National

King's College Bangkok Scholarship Expands Educational Opportunities for Thai Youth

King's College Bangkok is accepting applications for its fourth-year Academic Excellence Scholarship, offering over 5 million baht in full tuition coverage to talented Thai secondary students with strong English and academic records.

2 May Khaosod

King's College Bangkok has announced the opening of applications for the fourth year of its 'King's Bangkok Academic Excellence Scholarship,' reinforcing its commitment to providing world-class educational opportunities to talented Thai students. The total scholarship value exceeds 5 million baht and covers tuition and educational expenses for the entire curriculum, welcoming applications from secondary students currently studying in Thailand at levels Year 10-13 (Grades 9-12) and Year 12-13 (Grades 11-12). This is a full scholarship with no conditions or obligations attached.

Applicants must meet the following basic qualifications: - Excellent English proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing - Outstanding academic performance over the past two years (minimum GPA of 3.40 for Thai national curriculum schools) - Currently enrolled in an educational institution in Thailand and meeting the school's age requirements - Good conduct and a generous, sharing spirit - For international school applicants, must already be recipients of Financial Aid before applying

Last academic year marked a significant milestone for King's College Bangkok with the graduation of its first Year 13 class (Class of 2025), which included inaugural King's Bangkok Academic Excellence Scholarship recipients. These scholarship students achieved remarkable success, receiving university offers from prestigious institutions worldwide in the United Kingdom, United States, Asia, and Thailand, pursuing their chosen paths. This represents a crucial step toward futures they have selected themselves, clearly reflecting the potential and determination of all scholarship recipients.

These achievements validate the power of world-class educational opportunities in cultivating skills, knowledge, and growth within a genuinely international environment. The school takes pride in this accomplishment and remains committed to continuing its scholarship program to develop Thai youth's potential on the global stage.

Interested applicants can apply from now until May 13, 2026. For more details, visit www.opl.to/kingsbangkokscholarship or contact scholarship@kingsbangkok.ac.th, call 0-2481-9955, and follow King's College Bangkok's news and activities on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and X.

No. 01 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Prachathai Party Launches Major Billboard Campaign Across Bangkok with Question: 'Is Living in Bangkok That Difficult?'

The Prachathai Party has deployed over 100 billboards across Bangkok questioning residents' quality of life, highlighting struggles from healthcare access to air quality ahead of its May 5 gubernatorial candidate launch.

2 May Khaosod

The Prachathai Party has launched a major Out of Home (OOH) advertising campaign featuring over 100 billboards strategically placed across Bangkok, covering business districts, main routes, and areas where residents work and go about their daily lives. The billboard messages highlight various difficulties facing Bangkok residents, including taking parents to the doctor, commuting home in the evening, saving money, running a business, walking alone at night, breathing clean air, raising children, and maintaining good health. The campaign aims to encourage Bangkok residents to pause and reflect on daily hardships they may have become accustomed to, ending with the message 'Simple Bangkok for simpler lives for everyone.' This is intended to inspire residents to imagine an easier Bangkok should the Prachathai Party's candidate and team lead the city. The party will formally launch its Bangkok gubernatorial candidate on May 5 at 5 p.m. at Siam Paragon's The Mitr-ting Room on the fifth floor, though earlier reports suggested the event would be held at the Siam Museum.

No. 02 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Chaivatthana Sathavawichit of Pheu Thai Party Unveils Bangkok Governor Candidate, Promises May 5 Announcement Won't Disappoint

Chaivatthana Sathavawichit, a Pheu Thai party-list MP, has confirmed he is running for Bangkok Governor and will unveil campaign details on May 5. The economist and fintech expert, who previously worked for the Bank of Thailand, promises Bangkok residents won't be disappointed by the party's platform and policies.

2 May Khaosod

On May 2, 2025, Chaivatthana Sathavawichit, a Pheu Thai party-list MP, addressed reports of being a candidate for Bangkok Governor, asking the public to tune in on May 5 for the official unveiling of the party's mayoral candidate and campaign policies. He promised a special May 5 promotion guaranteeing Bangkok residents won't be disappointed. According to reports, Sathavawichit, also known as Dr. Joe, is part of the Move Forward party's modern economics team with expertise in data strategy and fintech. His most recent position was deputy director of the Bank of Thailand's corporate strategy unit. In the 2023 election, Move Forward ranked him 15th on the party list, and in 2025 he ranks 18th—a significantly high position ensuring his certain election to parliament.

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National

Deputy PM Yuthasak Directs TPQI to Drive Human Capital Development Under 'Learn with Budget, Graduate into Jobs' Policy

Deputy Prime Minister Yuthasak Wongsuwan has directed the Thai Professional Qualification Institute to drive human capital development through upskilling and professional certification programs under the government's 'Learn with Budget, Graduate into Jobs' policy. The initiative aims to align worker skills with employer demands across emerging sectors like electric vehicles, solar installation, and creative industries through cross-ministry collaboration. The coordinated effort seeks to provide workers with genuine employment opportunities, increased income, and career security as a foundation for sustainable national development.

2 May Khaosod

Deputy Prime Minister Yuthasak Wongsuwan has directed the Thai Professional Qualification Institute (TPQI) to act as a driving mechanism for human capital development under the 'Learn with Budget, Graduate into Jobs' policy, calling it a critical foundation for national progress. On May 1, Prof. Dr. Yuthasak Wongsuwan, in his capacity as supervisor of TPQI, issued work directives to the institute's executive team, including Chairman Pisitr Rangsuksethkul and Director Chullada Meechul, with Labor Minister Julpan Amorwiwattana and his team in attendance. TPQI plays a vital role in certifying professionals, particularly in specialized skill development through upskilling and reskilling programs, issuing professional certificates rather than degrees but with qualifications equivalent to formal education credentials.

The institute can link labor database information with employer skill requirements and workforce capabilities, enabling certifications comparable to academic qualifications that can lead to wage increases and improved employment prospects. Prof. Dr. Yuthasak emphasized the need for cross-ministry collaboration centered on human capital development, involving the Labor Ministry, Education Ministry, Human Security Ministry, and the Higher Education Ministry, all working under the unified 'Learn with Budget, Graduate into Jobs' policy. He urged TPQI to develop new professional standards addressing technological, economic, and social changes, including upskilling and reskilling in emerging sectors such as electric vehicles, solar installation, post-retirement careers, and creative economy industries, while coordinating with the Wellness Economy initiative.

Labor Minister Julpan pledged support for TPQI collaboration, particularly with the Department of Skill Development in integrating curricula for emerging professions and enabling workers trained by the department to receive TPQI professional certifications. He emphasized that workers must gain real benefits in job opportunities, increased income, and career security, which form the essential foundation for long-term national development.

No. 04 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Throwing Punches in the Corner – Restructuring Electricity Rates for Whom?

Thailand's electricity rate restructuring plan aims to subsidize low-consumption households through progressive pricing, but critics question whether the 200-unit threshold is realistic for families with medical needs and whether solar pane

2 May Khaosod

The electricity rate restructuring policy continues to attract scrutiny, with officials still awaiting clarity on how the tiered pricing will be implemented. Energy Minister Eknath Prom-phanthisuk has confirmed that the first 200 units will cost 3 baht per unit, while the buyback rate for rooftop solar panels will increase to 2.20 baht per unit. Households consuming over 500 units will face progressive rates to subsidize those using under 200 units, with authorities recommending solar panel installation as a more economical solution. While this reasoning sounds plausible, deeper examination reveals serious questions about its feasibility.

The 200-unit threshold appears unrealistic at first glance. Simply running an air conditioner, air purifier, washing machine, and refrigerator normally already exceeds this limit. As for the 500-unit consumption level, not all households using that amount are wealthy—many are extended families living under one roof with nowhere else to go. Some homes house infants to elderly grandparents and bedridden patients requiring continuous electricity for medical equipment, not luxuries but necessities for survival.

The solar panel initiative also lacks clarity on financing sources and why it should burden ordinary people. Maintenance costs, battery replacements, and other expenses are unaddressed. Meanwhile, the government buys back power at 2.20 baht per unit only to resell it to consumers at 3-5 baht, but where does that profit margin go?

Looking at the profits of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority and Provincial Electricity Authority—combined nearly 30 billion baht annually—citizens are left anxious wondering how much their bills will increase. They shoulder the burden alone, resigned to their fate.

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National

Editorial – Parliamentary Committees

Thailand's House Speaker has coordinated with six political parties to finalize the structure of 35 standing parliamentary committees for the current session. The distribution includes Bhum Jai Thai Party with 14 committees, Prachathai with 9, and smaller allocations for other coalition parties. With committee chairs, vice-chairs, and members now formally appointed, the House is positioned to effectively execute its legislative and oversight functions.

2 May Khaosod

The House Speaker convened representatives from six political parties that received committee chair allocations to coordinate the division of responsibilities among the current parliament's 35 standing committees. Among the 500 representatives, Bhum Jai Thai Party secured 14 committees, Prachathai Party 9, Pheu Thai Party 5, Kla Tham Party 4, Prachathipat Party 2, and Thai United Power Party 1. The political parties have recently submitted the names of chairs and vice-chairs for all 35 committees. The House will now issue formal appointment orders along with complete rosters of committee members, secretaries, and spokespeople to proceed with their functions.

The current House of Representatives is now prepared to fulfill its legislative role as prescribed by the Constitution. The 35 committees will help distribute the substantial workload and responsibilities of the House. Parliamentary committees are internal organs of parliament composed of selected members from the House, Senate members, and experts appointed to investigate or study assigned matters and report findings upon completion.

Committees serve as mechanisms for parliamentary operations, as parliament holds broad powers and responsibilities encompassing all national affairs while needing to address diverse legal issues. This requires gathering comprehensive factual information for thorough consideration and decision-making. However, parliamentary limitations—including constrained meeting schedules and varying individual expertise—necessitate specialized committees.

These committees take responsibility for reviewing specific legislation and conducting assigned work according to their authority and terms of reference. This enables members to develop deeper understanding of issues and facts, ensures the House receives accurate and appropriate information through coordination with relevant agencies, and allows effective monitoring of government administration.

Therefore, those elected as chairs, vice-chairs, and members of the 35 standing committees are honored with specific responsibilities serving the House and providing robust oversight of the executive branch. They must perform their duties with integrity, prioritizing public welfare and national interest, upholding democracy, remaining open to diverse perspectives, and seeking accurate and comprehensive information.

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National

No Way Out – What's Next for Thaksin After May 11?

Former Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be released from prison on May 11 after serving eight months of a one-year sentence. The key question is whether he will attempt a political comeback, remain behind the scenes, or step away from politics entirely—a decision that could significantly impact Thailand's political landscape.

2 May Khaosod

On May 11, Thaksin Shinawatra will be released from prison and return to his Chiang Mai residence after serving eight months of a one-year sentence—two-thirds of his penalty. The crucial question looming is what his next move will be and how it will shake Thai politics. As a former premier, founder of an exceptionally successful political party, and a businessman-turned-politician with unprecedented popular backing, Thaksin's reappearance carries significant weight.

Following a Supreme Court ruling on the political office-holders criminal division, Thaksin was ordered back into the prison system to serve his full one-year sentence, the court citing improper medical treatment at a police hospital. Since September 9, 2025, when he entered prison, Thaksin has vanished from the political scene entirely. Only family members and grandchildren have visited him, as he explicitly requested that no politicians or political figures visit him at all.

Thaksin's release on May 11 follows standard legal procedures with no special applications filed. He simply counted down the days of his detention until completing the normal sentence requirements. His name was among 920 individuals reviewed by the Sentence Reduction Committee on April 29, with 859 approved for release, including Thaksin.

However, Thaksin remains unhappy about one condition: mandatory electronic monitoring despite his advanced age and existing health conditions. He does retain the right to appeal the electronic monitoring requirement.

What stands out is how, over these eight months of lost freedom and following standard procedures without protest or contact with anyone, Thaksin's perspective and political direction may have shifted. During his incarceration, he has had no interaction with political figures and accepted only family visits, making it difficult to predict whether he intends to return to politics.

The burning questions now are: Will Thaksin make a political comeback, retreat from politics, or step back entirely? If he continues playing a political role, how will he position himself—remaining behind the scenes or stepping into the spotlight as before? What's certain is that Thaksin's imprisonment and Paetongtarn Shinawatra's removal as prime minister represent a brutal political crushing of the Shinawatra family.

After May 11, all eyes will be on whether Thaksin draws lessons from his experience and how he positions himself going forward.

No. 07 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Rising Energy Prices Boost Palm Oil Demand in Energy Sector, Pushing Prices Above 7 Baht

Global energy demand is driving increased use of crude palm oil for biodiesel production, pushing Thai palm prices above 7 baht per kilogram as the government promotes B20 fuel to strengthen energy security.

2 May Khaosod

The Department of Internal Trade visited palm oil farmers to reaffirm that exports remain operational and to encourage increased B20 biodiesel usage, supporting palm prices that have adjusted to 6.80-7.20 baht per kilogram, with farmers confident the situation is improving.

Department Director Wittayakorn Maniyanet revealed that palm oil farmers from central Thailand's Saraburi and Pathum Thani provinces had submitted a letter to the Commerce Ministry expressing concerns about palm oil prices and export conditions. Following Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Sutheppundit's directive, the department is closely monitoring and urgently addressing the issue.

Today, the department visited palm oil farmers in Saraburi and Pathum Thani provinces to meet with Manas Phuttarat, chairman of the Thai Palm Oil Farmers Association, mill operators, and local farmers to directly hear their situation and proposals.

The ministry is continuously monitoring the entire palm oil system and managing balance across inventory, domestic consumption, and exports to ensure fair market prices for all parties. Regarding farmers' export concerns, the department confirmed that palm oil exports continue normally under appropriate stock management. Since April 7, 2026, 11 exporters have been approved for shipments totaling over 200,000 tons, maintaining manageable levels.

"Rising global energy prices have increased demand for crude palm oil in the energy sector. The government promotes biodiesel use to reduce diesel imports and strengthen energy security," the director stated.

Monthly demand for crude palm oil for biodiesel production now exceeds 100,000 tons, with over 200 B20 fuel service stations established nationwide. Government policy prices B20 below B7 to encourage usage, clearly boosting domestic crude palm oil demand and supporting current palm prices.

Wittayakorn noted that palm prices have recently adjusted upward to 6.80-7.20 baht per kilogram, up from the previous week's 6.60-7.00 baht range, reflecting improved market direction from both domestic and global demand.

During the field visit, the department checked oil palm purchasing conditions at mills, including Somtong Group Company Limited (Public), which confirmed normal operations at full capacity with no queuing issues, as harvest gradually reaches market without concentrated buildup like previous years.

The department emphasized mills should purchase palm based on quality and oil content to treat farmers fairly and incentivize quality improvement, particularly harvesting ripe fruit with high oil content, to elevate Thailand's long-term palm oil standards.

Manas Phuttarat reported that farmers are currently satisfied with improving prices and this season's purchasing situation is better than last year, with no palm fruit spoilage at mills. He requested continued government oversight to ensure fair treatment and noted farmers are pleased with continuously improving prices.

No. 08 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Community

Four Zodiac Signs With Exceptionally Strong Wealth Fortune: Everything You Touch Turns to Gold

Astrologer Mor Kake Dol Bundal predicts that four zodiac signs—Aries, Leo, Virgo, and Dragon—are entering a period of exceptional wealth fortune where money flows effortlessly and all endeavors become profitable. Those who previously faced difficulties will see dramatic improvements in their lives, with quiet support from others helping their work succeed and money arrive naturally.

2 May Khaosod

Four zodiac signs are experiencing exceptionally strong wealth fortune with powerful positive energy—whatever they touch turns to gold, with regular opportunities for substantial earnings and quiet support from others leading to success. During this period, each person's and zodiac sign's destiny is undergoing change, potentially positive or requiring caution. Astrologer Mor Kake Dol Bundal reveals that four zodiac signs—Aries, Leo, Virgo, and Dragon—possess exceptionally strong wealth luck right now. Money is flowing in steadily without requiring much anxiety; whatever they undertake becomes profitable with timely opportunities for large sums. Those receiving quiet support find their work flourishes and money arrives naturally. Anyone previously struggling will experience dramatic improvement, with life noticeably getting better. During this period, don't hesitate to take action—you have a genuine opportunity to become truly wealthy, not just in jest.

No. 09 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Pheu Thai Unfazed by Ethics Complaint Against Suriya Over Royal Irrigation Department Director Transfer

Pheu Thai Party spokespersons defended Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit after a lawyer filed an ethics complaint with the Election Commission regarding the transfer of a Royal Irrigation Department director. The party maintains that all procedures were followed correctly and denied allegations involving relatives in budget matters, expressing confidence the issue will not impact ministry operations.

2 May Khaosod

On May 2, 2025, Suksisat SriChomkwan, Deputy Prime Minister's Political Secretary and Pheu Thai Party spokesperson, addressed lawyer Ruangkrai Leekijwattana's petition to the Election Commission (EC) requesting investigation and referral to the Constitutional Court. The petition questions whether Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit's transfer of Royal Irrigation Department and Agricultural Aviation Director Rachan Silparayas to the position of ministry inspector general constitutes a serious breach of ethical standards warranting the minister's removal. Suksisat urged the public to follow the facts carefully. He explained that since Pheu Thai joined the government, urgent work on the 2025 budget has been necessary to align with government policy and campaign promises, making consultations with state agencies routine. He firmly denied allegations that relatives were called to review budgets and stated that the EC petition should pose no problems. "The Agriculture and Cooperative Ministry has conducted all operations according to established procedures properly, and I am confident this matter will not negatively impact the ministry's work," Suksisat said.

No. 10 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Dangerous Love Song: Ben and Jetsadda's First Pairing in Mystery Case Investigation

Ben Santisiraja and Jetsadda Srunya star in the action-drama series 'Dangerous Love Song,' which premiered on Channel 7HD. The story follows Puna, who works as a costume assistant while secretly investigating a decades-old murder case, and two undercover police officers investigating a drug operation that leads them to the record label owner. With romance, mystery, and country music woven throughout, the series combines entertainment with an intricate plot of hidden identities and uncovered secrets.

2 May Khaosod

Ben Santisiraja and Jetsadda Srunya invite fans to enjoy a full action-drama series as they launch an undercover operation to investigate a mysterious case with romance blooming amid danger, accompanied by captivating country music.

Puna, a young girl who dreams of becoming a singer, has lived with her uncle Tharintr since childhood. She has a rival named Maria who has competed with her since they were young. When Puna wins a singing competition and is about to sign with the Dara Thong record label, managed by veteran singer Singha Dara Thong, Maria—daughter of a powerful man—becomes jealous and uses her connections to steal Puna's song. This causes Puna to be demoted from singer to costume assistant, but she doesn't give up because her true goal is to find evidence to reopen the case of Phupha Tharaindra, the twin brother of her uncle Tharintr, and Oronong Wongvichian, two former famous singers who died under mysterious circumstances.

Chaiyas and Manas, two outstanding detective police officers who specialize in narcotics investigations, are assigned to go undercover in Kok Ta village to find an important drug kingpin hiding there. Meanwhile, Srarak, Singha's son, is attacked by rivals, and the two officers help him. Srarak then offers them jobs as bodyguards and drivers, making them employees of Dara Thong company. This allows them to meet Puna and Maria, with Chaiyas constantly helping Puna escape Maria's bullying.

Srarak feels a connection with Puna, forcing Chaiyas—who secretly loves her—to suppress his feelings because Srarak is the boss. Meanwhile, Manas secretly likes Maria, but she doesn't return his affection because her goal is to marry Srarak, the record label owner's son.

As Puna searches for evidence about the past murder case with Chaiyas' help, they discover a shocking truth: the drug kingpin they've been searching for is none other than Singha Dara Thong, the owner of the record label where they both work! The series premieres Monday, May 4th at 7:20 PM on Channel 7HD.

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