At 11:25 AM on April 30, 2026, the House of Representatives convened with Parliament Speaker Sophon Sararum presiding over a live question session. Phuket MP Orthaikaed Kerdtrop of the Palang Pracharath Party questioned the Prime Minister about the Land Bridge project, which was answered by Deputy Transport Minister Siripongse Angskulgiat.

Kerdtrop sought clarity on why the government was reviving the Land Bridge project—originally shelved due to economic and environmental opposition—without including it in the policy statement, and questioned its financial viability given conflicting data. She cited a joint study by Chulalongkorn University and the National Economic and Social Development Council concluding that the 30-year project cannot recoup its investment, with negative NPV and financial returns. In contrast, the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning claimed it would break even within 24 years with positive NPV, prompting her to request clarification on the discrepancy and accountability if the investment fails.

Siripongse explained that the Land Bridge was revived due to compelling maritime realities: 90,000 ships annually transit the Strait of Malacca, projected to reach 110,000 by 2030, creating congestion. The narrowest section, just 2.8 kilometers wide, experiences 60 accidents yearly. He referenced global shipping crises—the Suez Canal blockage, Red Sea attacks diverting ships around the Cape of Good Hope (adding 10 days), and Panama Canal climate impacts stranding 38 vessels—demonstrating the need for alternative shipping corridors.

"While these are forward projections, current Middle East instability has convinced nations that alternative transportation routes are essential," Siripongse stated. "Thailand previously considered a Thai Canal or Land Bridge, with consensus that the Land Bridge offers better investment returns."

He emphasized the timing is critical because congestion in the Strait of Malacca is projected within the next decade, necessitating an alternative route. Additional factors include unpredictable geopolitical tensions among major powers and the readiness of smart port technology and AI-digitalization. "Modern technology means ships no longer need transferring between different modes of transport," he explained. "The Land Bridge would save transit time between the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea."

On April 30, 2569 at Parliament, Theerarak Jiratrachachoo and fellow Pheu Thai Party MPs Pavitra Jittakij, Phimkanchan Kiertiwarapakorn, and Napat Jittaphinanthakanta held a press conference regarding the Department of Non-Formal Education's operations and student dropouts from non-formal education systems.

Pavitra displayed SKKR textbooks purchased by the state through the Department of Non-Formal Education, demonstrating that they are low-quality, outdated, and overpriced. The books feature dated content, formatting, covers, and spines, with unclear illustrations. Many books have four-color covers but black-and-white interiors. Prices are reportedly excessive—some subjects range from 100-800 baht, with certain 130-page books priced at over 200 baht and 90-page books at over 300 baht, contrasting with the price-controlled, four-color bond-paper textbooks used by the formal education system (Ministry of Education).

Pavitra noted that SKKR textbooks lack sufficient academic content and exercises that don't reflect real-world situations, as they are reprints of the 2551 (2008) curriculum that have held licenses for over 10 years and continue in use today.

"SKKR is a place of hope, a place for Thailand's future for many lives that fell through the cracks of the formal education system," Pavitra stated. "With AI advancing and transforming the job market, we cannot allow SKKR to be diminished or set backward. We must collectively support and push it forward."

"I want to urge the supervising minister to address this issue. It's becoming suspicious—why are the textbooks in use so poor in quality? You must clarify and ensure transparency and accountability. Don't allow damage to the nation's future. Don't let the state budget waste on outdated, inferior education that cannot genuinely improve people's lives. This is not a small matter: poor textbooks harm students' opportunities, high prices drain the national budget, and non-transparent procurement erodes public trust in Thai education and could cost you your position," she added.

Pavitra also highlighted infrastructure problems in SKKR, noting many facilities on Bangkok's Thonburi side operate from rented private spaces or temples, with maintenance funded through their own efforts. While agreeing that education isn't limited by location, she stressed that learning environment quality affects educational effectiveness.

"I ask the supervising minister if they have the courage to seriously solve this problem, or if they fear something within the ministry or other influences, causing them to turn a blind eye," she said.

Theerarak committed to continuous parliamentary follow-up through consultations and written questions, seeking details on how to resolve the matter, including plans for 2570 (2027), and requesting expedited remedial action.

GO Wholesale (GO WHOLESALE), a fresh food wholesale center for business operators under Central Food Wholesale Company Limited in the Central Retail Group, has joined forces with the Department of Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce for the 'Back To School 2026 Big School Opening, Light Wallet' campaign under the 'Thais Help Thais, Reduce Cost of Living Plus' initiative to ease financial burdens and reduce the cost of living for parents during the school opening period.

The campaign also targets food business operators, hospitality businesses, and small retailers with student customers or located near schools. This offers a valuable opportunity to find reasonably-priced products that can help boost their businesses.

The initiative was honored by Witthakorn Maninettra, Director-General of the Department of Internal Trade, and ministry executives who visited and showed interest in GO Wholesale's booth, with Arawarn Sirichotirat, Senior Assistant Managing Director for Corporate Communications and Government Relations, providing a reception at the Department of Internal Trade.

GO Wholesale has rolled out this important policy across its 14 branches nationwide for the 'Back to School Strong Discounts, Good Profits, School Opening Welcome' campaign aligned with the government program. The company has selected over 300 products with discounts up to 50% from April 29 to May 12, 2025.

The offerings cover consumer goods, quality raw materials, and essentials for students and parents, as well as food business operators in school cafeterias and shops near educational institutions, and other businesses seeking value-priced raw materials and products to prepare for the busy school opening period.

Moreover, GO Wholesale has organized additional promotions with discounts up to 150 baht, including: 150 baht extra discount when purchasing stationery and office supplies totaling 1,000 baht; 30 baht extra discount on snacks for every 350 baht purchased; 20 baht extra discount on jelly and chocolate for every 199 baht spent; and 20 baht extra discount on breakfast items for every 250 baht purchased.

The Tourism Authority of Thailand has launched a campaign titled "Promoting Socially and Environmentally Responsible Domestic Travel Through Celebrities," aimed at transforming the behavior of Thai tourists. Nithee Seephrae, Deputy Governor of Communications and Marketing at the Tourism Authority of Thailand, revealed that the organization is committed to advancing the Responsible Tourism concept to elevate Thai travelers' behavior to a "new travel model"—shifting from being "takers" to "givers." The strategy employs celebrity marketing through partnerships with famous artists who serve as idols to younger generations, demonstrating environmentally conscious travel, respect for local identity and lifestyles, and support for local goods and services to inspire widespread awareness.

The project involves collaboration with five artists: Joey Phusvisut, Atom Chonkante, and the bands VIIS, NEW COUNTRY, and PERSES, who will present diverse and meaningful tourism perspectives through field experiences and storytelling. The initial phase features three artists:

Joey Phusvisut will visit the Huabaan community in Prachuap Khiri Khan, showcasing the charm of the old town and simple lifestyles while promoting culturally respectful tourism.

Atom Chonkante will introduce creative routes in the Bang Lamphoo–Pom Phra Sumeru area, promoting low-impact tourism and supporting community entrepreneurs.

VIIS will invite people to experience nature in Bang Krachao, Samut Prakan, through cycling and conservation activities that combine enjoyment with environmental responsibility.

Meanwhile, NEW COUNTRY and PERSES will drive momentum among younger audiences through the "Responsible Travel Challenge," an interactive activity that teaches travelers to make responsible choices in real scenarios, such as hiring local guides, learning about culture before traveling, participating in conservation tourism, and respecting tourism site regulations, ensuring every journey creates sustainable value.

Interested individuals can follow content from this project through the "Amazing Thailand" communications channels and the artists' media starting from May 2026 onwards, to collectively build Thailand's new tourism trend of "traveling mindfully and sustainably together."

The Commerce Ministry's Business Development Department, led by Director-General Poonpong Nayanaparakarn, has announced the launch of the 'Thai Help Thai X Local Low Cost' campaign in collaboration with local wholesale and retail operators across the country. The initiative aims to coordinate product distribution and marketing activities through a public-private partnership designed to strengthen grassroots economies and meaningfully reduce household expenses.

The campaign builds on the Commerce Ministry's existing cost-of-living support policies by connecting manufacturers, retailers, and consumers at all levels, with particular emphasis on enabling local wholesalers and retailers to distribute affordable goods to communities nationwide. The ministry has integrated cooperation with modern trade retailers with nationwide networks, as well as manufacturers and suppliers, to collectively reduce prices on essential consumer goods including soaps, shampoos, detergents, rice, sugar, cooking oil, and condiments, focusing on house brands and alternative quality products at special prices.

The 'Thai Help Thai' project was officially launched on April 1, 2025, under the Prime Minister's direction, featuring over 3,000 products with maximum price cuts exceeding 58% through cooperation with modern retail operators including Makro, Lotus's, Big C, Tops, and GO Wholesale, delivering tangible savings of 25-58% to consumers.

The Business Development Department has further expanded cooperation to local wholesale and retail shops with potential nationwide. Recognizing the alignment between the Thai Wholesale-Retail Association's Local Low Cost event and the department's direction, they have integrated efforts to increase consumer access to affordable products.

Under this initiative, consumer goods will be offered at special prices with maximum discounts exceeding 60% through 99 large local wholesale-retail operators comprising over 800 branches nationwide between May 1-10, 2025. The program is expected to reduce household expenses by 25-60% while supporting small local shop owners who can purchase discounted products for resale at higher margins, and helping restaurants obtain raw materials at reduced costs.

Director-General Poonpong emphasized that local shops have strong proximity to and understanding of consumer behavior in their areas, enabling them to select products matching community needs. The initiative also opens opportunities for SMEs and local OTOP products to be sold at special prices, helping distribute income to communities and strengthen grassroots economies. The 'Thai Help Thai X Local Low Cost' campaign serves as a crucial mechanism for stimulating domestic economic activity by connecting the supply chain from producers through retailers to consumers, expected to increase money circulation, boost spending, and create new marketing opportunities for Thai entrepreneurs.

A senior Buddhist monk in China has become an online sensation after appearing as a "pro gamer priest" with a serious passion for video gaming, despite criticism that such activities may be inappropriate for the monastic life.

Monk Huayuan from Ming Jiao Temple in Hefei, Anhui Province, has been ordained for over 20 years. He began playing video games as an elementary school student in the early 2000s and is particularly skilled at Counter-Strike, a competitive first-person shooter. Through his exceptional abilities, he has reached the "Legendary Eagle Master" rank and has invested approximately 40,000 yuan (about 192,000 baht) in high-end computer equipment to develop his gaming skills.

Although he is a monk, his temple has neither banned nor officially endorsed gaming. Monk Huayuan emphasizes that his key boundary is avoiding addiction while maintaining religious discipline. He argues that the distinction between the virtual and real world is crucial.

He explains that "killing" in games is merely a game mechanic for skill development, comparable to defeating an opponent in chess, which doesn't violate Buddhist principles. He even poses the counter-argument that by the same logic, playing games where you save others should guarantee immediate entry to heaven.

Monk Huayuan believes gaming is a "positive activity" that provides opportunities for communication, collaboration, and developing understanding—all important skills for personal growth both worldly and spiritually. He grew up in Shanghai with his divorced mother and developed interest in Buddhism from childhood, though his family initially strongly opposed his monastic path.

He concludes that both gaming and Buddhism serve the same purpose: helping him understand himself better. Both require "concentration" and acceptance of life's impermanence, which is fundamental to mindful living.