Studied expansion of global IP with framework set for future commercial development April 27, 2025 – CP Group, Thailand's leading business conglomerate, has announced a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with SEGA Corporation, the Japanese global gaming and entertainment leader, to explore entertainment business opportunities in Thailand and Southeast Asia, including assessing possibilities for future commercial development. The collaboration aims to combine the strengths of both organizations, with SEGA bringing world-class intellectual properties and long-accumulated content creation expertise, while CP Group contributes its diverse business ecosystem and strong regional network. Together, they will develop and present new forms of entertainment experiences tailored to Thai and Southeast Asian consumers. Under the MOU, both parties will conduct phased cooperation, initially focusing on exploring commercial development possibilities from SEGA's world-class intellectual properties such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Angry Birds, while establishing a collaboration structure to support sustainable long-term growth. This will connect content potential with CP Group's comprehensive business ecosystem spanning over 20 countries across multiple industries including food, agriculture, retail, telecommunications, and integrated media networks. In terms of consumer reach, CP Group has strong media platform capabilities, particularly TrueVisions, which plays a crucial role in presenting world-class content and animation to Thai audiences through both pay-TV and OTT platforms, serving as a key mechanism for expanding IP into broader entertainment experiences. Additionally, both organizations will jointly explore opportunities to develop new intellectual properties for the Asian region, expand business through licensing and distribution networks, and potentially extend collaboration to markets beyond Thailand in the future. Haruki Satomi, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of SEGA Corporation, stated: "We are very pleased to have reached this cooperation agreement with CP Group, which has strong business foundations in Thailand and Asia. This collaboration will accelerate the expansion of SEGA's IP globally and create new forms of entertainment experiences for the Asian region and ultimately audiences worldwide." Supakij Chiaravanont, Chairman of CP Group, said: "We are delighted to have reached this framework with SEGA, an organization that continuously creates world-renowned intellectual properties. This cooperation will provide an opportunity for both parties to combine strengths to develop new IPs and bring Asian region's culture and values to the world's attention." Long-term plans include expanding cooperation across multiple dimensions to support market growth in Thailand, Southeast Asia, and globally through CP Group's business networks and media distribution platforms, particularly TrueVisions, which plays an important role in presenting world-class animation content and aims to become a hub for Japanese content fan communities in Southeast Asia.

The Treasury has greenlit the Half Plus program offering 4,000 baht to over 20 million people—the largest beneficiary group in program history—and confirmed that welfare card holders will be included. On April 27, government sources revealed that Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas has completed consultations with Finance Ministry officials on the Half Plus program. More than 20 million people will receive simultaneous benefits, with registration opening in May and payments starting in June at 1,000 baht monthly for four months. "Deputy PM Ekniti has finalized the Half Plus program framework, covering over 20 million beneficiaries ensuring universal assistance regardless of tax status," a source stated. "The government will cover 60 percent of costs while recipients pay 40 percent as an energy crisis relief measure." Funding sources are being prepared through multiple channels, pending finalization of unused 2024 budget allocations by April 30 to enact the necessary budget transfer legislation. The Half Plus program will run alongside additional payments to approximately 14 million existing welfare card holders, each receiving an additional 4,000 baht distributed monthly at 1,000 baht increments, though recipients pay full product prices. Both programs fall under the broader "Thailand Helps Thailand Plus" relief package. Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul previously noted this Half Plus iteration offers the largest benefits and highest beneficiary count yet, as citizens face severe energy crisis impacts with recovery expected to take longer than typical economic downturns.

Lucky and Unlucky Days Tuesday, April 28, 2026 Astrologer Bussapon Lackhana

Aries Those with wooden houses may face termite problems today, or receive help from others that later abandons the work unfinished. Avoid permanent construction at this time as you'll encounter contractor disputes. Any undertaking faces petty obstacles and work complications. Family members won't cooperate and may even obstruct your efforts.

Taurus Your mind is clear today, and you can see new income opportunities ahead. You're enthusiastic about building beneficial networks. All types of gambling and business investments show promising trends now. Business negotiations and official matters proceed smoothly, though minor home issues persist.

Gemini If you're renovating your home, don't let anyone leave items with you, and avoid using others' belongings in your house. Your finances and money-helping resources will increase steadily, bringing income from multiple sources. You may relocate your cash storage. Ailing friends will recover and bring good luck your way.

Cancer You're likely neglecting financial and profit matters as insignificant. Friends visiting your home or household members may split into factions or argue quietly. You'll travel frequently or have frequent travel obligations. Business dealings won't see much success.

Leo Be cautious of disputes with foreigners you're involved with. Don't plan travel itineraries for others, as you may end up going yourself. Accidents or health weakening are possible. Be careful with property and household staff after May ends.

Virgo You're gaining more household help or acquiring competent servants. Thieves may eye your possessions, so tighten security now. Key personnel at work will change, but negotiations may become toxic to your work. Miscommunications during conversations are easily possible.

Libra Exciting events occur in your household today. Someone shows you unrefined gems that seem worthless. Long-distance travel causes exhaustion and possible illness. You may feel anxious about elderly household members. Your partner introduces their siblings to you more. New coworkers enter your work environment.

Scorpio You're increasingly concerned with children and grandchildren's welfare. Watch for accidents involving those in your care. Rest when appropriate. Finances show some income but often less than expenses. Keep damaged items within sight. Elderly female neighbors will share food with you.

Sagittarius You meet a partner or contract holder with high destiny and ability, or with special skills in something. Their star shines brightly now. They'll bring considerable benefits and you recognize their importance greatly. However, be very cautious after May ends.

Capricorn You often stay among intense-tempered people or near areas with violence. Household members indulge in gambling or face psychological pressure. Leaving work to travel far risks losing your job position. Expressing personal opinions or self-confidence publicly isn't advisable.

Luang Pu Chan Khemigo, originally named Chan Suwanmacho, was born on Monday, December 5, 1924, at Ban Tha Uten in Mueang District, Nakhon Phanom Province. At age 10, following his father's illness and death, he ordained as a novice at Wat Phon Kaew under Phra Khanthi Kantiko as his preceptor. At age 19, he left the monastic life to pursue a trading business, but at age 20 in BE 2445, he returned to monastic practice at Wat Phon Kaew, receiving the name Khemigo.

In BE 2445, under guidance from Phra Achan Sao Kantasilo of Ubon Ratchathani, he was ordained as a Dhammayut monk at Wat Sri Ubol Ratanaram in Ubon Ratchathani. He traveled to practice meditation in the forests before settling at Wat Sri Thep Praditsaram in BE 2449, spending 7 Rains Retreats restoring the abandoned temple.

In BE 2453, he journeyed to Bangkok to pursue higher Buddhist studies under Somdet Phra Phutthakhosa Chao at Wat Thep Sirin Thrawat, where he studied Buddhist texts and Pali. He was appointed abbot of Wat Sri Thep Praditsaram and district ecclesiastical chief. In BE 2459, he established one of Thailand's first modern Thai language schools and Pali studies programs for monks and laypeople combined.

His monastic positions included: abbot of Wat Sri Thep Praditsaram (BE 2459), preceptor (BE 2460), and provincial chief monk of Nakhon Phanom (BE 2502). He received successive ecclesiastical ranks, culminating in the divine rank of Phra Thep Sitthacharya in BE 2502.

Luang Pu Chan passed away peacefully on February 2, 1973, at 08:00 AM, at the age of 92, having completed 72 Rains Retreats. Prior to the royal cremation ceremony at Wat Sri Thep Praditsaram, a commemorative medal was created in his honor in BE 2521, consisting of 99 silver medals and 10,000 bronze medals.

Mark your calendars for the "PATTANI NIGHT FEST ON THE BEACH 2026," a grand night festival showcasing everything remarkable about Pattani at Wasukri Beach in Saiburi District. Scheduled for May 2-3, 2026, and organized by Taluban Municipality, this event elevates traditional community activities into cultural tourism products. The festival aims to promote Pattani's multicultural heritage, coastal lifestyle, and long-standing local wisdom, particularly highlighting Saiburi District's deep connection to the sea across economic, social, and cultural dimensions. Traditional fishing is not merely the community's primary occupation but the foundation of their customs, beliefs, and identity. The Saiburi fishing competition therefore reflects the "culture of the sea" passed down through generations.

A major highlight is the international-standard KATPRO On The Beach Kickboxing competition, featuring professional-level K-1 rules matches—the same ruleset used at the KATPRO K1 event in Bangkok on April 11, 2026. The fast-paced, intense action emphasizes powerful punches, kicks, and knee strikes delivered by professional fighters against the scenic beachfront backdrop.

The festival also offers numerous activities for all visitors, including creative photo zones, over 100 food and beverage vendors, and spectacular closing events featuring drone light shows above Pattani's sky, demonstrations from entrepreneurs across three southern provinces (Pattani, Yala, and Narathiwat), plus cultural performances and contemporary shows showcasing local youth talent.

Actress Koi Orachai recently spent quality time with her boyfriend Tim Pitha Lim Charoenrat during Songkran in America. Upon returning to Thailand, she appeared at the launch event for the "SALZ Ready Plus" campaign at CentralWorld shopping center as a presenter, where she opened up for the first time about their relationship.

How did you two meet? Koi: "We met through a TV show and things developed naturally. We've been keeping in touch, and at some point we decided to get to know each other better and things felt good. So we ended up where we are now."

When did the spark turn into love? Koi: "(laughs shyly) I'm not sure which exact moment it was. There were many moments, but I just felt at ease with him and happier than being alone. That's really it. I don't want to get into the details of when exactly it happened. The point is, it's really simple—like any normal couple. When you're together and feel at peace and happy, that's all that matters."

What about him won your heart? Koi: "He makes me want to be a better version of myself. He's a warm person. We share similar interests in many things—books, movies, and various aspects of life. We're basically on the same wavelength, so it's easy for us to connect."

Many people were surprised about the announcement. Did you two discuss the timing? Koi: "Yes, we talked about it. We decided to keep things simple since we'd already made a decision about each other. Keeping it simple means just living a normal life, like regular people. Posting pictures is just something people do to express themselves on Valentine's Day. We did discuss it."

Did you anticipate people's reactions before going public? Koi: "I had a sense that people might be surprised, but like I said, I'm trying to live simply. Once I knew I wanted to get to know this person, that was it. There's nothing complicated about it. I'm not hiding, but I'm not broadcasting either. I just live normally—eating at the same places, seeing friends as usual. I just didn't announce it to everyone."

Did Tim ask to be official to make the relationship clear? Koi: "Yes, that's normal. He asked, and I thought things were going well, so I agreed. That's all."

After going public, have you seen comments? Koi: "I haven't been on TikTok much because there's so much noise. I prefer to be aware of only what I want to be aware of. I've heard some things from people, but nothing serious. I stick to what makes me happy and doesn't hurt anyone else. That's my principle. Other people's opinions don't affect how I feel or our relationship."

Has Tim done any checking up on you? Koi: "He just tells me he trusts me and is confident in how I handle things like this. Of course, we show concern for each other. But both of us have been in the industry for a while, and he's used to seeing things like this. So it's not something we obsess over or talk about constantly."

Regarding the previous situation with Top (Tossapol), were there connected rumors? Koi: "I've answered this since day one, and my answer remains the same: we're just friends. That's really it. There have been many times when I've stood here and didn't want to answer before because I was being considerate of my boyfriend. Say he sees the news—we're in a long-distance relationship already, and then he reads about another man. I felt like I should avoid what can be avoided. But to be honest, there's nothing there. We're just friends."

How are things with Tim now? Koi: "Things are great. I just got back from America after 10 days, and it was wonderful. I barely touched my phone—it felt like a real vacation. As for the distance being a problem... (response appears incomplete in the original)