Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Panitchpakdi led Commerce Ministry executives to Chanthaburi province on April 25 to monitor the 2025 durian production situation and inspect farming operations at Sompong Garden, a 1-billion-baht durian farm in Khao Khitchakut District. The delegation inspected quality management systems from farm to market, accompanied by provincial governor Mont Sitthiphon Paisalthanavatana, parliamentary representatives, and Chanida Khai Phuean, Director of Public Policy for TikTok Thailand.

During the visit, the team observed premium durian production and processing techniques under the "Q-Chan" brand, which implements quality control throughout the supply chain. Minister Supachai revealed that 2025 durian production is expected to reach approximately 2.071 million tons, a 33% increase, with the eastern region alone producing about 998,000 tons—48% of the national total. Peak harvesting is anticipated in May.

Currently, Thai durians are exported at roughly 70% while 30% are consumed domestically. The Commerce Ministry aims to increase domestic consumption to manage the surplus production and maintain price stability. The ministry targets moving at least 450,000 tons through domestic channels, including central markets and over 350 modern retail outlets, alongside sales through Thailand Post and online platforms in partnership with TikTok's live commerce features to reach younger consumers.

Minister Supachai witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Internal Trade and TikTok Technologies Ltd. to promote Thai fruit sales through TikTok Shop and live commerce platforms. This collaboration is expected to boost farmer income, expand consumer reach particularly among younger demographics and foreign tourists, utilizing digital content and influencer partnerships.

Chanida Khai Phuean from TikTok Thailand noted that the platform has become crucial in converting content into actual sales, with agricultural products on TikTok Shop growing 15-20% and 1.8 million creators participating. TikTok will run promotional campaigns with the Commerce Ministry, providing over 6.5 million baht in coupons and shipping subsidies to accelerate product sales. The partnership will follow a 3S strategy (Start-Skill-Scale) supporting farmers from their first sale to scaling operations, while promoting the "Thailand: The Land of Tropical Fruits" brand through digital content to boost global recognition of Thai durians.

Win Willan, Thailand's top live shopping host with over 24 million TikTok followers, is launching another shocking promotion. The livestreamer will raid durian orchards in Chanthaburi province to sell premium export-grade durian fruit in a live broadcast at prices starting from just tens of baht. Win explained that premium quality durian is typically exported abroad, but he's offering a special promotion with unbeatable prices so viewers can enjoy quality fruit at excellent value. He stressed that the fruit will be genuine export-grade quality and that he won't sell anything substandard. Don't miss the livestream on April 25th starting at 8:00 PM.

Fans are celebrating Bird Thongchai, a National Artist, on the occasion of receiving the Royal Decoration Direkgunabhorn Medal, Fourth Class. The Bird Thongchai Fans Page (ClubBIRD) on Facebook posted joyfully about Bird Thongchai Mack Inthai, a National Artist in the performing arts category (international Thai music and vocal) recognized in 2022, upon receiving the royal honor. The post stated: "Congratulations to Brother Bird Thongchai on receiving the Royal Decoration Direkgunabhorn Medal, Fourth Class, on the occasion of the Royal Birthday Celebration on July 28, 2025," with fans coming together to congratulate him.

Anticipated Thai film 'Mahout,' produced by Plah Blah Blah and director Piyarattaya Komartat, explores Thailand's deep cultural relationship with elephants from a fresh perspective. The production has generated significant buzz even before its release and has been selected and supported by the Department of International Trade Promotion (DITP) under the Ministry of Commerce, recently appearing at the American Film Market 2025 in Los Angeles.

Most recently, Plah Blah Blah Productions has been selected to exhibit at Cannes Film Festival 2026 in France.

Director Piyarattaya shared her enthusiasm: "I'm thoroughly prepared for this Cannes outing. I've had custom gowns designed tailored to my preferences—each piece is extraordinary. I'm keeping them elegant rather than overly elaborate, as Cannes has guidelines about avoiding excessive embellishment.

I've attended Cannes seven times now, including this year. I've walked red carpets until my feet hurt, but it's been a blast. Plus, I get to see world premieres before anyone else. Even though I've been to Cannes frequently, I can't say I'm jaded—every year brings exciting new experiences and a wonderful array of moments.

As for 'Mahout,' we'll have a booth at Cannes as well. Many people have been asking when it will screen in Thailand. The wait won't be long—it premieres here on July 9th!"

Three government ministries—Agriculture, Higher Education, and Labor—have jointly launched the 'Custom-Blended Fertilizer for Thai Farmers' initiative to address production costs and build sustainable prosperity for farmers through innovation and workforce development. Deputy Agriculture Minister Watchrapol Khwao-kham, alongside Deputy Prime Minister Yotchanon Wongsawat and Labor Minister Julphand Amornvivat, presided over the project launch at the Udon Thani Agricultural Marketing Cooperative. The Agriculture Ministry recognized the urgent need to prepare farmers for potential impacts from Middle East tensions by introducing custom-blended organic and chemical fertilizers as a new strategy. The program promotes balanced fertilizer use tailored to crop and soil requirements based on soil analysis using test kits and a 'Soil Health Friend' mobile app accessible via Line. The three-pronged approach targets reducing production costs, restoring soil resources, and ensuring environmental sustainability. Deputy Prime Minister Yotchanon emphasized that Thai agriculture is heavily dependent on imported fertilizer and the government is adopting proactive measures to transform Thai agriculture through innovation, using cooperatives as intermediaries to deliver technology to farmers. Agriculture Ministry initiatives include negotiating fertilizer feedstock import quotas from Russia to expand supply channels. The government cabinet subsequently visited Udon Thani Rajabhat University to inspect occupational skills training programs offering courses in community cooking, electrical work, air conditioning repair, emerging professions, and Korean language, designed to create supplementary income for farmers during off-seasons.

Waking up around 3 AM regularly and assuming you have insomnia? The truth might be more complicated. Doctors are highlighting a silent health threat many people overlook, and offering tips for better sleep.

Compiled by Sanook Online News Team April 25, 2026

Based on foreign media reports, many people experience frequent awakening around 3 AM and assume it's insomnia. However, this may actually result from the brain's natural rhythmic cycles.

Research shows that human sleep consists of multiple cycles, each lasting approximately 90–110 minutes, similar to relay running with periodic transitions. When entering a light sleep phase in each cycle, the body tends to experience brief "micro-awakenings," which is a normal mechanism. Many people simply shift position and fall back asleep without realizing they had woken up.

Why do we often wake around 3 AM? Around 3 AM represents a transition point in the body's circadian rhythm. The body has just completed the deepest sleep phase with the most restoration and is entering a lighter sleep stage. Simultaneously, the stress hormone cortisol begins to rise, preparing the body for morning. At this time when the body is sensitive to stimuli, even minor noise or lingering thoughts can easily trigger wakefulness.

Why you shouldn't use your phone when you wake at 3 AM Psychologist Professor Greg Murray explains that nighttime is when anxiety easily develops, as external distractions are minimal, causing thoughts to focus more on negative matters. If you pick up your phone or start thinking about work after waking, your brain misinterprets this as time to wake and become active. This creates false conditioned learning and can disrupt your circadian rhythm, potentially leading to long-term sleep problems.

How to sleep through until morning Experts recommend that the key is maintaining consistency in daily routines and preparing your body to relax before sleep, rather than trying to fall asleep quickly. Waking and rising at the same time daily helps regulate your circadian rhythm more effectively. Additionally, avoid electronic devices at least one hour before bed.

If you wake in the middle of the night, don't check the time or your phone, as the numbers may trigger stress and make your brain more alert. Allowing your body to relax will make it easier to fall back asleep.

Source: ETtoday