that inspires listeners to dance along. When asked about future plans for 2026, members indicated plans are still being finalized but updates will come soon.

In the 2025-26 English Premier League match on May 1, Leeds United hosted Burnley at Elland Road, with Mike Jackson taking charge of Burnley for the first time as interim manager. Leeds fielded Ao Tanaka, Noah Okafor, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin as key players, while Burnley relied on James Ward-Prowse, Jaidon Anthony, and Sian Flemming.

Leeds dominated the match, winning 3-1 at home. Anton Stach opened the scoring in the 8th minute, followed by Noah Okafor in the 52nd minute and Dominic Calvert-Lewin in the 56th minute. Burnley's only goal came from Loom Shuuna in the 71st minute.

With this victory, Leeds accumulated 43 points from 35 matches and moved to 14th place in the table, extending their unbeaten run to six consecutive matches (three wins, three draws). This result significantly improves their survival prospects, as they now hold a 9-point cushion over 18th-placed Tottenham Hotspur, though Spurs have a game in hand.

Meanwhile, Burnley, already mathematically relegated, remain in 19th place with 20 points from 35 matches.

A severe thunderstorm brought lightning strikes to the cattle pen, killing two breeding cows instantly. The owner suspects that metal bells removed from the animals' necks and hung on a nearby tree may have attracted the lightning.

On the evening of May 1, heavy thunderstorms hit Pak Kham district in Buriram province before lightning struck the cattle pen of Nang Siam, 66, a Pak Kham subdistrict council member, killing two breeding cows. Nang Siam reported hearing three loud lightning strikes during the heavy rain but didn't realize her pen had been hit. When the storm subsided, she discovered both cows dead in the pen. She expressed deep sadness, noting she had been unable to sleep for the previous two to three nights without knowing why, even after taking sleeping medication. She never expected such a tragedy, especially since these were valuable breeding cows.

Her son, Piyavut, explained that around 4 p.m., as wind and storms approached, he had brought the cattle to drink water and quickly returned them to the pen before heading home. However, the two metal bells—made of brass and silver—remained hanging on a wooden post inside the pen. When he was told that lightning had killed two cows, he rushed to check. He felt fortunate he had already secured the cows and returned indoors.

The owner warned other farmers to be cautious, particularly regarding metal objects like bells. He advised removing such items from cattle pens when possible, as they pose a significant danger. Having learned this lesson, he plans to bury the bells and will never attach them to cattle again.

At 7:40 p.m. on May 1, 2025, the Samut Sakhon Provincial Police Radio Center 191 received a report of an armed gunman conducting a solo robbery at Yaowarat Gold Shop, located inside a shopping mall in Moo 4, Tambon Khok Kham, Mueang District, Samut Sakhon. Officers led by Pol. Lt. Gen. Pisit Tanprasert, Commander of Region 7 Police, Pol. Col. Thiradej Athiphakun, and other commanders rushed to the scene.

At the location, shop employees reported that the suspect was a man approximately 170 centimeters tall, wearing a motorcycle jacket and a hood covering his face. He entered the shop, drew an automatic compact pistol, and threatened the staff before jumping over a glass counter, grabbing gold items weighing 23 baht worth approximately 1.6 million baht, and fleeing the mall.

Following the incident, Pol. Lt. Gen. Pisit ordered investigation teams from Khok Kham Police Station, Samut Sakhon Provincial Police, and Region 7 Police to form a coordinated task force to track and apprehend the suspect as quickly as possible. Evidence collection teams gathered fingerprints from the scene for further criminal proceedings.