The Office of Fiscal Policy (OFP) announced Thailand's economic forecast for 2026, projecting gradual recovery with growth of 1.6% fueled by strong domestic demand, featuring private consumption growth of 2.3% and private investment growth of 3.2%, while merchandise exports are expected to expand 6.2%. Risk factors requiring attention include Middle East tensions, drought, and elevated household debt.

Vinij Wisesuwarnnaphumi, Director of the Office of Fiscal Policy, stated that Thailand's 2026 economy is on a gradual recovery trajectory, though facing headwinds from external factors and global geopolitics. The Finance Ministry is prepared to implement proactive policies to maintain growth momentum while accelerating economic restructuring to enhance long-term competitiveness.

The projected 1.6% growth (forecast range 1.1% to 2.1%) is primarily supported by both domestic and external demand. Export values in US dollars are expected to grow 6.2%, benefiting from recovering demand from major trading partners and sustained strong export signals since the first quarter, particularly in industries rebounding with global economic cycles. Import values are projected to rise 13.9%, reflecting industrial production trends as businesses accelerate imports of capital goods and raw materials to support expected private investment expansion and export-oriented manufacturing, alongside rising energy import prices.

Domestic demand shows strong expansion as a key economic driver. Private consumption is forecast to continue growing at 2.3%, supported by tourism sector recovery distributing income to grassroots levels and government cost-of-living relief measures strengthening household purchasing power. Private investment is projected to expand 3.2%, driven by increased investment promotion applications, continuous monitoring and acceleration of actual investment, Thailand FastPass implementation, and removal of key investor obstacles, particularly in targeted industries (New S-Curve) and foreign investor confidence in Thailand as a production base.

The public sector will play a key role in supporting economic growth, with government consumption forecast to expand 1.3% and government investment projected at 1.7%, resulting from fiscal year 2570 budget expected completion on schedule, ensuring continuous money circulation. Major infrastructure mega-projects will enhance competitiveness and attract private investment through crowding-in effects.

State enterprise investment shows strong continued disbursement, with first-half fiscal year 2569 reaching 117 billion baht at approximately 50% disbursement rate, higher than the same period previously.

Five divine spirits possessed the ceremonial medium during a water blessing ritual for protective deities in Fai Luang subdistrict, Lap Lae district, Uthai Thani province on April 28, 2025. The ceremony brought together many villagers to perform the traditional water blessing honoring the guardian spirits that protect residents and ensure prosperity for crops like longong, langsat, and durian. Families prepared fragrant water infused with ingredients including eagle-claw leaf, pomelo skin, and other botanicals in silver bowls for the blessing ritual.

During the ceremony, the medium entered trance states as multiple deities possessed him in sequence. The first spirit, calling itself "Chao Ton Por" (the founding patriarch spirit), spoke with a commanding voice and trembling body movements. The medium relayed the spirit's message clearly stating there would only be two-digit lucky numbers—specifically 78—for the May 2nd lottery draw, with no three-digit numbers available. Subsequent spirits including a female deity "Chao Ton Mae" and others also possessed the medium to bestow blessings on the gathered community.

As the ceremony concluded with the tying of blessed strings around residents' wrists for protection, a 50-year-old woman unexpectedly became possessed by "Chao Seiang Mia," a water gate guardian spirit who expressed displeasure at not being invited to the ceremony. The ceremonial leader apologized on behalf of the community, and the spirit was appeased with the fragrant water blessing before departing. The annual water blessing ceremony, held before the traditional "Hae Nam Khuen Hong" festival, is part of a thousand-year-old tradition in Lap Lae district dedicated to honoring protective deities and ancestors.

The director of the Sports Authority of Thailand disclosed that the International Olympic Committee is still awaiting clarity regarding Thailand's government budget allocation for the 2030 Youth Olympic Games bid. All necessary information has been submitted, with only cabinet approval pending before hearing the decision on June 25th.

Following Danka Bartekova, chair of the IOC's Youth Olympic Games 2030 working group, and an IOC delegation's official visit to Thailand, they will conduct inspections in Bangkok and Chonburi from April 28-30, 2025, to assess readiness. Thailand is one of three finalists competing to host the 2030 Youth Olympic Games alongside Asunción, Paraguay and Santiago, Chile.

Dr. Kongsak Yodmani, Sports Authority of Thailand director, revealed that Thailand has been selected as one of the final three candidates and has provided all information confirming government support. The proposal is currently being processed for cabinet approval and will be discussed with the Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism and Sports.

Thailand places great importance on national sports and youth development programs held annually, reflecting the Sports Authority's long-standing vision. The facilities are fully prepared and Thailand aims to inspire children and youth toward sports goals through its "Sports Build People, People Build Nation" policy.

Public transportation infrastructure will soon include underground rail access through the Sports Authority venue, along with police presence and anti-harassment campaigns for athletes. Thailand's Youth Olympic Games bid is not new, with preparations beginning in 2019, but this visit reaffirms to the IOC Thailand's readiness to host.

"While we cannot predict with complete certainty since we don't know what our two competing nations will present, discussions have been positive," said the official. "We will travel to Lausanne, Switzerland to hear the decision on June 25th."

Following the IOC team's inspections at the Sports Authority's Huamark facility, the Thai-Japanese Youth Center at Din Daeng, Chulalongkorn University Sports Center, and the National Stadium on April 28, inspections continue in Chonburi on April 29. On April 30, a joint meeting between the Sports Authority and Thailand's Olympic Committee will be held, chaired by Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenvorakul.

The Tracklab Youth group, led by motorsports expert Phakorn Thientong ("Nong Kor"), alongside TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Thailand racer Narresam Abhiwat ("Nexki"), Nexkart Racing team members, and the Formula Student vehicle development team ExceedAE, is creating a new phenomenon in Thai education. They serve as main speakers and key drivers of the "Go-Kart Industry Career & Technical Workshop 2026," sharing advanced automotive engineering knowledge and national-level racing experience with vocational students. The initiative aims to develop technical personnel for target industries in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).

Dr. Peerphong Pansoda, director of Chonburi Technical College, designated Vice-Academic Director Santhipracha Donchum to chair the opening ceremony welcoming Pirul Viriyaprakop, director of Chonburi Vocational College, alongside faculty and over 70 students from mechanical and electric vehicle (EV) departments at Tew Sorn Conference Room.

Go-kart racing is used as a learning model because the sport encompasses foundational engineering covering mechanics, physics of motion, and electronic control systems—skills transferable to advanced industries.

The workshop includes lectures on "The Path to Professional Racing" sharing preparation, field skills, and real competition experience, plus "Behind the Professional Racing Team" explaining team structure, mechanic roles, and race operations.

Phakorn Thientong ("Nong Kor"), 2025 ROK Cup Thailand runner-up and TrackLab Youth leader, emphasized that today's learning represents concrete STEM Education application. He stressed that go-kart racing isn't merely about speed but involves calculating acceleration, G-force, and engineering system stability. He hopes the workshop inspires students toward international careers as Race Engineers or Mechanic Specialists.

Additionally, Peeriyuth Thongtum, automotive engineering lecturer at Siam University's Faculty of Engineering, delivered an academic presentation on "Racing Car Engineering and Physics: Performance Principles and Setup," diving deep into aerodynamics and powertrain systems. Narresam Abhiwat and Watin Thakanha shared experiences working under international safety standards.

An electric vehicle (EV) department student representative noted that witnessing the role of Data Analysts and millimeter-precise race car setup revealed that modern automotive careers must integrate information technology and applied physics knowledge, motivating them to develop into high-skilled workers aligned with EEC objectives.

BANGKOK — 28 April 2026, Bangkok authorities warned that the city's heat index has reached a "dangerous" level, urging residents to monitor their health and take precautions, particularly for vulnerable groups.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said the day's maximum heat index had entered the danger category.

Health impacts from extreme heat can occur when temperatures exceed what the body can tolerate, leading to both direct and indirect effects. Symptoms may include fatigue, dizziness, rashes, swelling, heat cramps and heatstroke.

Authorities advised the general public to watch for symptoms, while those in at-risk groups should seek medical attention immediately if any abnormalities occur.

Vulnerable groups include children aged 0–5, people aged 60 and above, pregnant women, individuals with underlying health conditions, those with obesity, people who consume alcohol, outdoor workers, people exercising outdoors and tourists.

Residents can monitor air quality updates via the website airbkk.com or the AirBKK application. In emergencies, authorities advised calling 1669.

AirAsia went viral again after releasing a video highlighting staff members' Mandarin language skills in response to drama sparked by a Chinese passenger's complaints about crew members only speaking English on a flight from Chongqing, China to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The incident occurred on April 22 when a Chinese female passenger demanded that cabin crew address her in Mandarin instead of English, causing a disturbance on the aircraft. In a video that circulated online, she stated, "This is an international flight, but you can't speak Chinese. How can you provide service then?" The disruption delayed the flight by over an hour before the passenger was ultimately asked to leave the plane.

According to reports, the passenger's dissatisfaction stemmed from her friend missing the flight, and she wanted to get off as well. This led the captain to decide to return the aircraft to the gate.

AirAsia Capitalizes on the Moment with Mandarin Language Video

After the incident went viral across Malaysia and social media, AirAsia released a short TikTok video featuring employees taking turns speaking and reading various signs in Mandarin Chinese. The video ended by inviting viewers to comment on who spoke most fluently.

Social Media Praises the Marketing Team's Swift Response

The video received over 1,700 shares in a short time, accompanied by praise from netizens who viewed it as an excellent game-changing move. One comment stated, "That's the real deal. A classy response." The incident demonstrates social media's power to quickly transform a crisis into a marketing opportunity while reinforcing the brand's image of accessibility to passengers of diverse nationalities and languages.