Thailand's dance scene is set to come alive again as The Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing (CSTD) Thailand organizes the '13th CSTD Thailand Dance Grand Prix 2026' from April 29 to May 4, 2026. This major competition brings together young dance enthusiasts from across the country in a unified arena dedicated to advancing the art of dance.

The 13th CSTD Thailand Dance Grand Prix is Thailand's premier dance competition emphasizing international techniques, marking its 13th consecutive year. Far more than just a competition, it serves as 'an inspiration zone' that enables children and youth to showcase their potential through movement arts. The event encompasses ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip-hop, and creative performances, with over 1,500 competitors from leading dance schools nationwide participating throughout six full days in a family-friendly atmosphere.

A major highlight is the trophy award from Princess Sirivannavari Narirusmaniyadej, which reflects the national significance of this platform and represents an important step for Thai youth toward the international stage. Winners will have the opportunity to represent Thailand in the Asia Pacific Dance Competition alongside dancers from countries worldwide.

Wallapa Patchimswat, representative of CSTD Thailand, stated: 'We want this platform to be more than a competition—a space where children discover themselves through dance, developing their bodies, confidence, and creativity while opening doors to genuine future opportunities.'

CSTD is a world-renowned dance arts organization from Australia, established in 1933 and operating in Thailand for over 29 years. It sets international standards for dance education and examinations. The Thailand Dance Grand Prix serves not only as a competition but as a vital mechanism in promoting Thailand's 'soft power' through performing arts, inspiring youth to confidently pursue international professional pathways.

Navinda Patchimswat, co-organizer of Thailand Dance Grand Prix, emphasized: 'CSTD operates under international standards, committed to providing Thai youth with a quality platform to develop skills properly and advance confidently to the international level. The platform also plays a crucial role in promoting Thailand's dance soft power, creating rising stars for the Asia-Pacific stage, and bringing together leading dance schools nationwide while providing opportunities for brands and sponsors to reach families and youth—a continuously growing and high-potential demographic.'

Fans Shocked as Chalie Kadeedet Nearly Closes Legend: Reveals Life-or-Death Moment, Rushed to Hospital for Emergency Intestinal Surgery. Fans were alarmed and sent their support to Chalie Kadeedet after he was urgently hospitalized for emergency intestinal surgery due to a ruptured bowel obstruction. He recently revealed how close he came to death. "The legend nearly ended—Chalie Kadeedet was rushed to the hospital on April 23rd. I had a ruptured intestinal obstruction and needed emergency surgery to flush out my entire bowel," he said. Chalie Kadeedet Reveals Death Was Just Within Reach, Warns About Health Care "I'm safe now, but death was just within reach. Please take care of your health. I care about and love everyone. Thank you for your concern."

A young BMW driver rear-ended a motorcycle rider who had just left a restaurant, resulting in a fatal collision. The victim's friend recounted the tragic moments, revealing that the BMW driver had attempted to overtake before striking at full force.

On April 30, 2569, Lieutenant Tasana Udomporn, an investigator from Khlong Luang Police Station, responded to a report of a vehicle collision with a motorcycle near a condominium in Khlong Neung subdistrict, Khlong Luang district, Pathum Thani province. Officers from traffic police, forensic doctors from Thammasat University Hospital, and volunteers from the Por Tek Tung Foundation responded to the scene.

The victim, identified as Alongkorn (surname withheld), 27 years old, was found wearing a food delivery uniform lying along the roadside approximately 10 meters away. His gray Honda Dream motorcycle without license plates showed severe damage to the rear. Nearby, a gray BMW sedan with Bangkok registration displayed severe damage to the front left side with a shattered windshield. The driver, identified as Phumin (surname withheld), 22 years old, was questioned by police at the scene.

Upon questioning, Natthakitti (surname withheld), 23 years old and a friend of the deceased, stated that he and the victim had just left a restaurant and were riding their motorcycles back to their car. The victim was leading when the BMW suddenly attempted to overtake before crashing into the back of the victim's motorcycle with tremendous force.

Phumin refused to provide details at the scene, stating he would give a formal statement directly to police. Officers took him in for further questioning at Khlong Luang Police Station.

Lieutenant Tasana documented the scene and evidence, then arranged for Por Tek Tung Foundation staff to transport the body to the Institute of Forensic Medicine at Thammasat University Hospital for further autopsy examination.

The Thai Meteorological Department forecasts severe thunderstorms today with heavy rain, strong winds, and hail affecting 64 provinces throughout the North and Northeast. On April 30, 2025, the 24-hour weather forecast predicts thunderstorms in the North, Northeast, East, Central regions, Bangkok, and surrounding areas, with characteristics including thunderstorms, strong wind gusts, scattered hail, and possible lightning strikes. This is caused by a high-pressure zone and cold air mass from China covering the Northeast and South China Sea, while upper Thailand experiences extreme heat. Public warning: avoid open areas, large trees, weak structures, and unstable signs. Farmers should reinforce fruit trees and prepare to protect crops and livestock from potential damage, and monitor health during weather changes.

The South will experience scattered thunderstorms due to easterly and southeast winds covering the Gulf of Thailand, southern region, and Andaman Sea. Dust and haze levels in the North, Northeast, and upper Central regions have decreased to moderate levels due to thunderstorm activity.

North: Generally hot with some extremely hot areas, 40% thunderstorm coverage with strong gusts and scattered hail, heavy rain in some areas. Provinces affected: Mae Hong Son, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Lampang, Phayao, Phrae, Nan, Tak, Sukhothai, Uthai Thani, Phitsanulok, Phichit, and Phetchabun. Low: 20-27°C, High: 29-40°C. Southwest winds 5-15 km/h.

Northeast: 60% thunderstorm coverage with strong gusts and scattered hail, heavy rain in some areas. Provinces affected: Loei, Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lam Phu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Mukdahan, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Nakhon Ratchasima, Buriram, Surin, Si Sa Ket, and Ubon Ratchathani. Low: 21-24°C, High: 30-34°C. Southeast winds 10-15 km/h.

Central: Hot to extremely hot midday with 40% thunderstorm coverage and some strong gusts. Provinces affected: Nakhon Sawan, Lopburi, Saraburi, Ayutthaya, Nakhon Pathom, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Sing Buri, Ang Thong, Suphan Buri, Kanchanaburi, and Ratchaburi. Low: 25-28°C, High: 37-40°C. Southern winds 10-15 km/h.

East: Hot midday with 60% thunderstorm coverage, strong gusts and scattered hail. Provinces affected: Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chachoengsao, Sa Kaew, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat. Low: 25-28°C, High: 33-37°C. Southeast winds 15-30 km/h. Sea waves approximately 1 meter, higher than 1 meter in thunderstorm areas.

South (East Coast): Hot midday with 20% thunderstorm coverage. Provinces affected: Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, Surat Thani, Yala, and Narathiwat. Low: 24-27°C, High: 34-38°C. Southeast winds.

Paris Saint-Germain has confirmed that right-back Achraf Hakimi sustained a right thigh injury and will be sidelined for the upcoming Champions League semifinal second leg against Bayern Munich on May 6. The club stated that Hakimi requires several weeks of recovery treatment following the injury sustained during PSG's 5-4 first-leg victory on April 28. With PSG providing no specific timeline for his return, uncertainty remains over whether he will be fit for the 2026 World Cup. Additionally, PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier also suffered a right thigh injury during training on April 29 and will similarly require several weeks of rehabilitation.

At 9:00 PM on April 29, 2025, Chawanin Wongsathitjirakan, Governor of Ayutthaya Province, along with Deputy Governor Dechathon Chao-lekha, Provincial Secretary Suthee Lao-subin-prasert, and Uthai District Chief Krongtrī Papponsak Kantichaimongkol, ordered Provincial Security Commander Phurin Bunphupanthatin and his team members, in coordination with Uthai District officials and Uthai Police Station, to investigate complaints from residents regarding illegal gambling operations. The establishment operated as a shrimp fishing pond restaurant serving food and alcohol, but was also running illegal gambling where customers bet on the weight of caught shrimp, predicting whether the weight would be even or odd numbers. The shop was located in Uthai District, Ayutthaya Province.

Behavioral surveillance confirmed the shop operated as a restaurant with alcohol service and shrimp fishing activities, then had customers place bets on even-odd numbers based on the weight of shrimp they caught. Authorities planned to send undercover officers to photograph and record video evidence before conducting the raid.

When customers and gamblers saw the officials arrive, they were startled but cooperated with the inspection. Authorities initially arrested Anuwin (surname withheld), 59 years old, the shop owner, Suwan (surname withheld), 31 years old, and nine other gamblers. Seized items included one digital scale, one results prediction board, and 1,345 baht in cash.

Provincial Security Commander Phurin Bunphupanthatin stated that the raid resulted from complaints by residents about the shrimp pond illegally allowing customers to gamble on shrimp weight by predicting even-odd results based on the weight of caught shrimp. The pond was openly conducting gambling in front of children and youth using the restaurant and fishing services.

After thorough investigation and undercover surveillance confirming frequent gambling activity, authorities revealed their identities and made arrests. Suspects initially confessed and were charged with organizing illegal result-prediction gambling (shrimp weight betting) involving money or property in violation of the Gambling Act B.E. 2478, Section 4 Bis, and with participating in such illegal gambling. The suspects and all seized items were handed over to Uthai Police Station for further legal proceedings.