Kanjana Poolkaew, secretary-general of the Social Security Office, revealed that in response to Labor Minister Chulphan Amornvivat's policy aimed at mitigating the impact of the global economic crisis, the Social Security Office is accelerating the 'Social Investment Program' to provide concrete assistance to both insured workers and business operators.

To enhance business liquidity, the Social Security Office has partnered with seven banks—the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Cooperatives, Bangkok Bank Public Company Limited, Thai Export-Import Bank, Krung Thai Bank Public Company Limited, UOB Bank Public Company Limited, Thai Credit Bank Public Company Limited, and Thai Military Bank Public Company Limited—allocating a combined 30 billion baht to support credit for businesses to maintain liquidity and preserve employment levels. Loan amounts range from no more than 15 million to 50 million baht according to business size, with fixed interest rates not exceeding 2.35% annually for secured loans and 4.75% for unsecured loans during the first three years.

From the fourth year onward, interest rates follow each bank's standard terms. Participating businesses must maintain continuous social security contributions for at least 12 months and maintain employment at no less than 80%. Applications are accepted from July 3, 2025, to December 30, 2026, or until funds are exhausted, whichever comes first. Businesses can apply through the Social Security Office website at www.sso.go.th to obtain a business status certificate before contacting participating banks. To date, 1,071 businesses have been approved for credit totaling 11.35 billion baht, preserving employment for 137,986 workers.

Simultaneously, the Social Security Office has partnered with Government Housing Bank to assist insured workers affected by flooding in nine southern provinces with a maximum allocation of 4 billion baht. The program covers insured workers under categories 33, 39, and 40 for home repairs or construction. Repair loans cap at 500,000 baht and new construction at 2 million baht, with special interest rates of just 1.59% annually for the first five years, then MRR minus 2% for years six through eight, and MRR minus 0.5% from year nine onward.

Eligible applicants must own residential property in affected areas, and those in category 40 must have contributed for at least six of the previous 12 months. Applications are accepted from January 29, 2025, to July 31, 2025, or until funds are exhausted. Applicants must obtain an insured worker status certificate from the Social Security Office nationwide before submitting applications to Government Housing Bank for approval.

Kanjana emphasized that the Social Security Office remains committed to implementing the Social Investment Program to alleviate the financial burden on insured workers while supporting business continuity.

Iconic French champagne brand Perrier-Jouët invites guests to discover a new definition of relaxation through the 'Champagne in Bloom' experience at Anantara Siam Bangkok, featuring a Sunday brunch that seamlessly blends the freshness of spring with contemporary urban lifestyle.

Attendees will savor the distinctive taste of Perrier-Jouët Signature Cuvées, which evoke floral freshness and aroma, paired with special menus from two celebrated restaurants. Choen Restaurant brings fire-inspired techniques to Thai cuisine with a fresh perspective, while Rark Thai Cuisine reinterprets traditional Thai dishes with contemporary style and sophistication.

Every dish has been carefully designed to reflect Perrier-Jouët's identity clearly, creating fresh, delicate, and accessible flavors that transform the brunch atmosphere into a space of inspiration and new conversations.

Beyond the exceptional food and champagne, the event features live portrait sketching by artists, creating unique moments for each guest. The experience reinforces that Perrier-Jouët is more than just champagne—it's a symbol of a life filled with color, brightness, and inspiration at every moment of leisure.

Chulalongkorn University Rector Prof. Dr. Wileśs Puriwatсhr emphasized that Thailand is one of three countries competing to host the 2030 Youth Olympic Games, representing an invaluable golden opportunity that should not be overlooked. The government must take this seriously, as the benefits are substantial—enhancing national reputation, generating revenue, developing human capital, and nurturing youth. Chulalongkorn University has confirmed full readiness to the International Olympic Committee, including sports facilities, student dormitories to serve as an athlete village, and activity spaces in the city center with unique distinction.

The rector revealed that during the International Olympic Committee delegation's visit led by IOC Member Danka Obrenovic, who heads the evaluation committee, they inspected Thailand's readiness in Bangkok and Chon Buri from April 28-30, 2025. Thailand competes alongside Asunción, Paraguay and Santiago, Chile for the 2030 Youth Olympic Games. The university confirmed full preparedness with existing facilities—sports stadiums, a sports science center, dormitories accommodating 1,000-2,000 athletes, plus additional facilities from other institutions totaling approximately 5,000 rooms, along with youth activity spaces like Siam Square. All existing infrastructure requires no new construction budget and aligns with IOC policies.

The rector noted that most current sports competitions are held outside cities, but Thailand's unique advantage is having complete facilities within the city center, which the IOC prefers. The university is prepared to fully support this national endeavor, as it aligns with institutional goals of developing quality youth leaders with athletic spirit. Thailand's previous largest sporting event was the Asian Games. Being among the top three candidates to host the Youth Olympic Games, which will attract 200 participating countries, represents an exceptional opportunity that must not be missed. The government should prioritize this seriously, as benefits include significant national prestige, revenue generation, and youth development, with all expenditures staying within the country.

Luang Pu Si Chanthasiri of Khao Tham Boon Nak Temple in Takli District, Nakhon Sawan Province, is a renowned Buddhist teacher revered throughout the region. He maintained close friendships with famous senior monks such as Luang Pu Suk, Luang Pho Glun, and Luang Pho Pan, regularly exchanging teachings and spiritual practices. He also served as a mentor to several distinguished abbots, including Luang Pu Waen of Doi Mae Pang Temple in Chiang Mai and Luang Pu Budda in Chai Nat Province.

Among his most sought-after creations is the Long-Life Herbal Powder (Phra Phong Ayuyuen), first produced in 1976 by Phra Kru Wisit Somphot of Wat Phra Chettupon Vimolmangkhalaram (Wat Po) in Bangkok. Luang Pu Si contributed his own specially prepared powder along with betel leaves and areca nut juice. After initial creation, the powder was brought to Luang Pu Si for a special blessing ceremony. Phra Kru Wisit Somphot further enhanced the mixture with sacred ingredients including incense ash from major Bangkok temples such as Wat Rakhang, Wat Saket, and Wat Arun, as well as flowers from the City Pillar Shrine and offerings to the Emerald Buddha.

The amulets are egg-shaped, measuring 2 centimeters wide, 3 centimeters tall, and 0.5 centimeters thick. A total of 22,999 pieces were created in three varieties: 999 pieces with special formula mixed with betel and areca nut, 2,000 pieces with betel-mixed formula, and 20,000 pieces with standard clay composition. The front features a seated Buddha image with "Long Life" inscribed below in raised lettering, while the back displays a sacred triangle yantra with Khmer script. The year 2517 (Buddhist Era) appears on the lower front, with Luang Pu Si's name on the side. These amulets are considered highly valued spiritual objects worthy of devotion and collection.

Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul made a surprise visit to Bang Yai Market in Nonthaburi province to inspect the 'Thai Helping Thai' affordable goods initiative on its opening day. The program launched with Deputy PM Suphachee Suthammapant and Commerce Minister Suphamas Israpakdi in attendance, alongside Nonthaburi MP Suthat Meesiri from the Pheu Thai party.

During the visit, vendors and residents eagerly approached the PM for photos. One vendor took the opportunity to voice concerns about affordability, asking if the government had become wealthy enough to share assistance. When the PM arrived at the venue, he toured the booths and purchased various discounted items including tissue paper, oyster sauce, dish soap, cooking oil, rice, and instant noodles. MP Suthat assisted by pushing the PM's shopping cart throughout, characterizing the event as non-partisan assistance for local citizens.

The PM emphasized that this was not about political opposition versus government, but rather public service for community benefit. He greeted market vendors, sampled products including organic fish paste with rice, durian, and mango, and encouraged residents to take advantage of the affordable prices.

Following the Bang Yai visit, PM Anutin phoned in to check progress on the program's simultaneous launches in four provinces: Songkhla, Sisaket, Trat, and Chiang Mai. In his calls, he stressed the importance of maintaining authentic pricing, emphasized adequate supply, and instructed officials to ensure widespread public access. He mentioned having already spent 30% of his monthly salary on the program and requested diligent oversight and coordination between provincial commerce offices and central authorities.

The second round of Thailand's national track cycling championships for the Queen Sirikit Trophy took place from May 1-3, 2025 at the Velodrome stadium within the Sports Authority of Thailand in Huamark. The opening ceremony on May 1 was presided over by General Decha Mekraksri, vice president of the Asian Cycling Confederation, president of the Asean Cycling Federation, and president of the Thai Cycling Association. The event was livestreamed on Facebook Live and YouTube through Thailand Cycling Association and TCA Channel, attracting over 8,000 viewers.

Following the opening, General Decha announced that the cycling association will evaluate athletes aged 15-17 to prepare for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games, scheduled for October 31-November 13 at Senegal. While cycling traditionally featured only road events at youth Olympics, the host may add track cycling, prompting Thailand's preparation. Young athletes are also using this competition to test their skills before the 41st National Youth Sports Games in Surat Thani from May 7-17.

General Decha emphasized that cyclists accumulating the highest scores across all five rounds will become Thailand's national champions and receive the royal trophy, bringing honor to themselves, their families, and educational institutions. Despite economic pressures from rising fuel costs, many cycling clubs sent numerous athletes to compete and develop their riders. The public is invited to watch the three-day competition livestreamed on Facebook Live and YouTube.

On the first day, the second round awarded 15 gold medals. Notable results include: Men's open keirin champion Jai Angsuthasarawit from Fisherman Friends Rama 3 team and Thai national squad won as expected; Women's open elimination champion Kanyadet Noi Kaew from the Ministry of Defence team (Thai national squad); and under-23 women's elimination champion Gavinart Krueathong from HCCT by Uncle Theng Pump team and Thai national squad.