The Royal Thai Navy will procure additional Armoured Wheel Amphibious Vehicle 8×8 (AWAV 8×8) units to strengthen its operational capability along the eastern border and support domestic defence industry development, a navy spokesperson said on 27 April 2026.

Rear Admiral Parach Rattanachaiyaphan said the procurement from Chaiseri Metal and Rubber Co., Ltd. is part of an ongoing effort to enhance the navy's readiness in line with current security conditions, including safeguarding maritime sovereignty, responding to emerging threats and supporting disaster relief operations.

The AWAV 8×8 was designed by Thai engineers and manufactured domestically using local labour and machinery, reflecting the country's growing defence industrial capability. At least 40% of its production value comes from locally sourced materials, helping strengthen domestic supply chains, reduce reliance on imports and support long-term industrial security.

The eight-wheeled vehicle offers high mobility across all terrains and can operate effectively alongside the navy's landing platform dock (LPD) vessels. In terms of protection and firepower, the AWAV meets STANAG standards for ballistic and blast resistance and is equipped with machine guns, control systems and integrated communications that connect with the navy's network. It also complies with MIL-STD environmental standards, ensuring durability in both land and maritime operations.

The navy has already deployed seven AWAV units, which have demonstrated high operational readiness and effectiveness. Additional procurement is considered necessary to meet force requirements and support future operational plans.

Rear Admiral Parach said the move not only enhances the navy's capability but also advances Thailand's defence industry policy, strengthening long-term self-reliance and contributing to national security in both military and economic dimensions.

BIG ASS frontman Jeang Deecha snapped back at online trolls, calling out keyboard warriors for being tough only behind a screen. Dax Rock Rider, former BIG ASS frontman, backed him up, saying these people deserve criticism.

Jeang had posted a touching message thanking fans for standing by the band for 13 years and celebrating BIG ASS's 13th anniversary EP release. However, the positive moment was interrupted when an online commenter wrote a rude remark. Jeang didn't take it lightly and responded sharply, taunting the commenter: "You're so tough, huh? Want to settle this in person? This is my space. If you were really that skilled, you wouldn't be leaving comments like this. Come say it to my face if you've got the guts, you coward..."

Dax Rock Rider also chimed in with a post stating: "You people deserve to be criticized, keyboard warriors. #DaxRockRider"

Huawei is partnering with Chumphae Hospital to elevate regional medical education through a telemedicine solution that broadcasts orthopedic and joint surgeries in real-time with 4K clarity and two-way communication systems. This allows resident physicians and medical staff to access expert knowledge without geographical limitations.

A major challenge in orthopedic surgery education is that high-value case studies are often complex, with operating room observation restricted by safety and infection control regulations, leaving many young doctors without hands-on learning opportunities.

Chumphae Hospital, serving residents in western Khon Kaen province, has continuously developed telemedicine to connect remote patients with specialists and reduce patient transfers, now extending this technology to medical education. In March 2025, Chumphae Hospital partnered with the Royal College of Orthopaedic Surgeons of Thailand to launch the "Orthopaedics for the Nation" project as a tribute to Queen Sirikit, bringing orthopedic specialists from across the country to perform complex surgeries for local patients.

Within the operating room, Huawei's telemedicine solution connected surgical images and audio to multiple classroom locations using 4K cameras and H.265 dual-stream encryption technology, allowing clear broadcast of every surgical step. The key feature is real-time bidirectional communication, enabling resident physicians to immediately question and interact with the operating surgeon, creating a learning experience close to being in the actual operating room.

The system also supports point-to-multipoint connectivity, allowing multiple classrooms to access live broadcasts simultaneously without geographical constraints while maintaining continuous signal stability.

Prof. Kirti Charoenlavanicha, President of the Royal College of Orthopaedic Surgeons of Thailand, stated: "Huawei's solution enables doctors to learn from and participate in complex surgeries in real-time with both clarity and genuine interaction. This is not merely a pilot project but a prototype that can be scaled to hospitals nationwide."

This project's success demonstrates that technology can effectively bridge the gap between the operating room and classroom, serving as an important model for advancing Thailand's medical and medical education systems in the future, particularly for provincial hospitals.

American professional Nelly Korda captured the Chevron Championship major golf title and reclaimed the world No. 1 ranking, with Thai golfer 'Pro Patty' Patty Tavatanakit finishing tied for second place.

The women's first major championship of the year, the Chevron Championship, took place in Texas, USA on April 26 in a final-round playoff.

Korda shot two under par 70 in the final round to win the championship with a total score of 18 under par 270. Her cumulative world ranking points this week allowed her to surpass Thai professional 'Pro Gino' Atthaya Thitikul and reclaim the world No. 1 position. This marks her second victory in this tournament following 2024, her third major championship title, and her 17th LPGA Tour victory.

Thai golfer 'Pro Patty' Patty Tavatanakit shot two under par 70 in the final round with three birdies and one bogey, finishing with a total of 13 under par 275, tied for second place with Chinese professional Yin Ruoning.

After winning the championship, Korda stated: "This was an extremely difficult week. Although I held a big lead, it wasn't easy. I would say it was one of the hardest mental challenges I've ever faced. It makes me so happy to win this championship. What I kept telling myself throughout was that I wanted to win this for my child to see."

Two other Thai golfers in the tournament were: 'Pro Jasmine' Thidapa Suwannaphura with two over par 286, finishing tied 27th, and 'Pro Hat' Suvicha Winijchaiyadharn with eight over par 296, finishing tied 71st.

The government has adjusted compensation for locally hired government employees with retroactive effect spanning two years from May 1, 2567, to align with public sector salary increases. On April 27, 2569, Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Perischivivattana announced that the government is advancing initiatives to improve income and living standards for local government personnel. The Central Committee on Civil Service and Local Government Personnel has issued a proclamation adjusting compensation rates for employees of provincial administrative organizations, municipalities, and subdistrict administrative organizations to align with the government's public sector salary adjustment policy approved by the Cabinet on November 28, 2566.

The key initiative involves adjusting compensation scales for general employees, project-based employees, and specialized expert personnel across all local administrative bodies. The new rates will take effect retroactively from May 1, 2567 and will be further adjusted from May 1, 2568 to reflect qualifications, skills, and job duties. Employees hired before the announcement will receive compensation adjustments as compensation payments to ensure they do not earn less than newly hired employees under the new rates. Local administrative organizations will issue orders implementing these compensation adjustments according to established guidelines.

Spokesperson Lalida emphasized that this compensation adjustment demonstrates the government's commitment to caring for local government personnel who serve as the foundation for public services in communities. These workers handle public services, technical work, administrative duties, public health, urban development, and support functions—serving as the frontline workers closest to the public. The adjustment is not merely a numerical increase in salary but represents the government's recognition of the value of all levels of public workers and its desire to improve morale within the local government system to deliver quality services to citizens. The government aims to ensure fair compensation for public officials while simultaneously enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of both national and local government operations, ultimately delivering faster, broader, and higher-quality services to the public.

Prime Minister Anupong Paochinda received Singapore's Defense Minister during an official state visit, aiming to elevate military and defense industry cooperation. At 9:20 AM on April 27, 2026, PM Anupong arrived at Government House to carry out official duties, paying respects to the Lion Monument as is customary daily. At 10:00 AM, Singapore's Minister for Public Service and Defense Minister Ng Chee Kiang paid a courtesy call on the Prime Minister, accompanied by Thai Defense Minister General Anuphong Boonthammacheon, where they exchanged greetings and were formally introduced. The discussions are expected to address strengthening bilateral security relations based on mutual trust and long-standing strategic partnership. Talks will cover multiple dimensions of military cooperation including joint training exercises, defense industry development, and cyber security, as well as enhancing ASEAN's role through the ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting and ASEAN Defence Ministers' Meeting-Plus frameworks. Both sides also discussed the security of critical submarine infrastructure, with both parties recognizing its importance and committing to joint cooperation. Thailand is currently reviewing related draft documents.