On April 26, rescue workers received a call from Sompon Phuphichit, 64, reporting a large python coiled on a steel beam above his kitchen in the Kuang Luang neighborhood of Muang District, Saraburi Province. His pet cat had gone missing and was likely swallowed by the snake. Upon arrival, rescuers found the python motionless on the beam with a visibly swollen belly. Using a stick to position the snake and a noose device to capture its head, they secured the python.

Examination revealed the snake had indeed swallowed the cat, rendering it immobile. The python measured nearly 3 meters in length. The cat's owner, enraged and grief-stricken, retrieved an iron rod intending to kill the snake in revenge. However, rescue workers stopped her, explaining that pythons are protected wildlife under Thai law. The rescue team then bagged the python for release back into nature.

The cat owner, identified as Ms. Tim, tearfully recounted her despair. The cat, named Miw, was a white cat with blue eyes that she had adopted and raised for one year. Miw had an affectionate and adorable personality. The homeowner also shared his heartbreak, noting that Miw was a street cat he had taken in and cherished deeply. He had another cat at home that had recently given birth to five kittens, which were kept in a cage, while Miw had been allowed to roam freely inside the house.

BANGKOK — The Bureau of the Royal Household announced on April 22 that His Majesty the King and Her Majesty the Queen will undertake an official visit to Sweden from April 29 to May 2, 2026, at the invitation of King Carl XVI Gustaf.

The visit will coincide with the 80th birthday celebrations of the Swedish monarch, with Their Majesties scheduled to participate in a series of official events throughout Stockholm.

On April 29, 2026, Their Majesties will travel to the Royal Palace in Stockholm to attend an informal dinner hosted by King Carl XVI Gustaf, bringing together heads of state, government leaders, and members of foreign royal families.

On April 30, 2026, Their Majesties will attend a thanksgiving service at the Royal Chapel, followed by a ceremonial changing of the guard and choral performance honoring the Swedish king. The day will continue with a luncheon at Stockholm City Hall hosted by the city council.

That evening, Their Majesties will return to the Royal Palace for an official state banquet hosted by King Carl XVI Gustaf, attended by foreign leaders, royalty, and dignitaries.

The Royal Household confirmed that the King and Queen will depart on Thai Airways flight TG8886 from Don Mueang Royal Thai Air Force Base at 12:30 AM on April 29, 2026, and return on May 2, 2026, aboard flight TG8887, arriving at 9:00 AM.

The Rainbow Room Foundation, Thailand's first center for understanding learning diversity, in collaboration with Prakasakan Education under Wattanapanich Publishing Company, has launched 'My Growing Journey,' the first multisensory guide designed for individuals with learning differences such as autism, Down syndrome, and ADHD. The book specifically helps children confidently navigate the physical and emotional changes of adolescence, with Dr. Sumitra Pongsathon, chair of the Catholic Education Identity Division of the Thai Catholic Education Commission, serving as event chairperson.

Rosalina Alexander McKay, president of the Rainbow Room Foundation, explained that the book took nearly a year to develop with the goal of equipping families with tools to discuss sensitive topics during ages 9-13, including bodily changes, emotions, relationships with parents and peers, physical and internet safety, and more—while respecting each child's pace and maturity. What makes it special is that every copy includes a QR code linking to the digital version and entertainment resources about laws children and parents should know from the justice system.

The book was endorsed by Andrea Rothenberg, a public health expert from New York, Dr. Khwan Hansomkid, and Dr. Pelin Prathummas, leading experts in learning diversity who served as consultants. Gimjai Ekkamapracha Anuwat Namchuea served as editor, and Nikhom Chaiwanon created the illustrations. The book emphasizes simple language, visual supports, and clear diagrams to help neurodivergent adolescents access information in ways suited to their individual learning styles.

'When a 13-year-old reader told us this book transformed their 'shame' into 'confidence,' that proved we achieved our goal,' Rosalina said, adding 'Our mission is to help every child feel safe, healthy, and happy being themselves.'

Key features include child-friendly design with minimal text clutter for easy reading, multiple learning formats with diagrams, checklists and thinking activities, tools for trusted adults to discuss difficult topics, and legal information with QR codes linking to laws youth and parents should know from the justice system.

With support from anonymous donors, the foundation printed 5,000 copies to distribute to families, educators, and public health workers in need. Copies can be requested via LINE ID @TheRainbowRoom.

Khon Kaen residents are calling for the 'Khon La Khrueng Plus' subsidy program to become a monthly initiative, saying it genuinely helps reduce living expenses. Business owners believe the recurring program is more effective than one-time cash disbursements that customers spend immediately.

April 26, 2026 – A reporter conducted ground surveys following the government's announcement of the 'Khon La Khrueng Plus' program under the 'Thai Help Thai Plus' policy, with registration set to begin in May and implementation expected in June. The program operates with the government providing 60 percent funding and citizens contributing 40 percent through the 'Pao Tangka' mobile application over a four-month period.

Siriporn, 44, a hotel employee, stated she missed the previous round due to application problems but intends to register this time, though she worries about the complicated process. If approved, she says it would reduce her monthly household expenses somewhat, but she wishes the government would increase the amount and extend the program duration, given rising prices require careful budgeting with each purchase.

Meanwhile, Kraisuwan, 60, said the previous round's benefits were substantial and she used her full allocation. While she questions whether the current amount and timeframe are appropriate, she feels it still helps and is better than having no assistance program at all.

Laksina, 41, a seafood restaurant owner, noted that participating merchants experience significant economic stimulus during the program period, with customers filling the shop and spending generously. However, business drops sharply once the program ends. She expressed hope to see bustling customer activity return and urged the government to continue supporting the program, as it's more effective than one-time cash handouts that get spent immediately. With this approach, customers gradually make purchases and restore the vibrancy to the business community.

At 11:50 a.m. on April 26, 2025, at Maple Hotel Bangkok (Bang Na branch), Pheu Thai party leader Nattapong Rueangpanya addressed the media regarding candidate Nissamaad Louherattanaheerin's withdrawal from the Pattaya mayor race, citing personal reasons. The party has already selected a replacement candidate, Ittivat Wattanasathansaethon, following a complete vetting process. Candidates for Bangkok governor and Bangkok Metropolitan Assembly members will be unveiled in early May. When asked whether the mid-campaign replacement appears disrespectful or resembles a trial run, Nattapong stated that what matters most is the candidate's commitment and stability. Since the initial candidate had reservations before requesting withdrawal, the party had to reconsider while prioritizing voters and eligible electorate, which led to selecting a new candidate.

The Prachachat Party held its first ordinary general meeting of 2569 on April 26 at Al-Imam Al-Nawawi Hall of Prince of Songkla University's Islamic Studies Faculty in Pattani province. Former Justice Minister Thawee Sodsong, serving as party leader and list MP, presided over the meeting alongside party officials including Sugarno Mata (Yala Zone 2 Secretary-General), Sulaiman Buanapina (Yala Zone 1), Abdulayee Samang (Yala Zone 3), and Kamlasak Livameuea (Narathiwat Zone 5).

Thawee emphasized that political parties must adapt to social changes and that true democracy goes beyond election day—it requires continuously improving citizens' quality of life. Though the Prachachat Party has only five MPs, Thawee pledged to use all available political mechanisms to push forward promised policies addressing real citizen needs, particularly in areas facing inequality in economics, security, and education.

The meeting marked the party's first assembly since the recent elections, aimed at setting work direction, strategy, and political analysis while increasing female representation in party leadership. An afternoon panel discussion on the party's future direction in southern border provinces will be held, with former Prime Minister's Advisor Wanmuhammadnor Mata scheduled to deliver closing remarks at 3 p.m.