Half Nine GROUP officially launched with Om Pundalop Prasanrajakit at the helm, sharing the company's vision and role in advancing the music industry. The announcement event, titled 'Half Nine GROUP: INTO THE OTHER HALF,' took place at One Bangkok Forum and introduced 35 artists under four subsidiary record labels, each with distinct musical direction and identity to support artist diversity and current market demands.

The four labels are MACHg, managed by Kong Huairai and Bank Ratvichaya; Ennead, managed by Om Pundalop and Pond Krit; 9 Arkkhan, managed by Chai Ichkorn; and BRIDGE, overseen by Om Pundalop.

Om expressed enthusiasm about the venture, stating he wanted to pursue ideas fully without hesitation and felt fortunate to have partners who understand the vision and work toward the same direction. He emphasized that the organization brings together differences harmoniously.

Half Nine GROUP operates on the philosophy that record labels and artists are equal partners supporting one another, with all creative works remaining fully owned by the artists. The label functions as a behind-the-scenes mechanism, establishing systems and building capacity to push artists to their highest potential. The company believes artists with different approaches deserve tailored management and administrative support suited to their individual identity, direction, and capabilities.

Om mentioned Flure as a surprise artist addition and noted that in the first year, the company plans to focus on solidifying management of current artists rather than expanding significantly due to substantial financial investment required. While there is interest from other potential artists, the company is assessing capacity first to ensure full commitment to artist welfare.

Regarding changing artist-label dynamics, Om acknowledged that problems exist in every era but emphasized the company's readiness to adapt as media formats, culture, and platforms continuously evolve. On intellectual property rights, he confirmed that songwriters and creators own their own works, though he was addressing questions about the investment model and creator ownership when the text was cut off.

Channel 7HD is rolling out its latest addition, "Noon Entertainment Talk," a program designed to deep-dive into trending topics and conduct live interviews with current celebrities, viral social media personalities, and entertainment figures while exploring societal issues and sharing inspiring perspectives from special guests.

The show marks the first collaboration between two distinctly different but chemically compatible hosts: Champ Srananphat Tangphaisalthonkul, the hot young news anchor making a significant career pivot from news reporting to full-time talk show hosting, pairs with Paew Duangjai Soatyit, a seasoned entertainment journalist and former entertainment news editor who now runs the popular podcast "Duangjai Story," guaranteeing entertainment value and substance.

Champ expressed his excitement about the new role: "I'm thrilled to do this show because I've wanted to host an interview program for a long time. But this isn't a news-style interview show—'Noon Entertainment Talk' is much more open. We'll talk variety-style with actors, singers, entertainment industry people, and online celebrities and influencers. I follow social media news closely, and now that I'm a host, I'll be able to ask the things I'm curious about, drawing on my journalism skills." He added that while he previously worked as a field reporter conducting interviews, this is different—he'll be asking questions on behalf of viewers. "It's challenging and exciting, but I feel comfortable working with Paew since we both come from the entertainment news world and are both from Phetchaburi province. Our chemistry clicked instantly. You'll see unexpected chemistry between this older and younger brother duo."

Champ urged viewers not to miss the live broadcast, emphasizing the unpredictability that comes with live television, and asked for support as he takes on this new role after a decade in journalism.

Meanwhile, Paew shared: "After doing the 'Duangjai Story' podcast, this is another great opportunity and an important challenge in my new role. I'll bring over 30 years of experience in entertainment to this and share it for maximum benefit." She expressed relief at having Champ as her co-host and fellow Phetchaburi native, noting his strong background as a news anchor would serve him well as a talk show host. She hinted that their premiere guest is particularly special and urged fans not to miss it.

"Noon Entertainment Talk" airs every Thursday at 12:40 p.m., starting May 7th, on Channel 7HD (switch 35), livestreamed on BUGABOO.TV, with replays available on BUGABOO.TV and YouTube: Ch7HD.

SA KAEO — 30 April 2026, Tensions mounted at the Khlong Luek border crossing in Aranyaprathet district when Cambodian authorities unexpectedly refused to open the gate for 635 Thai nationals scheduled to return home. Around midday, Thai officials found themselves in a holding pattern as the handover was repeatedly postponed with no explanation offered. Maj. Gen. Benchapol Dechatiwong Na Ayutthaya, commander of the Burapha Task Force, had coordinated with military, border patrol, immigration police and customs personnel to establish screening checkpoints at the Thai-Cambodian Friendship Bridge.

Police Maj. Gen. Thitthawat Suriyachai, deputy commander of Provincial Police Region 2, inspected preparations and participated in coordination meetings for the group's repatriation from Cambodia. Throughout the morning, tensions escalated as Cambodian immigration officials at Poipet kept the border crossing sealed without providing any rationale, trapping all 635 Thai nationals on the Cambodian side. Meanwhile, Thai authorities confirmed they were fully equipped with screening procedures, reception facilities and security protocols in place.

Thailand's security officials dispatched negotiators to pressure their Cambodian counterparts into reopening the crossing, though no breakthroughs materialized by afternoon. Cambodia had previously identified those being returned as including 190 accused of illegal border entry without documents, six suspected of involvement in online fraud schemes, and two individuals with active arrest warrants. The transfer, originally scheduled for 9:00 AM, was pushed back to 11:00 AM and then beyond 1:00 PM with no movement occurring. Thai officials indicated they would persist in seeking a peaceful resolution through diplomatic channels.

On April 30, 2025, at Parliament, Krit Potrananthan, list MP and Palang Pracharath Party chairman, addressed the case of Supachee Suthammapun, Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister, appearing in an influencer's video before a durian live-shopping broadcast. He stated that Supachee's actions may not have addressed the real issues of public interest, noting that social media has been flooded with criticism demanding her resignation.

Krit noted that the durian market is currently experiencing a 30% production increase compared to previous years, totaling over 2 million tons, which could depress prices to as low as 90 baht per kilogram. He argued that live-shopping streaming doesn't solve the problem, but rather the real solution lies in streamlining the management of 14 export licenses across 5 government agencies. Currently, anyone wishing to export durian must navigate two additional training courses, effectively making the bureaucracy a barrier to exports.

Krit warned that if the minister fails to address these 14 licenses, the surplus 30% of durian production will become a disaster. Given that Thai durian exports are worth hundreds of millions of baht annually, immediate action on these licenses is critical. He suggested that rather than focusing on live-shopping gimmicks, the minister should prioritize removing these bureaucratic obstacles for durian farmers, which would be a meaningful achievement and could save her position.

Dr. Pichet Muangnaphot, Thailand's renowned sports psychologist specializing in mental health support for national team and Olympic-level athletes, posted on his personal Facebook page addressing Rodtang Jitmuangnon, emphasizing that Rodtang should leverage sports science fully and prioritize athletics over celebrity status.

"I believe Rodtang should embrace comprehensive sports science services and transform himself from a 'celebrity' into a true 'athlete,' which would undoubtedly make him a valuable asset to Thai society. He must commit to and uphold Olympic values. He needs to develop his mindset with strong motivation and determination. He must maintain discipline in physical training to achieve peak condition. He must continuously improve his fighting skills beyond their current level. If he has the courage and strength to follow this path, he will become a great athlete and contribute significantly to society," Dr. Pichet stated.

Krung Kao Group officially launched four music labels—BRIDGE, 9Arkkhan, MACHg, and Ennead—with a free concert exceeding six hours. The grand launch of Krung Kao Group, under the leadership of Om Panpol Prasarrachakij, represents a new chapter for the music industry at the 'INTO THE OTHER HALF' Press Conference & Free Concert held on April 29, 2025, at ONE BANGKOK FORUM. After operating for over eight years, the group has produced numerous artist management projects and concert events including GeneLabCon, We are Only Monday Concert, The Darkest Romance 'Fieldtrip,' Three Man Down Basic Tour, It's Gonna Be Tilly Birds, Taitosmith 'Listen to Thai Music,' COCKTAIL 77 Ever Tour, and the recent Little Size Concert.

During the event, Om Panpol shared his vision regarding the role of record labels in the digital age, posing the critical question: 'Are record labels still necessary?' This reflects how the digital era allows artists to create, distribute, and grow independently, requiring labels to adapt to changing contexts.

Krung Kao Group views this trend as a crucial direction for future operations, operating under the philosophy that record labels and artists are 'equal partners' working together as mutual supporters. While artists retain complete ownership of their work, the label functions as a behind-the-scenes mechanism, establishing systems and enhancing capabilities to propel artists to their peak potential. The group believes artists with different approaches should receive tailored service management matching their identity, direction, and potential, supporting their optimal development.

Krung Kao Group announced a roster of 35 artists across four labels with distinct musical directions and identities to accommodate current market diversity:

MACHg (Machi) is a new Thai music label led by Kong Huai Rai and Bank Ratwitchaya, redefining luk thung and Thai music with an open approach to diverse genres, developing new-generation artists as key drivers of the Thai music market. MACHg comprises seven artists including Kong Huai Rai, Nai Patchari, plus MACHg Audition artists Hom Jai Sane, Cha-Chom Saowakorn, View Walnika, newcomers Goki Kwisara, and Prang Prang Thip.

9 Arkkhan (Kao Akkhanya) is an alternative music label supporting new artists with distinctive musical identities under an open-space philosophy for underground and diverse art. Founded by Jay Itchanan Preuogiat, it features eight artists including Little John, manutsawee, Saman, Wichitchon, Manop, Gandharva, PINKIE, and the well-known TaitosmitH as the label's senior artist.

Ennead is a music label born from collaboration between quality teams from music and film-television production, led by Om Panpol and Pond Krisada Wit.