NAKHON RATCHASIMA — Social media users have shared a video showing two teenagers lighting a fire near a bamboo grove, prompting concerns it could spread uncontrollably in dry conditions.

A local Facebook page posted the clip with a caption stating that two youths were seen starting a fire near Saphan 1 Market in Sikhio subdistrict, Sikhio district. The area is close to dry bamboo, which can act as highly flammable fuel, raising the risk of a wider blaze. The purpose of the fire remains unclear, and authorities have been urged to investigate and monitor the situation. Residents were also asked to report similar incidents immediately.

The footage was recorded in the early evening of April 26. It shows two teenagers, one wearing a blue shirt and white shorts, the other a patterned shirt with black trousers, crouching as they build a fire beside a large bamboo cluster. Smoke can be seen spreading into the surrounding area.

Although the location resembles a wooded community area without nearby homes, passers-by expressed concern that the fire could spread quickly due to the dry season. The ground is covered with fallen bamboo leaves, twigs and other dry debris, which could fuel a fast-moving fire that may be difficult to control.

Online users also questioned the teenagers' intentions, with some speculating they may have been using smoke to drive out bees, catch insects or grill fish.

However, provincial authorities in Nakhon Ratchasima have enforced a strict no-burning policy. The Provincial Disaster Prevention and Mitigation Office announced on November 5, 2025 a ban on all burning from late winter 2025 through summer 2026 to tackle haze and PM2.5 pollution.

The ban, covering all 32 districts, applies to forests, agricultural land, roadsides and community areas, particularly during the dry season from January to April. Officials, including local administrators, police and community leaders, have been instructed to strictly enforce the law. Any burning must be stopped immediately, and violators will face legal action. The order remains in effect until May 31, 2026.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives is implementing proactive measures, ordering the Royal Irrigation Department and the Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Division to execute the four-pronged strategy of 'water storage, water replenishment, crop adjustment, and monitoring' in response to Super El Niño.

Agriculture Minister Suriya Jungsrungkij revealed that the Super El Niño phenomenon is causing extreme heat and rainfall well below normal levels, which could inflict widespread damage to agricultural areas nationwide this year. The ministry has prepared four strategic responses using the 'water storage, water replenishment, crop adjustment, and monitoring' approach to minimize farmer impacts. All affiliated agencies have been ordered to implement these urgent strategies:

1) Water Management: The Royal Irrigation Department will strictly manage water in major dams, prioritizing domestic consumption and planning water distribution through canal systems to all agricultural areas awaiting harvest.

2) Rainmaking Operations: The Royal Rainmaking and Agricultural Aviation Division will establish rapid mobile units in drought-prone areas to replenish reservoirs and create moisture for forests and farmland whenever weather permits.

3) Crop Substitution: The ministry will promote high-value, low-water crops, encouraging farmers to shift to short-season crops requiring less water with existing market support to reduce crop failure risks.

4) Early Warning and Relief: An agricultural disaster monitoring center will track and address problems.

Permanent Secretary Winayaroj Sapsongsuk stated that all agencies are ready to implement the directives and have established special task forces to closely monitor the situation, particularly El Niño's impact which may cause drought and irregular rainfall patterns.

The ministry is also launching public campaigns to prepare farmers and mobilizing volunteers from agriculture agencies to assist implementation and awareness. Support includes a 'One Stop Service' through the Pirunraj Agricultural Service Center application. Agencies will integrate weather and water data with meteorological and irrigation departments to efficiently manage water during El Niño, while advisory teams will guide farmers in adjusting planting plans to reduce crop loss risks. Emergency relief measures are being prepared for affected areas to maintain farmer incomes and livelihoods through the crisis.

Police arrested a former government official accused of deceiving 17 contracting companies through a fake "Divine Project" scheme totaling 358 million baht in fraudulent contracts. The investigation revealed that beginning in March 2568, the suspect approached major contracting firms claiming to offer two abandoned projects—a solar energy system and an EV charging station installation project valued at over 32 million baht—offering to act as a broker for a 6 million baht fee.

The suspect arranged meetings at offices where he impersonated a government official using a uniform and forged official documents. He presented fraudulent contracts for the victims to sign, claiming they had already been approved by senior executives. When victims saw signatures and official stamps, they transferred the 6 million baht fee. As victims began work and prepared to claim additional funds of 3.5 million baht, they discovered the QR code linking to a simple Google homepage. Further investigation revealed the projects didn't exist, contracts were entirely fabricated, and executives had never approved anything.

The investigation uncovered this was not an isolated incident. The gang used forged agency names and seals to defraud 17 companies and partnerships with fraudulent contracts totaling over 358 million baht. Officers obtained an arrest warrant and apprehended the suspect in Rayong province. During questioning, the suspect denied all charges and was transferred to the Anti-Corruption and Misconduct Court for further legal proceedings.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas met with Alexander De Croo, head of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), during the organization's visit to Thailand. Both parties discussed approaches to promote sustainable development investments in the country.

The deputy prime minister emphasized that Thailand prioritizes quality economic growth coupled with sustainability, which aligns with UNDP's role in supporting sustainable development globally. The two sides also discussed cooperation between Thailand and UNDP to expedite and strengthen Thailand's process of joining the OECD.

The deputy prime minister views OECD membership as a crucial strategic step in elevating national standards, policies, and long-term competitive capabilities. UNDP has pledged to continue providing close support to Thailand in this endeavor.

Deputy PM Supachee Explained Senate Inquiry on New Marketing Strategy Using Influencers to Help Farmers Avoid Roadside Sales

On April 27, 2569, during a Senate session chaired by General Kriengsak Sriraksa, First Deputy Speaker of the Senate, Senator Yukul Chanawatwattanpanya raised questions to Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachee Suthammaphan regarding delays in the Chanthaburi circular fruit management center project. Despite two government approvals and successful community consultation, local orchard farmers have lost sales opportunities to foreign capital groups that undercut prices on Thai agricultural products.

The project, which has been studied for over 20 years and is fully prepared, prompted questions about when the Cabinet would advance and present it for consideration.

Supachee clarified that the government is committed to improving agricultural management. Agriculture currently generates only 6% of GDP but employs 30% of the workforce, creating an imbalance. If resolved, it would improve living conditions nationwide, reflecting the government's intention to stabilize agricultural products.

However, caring for agricultural products requires integrated solutions across all sectors. During her visit to Chanthaburi, she observed proper orchards with oversight teams. When quality issues arise, they must be addressed and monitored accordingly.

"The discussion isn't limited to central markets but encompasses a comprehensive fruit management center including agricultural product processing. For durian with high yields, I've reviewed cold storage facilities to extend fruit shelf life. Regarding the raised questions, I will address them not just for central marketing but also processing to add value and increase farmer income," Supachee stated.

Supachee added that they are preparing new and continuous marketing strategies. Chinese influencers will conduct live broadcasts from Thai orchards, supported by domestic influencers promoting products. With many items requiring promotion, farmers will no longer need to sell fruits along roadsides.

The Board of Investment (BOI), represented by Secretary-General Naruttham Thetsatheersakdi, announced the Tech & AI Career Expo: Bangkok 2026 in collaboration with the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Board (EEC) and Amata Industrial Estate. The event, organized by Singapore-based DayOne Data Center—a global digital infrastructure provider—took place on April 25, 2026 at Sam Yan Mit Town.

The expo provided opportunities for students, graduates, job seekers, and early-career professionals to explore career paths in the rapidly expanding digital industry. The event featured over 500 job openings from 30 leading Thai and international companies partnered with DayOne, covering engineering, digital infrastructure systems, IT, cloud services, AI, and business support roles from companies including Analog Devices, Hitachi, Schneider, KBTG, Symphony, iTel, Data Wow, and B Global Tech.

The event reflects Thailand's positioning as a long-term business hub and commitment to developing the country's digital ecosystem, particularly in human resource development to support Thailand's future industries and establish the region's digital economic and data center hub. Job openings span multiple levels, from electrical engineers and cooling systems technicians—critical to data center operations—to network and fiber optic technicians, cloud and cybersecurity specialists, sustainability experts, project managers, and business support staff. Most positions accept vocational diploma and bachelor's degree holders, not exclusively from top universities.

Human resource development is critical to the success of the rapidly expanding global AI and data center industries. LinkedIn data shows AI has created over 1.3 million new jobs worldwide, reflecting growing demand for technology talent. Deloitte reports that data center positions grew 64% between 2022-2024, presenting significant opportunities for Thailand to accelerate workforce development in areas like electrical engineering, cooling systems, cloud networks, cybersecurity, and automated systems management to support advanced technology investments. Beyond direct employment, data centers generate supply chain jobs in construction, engineering, electricity, renewable energy, and telecommunications.

BOI emphasizes investment quality and Thai workforce skill development. Data center operations represent not just digital infrastructure but a new ecosystem connecting education, private sector, and new generations. Multiple universities are developing new curricula directly addressing data center industry needs. King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang opened the country's first Master's degree program in Data Center Engineering, with this DayOne partnership marking an important starting point for creating opportunities.