Community

Thousands Flock to Water Blessing Ceremony of Revered Abbot 'Luang Pho Pae,' Robes Tossed to Disciples in Scramble for Blessings, Lucky Money Distributed as Devotees Await Lottery Numbers

Nearly 1,000 devotees gathered at Wat Suang Arom in Nakhon Pathom Province on April 27 for revered abbot Luang Pho Pae's annual water blessing ceremony, where he tossed his robes to the crowd as sacred blessings during the chaotic scramble.

27 Apr Khaosod

On the afternoon of April 27, 2025, at Wat Suang Arom in Nakhon Pathom Province, Phra Kru Yuttithammanuyut, known as Luang Pho Pae, a highly revered abbot, conducted the temple's annual water blessing ceremony on the final day of Songkran 2025. The abbot held an elaborate celebration marking the end of the Thai New Year festival, drawing devotees and disciples from numerous provinces. The temple provided over ten free food stations staffed by disciples throughout the day.

Ceremonies began in the morning with traditional rituals including candle water offerings and mystical inscriptions to bring good fortune to worshippers during Thai New Year. After noon, Luang Pho Pae presided over the formal monks' water blessing, inviting 108 monks from neighboring temples. Over 100 elderly devotees aged 70 and above received blessings and gifts of large water containers and rice from the abbot to conclude the Songkran festival.

Following the formal ceremony, Luang Pho Pae opened the water blessing to the public, allowing nearly 1,000 devotees to participate. When the abbot stood on a platform for personal water blessings, many devotees requested his robes as blessed objects. Fearing they might forcefully take them, Luang Pho Pae removed his robes and tossed them to the crowd, resulting in a chaotic scene as hundreds of people swarmed to tear the fabric into pieces to take home as sacred blessings.

In the afternoon, an ancient ritual called 'bridge of merit' was performed, where hundreds of devotees lay face-down in rows covered with cloth to serve as a bridge, allowing Luang Pho Pae to walk across their backs while holding a staff to dispel illness and misfortune. The red cloth used during this ritual was later taken home by devotees for worship.

In the evening, a grand Phanom Yak chanting ceremony was held to ward off dangers and welcome good fortune for the new year. Luang Pho Pae regularly performs this protective ritual on the final day of Songkran each year. The ceremony attracted over 1,000 devotees, with additional seating required to accommodate the crowds. Distinguished abbots and monks from other temples, including a revered hermit monk from Ayutthaya Province, participated in the ceremonies.

Devotion seekers and lottery enthusiasts who attended the Songkran closing ceremony remain hopeful for their lucky numbers.

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National

NBTC backs Google-linked subsea cable project

Thailand's telecom regulator has approved a new subsea cable project by Google's parent company Alphabet, marking the start of Google's 30 billion baht investment in Thai cloud infrastructure. The TalayLink project will connect Thailand to Australia with over 300 kilometers of subsea cables containing 11 cable lines, strengthening digital connectivity across the Asia-Pacific region. This approval enables Google's planned cloud infrastructure expansion in Southeast Asia as part of a broader US$1 billion regional investment.

27 Apr Khaosod

Thailand's telecom regulator has approved an application to exercise rights under telecommunications law for a new subsea cable project linked to Google, officials confirmed on April 27, 2026.

At its meeting No. 12/2026, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) endorsed a request under Section 39 of the 2001 Telecommunications Business Act, following a resolution by its subcommittee on rights of way. International Gateway Co. submitted the application for this collaboration between International General Company (IGC) and Alphabet, Google's parent company.

The project involves laying more than 300 kilometers of subsea cable conduits containing 11 cable lines through territorial waters, with a landing point in Thailand and connections extending to Australia's Christmas Island. The NBTC noted that the project uses a single conduit route housing 11 separate cable lines that can branch to other destinations, with establishing a Thailand landing point requiring regulatory approval.

Subsea cable networks form the backbone of Thailand's internet infrastructure. The country currently operates around 10-12 systems with at least nine active, including SMW3, FLAG, TIS, SMW4, AAG, SJC, APG, AAE1, and ADC (Asia Direct Cable). Projects in development include Google Cloud's TalayLink and SJC2 (Southeast Asia-Japan Cable 2), expected to launch in 2026, plus SEA-H2X. Data from the Thai Internet and Cloud Service Provider Association shows approximately 70% of Thailand's international connectivity still depends on terrestrial links to data and internet hubs in Singapore.

The approved permit is part of Google Cloud's TalayLink project, a new subsea cable route connecting Thailand and Australia designed to strengthen digital connectivity across the Asia-Pacific region. This marks the beginning of Google's previously announced 30 billion baht investment in regional cloud infrastructure in Thailand.

TalayLink is also integrated into Australia Connect, an initiative positioning Australia as a hub linking Pacific island nations and Indian Ocean countries via the Sunda Strait, a major corridor for existing subsea cables. The network will connect to Google's planned cloud region in Thailand, part of a US$1 billion investment announced last year, enabling future data center consolidation and integration with Google's global cloud network.

Google has also announced plans for new connectivity hubs in Western Australia, including Mandurah, and in southern Thailand to support regional demand. Once operational, the network is expected to enhance resilience across Australia, Africa, and Southeast Asia while supporting Thailand's digital economy transition, including AI adoption and broader digital inclusion.

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Police

Thai and Chinese Workers Clash at Construction Site Over Language Barriers; Police Accelerate Investigation to Prevent Further Escalation

A brawl between Thai and Chinese workers at a Rayong construction site on April 26 prompted a police investigation into assault charges, with language barriers identified as the primary cause of the conflict.

27 Apr Khaosod

Thai and Chinese construction workers engaged in a large-scale brawl at a construction site in Mab Kha subdistrict, Nikhom Phatthana district, Rayong province on April 26. On April 27, police, local administration officials, and the Rayong Provincial Internal Security Operations Command (ISOC) closely monitored the situation. Officials summoned site managers from both sides and involved workers for additional questioning to determine facts and assess individual liability. Preliminary findings indicate multiple individuals participated in the altercation, potentially violating assault and public disturbance laws. The contractor has temporarily halted work in some areas and separated Thai and Chinese workers to reduce tension and prevent further clashes. Translators were urgently brought in after language barriers were identified as a significant cause of conflict. The ISOC's Information Gathering and Verification Team (Unit 112) is reviewing CCTV footage in detail to identify additional suspects and coordinate preventive measures with relevant agencies. Authorities have urged all parties to exercise patience and resolve issues through peaceful dialogue, expressing concern that escalation could damage the region's foreign worker reputation and investor confidence in Rayong's industrial zone.

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National

Pong Nakarin and U Thaphanasorn Team Up for 'Hope Behind Walls' Music Video

Rock legends Pong Nakarin and U Thaphanasorn reunite for "Hope Behind Walls," a ballad addressing criminal justice reform and second chances in Thai society. The Ministry of Justice-backed music video aims to inspire rehabilitation and shif

27 Apr Khaosod

It's a rare occurrence when legendary rock artists Pong Nakarin and U Thaphanasorn reunite for a new music video called 'Hope Behind Walls,' collaborating with Wonderland Film Limited and the Ministry of Justice. Acclaimed producer and director Pad Weerasak Saengdee brought a story from the short film 'Ee Kee Kook' to life as a rock ballad blending powerful intensity with gentle melodies, offering encouragement to those who have stumbled and seek to start anew.

Pong Nakarin expressed his feelings, saying he was delighted to be part of the project and hoped the song would inspire those who made mistakes to have the courage to reform and become better people. He believes Thai society is ready to forgive and offer second chances. He noted that reuniting with U was smooth and natural given their long history together, and praised U's professionalism and how well their collaboration worked.

U Thaphanasorn added that he was excited to work with his idol Pong Nakarin, finding it easy to connect with the song's emotion. He highlighted that ballad rock's strength lies in its directness—communicating emotion in a way that resonates immediately. He pointed to the lyric 'I just want someone who understands, don't look at me with contempt' as particularly meaningful, reflecting how people who made mistakes may have acted on impulse rather than evil nature. He hopes the song opens society's eyes to see a broader perspective and offer opportunities not just to ex-convicts but to everyone.

Producer and director Pad Weerasak Saengdee explained that while the original version featured a woman's voice with folk sadness, this version—which he calls the 'male convict version'—captures a sweet yet deeply penetrating and powerful emotion. He chose Pong for his raspy, forceful voice aligned with the concept of giving these people a chance to stand in society, and U for his yearning, painful voice that seeks understanding and sympathy.

Nanthraphat Tepdonchai, acting inspector of the Ministry of Justice and director of the 'Return Good People to Society' office, noted that the project addresses a gap in the system for supporting ex-offenders, citing alarming statistics that 1 in 60 Thai people have a criminal record.

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Breaking

Man Takes Rest on Motorcycle, Found Unresponsive—Relatives Shocked When Rescuers Confirm He Has Died

A 30-year-old pork vendor died while resting on his motorcycle at a community shelter in Chonburi; rescuers discovered him unresponsive hours later, and his family in Buri Ram learned of his death when they called his phone.

27 Apr Khaosod

A 30-year-old pork vendor met a tragic end when he parked his red-and-black Honda Wave motorcycle at a community shelter to rest. Neighbors heard him snoring initially and assumed he was sleeping due to work fatigue, so they left him alone. Hours later, noticing something amiss, residents tried calling out to him but got no response and realized he wasn't breathing. They immediately called rescue services, but it was too late—he had already died. He was found in a sitting position with his mouth open and showed no signs of injury or foul play. His motorcycle was equipped with grilling equipment and pork-selling supplies. While rescuers were assessing the situation, his phone rang. When they answered, they had to deliver the grim news to his family that he had already passed away. The deceased had been working alone in Chonburi, with no relatives in the province. His family is based in Buri Ram but plans to travel to claim the body and bring it home for funeral rites. Police have sent the body for autopsy and are continuing their legal investigation.

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National

Thai Table Tennis Association Calls Out Athletes' Excellent Performance Despite 8 Million Baht Budget Deficit

Thailand's Table Tennis Association reported outstanding athletic achievements in 2568, including a historic world championship in mixed doubles and three SEA Games title defenses, but revealed a budget deficit exceeding 8 million baht. The funding crisis stems from limited support from the National Sports Development Fund, which prioritized SEA Games operations, leaving insufficient resources for the association's 32 competitions and 26 organized tournaments. With 2569 funding still unclear after seven months, the association faces potential major operational cutbacks despite needing approximately 10 million baht for upcoming international competitions.

27 Apr Khaosod

The Thai Table Tennis Association held its annual general meeting at Central Westgate shopping center, reporting outstanding performance results for 2568. Notable achievements include 15-year-old players Ploy and Norton making history as Thailand's first world champions in mixed doubles, and defending three SEA Games titles across women's team, women's singles, and women's doubles competitions. The association sent athletes to 32 competitions, winning 19 championships, 14 runner-up finishes, and 25 third-place results. The organization also hosted five international tournaments, one-to-five-star national tournaments, and organized over 26 competitions involving more than 12,242 athletes.

However, the financial report revealed total revenue of 63.8 million baht against expenses of 72.29 million baht, creating a deficit of over 8.48 million baht. Officials attributed this to the National Sports Development Fund having limited budgets, with over 1,000 million baht directed toward SEA Games preparations and operations, leaving insufficient funds for individual sports associations. The table tennis association received minimal or no support for its 32 competition entries and only received funding for one of 26 organized tournaments, forcing the association to use reserves.

The situation worsened as the 2569 budget remains unclear even after seven months, potentially requiring major operational adjustments. The association faces urgent funding needs for upcoming competitions including the ASEAN Youth Championships in Singapore, World Championships in England, and hosting two WTT Youth 2 competitions in April-May, requiring approximately 10 million baht. Association President Nathwut Rueangwes stated: "We don't want to reduce activities because it's unfortunate after 4-5 years of strong growth with excellent athlete performance. The board will seek additional funding from other sources and adjust plans accordingly, though budget constraints are affecting all sports."

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National

Islamic Bank of Thailand Launches Low-Cost Soft Loan Program Worth 100 Billion Baht with Interest Rate Capped at 3.50% for First Two Years

Islamic Bank of Thailand has launched a 100 billion baht soft loan program under a government initiative to revitalize Thai businesses and support economic recovery. The program offers low interest rates capped at 3.50% for the first two years and targets SMEs, large enterprises, and individuals affected by global economic challenges. Four sub-programs address different needs including liquidity enhancement, strategic sector expansion, business capability development, and support for tourism affected by Middle East conflicts.

27 Apr Khaosod

Islamic Bank of Thailand has responded to the Cabinet's resolution by launching the "Low-Cost Soft Loan to Revitalize Thai Business" program with a total credit facility of 100 billion baht, according to Nujchareee Pakdeecharoen, Assistant Managing Director and Head of Retail Business Group at Islamic Bank of Thailand. The program aims to support entrepreneurs and individuals impacted by current global economic conditions, including energy price fluctuations and economic uncertainty, while promoting business capability enhancement and sustainability.

The initiative comprises four sub-programs offering credit support to SMEs (both individuals and juristic persons) and large enterprises registered in Thailand with Thai ownership exceeding 50% of registered capital. Interest rates for the first two years will not exceed 3.50% per annum.

The four main objectives are:

1. **Liquidity Enhancement for SMEs**: Support for SMEs and those seeking refinancing from existing or other financial institutions, with maximum credit limits of 30 million baht per applicant for up to two years.

2. **New Economic Momentum**: Funding for SMEs and large enterprises expanding into strategically important sectors including agriculture and agro-processing, tourism, automotive and parts manufacturing, medical and healthcare, smart electronics, and wholesale-retail businesses. Credit limits reach 100 million baht for SMEs and 150 million baht for large businesses, over up to five years.

3. **Business Capability Development**: Support for digital technology adoption, environmental sustainability, and future innovation, with limits of 100 million baht for SMEs and 150 million baht for large enterprises over up to five years.

4. **Tourism and Middle East Crisis Support**: Assistance for tourism and related businesses affected by Middle East conflicts, including hotels, accommodation services, and restaurants. Credit limits are set at 100 million baht for SMEs and 150 million baht for large businesses over up to five years.

Additionally, the general public can apply for multipurpose loans to install solar power systems or purchase electric vehicles for energy sustainability.

Interested applicants can contact Islamic Bank of Thailand branches, call the ibank Contact Center at 1302, or message via Facebook Messenger or Line (@ibank).

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National

International Trade Promotion Department Hosts First 2025 T Mark Clinic to Elevate Thai Entrepreneurs to International Standards

The International Trade Promotion Department launched the first 2025 T Mark Clinic in Bangkok, offering Thai entrepreneurs certification guidance and consulting services to meet international quality and sustainability standards. Over 100 b

27 Apr Khaosod

The International Trade Promotion Department (DITP) under the Ministry of Commerce organized the "First 2025 T Mark Clinic" at Centara Grand CentralPlaza Ladprao Hotel in Bangkok to strengthen entrepreneurial capabilities and elevate Thai businesses to international standards through the Thailand Trust Mark (T Mark) certification.

The event was opened by Surin Sunthornanan, Deputy Director-General of the DITP, who introduced the Thailand Trust Mark program and its benefits. The T Mark symbolizes "trust" and "transparent image," serving as a key to sustainable growth for Thai products. The DITP launched the Thailand Trust Mark in 2012 to certify that products and services meet excellence standards while genuinely supporting social welfare, labor, and environmental concerns. The department signed memorandums of understanding with the Ministry of Labor (Labor Standards Development Office) and the Ministry of Industry (Industrial Works Department) to jointly certify this quality mark.

The clinic featured a seminar on "Brand Building Strategies to Win Markets and Value-Added Packaging Design" led by experienced speakers. Dr. Porpun Promwang, Regional General Manager of Asia Pacific Cosmetics Corporation (IN2IT brand), discussed how Thai cosmetics achieved international success through differentiated marketing strategies and quality. Chatsil Chaatbut, Administrative/CRM Manager of TPN Food Packaging Company, highlighted packaging's importance beyond aesthetics—it extends product shelf life and increases market value, particularly eco-friendly packaging that aligns with consumer sustainability concerns.

Over 100 entrepreneurs participated actively, exchanging experiences and success strategies. In the afternoon, the department operated multiple consulting clinics staffed by government and private experts covering: T Mark certification requirements and procedures, export guidance and market expansion through DITP 1669 Clinic, product exhibition platforms via Thaitrade.com, financing options from Exim Bank, labor standards and human rights from the Ministry of Labor, CSR implementation guidance, green industry transition pathways, and food packaging consulting through TPN Food Packaging Clinic. Entrepreneurs registered extensively for the consulting sessions.

Over 13 years, the T Mark has proven to be a crucial force supporting...

No. 08 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Medical Technicians Council Clarifies: Do You Need to Fast Before a Blood Test?

The Medical Technicians Council clarified that drinking plain water before a blood test is allowed and won't affect results, even during fasting periods. Staying hydrated actually helps blood work by preventing dehydration-related inaccurac

27 Apr Khaosod

The Medical Technicians Council has clarified a widespread misconception about blood test preparation. Contrary to popular belief, you can drink plain water before a blood test without fasting from it. The water must be pure, colorless, unsweetened, calorie-free, and have no additives—it will not interfere with test results, even when fasting from food is required.

The confusion typically arises from imprecise communication that lumps together "fasting from water and food." In reality, "fasting from food" means avoiding anything that provides energy, such as milk, coffee, sugary drinks, and flavored beverages. Plain water does not fall into this category.

Skipping water before blood work may actually be counterproductive. Dehydration can cause certain blood values to be higher than they actually are—including hemoglobin, creatinine, and BUN—making veins harder to access for the needle, and increasing discomfort during the procedure.

However, some blood tests may have specific requirements, such as fasting for 8-12 hours or other restrictions. Always consult your doctor or medical staff before your test to ensure proper preparation. Correct preparation not only ensures accurate results but also makes the experience more comfortable and hassle-free.

No. 09 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Yutthasak Insists on National Science and Technology Development Office as Country's Research Engine with Four Strategic Pillars Targeting 17 Billion Baht Economic Impact

Deputy Prime Minister Yutthasak Wongsawat announced plans to transform Thailand's National Science and Technology Development Office into a high-impact research engine targeting 17 billion baht in economic benefits by 2027. The strategy centers on four pillars: applied research for economic growth, breaking down barriers between government agencies, advancing frontier technologies like AI and semiconductors, and developing innovations to address national crises. The NSTDO aims to benefit 10 million people and strengthen Thailand's position in global value chains through practical innovation focused on farmers, SMEs, startups, and critical national needs.

27 Apr Khaosod

On April 27, 2026, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation Yutthasak Wongsawat, serving as chairman of the National Science and Technology Development Committee (NSTDO Board), presided over the first board meeting of 2026. He announced a crucial policy to transform the National Science and Technology Development Office (NSTDO) into a "research engine for the nation" (New Research Engine) emphasizing precision, targeted focus, and measurable broad-based results. The meeting was attended by Supachai Pathumnakaul, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry; Dr. Sriyadha Palimaphand, ministerial advisor; Chaturin Chanhom, ministerial secretary; Chukkij Limpitjamnong, NSTDO Director; and other executives at the NSTDO Plant Factory in Pathum Thani Province.

Yutthasak revealed that the modern NSTDO must transcend pure research and become the primary mechanism for elevating Thailand to upper-middle-income status through four key strategic approaches: 1) Research for Nation & Economic Drive: emphasizing downstream research reaching various sectors, particularly empowering smallholder farmers, SMEs, and startups, and collaborating with the Ministry of Commerce to shield Thai innovations from foreign price dumping. 2) Mission-based Collaboration (Break Silos): breaking down barriers between agencies so that national priority projects receive integrated cooperation across all units in the Ministry and NSTDO, with NSTDO complementing rather than competing with universities through personnel and research funding exchanges. 3) Frontier Research & Tech War: preparing readiness in cutting-edge technologies such as AI, semiconductors, and quantum computing to strengthen Thailand's position in global value chains. 4) Urgent Battles & Crisis Management: rapidly developing innovations to address critical crises including disaster mitigation, energy security, and developing high-quality crop varieties for food security.

"We are transforming NSTDO into a high-impact research engine, targeting that by 2027 our innovations will benefit 10 million people and generate over 17 billion baht in economic and social impact," Yutthasak stated.

For his part, Chukkij stated that NSTDO stands ready to implement the policy with over 3,000 research personnel through Battle and Pre-battle mechanisms to convert laboratory expertise into national solutions, anchored in industry and public needs.

On this occasion, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister led media representatives on a tour of the Plant Factory, showcasing successful precision agriculture that has transformed from volume-based vegetable sales to high-value extract production for global pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries, helping farmers sustainably increase income from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of baht per rai.

No. 10 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

True Money launches Ascend Pay Next eligibility check for buy now, pay later credit up to 20,000 baht

True Money launches an eligibility check for Ascend Pay Next, a buy now, pay later service offering credit up to 20,000 baht with instant approval through the app or by dialing *399*555# for True and dtac customers.

27 Apr Khaosod

True Money, operating under Ascend Money, has launched an eligibility check campaign for Ascend Pay Next, a buy now, pay later service, on the True Money app as of April 27, 2025. True Money, a leading electronic payment and financial services provider in Southeast Asia under Ascend Money, is partnering with various players to expand digital financial services access. The campaign aims to make digital credit easily accessible to a wide range of users, who can check their eligibility for Ascend Pay Next immediately through the True Money app or by scanning QR codes distributed nationwide, including outdoor advertising at BTS stations and online channels.

True and dtac customers enjoy even easier eligibility verification by simply dialing *399*555# to check their credit status instantly. Customers can also use Ascend Pay Next to pay True bills through True Money with up to 60 baht cashback credit, or receive 20 baht monthly cashback for three consecutive months when paying automatic service charges through Ascend Pay Next.

From May 15 through December 31, 2025, customers can also use Ascend Pay Next for 0% installment plans up to three months at all True Shop branches on any item in the store, making technology purchases more accessible. Ascend Pay Next is a buy now, pay later service for everyday purchases and services requiring no upfront cash payment. Through the True Money app, approval is simple with no document submission required, with results in five minutes and credit limits up to 20,000 baht. Once approved, funds can be used immediately with no interest if paid within the specified timeframe, or customers can choose an installment plan.

Thannyapong Thammawaranukup, Co-Managing Director of Ascend Money, stated: "This campaign is another important step in making credit easily accessible through familiar everyday channels, whether through mobile apps or USSD. Ascend Pay Next is a crucial service that enhances spending flexibility for True Money users and can be used both online and offline at major retailers and stores nationwide."

Ascend Pay Next is provided by Ascend Nano, a credit service provider operating under supervision and integrated through the True Money platform, enabling users to access comprehensive financial services within a single app. Both companies operate under the Ascend Money group, which develops interconnected digital financial services to expand financial access for a broader consumer base.

Ascend Money is among those licensed to establish a virtual bank, reflecting readiness to leverage digital platform potential and fintech expertise to develop new forms of financial services with broader coverage.

No. 11 of ∞ Read at source → Next