The Thai Meteorological Department issued its first severe thunderstorm warning (41/2569) on April 27, 2025, affecting northern Thailand from April 29-May 1. Thunderstorms with strong gusty winds, hail, heavy rainfall in some areas, and possible lightning strikes are expected to begin in the North, Northeast, and East regions before moving to central Thailand, Bangkok, and surrounding areas. A high-pressure system and cold air mass from China will interact with hot conditions in northern Thailand, creating favorable storm conditions.

Residents are urged to avoid open areas, large trees, unstable structures, and weak signs. Farmers should reinforce fruit trees and prepare measures to protect crops, livestock, and agricultural operations. Residents should monitor updates from the Meteorological Department via their website (http://www.tmd.go.th) or phone lines 0-2399-4012-13 and 1182, available 24 hours. The next warning will be issued on April 28 at 5:00 AM.

High-Risk Provinces: April 29: Northern provinces (Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Uttaradit, Phitsanulok, Phetchabun); Northeastern provinces (Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Si Sa Ket, Ubon Ratchathani)

April 30: Northern provinces (Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Lampun, Lamphang, Sukhothai, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet); Northeastern provinces (Chaiyaphum, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin); Central provinces (Nakhon Sawan, Lopburi, Saraburi, Ayutthaya); Eastern provinces (Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Sa Kaew, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri)

May 1: Moderate risk across northern, northeastern, central, and eastern regions including Bangkok and surrounding provinces

Kickboxing is surging in popularity worldwide, and Thailand is riding this wave. The Kickboxing Association of Thailand has spearheaded a movement to transform the sport's landscape, extending beyond traditional competitive excellence into professional sports development. Through collaboration with government agencies, private sector partners, and WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organizations), they established "KATPRO PROFESSIONAL KICKBOXING"—Thailand's first comprehensive professional kickboxing championship.

KATPRO stands for Kickboxing Association of Thailand Professional. This new platform aims to elevate Thai kickboxers to international standards under WAKO recognition, creating pathways to world rankings and prestigious events like Glory and K-1 Japan.

The inaugural tournament at Bangkok's Ves 1 Sports Complex was a major success, featuring elite athletes from 8 nations: Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Israel, Iraq, Estonia, and Thailand. The competition uses K-1 Rules, emphasizing speed, precision, and technical excellence. Athletes must remain aggressive throughout three intense rounds, with no time-wasting or clinching tactics allowed—a format that thrills fans seeking authentic, high-level action.

Beyond the sporting achievement, KATPRO has elevated production standards with professional lighting, sound, and cinematography to appeal to younger audiences and establish watching kickboxing as a lifestyle choice.

Building on this success, KATPRO expanded internationally with its second tournament held in Fergana, Uzbekistan on April 24th at the Samarkand Sports Center, maintaining the league system format and attracting diverse international competitors.

Dr. Suprannee Kuptasa, former director of Thailand's National Sports Development Fund, emphasized that KATPRO's recognition by WAKO represents a significant milestone for Thai kickboxing's development.

"The Buddha is the greatest healer of mental illness in the world," according to teachings from Luang Pho Cha Suphattho of Wat Nong Pa Phong in Ubon Ratchathani. The article covers several renowned Buddhist masters and their amulet creations, including Luang Pho Bai Thammachiato of Wat Chong Lom, whose copper coins with gold plating from 1918 (B.E. 2461) are now extremely rare and command high prices. These coins feature a half-length portrait with distinctive shoulder lines, surrounded by rice sheaves, with Khmer script on the reverse. Luang Pho La Punnachee of Wat Phi Sri in Sing Buri province created first edition portrait coins in 1925 (B.E. 2468), depicting the monk in meditation pose, which became so popular that counterfeits emerged. Luang Pu Thom Kalyanob, former provincial overseer of Sukhothai and former abbot of Wat Thammapaññarama, created oval-shaped portrait coins in 1977 (B.E. 2520) with limited production of no more than 5,000 pieces, now considered extremely rare. The article also covers a rectangular locket amulet created by disciples of Luang Pu Thon Pussavaro of Wat Phong Yang in Chachoengsao province to commemorate his 110th birthday in 2018 (B.E. 2561), containing sacred powder and gems alongside blessed powders from approximately 350 revered monks.

On April 27 at the Thai Justice Institute, AIS announced a major strategic initiative to comprehensively elevate Thai sports. The company launched 'AIS SPORT ACADEMY' to develop the Thai sports industry holistically under the concept of 'People Power Creates Thai Sports Power.' Partnering with national and international allies including Chulalongkorn University, Bundesliga Germany, and the Football Association of Thailand, AIS aims to nurture young Thai athletes. The program will send selected youth to train at world-class football facilities in Germany while providing scholarships for education at Chulalongkorn University Demonstration School, developing excellence in both athletic skills and academics to create professional-level sports personnel.

Kantima Lerlertsayjuttharam, AIS Corporate Operations Executive Vice President, stated: 'AIS has always believed that people are the foundation of organizations and society. Through AIS Academy, we've developed personnel capabilities both internally and externally by upgrading digital skills and providing equal access to global knowledge.'

She continued: 'Building people is AIS's DNA. Today we're extending this model to sports, viewing it not merely as competition but as a crucial mechanism driving the nation. With over 10 million people in Thailand's sports ecosystem, we're committed to transforming AIS from merely a broadcast channel to a full supporter and developer of Thai sports. AIS SPORT ACADEMY represents our genuine commitment to providing the best for Thai society, operating as a serious institution because we firmly believe that strong people create strong sports, which creates a strong nation.'

Saiichol Sopmakudom, AIS Corporate Communications Director, explained: 'AIS SPORT ACADEMY recognizes sports as more than competition—as both an industry and powerful community. We've structured operations around three core pillars: creating opportunities to cultivate quality personnel, enhancing knowledge by transferring world-class skills, and professionalism to sustain career growth.'

AIS has partnered with Chulalongkorn University, Bundesliga, and the Football Association of Thailand to select young footballers for training in Germany while providing scholarships to Chulalongkorn's demonstration school. This demonstrates that Thai youth need not choose between academics and sports but can pursue both perfectly. These partnerships integrate sports, education, and opportunity to build a sustainable Thai sports ecosystem. Future steps include concrete operational developments.

Samsung, the world-renowned South Korean technology innovator, launches the Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G smartphones to bring cutting-edge mobile innovations to everyone at comprehensive price points. These new Galaxy A Series models reflect Samsung's commitment to making AI technology accessible to all through advanced user experiences at even more affordable prices. The standout capability comes from Awesome Intelligence, a powerful AI feature suite designed to simplify daily routines. The Galaxy A57 5G features a sleek, thin design with lightweight construction.

One of the most prominent new features is Voice Transcription, available on Galaxy A Series for the first time. Users can record audio through the Voice Recorder app, automatically converting speech to text and translating across multiple languages, making meeting reviews, lesson replays, and conversation data organization more convenient and efficient.

The popular Circle to Search with Google feature has been enhanced to identify multiple objects simultaneously. For example, when users find a style they like, they can search for details of each item—whether clothing or shoes—in a single search by simply circling around the outfit on screen.

AI Select also provides smart recommendations based on screen content, such as creating GIFs, saving images, or setting wallpapers. Users can now access this feature more conveniently through the Edge Panel. The Multi-Window Drag & Drop feature allows smooth content movement between apps, working with AI Select to enable faster multitasking in apps like Samsung Browser and Samsung Notes, where users can directly drag images into Samsung Notes and resize them as needed.

The Object Eraser feature has been improved to more precisely remove unwanted elements, especially at image edges, resulting in clearer, more natural-looking photos with minimal editing. The camera remains a standout feature of the Galaxy A series, with upgrades delivering vibrant, sharp images in all lighting conditions—from bright to low light.

Both models feature a three-camera rear system for enhanced photography flexibility. The 5-megapixel macro camera captures detailed close-up shots, revealing surface details invisible to the naked eye. The 12MP ultra-wide camera on the Galaxy A57 5G captures wider angles, ideal for landscapes and group photos. For parties and night photography, the enhanced Nightography feature produces bright, sharp low-light images with natural color.

The new Galaxy A Series features refined design that seamlessly blends sleekness with everyday practicality. The Galaxy A57 5G is remarkably thin at just 6.9 millimeters and weighs 179 grams—0.5mm thinner and 19 grams lighter than its predecessor—making it comfortable to hold and easy to carry.

Amid the lights and roaring cheers at the '2026 i-dle WORLD TOUR [Syncopation] IN BANGKOK' concert at Impact Arena in Muang Thonburi, a heartwarming story unfolded that rivaled the music itself. Thai pop star Minnie Nicha Yontararak used her precious time after the performance to meet 'Nong Wanna,' a girl under her sponsorship through the Supanimit Foundation of Thailand, marking their first face-to-face meeting despite being connected through letters, encouragement, and ongoing support of the child's progress.

Minnie's role in supporting Wanna, a girl from a vulnerable family in a remote area, has opened the door to a more stable quality of life for her—proof that 'giving filled with love' can truly transform a child's future.

Under the 'Because Love...Creating Powerful Giving' campaign, Minnie and the Supanimit Foundation want to convey to society that sponsoring one child is not merely offering temporary assistance, but rather investing in their future. The support from Minnie and other sponsors produces tangible results for children in vulnerable areas across four key dimensions: 'Education' opens doors to knowledge, enabling children to secure livelihoods and care for themselves in the future; 'Nutrition' promotes strong, healthy bodies for proper development; 'Safe Spaces' protect children from social risks and dangers; and 'Hope and Encouragement' reminds them they don't face life's struggles alone.

For Minnie, love is not confined to words alone—it's the driving force that compels someone to take action for others. That a global-level artist like Minnie chooses to be a giver demonstrates that regardless of where we stand in society, we can all become 'a wind beneath the wings' that helps a child's dreams take flight. True happiness lies in witnessing a life blossom beautifully because of the love we extend.

The Supanimit Foundation of Thailand invites everyone to transform their love into power for change. Children are still waiting for their opportunity, because we believe that because love...your giving becomes far more meaningful than you imagine. Join in sponsoring a child or supporting projects at https://give.worldvision.or.th/KYIzGJ