A Nakhon Ratchasima businessman made good on a vow by arranging screenings of Thai ghost films for spirits after receiving nearly one million baht in winnings from his earlier prayers at a forest ordination ceremony. The unusual merit-making event took place May 1 at Wat Mai Amphon in Suung Noen district, drawing large crowds of both devotees and lottery enthusiasts. According to Pichit Saekhoo, a representative of the Suang Saeng Tham Foundation, the businessman had previously participated in the third forest ordination ceremony and prayed to Kumarn Thong (a spirit child). After his wishes were granted, he returned to fulfill his vow through the merit-making ceremony. The three-day event featured nine Thai ghost films total—three films per day at a cost of 12,000 baht daily—screened specifically for the spirits of around 800 souls before a final merit transfer ceremony on May 3. The unconventional approach of "screening ghost movies for ghosts" captured widespread attention from locals and visitors. Lottery enthusiasts seized the opportunity to identify lucky numbers from the event details, including the nearly one million baht winnings, the 800 spirits, and the dates May 1-3 and the "3 days, 9 films" count. The foundation invited the public to participate in the final soul transfer ceremony, which would involve two cremation pyres separated by gender, with children and Kumarn Thong spirits cremated together on the female side, representing a blend of traditional Thai beliefs, faith, and merit-making practices.

May 1, 2025 – At the grassland in front of Kham Cha-nod Island, Wang Nakakin in Ban Dung District, Udon Thani Province, local administrators and residents gathered to celebrate the sixth lunar month merit tradition. The annual grand blessing ceremony dressed the ancestral spirits in new green robes this year, with Deputy Governor Natthapong Khamwongpin presiding over the ritual. Large crowds attended, including local landowner Gon Kham Lamkhong.

The significant ceremony drew many fortune seekers who peered into containers of sacred red candle water, spotting clear numbers 85 and 58. The ritual also featured incense burning with auspicious numbers 138 and 831. Lottery enthusiasts gathered donations totaling 1,540 baht from six collection boxes and 55,060 baht in spiritual offerings, hoping the ancestral spirits' new attire would bring luck in the May 2 lottery drawing.

BBC reported on May 1 that a violent incident erupted outside a hospital in Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia, where Jefferson Lewis, the 47-year-old suspect in the murder of a 5-year-old girl, was brought for treatment. Over 200 members of the Aboriginal community attacked and beat him unconscious before he was arrested and placed in custody on the evening of April 30. Police discovered the body of the child, whose family requested she be referred to as Kumanjayi Little Baby for cultural reasons, the same morning. The girl was last seen on Saturday, April 25. The Northern Territory Police Commander announced that Lewis's injuries were not serious enough to require hospital admission, and he was transferred to Darwin for questioning. Officials are expediting forensic analysis to confirm the child's identity and determine the cause of death.

The driver responsible for the fatal hit-and-run that killed Associate Professor Surasawat Sukswasdi has surrendered to Chang Phueak Police Station. The senior lecturer at Chiang Mai University's Faculty of Fine Arts was struck by a vehicle while cycling at the 700-Year Stadium on the morning of April 28. He suffered multiple fractures and died before reaching Nakhon Ping Hospital. A merit-making ceremony was held at Wat Pa Paeng in Chiang Mai's city district, with a royal cremation ceremony scheduled for May 2. On May 1, Chiang Mai Provincial Police Commander Yutthana Kaenjanchan announced that the driver had turned himself in to investigation officers at Chang Phueak Police Station. Police are proceeding with legal action. Cycling groups have taken to social media demanding that Chiang Mai's governor and relevant authorities implement enhanced safety measures for cyclists. The Sunday Cycling Club is being urged to mobilize support for provincial-level safety policies to protect cyclists in Chiang Mai.

Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin Launches RMUTR Research & IP Expo 2026 to Drive Commercial Innovation

April 30, 2026 – Rajamangala University of Technology Rattanakosin, led by Rector Assoc. Prof. Dr. Udomvithai Chaiskulkierat, welcomed participants and highlighted the importance of the 2026 Research, Innovation, Invention, Creative Works, and Intellectual Property Exhibition (RMUTR Research & IP Expo 2026).

The opening ceremony was presided over by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pulsak Kosiyaphon, Deputy Director of the Office of the National Research Council of Thailand, held at Rama Gardens Hotel in Bangkok. This event represents a crucial platform for driving the university's research and innovation agenda.

The university aims to advance research knowledge, develop it further, and apply it practically, particularly by commercializing research outcomes and innovations. This effort creates added value for the university's knowledge, technology, and innovations, transforming them into products, services, processes, and business models that address industry, community, and societal needs.

The university prioritizes translating research from laboratories into practical applications by establishing collaborative networks with entrepreneurs, private sector partners, and government agencies. These partnerships facilitate commercialization, investment, intellectual property protection, and future revenue generation, ultimately strengthening competitive capabilities and supporting the country's sustainable economic and social development.

The event features exhibitions of research work, inventions, innovations, creative projects, and intellectual property, alongside innovation competitions, project pitching presentations, and awards ceremonies honoring outstanding researchers and organizations. The event serves as both a recognition platform and a networking forum for researchers and external partners to explore commercial and societal applications of research outcomes.

The rector expressed gratitude to all supporting organizations, faculty members, researchers, staff, students, entrepreneurs, and distinguished guests who contributed to advancing the university's research and innovation initiatives. He expressed hope that this event will serve as a valuable opportunity to connect research outcomes with businesses and industries, fostering collaboration, investment, and commercial development that will sustainably create economic, social, and national value.

Deputy Prime Minister Yutthasak Sobhawisut and Labor Minister Julphand Amornvivat, partnered with Chulalongkorn University, transformed Siam Square Walking Street into a platform of opportunity to elevate Thai workers into quality human capital and drive the nation through AI and cost-of-living crises toward a sustainable high-income economy.

On May 1 at the Siam Square Walking Street event, Deputy PM Yutthasak opened the "Siam Square Walking Street For All: Chulalongkorn Cares for Strong Thai Workers Year 2" program alongside Labor Minister Julphand Amornvivat.

Yutthasak stated that on the occasion of National Labor Day, it was time for Thailand to shift its perspective from the term "labor" to comprehensive human capital management, as all Thai people represent the nation's most valuable resource.

He emphasized the need to shift strategy from reactive to proactive approaches to support and care for people of all ages—from youth working to support themselves through education to elderly citizens brimming with potential—amid rising living costs, AI technology, and the transition to a green society.

The nation must accelerate preparedness and build resilience in human capital to navigate rapid global changes. This mission requires collaboration across all sectors, particularly educational institutions that bring knowledge to communities, elevate society, and inspire young generations to develop their localities while transforming crisis into opportunity, building new infrastructure, and driving the country toward sustainable high-income growth.

"I extend my heartfelt encouragement and profound admiration to all workers, as you are the most crucial mechanism and heart in driving our economy and truly shaping Thailand's future," Yutthasak said.

Labor Minister Julphand noted that National Labor Day reflects workers' crucial role in the economy amid challenges from energy crises and AI technology. Upskilling and reskilling have become urgent priorities to enhance workers' capabilities to meet rapid changes. The government is committed to developing human capital, strengthening skills and lifelong learning to create security and drive sustainable national progress.

The "Siam Square Walking Street For All: Chulalongkorn Cares for Strong Thai Workers Year 2" event offered comprehensive health services including blood tests, dental health checks, and disease risk screenings with health counseling.

Additionally, mental health services through stress assessment and counseling were provided alongside consultations on labor rights, welfare, and relevant laws, as well as vocational skill development and entertainment activities aimed at comprehensively improving workers' quality of life.