The Department of Foreign Trade revealed that Thai rice garnered strong interest at SIAL Canada 2026, Canada's largest international food and beverage trade show held April 29 - May 1. The event attracted over 850 exhibitors from 55 countries and 23,000 visitors from 78 countries, including importers, wholesalers, retailers, distributors, and restaurant operators.

Department Director General Arada Fuengtong explained that the trade delegation elevated Thailand's rice presentation under the concept "Think Rice Think Thailand," focusing on showcasing the distinctive qualities of Thai rice in terms of quality and standards while connecting Thai rice to the country's renowned food culture. The presentation highlighted how Thai rice serves as the foundation of Thai cuisine and can be adapted to international dishes.

The booth displayed diverse Thai rice varieties alongside popular Thai menu images, emphasizing "Thai Rice: The Heart of Thai Cuisine" while promoting Thai jasmine rice certification marks to build consumer confidence in quality and standards. Special attention was given to health-conscious options including brown rice and riceberry, which attracted over 1,000 visitors from multiple countries including Canada, the United States, Germany, France, China, South Korea, South Africa, and Ghana.

Visitors praised Thai rice, particularly Thai jasmine rice, for its excellent taste, soft texture, and aroma. They noted that Thai rice is readily available in Canadian supermarkets and Asian specialty shops. There was significant interest in health-oriented rice varieties like brown rice and riceberry due to their high nutritional value.

Arada noted that Canada is a major import market for Thai rice, especially premium varieties like jasmine rice. In 2025, Thailand ranked third in jasmine rice exports to Canada. Rice consumption in Canada is expanding due to growing Asian-Canadian populations and the popularity of Thai restaurants. Tourism also plays a key role, as travelers who experience Thai food during visits to Thailand increasingly purchase Thai rice domestically.

Canada represents a high-potential market with strong purchasing power and growing health consciousness among consumers. Thailand's diverse rice offerings—from premium jasmine rice to health-focused varieties—position Thai rice for continued growth in the Canadian market.

On May 11, 2025, Deputy Police General Pattanasak Bubphasuwon ordered a raid that resulted in the arrest of Arun, alias "Lam Nayong," age 42, at an unnamed rental house in Chiao Khao subdistrict, Chaloem Phrakiat district, Nakhon Si Thammarat. He was wanted under arrest warrants from Trang Provincial Court dated February 25, 2011, for charges including attempted murder, premeditated murder, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, and carrying firearms in public without authorization.

The original incident began on November 21, 2010, at approximately 10 p.m., when the victim, Mr. E, age 42, was riding a motorcycle near a hospital in Yan Ta Khao district, Trang province. Two assailants fired at him with a handgun but missed. On December 13, 2010, at approximately 10:30 a.m., four gunmen in a white Isuzu pickup truck ambushed and shot him dead with M16 rifles on a road in Yan Ta Khao district. The victim was found slumped over his Honda Dream motorcycle, struck by two gunshot rounds.

Investigation revealed the victim's wife had hired the assassins. The first failed attempt involved four perpetrators: Jarun (organizer), Aphichat (planner), Therdsakdi (gunman), and Arun (motorcycle driver). The fatal second attempt also involved four men: Jarun (firing a .357 pistol), Aphichat (planner), Somjai (driver), and Arun (firing an M16 from the truck bed).

Police have apprehended most suspects. Jarun and Somjai received death sentences, while others received life sentences. Only Arun had evaded capture for over 15 years, hiding across multiple provinces including Trang, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Nakhon Phanom, and Nakhon Si Thammarat. The Criminal Investigation Division Region 5 finally tracked him down to Chaloem Phrakiat district in Nakhon Si Thammarat and arrested him.

During interrogation, Arun denied all charges. He has been remanded to investigators at Yan Ta Khao Police Station in Trang for further legal proceedings.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is actively tackling drought in Kalasin province by accelerating water storage development and promoting 'Khao Khao Vang,' a regional rice variety, to nearly double its yield and create additional value for both domestic and international markets, supporting grassroots economic stability and sustainable farmer income.

On May 11, 2026, Deputy Agriculture Minister Watcharapol Khaokhwam visited Na Thun subdistrict in Kham Muang district, Kalasin province, to meet with local farmers and assess water shortage problems. He inspected the water levels in the Huai Laeng royal-initiative reservoir at Ban Non Kho community hall and pledged coordinated government action to secure water resources. "We are here to listen directly to the needs of the community and farmers, and we will coordinate all relevant agencies to develop urgent assistance measures, particularly in securing adequate water sources for consumption and agriculture, so people can live and work with stability," Watcharapol said.

Na Thun subdistrict faces challenging conditions, situated in elevated terrain without large-scale water retention facilities to capture seasonal rainfall. Additionally, groundwater is saline and unsuitable for consumption. The Agriculture Ministry, through the Kalasin Irrigation Project, has surveyed a new reservoir that will store over 1.2 million cubic meters of water, providing adequate supply for five villages with approximately 4,000 residents.

Watcharapol then visited the Lam Pa Yang upper reservoir in Song Phraleuk subdistrict, Khao Vang district, to assess water conditions and meet with local farmers about agricultural challenges. The medium-sized reservoir holds an average of 4.6 million cubic meters and supports irrigation for over 5,600 rai through an 18.05-kilometer pipe network, enabling year-round cultivation.

The reservoir has boosted production of 'Khao Khao Vang,' a native rice variety of Khao Vang district, from 273 kilograms per rai to 501 kilograms per rai, demonstrating improved efficiency and water management. The Ministry is also promoting high-quality rice cultivation, market development, and value creation to make 'Khao Khao Vang' competitive in both Thai and international markets, increasing farmer income.

Additionally, Watcharapol distributed aquatic species seeds, rice seeds, and eggs to farmer representatives to enhance food security and reduce production costs.

A landowner from Chai Nat province who had been unable to sell a one-rai property for years sought blessings from the revered Luang Por Somwang statue at Wat Klang Bang Phra in Nakhon Pathom. After placing a land deed beneath a replica statue and making a vow in February 2569, the property sold within two months at a good profit. The grateful owner, named Sarawut (surname withheld), then fulfilled his promise by bringing 999 chicken eggs, a pair of clay chicken statues, and three garlands to make merit offerings in May. Sarawut claimed he randomly selected lottery numbers 1, 6, and 7 from the eggs before leaving, planning to donate any winnings back to the temple's charitable programs. The donated items will be distributed to underprivileged families through the temple's welfare initiatives. Luang Por Somwang is a sacred Buddha image depicting the subjugation of Mara, standing over 30 meters tall and revered by both Thai and foreign devotees.

Nakhon Ratchasima: A 31-year-old woman became emotionally distressed following an argument with her boyfriend and climbed onto an overpass, dangling her legs over the edge in a suicide attempt. Fortunately, alert police officers patrolling the area discovered her and executed a daring rescue operation to save her life.

On May 11, 2025, police body cameras captured a dramatic rescue operation in which Muang District police demonstrated quick thinking and bravery while helping a 31-year-old woman in severe emotional distress. After a heated argument with her boyfriend, she impulsively climbed onto the pedestrian overpass railing and prepared to jump. Fortunately, patrol officers spotted her and intervened successfully.

The incident occurred at 3:19 AM on May 11, 2025, at a pedestrian overpass in front of the Mechanical and Commerce Technology College in Muang District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. Officers conducting a temporary checkpoint on Mittraphap Road noticed a woman appearing distressed, crying, and walking up onto the overpass.

When the woman climbed onto the overpass railing and dangled her legs over the edge, officers immediately began speaking calmly to her to prevent further harm. Meanwhile, they developed a careful rescue plan, with some officers positioning themselves behind her while others watched for the right moment to charge forward and pull her to safety.

The woman, identified as Ms. B (pseudonym), 31, from Chao Ho Subdistrict in Muang District, later acknowledged that she had argued with her boyfriend, leading to emotional distress and her decision to attempt the act. She was fortunate that officers arrived in time to help. Her family was then contacted to come retrieve her for further care.

After the incident, reports were filed with Sirichai Srichaipanya, superintendent of Muang District Police Station, and Deputy Superintendent Yutthapong Khokhunthod. This incident exemplifies the proactive work of patrol officers who not only maintain public order and safety but also rescue citizens in critical moments.