On April 29, 2569 at Parliament, Ms. Sirikunya Tansookul, opposition list MP and deputy leader of the Pracharaj Party, presented findings from a shadow cabinet meeting regarding the government's Land Bridge project proposal. According to an evaluation by the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, the overall project shows an acceptable 8% rate of return with positive net present value. However, when assessed for private sector viability, returns drop to just 5%—a level so low that no private investors would be willing to participate, with negative net present value figures. Sirikunya characterized this as the worst-case scenario, as it would require private firms to fund 100% of the project themselves, making it highly unattractive for investment. She expressed uncertainty about how the government plans to proceed and whether it would adjust the investment structure. Sirikunya warned that if private sector involvement remains at 100%, there is risk of repeating past concession project failures that were auctioned then later renegotiated, such as the three-airport rail link and airport duty-free shop tender, potentially creating unfair conditions for initial bidders. She also highlighted additional concerns including environmental impacts on the Phayam and Surin island groups, as well as damage to local farming and fishing communities, questioning whether the government should proceed with a project unlikely to attract private investment.

The ancient "Lam Nam Khuen Hong" tradition—meaning "ascension to the palace" in the Lap Bua dialect—was observed once again this year as farmers and residents dressed in traditional clothing organized an elaborate procession spanning over two kilometers from Wat Don Sak temple to the monument of Chao Fa Ham Kumarn, the first ruler of Lap Bua, dating back to 1513. The community carried aromatic water, flowering plants, and agricultural offerings to pay respect to the founding prince and local spirits, seeking blessings for cool weather, timely rains, and abundant harvests.

During the ceremony, young women performed traditional "Fon Khan Dok" dances, and temple officials conducted incense divination rituals. This year's reading proved particularly intriguing as wind scattered the incense ash, creating blurred patterns resembling the numbers 220 and 20. Lottery enthusiasts who attended the event seized on these apparent omens, betting the numbers on the May 2, 2569 government lottery drawing in hopes of striking it lucky.

The ceremony was presided over by Uttaradit Provincial Governor Chatchai Sipol and Lap Bua District Chief Surawut Chan-ngam, who led communal water-pouring rituals at the monument. The tradition, maintained continuously for over 1,000 years, represents the people's gratitude to their ancestors and spiritual guardians while seeking prosperity and protection from natural disasters.

BANGKOK — 29 April 2026, Thailand's National Energy Policy Council has approved two measures to cut household electricity bills and promote rooftop solar, Energy Minister Ekkanat Promphan said.

Speaking at Government House alongside Industry Minister Varawut Silpa-archa, Ekkanat said the council agreed to expand support for residential solar installations, allowing households to generate their own electricity and sell excess power back to the grid.

Under the plan, installation procedures will be streamlined under a cabinet resolution, with distribution utilities offering a one-stop service. Households generating surplus electricity will be able to sell it at 2.20 baht per unit, with sales expected to begin after June 2026.

The government will also sharply increase its solar power purchase cap from 90 megawatts to 500 megawatts per round, with further expansions planned once each quota is filled. Authorities aim to maximise adoption by effectively turning residential rooftops into small-scale power generators.

The second measure introduces a progressive electricity tariff structure for residential users only, excluding businesses, shops and industrial operators.

Households consuming up to 200 units per month will pay less than 3 baht per unit. Those using between 200 and 500 units will also see lower average costs under a tiered pricing system, Ekkanat said.

He added that more than 90% of households, around 21 million, are expected to benefit, particularly those with monthly bills below 2,200 baht.

Ekkanat rejected concerns that the policy would shift costs onto industrial users, saying the revised tariff structure applies only to residential consumers and does not affect existing rates for businesses.

To support solar adoption, the government is working with the Finance Ministry to provide instalment-based financing, allowing households to install rooftop systems at costs lower than their electricity bills. State utilities have been tasked with studying investment and offering low-cost installation services for those without upfront funds.

Responding to questions, Ekkanat said households using no more than 200 units could see bills fall by about 20%, while those using up to 400 units could see reductions of around 10%.

He confirmed the tariff scheme would remain in place for the duration of the government's term and said approval processes for rooftop solar would be simplified by removing local permit requirements. Installations for self-use must be completed within seven days, or within 30 days if electricity is to be sold back to the grid.

Varawut reiterated that the measures apply only to residential properties and would not impose additional burdens on industrial users, amid concerns raised by the Federation of Thai Industries.

Our eyes are vital organs we rely on from the moment we wake until we sleep. When you start experiencing blurred vision or headaches after staring at a computer screen, many people think about visiting an eyewear shop to get an eye test and new glasses. But did you know that modern vision needs have become more complex? This is why finding an eyewear shop with a qualified "optometrist" has become a new standard that consumers should prioritize.

Meet the optometrist—a specialist in the visual system. An optometrist is not just someone pressing buttons on a vision testing machine, but a licensed professional with deep expertise covering the eye's nervous system, eye muscle function, and the entire visual system.

Why optometrists matter and have become the new standard for choosing an eyewear shop:

Precision that goes deeper than just "myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism."

When you visit a typical eyewear shop, you usually walk out with numbers for myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. But an optometrist analyzes your vision behavior in depth—something especially important for working-age people who spend all day in front of screens. Having an optometrist measure your eyes will give you balanced and comfortable vision values, which is better than getting the sharpest possible prescription that gives you a headache when you walk around.

Eye disease screening: prevention before it's too late.

Another benefit of choosing a shop with an optometrist is that you receive a basic eye health screening. Optometrists can assess your risk for serious eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration using specialized equipment. If they detect any abnormalities early on, they can provide guidance and refer you to an ophthalmologist for medical treatment right away.

Behavior analysis to provide lenses that match your lifestyle.

Whether you're a gamer, an office worker managing multiple screens, or someone in your 40s needing specialized lenses, an optometrist will process all your vision data along with your daily routine to recommend the most suitable lens type. They'll also help adjust the lens center point to fit your facial anatomy and frame, ensuring you get glasses that are comfortable and truly functional.

When you visit an eyewear shop next time, ask if there's an optometrist on staff. Since we have only one pair of eyes with no replacements, investing time to find a good shop and choosing to work with a real specialist is the most worthwhile investment in your long-term eye health. It will keep your vision sharp for years to come.

Times Higher Education (THE) released the 2026 Asia University Rankings on April 23rd, placing Songkhla Nakharin University at 5th among Thailand's leading institutions within Asia's 401-500 ranking tier. The 2026 Times Higher Education University Rankings evaluate institutions across five quality metrics: research quality (30%), research environment (28%), teaching (24.5%), industry engagement (10%), and international outlook (7.5%). THE's 2026 global university rankings represent the world's only comprehensive ranking system that assesses research-focused universities across all major missions including teaching, research, knowledge transfer, and international perspective. The methodology for Asia's university rankings follows the same framework as the global rankings, but with adjusted weighting to reflect institutional priorities specific to the Asian region.

The Office of the Fiscal Policy Office (FPO) reports that the April 2025 Regional Economic Outlook Index signals decelerating economic expansion across all regions, driven by pressure from rising energy prices and production costs. Fiscal Policy Office Director Winit Wisetsuwannaphumi, speaking as the Finance Ministry spokesperson, disclosed that while some regions including the Eastern and Northern zones continue to expand, supported by tourism recovery and industrial sectors benefiting from Middle East conflict mitigation measures, agricultural demand remains steady.

The Eastern Region's confidence index stands at 66.0, reflecting solid economic expansion supported by service sectors and new tourism development policies, plus agriculture buoyed by sustained agricultural product demand. The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) maintains positive signals at 66.5, with service and agricultural expansion as primary drivers.

The Northern Region's index reaches 65.8, reflecting economic expansion particularly in industry and services, supported by government mitigation measures for Middle East tensions, the tourism season, and favorable weather conditions. The Southern Region index sits at 60.6, indicating expected economic expansion driven by service and industrial sectors, continuing recovery support for flood-affected Hat Yai areas, rising orders from trading partners, and expanding palm oil and rubber processing industries.

The Northeastern Region's index stands at 59.5, supported by agriculture entering rice harvest season—a primary economic crop—and services from provincial tourism promotions in provinces like Chaiyaphum, Yasothon, and Buriram. The Central Region index reaches 56.2, supported by industry and investment sectors under government investment stimulus measures. Bangkok and its metropolitan area register 52.9, with employment sectors as primary support. The Western Region's index is lowest at 48.6, reflecting slowed confidence in agriculture and industry, pressured by rising cultivation costs from chemical fertilizer prices and energy price uncertainty.

Director Winit noted that despite many regions maintaining indices above the 50.0 threshold indicating expansion potential, all regions show month-on-month declines. This reflects pressure from rising production costs and Middle East uncertainties, impacting both Thai and global economies with potential continued effects on manufacturing and agricultural sectors ahead.