Thaksin Shinawatra, the former prime minister, still has hope of having his electronic monitoring device removed during his conditional sentence if he submits a petition due to health concerns. High-level sources within the Justice Ministry revealed that while a clemency committee on April 29 approved Thaksin for a general sentence reduction as one of 859 eligible inmates, they imposed the condition that he wear an EM device until his sentence concludes on September 9, 2026.

Normally, elderly inmates over 70 years old with chronic illnesses requiring continuous medication are not required to wear EM devices due to health and medical care concerns. However, the committee made this exception in Thaksin's case after deliberation. His family and legal team have questioned this decision, citing that Thaksin is elderly with chronic health conditions, has no history of escape, and maintains a fixed residence at Baan Jan Song Pha, which should exempt him from such requirements.

According to Justice Ministry insiders, while the current committee decision requires Thaksin to wear the EM device through September 9, 2026, individuals under probation can still petition for its removal if they subsequently face medical treatment needs or mental health issues like panic attacks. The Department of Probation would then exercise discretion to approve or deny such requests. Precedent exists for cases where probation officials removed EM devices based on health and medical care justifications.

The EM device installation could occur on the day of Thaksin's release from Klong Prem Central Prison, with probation officers conducting the initial reporting and explaining the conditions, including monthly check-in dates and behavioral requirements during the probation period.

On May 1, 2025, Deputy Education Minister Akkanat Kan-kittinanth and his team visited Khukhan Witthaya School and Khukhan School in Sisaket province to inspect and encourage schools affected by severe winds, while monitoring the performance of district-level learning promotion centers (Sakr). The visit aimed to address local issues and discuss strategies for improving education in the area.

Akkanat reported that emergency funds had been allocated to repair storm damage at Khukhan Witthaya School before the semester begins, and recommended the school apply for 2027 budget funds to build a replacement classroom building. Additionally, the Education Ministry will provide one vehicle to facilitate transportation for underprivileged students.

At Khukhan School, which serves 3,674 students, officials identified overcrowding in the cafeteria with capacity for only 900 students. Plans are underway to allocate 2027 budget funds for constructing a new cafeteria. Akkanat praised the "Older Students Care for Younger" program, which creates a strong student-led safety network, and plans to expand this model to other Ministry of Education schools nationwide.

Akkanat also announced plans to push for over 4 billion baht in budgets to address teacher shortages, support academic advancement, and modernize outdated 2008 curricula for the digital age. Public libraries will be transformed into co-working spaces to attract contemporary learners.

Stressing his commitment to reducing teacher burden, Akkanat stated: "My field visits don't require special receptions or ceremonies—just a glass of water is enough. Our ministry's core policy is to lighten the load on teachers by eliminating redundant programs so they can focus fully on teaching and professional development. I'm here to listen and find solutions together, because educational opportunities must reach everyone. We will leave no one behind."

Sunthon Charumchai, chairman of the Billiards Association of Thailand, disclosed that the organization has struggled significantly with budget constraints over the past two years, resulting in a 25 million baht deficit. The core problem is that the Sports Authority of Thailand approved the organization to host national championship tournaments but refused to release funds after the events concluded, forcing Charumchai to use his own resources to keep the association afloat.

"For 30 years, we've continuously organized national championships, submitting approval requests a year in advance," Charumchai explained. "These include six-ball snooker, women's snooker, youth snooker, and pool championships. We received approval for all of them, but when it came time to withdraw funds, we were told there was no budget. Over the past two years alone, without receiving a single baht in funding while spending 7-8 million baht annually—totaling over 10 million across two years—our account is now 25 million in the red. While other deputy directors have provided partial support and we've sought sponsors to minimize losses, I've had to lend my personal funds to the association and even sold assets to prevent it from going bankrupt during my tenure."

Preecha Lalun, deputy director of SAT's sports excellence division, responded that he had already discussed the issue with Charumchai. SAT has submitted a proposal to the National Sports Development Fund for additional budget allocation, and snooker is included on the priority list. Once the fund approves the request, snooker will receive immediate financial support along with other sports in urgent need.

Hero Dog: Kali the Stray Sacrifices Her Life Protecting Over 30 Children from Venomous Snake. Indian villagers hold dignified funeral procession.

A beloved stray dog named Kali from Dhirakula village in Odisha state, India, became a local hero after sacrificing her life in battle with a venomous snake to protect more than 30 schoolchildren from danger.

According to Indian news agency NDTV, the incident occurred around 8:30 a.m. near Sri Jagannath Sishu Vidya Mandir primary school in the Mayurbhanj district while many students were sitting outside the school. A venomous snake slithered dangerously close without anyone noticing.

In the critical moment, Kali immediately rushed between the children and the snake, engaging in a fierce fight. Despite being bitten on the mouth, Kali successfully killed the snake and eliminated the threat. However, the snake's venom claimed her life shortly after.

The incident deeply saddened the entire village, as Kali was a familiar and beloved stray dog to the community. To honor Kali's ultimate sacrifice, villagers held a dignified funeral ceremony comparable to that of a human, wrapping her body in white cloth, adorning it with flowers, and conducting a procession around the village before her formal burial.

One villager said, "Kali saved the lives of our children. She will remain in our hearts forever." Multiple local Indian media outlets reported the story widely, hailing Kali as a symbol of bravery and the loyalty that animals show to humans.

All the schoolchildren are currently safe with no reports of injuries from the incident. Kali's story has garnered widespread attention both within India and internationally, serving as an example of the great sacrifice made by one stray animal.

A Wisconsin county's unusual speed limit of 17.3 mph isn't a mistake—it's a deliberate psychological strategy designed to boost safety in a high-risk area. The unconventional speed limit at Outagamie County's recycling and waste management facility has sparked online discussion after officials implemented the oddly specific 17.3 miles per hour (approximately 28 km/h) speed limit, which starkly differs from typical traffic signs.

The measure applies to Outagamie County's recycling and waste management facility, a busy area with constant vehicle traffic including large trucks, contractors, and private vehicles, creating congestion and elevated accident risk.

Local officials stated the specific number 17.3 was no accident but rather "intentionally designed" with psychological principles in mind to make drivers pause and pay closer attention to their surroundings.

"Why 17.3? Because it makes you stop and think. It makes you look twice," officials explained on social media, noting the goal is to pull drivers out of "autopilot mode."

The concept aims to increase road user awareness, reduce inattentive driving, and enhance safety in an area where heavy and light vehicles move closely together in limited space.

While officials believe this unusual number could encourage slower, more cautious driving and reduce accident risk, online reactions have been mixed—some view it as an odd but effective idea, while others question whether such an unconventional number might cause confusion or become a subject of ridicule.