Siam Paragon launches 'NEXTOPIA Local Harvest Coffee Fest 2026' at the NEXTOPIA space on the 5th floor, inviting all to explore a new coffee culture that blends international classical heritage with authentic Thai community traditions. The event prioritizes building a strong coffee community while promoting ESG initiatives through supporting disadvantaged Thai coffee farmers and encouraging responsible resource use for sustainable social and environmental impact.

The festival runs from April 23 to May 12, 2026, in collaboration with the Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute. The opening ceremony will be graced by international ambassadors.

Key Highlights:

* A Sip of Italy: Where Coffee Becomes Culture – A major collaboration between Siam Paragon, the Italian Embassy, and the Italian Cultural Institute celebrating coffee as world culture

* Italian Passion: The Art of Espresso – Asia's first exhibition of espresso machines from a world tour, featuring rare machines from different eras shipped directly from Italy, showcasing coffee history and craftsmanship

* Talk & Experiences – Special forums exploring traditional Italian coffee culture and global coffee trends led by experts from Italy

* Family Workshop & Fun – Creative activities for families including sessions from Bimbi Italiani and coffee latte art fortune telling

* Jazz & Coffee – Performance by Bruno Brugnano & Bangkok New Trio on International Jazz Day, April 30, 2026 at 6:00 PM

* From Coffee to Creativity – A Family Experience – Activities for children and families by BIMBI Italiani on April 25, 2026

* A Sip of Italy Market – Coffee products from various regions with support from the Thai-Italian Chamber of Commerce (TICC)

* Exclusive Collaboration Menu – Special dishes featuring Italian coffee blended creatively with food and beverages by Italian chefs collaborating with NEXTOPIA restaurants including Dean & Deluca, Fallabella Little Sister Kitchen, Fatt Chicken and Slim Pig, Fikka, Gelateria Kitokki, Hopsy Story, and Nicolo

* Local Harvest Coffee Market – A fair trade community coffee market featuring small-scale farmers and traders nationwide, offering quality beans produced with environmental care through a Direct Trade model from farm to consumer without middlemen. Participating cafes include A Keen, Dean & Deluca, Dots Coffee, Fikka, Nicolo, and SC All Day Morning Cafe

Siam Paragon and NEXTOPIA believe that one cup of coffee can create significant change—not just in taste, but in supporting farmers and caring for the planet simultaneously. They invite all coffee lovers and interested visitors to join this creative and sustainable coffee community.

On April 24, 2026, during a program called "Deep Dive Thailand: Inside Thailand," Abdulrazzaman Molo, deputy secretary-general of the Palang Pracharath Party, disclosed details about the assassination attempt on MP Kamolasakdi Leewamou. The party has been monitoring the case from the beginning and claims to have received clear information from police and military sources.

Although authorities have attempted to close the case with just five suspects, the party says their evidence clearly points to additional involvement. They hope that individuals allegedly connected to providing or supporting the vehicle used in the attack will face legal proceedings similar to the five already arrested.

When asked if this refers to Navy Officer Montri Topresertsuk, Abdulrazzaman confirmed it. He explained that the officer was excluded from the initial five suspects, but upon discovering the vehicle belonged to the navy and verifying its engine number, investigators should have examined who authorized its use. The officer's statement from March 23 claimed he lent the vehicle to a friend for fruit business and shooting range visits—allegedly a practice session before the shooting.

The party's investigation found the vehicle was borrowed multiple times, but on March 6, before the assassination, the perpetrators modified the vehicle's tinting to make it darker. The vehicle was then returned to the officer, suggesting he would have noticed the changes. Evidence also indicates the officer personally handed over the vehicle to the assassination team at a courthouse in Narathiwat province.

Abdulrazzaman further stated that other involved individuals with government positions have connections to weapons and ammunition. He emphasized that if investigations proceed properly and evidence implicates the officer, he must face the same legal process. Otherwise, public confidence in the justice system would be undermined. The party confirmed all evidence has been submitted to investigators.

usmile, a global oral care innovation brand, is invading Silom to co-organize Songkran Day activities with unlimited product giveaways while promoting the "Prevention Over Treatment" philosophy for daily oral health care. The brand is elevating tooth brushing with AI Smart Brushing technology.

Oral health problems remain widespread in Thailand, while preventive care in daily routines hasn't received adequate attention. Issues such as cavities, gum disease, tooth discoloration, and bad breath affect people across all age groups. However, many consumers still focus on treatment after problems occur rather than early prevention. usmile, a world-class professional oral health care products brand, has officially announced its entry into the Thai market with the core philosophy "Prevention Over Treatment" to promote proactive, science-based, and sustainable daily oral health care practices.

Currently, over 19 million Thais—approximately one in four of the country's population—face oral health problems, particularly cavities and gum disease. This reflects awareness challenges regarding oral health and understanding the value of long-term preventive care. To reinforce this commitment, usmile plans to organize special community activities offering free dental health check-ups for people in Bangkok, focusing on raising awareness and providing proper tooth care education to establish sustainable oral health foundations for Thais.

With over 86 million users across more than 30 countries and regions worldwide, usmile's entry into the Thai market isn't just about offering a single product—it's introducing a comprehensive preventive oral care philosophy developed from global medical research, technological innovation, and deep consumer behavior insights.

usmile's international reputation stems from continuous long-term research and development investment. The brand operates four proprietary R&D laboratories and holds over 750 oral care technology patents. Through ongoing collaboration with dentists, oral health experts, and research institutions, usmile translates complex dental science into safe, effective solutions suitable for daily use.

A key innovation focus for usmile is bringing professional-level cleaning standards into daily routines. The brand's electric toothbrushes integrate smart sensor systems, automatic pressure control technology, and dynamic parameter adjustments to provide personalized cleaning experiences. Powered by usmile-developed sonic motors with Superclea Cloud Cleaning Technology—developed with dental experts over five years—these devices reduce brushing blind spots and eliminate plaque buildup by up to 95.58% based on measurable testing, enabling consumers to effectively maintain oral health at home. The devices also support long-term use, lasting up to one year per charge.

Building on the same scientific foundation, usmile has applied its expertise to develop complementary products.

On April 24, 2026, Police Major General Chaiyakrit Pho-a, Commander of Metropolitan Police Division 6, ordered Police Colonel Siricha Chanphromma, Inspector of Pathumwan Police Station, along with inspection units from Pathumwan Police Station to participate in the annual 2026 fire prevention team competition held at Wat Pathumwanaram School. Seven teams participated, representing Central World, Paragon, MBK, Chulalongkorn University, Novotel Siam, Samyan Mitrtown, and Centara Grand, with the competition overseen by the Khlong Toei Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office. The exercise aimed to prepare personnel and review fire prevention procedures for shopping malls, hotels, and buildings in these areas, ensuring public and tourist confidence in the safety of these establishments.

A 25-year-old man named Sivanat died after his motorcycle collided with a parked car while he was fleeing from traffic police at Maab Taphut Police Station in Rayong Province. The incident has resurfaced as a controversial issue after a video circulated on social media with captions alleging that traffic police kicked the motorcycle, causing it to lose control and crash. Police responded with an official statement explaining that officers attempted to stop the suspect rider for inspection, who then fled at high speed. During the pursuit near Maab Taphut Temple, the rider threw out a bag containing 106 methamphetamine pills before continuing to escape toward Laan Poon Market area, where his motorcycle hit a parked sedan and flipped over, resulting in fatal head injuries.

However, a witness named Mr. A (age 31) has now come forward with conflicting testimony, claiming he saw two traffic police motorcycles aggressively pursuing and sandwiching the victim's motorcycle at high speed. According to his account, he witnessed a police officer kick the victim's motorcycle, causing it to lose control and collide with his parked car before flipping over. The witness views the police action as excessive force beyond what was necessary to stop the suspect.

Knight Frank, a comprehensive real estate investment advisor, announced on April 24, 2025, that Thailand is emerging as one of Asia's fastest-growing wealth markets. The Knight Frank Wealth Report 2026 projects Thailand's ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) will increase by 26% between 2025 and 2030, one of the highest rates in the region and reflecting Thailand's growing role as a destination for global investors and high-net-worth individuals.

The report also notes that Thailand's prime residential prices have risen 6.3%, reflecting strong demand from both domestic and foreign buyers.

Thailand in Global Wealth Trends Global UHNWIs increased to 713,626 in 2025, with an average of 89 individuals daily crossing the $30 million threshold in the past five years. While the United States remains the world's primary wealth center, Asia is the fastest-growing region, with Thailand among the most prominent markets.

Key Factors Driving Thailand: • Growth of entrepreneurs and family businesses • Tourism-driven economic recovery • Increased capital inflows from the region • Global reputation for lifestyle, wellness, and services

Global Trends Creating New Opportunities in Thailand:

1. Ultra Mobility Wealthy global groups are adopting a "dip in, dip out" lifestyle with homes in multiple countries. Thailand stands out for quality of life, world-class healthcare and wellness, safety, and value for money, making it a popular residential base for Asians, Middle Easterners, and Europeans.

2. Strong Prime Residential Market Continuing demand for super-prime condos in Bangkok, branded residences in Phuket and Samui, and wellness-focused vacation homes. As the world faces a shortage of move-in-ready high-end homes, Thailand gains a competitive advantage.

3. Family Office Growth Global family offices are becoming increasingly professional and seeking multi-regional investments. Thailand offers opportunities in hotel-tourism businesses, logistics, value-add real estate, and strategic positioning between China, India, and ASEAN.

4. Transformation Economy Growth Luxury consumers prioritize experiences, health, and personal development. Thailand excels with world-class wellness resorts, medical tourism, luxury nature experiences, and leading hotel brands.

Liam Bailey, Global Head of Research at Knight Frank, noted that the report highlights one of the most significant wealth distribution shifts in modern history. While the U.S. remains the world's primary wealth-creation engine, India and rapidly developing economies are increasingly shaping the global economic landscape despite geopolitical turbulence and inflation pressures. Private capital continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience.