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."

The Palang Prachachat Party announced Wednesday it will field candidates for Bangkok Governor and all Bangkok Metropolitan Assembly (BMA) district seats, with party list MP Peeraphol Kanokwilai claiming that once their candidate's name is revealed, other parties will withdraw from the race. The party is targeting May 10 for the official announcement of its gubernatorial candidate, who is identified only by the initials 'J' and described as a prominent public figure.

Peeraphol cited pressing issues facing Bangkok—traffic congestion, flooding, foreign workers competing with Thai laborers, corruption in district offices, and inadequate garbage management—as reasons the party is mounting a comprehensive slate. The candidate, he stressed, is knowledgeable, capable, and non-political, and will easily defeat rivals while securing a majority of assembly seats. Party list MP Angsana Niyamwanit added that revealing the candidate's identity would likely cause other parties to reconsider their candidacies.

At noon on April 30, reporters at the Klong Luek border crossing in Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province, witnessed tense and chaotic scenes after Cambodian authorities refused to open the border gates for 635 Thai citizens to return home as agreed in previous negotiations.

Cambodian officials repeatedly postponed the operation without explanation, leaving Thai authorities waiting from morning through afternoon with no progress. Thai officials, led by Border Guard Police commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Banchapol Dechatvongsa Na Ayutthaya, mobilized rangers, immigration police, provincial police, customs officials, and other relevant agencies. They established screening checkpoints on the Thai-Cambodia Friendship Bridge, while Deputy Regional Police Commander Pol. Lt. Gen. Thitivat Suriyachai personally inspected preparations and coordinated the reception plan for all 635 returnees.

Tensions escalated throughout the morning as Poipet immigration officials refused to open the border without providing any explanation, preventing all Thai citizens from leaving as scheduled. Thai authorities on their side had made complete preparations, including setting up reception points, conducting proper screening procedures, and ensuring security with numerous personnel to facilitate the smooth return of all Thais. However, all 635 Thai nationals remained stranded within the Poipet immigration facility amid extreme heat and uncertain circumstances.

Latest efforts saw Thai security representatives negotiating with their Cambodian counterparts to expedite the border opening, but Cambodian authorities have not responded or shown progress. Previously, Cambodia had committed to returning 635 Thai detainees, including 190 illegal border crossers without passports, six individuals with online crime cases, and two wanted persons.

According to the original schedule, the transfer was set for 9:00 AM, then postponed to 11:00 AM, and ultimately pushed past 1:00 PM with no transfer occurring. Thai officials, fully prepared and positioned at the border, remain committed to pursuing diplomatic negotiations to resolve the impasse.

On April 30, 2025, Labor Minister Chulphan Amorwiwat presided over the opening of the "SAFE DRIVE SAFE LIFE" campaign, aimed at promoting road safety awareness and culture among independent motorcycle taxi and ride-hailing drivers.

Chulphan stated that motorcycle taxi and ride-hailing drivers represent an independent profession with over 200,000 workers currently outside the social security system. He acknowledged their hardworking dedication to earn a living and support their families, but emphasized that the profession carries inherent risks due to workers spending their lives constantly traveling on roads.

Chulphan called for all drivers to exercise caution while using the roads. As Labor Minister, he committed to pushing for the enrollment of these workers into the social security system before the end of 2025, ensuring life protection for all.

Chulphan also presented safety helmets and flagged off a motorcycle procession of over 200 ride-hailing and motorcycle taxi drivers participating in the event. He visited more than 10 booths from various government agencies and private companies at the campaign.