CHONBURI — Thai cyber police have arrested a 42-year-old Swedish-Finnish man for allegedly hacking hotel systems and running a phishing scam that tricked dozens of guests into transferring money for fake damage claims.

At around 14:00 on 29 April 2026, the Technology Crime Suppression Division (TCSD), or cyber police, announced the arrest of Mikael Toni Kristian at a residence in Tambon Takhian Tia, Bang Lamung district, Chonburi. Officers seized 25 items of evidence, including computers, hard drives and mobile phones.

Police said the suspect, an IT specialist who has lived with his Thai wife—an employee at a hotel in Pattaya—for over eight years, allegedly used his access knowledge to obtain customer database information.

According to investigators, he then created fake websites and email accounts impersonating the hotel, sending messages to guests claiming they had damaged hotel property and were required to pay compensation. Victims, both Thai and foreign tourists, reportedly transferred money believing the claims were genuine.

Authorities said more than 35 people were affected, with total damages estimated at around 100,000 baht. The hotel later filed a complaint, leading to the investigation and arrest.

Police have urged potential victims to come forward and file complaints with the cyber police, while also advising travellers to verify any suspicious payment requests directly with hotels before transferring money.

Two people have died in a tragic incident near the Thai-Myanmar border in Tak province's Phob Phra district. At 11:00 a.m. on April 30, police arrived at an unmarked residence in Chong Khaeb village to find two bodies in the kitchen. The victims—31-year-old Noo Noo We and 41-year-old Saw Ler, both Myanmar nationals—were found in pools of blood. The woman had her throat nearly severed, while the man bore seven stab wounds to the chest. A blood-stained large knife was recovered near the woman's body.

Investigations revealed the victims were a married couple working as agricultural laborers in the area. According to witnesses, Saw Ler had repeatedly argued with his wife, demanding she stop using social media because he was concerned that her attractive appearance would attract unwanted attention from other men online. The couple's disputes over this issue were frequent.

Authorities believe that during the fatal confrontation, Saw Ler broached the subject once again in the kitchen. When his wife refused to comply, a violent argument ensued. It appears the woman attempted to defend herself with a knife, stabbing her husband multiple times to escape. However, the husband retaliated by slashing her throat with the blade, resulting in both their deaths. Police collected evidence and details for their investigation.

The Bhumjaithai Party's Facebook page has released an infographic detailing the Thai Helping Thai program, designed to reduce expenses and boost purchasing power. Under the scheme, for every 100 baht spent, the government covers 60 percent while citizens contribute 40 percent, totaling 4,000 baht in benefits distributed at 1,000 baht per month over four months.

The monthly breakdown is as follows: - Month 1 (June 2025): 1,000 baht - Month 2 (July 2025): 1,000 baht - Month 3 (August 2025): 1,000 baht - Month 4 (September 2025): 1,000 baht

Registration opens in May 2025, with benefits becoming available in June 2025 through the Pao Tang app. Participants can spend their benefits at participating merchants nationwide.

The program has four conditions: (1) benefits can only be used at participating merchants, (2) benefits cannot be withdrawn as cash, (3) benefits cannot be transferred to others, and (4) benefits must be spent within the month they are received.

The second round of the Thailand Track Cycling Championship will take place May 1-3 with an exciting atmosphere as over 200 cyclists from member clubs across the country compete for the title. General Decha Hemkrasri, chairman of the Cycling Association, revealed that the association will conduct the track cycling championship round 2 from May 1-3 at the Velodrome stadium within the Thai National Sports Authority (TNSA) in Huamark, with over 200 cyclists from member clubs participating. The championship runs five rounds annually to develop new young cycling talent and prepare athletes for the 2026 Youth Olympic Games in Senegal, which may include track cycling events. Member clubs send numerous athletes to accumulate annual points, with the highest-scoring athletes receiving royal trophies. This serves as an important talent search to identify new athletes for the national team to replace retiring senior athletes.

General Decha noted that the road cycling championship, with four completed rounds, has produced promising young and junior cyclists with outstanding performances. These athletes can participate in middle-distance track cycling events such as scratch races, omnium, points race, and pursuit. The coaching staff has identified exceptional talent that the association aims to develop into national team cyclists.

General Decha stated that the association is advancing athlete development across all levels according to strategic personnel development plans, calling on member clubs to jointly develop young talent. The goal is to elevate these cyclists to become important contributors to Thailand's national cycling team in the future, for both short and middle-distance categories—particularly short-distance, where finding talented athletes is challenging due to the need for high-intensity muscle power. The second round will also serve as a testing ground for youth cyclists competing in the 41st National Youth Games "Surat Thani Games" in Surat Thani Province from May 7-17.

The opening ceremony on May 1 will be presided over by General Decha Hemkrasri, with association board members in attendance. The event will be livestreamed on Facebook (Thailand Cycling Association and TCA Channel) and YouTube (TCA Channel) throughout all three days. May 1's program includes 15 gold medal events, beginning at 7:30 AM.

After an influencer livestreamed durian sales at 100 baht per fruit online, the trend sparked a flurry of debate over the past 1-2 days about value and quality. Reporters visited Si Sa Ket province, home to the renowned "Phu Khao Fai" durian, where multiple vendors confirmed that while the cheap durian trend created buzz in the industry, it hasn't dented sales of quality fruit like Phu Khao Fai.

Vorapon Waendee, 36, a durian vendor in Uthumphon Phisai district, Si Sa Ket, said he's been selling durian for 8 years and has loyal repeat customers every year. He doesn't believe the 100-baht-per-fruit posts affect his business, as most customers understand product quality and buy based on satisfaction. His durian sells for 120 baht per kilogram, weighed whole before peeling. If customers aren't satisfied with the flesh quality after opening, he immediately replaces it.

Durian at 100 baht per fruit may be unripe or lower quality. If you want cheap durian, don't expect premium-grade flesh—everything must make sense relative to the price.

Meanwhile, Prom Yai, 44, a durian vendor, said her shop carries both Chanthaburi durian and Phu Khao Fai durian from Si Sa Ket. Chanthaburi durian sells for 150 baht per kilogram, while Phu Khao Fai sells for 180 baht per kilogram. Though pricier than typical durian, customers keep coming back because many trust the quality and taste.

The 100-baht-per-fruit trend doesn't affect our business at all, she said, because our customers prioritize quality over price. Some are willing to pay more for good durian with beautiful flesh and delicious taste, and customers are satisfied with that.

Following the International Olympic Committee (IOC) inspection led by member Dunga Erbegova, who visited Thailand for two days between April 28-29 to assess the country's readiness to host the 2030 Youth Olympic Games in Bangkok and Chonburi, Prof. Pimol Srivikrom, Chair of Thailand's Olympic Committee, held a press conference on April 30 with Erbegova to summarize the site survey findings. The Thai Olympic Committee sent a letter to Prime Minister Anuthim Chansawanit on April 30 requesting government support for the bid.

Erbegova stated that over the past two to three days, the team witnessed Thailand's commitment, vigilance, and ambition in presenting the bid. The IOC member praised the dedication of sports organizations and the Thai Olympic team, noting that Bangkok and Chonburi's facilities meet high standards, with training centers and an atmosphere conducive to successful competition. He believes hosting would inspire not only Thai youth but the entire region. The collected data will be submitted to the IOC for consideration at their June meeting in Switzerland.

When asked about the Thai government's formal letter of endorsement—which the Anuthim administration has not yet issued in writing—Erbegova emphasized this was critically important. He noted discussions with Sports and Tourism Minister Surachet Panphanthong over a meal, and confirmed the government's support. He stressed that the formal endorsement letter should arrive within two weeks so the complete documentation can be submitted to the International Olympic Committee according to the established timeline.

Erbegova concluded by saying: "If asked whether in the next four years I would like to come to Thailand as host of the Youth Olympic Games—Thailand is a beautiful country, and I would always like to return."