The Thai Football Association has announced a 23-player squad for Thailand's U-17 national team under the leadership of head coach Marco Gol Kerl to compete in the AFC U-17 Championship 2026, taking place from May 5-22 in Saudi Arabia. The team features goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards from prominent Thai clubs and schools including Bangkok Christian College, Buriram United, and various other institutions. The team will depart from Suvarnabhumi Airport on April 30 via Qatar Airways flight QR827. Thailand is grouped in Group A alongside Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Myanmar, with the top two teams from each of the four groups advancing to the knockout rounds. The eight advancing nations from Asia will represent the continent at the FIFA U-17 World Cup to be held in Qatar in November. Thailand's group-stage matches include May 5 against Tajikistan at 00:30 (early May 6), May 9 against Saudi Arabia at 00:00 (early May 10), and May 12 against Myanmar at 00:00 (early May 13), all at King Abdullah Sports City venues.

Thang Thai, the youngest daughter of entertainer Jass Chuan Cheun, is following closely in her father's footsteps, working in both music and film, including a recent project together called "Heng Chia Jass." Recently, Jass opened up about his parenting philosophy, explaining that while he worries naturally as a father, his core principle is simple: as long as he doesn't cause his daughter trouble, he can do whatever he wants. He emphasized that he has never caused problems for anyone in his past.

When asked about his daughter being directly questioned by friends about whether her father is wealthy, Jass revealed he's taught her to answer in a straightforward and simple way: "middle class, honey." Beyond that, he's also teaching her how to navigate social media, believing that one day she'll inevitably encounter both praise and criticism. Her mother will also help monitor her social media presence and teach her to be emotionally strong.

When asked if he worries about his daughter starting her entertainment career, Jass responded: "Right now I just want to do everything I can to make sure she doesn't face hardship. But when it comes to who I am, I haven't hurt anyone or caused anyone problems. That's all that matters. What I am mostly just bothers people's eyes and ears in two ways, but I've never caused anyone real trouble."

Regarding feedback from school, Jass noted that it's typically just what kids naturally experience. When friends ask if her dad is rich, she simply tells them "middle class," and other kids have their own family situations too.

Asked if his daughter can handle these situations, Jass expressed confidence: "I'm trying to teach her because she's active on social media and will definitely encounter these things one day. But I'm confident that one day she'll come and talk to us about it. Her mother will check her Instagram and tell her that when people insult her, she needs to be emotionally strong because life isn't always bright."

Diamond Narakorn is making his musical comeback with a fresh single 'UP' after a year away, delivering an electrifying showcase featuring cool choreography at the 'Diamond ComeBack Stage' event. The new track features energetic Hip-Hop EDM beats designed to get everyone dancing, produced in collaboration with acclaimed producer Hai-Thanwa Gatsuwan (Hai Paper Planes), who helped refine Diamond's artistry into a more mature and powerful version while incorporating Hip-Hop and R&B elements—core elements of his musical DNA.

At the 'Diamond Comeback Stage' event, the venue transformed into a hot stage featuring special performances and high-energy production. The audience got to watch the 'UP' music video and see the performance for the first time. Gang Korn, Head of One Music, and producer Hai-Thanwa joined the discussion about working with Diamond, followed by a surprise announcement from executive producer Boy Thoglgaew Verawat, CEO of The One Enterprise Public Company, who revealed plans for Diamond's debut full-length album with songs releasing soon.

Diamond shared his excitement, saying he never expected so many people to participate and was thrilled to premiere the MV together. He explained that 'UP' carries three meanings: 'Skill UP,' 'Grown Up,' and 'Beat Up,' with Hai producing the track. He described it as his first step inviting everyone to dance and chant 'UP UP UP' while stepping out of their comfort zones. In the upcoming full album, fans will see Diamond in a new version with greater creative involvement, with Hai serving as a mentor and guide. The official MV 'UP' is available on YouTube at One Music channel and the audio is available on all major streaming platforms.

On April 30, 2026, a man brought in a Buddha hair ornament supposedly weighing nearly 50 baht of gold for inspection. Eight years earlier, the family had contributed 45 baht of gold bars to a merit-making ceremony where a Buddhist abbot added another 2 baht, and village relatives donated additional gold jewelry, with all contributions intended for casting this sacred ornament. After suspicions arose about the quantity and quality of gold in the ornament, they consulted with the abbot before having it tested. X-ray examination at Namo gold shop revealed only 2-3% actual gold content, with the remainder consisting of other metals like copper and zinc that resemble brass. Further surface inspection confirmed it was entirely brass, not gold. The actual value of the gold that should have been in the ornament would have been approximately 3.5-4 million baht, representing a substantial loss. The abbot is now preparing to file a police report to pursue legal action against those responsible.

The Commerce Ministry's Department of Internal Trade unveiled the "Thailand Helps Thailand Plus: Big Term Opening, Easy on the Wallet" Back to School 2026 campaign on April 30, offering discounts up to 86% to help reduce household expenses by over 300 million baht. Nityakorn Maninet, director-general of the Department of Internal Trade, explained that the period before the school year begins places significant financial strain on parents for uniforms, shoes, school supplies, food, and general living costs affected by energy prices and transportation fees. This year's program includes 49 participating businesses—20 manufacturers, 17 distributors, 10 service providers, and 2 online platforms—offering over 1,000 education-related products and services with discounts running from April 30 through May 31, 2026.

Participating brands include school uniforms from Sukhlaidhlumhung, Somchai Nueuk, Watchakar, and Nomnit; shoes from ADDA; supplies from The Mall, B2S, OfficeMate, and SE-ED; and dairy products from major manufacturers including F&N, Nestlé, and Foremost. Service discounts cover eyeglasses from Top Charoen and Eyebeautiful, with True internet packages offering up to 68% off and AIS providing three free months of Alisa AI Premium. Education platforms including OpenDurian (up to 75% off) and We by The Brain (up to 50% off) also participate. Online platforms Lazada and Shopee offer flash sales with up to 70% discounts and additional voucher codes to ensure widespread access to discounted school supplies.

On April 30, 2025, at Rishi Monk Ashram Dhatu Phutthakun in Bang Sai District, Ayutthaya Province, devotees and tourists flocked throughout the day to worship sacred shrines, enhance their fortunes, and seek blessings. This famous spiritual tourism destination attracts continuous visitors. The ashram features well-maintained grounds and houses diverse sacred objects including a 16-meter-tall nine-faced Phra Wessuwan statue, Goddess Takian, Phra Phikhaneswar, Phra Sangkachai, Luang Pu Mi, Jindamani Cave, and Kumarn Tong Jao Sua Heng. Devotees continuously brought offerings including gourds, red water, snacks, toys, bicycles, and rice, with the ashram distributing some items to schools for beneficial use. Many requested the rishi monk to inscribe their foreheads and receive blessed sapphire water for auspiciousness. The area near the grandfather rishi Brahmmesh merit pavilion attracted special attention from lottery enthusiasts who studied red candle wax drops in the sacred pool to identify lucky numbers. Three prominent number pairs were spotted: 89, 01, with separated digits 4 and 5, prompting many to photograph them hoping to play these numbers during the vibrant Thai New Year lottery period.