On April 28, 2026, Thanachoke Rungthipanont, Deputy Comptroller General and spokesman for the Comptroller General's Department, announced details about the State Welfare Card program for May 2026. Eligible individuals can access benefits through their smart national ID cards.

May 2026 State Welfare Card Benefits:

Starting May 1, 2026: - Consumer goods and transportation credit (non-withdrawable as cash, non-accumulative): 300 baht per person per month for goods purchases - Cost of living relief measure through the State Welfare Card: 100 baht (valid one month, from April 13 to May 12, 2026) - Cooking gas purchase discount: 80 baht per person per three months (April-June 2026) - Public transportation credit: 750 baht per person per month (covers buses, trains, BTS, MRT, and participating private transport operators)

Starting May 20, 2026: - Disability allowance increase: 200 baht per month for those with valid disability cards currently receiving the standard 800 baht monthly disability benefit (funds transferred to bank accounts linked to 13-digit national ID numbers)

On April 28, 2569, General Bunsing Padklong, advisor to the Commander of the Royal Thai Army and former commander of the Second Military Region, revealed details of his visit to Luang Pu Sila at Wat Suan Tham Peeti on April 26 to request ordination. After Luang Pu learned of his intention, the abbot compassionately presented him with robes and Buddhist requisites as blessings. General Bunsing stated that he intends to ordain for one Buddhist Lent, approximately three months, to dedicate merit to brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives defending national sovereignty, as well as civilians and personnel who died in service across all battlefields. He views their sacrifices as made for the nation, its people, and Thailand's land. The ordination ceremony will be conducted simply without elaborate rituals. After ordination, he intends to dedicate himself to practicing the Dhamma, studying monastic discipline, and strictly following Buddhist teachings.

A good Samaritan witnessed a 17-year-old girl clinging to a pickup truck before being violently shaken off and injured, with the driver fleeing the scene. Parents filed a reckless endangerment complaint. Security footage captured a black Ford four-door pickup at approximately 7:09 PM parking at the location where the victim confirmed they had stopped to talk. The incident occurred at 8:45 PM on April 26, 2025. Deputy Lieutenant Colonel Chanjai Songwansaksri of Nong Prue Station responded to reports of a girl injured after falling from a pickup truck in front of Kao Pho Thong Temple on the Mab Prachan Reservoir road in Bang Lamung District, Chonburi Province. Upon arrival, officers found the victim, 17-year-old Miss Bow (alias), with abrasions on both knees. She reported being picked up by a man approximately 30 years old whom she had recently met on April 23. He claimed he would help her find a job after she completed her vocational training. After leaving a bungalow in Nong Prue soi, they went for hot pot before he drove her to the reservoir area. As she attempted to exit the vehicle, he suddenly accelerated and tried to flee, forcing her to jump onto the side of the truck. The man then drove aggressively, swerving violently for about 500 meters along the reservoir road until she fell in front of Kao Pho Thong Temple. He fled in the black Ford Ranger four-door pickup without a rear license plate. A 23-year-old witness named Mix recorded video footage showing the victim attempting to hold onto the truck and pounding on the window with her right hand as the vehicle swerved before she fell. Mix stated he initially thought they were playing but became concerned when the truck accelerated rapidly and swerved dangerously, prompting him to record the incident. The suspect drove approximately 500 meters along the reservoir road before the victim lost her grip near the temple and fell, sustaining injuries. The suspect then fled quickly in the direction of Siam Country Club Golf Course. Police coordinated with the victim's parents to transport her to Pattaya Patumwan Hospital for treatment.

Kasetsart University is receiving significant momentum from alumni who are generously contributing to support the construction of the university hospital, a critical initiative to enhance the nation's healthcare system. Kasetsart University continues to advance its mission of giving by promoting the construction of the university hospital as an important endeavor to improve the country's health infrastructure.

Acting University President Dr. Damrong Sripraphram received a donation of 100,000 baht for the Faculty of Medicine and Kasetsart University Hospital from Theeraphattana Punseangiam, Vice Chairman of TK Palace and Convention Hotel and university alumnus. Associate Professor Dr. Nuchanat Mangkang, Vice President of Finance and Special Activities, witnessed the occasion at the Office of the University President in the 50th Anniversary Communication Building at Kasetsart University.

This fundraising contribution marks another significant milestone in the university's ongoing effort to mobilize funds from alumni and expand the circle of philanthropic supporters in society. The goal is to support the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Nursing, Faculty of Pharmacy, and a 400-bed Kasetsart University Hospital under the Medical Park project, which aims to become a center for education, research, and medical services in the context of agro-medicine and bio-innovation.

Currently, the Faculty of Medicine at Kasetsart University has 94 medical students from the first and second cohorts. The Faculty of Nursing has 63 students in its first cohort, and the university is preparing to admit 24 students into the Faculty of Pharmacy's first cohort for the 2026 academic year, all of whom will contribute to strengthening Thailand's public health system in the future.

The university is actively developing educational and medical infrastructure, including classroom buildings and a medical education center at Kasetsart University's Bangkhen campus, as well as clinical medical education centers at Chaophraya Yommaraj Hospital in Suphan Buri Province and Sakon Nakhon Center Hospital in Sakon Nakhon Province. These facilities will provide comprehensive teaching, learning, and clinical training opportunities for medical students.

Additionally, the Kasetsart University Hospital Foundation has been established to invite the public and philanthropic individuals to participate in creating a hospital for the future that will improve quality of life and strengthen the nation's long-term health security.

Kasetsart University cordially invites those with philanthropic spirit to join in building this hospital for the nation. Donations to support the construction of the Faculty of Medicine, Faculty of Nursing, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Kasetsart University Hospital are tax-deductible at a 1-to-1 ratio.

Two donation channels are available:

1. Through the Punboon website: https://www.punboon.org/foundation/01162 2. Through Thai Military Bank Public Company Limited account number 069-2-77187-6, account name: Kasetsart University Hospital

Follow the project's progress at the Faculty of Medicine, Kasetsart University Facebook page, marking an important step in the university's service to society and nation during its ninth decade: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100086218923974

The Mobile Development Unit 15 (MDU 15) of the Development Command has launched emergency assistance for residents affected by drought in Huai Khat District, providing water supplies to 35 households. On April 27, 2569, under the direction of Maj. Gen. Mahit Boonkrong, Commander of MDU 15, the unit deployed 12 disaster relief personnel and royal volunteer teams to aid drought-stricken communities in Huai Khat District, Uthai Thani Province.

The relief operation was supported by one 6,000-liter water truck and one smaller truck to rapidly distribute water to residents lacking adequate supplies. The teams filled water storage tanks and containers in affected homes and distributed 100 bottles of drinking water to provide immediate relief.

In total, 35 households comprising approximately 100 residents in Moo 3, Huai Khat Subdistrict, Huai Khat District benefited from the assistance. The operation follows directives from Thailand's Supreme Commander and the Development Command leadership to prioritize rapid emergency relief in disaster-affected areas, with the goal of reducing suffering and mitigating the concrete impacts of drought.

Overflowing with faith, Buddhists from both within and outside the area participated in the casting ceremony of a large Walking Buddha statue standing 6 meters tall at Khao Ploy Meditation Center in Sattahip, believed to bring blessings of progress in life. On April 27, 2026, the ceremony drew extensive participation, with the atmosphere of devotion filling the grounds of Khao Ploy Meditation Center in Sattahip District, Chachoengsao Province. The significant ceremony was presided over by Phra Ratchavisutthimuni (Luang Pu Yuean Kantiphalo), abbot of Khao Sala Atulthanachairo Temple (Thammayut sect) in Surin Province and former abbot of Surin Province, along with renowned monks from the eastern region including Chanthaburi, Rayong, and Chachoengsao. On the civilian side, Lieutenant General Kravit Chayaratchai, Commander of the Expeditionary Naval Squadron, presided over the ceremony with participation from various naval units including the Gulf Patrol Division, Frigates 1 and 2, Helicopter Carrier Group, and Mine Sweeper Group, demonstrating unified cooperation and devotion across all sectors. The ceremony's highlight centered on casting the 'Buddha's Head,' allowing devotees to contribute pure gold and precious ornaments to become part of the statue. The long-held belief holds that participating in casting the Walking Buddha brings blessings of life advancement, resembling the steady forward steps of the Buddha himself. Khao Ploy Meditation Center has become an important destination for merit-making in Sattahip, set on a hillside offering stunning views of Sattahip Bay and scattered islands in blue waters, serving as both a religious site and increasingly popular spiritual tourism destination. The ceremony represents not only Buddhist faith but also emphasizes the significance of the Buddha statue as a focal point for people's hearts, which continues to hold power in Thai society across all eras.