Thai police and customs authorities have stepped up a joint crackdown on cross-border smuggling of cash, gold and cannabis buds, blacklisting 86 foreign nationals to prevent repeat offences. Deputy National Police Chief Pol. Gen. Nirandorn Lueamsri said the Royal Thai Police and the Customs Department have integrated their databases and adopted more proactive measures to curb illicit imports and exports that undermine state revenue and national security.

Under Thai customs law, smuggling prohibited goods including narcotics, currency and gold carries criminal penalties including imprisonment and fines. However, offenders can often settle cases without police investigation by paying fines set by the customs chief or a comparison committee. For seized goods valued above 400,000 baht, settlement requires committee approval.

The committee, comprising Customs Director-General Phanthong Loykulnanta, a senior Finance Ministry inspector and Nirandorn, meets monthly and has handled numerous cases involving both Thai and foreign offenders. Authorities have found frequent attempts to move large sums of Thai currency and gold out of the country without declaration, sometimes worth millions of baht per case, raising concerns about capital flight and possible links to overseas money laundering.

Cash smuggling is typically detected at border checkpoints near casino areas, often involving ASEAN nationals, while gold smuggling is more commonly intercepted at airports, frequently involving South Asian nationals. Many offenders have extensive travel histories, with some entering and leaving Thailand dozens of times, and some are repeat offenders.

Foreign nationals have also been caught attempting to export cannabis buds without authorization, often destined for European countries. The product remains a controlled herb under Thai regulations and is illegal in many destination countries. Because many offenders settle cases by paying fines, some have been able to re-enter Thailand and reoffend.

To address this, police and customs have begun sharing offender data with the Immigration Bureau to enhance monitoring. Foreign offenders identified in the database are being placed on an immigration blacklist barring re-entry, while Thai nationals are placed on a watchlist subject to stricter screening. Authorities have compiled records on 114 individuals, 86 foreigners and 28 Thais, with all foreign nationals meeting criteria for blacklisting. Officials urged travellers to familiarize themselves with customs regulations on prohibited items to avoid legal penalties.

Chiang Mai University has made its mark on the Asian stage, earning a Highly Commended award at the international THE Awards Asia 2026 ceremony. The university is proud to be the only Thai institution to receive this Highly Commended recognition from Times Higher Education (THE) Awards Asia 2026 in the Outstanding Contribution to Regional Development category.

The awards were announced on April 22, 2026, in Hong Kong, amid competition from over 500 leading projects across Asia, demonstrating the potential of Thai research to create tangible impact at both regional and international levels.

This success comes from the SMART BEE SDGs project—"Enhancing Food Security and Beekeeper Livelihoods in the Mekong Region"—a research and innovation initiative that leverages science, technology, and international collaboration to elevate beekeeping as a profession, strengthen food security, and drive sustainable development throughout the Mekong region. The project is led by Associate Professor Dr. Terd Disyadthanuworrawong and faculty from the SMART BEE SDGs Research Center at the Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University.

SMART BEE SDGs represents long-term cooperation with six Mekong countries: Thailand, China, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar. The project applies science and innovation to support actual beekeepers through AI and Big Data to monitor bee health, analyze honey quality, and boost production efficiency. It also provides training, knowledge transfer, and builds cooperation networks both domestically and internationally. The tangible results include:

- Increased beekeeper incomes - Development of high-value honey products - Job creation in communities - Improved regional beekeeping standards - Evolution of honey brands toward industrial scale

Beyond economic gains, the project has helped conserve pollinators and biodiversity, raised awareness of bees' role in food systems, and advanced regional beekeeping standards. It has received support from Chiang Mai University, the Mekong River Commission, and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).

SMART BEE SDGs exemplifies how university research can create real economic, social, and environmental impact aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Beyond the Highly Commended award, Chiang Mai University has two additional projects shortlisted for final consideration:

1. International Strategy of the Year for "CMU's International Strategy: A Multi-Tiered Architecture for Global Impact" by the Center for International Affairs, which elevates the university's international standing through a systematic approach to partnerships with leading world universities, generating innovative and sustainable outcomes across multiple dimensions.

2. Outstanding Support for Students for "Token to Care (T2C): No Money, No Hunger" by the Student Development Division, an emergency food assistance system that distributes Meal Tokens through the CMU Mobile app for use at campus merchants, providing immediate relief and helping students avoid hunger during financial hardships.

This success reflects Chiang Mai University's strength in advancing research and social development to regional and international levels, solidifying its position as a leading Asian university.

Prime Minister Anuthon Charnveerakul, head of Palang Pracharath party, arrived at party headquarters at 10:00 AM on April 25, 2025 to chair the party's 2025 annual general meeting alongside party executives, parliamentary members, and party members. Upon entering the conference room on the fourth floor, the party's campaign song 'Talk Then Do' played to welcome him. Anuthon enthusiastically swayed to the music, sang along with a cheerful demeanor, and made the party's signature gesture to build excitement before the proceedings began.

In his opening remarks, Anuthon thanked all attendees for taking time away from the public holiday to participate. He praised party members, lawmakers, and executives for demonstrating Palang Pracharath's solidarity, unity, and collective commitment to advancing the country and serving the Thai people. He noted that with a full quorum present according to party regulations, he was proceeding to open the 2025 annual general meeting.

The agenda includes reviewing the party's operational report for 2024, approving the party's 2024 financial statements, and discussing amendments to the party's bylaws (fourth revision) for 2025.

Dr. Jed recommends five morning beverages to cleanse blood vessels and reduce fat accumulation—warning that choosing wrong drinks in the morning causes inflammation to build up.

Dr. Jed, or Dr. Jetsada Bunyavongwirocho, Deputy Director of Maha Rajachani Hospital, shares health and medical advice: "Many people reach for sweet coffee or sugary drinks immediately after waking, but morning is a critical time when your body is starting a new metabolic cycle. Choosing the wrong drinks early can cause fat, sugar, and inflammation to accumulate from the start of your day. But choosing right can improve blood vessel function, reduce fat buildup, and make blood sugar easier to control throughout the day."

Five recommended morning beverages:

1. Warm water (one glass after waking): The simplest option many overlook. Warm water stimulates blood circulation, prevents blood from becoming too thick, and activates the body's waste removal system. After a night without water, drinking immediately helps keep blood vessels from becoming sticky and reduces long-term fat accumulation.

2. Lime juice without sugar: Limes contain vitamin C and antioxidants that reduce inflammation in blood vessels and help the body manage fat better. Mixed with plain water and no sugar, it stimulates digestion and feels refreshing without spiking blood sugar. It also slightly stimulates bile production, making fat digestion more efficient.

3. Unsweetened green tea: Green tea contains catechins that reduce fat accumulation in blood vessels and lower bad LDL cholesterol long-term. Drinking unsweetened in the morning slightly boosts metabolism and reduces inflammation better than sweet coffee or high-sugar drinks. It also contains antioxidants protecting blood vessel walls from damage and reducing long-term vessel degeneration risk.

4. Black coffee (no sugar): In proper amounts, black coffee stimulates metabolism and helps the body burn fat for energy, but must have no added sugar, condensed milk, or artificial cream—these would add fat and sugar instead of helping reduce them. Caffeine also increases alertness and physical activity, benefiting overall metabolism. However, consume in moderation to avoid raising blood pressure.

5. Warm ginger water: Ginger reduces inflammation and improves blood circulation. Drinking warm ginger in the morning helps warm the body, stimulate digestion, and reduce long-term fat accumulation. It's ideal for those with bloating or poor digestion, also reducing bloating symptoms and promoting intestinal movement from early morning.

One important clarification: No beverage "cleanses blood vessels instantly" as many believe. Rather, the beverages you choose each morning have cumulative effects on inflammation, fat, and blood vessel health long-term.

Blood vessel care isn't about one large meal but starts each morning—choose appropriate drinks, reduce sugar, avoid heavily sweetened beverages, and focus on natural, unprocessed options. Done consistently daily, this genuinely helps reduce inflammation, fat accumulation, and strengthens blood vessels long-term without needing complicated methods.

Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has revealed that his wife played a crucial role in his decision to reject a lucrative Saudi Arabia offer last summer and remain with the Red Devils this season.

During the previous summer transfer window, Bruno was linked with a major move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, with reports indicating that his agent Miguel Pinto negotiated a transfer deal worth approximately 100 million pounds (around 4.37 billion baht).

Ultimately, however, the 31-year-old opted to continue his career with Manchester United. He has been instrumental in helping the team secure third place in the Premier League and earn qualification for the UEFA Champions League, contributing 8 goals and 18 assists.

Recently, Bruno revealed that his wife's perspective was key to his decision to stay at Manchester United. "I stayed because I believe I can still give back to the club. Of course, the situation in Saudi Arabia involves a lot of money, but what's good about my family is that my wife is as grounded as I am."

"We know we don't want to be the richest people in the world. We just want to achieve our dreams and live a good life with our children, and try to be as successful as possible."

"My wife asked me something like: Have you achieved your dreams yet? Have you done everything you wanted to do?"

"And that small comment made me understand that she thinks like me. We'll keep pushing forward and see where it takes us."

JERUSALEM (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday that he has undergone treatment for prostate cancer in his first public acknowledgment of the diagnosis.

He said that roughly a year and a half ago he had prostate surgery. Then two and a half months ago, his doctors discovered and treated a small tumor at Jerusalem's Hadassah Hospital with radiation therapy. That was not announced at the time.

"I requested to delay its publication by two months so that it would not be released at the height of the war" against Iran, the 76-year-old Israeli leader said, to prevent "more false propaganda against Israel."

He said he was healthy and called the tumor a "minor medical issue."

Netanyahu's health was the subject of speculation during the early weeks of the war with Iran as fake, AI-generated images circulated suggesting he had died, including on Iranian state media.

Aharon Popovtser, the director of Hadassah Hospital's oncology unit, said Netanyahu was diagnosed at an early stage, noting that prostate cancer is common among men his age.

"We can say based on the findings of these tests that the disease has disappeared," he said, referring to imaging and blood work.

Israel's longest-serving prime minister — who is overseeing not just the war in Iran but also conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon — has faced criticism in the past for not disclosing information about his health, including when he told the public he had a pacemaker implanted to address a long-standing heart condition a week after he fainted at a public appearance.