Thailand has received no direct assistance from the United States to cope with the economic fallout from the ongoing Iran war, Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow said in an interview published by The Washington Post.

Speaking to the newspaper in Krabi, Sihasak said the conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran has caused significant economic strain across Asia, particularly in energy and fertiliser supplies. "This war should not have taken place," he said, adding that Washington has not approached Thailand with any concrete support measures.

According to the report, Sihasak noted that US officials appeared aware of the consequences but had not offered direct assistance, aside from suggesting countries purchase American oil and gas.

With limited support from its treaty ally, Thailand has begun seeking alternatives, including outreach to Russia and China, the report said.

The foreign minister reiterated that Bangkok does not wish to directly criticise Washington, but maintained the conflict should have been avoided. He made the remarks while hosting Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Krabi.

The war, now stretching beyond two months, has disrupted global supply chains, with Asia particularly exposed due to its dependence on Middle Eastern energy and fertilisers. Prices for key inputs such as urea have surged, while diesel costs in Thailand have reached record highs, the report noted.

Thailand has sought to secure fertiliser supplies ahead of the May planting season, including negotiations with Russia. However, concerns over potential US sanctions have complicated efforts to import Russian crude, Sihasak said.

He also told the newspaper that Thailand had requested China's assistance to help ensure safe passage for Thai vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route affected by the conflict. China itself faces similar challenges, with dozens of its ships stranded in the area, according to the report.

On April 29, 2025, Abhisit Vejjajiva, the Democrat Party leader and slate list MP, discussed the selection process for the Bangkok governor candidate and Bangkok City Council members. He reported that nearly all Bangkok City Council candidates have been approved, with only about 5-6 districts still pending approval, which should be finalized within the next week. He indicated this timeline would align closely with the unveiling of the Bangkok governor candidate.

Regarding who the Bangkok governor candidate will be, Abhisit said it's time the announcement will be made, as the party is working to prepare everything simultaneously. "It's not just about the candidate," Abhisit stated, "but also about the policy concepts and direction we will pursue."

The Thai National Police and Meta have strengthened their cooperation to combat online crime and are preparing to implement aggressive measures to block fraudulent pages of all kinds. On April 29, Deputy National Police Commissioner Trirot Phiwpan announced that a progress meeting was held between the National Police Office and Meta regarding the blocking of online gambling pages on Facebook. The meeting included Chakra Thanadaksorn, director of the Technology Crime Prevention unit, along with Ben Leechaianan, Head of Public Policy for Thailand at Facebook Thailand, and Meta Platforms representatives Avinash Raju and Fatima Laraib.

Meta has cooperated effectively in blocking Facebook pages suspected of illegal activity. Between October 1, 2025 and April 27, 2026, Meta removed a total of 158,365 pages related to online gambling, representing a high compliance rate in the region as part of efforts to combat online crime.

Deputy Commissioner Trirot revealed that the next phase of cooperation between the Thai National Police and Meta Platforms will escalate enforcement against pages, content, or material that violates various laws on the Facebook platform. The approach will involve proactive searches for rapid blocking and will expand beyond online gambling content to target scam operations of all types, including investment fraud and fake job schemes. Tools and databases will be used to identify suspicious pages and block them immediately to minimize victim numbers.

The National Police Office is also collaborating with Facebook Thailand and Meta Platforms to develop a "Digital Citizenship 101" curriculum in partnership with multiple agencies to build technological resilience and strengthen cybersecurity awareness. The program targets teachers and Thai youth across 437 pilot schools to ensure they understand online threats and can use social media responsibly. The curriculum will be available for teachers and the public starting in late June.

On April 29 at 9:30 AM, Supamas Isarabhakdi, Minister attached to the Prime Minister's Office, conducted an inspection of gold ornament standards and collected random gold samples in the Yaowarat area to build public confidence amid volatile gold prices.

She personally led the inspection at Chin Hua Heng Gold Shop and collected ornamental gold samples before deploying work teams and relevant agencies to inspect other gold shops in the area. Participating shops included Thong Yai Yaowarat (1988), Hua Seng Heng, Lang Hong, Sow Seng Heng, Yu Long Kim Kee, and Buan Hua Luang (2490) gold shops.

The inspection team included Ranrong Poolpipat, Secretary-General of the OCPB, Chitti Tangsittipakdi, Chairman of the Gold Traders Association, and Sumet Prasangphongchai, Director of the National Gemstone and Jewelry Research and Development Institute (Public Organization). The inspections aimed to assure consumers that gold sold meets quality standards and proper labeling requirements.

The initiative is a collaboration between the Gold Traders Association, the National Gemstone and Jewelry Research and Development Institute, and the OCPB, targeting improvements in Thai gold ornament standards regarding weight, purity, product labeling, and quality assurance processes. Random samples will be thoroughly tested to guarantee compliance with established standards.

Supamas noted that tensions in the Middle East have caused volatile gold prices and increased investment in gold. The OCPB partnered with the Gold Traders Association and the National Gemstone and Jewelry Research and Development Institute to randomly inspect gold ornaments in shops to protect the industry and reassure consumers they would receive gold meeting standards for purity, weight, and fair pricing without exploitation.

Meanwhile, the OCPB will actively educate the public on gold investment to prevent consumer fraud in both retail and online purchases. Anyone experiencing scams or unfair treatment in gold transactions can report to the OCPB immediately, which will ensure justice for consumers at all stages.

In consumer protection efforts, the OCPB has proactively addressed multiple issues including flight cancellations, fraudulent tours, misrepresented online products, and electric vehicle sales requiring proper labeling, with ongoing field monitoring. Consumers can file complaints through the OCPB hotline 1166 or the OCPB Connect application.

Muhammad Murad, Egypt's national team media coordinator, confirmed that Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is considering offers from multiple clubs and will announce his decision within days. Salah has confirmed his intention to leave Liverpool at the end of this season with the club's consent, concluding a nine-year chapter with the Reds.

The 33-year-old striker has reportedly been closely pursued by Saudi Arabian clubs for some time. According to Murad, Salah is finalizing his choice and will make his next destination public soon. "There are reports he's received offers from Italy, France, and major clubs worldwide. That's certainly true—he's a superstar and would be a crucial asset to any team," Murad stated.

"Whatever club Salah chooses, we will support him. He's also received offers from Saudi Arabia. I believe within days he will announce where he's headed next," Murad added. Meanwhile, Salah has been sidelined with a reported Achilles tendon injury and may be unable to play for Liverpool going forward.

On April 29, 2025, at TK Palace and Convention Hotel, Election Commission Secretary Suwang Buamee announced preparations for simultaneous elections for Bangkok Governor, Bangkok Metropolitan Council members, and Pattaya Mayor on June 28, 2025. The Bangkok and Chonburi Election Commissions have begun implementing their plans without concerns, having coordinated with relevant agencies and incorporated lessons from previous parliamentary elections. The new model features professionally trained polling station managers to reduce errors and gain public acceptance, who will receive intensive training and possibly licensing certificates from the Election Commission, with enhanced protection measures for these officials.

Regarding criticism of Chonburi's Election Commission director during the previous Chonburi parliamentary election, Suwang acknowledged the highly competitive environment but insisted on fairness, noting legal proceedings are ongoing. Bangkok's director reported that 6,632 polling stations have been surveyed across 50 districts, an increase of 102 from parliamentary elections. The Bangkok governor and council members' terms expire May 21, 2025; either can resign early if necessary to allow simultaneous elections on June 28.

When asked about concerns regarding the election, officials noted they have been briefing candidates on campaign restrictions since November 21, 2024, the start of the 180-day pre-election period. Based on 70% turnout in parliamentary elections, Bangkok expects 75% voter participation in these local elections, as citizens typically show greater interest in local elections. Several parties have not submitted candidates, partly due to the one-year household registration requirement and other eligibility criteria.