"The Buddha is the greatest healer of mental illness in the world," according to teachings from Luang Pho Cha Suphattho of Wat Nong Pa Phong in Ubon Ratchathani. The article covers several renowned Buddhist masters and their amulet creations, including Luang Pho Bai Thammachiato of Wat Chong Lom, whose copper coins with gold plating from 1918 (B.E. 2461) are now extremely rare and command high prices. These coins feature a half-length portrait with distinctive shoulder lines, surrounded by rice sheaves, with Khmer script on the reverse. Luang Pho La Punnachee of Wat Phi Sri in Sing Buri province created first edition portrait coins in 1925 (B.E. 2468), depicting the monk in meditation pose, which became so popular that counterfeits emerged. Luang Pu Thom Kalyanob, former provincial overseer of Sukhothai and former abbot of Wat Thammapaññarama, created oval-shaped portrait coins in 1977 (B.E. 2520) with limited production of no more than 5,000 pieces, now considered extremely rare. The article also covers a rectangular locket amulet created by disciples of Luang Pu Thon Pussavaro of Wat Phong Yang in Chachoengsao province to commemorate his 110th birthday in 2018 (B.E. 2561), containing sacred powder and gems alongside blessed powders from approximately 350 revered monks.

On April 27 at the Thai Justice Institute, AIS announced a major strategic initiative to comprehensively elevate Thai sports. The company launched 'AIS SPORT ACADEMY' to develop the Thai sports industry holistically under the concept of 'People Power Creates Thai Sports Power.' Partnering with national and international allies including Chulalongkorn University, Bundesliga Germany, and the Football Association of Thailand, AIS aims to nurture young Thai athletes. The program will send selected youth to train at world-class football facilities in Germany while providing scholarships for education at Chulalongkorn University Demonstration School, developing excellence in both athletic skills and academics to create professional-level sports personnel.

Kantima Lerlertsayjuttharam, AIS Corporate Operations Executive Vice President, stated: 'AIS has always believed that people are the foundation of organizations and society. Through AIS Academy, we've developed personnel capabilities both internally and externally by upgrading digital skills and providing equal access to global knowledge.'

She continued: 'Building people is AIS's DNA. Today we're extending this model to sports, viewing it not merely as competition but as a crucial mechanism driving the nation. With over 10 million people in Thailand's sports ecosystem, we're committed to transforming AIS from merely a broadcast channel to a full supporter and developer of Thai sports. AIS SPORT ACADEMY represents our genuine commitment to providing the best for Thai society, operating as a serious institution because we firmly believe that strong people create strong sports, which creates a strong nation.'

Saiichol Sopmakudom, AIS Corporate Communications Director, explained: 'AIS SPORT ACADEMY recognizes sports as more than competition—as both an industry and powerful community. We've structured operations around three core pillars: creating opportunities to cultivate quality personnel, enhancing knowledge by transferring world-class skills, and professionalism to sustain career growth.'

AIS has partnered with Chulalongkorn University, Bundesliga, and the Football Association of Thailand to select young footballers for training in Germany while providing scholarships to Chulalongkorn's demonstration school. This demonstrates that Thai youth need not choose between academics and sports but can pursue both perfectly. These partnerships integrate sports, education, and opportunity to build a sustainable Thai sports ecosystem. Future steps include concrete operational developments.

Samsung, the world-renowned South Korean technology innovator, launches the Galaxy A57 5G and Galaxy A37 5G smartphones to bring cutting-edge mobile innovations to everyone at comprehensive price points. These new Galaxy A Series models reflect Samsung's commitment to making AI technology accessible to all through advanced user experiences at even more affordable prices. The standout capability comes from Awesome Intelligence, a powerful AI feature suite designed to simplify daily routines. The Galaxy A57 5G features a sleek, thin design with lightweight construction.

One of the most prominent new features is Voice Transcription, available on Galaxy A Series for the first time. Users can record audio through the Voice Recorder app, automatically converting speech to text and translating across multiple languages, making meeting reviews, lesson replays, and conversation data organization more convenient and efficient.

The popular Circle to Search with Google feature has been enhanced to identify multiple objects simultaneously. For example, when users find a style they like, they can search for details of each item—whether clothing or shoes—in a single search by simply circling around the outfit on screen.

AI Select also provides smart recommendations based on screen content, such as creating GIFs, saving images, or setting wallpapers. Users can now access this feature more conveniently through the Edge Panel. The Multi-Window Drag & Drop feature allows smooth content movement between apps, working with AI Select to enable faster multitasking in apps like Samsung Browser and Samsung Notes, where users can directly drag images into Samsung Notes and resize them as needed.

The Object Eraser feature has been improved to more precisely remove unwanted elements, especially at image edges, resulting in clearer, more natural-looking photos with minimal editing. The camera remains a standout feature of the Galaxy A series, with upgrades delivering vibrant, sharp images in all lighting conditions—from bright to low light.

Both models feature a three-camera rear system for enhanced photography flexibility. The 5-megapixel macro camera captures detailed close-up shots, revealing surface details invisible to the naked eye. The 12MP ultra-wide camera on the Galaxy A57 5G captures wider angles, ideal for landscapes and group photos. For parties and night photography, the enhanced Nightography feature produces bright, sharp low-light images with natural color.

The new Galaxy A Series features refined design that seamlessly blends sleekness with everyday practicality. The Galaxy A57 5G is remarkably thin at just 6.9 millimeters and weighs 179 grams—0.5mm thinner and 19 grams lighter than its predecessor—making it comfortable to hold and easy to carry.

Amid the lights and roaring cheers at the '2026 i-dle WORLD TOUR [Syncopation] IN BANGKOK' concert at Impact Arena in Muang Thonburi, a heartwarming story unfolded that rivaled the music itself. Thai pop star Minnie Nicha Yontararak used her precious time after the performance to meet 'Nong Wanna,' a girl under her sponsorship through the Supanimit Foundation of Thailand, marking their first face-to-face meeting despite being connected through letters, encouragement, and ongoing support of the child's progress.

Minnie's role in supporting Wanna, a girl from a vulnerable family in a remote area, has opened the door to a more stable quality of life for her—proof that 'giving filled with love' can truly transform a child's future.

Under the 'Because Love...Creating Powerful Giving' campaign, Minnie and the Supanimit Foundation want to convey to society that sponsoring one child is not merely offering temporary assistance, but rather investing in their future. The support from Minnie and other sponsors produces tangible results for children in vulnerable areas across four key dimensions: 'Education' opens doors to knowledge, enabling children to secure livelihoods and care for themselves in the future; 'Nutrition' promotes strong, healthy bodies for proper development; 'Safe Spaces' protect children from social risks and dangers; and 'Hope and Encouragement' reminds them they don't face life's struggles alone.

For Minnie, love is not confined to words alone—it's the driving force that compels someone to take action for others. That a global-level artist like Minnie chooses to be a giver demonstrates that regardless of where we stand in society, we can all become 'a wind beneath the wings' that helps a child's dreams take flight. True happiness lies in witnessing a life blossom beautifully because of the love we extend.

The Supanimit Foundation of Thailand invites everyone to transform their love into power for change. Children are still waiting for their opportunity, because we believe that because love...your giving becomes far more meaningful than you imagine. Join in sponsoring a child or supporting projects at https://give.worldvision.or.th/KYIzGJ

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas opened the International Public Procurement Conference 2026 (IPPC 2026) on April 27, 2025, a forum bringing together policy leaders from East Asia and the Pacific region. The conference aims to elevate public procurement from an administrative mechanism to a strategic economic tool capable of generating employment, fostering innovation, and driving sustainable economic development. The three-day event runs through April 29 at Bangkok's Millennium Hilton under the theme "Procurement for Prosperity: Driving Jobs, Innovation, and Impact in East Asia and Pacific," hosted by the Comptroller General's Department in partnership with the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, and over 20 countries.

During his keynote address, Ekniti emphasized that global public procurement represents approximately 12% of world GDP and up to 20% in some developed nations, reflecting the direct impact of government spending on economic structure. He noted that improving public procurement efficiency could save up to 10% of project costs, which could be redirected toward broader and sustainable economic development. Thailand's government has adopted a "4T" policy framework—Target, Transition, Transformation, and Together—focused on resource efficiency, support for sustainable economic transition, workforce development, and enhanced public-private-civil society collaboration.

Thailand is advancing its procurement system through three pillars: digital procurement enhancing transparency and data utilization, green procurement considering long-term environmental impacts, and innovation-focused procurement prioritizing outcomes over price. The government is also improving procedures and reducing barriers for small and medium enterprises through the e-GP system linked to financing via the PromptBiz platform, while promoting the "Made in Thailand" policy to support domestic industries. These initiatives are expected to create employment, stimulate innovation, and generate positive economic, social, and environmental impacts beyond budget savings alone.

On April 27, 2025, Abdulraman Molo, or Mr. Ben, Deputy Secretary-General of Palang Pracharath (PPP) party, discussed developments in the assassination case of MP Kamolasakdi Liwamaung from Narathiwat. Kamolasakdi recently filed a complaint at Ba Jao police station against two naval officers allegedly involved in the case.

Molo stated that deep investigation suggests the assassination operation involved more than the five gunmen already arrested. According to their findings, the conspiracy operates on four levels: Level 1 (the true mastermind), Level 2 (coordinators and planners), Level 3 (facilitators who provided weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and escape arrangements), and Level 4 (the five shooters already apprehended).

Molo noted that over a month has passed since the incident with no progress against individuals above the hit team, despite all testimonies being recorded. This forced Kamolasakdi to file the complaint himself to bring justice. The two navy officers named in the complaint appear to be Level 2 and 3 operatives, whose interrogation could reveal communication records leading to the top mastermind.

Molo emphasized the case's critical importance, stating that Palang Pracharath cannot claim to protect southern border stability if it cannot even protect its own MPs. He called on the government and security agencies to conduct a transparent investigation, warning that failure to arrest the masterminds would undermine confidence in the justice system and the broader peace-building efforts in the deep south pursued over 20 years.