National

PM Confirms New Electricity Rate Structure Will Be Cheaper, Solar Roofs Expected to Drop in Price Like Mobile Phones Did

Thailand's government unveiled a new electricity rate structure offering cheaper bills for consumers, with the first 200 units reduced to 3 baht per unit while promoting household solar installations the PM says will eventually become affor

1 May Khaosod

Prime Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul and Interior Minister announced a new electricity rate restructuring on May 1 at Government House, explaining that citizens will benefit from lower electricity costs by converting sunlight into income through solar roof installations. The government would purchase any surplus electricity generated by households, creating a system comparable to the mobile phone market transformation, where devices that originally cost nearly 200,000 baht are now available for as little as 400 baht.

When asked if solar roof costs could be reduced to improve public accessibility, the Prime Minister said it follows supply-and-demand principles similar to the early mobile phone era. He recalled his first mobile phone cost 120,000 baht and was cumbersome to carry, yet today basic phones cost just 400 baht, sometimes given away free with purchases.

Regarding the electricity rate structure itself, the Prime Minister explained that the first 200 units will be reduced to 3 baht per unit for all consumers equally. Units 200-400 follow a tiered system, while usage above 400 units carries a different rate, representing a fair cost-sharing approach used in many Thai systems.

Concerning timing concerns about implementation relative to billing cycles, he stated that procedures must be followed and that the Energy Regulatory Commission operates as an independent body. He added that implementation began the second week after his policy address to Parliament and would be completed as quickly as possible, with government assistance programs like Kon La Khrueng and Thai Chuay Thai Plus aimed at reaching citizens by early June.

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Community

Thai Country Star Hai Apapar Performs Merit-Making at Home, Spotting Sacred Water Vessel Numbers During Ceremony—Lottery Enthusiasts Nail Exact Winning Numbers

Thai country star Hai Apapar held a merit-making ceremony at her home on April 30, which lottery enthusiasts later analyzed for lucky numbers spotted in sacred water vessels during the ritual.

1 May Khaosod

Thai country music sensation Hai Apapar held a merit-making ceremony at her home on April 30, welcoming monks and inviting her team of musicians and dancers to participate alongside her beloved mother before heading to a concert performance. "Today I had the opportunity to make merit at home for the land guardian spirits and angels residing here. Before going to the concert, my entire team of musicians, dancers, and staff participated in this good deed together. For those who watch this clip, I hope you share in this merit and blessings," Hai said. The lottery community took notice—on May 2 when the lottery drew, observers spotted clear numbers within the sacred water vessel during the ceremony, prompting enthusiasts to rapidly place bets on combinations including 50, 56, 59, 509, and 75, repeating prayers for wealth and prosperity.

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National

All Space Partners with International Allies to Expand Events and Entertainment Business Across Thailand and Beyond

All Space partners with Malaysia-based Frame Motion Studio to expand events and entertainment services across Thailand and 22 other countries, capitalizing on the sector's 1.5 trillion baht market value and 8-10% projected annual growth.

1 May Khaosod

All Space has partnered with international partner Frame Motion Studio (FMS) to aggressively expand into the events and entertainment market, managing events for organizations nationwide while attracting concerts, festivals, and e-sports from abroad to Thailand.

The events and entertainment market continues to grow significantly, with a total market value exceeding 1.5 trillion baht and projected annual growth of 8-10%. All Space has announced its full-scale market expansion, joining forces with global partner Frame Motion Studio (FMS), which has a network covering 22 countries worldwide, to manage events for various organizations and bring international concerts, festivals, and e-sports to the Thai market.

Chatchawal Treeneth, CEO of Grey NB Group Limited operating under the All Space brand, revealed that the current Events & Entertainment market maintains strong growth potential. According to assessments by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB), the current market value ranges between 1.2-1.5 trillion baht annually, with expected average growth of 8-10% per year. TCEB aims to increase the total market value to 400 billion baht by 2023.

The government is currently accelerating support for event organization, including seminars, trade shows, and various entertainment events such as concerts and festivals from abroad held in Thailand. The market is divided into MICE events at 60% and Entertainment & Lifestyle events at 40%. Thailand is considered an important destination with readiness in venues, technology, and personnel for event management.

All Space has operated in this business for over 25 years in both Events & Entertainment sectors and continuously develops new service presentation formats to keep pace with business changes. Most recently, the company partnered with Frame Motion Studio Limited from Malaysia, which has a global network of 22 countries, to aggressively expand the Events & Entertainment market both domestically and internationally under the concept 'All Space. One Space. Infinite Dimensions.' ready to deliver new-format experiences combined with limitless event technology.

"The Events & Entertainment market in Thailand and ASEAN is attractive with high growth potential. Although the current situation is affected by regional conflicts and slowing economies, our development of new service formats, especially unique new technologies that the market demands, combined with a 22-country network, gives us competitive advantages and allows us to meet client needs without limitations," Chatchawal stated.

The company's target clients are primarily major industry corporations seeking to create new customer experiences, including real estate development businesses, automotive companies, lifestyle products, banks, e-sports, and technology firms. The company can manage events from medium-sized to large national and international levels, with numerous previous projects including large stadium events, Kuwait's pavilion at Dubai World Expo, e-sports competitions, and K-POP and T-POP concerts.

Beyond event management, All Space plans to develop its own intellectual properties in various formats, including organizing festivals and creating unique entertainment experiences.

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National

Commerce Ministry Launches Campaign to Boost Domestic Durian Consumption, Aiming to Support Prices at Start of Season

Thailand's Commerce Ministry launched a campaign to boost domestic durian consumption by 500,000 tons, aiming to stabilize prices as harvests surge this season with production expected 33% higher than previous years. Major retailers includi

1 May Khaosod

The Commerce Ministry and CP Axtra have launched the 'Thailand: The Land of Tropical Fruits' campaign to support domestic durian consumption of 500,000 tons and stabilize prices before large harvests reach the market. Director-General Witthayakorn Maneenat of the Internal Trade Department announced that this year's fruit production, especially durians, is expected to increase substantially, with total output projected to exceed 2 million tons—approximately 33 percent higher than previous years. The ministry is working with all sectors including wholesale and retail chains, central markets, fresh markets, online platforms, and private businesses to accelerate product distribution and create sales channels for farmers from the beginning of the season.

Maneenat explained that the Internal Trade Department is pursuing an aggressive marketing strategy, refusing to wait for oversupply to drive down prices. The department is continuously organizing consumption promotion activities with a target to support sales of over 500,000 tons this year to help stabilize prices and boost purchasing power in the market. Positive signals are already emerging, with durian prices rising an average of 5-10 baht per kilogram last week, currently ranging from 145-155 baht per kilogram.

'This is a golden year for farmers and consumers who can access quality fruit at reasonable prices, especially durians which are extremely popular right now,' Maneenat said. 'Whether large or small, all durians entering the market are guaranteed quality with good flesh and excellent taste. We need to quickly build awareness and give both Thai people and foreign tourists the opportunity to taste high-quality durians from Thai orchards.'

The Commerce Ministry is also preparing to promote Thai fruits in major tourist areas under the 'Thailand: The Land of Tropical Fruits' concept to communicate with both Thai and international visitors and tourists, while positioning Thailand as a world-class destination for premium tropical fruits.

Siripon Detsing, Chief Executive Officer of CP Axtra's Sustainability and Corporate Communications Division, stated that Makro and Lotus are ready to act as intermediaries connecting farmers and consumers. This year, the retailers target a threefold increase in durian purchases from farmers, up from approximately 22,000 tons last year, and around 30,000 tons when including all fruits, helping to distribute products and expand market channels for Thai farmers.

Makro and Lotus have also organized the 'Let's Dorian' event, featuring all-you-can-eat durian and Eastern region fruit buffets delivered directly from farmers' orchards. The event includes a quality guarantee service with professional selection, cutting, weighing, and peeling, assuring delicious and sweet fruit at 599 baht per person, plus special privileges at Makro-Lotus stores nationwide.

CP Axtra has also partnered with the Internal Trade Department to facilitate fruit trade through a contract market using the department's standardized contract agreement, with purchase commitments exceeding 2,110 tons valued at over 70 million baht from October 2025 to April 2026. The agreement covers a diverse range of fruits and agricultural products including sweet lime, bananas, avocados, guavas, mangoes, lettuce, pomelos, watermelons, dragon fruits, pumpkins, red onions, garlic, longans, lychees, mangosteens, loganberries, rambutans, and papayas.

'Today, Makro and Lotus serve as a bridge between farmers and consumers. We want our over 30 million members nationwide to consume high-quality fruits and durians from Thai orchards, while helping expand distribution channels so farmers can access larger markets,' Siripon said.

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National

PM Anusorn Orders Renovation of Santitham Building Entrance Walkway Roof for Royal Ceremony Dignity

PM Anusorn ordered renovation of the Santitham Building's entrance walkway roof ahead of a royal umbrella ceremony celebration at Government House on May 4th, directing officials to replace plastic sheeting and remove rope fixtures to enhan

1 May Khaosod

Prime Minister Anusorn Amornchai conducted an inspection of the Government House venue and ordered officials to upgrade the plastic roof and rope fixtures covering the walkway entrance to the Santitham Building ahead of the Sanusnab Club's celebration event for the royal umbrella ceremony scheduled for Monday, May 4th. On May 1st, at Government House, Prime Minister Anusorn Amornchai and the Interior Minister descended from the Thai-Khu-Fa Building to the Santitham Building to inspect preparations for the royal celebration event. The Prime Minister instructed officials to replace the plastic roof covering the walkway between buildings and remove the ropes securing it to enhance the appearance and dignity appropriate for the royal occasion, asking responsible personnel to determine the best method for modification.

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Breaking

Grieving Family Demands Justice as Young Man Dies from Brutal Beating, Frustrated by Lack of Progress and CCTV Evidence

A 39-year-old man died from severe head injuries after being brutally kicked by a close friend during Songkran in Bangkok, with his widow frustrated by stalled police investigation and CCTV evidence showing more violence than the attacker c

1 May Khaosod

At 9:30 a.m. on May 1, 2024, Thamnanthon Tangtim (known as Sergeant King) brought the victim's family to file a complaint with investigators at the Central Investigation Police Bureau, citing a lack of progress in the case that began during Songkran. The victim, 39-year-old Supakij, suffered severe injuries on April 14 at approximately 5:28 p.m. in the Nivet Chao Fa Soi area on Prachauthit Road 10 in Don Mueang, Bangkok, after being repeatedly kicked and stomped on the head and chest by his assailant, 38-year-old Chirathat (alias "Joe"). Supakij was hospitalized at Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital with brain swelling, intracranial bleeding, and a fractured skull, eventually dying on April 17 at 4:40 p.m.

The victim's 35-year-old widow, Kamlachonok, revealed that her husband had been invited by the perpetrator—a close friend he hadn't seen in over 10 years—to celebrate Songkran. She said she lost contact with him that evening and learned the next day he had been hospitalized. When reviewing CCTV footage from the apartment complex, she discovered her husband was brutally attacked with 7-8 kicks to the head while offering no resistance, contradicting the perpetrator's claim of only 4 strikes during a drunken scuffle. Most troubling to her is that her husband was left unconscious on a stretcher overnight before being transported to the hospital around 2 p.m. on April 15—despite the attacker's mother witnessing the entire incident from the start.

The widow stated she filed a report at Don Mueang Police Station, but the case has stalled with no investigation progress. She was denied access to the police report and learned that the perpetrator visited the station early the following week without any charges being filed. She expressed deep concern, noting that the attacker appears to have connections to influential local figures and continues living freely. She emphasized that her deceased husband was the family's sole breadwinner supporting two young children, and with prompt medical care, he might have survived.

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Tourism

Entertainment Guide – Exclusive Music Festival on Koh Samet: 'JINRO Presents Samed in Love 11'

Thailand's entertainment calendar heats up with multiple fan meetings and concerts in May and June, headlined by the exclusive 'JINRO Presents Samed in Love 11' music festival on Koh Samet featuring top Thai artists on June 6.

1 May Khaosod

Entertainment Guide – The one-and-only music festival on Koh Samet, 'JINRO Presents Samed in Love 11,' features renowned artists on Saturday, June 6. Tickets available at www.citicket.com.

Young actor Kim JaeYeong will deliver special moments at '2026 KIM JAEYEONG Fanmeeting in BANGKOK' on Saturday, May 9 at PHENIX Auditorium Hall. Tickets available at www.zipeventapp.com.

Beloved couple Fae Kanyapatchra and Mas Yada will create memories at 'FAYMAY Wish You: 1st Fanmeeting in Thailand' on Saturday, May 9 at Centerpoint Studio Thailand. Tickets on sale at https://www.ticketmelon.com/FAYMAY/FAYMAY1stFanmeeting.

Six hot actors—Earth Pirapat, Mix Sahaporn, Josh Waveah, Gawin Caskey, Ou Thanaboon, and Boom Thanadet—team up with director Phimya Juchakamseree for the finale of 'Only Friends: Dream On' at 'Only Friends: Dream On Final EP. Fan Meeting' on Friday, May 15 at 7:30 PM at MCC Hall, The Mall Bangkapi. Online ticket sales begin May 2, and regular channels open May 3 via Thai Ticket Major at www.thaiticketmajor.com and 0-2262-3456.

Power couple Perth Tanapon and Santa Pongsapak join Ke Lertsitthichai and Sammy Samantha for the finale of 'Love You Teacher' at 'Love You Teacher Final EP. Fan Meeting' on Saturday, May 16 at 7:30 PM at MCC Hall, The Mall Bangkapi. Online tickets available May 3 at www.thaiticketmajor.com, with regular channels opening May 4.

I.O.I's nine members present '2026 I.O.I Concert Tour: LOOP in BANGKOK'—their first full-scale concert in nearly a decade—on June 6 at Idea Live and Bravo BKK. Tickets on sale February 2 at www.imethai.com.

The highly-anticipated music festival exclusive to Koh Samet, 'JINRO Presents Samed in Love 11,' takes place Saturday, June 6 on Koh Samet, Rayong Province, featuring TAITOSMITH, Lamyai Haitongkam, JOEYBOY, SLOT MACHINE, PARADOX, BANK PREETI, DA ENDORPHINE, MILLI, and NEW COUNTRY. Tickets available at www.citicket.com.

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National

Appeals Court Upholds 27-Year Prison Sentence for Opposition Leader Kem Sokha on Sedition Charges

Cambodia's appeals court upheld a 27-year prison sentence against opposition leader Kem Sokha on sedition charges, maintaining his house arrest since 2017 and reflecting the country's pattern of using courts to silence political opponents.

1 May Khaosod

An appeals court in Phnom Penh upheld a 27-year prison sentence against opposition leader Kem Sokha on sedition charges and ordered him banned from leaving the country for five years after his release. Sokha has remained under house arrest since his 2017 arrest.

Cambodia has long faced accusations of using its justice system to suppress government critics and political opponents. Though the government claims to uphold the rule of law within an electoral democratic system, rival political parties have been dissolved by court order or their leaders imprisoned and threatened.

In 2023, courts convicted the 72-year-old Sokha of conspiracy with the United States to overthrow the Cambodian government, citing video evidence of him discussing political advice from U.S. democracy support groups.

Sokha's Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) was the sole opposition party capable of challenging the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP). However, the court dissolved the CNRP after Sokha's arrest, preventing him from running in the 2018 elections.

In early April, Sokha testified to the appeals court that he never conspired with any country or proposed trading Cambodian lives or territory, asserting his actions were motivated by national peace and unity.

Sokha's lawyer, Peng Heng, expressed disappointment with the verdict and said he and his client would decide whether to appeal to the supreme court. He also called on the government to promote national reconciliation.

Western embassies in Cambodia have expressed concern over the ruling. The British embassy stated: "We want to see Kem Sokha released and have his political freedoms restored. We believe this would help strengthen democracy in Cambodia."

In a separate political case, a Phnom Penh court recently sentenced 33 suspects on April 29 for opposing a border development agreement. The defendants included social media users, opposition politicians, and political activists. Human rights organization LICADHO reported they were convicted of incitement to commit serious offenses—a broadly applied charge common in political cases—with sentences ranging from 18-month suspended sentences to two years imprisonment, plus $1,000 fines.

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National

Palang Pracharath Secretary-General Denies Merger with Proud Thailand, Vows to Continue Operations

Palang Pracharath's secretary-general denied merger rumors with Proud Thailand Party, insisting the coalition partners are merely cooperating within normal government arrangements. The party will continue operations under new leadership and

1 May Khaosod

Yutthana Sritabut, Nong Khai MP and secretary-general and spokesperson for Palang Pracharath (PPRP), addressed the party's direction and clarified rumors of a merger with Proud Thailand Party, stating these reports are false and that the parties are merely cooperating as part of normal government coalition arrangements. The party will continue its operations, and cooperation among coalition partners remains smooth, with political positions expected to develop accordingly. Yutthana stated that General Prayut Chan-o-cha, former deputy prime minister, has stepped back from politics but remains behind the scenes serving as an adviser, offering guidance on political, security, and water management issues. The party must adapt to move forward, with current work objectives including supporting policies such as the state welfare card and promoting legislation beneficial to the people. Palang Pracharath has appointed Paveera Srichayangkul as party director, bringing in fresh leadership to support operations and preparing structural reorganization including relocation of party headquarters to better suit the party's five representatives in parliament. "We affirm that under the leadership of Trisulee Tienthong, the party chair with extensive political experience, the party can continue operating by maintaining its role as a coalition government party working for the people and clearly pursuing politics under the Palang Pracharath banner," he said.

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National

Mawdaai Sympathizes with JJ, Gives Time to Prepare; Talks with Manager Seem Unusual—Latest Posts from Tah Naeng Spark Speculation

Entertainment host Mawdaai revealed that actor JJ Krishnapoomi and actress Tah Naeng Kanyanwee have been separated for months while maintaining business partnerships, after she gave JJ time to prepare a public explanation rather than confro

1 May Khaosod

After entertainment host Mawdaai Kachapon hinted on her news program about a young celebrity couple who have been quietly separated for 3-4 months while still maintaining business partnerships with no couple photos on social media, it emerged the person in question is JJ Krishnapoomi, the boyfriend of actress Tah Naeng Kanyanwee. Mawdaai revealed she didn't interview JJ directly but instead told him, "Come back another time, don't worry. I won't ask you anything, just come back again," while offering him encouragement as he smiled with relief.

Mawdaai later updated through her news program, "Yesterday I felt bad for him—he was sweating the whole time. I could tell I hadn't asked him anything, but I sensed something was there. I'll let him finish his work and then he can answer himself."

"I spoke with his manager and the manager told him to be ready. Then he should come out and explain what's going on himself. I didn't dare ask him directly. When I spoke with his manager, things just seemed off and different from usual."

Meanwhile, actress Tah Naeng has been traveling to Phu Quoc, Vietnam for a vacation with world-class superstar Jessica Jung, former member of Girls' Generation, seemingly ignoring the breakup rumors. She posted relaxed photos of her time there and her latest work updates, with fans flooding her posts with hearts and compliments.

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National

Government Reiterates Labor Day Rights: Employees Entitled to Day Off with Regular Pay

Workers are entitled to paid time off on May 1 Labor Day, with employers required to pay at least triple hourly wages if work is mandatory, or arrange alternative compensation days for essential services like hospitals and hotels.

1 May Khaosod

The government reiterates that on Labor Day, employees have the right to take a paid day off with regular wages, while continuous operations can arrange alternative compensation days or substitute holiday pay to ensure fair treatment for workers.

On May 1, 2026, Deputy Government Spokesperson Lalida Peresivivatana addressed National Labor Day on May 1, stating that Labor Day is a legal holiday where employees are entitled to receive wages equivalent to a regular working day to protect workers' rights and ensure fair labor standards.

If employees must work on National Labor Day, employers must pay at least 1 times the regular wage rate for holiday work. For overtime, employers must pay at least 3 times the hourly wage rate as stipulated by law. If it coincides with the regular weekly day off, the Department of Labor Protection and Welfare requires employers to arrange a compensation day on the following working day so employees receive their full legal entitlements.

Deputy Spokesperson Lalida noted that for businesses that cannot cease operations—such as hotels, restaurants, hospitals, or transportation services—employers may negotiate with employees to arrange compensation days on alternative dates or provide substitute holiday pay as appropriate.

The government prioritizes continuous labor protection, upgrading human capital and improving living standards for all citizens in a sustainable manner, ensuring workers receive fair treatment and appropriate protections. The government emphasizes that all employers must comply with these requirements strictly, with workers' interests as the primary concern.

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