Abraham Tolentino, chairman of the Philippine Olympic Committee, has secured an agreement with Juan Bin Hamad Al Thani, president of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), for the Philippines to host the 7th Asian Beach Games in Cebu City in 2028. Tolentino expressed considerable enthusiasm about the opportunity, acknowledging that the Philippines has not hosted an OCA-sanctioned competition for quite some time. However, he emphasized that the country has strong credentials in hosting international sporting events, having served as host for the Southeast Asian Games four times and numerous basketball and volleyball tournaments. The Philippines is also planning to host the inaugural "Southeast Asian Plus Youth Games" in late 2027.

Patrick Gregorio, representing the Philippine Sports Commission, outlined the event's concept, which will fully emphasize beach sports culture with Cebu City as a primary venue. The city's pristine white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters will serve as a stunning backdrop for competitions. Most events are planned for outdoor settings, with even indoor sports like 3x3 basketball being moved to the beachfront to create a distinctive atmosphere.

Organizers are also considering scheduling the games for March, during the Philippines' summer season, to minimize risks from tropical storms and maximize favorable conditions for outdoor competitions.

Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittiphan has ordered strict oversight and a comprehensive review of procedures and authority limits to close loopholes following the arrest of a Thonburi district official involved in issuing fake birth certificates to stateless persons. An urgent audit of document issuance across all districts is underway.

An Anti-Corruption Police operation, coordinated with the Metropolitan Police Bureau, Public Relations Department, and Special Cases Investigation Bureau, conducted raids on four locations and arrested one official from the Thonburi District Registry Office along with five others—six suspects total—for fraudulently issuing birth certificates to foreign nationals to falsely claim Thai citizenship.

On April 29, 2569, at the Asdang Development Building at City Hall 2 in Din Daeng, Governor Chadchart Sittiphan stated that the arrested registry officials were mid-level operational staff, not supervisors or district directors, and that the scheme involved multiple people colluding together.

Chadchart said procedures must be reviewed to identify vulnerabilities and assess whether excessive authority has been granted to individual officials in birth certificate verification processes.

Chadchart instructed Deputy Governor Chakraphan Phiwngam to investigate the volume of documents issued to foreign nationals and identify any districts with abnormally high numbers.

"We will also review procedures so that decisions are not made by a single person, but rather by a committee working together to prevent excessive power concentration in individual hands. I commend the police for their arrest. This is decisive action on the corruption that has surfaced," Chadchart said.

Four locations were raided, with six suspects arrested—state officials and accomplices—involved in the fake birth certificate scheme allowing foreigners to fraudulently claim Thai nationality.

CP All Public Company Limited, operator of Seven Eleven and Seven Delivery, has received the MEA Energy Awards 2025 from the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA), reinforcing its commitment to efficient energy management and environmental protection.

Eight Seven Eleven branches have successfully met the criteria and earned STANDARD certification in the small retail/convenience store category. The award-winning branches are: Vibhavadi 62, Bangkok Boulevard Phase 2 Ratchapruk, Ramkhamhaeng 52/2 Point 2, The Mall Ngamwongwan, Suanphak Soi 7, Rom Yen Housing, LPN Onnuch Ladkrabang 2, and LPN Ladplakao.

The awards ceremony took place on April 27, 2026, with Natsaporn Chirnantakorn, department manager of CP All, accepting the award from Dichawat Chanee, Governor of the Metropolitan Electricity Authority. The MEA Energy Awards 2025 marks the eighth year of the MEA's program promoting energy efficiency improvements in buildings, conducted in partnership with King Mongkut's University of Technology Thonburi under the theme "Efficient Energy Use and Standard Air Quality."

The evaluation criteria focus on two main aspects: energy efficiency performance (MEA Index) and indoor air quality (IAQ). CP All's continuous recognition since joining the program in 2021 demonstrates its commitment to efficient energy use and indoor air quality management. The company operates under its "7 Go Green" philosophy, aiming for environmental and social sustainability by reducing energy and resource consumption, addressing climate change challenges, and systematically minimizing environmental impact throughout its value chain to support sustainable business growth.

The ascetic tradition monks, or forest monastery lineage, are mostly disciples of Luang Pu Man Bhuridatta, the patriarch of the forest tradition. One of them is Phra Ratanakorn Visuthi, known as Luang Pu Dul Atulo of Wat Buppharam in Muang district, Surin Province, a highly revered Vipassana master from the Northeast. Originally named Dool Dee, he was born on October 4, 1887, in Prasat, the second of five siblings. As a child, he studied at the monastery where he learned basic literacy and moral conduct under the guidance of the resident monks. At age 22, he ordained at Wat Chumpol Sutthawat in Surin with Phra Khru Vimol Silprot as his preceptor, receiving the epithet "Atulo," meaning incomparable. In 1918, at age 30, he was elevated to the rank of Bhikkhu in the Thammayut order at Wat Sutthasan in Ubon Ratchathani. After his ordination, he practiced intensively under Luang Pu Aek at Wat Khor Kho near Surin, though without immediate results. He then traveled to Ubon to pursue formal Dhamma studies and successfully earned his first-level Dhamma certificate, becoming the first graduate of his province. When Luang Pu Man stayed at Wat Buppharam in Ubon, he regularly attended his sermons and was deeply inspired. After the retreat ended, he decided to follow Luang Pu Man on his forest wandering practice. Through intense practice and following his teacher's guidance, the light of Dhamma arose within him, granting clear insight into the nature of mind and defilement. He became known for his cool temperament, few words, and peaceful demeanor, serving as a true exemplar and field of merit for the world, benefiting others completely. He peacefully passed away at age 96, having completed 64 Buddhist Rains retreats. The votive objects he created, including statues, amulets, bells, and coins, were all made to support the temple's restoration and promote religious works within the community. His amulets have been highly sought after from the past to the present, with their value increasing over time. The first edition coin was created in 1965 by his disciples as a commemorative piece for the construction of the main pavilion.

Following online vendor Pimree Pie's promotional campaign to sell one million durians at 100 baht per fruit starting April 28, reporters visited Thai Market in Pathum Thani province and found golden pillow durians selling at 75-150 baht per kilogram, depending on size and grade.

Chao Tuk Tuk shop owner, who sells button durians at 100 baht each, explained they chose this price point because it's easy to sell. These durians are lower-grade in appearance—not in quality of flesh, just uneven shape. Regarding the live-selling at 100 baht per fruit, it depends on the grade being sold, but this vendor personally feels impacted because most traders buy by the kilogram. While they understand if the grade and characteristics are clearly specified, selling quality golden pillow durians at 100 baht each doesn't make sense when their wholesale cost runs 96-110 baht per kilogram. They worry the wholesale price will become volatile and would prefer this marketing practice to stop as it significantly affects small traders.

Chao Ja-Yu 895 shop also criticized the live-selling as unfair to orchard owners. Since they buy at higher costs, they cannot compete at those prices. Some fruits cost 100 baht or more to acquire wholesale, not counting employee wages, transportation, and weight loss during storage.

However, Jae Kan offered a different perspective, calling it part of the durian industry's evolution. While initially skeptical, she noted the results are manageable. Since she doesn't source directly from orchards, she's less impacted, though she acknowledges orchardists may be affected. She sees this as a normal strategy for large retailers to attract customers. Her shop isn't affected because customers clearly segment themselves—online shoppers go online, while those preferring in-person selection visit the shop.

Still, she suggests the government should provide better support. While Pimree Pie has successfully drawn attention to the durian industry, the government should conduct fieldwork with actual orchard farmers to understand real pricing issues and problems, rather than just addressing symptoms.

AIA Thailand held the AIA Annual Agency Awards Presentation 2025 to recognize unit managers and life insurance agents who achieved exceptional results as "Outstanding Performers of 2025." The company honored 3,700 agents for their accomplishments under the theme "Celebrating Excellence. Inspiring Greatness," which reflects the strength of the awards and demonstrates how AIA representatives can achieve unlimited success through exceeding their potential and capabilities.

This year, over 3,000 managers and agents participated in the event, with 3,576 qualifying for MDRT 2026 status. AIA maintained its position as the number one company with the most MDRT members in Thailand and globally. This achievement showcases the professionalism and commitment of AIA representatives in delivering protection and creating security in physical health, mental health, and financial health for Thai people nationwide, supporting the company's promise of "Healthier, Longer, Better Lives."

The ceremony was graced by Chuchart Premoolpol, Secretary-General of the Insurance Commission, who presided over the event and congratulated the award-winning managers and agents. Li Yuan Zhong, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of the AIA Group, also sent congratulations commending the capabilities of all representatives. AIA Group executives, including Tan Hak Leh, Regional Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nrongchai Akkasertseri, Independent Director of AIA Group and Board Advisor of AIA Thailand, and AIA Thailand management led by Nikhil Advani, Chief Executive Officer, Alisa Simaroeng, Head of Life Insurance Agents, and Prakitti Bunyagiati, Senior Advisor of Life Insurance Agents, presented the awards.

Nikhil Advani, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Thailand, stated: "On behalf of AIA Thailand, I extend heartfelt congratulations to all 3,700 outstanding agents who won awards this year. The dedication and commitment you demonstrated throughout the past year have brought today's success. You are part of the number one organization in the life insurance industry, and our agents have maintained the top position for over eight decades. Therefore, award recipients like you represent Thailand's best agents and are ready to step onto the world stage to further elevate the standards of Thai life insurance representatives. I thank you all for being vital cogs in driving organizational growth and helping AIA maintain its number one position across all metrics. You are also a great force in delivering life, health, and financial security to our customers, fulfilling AIA's mission to support billions of people across Asia."