National

Shock During Merit-Making Ceremony as Green Snake Emerges from Skull; Devotees Rush to Play Lucky Numbers

A green pit viper emerged from a human skull during a merit-making ceremony in Nakhon Ratchasima on April 28, startling devotees who quickly converted the incident into lottery numbers.

28 Apr Khaosod

On April 28, 2025, reporters covered the atmosphere of the third grounds-cleaning merit-making ceremony organized by the Suang Noen Charitable Foundation at Sawang Saeng Dharma Forest in Suang Noen District, Nakhon Ratchasima Province. The large-scale event drew many devotees and volunteers who gathered to perform religious rites and clean the forest grounds, dedicating their merit to the spirits of the unclaimed deceased.

While volunteers were cleaning skeletal remains, a startling incident occurred when a green pit viper suddenly crawled out from inside a human skull. Those present screamed in alarm and quickly retreated from the area. Herpetology specialists stationed at the event then carefully captured the snake and safely released it back into nature, with no injuries reported from the incident.

However, the occurrence generated considerable excitement and speculation among participants. Many believed it was a mysterious and potentially supernatural event, since the snake emerged from the skull during the ceremony. Seizing this opportunity, numerous devotees converted the incident into lucky lottery numbers—using the ceremony's sequence (the third cleaning) and the single snake as their numbers for the upcoming lottery draw, amid mixed opinions and varying beliefs among those in attendance.

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National

Cabinet Removes Rachan as Royal Rainfall Department Director, Appoints Withaya Kaewmee as Replacement

The Cabinet reassigned Rachan Silparajaya as director of the Royal Rainfall Department, replacing him with Withaya Kaewmee in a routine civil service rotation that took effect April 28.

28 Apr Khaosod

On April 28, the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives revealed that following Cabinet approval, two senior civil servants have been reassigned in a routine rotation. Withaya Kaewmee, inspector-general at the Office of the Permanent Secretary, will become director-general of the Royal Rainfall and Agricultural Aviation Department, while incumbent director Rachan Silparajaya will move into the inspector-general position at the office of the permanent secretary. The Cabinet also approved extending the tenure of Raphibat Chantharisrivoung, director-general of the Agricultural Extension Department, for an additional year through February 22, 2570, with approval from Deputy Prime Minister Yuthasak Wongsuwan. The reshuffle took effect on April 28, 2569. Sources close to Rachan indicate he was surprised by the transfer and questioned its rationale, noting he has less than six months of service remaining before his scheduled retirement on September 30, 2569.

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National

Cabinet approves 1.16 billion baht budget for Thailand to host World Bank–IMF annual meetings in 2026

Thailand's Cabinet approved 1.16 billion baht to prepare for hosting the World Bank and IMF annual meetings in October 2026, expecting around 15,000 participants from nearly 190 countries.

28 Apr Khaosod

BANGKOK — The Cabinet has approved a budget of 1.16 billion baht to support Thailand's preparations to host the annual meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2026, with around 15,000 participants expected.

Government spokesperson Ratchada Thanadirek said on 28 April that the funding, drawn from the central emergency budget for fiscal year 2026, will be allocated to the Fiscal Policy Office, the lead agency responsible for organising the event.

The budget will cover venue preparation, registration systems, information technology infrastructure, office equipment and furnishings, in line with standards set by the IMF and the World Bank Group.

Preparations must be completed ahead of an inspection scheduled for September–October this year, with the meetings set to take place from 12–18 October 2026.

Ratchada said hosting the meetings would demonstrate Thailand's readiness to stage major international events and provide a platform to present the country's economic policies on the global stage, while strengthening cooperation with international partners.

The annual meetings are regarded as one of the world's most important economic and financial gatherings, bringing together finance ministers and central bank governors from nearly 190 member countries, alongside delegates from across the globe.

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Breaking

Man pleads guilty to plotting attack on a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna, Austrian media report

A 21-year-old Austrian man pleaded guilty to plotting an Islamic State-inspired attack on Taylor Swift's Vienna concerts in August 2024, which were canceled after authorities thwarted the scheme that could have targeted tens of thousands of

28 Apr Khaosod

WIENER NEUSTADT, Austria (AP) — A man accused of pledging allegiance to the Islamic State group and plotting to attack one of superstar singer Taylor Swift's concerts in Vienna nearly two years ago pleaded guilty as his trial began on Tuesday, Austria media reported.

The plot was thwarted, but Austrian authorities still canceled Swift's three performances in August 2024. The singer's fans, known as Swifties, who had flown to Austria from across the globe to attend a performance of her record-setting Eras Tour were devastated, but rallied to turn Vienna into a citywide trading post for friendship bracelets and singalongs.

The defendant, a 21-year-old Austrian citizen known only as Beran A. in line with Austrian privacy rules, faced charges including terrorist offenses and membership in a terrorist organization. He could be sentenced to up to 20 years in prison, and has been in custody since August 2024.

The Vienna plot drew comparisons to a 2017 attack by a suicide bomber at an Ariana Grande concert in Manchester, England, that killed 22 people. The bomb detonated at the end of Grande's concert as thousands of young fans were leaving, becoming the deadliest extremist attack in the United Kingdom in recent years.

Defendant regrets his actions

Anna Mair, his defense attorney, said her client pleaded guilty to the charges related to the concert plot.

"Of course, he deeply regrets it all," Mair said outside the court. "It is also due to the long period of detention that he says it was the biggest mistake of his life."

He is facing trial alongside Arda K., whose full name also has not been made public. They, along with a third man, planned to carry out simultaneous attacks in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates during Ramadan in 2024 in the name of the Islamic State group. Beran A. and Arda K. never carried out their attacks.

Only Beran A. was charged in connection with the Taylor Swift plot. He pleaded not guilty to the charges related to the plot for simultaneous attacks.

Defendant Beran A. is hiding his face when he is escorted into the courtroom in the District Court in Wiener Neustadt, Austria, where he stands trial for plotting to carry out an attack on one of superstar singer Taylor Swift's concerts in Vienna in August 2024 and pledging allegiance to the Islamic State group, Tuesday, April 28, 2026. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

He allegedly planned to target onlookers gathered outside Ernst Happel Stadium — up to 30,000 each night, with another 65,000 inside the venue — with knives or homemade explosives. The suspect hoped to "kill as many people as possible," authorities said in 2024. The U.S. provided intelligence that fed into the decision to cancel the concerts.

Beran A. also allegedly networked with other members of the Islamic State group ahead of the planned attack. Prosecutors say they discussed purchasing weapons and making bombs, and that the defendant also sought to illegally buy weapons in the days ahead of the performance.

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Tourism

Two Centara Hotels Win International Awards, Celebrating Global Success

Centara Reserve Samui and Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives each claimed ninth place in the DestinAsian Readers' Choice Awards 2026, recognizing the luxury properties' excellence in service and hospitality across Thailand and the Maldives.

28 Apr Khaosod

Two Centara properties celebrate international recognition from the DestinAsian Readers' Choice Awards 2026, underscoring Centara's excellence in service and position as a leading luxury hospitality chain in Thailand and beyond.

The DestinAsian Readers' Choice Awards 2026 results from votes cast by readers of DestinAsian magazine, a premier high-end travel and lifestyle publication for the Asia-Pacific region that showcases luxurious travel stories, culture, and distinctive Asian destinations.

Held annually, this prestigious award honors outstanding luxury destinations, resorts, and travel experiences across the Asia-Pacific region. This year, two Centara properties in Thailand and internationally received recognition in the following categories:

Centara Reserve Samui claimed 9th place in the Best Thailand Resorts category, standing out as a luxury resort designed to meet individual needs, offering holistic wellness care, and occupying a serene beachfront location on one of Koh Samui's most beautiful beaches, Chaweng.

Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives achieved 9th place in the Best Maldives Resorts category, delivering a luxurious oasis experience that seamlessly blends the natural beauty of the Maldives with warm Thai hospitality and service, creating memorable moments for travelers worldwide.

Interested guests can learn more about accommodations and activities at both properties at https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centarareserve/th/crs for Centara Reserve Samui and https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centaragrand/th/cglm for Centara Grand Lagoon Maldives.

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National

Democrat Deputy Spokesman Rebukes Supachee for Durian Price Campaign, Despite Participating in 100-Baht-Per-Fruit Livestream Sale

Deputy PM Supachee faced criticism for promoting 100-baht durians online, with a Democrat MP warning the artificially low price damages market credibility and harms farmers whose production costs are much higher.

28 Apr Khaosod

On April 28, 2025, Rayong MP Passin Pituttecha and the Democrat Party's deputy spokesman addressed the case of Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Suthermphand collaborating with a famous influencer to create content selling durians at 100 baht per fruit, which has drawn extensive criticism from durian farmers nationwide.

The deputy spokesman stated he initially welcomed national-level leadership visiting affected areas to listen to concerns about falling fruit prices, noting he had submitted a motion to establish a special parliamentary committee to address the fruit price crisis.

"What concerns me more is how the pricing communication creates psychological damage to market mechanisms and misleads consumers about market pricing. Eastern region durians are premium-grade products with high production costs and actual market prices around 100-200 baht per kilogram. Presenting unrealistically low prices through online media misleads buyers and harms farmers long-term," the spokesman said.

He emphasized that durian farmers care for their orchards like children, working hard each year, and that when they hear the 100-baht-per-fruit campaign, they're troubled because fertilizer, pesticide, and labor costs alone barely break even.

Regarding Supachee's denial that the sales were the influencer's initiative, Passin stated she cannot deny responsibility since she directly participated in the 100-baht-per-fruit sales livestream.

Passin called on ministers and the government to communicate with genuine understanding of workers' concerns and recommended the Commerce Ministry focus on three structural solutions: (1) strict quality control through GAP and GMP standards to maintain Thai durian global market standards, (2) resource management including water management and land title documentation, and (3) cost reduction through controlling fertilizer and production factor prices.

"While promoting sales imagery is good, it must be based on the reality of premium agricultural products to encourage durian farmers to continue producing quality fruit," Passin concluded.

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Police

Police Assert More Than Two Charges Against Subdistrict Chief Who Bound Youth to Mango Tree and Subjected Him to Red Ant Torture for Four Hours; Torture Investigation Pending

A Phatthalung subdistrict chief faces multiple charges including torture after allegedly binding a youth to a mango tree and subjecting him to red ant attacks for over four hours on April 25, claiming the teenager had stolen beetles.

28 Apr Khaosod

Police Assert More Than Two Charges Against Subdistrict Chief Who Bound Youth to Mango Tree and Subjected Him to Red Ant Torture for Four Hours; Torture Investigation Pending. On April 28, Police Lieutenant Colonel Nattaphak Nuiyodod, commander of Srinakarin Police Station in Phatthalung Province, disclosed progress in the case against Adisak, subdistrict chief of Lam Sinthoe Subdistrict in Srinakarin District, Phatthalung Province. The case involves assault and alleged torture of Sutheep Chuenmak, the victim. The subdistrict chief arrested the youth claiming he had stolen beetles, but instead punished him by handcuffing him to a mango tree before assaulting him. The chief then applied ant nests to the victim's head across four nests, torturing him for over four hours, until the victim's mother and aunt reported the incident to Srinakarin Police Station, forcing the chief to remove the handcuffs. The incident occurred on April 25.

Police Lieutenant Colonel Nattaphak revealed that today he called the victim along with his mother and aunt to provide additional statements to gather evidence determining which charges will be filed. He affirmed that charges are not limited to just trespassing and assault, but may also include unlawful detention and misconduct by a public official under Section 157, as the case must be referred to the National Anti-Corruption Commission and requires investigation into torture allegations. He also inquired with the Srinakarin District Officer whether Adisak remains an active subdistrict chief, with confirmation expected today.

The subdistrict chief has not yet been called to make a statement, as today was designated for the victim's side to present their account before determining which charges to file against the chief. Police emphasized they will ensure fairness to both parties.

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National

Democrat Party Still Searching for Bangkok Governor Candidate as Chumphol Case Stalls; Party Vows to Proceed with Bangkok City Council Candidates

The Democrat Party has yet to find a Bangkok Governor candidate despite ongoing talks, facing an uphill battle with only 21 parliamentary seats and zero Bangkok representatives. The party pledges to field candidates across all 50 city counc

28 Apr Khaosod

The Democrat Party has failed to secure a Bangkok Governor candidate, with party deputy leader Sathit Wongnongtoi confirming ongoing discussions remain inconclusive. He noted that the current Bangkok Governor has strong electoral support, while the Democrat Party holds only 21 parliamentary seats with zero representatives from Bangkok, making the race extremely challenging for any potential candidate who would need to resign from their current position.

Sathit emphasized that party leader Abhisit Vejjajiva has been in talks with multiple candidates, and the party will make a clear announcement once a decision is finalized—either confirming a candidate or announcing their withdrawal from the race. He denied that reported candidates M.L. Kraksirawat Kasemseree or Apichai Techapurple had been approached.

When asked if they would turn to internal party members as a fallback, Sathit rejected the idea, stating the party seeks fresh perspectives to modernize Bangkok. He confirmed the party will definitely field candidates for the Bangkok City Council's 50 districts, with a Bangkok Governor candidate announcement to follow if one is secured, or a frank admission of failure if not.

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National

No Way Out – Trump's War Threatens to Block Thai Fans from Live World Cup Coverage

Geopolitical tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran threaten to disrupt 2026 World Cup coverage in Thailand, as economic downturn and unfavorable broadcast timing may prevent local broadcasters from securing transmission rights.

28 Apr Khaosod

The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran remains unresolved despite a temporary ceasefire, with no negotiations in sight and ongoing uncertainty about when fighting might resume. Combined with volatile fuel prices, this geopolitical tension is rippling across the global economy with serious impact.

The controversy has extended to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iran has qualified as a participant and will play matches on American soil, complicating matters further.

The World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19, but problems persist. Most recently, President Donald Trump requested that FIFA expel Iran's team and allow Italy to compete instead—a request FIFA flatly rejected. Even Italy itself refused to participate, as FIFA rules are clear: teams must qualify through official qualification rounds to earn the right to play. Teams cannot simply replace others due to political disputes.

Trump's war has created chaos that extends even to football. It comes as little surprise that armed gunmen recently attempted to shoot the US president at a media event.

Thailand's football enthusiasts now worry whether economic downturn will allow Thai broadcasts of this World Cup. Commercial impact due to the US-led conflict means Thai businesses may be unwilling to invest in broadcasting rights. Additionally, since the tournament is in the Americas, matches will air during early morning hours in Thailand—very different from European tournaments that broadcast during late night or after midnight.

Live viewing events at entertainment venues during dawn hours simply aren't practical for dining and drinking businesses. The combination of economic hardship and unfavorable broadcast timing makes it unlikely Thai private companies will invest in World Cup coverage.

Yet Thai people are addicted to free, live World Cup broadcasts. The burden may fall to the government instead. However, the government itself is financially stretched thin.

Whether Thai football fans will get to watch this World Cup remains uncertain, leaving everyone in suspense.

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Police

Police Spokesman Awards Officer Supimit for Maintaining Duty Despite Online Harassment Leading to Stroke

A traffic officer in Sing Buri Province is being awarded for maintaining duty despite suffering a stroke triggered by intense online harassment while enforcing speeding regulations.

28 Apr Khaosod

On April 29, 2026, Deputy Police General Trairong Phiwphran, acting as spokesman for the Royal Thai Police, announced that the National Police Office is awarding the "Commendable Spokesman" recognition to Deputy Inspector Supimit Puangprasert, a traffic supervisor at Phrom Buri Station in Sing Buri Province. He has been recognized for his diligent enforcement of speeding regulations and accident prevention efforts, demonstrating exceptional patience and resilience despite online harassment and pressure from a social media page administrator. The incident occurred in March 2025.

Deputy Police General Trairong stated that Deputy Inspector Supimit exemplified police ideals, particularly the principle of "enduring hardship and remaining steadfast in the face of difficulties." While performing his duties in intense heat, someone with ill intent livestreamed harassment and pressure directed at him for an extended period. However, Deputy Inspector Supimit responded with patience and restraint, continuing to perform his duties correctly and professionally without any appearance of retaliation. The extreme stress from this harassment triggered a stroke, causing him to collapse. He remains hospitalized and is experiencing weakness on his right side.

Based on Deputy Inspector Supimit's commitment, patience, and unwavering dedication to duty, the National Police Office has decided to award him the "Commendable Spokesman" recognition. This case represents a real incident that gained attention on social media, demonstrating how police officers face various forms of pressure while maintaining professional and ethical conduct, thereby creating a positive image for the National Police Office and exemplifying the ideals of dedication and integrity.

Regarding legal proceedings against those responsible, investigators from Phrom Buri Station are pursuing multiple charges, including aggravated assault against a civil servant performing official duties and obstruction of a civil servant in the performance of duty by three or more persons. The cases are currently under prosecutor review, with assurances that the investigation follows evidence and maintains fairness for all parties.

General Kittipat Punchpetch, Commissioner of the Royal Thai Police, has expressed encouragement for Deputy Inspector Supimit's continued service and instructed that his medical care and welfare be given the highest priority.

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National

Editorial – Peace Talks in the South

Thailand's National Security Council is preparing to resume stalled peace talks on the southern border insurgency once the Prime Minister appoints a new chief negotiator, with Malaysia serving as facilitator and emphasis on civilian-led dia

28 Apr Khaosod

Chatchai Bangchad, Secretary-General of the National Security Council (NSC), briefed on the progress of the southern border peace dialogue process, which is currently awaiting formal appointment of a new chief negotiator by the Prime Minister.

Regarding the negotiating committee's composition and format, the NSC Secretary-General stated that the new chief negotiator will be responsible for determining the structure and composition of the team.

He confirmed that previous peace talks had achieved substantive progress, but the process was interrupted due to government transitions. Once the Prime Minister formally appoints the chief negotiator, negotiations can immediately resume.

The NSC previously approved appointing Thanat Suwannannon, Director of the National Intelligence Agency, as the new chief negotiator. The council also approved seeking cooperation with Malaysia to resolve the southern border crisis, as Malaysia plays a crucial role in supporting the peace process.

The NSC emphasized that while Malaysia will serve as a facilitator for formal talks, equal importance will be given to domestic dialogue to create comprehensive linkages and systemic solutions to the southern border problem.

Peace negotiations to end the southern insurgency and establish sustainable peace began during the administration of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, achieving significant progress. However, efforts stalled after the 2014 coup, and subsequent attempts at revival lacked full implementation, remaining heavily focused on military-led governance and harsh law enforcement.

The current government under Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has committed to reviving peace efforts and preparing to appoint a new negotiating team, hoping to establish genuine civilian-led political dialogue rather than military-dominated approaches. Critically, beyond dialogue with opposing parties, all stakeholder groups and local populations in affected areas must be given meaningful participation.

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