A former Chinese web series actor who became famous for his "Powerful Boss" role in online dramas has made headlines after facing unemployment from the impact of AI technology transforming the entertainment industry.

The actor is Zhang Xiaolei, 28, who appeared in over 200 web series productions, primarily playing "tyrannical CEOs" or the character known as "Papa Zhang," a popular character type in Chinese romance novels and dramas. Zhang entered the entertainment industry in late 2023 with some dance background and was introduced to the rapidly growing web series sector by a friend.

During the industry's boom period, he became one of the busiest actors, sometimes working continuously for three days with almost no breaks, churning out content for numerous web series productions. However, since early this year, his work has declined significantly. He received only one acting opportunity and his pay was cut to half of what he earned the previous year.

The primary cause is the emergence of AI technology that can create virtual characters to replace real actors, dramatically reducing production costs and decreasing demand for human performers. Reports indicate that traditional web series using real actors cost approximately 10,000 yuan (about 48,000 baht) per episode, but with AI implementation, costs have dropped significantly. AI usage in production increased from 7% to 38% within a single year.

Facing this industry transformation, Zhang invested approximately 400,000 yuan (roughly 1.9 million baht) to start a chili farm in Haitong, Qinghai Province. He explained that he chose farming because his family has agricultural backgrounds and he already possessed knowledge in the field. He confirmed: "If there's acting work, I'll do it. But if there isn't, I'll continue as a farmer."

A shocking incident in Mumbai, India has left four family members dead within less than 12 hours of eating watermelon at home, with authorities racing to determine the cause. According to reports from NDTV and Times of India, the tragedy occurred on April 25 when Abdullah, 40, along with his wife and two daughters, ate dinner with relatives before returning home late and consuming watermelon. The family initially showed no symptoms, but between 5:00 and 6:00 AM, all four members suddenly experienced severe vomiting, diarrhea, and extreme weakness before being rushed to the hospital. All four died shortly thereafter.

Police have conducted an investigation of the residence and collected samples of the remaining watermelon for laboratory analysis, as well as conducting autopsies to determine whether the deaths involved toxins, chemicals, or bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, or E. coli. Official test results have not yet been released, and the cause of death remains under investigation.

Nutritional experts in India have warned that watermelons are high in water and sugar content, and if stored improperly or left cut for extended periods, they can easily become breeding grounds for bacteria, especially in hot climates. If fruit becomes contaminated during transport or distribution, it can increase the risk of gastrointestinal infections. Doctors additionally warn that people with compromised immune systems, children, and the elderly face higher risks of severe complications such as acute dehydration, sepsis, or organ failure.

India's food safety authorities therefore recommend that the public purchase fruit from trusted sources, wash produce thoroughly before consumption, avoid pre-cut fruit from unhygienic vendors, and store fruit at appropriate temperatures to minimize contamination risks.

AAS Auto Service is hosting the "AAS Roadshow at ICONSIAM," presenting Porsche vehicles from May 1-10, 2025 at the M Floor Charoen Nakhon Hall in ICONSIAM shopping mall.

The event showcases Porsche vehicles that embody diverse driving experiences, encompassing performance, comfort, and lifestyle applications for everyday use.

Featured models include the Cayenne S E-Hybrid Coupé in Carrara White Metallic, a plug-in hybrid sport SUV that perfectly blends power and luxury, suitable for both city driving and long-distance travel; the Panamera 4 E-Hybrid in Volcano Grey Metallic, a luxury sports sedan delivering both performance and driving refinement with all-wheel drive and advanced hybrid technology; and the Macan in Frozenblue Metallic, a compact SUV distinguished by agility that caters to urban lifestyle while embodying Porsche's performance DNA in every drive.

The vehicles on display reflect Porsche's commitment to developing alternative energy technology through hybrid systems that enhance driving efficiency while reducing emissions, addressing both performance and long-term sustainability.

The roadshow also marks part of AAS's service network expansion, with plans to launch the new Porsche Centre Kanlapaphruek, a full-service center in the west side of Bangkok, by year's end to better serve customers comprehensively and conveniently.

Visitors are invited to experience Porsche vehicles up close, receive expert guidance, and take advantage of special offers throughout the event.

On May 1, 2025, Mongkolkit Suksinthananont, known as 'Te Phra Ram 7' and chairman of the 'Bangkok Can Fly' group, visited Srinakharinwirot University Prasanmitr to meet with students and participate in selfie photo sessions, push-up competitions, and social media content creation. Hundreds of students attended the lively event.

Mongkolkit revealed that the campus visit was in response to an invitation from student groups and he was surprised by the large turnout. Many students inquired about his potential candidacy for Bangkok Governor and the 'Bangkok Can Fly' group's policies. Representatives from Rangsit University also invited him to visit on May 7, 2025, as students wanted further discussions and to hear more about his vision.

During the meeting, Mongkolkit outlined the 'Bangkok Can Fly' group's comprehensive policies covering infrastructure development, technology, and quality of life improvements. These include improving Saen Saeb Canal for safe water usage, developing flying cars, sending Bangkok residents to space, establishing a paleontology museum, and creating a 'Jurassic World'-style tourist attraction in Bangkok. He also proposed introducing electric dinosaur robots as city activities and landmarks, noting that while the private sector can develop these projects, the government has not seriously allocated budgets.

He proposed increasing salaries for Bangkok civil servants and personnel by 10% for those meeting health criteria, using exercise as a condition for local tax reductions, and expanding healthcare benefits including surgery services at Bangkok hospitals, while promoting continuous physical activity among residents.

Mongkolkit stated that if the 'Bangkok Can Fly' group gains support from more than 25 Bangkok City Council members, they could reduce corruption-related budget allocations by 40%, redirecting approximately 20 billion baht toward public welfare. He also proposed opening tourism zones 24 hours daily and promoting comprehensive entertainment complexes in high-end hotels to attract tourists and investors, generating revenue for city development.

Regarding social policy, he proposed increasing elderly allowances in Bangkok to 3,000 baht monthly, suggesting district-level implementation first due to lower budget requirements compared to nationwide programs, which would need hundreds of billions of baht.

Mongkolkit also stated that several politicians and academics have expressed interest in representing the 'Bangkok Can Fly' group in a Bangkok Governor candidacy, though any supported candidate must fully commit to the group's policies to ensure unified administrative direction.

On May 1, 2025, at Bang Pho intersection, Democrat Party members led by Nattapong Ruangpanya, party list MP and party leader Sirikanya Tanskul, deputy party leader Rakchanok Srinok, Sia Champathong, Thanaporn Wijanthorn, Sahasawat Koomkhong (Chonburi MP), and Panida Mongkolsawat (Samut Prakan MP), along with citizens, marched to Parliament House to submit the Democrat Party's social security bill draft.

Nattapong explained that successfully pushing the bill through requires public support, especially from the 20 million insured workers whose contributions form a fund larger than the national budget. These funds must be managed transparently and professionally with accountability to the insured workers.

Sahasawat highlighted that over the past year, Social Security Fund management has faced serious problems with no transparency about fund usage. He stressed that while contributions come from three parties, management remains under civil service control despite civil servants not being beneficiaries themselves. He argued that government officials lack the expertise for professional fund management, resulting in low returns and sustainability concerns. Sahasawat called for removing the Social Security Office from the civil service system and appointing professional managers.

When asked if the Democrat Party alone has enough votes to push the bill through, Nattapong stated that discussions with the government have been ongoing, but the crucial factor is the voice of insured workers. If the House approves it, Senate passage should face no obstacles. He expressed confidence that no political party would oppose legislation benefiting the people, as all parties campaigned on similar promises during elections.

Regarding reports of a 4 billion baht fund discrepancy, Sahasawat said his team continues investigating the Social Security Board and has not received clear clarification from office officials about how the data was incorrectly recorded. Without documentary evidence confirming the error details, the information remains unconfirmed. The Democrat Party is planning to formally establish a committee to investigate the matter.

The Thai Help Thai Plus initiative, including the Half-Half Plus cash handout project and other vulnerable group assistance measures, will not be brought before the Cabinet on May 5. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanpraphat announced that an Economic Cabinet meeting must be held first to approve the 2025 budget reallocation bill and the borrowing decree. The Economic Cabinet meeting was originally scheduled for May 4 but falls on a public holiday, and the Prime Minister has yet to reschedule it.

Nitithanpraphat explained that the budget reallocation amount is still being confirmed and will be discussed with the Budget Bureau today to determine how much in delayed disbursements and uncontracted funds remain. If funding proves insufficient, the government will tap a borrowing decree with a framework of either 400 billion or 500 billion baht, still under consideration.

"In the May 5 Cabinet meeting, the Finance Ministry will propose approval of two items: the 2025 budget reallocation bill and the issuance of the borrowing decree," Nitithanpraphat said. "The Thai Help Thai Plus measures, including the Half-Half Plus program, will be presented for approval by the Economic Cabinet and the full Cabinet next week."