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."

Thailand MICE X-Change 2026: Uniting Forces to Drive Innovation and Sustainability Elevating Thailand's MICE Industry to the Global Stage

April 29, 2026 – The Thai Exhibition Association (TEA), in partnership with public and private sector allies, officially launched Thailand MICE X-Change 2026 (TMX 2026), held concurrently with MICE Day 2026 as part of Thailand MICE Week 2026, organized by the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB). The event aims to become a leading trade show and academic conference for the exhibitions, meetings, and events industry.

Loy Chun Hao, Chairman of the Thai Exhibition Association (TEA), stated following the opening ceremony: "Thailand MICE X-Change has evolved into a flagship platform reflecting the power of exhibitions and events as a strategic marketing tool amid highly competitive conditions. Face-to-face interaction remains the most effective mechanism for building trust, creating business opportunities, and fostering meaningful relationships, particularly in innovation and sustainability. We support the business sector in adapting to global trends and the digital transformation."

This year's event operates under the theme "Innovation & Sustainability: Powering Excellence & Growth in Thailand's MICE Industry," bringing together over 4,000 industry professionals from around the world to reinforce Thailand's image as a hub for innovative and sustainable event management at the regional level.

The TMX 2026 opening ceremony was presided over by Napintr Srisarp, Minister Attached to the Prime Minister's Office, who delivered the keynote address. Industry leaders in attendance included Loy Chun Hao, Chairman of TEA; Dr. Pasuk Loharchaoen, Chairman of the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau; and executives from leading organizations in the MICE ecosystem.

Attendees will encounter solutions providers from over 100 leading exhibitions, meetings, and events companies from both Thailand and abroad. Solutions presented cover the entire supply chain, including venue services, design and construction, booth services, logistics, event technology, marketing, and communications.

Beyond showcasing new technologies, the event features the X-Change Square seminar platform with knowledge-sharing sessions led by nearly 29 distinguished speakers from leading organizations, international venue managers, event organizers, and industry experts. Over 16 topics will be covered, including industry overview and future trends, AI and event marketing technology, MICE sustainability, exhibition logistics, business matchmaking strategies, and innovative booth design and experience creation.

A key highlight of TMX 2026 is the Business Matching Program, which connects exhibitors with service buyers.

Pichit Mitravangsul, Chief Executive Officer of Thailand's Small and Medium Enterprise Development Bank (SME D Bank), announced that Thailand's economy showed clear signs of slowdown in the first quarter of 2025 due to prolonged Middle East tensions, which have continuously driven up energy prices. This has severely impacted Thai SME operators facing increased business costs and expenses.

As a specialized state financial institution under the Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Industry, SME D Bank remains committed to serving as a crucial mechanism to help Thai SMEs overcome current difficulties and build long-term sustainability. Operating under the philosophy "an umbrella once opened never closes," the bank provides support through improved credit processes and relaxed conditions aligned with current economic situations, enabling small operators to access loans quickly.

In the first quarter of 2025, SME D Bank achieved its targets by providing over 19.8 billion baht in capital to SME operators, representing 11.75% growth compared to the same period in 2024. The majority went to small business operators with loan limits not exceeding 15 million baht per business, generating approximately 90.7 billion baht in economic circulation and supporting over 541,700 jobs. Outstanding credit reached over 100 billion baht, up 3.05% year-on-year.

Simultaneously, the bank developed over 1,900 SME operators through its development program, focusing on marketing, revenue increase, and business expansion via new market channels suited to the digital era. The bank provided consulting on cost reduction through clean energy, technology, and innovation. Activities included opening SME D Market with free booth space, teaching online marketing and AI applications. The bank's digital platform DX by SME D Bank (dx.smebank.co.th) saw 5,370 new service users, a 124% increase year-on-year, with cumulative membership exceeding 50,660.

The bank also provided support to over 5,590 vulnerable customers affected by various situations through debt restructuring and other assistance measures. Credit quality management remained efficient, with non-performing loans (NPLs) declining to approximately 7.857 billion baht or 7.86% by end of March 2025. The bank maintained a strong NPL Coverage Ratio of 158.52%, reflecting financial stability and resilience. SME D Bank will continue implementing its "umbrella" philosophy throughout the remaining three quarters of 2025 to help SMEs overcome crises and build sustainable foundations.

Veteran actor Wisit Yuttiyong has revealed his latest condition following illness caused by a deteriorating heart balloon stent, a leaking heart valve, and kidney disease, with mounting medical expenses. Fellow actors representing the Actors' Welfare Foundation have provided financial assistance.

Noi Nathani Ruedyiem presented the aid to veteran actor Wisit Yuttiyong on April 29, 2026. Photos shared on the Actors' Network Facebook page show the veteran actor receiving treatment, with actress Noi Nathani Sittisaman, executive director of the Actors' Welfare Foundation, presenting the financial aid to help cover his medical expenses.

Veteran actor Wisit Yuttiyong, familiar to audiences through his many film and television roles, fell ill due to a deteriorating heart balloon stent, a leaking heart valve, and kidney disease.

Wisit Yuttiyong has revealed details of his ongoing health struggles. "After the doctor diagnosed that my heart valve is leaking severely, we still don't know exactly where the leak is located. I need to undergo ultrasound or endoscopy, including swallowing an endoscope for a detailed examination of which part of the valve is leaking. Once we identify the location, I'll need another MRI," he explained.

"Hearing all these procedures, my body clearly isn't ready for them. And the medical expenses beyond insurance coverage—the doctor told me it would be 500,000 to 800,000 baht. Right now, my family can't afford it. Normally, a heart valve replacement should last ten years, but mine only lasted seven years before deteriorating rapidly, which has weakened my body."

At 84 years old, Wisit Yuttiyong faces difficult circumstances with high medical costs and limited mobility. "I've decided to continue treatment without surgery because I can't afford the expenses. This means I'll need to visit the hospital more frequently than usual. For now, I'm choosing medication-based treatment, and the doctor has scheduled another echocardiogram in three months, but I need checkups every month."

"Regarding my kidney disease, I need injections to stimulate red blood cell production. I have to pay for the injections myself. I have high white blood cells and low hemoglobin, so the doctor prescribed two injections per month. I've been managing my kidney disease conservatively and haven't agreed to dialysis yet. I'm paying for the injectable medication myself, and whenever I receive medicine, I have to go to a clinic near my home to get injected. The problem is my kidney function keeps fluctuating between stages 3-4 and 4-5, so I've already had 18 injections to stimulate red blood cell production."

"Now I'm struggling with high medical expenses. The taxi fare to the doctor each time is difficult to afford. I can't take the bus and then catch a taxi—it's too much. I'm 84 years old this year, and my wife is also elderly. Our life has become quite challenging."