Officer suspended from duty as police chief orders swift investigation into Region 9 officer allegedly soliciting intellectually disabled child to gamble. April 30, 2025 — Deputy Spokesperson Chaiyphatchon Suwannarak of the National Police Office revealed that a family in Phatthalung province filed a complaint through media alleging that a Region 9 police officer coerced their son, who has an intellectual disability, to participate in illegal hi-lo gambling at a private residence while serving as the dealer himself.

The national police chief has instructed the Region 9 commander to conduct an urgent fact-finding investigation and take immediate action where possible, with a report due the same day. Should wrongdoing be confirmed, particularly involving a police officer, strict disciplinary and criminal proceedings will be imposed without exception. The chief emphasized that gambling itself is already illegal, and the penalties for officers are significantly higher than for ordinary citizens, with no exemptions granted.

Meanwhile, the officer's original department has ordered him suspended from duty pending the investigation and any subsequent disciplinary action.

At 10:54 AM on April 30, 2025, at the Royal Thai Police Office, Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister addressed the case of Rachan Silparayya, director-general of the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Department, who announced his early retirement following his reassignment to an inspector-general position. He cited his inability to comply with political directives as his reason for stepping down. The PM stated that questions should be directed to Agriculture Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit, as he oversees the ministry. When pressed about what appeared to be a major conflict between the department chief and the Agriculture Minister, the PM reiterated that the Agriculture Minister should be asked about the rationale behind the decision. When reporters raised questions about alleged third-party interference in the high-level civil service transfer, the PM declined to comment and promptly left the area.

Arsenal manager Miguel Arteta expressed his frustration over the controversial overturn of a second penalty in the Gunners' 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semifinal first leg on April 29. Arsenal scored first through Victor Osimhen's penalty in the 44th minute, before Atletico equalized via Julian Alvarez's penalty in the 56th minute. However, in the 78th minute, after Bukayo Saka crossed for Abericio Azeez who was knocked down by David Hanslik, the referee awarded a penalty to Arsenal. The decision was overturned after VAR review, with the referee determining no foul had occurred. After the match, Arteta criticized the referee's decision to overturn the penalty, saying: "After going back inside, speaking with teammates, and reviewing the penalty incident again, it's very disappointing and frustrating because it broke the rules and changed the outcome of the match. I'm deeply sorry." He added: "The entire sequence shows clear contact. You made your decision. You can't change that decision after reviewing it 13 times. It's completely unacceptable at this level. It was a wrong decision." The 44-year-old manager also expressed pride in his team's performance and emphasized their focus on the second leg at home on May 5, saying they want to win and reach the final.

Bentley Bangkok is now accepting orders for the new Bentayga Artenara Edition, featuring three engine options: a V6 hybrid on standard wheelbase priced from 17.6 million baht, a V8 petrol on standard wheelbase from 29.6 million baht, and a V8 petrol on extended wheelbase from 32.2 million baht. The name Artenara is inspired by the village of Artenara located 1,200 meters above sea level on Gran Canaria in Spain, home to Roque Bentayga mountain, which inspired the Bentayga model name.

The vehicle features special characteristics including Roque Bentayga mountain patterns appearing as engravings on the dashboard and laser-embroidered designs on seats and door panels. The special edition includes Mulliner options such as 22-inch polished grey alloy wheels and Mulliner's diamond grille pattern. The exterior has been modernized with chrome trim in matching colors, available in eight paint options that reflect a sophisticated appearance.

The Artenara Edition comes with eight carefully curated exterior colors, each complemented by three interior tone options. These include Beluga black, Granite grey, Pale Brodgar bronze-silver, Glacier White, Sequin Blue, Dark Sapphire, Verdant green, and Havana brown. The vehicle is available with a bright chrome specification for elegant and classic styling, or a Blackline specification featuring dark exterior trim for a sportier, contemporary feel.

The Mulliner 22-inch alloy wheels come standard in polished grey, with options for glossy black with grey inserts or full polish. Customers can also choose the new 23-inch Super Lux wheels as an optional upgrade. Each model features matching lower door trim, front bumper, and rear bumper in the same color as the body, creating a streamlined and sophisticated exterior appearance.

At 11:00 AM on April 30, 2025 at Government House, Prime Minister Anuthon Charnweerakul and Interior Minister called in Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanpong, Permanent Secretary of the Finance Ministry Lavarana Saengsnit, Bank of Thailand Governor Withaya Rattanakorn, Prime Minister's Office Minister Phraradr Parisananantkul, and NESDB Secretary-General Danucha Pichayanan for discussions.

Pharadr Parisananantkul, overseeing the Budget Bureau, revealed that the Prime Minister convened economic agencies to discuss the Thai Help Thai project framework, with expectations for a Cabinet resolution next week. Today's meeting was necessary for preliminary discussion, with plans to potentially convene an economic Cabinet meeting on Monday, May 4, pending confirmation whether that date works given it is a public holiday.

Pharadr noted that Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti previously announced the Thai Help Thai program, also known as "Kohn La Khrueng Plus," would launch on June 1st. The initiative encompasses multiple projects targeting over 30 million people, divided into two segments: welfare card holders numbering 13.4 million and the general public. Officials are currently reviewing exact figures for the general population segment, but combined totals are expected to exceed 30 million beneficiaries.

Regarding program readiness and budget allocation, Phradr indicated they are awaiting details from the Finance Ministry, which sets policy direction, along with other ministries including Labor, Education, and Agriculture regarding their respective relief measures.

When asked whether the target group would be 20-30 million people, Phradr clarified that initially it comprises welfare card holders at 13.2 million people, plus those entering the Thai Help Thai or original 50-50 Plus program. Officials are currently calculating the exact figures for the general population segment, with combined totals expected to exceed 30 million program beneficiaries.

Following the Justice Ministry's sentence suspension committee's consideration of eligible detainees nationwide, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra was included in the decision. After serving 7 months and 20 days at Klong Prem Central Prison, with only 12 days remaining before completing two-thirds of his one-year sentence, he is set to receive supervised sentence suspension on May 11, 2026.

On April 30, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Klong Prem Central Prison, former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, accompanied by her husband Pitthak Sukhosavadi and daughter Pinthongta Shinawatra, departed after visiting Thaksin.

Yingluck revealed that Thaksin has now been informed of the committee's sentence suspension decision and confirmed his respect for the process. She acknowledged some confusion about why he still must wear an electronic monitoring (EM) bracelet given his advanced age and former status as Prime Minister. However, the family is prepared to comply with all imposed conditions and is pleased to receive the sentence suspension.

When asked about concerns regarding elderly detainees wearing EM bracelets, Yingluck stated that typically elderly detainees don't need to wear them, but since the committee mandated it, the family has no issues and is not surprised.

Regarding the May 11 release date, Yingluck said the family will pick him up during normal government office hours. She denied that any countdown posts on social media were discussed with Thaksin.

When asked about plans after his release, Yingluck said there are no special plans—just wanting to go home. The family discussed his health, as Thaksin did not receive any medical checkups while imprisoned.

When journalists asked about welcome arrangements following his release, Yingluck and the family declined to answer before promptly departing.