Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Panitchpakdi chaired the 2026 annual meeting of the Thai Farmers and Agricultural Association in Ayutthaya province on April 26, with over 200 farmers representatives from 57 provinces attending at The Cavalli Casa Resort. The gathering aimed to present agricultural sector concerns and proposals to inform government policy decisions that address real-world conditions.

Supachee stated that the agricultural sector, particularly rice production, faces compounding crises including global economic conditions, geopolitical volatility, rising energy costs, and climate uncertainty causing droughts and heavy rains. These challenges impact farmer productivity and income, representing a global crisis rather than a Thailand-specific problem.

She emphasized that solving these issues requires integrated collaboration among government agencies, the agricultural sector, and related organizations. The Commerce Ministry, as the downstream sector, must work with the Agriculture Ministry handling upstream operations and the industrial sector in the middle to ensure system-wide efficiency.

Supachee received proposals from the farmers' association including six urgent measures and five long-term strategies addressing structural agricultural problems. While some can be implemented immediately, all proposals will be coordinated with the cabinet for prompt concrete results.

Regarding upstream development, the government prioritizes improving rice varieties for higher yields. Current Thai rice productivity averages 400-700 kilograms per rai compared to competitor nations achieving 1,500 kilograms per rai. The government will accelerate seed development while improving soil and fertilizer management through cooperation with agricultural science and land development departments to help farmers reduce costs and boost long-term productivity.

Additionally, the government will coordinate assistance measures for energy and transportation costs, which burden farmers significantly.

For the middle sector, the government focuses on adding rice value through processing and product development. The National Rice Policy and Management Committee has approved support for over 200 communities to access machinery including rice mills, dryers, and vacuum packaging equipment, while developing brands and marketing. Processing extends beyond converting paddy rice to milled rice, incorporating high-value products in food, pharmaceuticals, and byproducts. Processing also extends sales periods, allowing farmers to avoid selling during price downturns and better manage income.

The Commerce Ministry's "market-leading purchase" policy has developed database systems like the rice dashboard to track real-time supply and demand across regions, improving production and marketing planning.

Senator Rujiphab Meekusol from Surin Province, accompanied by his team, visited villages along the Thai-Cambodian border in Kab Choeng District, Surin Province on April 26 to meet with residents and listen to their concerns following four months of border clashes that have now subsided but remain fragile and unresolved.

Meekusol addressed widespread concerns among residents about rumors circulating in recent weeks claiming the Senate was preparing to eliminate the 30-baht Gold Card medical benefits program. He reassured the public that the Senate has never considered canceling the scheme and aims only to improve it. He emphasized that this program significantly impacts grassroots communities and stressed that there is no possibility of its abolition.

Addressing the nation, Meekusol cautioned against the rapid spread of misinformation in the digital age, urging the public to think carefully and verify information before sharing or believing news. He stressed the importance of distinguishing between authentic news and fake news, confirming that such reports about canceling the program are false and represent a distortion of facts.

How to Verify if a Clinic is Legitimate or Illegal: Quick 1-Minute Verification Guide for Doctors and Patients

On April 26, 2025, Dr. Itthiporn Kanchaerun, Secretary of the Medical Council, shared an easy method to verify whether a clinic you plan to work at or receive treatment from is properly licensed according to law. The system uses the Department of Health Service Support (HSS) under the Ministry of Public Health.

Verification Steps: Visit the website: https://hosp.hss.moph.go.th/

On the homepage, select a search option by choosing either: license number or healthcare facility name. Enter your search information and click "Search."

The system will display detailed information about the facility, including the clinic name, address, license type, operator, healthcare professionals, and license status.

If no information is found or the license has expired or been revoked, the clinic may not be operating with proper authorization.

Recommendations for Doctors: Before agreeing to work or operate a clinic, always verify that it holds a valid Healthcare Facility Operation License (SP.7) and Healthcare Facility Operation Permit (SP.19), with matching operator details and appropriate facility classification. Working at an unlicensed clinic can result in legal and ethical violations, with penalties including imprisonment and license revocation, especially if patients are harmed or die.

Recommendations for Patients: Before seeking treatment at a suspicious clinic with unusual advertising, verify the clinic name through the website for your safety. Legitimate clinics must clearly display the facility name, license number, and doctor's name. If a clinic has no records in the system or exhibits suspicious behavior, report it to the Department of Health Service Support at hotline 1426.

A quick verification taking just minutes can effectively protect both healthcare providers and patients.

Struggling with late-night hunger cravings that test your willpower? A nutritionist has compiled 6 healthy late-night snack options that can help reduce weight gain risk while still satisfying those cravings. Nutritionist Sansana explains that late-night eating urges are common between 5 PM and midnight, especially after work or childcare duties, and often stem from accumulated daily stress and blood sugar fluctuations.

You don't have to deny yourself entirely. Instead, Sansana has curated 6 low-impact late-night snack options:

1. Low-calorie beverages under 100 calories per serving that contain protein and fiber to increase satiety 2. Icelandic or Greek yogurt in its natural form without added sugar, typically under 200 calories in small portions, high in protein for longer fullness 3. Tea eggs or ready-to-eat egg white products at under 100 calories, easy to purchase, and a lightweight high-protein option 4. Edamame rich in plant-based protein and fiber, keeping energy intake within 200 calories with proper portions 5. Seaweed sheets in traditional seasoning without deep frying to reduce excess calories and fat 6. Unseasoned nuts in small quantities, around 200 calories, ideal for those seeking snacks that enhance satiety

Sansana explains that late-night cravings often result from accumulated daily stress, which makes eating a coping mechanism, or from dinner containing too many refined carbohydrates that cause blood sugar spikes and subsequent hunger.

Three types of late-night foods to avoid: - Sweets that cause rapid blood sugar fluctuations and increase overeating risk - Instant noodles or soup noodles high in sodium, risking water retention the next day - Fried foods or heavily spiced dishes that burden the digestive system and disrupt sleep quality

The nutritionist emphasizes that late-night eating isn't forbidden. The key is choosing the right foods and controlling portions. Following the principle of "low-calorie, high-protein" allows you to satisfy cravings while minimizing long-term impact on your figure and health.

On April 26, 2025, the Pheu Thai Party held its annual general assembly at Prince of Songkla University's Pattani campus amid heightened political tensions in the southern border region. Party leader Deputy Police General Thawee Sodsong opened the meeting by addressing threats against party members, specifically the murder-for-hire incident targeting Nakhon Si Thammarat MP Kamlasak Leewamao, a law and human rights specialist, which has drawn significant public attention.

Thawee stated that although police have arrested five suspects, investigations reveal they are merely hired operatives following orders passed down through intermediaries. "In this contract killing case, evidence is difficult to obtain due to its secretive nature, but we cannot let this matter end without identifying the true instigators and masterminds. This is an attempt to destroy a political party. Kamlasak is an MP focused on law and human rights. If the party cannot pursue this to the fullest extent, the public will lose confidence in the justice system," Thawee declared.

The party leader revealed that evidence suggests "larger masterminds beyond the five arrested" are involved, based on information conveyed by suspects through relatives and legal advisors during custody. He called for thorough investigation of communications systems and financial trails, noting the attack was meticulously planned.

Thawee also criticized security agencies whose "thinking" views political party organizing as a threat to national security, arguing such views contradict democratic principles and Article 45 of the Constitution protecting freedom to establish political parties. "Some believe that political parties formed by people uniting in local areas are enemies of security. This thinking doesn't work because the Constitution is the supreme law. Anything contradicting the Constitution falls away. I want to convey to security agencies that anyone entering parliamentary politics through people's election is the beauty of the system," he stated.

Thawee questioned those spreading distorted information about the case, suggesting they may be nervously involved in or connected to the criminal network, while emphasizing all evidence is scientifically verifiable.

Meanwhile, Kamlasak revealed his team has spent over a month analyzing the case and gathering evidence meticulously, discovering indicators that the number of conspirators may exceed the five initially identified. "We've obtained and analyzed information about various behaviors in the operation. Much suggests more than these five were involved, but most importantly, we refuse to accuse anyone without clear evidence," Kamlasak stated.

The Nakhon Si Thammarat MP acknowledged the case's high complexity, as contract killing cases are notoriously difficult to trace to the true instigators without testimony from those directly involved.

On Sunday, March 29, 2569 at 9:09 AM at Wat Suan Tham Piti (Tham Utayan) in Kalasin Province, Phra Thep Wattharatham Sophon, also known as Luang Pu Sila Sirijanto, the abbot of Wat Phra That Muen Hin, presided over the lighting of the consecration candles for the blessing ceremony of the first edition of the 'Phra Khun Phan Langsuea' amulets. Phra Kru Sangkharak Thierchai Thirawangso served as the officer extinguishing the candles. The ceremony drew devotees, disciples of Luang Pu Sila, and the general public in large numbers, with many placing substantial orders for the amulets. The atmosphere was lively and bustling.

Before the ceremony began, the ritual pavilion was extremely hot and humid. However, as soon as Luang Pu Sila lit the candles and commenced the blessing ceremony, which lasted approximately 30 minutes, a cool breeze began flowing through the space, transforming the oppressive heat into pleasant coolness. Many participants reported goosebumps, with some raising their hands in reverence and chanting blessings. Many believed this phenomenon was due to the sacred power of these amulets.

According to Noprat Bunsaentrakul, a disciple of Luang Pu Sila, the 'Phra Khun Phan Langsuea' amulets were created collaboratively by three groups of disciples: Team Pu Suea, Pom Sakon Nakhon, and Niphatthorn Smart Image.

Previously, three blessing ceremonies had been conducted: the first on February 7, 2569 at Wat Lahrai in Rayong Province; the second on March 3, 2569 at Wat Suan Tham Piti; and the third on March 8, 2569, also at Wat Suan Tham Piti, where the auspicious water was blessed and distributed.

The fourth and final consecration ceremony received the grace of Luang Pu Sila and four venerable monks in meditation and blessing.

The purpose of creating these amulets is to encourage Buddhist devotees to contribute to the construction of a road around Wat Suan Tham Piti and to support the construction of a chedi at the temple, thereby preserving and promoting Buddhism. The amulets were created using 23 different sacred materials. Pre-orders have been met with excellent response, as amulets blessed by Luang Pu Sila are highly sought after by collectors.

This edition is particularly significant as it combines the spiritual power and merit of two renowned monks: Luang Pu Tim of Wat Lahrai and Luang Pu Sila. Remarkably, during the final blessing ceremony, several extraordinary phenomena occurred: the initially oppressive heat was replaced by a constant cool breeze throughout the ritual, and after Phra Kru Sangkharak Thierchai extinguished the ceremonial candles, the flames suddenly reignited, causing astonished reactions from attendees. The monk then requested permission from Luang Pu Sila to extinguish the candles again before they were finally extinguished. Many believers attribute these phenomena to the sacred power of the 'Phra Khun Phan Langsuea' amulets, interpreting them as signs of powerful merit and blessing for the devotees.

Experts predict this will be one of the most sought-after amulet editions, especially considering that Luang Pu Sila had previously nicknamed it 'Suea Man Dang' (The Roaring Tiger) before this blessing ceremony, referring to its powerful and auspicious qualities.

By Yuttana Kiatdamroenggam