National

RWS Rewards Champion: Daniel Rodriguez Signs Contract Through 2030 in 154-Pound Division

Daniel Rodriguez, Rajadamnern Stadium's 154-pound champion, has signed a long-term contract with RWS through 2030, extending his reign as one of Thai boxing's elite fighters at age 27.

25 Apr Khaosod

RWS has signed a long-term contract with Daniel Rodriguez, Rajadamnern Stadium's 154-pound champion, extending through 2030.

Throughout his career, Rodriguez has built an impressive resume with a 50-1 record and has held the Rajadamnern title for over four years, making him one of the best fighters in the 154-pound division and a legitimate pound-for-pound world contender.

At 27 years old, Rodriguez is in his prime and has chosen to continue advancing Thai boxing with RWS and Rajadamnern Stadium during this crucial period of his career.

After signing the contract, Rodriguez explained his decision: "I decided to entrust my future to RWS because I want to be a top-tier fighter and the true pinnacle of Thai boxing. To all the boxing fans, I'm here to stay because Rajadamnern is my home. I will defeat anyone who tries to take my belt. I promise."

Since his debut with RWS in 2022, Rodriguez has competed in 17 fights, winning 16. In addition to his Rajadamnern 154-pound title reign of 1,424 days, he has also captured RWS championship belts in 2022 and 2024.

In his most recent bout, he delivered a dominant knockout of Hercules Beschadov at the RWS event in mid-April, securing a 1,000,000 baht bonus.

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National

Thailand plans to scrap visa-free stay, cut duration

Thailand is scrapping its 60-day visa-free entry scheme and cutting permitted stays to focus on longer-staying, higher-spending tourists and prevent visa misuse.

25 Apr Khaosod

BANGKOK — 25 April 2026, Thailand is considering scrapping its 60-day visa-free entry scheme for foreign visitors and reducing permitted stays, as authorities shift focus towards higher-spending, long-stay tourists, officials said.

Tourism and Sports Minister Surasak Phancharoenworakul said the government is reviewing the policy after a trial period and is preparing to submit proposed changes to the Cabinet soon.

The measure currently allows travellers from 93 countries and territories to enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days. Officials now plan to scrap the blanket scheme and revert to country-specific arrangements, while exploring new visa options tailored to different markets.

Surasak said the changes aim to better reflect actual travel patterns and curb misuse of the system.

"More than 90% of tourists stay between one and 30 days, while only about 10% remain longer," he said. "Allowing extended stays may enable some individuals to work illegally or engage in improper activities."

He said the revised approach would prioritise "quality tourists" who stay longer and contribute more to the economy, while serving as a screening mechanism for undesirable visitors.

The Foreign Ministry has already discussed the proposal, which will require Cabinet approval to amend the original resolution.

Separately, authorities are also pushing ahead with plans to introduce a 300-baht tourism fee for foreign arrivals by air. The levy would fund tourism development, safety measures and infrastructure improvements.

Surasak said such fees are common internationally, citing Japan's departure tax as an example, and insisted the measure would not deter visitors but help strengthen Thailand's tourism sector in the long term.

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Regional

Teacher catches crow stealing boiled eggs on camera

An art teacher in northeastern Thailand set up a camera to catch an egg thief and discovered the culprit was a clever crow repeatedly stealing boiled eggs from outside his school room.

25 Apr Khaosod

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — 25 April 2026 — A schoolteacher in northeastern Thailand set up a camera to catch a suspected thief who had taken a tray of boiled eggs, only to discover the culprit was a crow.

CCTV footage outside the room of Anuwit Tiamkrathok, an art and music teacher at Ban Mabkrad School in Khon Buri district, captured the bird repeatedly stealing eggs left overnight.

Anuwit said he regularly boiled large batches of eggs and stored them for convenience. On 23 April, he left a tray in a pot outside his room overnight, only to find them all gone the next morning.

After questioning staff and students without success, he initially suspected a dog but doubted it could remove the eggs without knocking over the pot.

He then repositioned his camera and left two boiled eggs as bait. Footage showed a crow swooping in at 5:50 to take one egg, before returning at 6:19 to grab the second.

"I never expected the thief would be a crow from nearby," he said.

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Regional

Phuket Commerce Department Inspects Patong Beach Over Coconut Price Controversy, Tightens Merchant Compliance

Phuket's Commerce Department investigated viral complaints about 150-baht coconut prices at Patong Beach, finding most vendors charge 100 baht with lower prices inland. The investigation revealed legitimate cost factors including 30-40 baht procurement costs, expensive ice for refrigeration, labor wages, and product spoilage risks within 3 days. Officials will hold merchant meetings April 27-30 to ensure compliance with pricing regulations and crack down on unauthorized vendors operating on the beach.

25 Apr Khaosod

On April 24, 2025, Varanit Aphirat Jirawongsa, Phuket's Commerce Director, deployed inspection officers alongside Patong Municipality officials to investigate online reports from TikTok users claiming they purchased coconut water for 150 baht at Patong Beach. The inspection of vendors and shops in the area found that most merchants display clear pricing, with beachfront vendors listing coconuts at 100 baht each, while shops further inland sell them for 50-80 baht.

Cost analysis revealed several factors affecting prices: raw coconut procurement costs range from 30-40 baht per fruit (depending on transportation and season), significant daily ice expenses for cooling, labor wages, and product spoilage risk requiring disposal within 3 days.

Local merchants indicated that beachfront sales are systematically organized by community enterprise groups, though unauthorized outside vendors may occasionally operate illegally. Officials pledged strict enforcement to prevent reputational damage to the tourism industry.

To establish uniform standards and prevent future issues, the Phuket Commerce Office coordinated with Patong Municipality to hold merchant briefing meetings from April 27-30, 2025, emphasizing compliance with the Central Price-Setting Committee Announcement No. 68 (2568) regarding price and service display requirements. Violations will face penalties according to law.

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National

Watch Tomorrow: Democrat Party Assembly to Consider New Party Secretary to Replace Srayut Jamluak

The Democrat Party holds an assembly tomorrow to select a new party secretary after Srayut Jamluak's resignation following the party's election loss, with executive board member Picharn Chaowapatnanon expected to take the role.

25 Apr Khaosod

The Democrat Party will convene a major assembly tomorrow to consider appointing a new party secretary to replace Srayut Jamluak, who stepped down after the party's recent election loss as he had previously committed to doing. According to reports, the party is reorganizing its executive committee to replace existing MPs who are embroiled in legal disputes, with the Supreme Court Criminal Division receiving 44 cases filed against former Move Forward MPs regarding Article 112 amendments. The Democrats have made clear there will be no changes to top leadership positions, with party chairman Natthapon Rueangpanya confirmed to continue in his role. However, the party secretary position will need to be filled following Srayut Jamluak's resignation, with reports indicating that executive board member Picharn Chaowapatnanon is expected to be appointed as the new party secretary.

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National

Hidden Stocks in the Corner – Low Income, But Hundreds of Millions Rich!??

Former Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob had his asset-concealment complaint dismissed by Thailand's anti-corruption agency, which accepted his claim that nominee holdings in a construction company were legitimate despite the nominee's i

25 Apr Khaosod

This is a widely criticized issue that undeniably damages confidence in Thailand's justice system. The matter concerns the NACC's ruling in the stock-hiding case of Saksayam Chidchob, former Transport Minister, following the Constitutional Court's decision removing him from office for concealing assets. Through a nominee holding shares in Buri Charoen Construction Company—where the share-purchasing funds came from Saksayam himself—he effectively remained the company's true owner while contracting multiple Transport Ministry projects. However, the NACC disagreed. On September 8, 2025, they dismissed the complaint, issuing a clarification on April 23, 2026, six months later. The NACC reasoned that Saksayam did not intentionally conceal assets, believing that after selling shares to the nominee, he had no obligation to report them. After the Constitutional Court's ruling, the nominee continued claiming ownership, resulting in litigation at Nonthaburi Court over true ownership. Eventually, through mediation, the nominee purchased 19 land plots totaling 323 rai from Saksayam for 51 million baht, mysteriously ending the affair. The NACC concluded Saksayam did not hide stocks and the nominee was the true company owner. This demonstrates interesting use of NACC discretion. Yet a nagging question remains: where did the nominee obtain 119 million baht to purchase the shares? His tax filings with the Revenue Department from 2015-2019 show only 108,000-118,000 baht annual income—averaging just 9,000 baht monthly. Furthermore, the money trail reveals concealed transactions typical of hidden asset transfers, suggesting Saksayam remained the true owner. Why couldn't the NACC see this? Is it normal for low-wage earners to become hundred-millionaires effortlessly, especially nowadays? One cannot say!??

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Police

Man Turned to Drug Dealing After Egg Delivery Work Failed to Support Wife, Arrested Before He Could Win Her Back

A 28-year-old man arrested in Buriram with over 8,000 methamphetamine pills admitted he turned to drug dealing for Laotian traffickers after his egg delivery job failed to support his wife, who left him.

25 Apr Khaosod

On April 25, 2026, officers led by Deputy Police Colonel Suwat Nammuangkul of the Buriram Provincial Police Drug Suppression Task Force, along with Thanon Menthaisoung, Deputy District Officer of Muang Buriram, and personnel from various police and military units, raided a residence in Sawai Jeek Subdistrict, Muang District, Buriram. They arrested Sarphet (surname withheld), 28, and seized 8,222 methamphetamine pills, a mobile phone, and a motorcycle—the result of an expanded investigation following an earlier drug arrest in Phutthaison District.

Investigation revealed the suspect had been storing methamphetamine for Laotian drug dealers and distributing it to customers in Buriram province. When police located him at his residence in Sawai Jeek Subdistrict, they initially found about 200 pills on him. Sarphet confessed to hiding an additional 8,000 pills under the seat of his motorcycle parked beneath his house.

The suspect admitted he previously worked as a chicken egg delivery driver but earned insufficient income, causing his wife to leave him. A Facebook contact introduced him to Laotian dealers seeking someone to store and distribute methamphetamine, paying 500 baht per bundle of approximately 2,000 pills. He had completed numerous deliveries before this arrest. This latest batch consisted of 7 bundles totaling 14,000 pills; he had already distributed 3 bundles (6,000 pills) when arrested with the remaining 4 bundles still in his possession. Sarphet expressed regret, acknowledging his seized earnings would be forfeited and he would now have no opportunity to reconcile with his estranged wife as he had planned.

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National

Sensation! Extraordinarily Rare Two-Toned Lobster, 1 in 50 Million Odds, Found Off Cape Cod, Massachusetts

A Massachusetts fishing boat caught an extraordinarily rare two-toned lobster with odds of 1 in 50 million off Cape Cod, with the specimen now heading to Woods Hole Science Aquarium for public display and study.

25 Apr Khaosod

A lobster fishing boat off Cape Cod, Massachusetts has created a sensation in marine science circles after catching a lobster with a strikingly split coloration—an exceptionally rare occurrence with odds of only about 1 in 50 million. Wellfleet Shellfish Company revealed that the unusual lobster was discovered by the fishing vessel Timothy Michael on April 16 while conducting routine operations in the waters off Cape Cod.

What makes this lobster truly remarkable is its body color clearly divided into two distinct halves, with each side displaying completely different coloration, as if split down the middle by a straight line—astonishing the entire fishing crew. The company subsequently decided to donate this rare specimen to the Woods Hole Science Aquarium so it can live out its remaining years in suitable conditions and be viewed by the general public.

While the aquarium undergoes renovations, the lobster has been placed under the care of a marine biology laboratory overseen by NOAA Fisheries in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. Wellfleet Shellfish Company explained via social media that this "half-and-half" colored lobster results from an extremely rare genetic abnormality that causes its shell to split into two distinctly colored halves.

This discovery has captured the attention not only of marine scientists but has also gone viral worldwide, as it represents one of nature's rarest and most wondrous examples found in the deep sea.

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National

No Corners to Hide – Can Lt. Cdr. Virojn's Testimony Cut Short the Case?

Lt. Cdr. Virojn Ketumani, arrested as one of two gunmen in the shooting of a Nakhon Si Thammarat MP, is evasive in testimony but evidence points to broader military involvement that cannot be concealed. Investigators are closing in on other

25 Apr Khaosod

Details have emerged about the background of Lt. Cdr. Virojn Ketumani, a former naval officer and the fifth suspect in the shooting of Pol. Gen. Malasakdi Liwamaow, a Nakhon Si Thammarat MP from the Thai Nation Party, recently arrested by police. He is one of two gunmen who fired M16 rifles, injuring two people severely.

With his decade-long experience as a UN security officer in Iraq and Afghanistan, combined with YouTube clips showing him expertly analyzing Afghan situations with detailed knowledge of various ethnic groups, it becomes clear why his testimony in the MP shooting case is filled with evasions and selective admissions—claiming no one directed him, that ISOC and the military were uninvolved, and citing personal disapproval of the MP as a human rights lawyer, before concluding that Thailand's territory is sacred and indivisible.

Given his preparation time, readiness, and extensive foreign experience, his fragmented testimony appears calculated to shield others from prosecution. He is indeed an extraordinary suspect. However, no matter how knowledgeable or experienced, when someone stands accused as a shooter hunting human life, prosecution must proceed without exception. Those with expertise who turn to dark purposes must be caught and pursued. His invocation that Thailand's territory cannot be divided is absurd—MP Malasakdi is certainly not a separatist, making this the flimsiest of excuses.

Regardless of how skillfully Lt. Cdr. Virojn testifies to compartmentalize the case, the factual evidence cannot hide that more people are involved. Take Lt. Col. Montri Tolaprasoet, the ISOC officer who provided the vehicle to Lt. Cdr. Virojn. The Thai Nation Party is now pressing that he must inevitably face charges. His claim that he lent the vehicle to a friend without knowing what it would be used for is implausible. The vehicle underwent modifications and had tinted film applied—Lt. Col. Montri must have known. Furthermore, Virojn's team conducted live-fire drills at a military camp beforehand, which everyone would have witnessed. The case is now drawing dangerously close to Lt. Col. Montri, and there is no way to protect him. Additional active-duty military officers may also have evidence linking them to the incident.

Facts and evidence represent case progress that no one can stop. No matter how skillfully Lt. Cdr. Virojn constructs his testimony to obstruct the case, it cannot possibly be compartmentalized. This investigation will inevitably move forward.

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Community

Crowds Flock to Charitable Forest Cleanup Event: 800 Unidentified Remains Exhumed, Multiple Golden Child Statues Discovered

Thousands of volunteers participated in a charitable forest cleanup in Nakhon Ratchasima on April 25, exhuming roughly 800 unidentified remains and discovering several golden child statues as part of a sacred Buddhist ceremony honoring wand

25 Apr Khaosod

Nakhon Ratchasima—A major charitable event drew crowds of devotees for the third forest cleanup and collection of approximately 800 unidentified remains, with the discovery of several golden child statues creating considerable excitement among participants before the forest closure and sacred ceremony to honor wandering spirits.

On April 25, 2025, the Sueng Neuen Charitable Foundation's cemetery in Sueng Neuen District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, hosted the bustling event. Foundation President Somkiat Kiakamchai led proceedings alongside representatives from a network of 72 foundations, committee members, officials, and thousands of devoted volunteers and residents working in harmony.

The forest cleanup ceremony, conducted as a sacred rite honoring Buddhist and Thai-Chinese traditions, involved exhuming unidentified remains for cleansing, chanting for spiritual passage, and cremation to guide souls toward favorable realms. Believed to bring merit and fortune, the ceremony dedicates merit to unclaimed spirits.

The third exhumation committee, supported by the 72-foundation network, received cooperation from hundreds of volunteers from provinces including Saraburi, Khon Kaen, Chonburi, Chaiyaphum, and Buriram. Operating from March 28 through May 12, 2025—a 49-day period—the effort involved opening 51 burial blocks. Today's work uncovered approximately 800 remains, including several golden child statues that drew considerable attention. These will be cleansed and honored through religious ceremonies dedicating merit to the unclaimed spirits.

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Police

Nong Khai Narcotics Enforcement Officers Arrest Two Men with Major Meth Haul Worth 39 Million Baht

Narcotics officers in Nong Khai arrested two men with 790,000 methamphetamine pills worth 39 million baht hidden at a rubber plantation in Sangkhom District on April 25. The suspects were allegedly preparing to smuggle the drugs into centra

25 Apr Khaosod

Nong Khai narcotics enforcement officers have apprehended two men caught attempting to smuggle 790,000 methamphetamine pills valued at approximately 39 million baht through a rubber plantation in Sangkhom District, with plans to transport the drugs into central Thailand.

At 2:00 PM on April 25, 2025, officials from the Nong Khai River Security Unit in Si Chiang Mai District announced the arrests. Deputy Governor Paitoon Mahachuenjai, Narcotics Enforcement Commander Pol. Col. Nrong Emdee, and Nong Khai Narcotics Chief Adm. Wisitpong Charoenwijchadech coordinated with military personnel, police, customs officials including Customs Director Wanna Phuotsamai, and local administrative officers to make the announcement.

The suspects—27-year-old Kiartpong from Phra Yuen District, Khon Kaen Province, and 38-year-old Jeeranai from Sangkhom District, Nong Khai Province—were arrested along with three motorcycles used in the operation. Officers had received intelligence on April 22 about a planned drug shipment into Sangkhom and tracked the suspects' movement from the Thai-Lao First Friendship Bridge in Muang Nong Khai District to their hideout at a rubber plantation in Nam Phai Village.

Authorities believe the suspects received the methamphetamine from a neighboring country and were holding it temporarily while coordinating with their network to distribute it throughout Thailand's interior. The suspects face formal drug trafficking charges.

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