The Tha Khantho Thai Buffalo Show 2569 brought together elite breeding stock from across the country competing for the Princess Sirindhorn Cup (Grand Champion). Organized by Tha Khantho Subdistrict Municipality in Kalasin Province in collaboration with the Thai Buffalo Conservation Association and partners, the event promoted conservation and development of high-quality Thai buffalo breeds while stimulating the local economy at the Tha Khantho Municipal Stadium.

Chairwoman of Kalasin Province Chelaemkwan Lotratkul opened the event, joined by Tha Khantho District Officer Yotsaphon Intharuttee, Subdistrict Chief Administrator Dr. Theeraphon Yanthabusya, and representatives from the Thai Buffalo Conservation Association, along with government agencies, community leaders, buffalo farmers, and numerous citizens.

Following the opening ceremony, a showcase of champion breeding bulls featured more than 300 buffalo from farmers and farms nationwide, worth hundreds of millions of baht, creating an exciting atmosphere.

Dr. Theeraphon Yanthabusya, Tha Khantho Subdistrict Chief Administrator, stated the competition aimed to promote conservation and development of Thai buffalo breeds while creating added value and higher returns for farmers. It also served to transmit knowledge about quality Thai buffalo characteristics, breed selection, and elevating Thai buffalo genetics to international standards. Additionally, it provided an important platform to inspire young people to pursue livestock farming careers and served as a meeting point for buffalo farming networks across Thailand to exchange experiences, generate community income, and stimulate local economic activity, with an estimated 10 million baht circulation.

The competition categories included: 1) Black buffalo grand champion, 2) Reserve grand champion, 3) Black buffalo in 10 divisions, 4) White buffalo, 5) Dwarf buffalo (all colors), 6) Giant buffalo, 7) Local buffalo, and 8) Fantasy buffalo.

Dr. Theeraphon noted that grand champions in both male and female categories received the highest honor—the Princess Sirindhorn Cup—along with certificates of recognition.

A catastrophic seven-vehicle pileup occurred on April 28, 2569, when Muang Nakhon Ratchasima Police received reports of a chain-reaction collision on Highway 224 (Nakhon Ratchasima-Chok Chai route) near a shopping center in Nong Bua Sala subdistrict, Muang district, Nakhon Ratchasima province, injuring multiple people. Emergency responders from Sawang Moetham Foundation were dispatched to the scene for assistance.

The incident involved seven vehicles colliding in succession: a white Honda Jazz, gray-black Toyota sedan, black Fortuner, white sedan, white Isuzu Highlander 4-door pickup, white Mitsubishi Titan Plus Cap pickup, and an ice truck with refrigerated container. The force of the successive impacts left over 10 people injured, including drivers and passengers, with four sustaining serious head injuries and severe chest trauma from steering wheel impacts. After initial treatment by rescue personnel, the injured were transported to a hospital for further care.

Preliminary investigation revealed the accident occurred during peak rush hour when all drivers were hurrying to work. Vehicles were traveling at high speeds while maintaining dangerously close following distances without adequate safety gaps. When the lead vehicle suddenly decelerated or braked unexpectedly for unknown reasons, following drivers could not stop in time, resulting in the cascade of collisions. Police will review CCTV footage from the area, dashcam recordings, accident scene evidence, and conduct interviews with all drivers involved to determine the exact cause before proceeding with legal action. Photo courtesy of Sawang Moetham Foundation Nakhon Ratchasima.

Bangkok — On April 28, Culture Minister Sabida Thaiseth announced that the restoration of Ta Kwai temple is expected to take approximately two years, with the project currently awaiting budget allocation.

Speaking at Government House at 9:40 a.m., Sabida stated that the Fine Arts Department has completed an initial survey, and the Culture Ministry is working closely with military units in the area to clear the site. Officials are prepared to provide comprehensive support to facilitate the work, she added.

When asked if the area is now safe and conflict-free, Sabida said she could not confirm this, as the matter falls under the jurisdiction of security authorities. However, based on available information, she said officials would ensure safety and provide assistance for site access.

She explained that the restoration aims to return the temple as closely as possible to its original state, using modern technology to replicate its former appearance. While some color differences may remain to distinguish original materials from new ones, the overall structure will follow the original design.

Sabida noted that the restoration process is not highly complex and the Fine Arts Department possesses the necessary expertise to execute the work. Once completed, the site could potentially be developed as a tourist attraction, though further enhancements to the surrounding area and landscape may be needed.

On April 28, 2025, Royal Thai Navy spokesman Rear Admiral Paratj Rattanajaipan announced that the Navy is proceeding with a project to acquire one oil tanker to replace HTMS Chula, which was commissioned on December 30, 1980 and has served for over 45 years. The vessel is now at the end of its operational lifespan and is scheduled for decommissioning in 2026.

This project aligns with the Royal Thai Navy Strategy 2017-2037 (revised 2023) to maintain maritime logistics capabilities across regional naval commands. The new tanker will enhance the Navy's ability to conduct military operations and humanitarian missions, while promoting Thailand's domestic shipbuilding industry and technological capabilities.

The new oil tanker is designed and constructed to international standards and Royal Thai Navy specifications, including RINA classification standards, SOLAS and MARPOL conventions, and relevant maritime engineering standards. It will feature a high-safety fuel transfer system for efficient fuel replenishment operations while minimizing spillage risk and meeting international environmental standards.

On March 30, 2025, the Ministry of Defence approved the Navy's contract with Thai International Dockyards Limited (TINDY) through a selective procurement process, with a total budget of 434,634,000 baht and delivery scheduled for 2026. The contract was signed today with TINDY, an experienced Thai shipbuilder that has previously collaborated with the Royal Thai Navy.

The Royal Thai Navy confirmed that this project will significantly strengthen maritime security, enhance logistics capabilities, and enable the Navy to efficiently respond to evolving security challenges.

According to Nattareya Thawiwong, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Sports, Thailand accumulated over 11.3 million foreign tourists from January 1 to April 26, 2025. Last week marked a strong recovery in short-haul market arrivals, with a 26% increase compared to the previous week. Chinese tourists led with over 100,000 arrivals, representing a 40% surge, while Taiwanese tourists climbed from 11th to 5th place among visitor nationalities.

The previous week recorded 536,401 total foreign arrivals, up 71,681 visitors or 15.42% from the week prior, averaging 76,629 tourists daily. The top five source countries were China (102,493), Malaysia (73,571), India (45,811), Russia (26,015), and Taiwan (18,482). Chinese and Malaysian visitors increased 37.31% and 20.91% respectively, while Taiwanese, Russian, and Indian tourists declined 41.93%, 15.32%, and 1.45% respectively.

The following week is expected to see increased arrivals driven by Labor Day holidays in multiple countries, normalized energy conditions in Thailand, the "Trusted Thailand" safety initiative, government travel facilitation measures, TM.6 card exemptions, and increased airline flights.

As of April 27, 2025, Thailand has accumulated 11.36 million foreign tourists from January 1 to April 26, generating approximately 555.6 billion baht in tourism revenue. The top five source markets were China (1.84 million), Malaysia (1.23 million), Russia (849,367), India (805,208), and South Korea (465,702).

The four members of GELBOYS – New Chayapak, Pide Monthaprumi, PJ Mahidol, and Leon Brocco – have given a fresh Gen Z interpretation to the classic hit 'Go Cute Far Far' by Dan-Beam. The remake retains the cutesy charm of the original while infusing it with modern production and contemporary youth culture vibes. The lyrics have been sharpened in perspective, with music production by Mek Machina (Sukum Immuabsin) and new rap arrangements and opening sections created by SMEW (Thanis Kaewsurivoong), adding signature Gen Z slang that defines GELBOYS' style. This comeback not only reinforces GELBOYS' image as an up-and-coming T-POP group worth watching, but also showcases their continuous musical evolution in terms of sound, production quality, and the increasingly distinctive identities of all four members, while maintaining their characteristic Gen Z appeal. The 'Go Cute Far Far' (GO CUTE FAR FAR) version by GELBOYS is now available on all streaming platforms.