Tourism

Nong Nooch Pattaya Celebrates Labour Day with Free Entry for May Birthdays, May 1-4

Nong Nooch Pattaya is offering free admission from May 1-4 to Thai visitors born in May, celebrating Labour Day and the extended holiday season. The promotion includes entertainment such as live music, traditional Thai cultural performances, and elephant shows, making it an ideal destination for families and friends seeking a relaxing getaway.

29 Apr Khaosod

Nong Nooch Pattaya, led by President Kampon Tansatcha, is extending a special Labour Day promotion to thank tourists and workers with a chance to relax and rejuvenate in a beautiful natural setting. From May 1-4, 2025, Thai walk-in visitors born in May will enjoy free entry to celebrate their birthday month during the extended holiday period, perfect for families and friend groups seeking a memorable getaway.

The event features an array of entertainment including live musical performances, elegant Thai cultural shows, and the popular elephant performance that brings smiles to guests of all ages. Nong Nooch Pattaya welcomes visitors daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM and offers an ideal destination for creating cherished holiday memories. For more information, visit www.nongnoochpattaya.com

No. 01 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Police

Region 9 Police Commander Orders Investigation into Officer for Duping Brain-Ill Young Man in Hi-Lo Gambling Scam Resulting in 120,000 Baht Loss

A Region 9 police sergeant is under investigation for allegedly luring a 20-year-old man with a brain condition into hi-lo gambling in Phatthalung, resulting in over 120,000 baht in losses, after the family rejected his offer to settle and

29 Apr Khaosod

Region 9 Police Commander Orders Investigation into Officer for Duping Brain-Ill Young Man in Hi-Lo Gambling Scam Resulting in 120,000 Baht Loss. Officer Claims Hi-Lo Game Was Casual Party Gambling, Not Illegal Gambling Den.

April 29, 2026. The parents of a 20-year-old man named A (pseudonym) who suffers from a brain condition are seeking help after their son was allegedly lured into hi-lo gambling by a police sergeant attached to Region 9 Investigation Division. The gambling took place at a house in Muang District, Phatthalung Province, resulting in a loss of over 120,000 baht. The incident occurred in the early morning of April 28, and the family filed a complaint at Muang Phatthalung Police Station.

The sergeant allegedly called to mediate, asking them not to file the complaint and instructing them to tell the press it was a misunderstanding. He promised to return all 120,000 baht in full. However, the mother refused to settle and proceeded with filing the complaint as planned.

Latest update: Maj. Gen. Marut Ruengchintana, Region 9 Investigation Division Commander, stated that the accused officer is indeed part of the Region 9 Investigation Task Force. An investigation committee has been established to examine the case based on the complaint filed. Results are expected within several days.

Regarding further action and disciplinary proceedings, these will depend on the investigation results. In his initial statement, the officer explained that the hi-lo gambling was merely casual party gaming during a seasonal celebration among family members and relatives, not an illegal gambling den as alleged. The facts of the case must be established, and fairness will be given to both the complainant and the accused.

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National

Commerce Permanent Secretary Pulls Deputy PM Away from Media After Pressed on Live-Stream Durian Sales Controversy

Deputy Prime Minister Supachee Sutthipandej was escorted away by the Commerce Ministry's permanent secretary while attempting to answer media questions about a controversial live-stream durian sales promotion at 100 baht that drew criticism for not matching the product description. The incident occurred as Parliament prepared to establish a committee to address agricultural pricing issues, with Supachee deferring details while saying relevant agencies would investigate the disputed sale.

29 Apr Khaosod

April 29, 2026 – At Santi Maitri Building, Government House, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Sutthipandej answered media questions after Parliament prepared to lodge an inquiry into the live-stream durian sales incident and establish a committee to address agricultural price problems, citing the issue as "not solving the real problem." Media attempted to interview Supachee, but Commerce Ministry Permanent Secretary Witthikrai Leeveeraphant pulled her away from the media circle, stating he had "other duties to attend to." Supachee then indicated she didn't yet know who established the committee or its details, and requested to review the information first. When asked about the live-stream durian sale with a famous influencer at 100 baht that didn't match the product description, and opposition criticism that it was impossible and disrupted market mechanisms, Supachee said she hadn't watched it and didn't manage to place an order in time. Regarding criticisms that the product didn't match the description, she said relevant agencies need to investigate. Reporters noted that as media attempted to interview Supachee, the Commerce Ministry permanent secretary and officials pulled her away from the media circle three times and requested that media not conduct interviews at that time.

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National

No Need to Worry! GFDB Rushes to Improve App, Updates Debt Balance—Emphasizes 'Paid Amounts Don't Disappear'

Thailand's education loan fund (GFDB) has addressed social media complaints about outdated debt balance displays in its mobile app, clarifying that payment records are safely stored despite real-time display delays. The organization is upgrading its debt calculation system to comply with legal requirements, affecting over 4 million borrowers, and assures borrowers they will not lose any legal rights or benefits. GFDB plans to accelerate fixes and provide regular updates to restore public confidence.

29 Apr Khaosod

The Government and State Enterprise Loan Fund for Education (GFDB) has clarified concerns circulating on social media regarding the GFDB Connect app's failure to update remaining debt balances in real-time or displaying discrepancies after borrowers make payments. These issues have raised concerns among borrowers about the accuracy of their debt information.

"GFDB confirms that it will correctly process all payment amounts and seriously address the debt balance display issues in the GFDB Connect app to restore borrower confidence as quickly as possible," the organization stated. "All payment records for every borrower have been fully and accurately recorded in the system with no data loss whatsoever."

Borrowers can verify their historical payment information through the GFDB Connect app by navigating to "Services" > "Other" > "Payment History," which displays complete transaction details that can serve as confirmation evidence.

The delayed real-time updates stem from ongoing system improvements to ensure debt calculations comply with legal standards. The comprehensive review process is necessary to cover more than 4 million borrower accounts with extensive transaction details, causing development delays and resulting in periodic app information lags.

GFDB acknowledges that debt balance information is critical for borrowers' repayment decisions. The organization apologized for the inconvenience and assured borrowers that they will not lose any legal rights or benefits as a result. However, GFDB committed to urgently addressing the issues with transparency and accountability, while continuously updating the public through official communication channels to restore borrower and public confidence as soon as possible.

No. 04 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Namtarn Shares the Moment She Got Engaged Under the Northern Lights – Weather Nearly Ruined the Trip

Actress Namtarn got engaged under Norway's northern lights after her boyfriend Pai surprised her with a proposal that nearly didn't happen due to severe weather. The couple, together for 14 years, plans to marry by year-end and start a fami

29 Apr Khaosod

Actress Namtarn Pichukkana Wongsurathanasil has experienced one of life's sweetest moments after her boyfriend Pai Patisuth Pisuthkul surprised her with a romantic proposal under the northern lights in Norway, marking a major milestone after 14 years together. In a recent interview on April 29, the bride-to-be shared details about the proposal that almost didn't happen due to severe weather, their wedding plans, and their hopes for starting a family. She revealed how Pai deliberately chose the Norway trip because it wasn't an ordinary proposal location and couldn't be seen by just anyone, creating an intimate and unforgettable moment.

When asked if she expected the proposal during this trip, Namtarn laughed and admitted she had been preparing for it on every trip, worrying it might happen unexpectedly. However, this trip didn't go as planned—Pai intended to propose on an earlier day but heavy rain discouraged them both, even making them consider alternative locations like Japan or Korea. Finally, when the clouds cleared and the northern lights appeared, he seized the moment. She noted how thoughtful he was, even having t-shirts made for their friends with "Will you marry me" printed on them.

Regarding wedding plans, Namtarn explained they haven't started detailed arrangements yet, as they're still waiting for both families to meet. She expressed hope to have the wedding by year-end or early next year, as Pai is 42 and she is 35, wanting to enjoy their wedding day fully before starting a family. The couple has already discussed having children, with Namtarn admitting they've even preserved eggs since the COVID period. She hopes to have two children to give them the sibling bond she shares with her own brother.

When asked about the secret to their 14-year relationship, Namtarn credited mutual understanding and compromise. Despite their nine-year age difference and initial misunderstandings, Pai's maturity and understanding helped them grow closer over time. She praised how he fits seamlessly with her entire social circle, from close friends to LGBTQ+ friends, and emphasized their approach of using compassion, quick forgiveness, and viewing each other as partners rather than adversaries. She humorously described their dynamic as complementary—she's the fire and he's the water—noting that he's never gotten angry at her intensely or suggested breaking up.

No. 05 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

PTT's Proactive Management Sustains Thailand's Energy Stability Amid Global Energy Volatility

Thailand's state oil company PTT maintained stable fuel supplies despite global energy volatility and Middle East tensions by proactively sourcing oil from alternative suppliers when shipments were disrupted. PTT absorbed over 230 billion baht in additional financial burden and 7 billion baht in annual financing costs to shield consumers from price increases and prevent cascading economic impacts. This strategic energy management demonstrates how strong institutional capacity can protect national security and economic stability during global market crises.

29 Apr Khaosod

As global conditions grow increasingly turbulent, with particular tensions in the Middle East—the lifeblood of world energy supply—many countries face disruptions and rapidly surging energy prices. Amid this uncertainty, many Thais ask: "How does Thailand maintain steady oil supplies when we import 90% of our crude oil and face external crisis factors?" The answer is not luck or self-resolving circumstances, but rather strategic thinking: proactive management and advance risk assessment to ensure continued energy availability despite global market uncertainties.

Energy security means more than just faster procurement—it requires managing risks proactively without allowing external pressures to create impossible situations. When Middle East instability disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the tanker Serifos carrying approximately 2 million barrels that PTT had pre-arranged became stuck at Sharjah port from early March 2025. Rather than passively waiting for the situation to improve, PTT decided to actively source crude oil from alternative suppliers immediately, despite tight global markets and crude prices reaching $130 per barrel—inevitably bringing higher costs across the board. Yet from an energy security standpoint, this decision was worth the price to guarantee national security, since even a one-month delay during crisis could create a domino effect devastating transport, industry, and citizens' cost of living.

Behind the energy security that citizens see through never-empty gas stations lies an iceberg of complex management—particularly the financial capacity PTT deploys as a shield against shocks to Thailand's economy. Sourcing oil from new reserves at surging market prices impacts more than just cost accounts; it requires massive liquidity to keep the nation's energy system running. The financial burden of this stability includes: margin calls for crude oil purchases of approximately 63 billion baht; working capital for additional oil and gas procurement of approximately 137 billion baht; outstanding payments from fuel funds due to price compensation of approximately 34 billion baht. Total additional liquidity burden exceeds 230 billion baht, generating 7 billion baht in annual financing costs—without passing costs to consumers through fuel prices. These figures prove that energy security is not merely about supply, but about having a strong institution capable of bearing interest and costs on behalf of the people. These costs are not normal operations and are not passed to consumers, but rather represent the price of risk reduction for the nation.

No. 06 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Breaking

Residents Nearly Overwhelmed by Stench as Staff Trace Foul Odor to Tenant's Room Packed with Garbage and Rotting Food

Staff at a Udon Thani condominium discovered a room packed floor-to-ceiling with garbage and rotting food after tracing a severe odor, finding trash piled 50 centimeters high with virtually no walkable space. The 48-year-old tenant and his 7-8 year old son had lived in the 4-by-6 meter room for 3-4 years, accumulating waste that covered the bed, furniture, and even infested walls with mold and bedbugs. After initially refusing to leave, the tenant was forced to move out only after management threatened legal action for damages.

29 Apr Khaosod

A overwhelming stench sweeping through a downtown Udon Thani condominium prompted staff to track down the source, leading them to a room occupied by a father and young son. Opening the door revealed a 4-by-6 meter room completely filled with garbage piled approximately 50 centimeters high, with rotting food emitting a powerful odor throughout the space and trash even covering the bed, TV, and dressing table.

On April 29, 2025, reporters visited the condominium to verify details after a Facebook user posted photos of the trash-filled room, warning others not to rent to "two guys, a father and small boy," noting they had reported the issue but couldn't claim damages. The 48-year-old tenant from Udon Thani had been renting the room daily for 300 baht for 3-4 years with his 7-8 year old son, working as a day laborer at the market.

Condominium staff member Ms. Oy revealed the room's condition: garbage covered the entire floor with piles reaching 50 centimeters high, leaving no walking space—not even on the bed, TV, or vanity table. The bathroom was equally filthy with dark mold and piles of unwashed clothes. Most garbage consisted of empty and uneaten food containers and water bottles, with rotting food creating a severe stench throughout. The room was also infested with bedbugs covering the walls.

Ms. Oy explained that the tenant initially paid rent regularly and seemed like a quiet person who would bring food to share, but eventually fell behind on payments, paying sporadically. After water pipes burst and water leaked to the floor below, staff discovered the room's horrific condition. When confronted, the tenant remained silent and refused to leave until management filed a complaint demanding compensation, after which he moved out. Ms. Oy expressed shock, noting the tenant lived alone with his son with no visitors, and the garbage consisted mostly of food containers and water bottles alongside unwashed clothes.

No. 07 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Petchporphon Greensuda Ordained as Buddhist Monk to Honor Parents Following IBF Lightweight World Title Defense in Sisaket

Sisaket boxer Petchporphon Greensuda defended his IBF lightweight world title in Japan, then returned home to be ordained as a temporary Buddhist monk honoring his parents.

29 Apr Khaosod

After Petchporphon Greensuda knocked out Mexican challenger Sergio Mendoza in the second round to successfully defend his IBF lightweight world title (108 pounds) in Japan on April 13, the boxer returned to his hometown in Sisaket province. He received a warm and heartfelt welcome from his parents, family, and local residents, surrounded by an atmosphere of pride in his achievement. Most recently, Petchporphon Greensuda, whose real name is Thanongsak Simsri, was ordained as a temporary Buddhist monk to honor his parents in commemoration of his IBF world title defense at Wat Ban Toom in Sisaket province. Before the ordination ceremony, Petchporphon posted: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to ordain as a temporary monk to honor my parents and benefactors. I respectfully invite close relatives and friends to join me in merit-making."

No. 08 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Pukkamon Blasts Supattharaphan's Palm Oil Export Ban, Causing Price Collapse

Thailand's palm oil prices plummeted after a government export ban in early April, with an MP blaming Deputy PM Supattharaphan's order for causing oversupply at refineries and undermining farmer incomes despite weak domestic B20 fuel demand

29 Apr Khaosod

On April 29, Pukkamon Noonannan, a list MP from the Pheu Thai Party, raised concerns about falling palm oil prices during parliamentary discussion. Palm oil, globally demanded for biodiesel blending, has dropped from 8.24 baht per kilogram to 6.25 baht, despite prices steadily climbing from 6.14 baht in January to 8.24 baht in April, indicating abnormal market disruption.

The price collapse stems from Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supattharaphan Sutthamphan's April 5 order banning palm oil exports effective April 7, except with special permission.

"Thailand previously exported 110,000 tons of palm oil monthly while producing 300,000-400,000 tons monthly—enough for domestic consumption and exports. Closing export doors when global demand exists has caused palm oil to stockpile at refineries, allowing capitalists to suppress prices," Pukkamon stated.

When farmers appealed to the Commerce Ministry for relief, authorities granted export permission, prompting questions about why the ban was imposed in the first place, creating unnecessary panic.

Pukkamon further noted that according to the Department of Energy Business on April 23, only 105 of Thailand's 26,000 gas stations offer B20 fuel—less than 1%. This indicates B20 demand hasn't materialized, yet the government rushed to restrict palm oil exports, crashing prices. She criticized this as prioritizing public relations over market mechanisms, with farmers bearing the consequences.

No. 09 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Lawyer Anantchai Files with Prosecutors to Expand Investigation into Wat Na Pa Phong's Financial Transfers After 42 Million Baht Discovered Sent Abroad

Lawyer Anantchai Chaidech has filed with Thai prosecutors requesting investigation into Wat Na Pa Phong's financial transfers after discovering approximately 42.9 million baht sent abroad, with legal and court costs in Germany alone exceeding 24 million baht. The investigation focuses on concerns that temple donations may have been used non-transparently or for improper purposes, potentially constituting money laundering or other criminal offenses in cross-border transactions.

29 Apr Khaosod

At 1 p.m. on April 29, 2026, the Thai Military Lawyers Foundation, led by Anantchai Chaidech (known as "Iron Bone Lawyer"), filed a request with the Office of the Attorney General requesting urgent investigation into Wat Na Pa Phong's financial transfers and to pursue criminal charges if the transfers constitute money laundering or concealment of fund sources.

This filing follows an April 23 press statement by Wat Na Pa Phong's legal team regarding a German civil court case involving 210,000 euros (approximately 12.2 million baht) transferred to Sheekaya or Kanyadhak Schneider for establishing a Buddhist association and foundation in Germany, with allegations of embezzlement.

However, further investigation by the Thai Military Lawyers Foundation uncovered additional data about Wat Na Pa Phong's multiple overseas transfers with significantly higher values than previously disclosed, including approximately 363,609.56 euros (13.82 million baht) for litigation funds, approximately 89,634 euros (3.42 million baht) in court fees, and approximately 543,425.48 euros (20.7 million baht) in foreign legal fees, totaling approximately 24.06 million baht, plus 132,303.58 euros (5.02 million baht) transferred to individuals abroad, bringing the total to approximately 42.9 million baht.

Despite the German civil court case resulting in a judgment worth only approximately 8 million baht, the temple spent 42.9 million baht on litigation, raising serious questions about the appropriateness of using temple funds, which are donations from the public.

Anantchai stated that regarding the 210,000 euros Wat Na Pa Phong transferred to Sheekaya, she properly transferred it to the Buddhist association or foundation with no embezzlement. However, the matters concerning litigation capital, court fees, foreign legal fees, and transfers to various individuals abroad are significant because they involve temple funds and could constitute criminal offenses if used without transparency or for improper purposes, particularly given their cross-border nature and potential money laundering implications.

Dr. Natthanan noted that the German court's ruling characterized the relationship as merely an "agent agreement" rather than embezzlement, and that Sheekaya did not embezzle, particularly the 210,000 euros which was properly used to establish the Buddhist association or foundation and purchase funds in Germany, indicating that Wat Na Pa Phong lost the case on this matter, with some details differing from the temple's legal team's previous media statements.

The Office of the Attorney General has preliminarily accepted the case and is preparing an in-depth investigation into the financial transfers, spending documents, and involvement of various individuals to determine whether any legal violations occurred.

The case is receiving close public scrutiny due to its involvement of public donations and potential impact on confidence in Buddhist institutions overall, with multiple parties calling for transparent disclosure of facts. This case may become another significant precedent for examining temple fund usage in Thailand.

No. 10 of ∞ Read at source → Next

Community

First Look Inside "Thalae Wela" Home! Koi-P'Toon Share Their Simple Family Life

Rock star P'Toon Bodyslan and his wife Koi Ratchawin open their Phuket home "Thalae Wela" for the first time, showcasing how they've built a family sanctuary featuring a recording studio, spa, and fitness spaces designed for their life together. The couple shares their 16-year love story, including Koi's sacrifice of leaving everything behind during the COVID-19 pandemic to relocate to Phuket and become a full-time mother. Their warm family dynamic is featured in a special episode of "Tee Tail Krua," revealing a rock star's tender side as a devoted father and husband.

29 Apr Khaosod

This week's episode of "Tee Tail Krua" visits the warm and welcoming home of rock star P'Toon Bodyslan and his wife Koi Ratchawin in Phuket. The couple describes their house, "Thalae Wela," not merely as a residence but as the heart of their family life. For the first time, they open every corner of the home they've carefully designed together. P'Toon's music recording studio was intentionally set up to nurture their son "N'Thalae," who fell in love with drumming as a child. A spa and hot spring room was created by Koi specifically for P'Toon to recover from the physical toll of his grueling concert tours. A physical therapy room reflects P'Toon's resilience—despite undergoing four surgeries, he continues to take the stage. A fitness room helps Koi maintain her health and strength in her role as a devoted mother.

The couple shares the origin story of their life in Phuket. P'Toon loved running there and invited Koi to join him. As he trained, he began imagining: if he had a family someday, he'd want to raise them here. This dream became reality when he made the major decision to drive Koi—who was 32 weeks pregnant—down south during COVID-19 to start fresh. What was supposed to be a Bangkok birth transformed into a complete new beginning in Phuket. After two years of adjusting, Koi expressed her gratitude: "Thank you for bringing me to such a wonderful environment. Our children get to grow up surrounded by nature. I've had the chance to reset myself and fully embrace my role as a mother every day."

Their love story is legendary—a woman who ran after a man named Toon, from north to south, and built a complete family together. Their relationship officially began 16 years ago at P'Toon's most vulnerable moment—hospitalized for surgery with Koi by his side. P'Toon acknowledges her tremendous sacrifice: she gave up her career, friends, and social life to move to Phuket and become a full-time mother and homemaker.

As a father, P'Toon intended to be strict and disciplined, but ultimately he indulges his children completely—especially his daughter, where his strictness virtually disappears. Fans who've heard the rocker's gentle voice with his kids find their hearts melting. The episode closes with a touching moment revealing Koi's true heart. When P'Toon arranged comprehensive life insurance, Koi replied: "I don't want the insurance payout. I want P'Toon's life—to stay with him and our children for as long as possible."

This is love transcending love itself—a small family overflowing with meaning in the home called "Thalae Wela" (Sea and Time). Follow this family's warmth and affection in the episode of "Tee Tail Krua" airing Sunday, May 3rd at 2:15 PM.

No. 11 of ∞ Read at source → Next