A sightseeing boat capsized at Bargi Dam on the Narmada River in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, central India on April 30, killing at least nine people, including a mother and her four-year-old son. During search operations at the dam, rescue teams discovered the body of a female tourist with her child still holding tightly to her chest. Officials confirmed that 29 passengers have been rescued, and rescue teams continue searching for missing persons. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed profound grief over the tragedy and announced financial assistance for affected families. The Prime Minister's Office announced through social media that the government will provide 200,000 rupees (approximately 68,500 baht) from the National Disaster Relief Fund to each deceased victim's family, while the injured will receive 50,000 rupees (roughly 17,100 baht). Eyewitnesses reported strong winds during the incident. One survivor stated that safety measures on the boat were insufficient and that many passengers were not wearing life jackets.

The Australian Embassy in Thailand and Siam Piwat Group are presenting a rabbit card design exhibition running from April 22 to May 17, 2025 at Siam Discovery, offering Thais a creative space to celebrate the enduring friendship between Australia and Thailand. The exhibition features 35 selected designs from the embassy's third design competition, including a limited-edition card version of the winning work, each reflecting unique creativity and diverse perspectives on Thailand-Australia relations. Australian Ambassador Dr. Angela McDonald stated that the competition received overwhelming public interest with over 100 submissions ranging from hand-drawn art to digital graphics by designers of all ages, including an 8-year-old participant, and praised how the designs creatively combined iconic Australian and Thai symbols—koalas and elephants—to represent the strong bond between the two nations.

The grand prize winner, Karati Parammasilp, received his award for a design blending Thailand's mythical giant "Yaksha" with the Australian kangaroo against a backdrop reflecting travel and urban vibrancy, winning a round-trip ticket from Bangkok to Sydney and a two-night stay at the InterContinental Sydney. First runner-up Krokkot Chaiyon won a two-night stay at the Kimpton Malabar Bangkok's Maa-Lai Suite, while second runner-up Pisalai Vimnansopon received premium products from both countries. Karati explained his design process, saying he combined Thai and Australian symbols—the Yaksha, Wat Phra Kaew, and kangaroo—into one unified work to commemorate 74 years of diplomatic relations while reflecting the warm connection between the nations, using Adobe Illustrator techniques throughout. The exhibition also features a "Design Discovery Challenge" activity where visitors can win limited-edition rabbit cards weekly and participate in photo contests with prize draws held weekly for ten winners.

Thai lottery numbers drawn on May 2 show interesting historical patterns over the past decade (2016-2024), with some double numbers appearing in previous draws. The Government Lottery Office will conduct the May 2, 2025 draw at the prize drawing center at Don Mueang Airport in Nonthaburi Province. Historical records from May 2 draws over ten years (2016-2024) reveal winning numbers and patterns, including instances of repeated digits. Key results include: May 2, 2024 - First Prize 213388, Front 3-digit 116/826, Back 3-digit 167/662, Back 2-digit 06; May 2, 2023 - First Prize 980116, Front 3-digit 104/763, Back 3-digit 634/833, Back 2-digit 17; May 2, 2022 - First Prize 843019, Front 3-digit 500/780, Back 3-digit 187/269, Back 2-digit 65; and continuing back through May 2, 2016 (First Prize 399459, Front 3-digit 238/403, Back 3-digit 046/671, Back 2-digit 02). The article also features predictions from fortune tellers and lottery enthusiasts using various divination methods.

Gold prices on May 2, 2026 opened with strong gains according to the Gold Traders Association. Ornamental gold (96.5% purity) opened 500 baht per gram higher compared to May 1's closing price, with selling prices at 71,850 baht per gram. Gold bars are currently trading at 70,850 baht per gram for buying and 71,050 baht per gram for selling according to the first announcement. For ornamental gold, the buying price stands at 69,432.80 baht per gram with selling prices at 71,850 baht per gram. Global gold spot prices are trading at 4,616.50 USD per ounce. Today's gold prices show strong upward momentum, with some traders predicting further gains of 1,000-2,000 baht per gram, potentially breaking through the 80,000 baht mark.

An overwhelming wave of popularity has swept over talented actor 'Trai' Praphapat Srikhojrdeecha for his role as 'Phran Areht' in the epic historical series "Hongsa Wadi: The Last Duel" on Channel 31. The actor shared his thoughts on the unexpected fame, personal growth, and how he nearly considered giving up acting.

When asked about the massive response to his character, Trai expressed gratitude: "I'm truly thankful that everyone has come to support us in Hongsa Wadi. Thank you to all of you who love me in the role of Phran Areht. Thank you to Channel 31 executives for giving me this incredible opportunity. This is the highest honor of my life."

Regarding whether he anticipated such positive feedback, Trai revealed: "Not at all. As I grew older, I stopped having expectations about my work because disappointment would hurt too much. Instead, I focus on doing my absolute best with every opportunity I receive. Before filming, I trained intensely—fitness, martial training, horseback riding, sword fighting—everything from scratch. I even studied ancient Thai language and pronunciation to truly understand the character's heart."

Describing the intensity of his newfound fame, Trai said: "My face is everywhere on apps now. I'm not used to it. Friends tell me they see my face all day. People quote his line 'Mang Chi Chawa Fang Kha' to me constantly—at the market, convenience stores, gas stations. They call out 'Phran Areht' everywhere. I'm not comfortable with constant attention, though I'm more suited to acting in dramas than dealing with real-life fame. Even meeting fans in person makes me shy."

He also described his awkward moment at the fan club gathering at Grammy Building: "I wasn't myself at all. But even though public appearances aren't my strength, I realize it brings joy and entertainment to my fans. I've learned that in 10 years of acting, I never had to deal with things like fan chants and special gestures. My castmates like Obeey, Pingping, Puma, and In taught me everything. I admit I wasn't prepared for this level of social media engagement."

When asked if he's ready to engage with fans, Trai responded: "I see so much fan service happening. It's about giving them happiness. If you want something, you must give it first."

Reflecting on the dramatic shift from his previous career, Trai noted: "This is completely different from my acting work before. I don't have to do fan gestures or appear at photo booths—just be myself. But now I need to adapt and evolve with the times. After exactly ten years, I've encountered this fan phenomenon."

When asked if this is a gift, Trai corrected: "I'd say it's more like a reward—an unexpected reward I never anticipated. Truthfully, when so many people approach me on the street, I feel awkward. But seeing myself in social media and experiencing things I never encountered in 10 years of acting, it feels like validation that I'm on the right path in my career."

The Thai Meteorological Department reports today's weather shows rising temperatures exceeding 40°C, with thunderstorms and strong winds affecting 50 provinces, including the Bangkok metropolitan area.

As of May 2, 2569, the Meteorological Department forecasts that over the next 24 hours, rainfall in northern Thailand will decrease, though thunderstorms and strong wind gusts will still occur in scattered locations with rising overall temperatures. Daytime conditions will be hot, with extremely hot weather in some areas of the northern and central regions, as a weakening high-pressure system from China influences the northeast and South China Sea, while southwesterly and southeasterly winds cover northern Thailand.

The public is urged to protect their health by avoiding prolonged work or outdoor activities in the open sun, and to remain cautious of dangers from thunderstorms and strong winds that may occur in certain areas.

The southern region will experience scattered thunderstorms due to easterly and southeasterly winds covering the Gulf of Thailand, southern regions, and the Andaman Sea.

Regarding dust and haze levels, northern Thailand currently shows good to moderate particulate accumulation due to scattered rainfall in some areas.

Detailed 24-hour forecast (today 06:00 to tomorrow 06:00):

Northern Region: Hot daytime conditions with extreme heat in some areas. Thunderstorms in 10% of the area with strong gusts in places, mainly in Mae Hong Son, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Lampang, Phayao, Nan, Tak, and Phetchabun provinces. Minimum temperature 22-25°C, maximum 35-40°C. Southwesterly winds at 5-15 km/h.

Northeastern Region: Hot daytime conditions with thunderstorms in 10% of the area and strong gusts in places, mainly in Nong Khai, Bueng Kan, Nong Bua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Chaiyaphum, Khon Kaen, Kalasin, Mukdahan, Roi Et, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces. Minimum temperature 22-25°C, maximum 34-39°C. Southeasterly winds at 10-15 km/h.

Central Region: Hot daytime conditions with extreme heat in some areas. Thunderstorms in 10% of the area with strong gusts in places, mainly in Kanchanaburi, Lopburi, Saraburi, Suphan Buri, Ratchaburi, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Nakhon Pathom, and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya provinces. Minimum temperature 22-25°C, maximum 38-40°C. Southerly winds at 10-15 km/h.

Eastern Region: Hot daytime conditions with thunderstorms in 20% of the area and strong gusts in places, mainly in Nakhon Nayok, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Sakaeo, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Rayong, Chanthaburi, and Trat provinces. Minimum temperature 24-27°C, maximum 35-38°C. Southerly winds at 15-30 km/h. Seas approximately 1 meter high; over 2 meters during thunderstorms.

Southern Region (East Coast): Hot daytime conditions with thunderstorms in 30% of the area, mainly in Surat Thani, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Phatthalung, Songkhla, Yala, and Narathiwat provinces. Minimum temperature 23-27°C, maximum 32-38°C. Southeasterly winds at 15-30 km/h. Seas approximately 1 meter high; over 2 meters during thunderstorms.

Southern Region (West Coast): Hot daytime conditions with thunderstorms in 30% of the area, mainly in Phang Nga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang, and Satun provinces. Minimum temperature 24-26°C, maximum 33-35°C. Easterly winds.