In a small corner of Wat Bang Yai Phraek Market in Tha Chalom, Samut Sakhon Province, something significant hides beneath simplicity. This is not merely food or a local product, but a representation of a vanishing way of life: "sticky rice wrapped in jerak leaves."

This traditional snack uses jerak leaves as wrappers instead of the familiar banana leaves—a seemingly small difference that actually reflects a profound relationship between people and the jerak plant. Every element of this snack comes from local resources and depends on knowledge passed down through generations.

The jerak forest is thus far more than just a plant growing along the canal; it is the foundation of an entire way of life—food, snacks, shelter, and livelihood have all been inseparably linked to this plant. Yet today, that relationship is changing.

Ba Nong Thanakorn Amphai, a resident of Bang Yai Phraek canal who still maintains her traditional way of life with jerak plants, says: "This ancient snack can only be made if you have jerak plants. Without them, you can't make it."

Urban expansion, factories, and residential development have continuously reduced jerak forest areas. As the resources disappear, the way of life that depended on them begins to fade. What was once ordinary in daily life becomes rare and gradually pushed into memory.

Sticky rice wrapped in jerak leaves is thus not just a local snack, but evidence of a disappearing way of life. Yet what remains is not merely the snack or some remaining jerak plants, but the knowledge and determination of local people who continue to preserve these traditions.

Harvesting jerak shoots, processing them, and utilizing them all reflect a deep understanding of nature. This is not merely a skill, but wisdom born from living in harmony with nature.

Varanyoo Kaewsuksa, a young boy who has grown up witnessing these changes and grasps the jerak forest problem, observes: "It's getting less because people are clearing the forest. Most of the area has become residential houses now." His greatest concern may not be solely the loss of natural resources, but the disappearance of a way of life that once coexisted with nature in respect and balance.

TAK — The Royal Thai Air Force deployed two F-16 Fighting Falcon jets to patrol airspace over Phop Phra district on 29 April, after intense fighting between Myanmar military forces and Karen armed groups escalated just across the border.

At around 16:00, combined forces of the Karen National Union (KNU) and allied resistance fighters launched coordinated attacks on a Myanmar military base in Myawaddy, Karen State, opposite Thailand's Tak province. Drones were used to drop explosives on the base in multiple waves, while ground forces also carried out sustained assaults, sending smoke rising over the area.

The Myanmar military responded with air support from the Myanmar Air Force, conducting airstrikes on positions held by Karen resistance forces. Heavy explosions were reported on both sides of the border as fighting intensified.

In response to the escalating situation, Thai authorities scrambled two F-16 fighter jets to patrol and secure Thai airspace along the border in Phop Phra district.

The fighting comes after a 20 April incident in which a Myanmar airstrike near a KNU hospital close to the border in Mae Hong Son reportedly saw at least one bomb land inside Thailand, near the Salween River in Mae Sam Laep area, prompting panic among villagers.

A chilling incident has left a 57-year-old German tourist dead after being bitten by a cobra that crawled into his pants during a snake show at an Egyptian hotel, sparking alarm. According to foreign media reports, the tragedy occurred early last month while the victim was vacationing with two family members at a hotel in Hurghada on Egypt's Red Sea coast. During the snake exhibition held at the hotel, the snake handler allowed tourists to interact closely with the snakes, including draping them around guests' necks. However, one cobra unexpectedly slithered into the victim's pants and struck him on the leg without warning. Following the bite, the man experienced severe venom poisoning and required immediate CPR before being transported to a hospital, but medical staff were unable to save his life. Authorities in both Germany and Egypt are now awaiting toxicology test results and conducting investigations into the incident. As of yet, no charges have been filed against the snake handler. The World Health Organization notes that between 81,000 to 138,000 people die annually from snake bites worldwide, underscoring the persistent hidden danger that venomous animals pose in many tourist destinations. This tragic event serves as an important cautionary tale for tourists considering participation in high-risk activities, particularly close contact with wild or venomous animals.

Former Thai boxing champion Sirimongkol Singwangcha has appealed to boxing fans for understanding after facing heavy criticism for his role as a sparring partner to Takerugawa Sekawa, the Japanese fighter who went on to deliver an impressive fifth-round knockout against Rotton Jitrmeuangnon and captured the ONE Kickboxing interim flyweight world title at ONE Samurai 1, concluding his fighting career beautifully. Sirimongkol posted, "I know half the country probably cursed me out. I'm still Thai, but work is work. I have to admit, Takerugawa's every punch was genuinely powerful."

At 11:25 AM on April 30, 2026, the House of Representatives convened with Parliament Speaker Sophon Sararum presiding over a live question session. Phuket MP Orthaikaed Kerdtrop of the Palang Pracharath Party questioned the Prime Minister about the Land Bridge project, which was answered by Deputy Transport Minister Siripongse Angskulgiat.

Kerdtrop sought clarity on why the government was reviving the Land Bridge project—originally shelved due to economic and environmental opposition—without including it in the policy statement, and questioned its financial viability given conflicting data. She cited a joint study by Chulalongkorn University and the National Economic and Social Development Council concluding that the 30-year project cannot recoup its investment, with negative NPV and financial returns. In contrast, the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning claimed it would break even within 24 years with positive NPV, prompting her to request clarification on the discrepancy and accountability if the investment fails.

Siripongse explained that the Land Bridge was revived due to compelling maritime realities: 90,000 ships annually transit the Strait of Malacca, projected to reach 110,000 by 2030, creating congestion. The narrowest section, just 2.8 kilometers wide, experiences 60 accidents yearly. He referenced global shipping crises—the Suez Canal blockage, Red Sea attacks diverting ships around the Cape of Good Hope (adding 10 days), and Panama Canal climate impacts stranding 38 vessels—demonstrating the need for alternative shipping corridors.

"While these are forward projections, current Middle East instability has convinced nations that alternative transportation routes are essential," Siripongse stated. "Thailand previously considered a Thai Canal or Land Bridge, with consensus that the Land Bridge offers better investment returns."

He emphasized the timing is critical because congestion in the Strait of Malacca is projected within the next decade, necessitating an alternative route. Additional factors include unpredictable geopolitical tensions among major powers and the readiness of smart port technology and AI-digitalization. "Modern technology means ships no longer need transferring between different modes of transport," he explained. "The Land Bridge would save transit time between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea."

On April 30, 2569 at Parliament, Theerarak Jiratrachachoo and fellow Pheu Thai Party MPs Pavitra Jittakij, Phimkanchan Kiertiwarapakorn, and Napat Jittaphinanthakanta held a press conference regarding the Department of Non-Formal Education's operations and student dropouts from non-formal education systems.

Pavitra displayed SKKR textbooks purchased by the state through the Department of Non-Formal Education, demonstrating that they are low-quality, outdated, and overpriced. The books feature dated content, formatting, covers, and spines, with unclear illustrations. Many books have four-color covers but black-and-white interiors. Prices are reportedly excessive—some subjects range from 100-800 baht, with certain 130-page books priced at over 200 baht and 90-page books at over 300 baht, contrasting with the price-controlled, four-color bond-paper textbooks used by the formal education system (Ministry of Education).

Pavitra noted that SKKR textbooks lack sufficient academic content and exercises that don't reflect real-world situations, as they are reprints of the 2551 (2008) curriculum that have held licenses for over 10 years and continue in use today.

"SKKR is a place of hope, a place for Thailand's future for many lives that fell through the cracks of the formal education system," Pavitra stated. "With AI advancing and transforming the job market, we cannot allow SKKR to be diminished or set backward. We must collectively support and push it forward."

"I want to urge the supervising minister to address this issue. It's becoming suspicious—why are the textbooks in use so poor in quality? You must clarify and ensure transparency and accountability. Don't allow damage to the nation's future. Don't let the state budget waste on outdated, inferior education that cannot genuinely improve people's lives. This is not a small matter: poor textbooks harm students' opportunities, high prices drain the national budget, and non-transparent procurement erodes public trust in Thai education and could cost you your position," she added.

Pavitra also highlighted infrastructure problems in SKKR, noting many facilities on Bangkok's Thonburi side operate from rented private spaces or temples, with maintenance funded through their own efforts. While agreeing that education isn't limited by location, she stressed that learning environment quality affects educational effectiveness.

"I ask the supervising minister if they have the courage to seriously solve this problem, or if they fear something within the ministry or other influences, causing them to turn a blind eye," she said.

Theerarak committed to continuous parliamentary follow-up through consultations and written questions, seeking details on how to resolve the matter, including plans for 2570 (2027), and requesting expedited remedial action.