A powerful summer storm struck Wat Phra Chao Tho in Hod District, Chiang Mai at 2:30 PM on April 30, 2025, causing a massive century-old tamarind tree to collapse in the temple courtyard and crash onto the ancient "Red Sala," a historic structure housing a 1,300-year-old reclining Buddha image from the era of Queen Jamadevi. The damage is severe and has deeply distressed local residents and devotees.

Wat Phra Chao Tho stands as one of Hod District's most important archaeological monuments, with a long history connected to the legendary ancient city of "Pisalarnakhon" from the Dvaravati period. According to local tradition, Queen Jamadevi traveled through the area on her journey from Lopburi to establish Hariphunchai, and stopped to rest in the Hod region before ordering the construction of a city in commemoration. She had a temple, stupa, and large Buddha image built there—which local people called "Phra Chao Tho," using the Lanna term "tho" meaning "large" or "great."

It is also believed that Queen Jamadevi dedicated merit to the soldiers who died during the journey and named the city "Pisalarnakhon," which eventually became known as "Hod" in modern times. This storm has not only caused damage to temple property but also significantly impacted the invaluable historical heritage of Chiang Mai and the Lanna people. Local residents and relevant authorities are currently assessing the damage and working to develop a rapid restoration plan for the historic site.

At 4:00 PM on April 30, 2025, Pol. Col. Yoswat Kaewsuebanit, commander of Khon Kaen City Police Station, along with Pol. Lt. Methee Srivanna, acting deputy commander, led a proactive enforcement operation to investigate a suspicious shop on Moha Road in Sila Subdistrict, Muang District, Khon Kaen Province. Intelligence indicated the shop was illegally selling kratom decoction to children and youth.

When officers arrived, they found the shop door tightly closed and signaled for it to be opened. Upon entry, they discovered numerous young people sitting inside drinking kratom water. Officers ordered the lights turned on and summoned all occupants for questioning, while detaining the 21-year-old shop owner for interrogation.

Pol. Col. Yoswat revealed that officers seized 20 bottles of kratom decoction and four sales records as evidence. The suspect initially confessed to all charges. He has been charged with selling kratom water within an educational institution zone (within 1,000 meters) and distributing prohibited food items in violation of food safety laws.

The suspect and evidence were taken into custody for further legal proceedings. This operation reflects Khon Kaen City Police Station's proactive safety policy, intensifying enforcement in high-risk areas, particularly around schools, to prevent youth access to such substances and enhance community safety.

As UV Index levels soar to extreme 11-12+ in April 2025, most people are focusing on skin protection while overlooking their hair, which sits highest and is most exposed to the sun's rays. Hair experts reveal that UV radiation damages hair structure four times more severely than heat from styling tools, causing "sun-aged" hair that becomes dry, brittle, and prone to split ends. Recognizing this critical gap in hair care, Dove has launched a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about the importance of UV protection for hair, particularly for modern women who spend time outdoors daily—whether studying, working, or engaging in outdoor activities. Dove's message is clear: it's time to take hair sun protection seriously. The brand is executing a full-scale campaign across billboards, public transportation, and digital screens nationwide, telling real stories of women navigating daily life under the sun. To address UV-damaged hair, Dove introduces the new "Dove UV Ferulic Repair & Glow" product line, featuring a comprehensive 4-step system: cleanse, condition, treat, and protect. The lineup includes shampoo and conditioner for restoring damaged hair, a treatment mask to repair and shield UV-damaged strands, and a breakthrough bi-phase serum oil that serves as the brand's first-ever hair sunscreen with HPF70 protection that lasts up to 70 hours. The Dove UV Ferulic Treatment Mask is packed with millions of Ferulic Capsules that penetrate deep into the hair shaft, providing a 10-in-1 benefit including seal repair, moisture lock, and frizz control lasting 48 hours. The Dove UV Ferulic Bi-Phase Serum Oil is Dove's first hair sunscreen innovation, offering HPF70 protection for continuous UV defense up to 70 hours, with a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that adds shine without stickiness and maintains fragrance all day. This April, no matter how intense the sun or how high the UV Index climbs, Dove UV Ferulic stands ready to let you enjoy outdoor activities with confidence, eliminating concerns about hair damage.

A Bangkok-based Western researcher requested a meeting with the author on Tuesday afternoon to discuss the troubling Thai-Cambodian relations and assess prospects for normalizing ties between the two neighboring ASEAN member states. After learning the researcher had recently visited Phnom Penh, the author asked for his assessment first.

The researcher, identified as "John" to protect his identity and organization, shared his observations. On Cambodia, John noted that the legacy of the recent war remains deeply present in people's lives there, unlike in Thailand where people have largely moved forward. He pointed out that according to Cambodia's Ministry of Interior, over 34,000 Cambodian civilians remain displaced along the Thai border despite the December 2025 ceasefire, whereas virtually all Thai displaced persons have returned home.

Regarding Cambodian leadership, John observed that most Cambodians recognize the war was a major mistake driven by emotion rather than strategic calculation. Cambodia is seeking to internationalize the issue, with their American PR adviser comparing it to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. John criticized Cambodia's "reckless and provocative" actions as damaging to the Hun Sen regime and damaging to public sentiment.

The author countered that Thailand is currently reluctant to return to negotiations through the Thailand-Cambodia Joint Boundary Commission, and that Cambodian leaders cannot afford to appear as though they're conceding disputed territories. John questioned what it would take for Thailand to restore normal relations—reopening borders, resuming trade, and negotiating boundaries.

The author explained that Thai domestic politics play a significant role, with the conflict being utilized as a tool by the conservative royalist Bhumjaithai Party and Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, as well as the Thai military, to maintain popularity. With Thailand's fragile economy, Anutin requires reasons for ordinary Thais to feel positive about the government's direction.

Police officers from Mae Chan Police Station in Chiang Rai arrested two 14-year-old boys named Toon and Klai along with drug evidence consisting of ice and ketamine totaling approximately 29.9 kilograms. The arrest followed a continuous drug interdiction operation in the Baan Wieng Sa area, Moo 7, Sri Kham Subdistrict, Mae Chan District, Chiang Rai Province. Officers spotted a suspicious motorcycle with two young males riding in a suspicious manner and called them for inspection. A second motorcycle then approached carrying two additional men with a large black bag positioned between the driver's legs, displaying unusual haste. When the rear motorcycle driver spotted the officers, he panicked and attempted to escape by turning the bike around, but lost control and crashed on the roadside. Officers immediately took both suspects into custody, identified as Toon and Klai. Upon inspecting the black bag, police found crystal methamphetamine in approximately 24 bags weighing about 25.8 kilograms, and ketamine in 4 bags weighing about 4.1 kilograms, totaling approximately 29.9 kilograms. However, during the arrest process, suspects from the first motorcycle escaped. Authorities have obtained partial information and are actively investigating to apprehend additional suspects for legal proceedings.

A 31-year-old woman from Pathum Thani has filed a police report after losing 2 kilograms of gold bars valued at approximately 170,000 baht to online scammers. She is sharing her experience to warn other online buyers and sellers.

On the afternoon of April 28, the woman posted an advertisement selling gold bars in a gold collecting group—two bars at 85,000 baht each (170,000 baht total). A LINE message came in from someone interested in purchasing. After discussing details at length, the buyer claimed to be from Bueng Kan province. The seller was hesitant about shipping high-value items, so she asked about payment arrangements. The buyer suggested she deliver the package to a courier service, and he would transfer the money immediately.

The seller agreed, thinking that if the buyer didn't transfer the funds, she could cancel the shipment and retrieve the items. The buyer requested photos of the shop front, branch name, and location for verification purposes, and asked for 15 minutes' notice before arrival. During the delivery at the courier shop, the buyer kept the woman on a video call but wouldn't turn on his camera—he insisted she keep hers on. He claimed he wanted to verify the items were properly packaged and delivered.

After leaving the shop, the seller sat in her car waiting for the money transfer. About 10 minutes passed with no payment. She messaged that if he didn't transfer within 5 minutes, she would cancel the transaction. She rushed back into the shop to stop the shipment, but the staff said a rider had already picked it up, claiming to be the sender's boyfriend. The staff said they had called her, but she didn't answer during the video call, so they released the package. The seller realized she had been defrauded by an organized scam ring.

On the same day, Pol. Maj. Wiwat Asvaviboon, superintendent of Muang Pathum Thani Police Station, stated that investigators have taken the victim's statement as evidence and summoned the courier service staff to provide their account. An investigation is underway to identify and prosecute all individuals involved in the crime.