SAMUT PRAKAN — Songkran celebrations are still in full swing in Phra Pradaeng district, where large crowds of tourists and locals gathered on April 26 for one of Thailand's most culturally distinctive New Year festivals, known for preserving Mon heritage traditions.

By 11:30 on April 26, 2026, the atmosphere in Phra Pradaeng, Samut Prakan province, was lively as visitors continued splashing water under intense heat, particularly in front of the district office where a stage and live performances were set up.

Despite many believing the traditional Songkran period had ended, the festival in Phra Pradaeng—also known as "Songkran Pak Lat"—continues to draw strong participation, with streets and key intersections filled with crowds enjoying water activities and entertainment.

Major roads including Suksawat Road, Pu Chao Saming Phrai Road, and Phetchahung Road, as well as surrounding alleyways, were packed with revellers on both sides, creating a festive and energetic atmosphere across the district.

Authorities have implemented strict traffic and safety measures this year, including a ban on pickup trucks carrying water tanks and passengers from entering 13 main routes, in an effort to prevent accidents and ease congestion.

Police from multiple stations across Samut Prakan have been deployed to manage traffic, maintain order, and ensure public safety throughout the festival period.

Phra Pradaeng Songkran is a long-standing tradition of Thai-Mon communities, featuring cultural activities such as the Nang Songkran procession, floral floats, traditional Mon folk games including "Saba Raman," and performances like Mon dance.

The festival also features major parades and cultural showcases, which are set to continue through the afternoon with the official opening ceremony and procession.

The event highlights the unique identity of Mon heritage in Thailand and is widely regarded as one of the country's most culturally significant Songkran celebrations, extending beyond the traditional festival period with activities continuing for several days each year.

As global temperatures climb beyond warming trends into an era of extreme heat, Thailand faces increasingly dangerous UV radiation levels that pose significant risks to skin with prolonged sun exposure. UV rays break down collagen beneath the skin's surface, leading to dark spots, freckles, and wrinkles, making sunscreen an indispensable protective tool for everyone.

What do SPF and PA ratings on sunscreen labels tell us?

Many people casually grab any sunscreen off the shelf, but with UV radiation reaching unprecedented levels, reading labels and making informed choices before purchasing is essential.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates the level of protection against UVB rays that cause sunburn. For Thailand's intense sun, choose SPF 50 or higher.

PA (Protection Grade of UVA) measures protection against UVA rays that penetrate deep into the skin, destroying collagen and causing wrinkles. For maximum protection, select PA++++ (four plus signs only).

Three techniques for choosing and applying sunscreen effectively:

1. Look for "Broad-Spectrum" on the label This ensures comprehensive protection against both UVA and UVB rays, plus protection from blue light and pollution—perfectly suited for modern lifestyles.

2. Choose a texture suited to your climate and skin type Given Thailand's hot, humid weather, overly heavy creams can cause midday shine and clogged pores. Match the formula to your skin: oily or acne-prone skin should use fluid, gel, or fast-absorbing serum formulas, while dry skin should opt for cream-based products to lock in moisture and provide all-day protection.

3. Application amount is crucial Even premium sunscreen loses effectiveness if applied too sparingly. Dermatologists recommend using a full two-finger length of product and reapplying every 2-3 hours during outdoor activities.

With rapidly changing weather and intensified sun damage, investing in quality sunscreen tailored to your skin type is the smartest investment you can make. Start protecting your skin today to prevent serious damage that becomes difficult to reverse, keeping your skin youthful and wrinkle-free for years to come.

Thai fans gathered en masse at Sphere Gallery 2 on the second floor of Emsphere shopping mall to warmly welcome Cheng Lei as iQIYI International's newest Global Ambassador. The 2026 iQIYI Starship Meet and Greet in Thailand marked his first official fan meeting with Thai supporters, organized grandly by iQIYI International. The company had prepared exclusive zones for premium and annual VIP members to enjoy close encounters with their favorite star.

When Cheng Lei took the stage, screams erupted throughout the venue. He charmed the crowd by greeting fans in Thai, saying "Hello everyone, I'm Cheng Lei" and "I'm happy to meet all of you." He spoke about his honor in becoming an iQIYI Global Ambassador and shared his special appreciation for Thailand.

The event was packed with exclusive activities including in-depth interviews about his hit series Shadow Love, Legend of the Female General, and How Dare You!?, followed by interactive games. These included "This or That" to test chemistry with fans, "Truth or Dare" with special questions and cute challenges, the popular game "Rock, Paper, Scissors Challenge," and a thrilling "Mystery Box" game where lucky fans were selected to help Cheng Lei guess items using touch and intuition. Between games, Cheng Lei enjoyed popular Thai dishes including mango sticky rice, Thai milk tea, tom yum shrimp soup, and pad Thai.

The event concluded with lucky fan selections for postcards and group photos. A surprise project from Thai fans moved Cheng Lei to tears, deepening everyone's affection for him. An additional highlight featured the original author of How Dare You!?, Qi Yingjun, appearing for discussions and autograph signings.

The visit reinforced iQIYI Starship's mission to strengthen international fanbase connections while expanding Cheng Lei's influence and market value as a top-tier artist throughout Southeast Asia. Though the event ended on a high note, many fans are already eagerly anticipating his next visit to Thailand.

This article details several highly prized Buddhist amulets and sacred objects, beginning with the Trimester Bell (Phra Kring Trimaat) created in 1972 by Luang Pho Thop Thammabanyo, an esteemed monk from Phetchabun. The bell was crafted according to ancient traditions using nine auspicious metals including gold, copper, and silver, with only 300 pieces ever produced before the mold was destroyed. The article goes on to describe other rare sacred objects including protective amulets (biang kaae) made by Luang Poo Perm Punyavaso of Wat Klang Bang Kaew in Nakhon Pathom, mercury Buddha images (phra prot) created by Luang Pho Suang Aphayo of Wat Chi Pa Khao in Sing Buri around 1955, and commemorative medals created by Luang Poo Budda Pannyathero of Wat Pa Tai Pattana Ram in Sara Buri to fund temple construction. Each of these objects is created through elaborate and time-honored methods and has become extremely rare and valuable to collectors of Buddhist amulets.

Daily Horoscope Monday, April 27, 2025 Astrologer Busaphon

Aries Today you will receive strong support and cooperation from those around you, both near and far. However, your routine work may face increasing obstacles. Home renovations, whether small or large, will be completed successfully. Young dependents will stick to your side wherever you go. Be careful not to become overly friendly unknowingly, as this could lead to romantic misunderstandings and betrayals.

Taurus You should not involve yourself too much with young children today, as their parents may blame you if they become ill. During this period, people often show you genuine kindness and may bring you good books, demonstrating their sincerity. Watch for minor eye discomfort. Avoid touching other people's communication devices, as they may misunderstand your intentions.

Gemini Today you will understand the meaning and implications of various events well. You can control irritable emotions and anger decreases. Your romantic partner will care for you appropriately. Members of this sign often encounter old enemies or incompatible people regardless of what they do. Your home may be troubled by insects, which you should eliminate completely.

Cancer You should not take on others' responsibilities today, such as housesitting or pet-sitting for others, as this will cause you problems later. Do not authorize others to handle your finances or sign documents on your behalf. Your job position may be reduced. Your romantic partner will be especially kind to you.

Leo Today you will receive blessings from senior relatives and friends. Your work will proceed smoothly, which you should recognize as the result of your past good deeds. Bad news about enemies may be true, but they will not bother you anymore. Your household members are diligent workers and provide well for you. Nearby construction may damage your home.

Virgo You will face surprising obstacles regarding finances and possessions today. Financial transactions may go wrong. Be cautious working with machinery as accidents are possible. Your romantic partner or spouse will argue with you or displease you frequently, despite the current romantic appeal of matters of the heart.

Libra You should not show bias in managing subordinates, otherwise they will quarrel among themselves beyond your control. You may receive large windfalls or significant benefits ahead. However, you should avoid excessive spending, as making a living will be difficult. Be mindful of matters of the heart and affection.

Scorpio When delegating work today, first assess people's abilities. Be careful when using herbal remedies or massage therapy. Family members will live with you regularly, though they often have hidden financial problems. You will experience several small unexpected gains, which will please you greatly.

Sagittarius You will give gifts or rewards to your fiancé or spouse today, but new friends may bring you strange gifts or bad news instead. Dangers may arise from storms or cold weather, which could trigger allergies due to changing weather. When others quarrel, you should not mediate or interfere.

Capricorn Today you have a strong and steadfast mindset to solve problems and complete work progressively. You will have opportunities to show kindness to those who are friendly toward you. Non-profit investments will yield excellent results. Family members are gentle in demeanor but strong in work ethic.

During weekends and public holidays, conservation-focused tourism activities continue to thrive in Uthai Thani Province, particularly wildlife viewing boat tours from Ban Wang Thong Pier in Rabam Subdistrict, Lan Sak District. Both Thai and international visitors regularly patronize the service to experience the richness of the UNESCO World Heritage forest.

Uthai Thani Province, together with Rabam Subdistrict Administration and the Rabam Wildlife Tourism Community Enterprise Group, supports and promotes this initiative to generate income for local communities. Community tour boats guide visitors along waterways bordering the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, which connects to the Thab Salao Reservoir—a large water source essential for numerous wildlife species.

Visitors have opportunities to encounter diverse wildlife, including various bird species that emerge to feed along the forest edge and waterside, creating memorable experiences. Anuphan Sarnsuwan, Rabam Subdistrict Chief, noted that the area's main attraction is its large reservoir adjacent to the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary, a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, allowing tourists to easily spot wildlife. Particularly during the dry season, when forest food sources decrease, wildlife emerges to feed along the Thab Salao Reservoir, including wild elephants, gibbons, deer, sambars, gaur, wild boar, and peacocks, along with various bird species.

This represents conservation of both forest and wildlife while providing sustainable income for residents through tourism services, local product sales, indigenous cuisine, and accommodations. The Huai Thab Salao-Huai Rabam Wildlife Sanctuary Facebook page reports that sightings of wild cattle herds indicate increasing gaur populations in the protected area, suggesting rich biodiversity with abundant water sources, grasslands, and salt licks. The area has been continuously managed to provide safe habitats for wildlife.

Tourists can use boats from the "Rabam Wildlife Tourism Community Enterprise Group" to view nature and wildlife up close without entering the forest or disturbing wildlife, representing a popular conservation-focused tourism model.

The Rabam Wildlife Tourism Community Enterprise Group was established on October 29, 2021, with local residents collectively supporting activities that provide employment, income, and community initiatives near the Huai Kha Khaeng World Heritage border, promoting forest conservation and wildlife protection.

Activities of interest include: - Boat tours for nature viewing and wildlife watching from 4 piers: Wang Thong, Huai Dong Reservoir, Hin Lek Fai, and Ban Ton Mai Bueng Charoen. Two daily trips operate: morning 6:00-8:00 AM and evening 4:00-6:00 PM. Each boat accommodates 3 passengers at 650 baht per service, with 50 boats distributed across piers. - Vehicle tours for wildlife viewing at the Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife Breeding Station.