National

YLG Advises Investors to Watch Fed Meeting on April 29, Powell's Final as Chair, as Long-Term Gold Signals Remain Bullish

Gold prices are consolidating ahead of the Fed's April 29 meeting, Powell's last as chair, with analysts warning of near-term pressure if rate cuts are delayed despite long-term bullish signals supported by central bank demand and geopoliti

28 Apr Khaosod

Gold prices are consolidating in the short term as market uncertainty persists between inflationary pressures and the direction of Federal Reserve policy, according to YLG Bullion International Limited. The firm is urging investors to watch the Fed's policy committee meeting on April 29 at 1:00 AM Bangkok time, notably Jerome Powell's final meeting as Fed Chair before his term ends on May 15. If the Fed signals no rush to cut rates, it will pressure gold prices in the near term due to the lack of benefit from elevated interest rates. However, YLG notes that while gold prices may consolidate through May and June, the long-term trend remains a strong structural bull market, with the firm recommending investors gradually accumulate on price weakness. The outlook depends heavily on the Fed's policy direction. A hawkish stance maintaining high rates longer than expected could push gold lower in the short term, while signals of economic concerns and interest rate cuts would support a recovery toward all-time highs. Key supporting factors for medium to long-term gold include continued central bank purchases, particularly from China, India, and Turkey seeking to reduce dollar dependency, and geopolitical tensions in the Middle East that maintain gold's safe-haven status. Leading financial institutions JP Morgan and UBS project gold could reach $6,200-$6,300 per troy ounce by year-end 2025, reflecting positive long-term market sentiment.

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National

Royal Irrigation Department Partners with UNDP to Transform Agriculture in Yom-Nan Basin Against Climate Crisis

The Royal Irrigation Department and UNDP organized a major business matching forum in Phitsanulok to transform agriculture in the Yom-Nan basin and build climate resilience across three northern provinces. The event brought together government agencies, private sector representatives, and farmers to facilitate knowledge sharing, business partnerships, and market expansion for agricultural products. The initiative aims to strengthen farmer livelihoods and develop sustainable food security through innovative water management and technology adoption.

28 Apr Khaosod

The Royal Irrigation Department is partnering with UNDP to link business partners and revolutionize agriculture in the Yom-Nan basin to combat climate change. On March 31, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. at The Imperial Hotel Convention in Phitsanulok, Deputy Governor Nisit Sawatdithep hosted the "Business Matching and Agricultural Cooperation Forum for Climate Change Resilience in the Yom-Nan Basin." The event was opened by Neeve Collier-Smith, representative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Thailand, alongside Lapinakorn Chatavangs from the Royal Irrigation Department, administrators from the Regional Irrigation Office 3, representatives from Naresuan University, and participants from government, private sector, financial institutions, and educational bodies from Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, and Uttaradit.

The Yom-Nan river basin, covering Phitsanulok, Sukhothai, and Uttaradit provinces, is a critical agricultural production area facing challenges from volatile climate conditions, including intensifying drought and flooding. The forum emphasized the need to develop resilient agricultural approaches through knowledge sharing, technology, innovation, and systematic water management, coupled with market linkages and capital access. The event focused on knowledge exchange, networking, and strengthening collaboration between farmers, government agencies, private sector, and educational institutions to enhance agricultural potential and build sustainable food security.

Morning sessions featured special presentations on farmers' climate change adaptation, emphasizing shared responsibility across all sectors. Water management was highlighted as fundamental to agricultural climate adaptation. The afternoon included panel discussions on products and cooperation opportunities, featuring representatives from the three provinces presenting agricultural outputs in three categories: food products and raw materials, non-food products and raw materials, and handicrafts. The program concluded with business matching sessions, network building, and development cooperation initiatives to systematically promote product development and market expansion for farmers and community enterprises in the project areas.

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National

IOC delegation inspects Bangkok's readiness for 2030 Youth Olympic Games bid

An IOC delegation is evaluating Bangkok's bid to host the 2030 Youth Olympic Games, inspecting proposed venues including Rajamangala National Stadium and athlete housing at Chulalongkorn University during a three-day assessment visit.

28 Apr Khaosod

BANGKOK — A delegation from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has arrived in Thailand for a three-day working visit as Bangkok advances its bid to host the Youth Olympic Games in 2030.

The IOC Working Group on the Youth Olympic Games 2030, led by Danka Hrbeková, is in Bangkok and Chonburi from 28–30 April as part of the evaluation process ahead of the host city selection at the IOC Session in June 2026.

Dr. Kongsak Yodmanee, Governor of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), together with officials from the National Olympic Committee of Thailand, accompanied the delegation during site visits across Bangkok on Monday.

The programme included inspections of the SAT headquarters and Rajamangala National Stadium, proposed as the venue for the opening and closing ceremonies. The delegation also visited multiple proposed competition sites, including the Extreme Sports Stadium, Indoor Stadium, climbing facilities, shooting and archery ranges, table tennis and gymnastics venues, as well as football grounds at the National Stadium complex, Nimibutr Stadium, and Thephasadin Stadium.

According to organisers, the proposed venues are designed to host a full multi-sport programme featuring athletics, aquatics, gymnastics, combat sports, urban sports and team sports, aimed at showcasing the diversity of the Youth Olympic Games.

The IOC group also inspected student accommodation at Chulalongkorn University, proposed as the Youth Olympic Village, as well as the nearby Chulalongkorn University Square, planned as an Urban Park and youth engagement hub during the Games.

Officals said the concept reflects the Youth Olympic Games model, which combines elite sporting competition with education programmes, cultural activities, and youth-focused initiatives integrated into the host city environment.

Thailand is expected to present its final bid proposal as part of the IOC evaluation process ahead of the final decision in 2026.

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Breaking

Seven-vehicle pile-up in Korat injures more than 10

A seven-vehicle chain-reaction collision on Highway 224 near Nakhon Ratchasima injured more than 10 people during morning rush hour on April 28. The crash involved a Honda Jazz and six other vehicles that collided in succession after the lead vehicle braked suddenly, with four victims sustaining head and chest injuries. Police are investigating the exact cause and reviewing CCTV footage and dashcam recordings from the incident.

28 Apr Khaosod

NAKHON RATCHASIMA — 28 April 2026, More than 10 people were injured in a seven-vehicle pile-up during the morning rush hour, police said. The crash occurred at about 08:15 on Highway 224 (Ratchasima–Chokchai road) inbound to Nakhon Ratchasima, in front of SCG Home Solution in Nong Bua Sala subdistrict, Muang district. Police were alerted and coordinated with Sawang Metta rescue teams to assist at the scene. Authorities found multiple vehicles involved in a chain-reaction collision. The lead vehicle, a white Honda Jazz, was struck from behind by a grey-black Toyota sedan, followed by a black Toyota Fortuner, another white sedan, a white Isuzu Highlander pickup, a white Mitsubishi Triton Plus pickup and a refrigerated ice delivery truck, all colliding in succession. The impact left more than 10 drivers and passengers injured. Four people sustained head wounds and chest injuries from striking the steering wheel. Emergency responders provided first aid before transferring the injured to Por Phat Hospital for further treatment. Preliminary investigations suggest the crash occurred during peak commuting hours, with vehicles travelling at speed and following closely without sufficient stopping distance. When the lead car slowed or braked suddenly, for reasons not yet determined, trailing vehicles were unable to stop in time, causing the chain collision. Police said they will review CCTV footage, dashcam recordings and physical evidence at the scene, and question drivers to determine the exact cause before pursuing legal action.

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Police

Armed Criminal Fires on Police, Shot Dead in Return—History of Drug Dealing, Armed Robbery, and Assault on Residents

A wanted criminal died in a shootout with police at a cave in Chumphon Province on April 28 after firing first at officers pursuing him for methamphetamine trafficking, armed robbery, and assaults on residents.

28 Apr Khaosod

On April 28, 2025, Deputy Superintendent Somchai Boongerng of Sui Police Station led a multi-agency operation involving police, local administrative officials, military personnel, provincial prosecutors, rescue workers, and community leaders to a cave entrance in Thung Raya Subdistrict, Sui District, Chumphon Province. The operation was initiated after a suspect, believed to be 30-35 years old, fled into the cave following ongoing criminal activities.

Officers cordoned off the area and discovered several items at the cave entrance, including a black backpack, machete, pan, hat, headlamp, phone, three methamphetamine pills, and a homemade .38 caliber handgun loaded with ammunition. A shell casing was found in the chamber.

Rescue teams faced significant difficulty retrieving the body due to the narrow cave opening and approximately 8-meter depth, which also contained lingering tear gas. After more than 20 minutes of effort, the body was successfully removed. Initial autopsy findings showed a single gunshot wound through the chest.

Investigation revealed the suspect was Karen ethnicity with a lengthy history of dangerous criminal behavior in the area. According to witnesses, approximately two weeks prior, he had committed theft and was involved in methamphetamine trafficking while carrying a firearm. Community leaders discovered 170 methamphetamine pills and 7 additional .38 rounds at a shelter. He had also burglarized and assaulted Thai residents in three homes.

After days of pursuit, community leaders discovered cooking fire traces at the cave entrance. Special operations officers attempted negotiation and deployed tear gas to force surrender. The suspect fired one shot at officers, who returned fire with a fatal shot that penetrated through the chest.

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Local

Durian Season Bustling in Phrae: Jao Jaek Shop Launches Gold Prize Promotion

Phrae's Jao Jaek durian shop is offering gold prizes and raffle entries to customers during peak season, with fresh varieties like Volcano durian available daily at 150 baht per kilogram.

28 Apr Khaosod

Durian season is bustling in Phrae province, with Jao Jaek durian shop launching an exciting promotion where customers purchasing durians can enter a raffle to win one baht of gold along with many other prizes. Since opening over three years ago, the shop near Phya Phol intersection on Suang Muen road has been sourcing quality durians from Chanthaburi and offering multiple varieties—both whole and pre-peeled—including Monthong, Long Stem, and Volcano durian. The shop operates daily from 8 AM to 8 PM and provides spacious parking. Owner Khunna Kamsut, 47, explains that the shop receives fresh durians daily by the ton, with Volcano durian priced at just 150 baht per kilogram. The promotion allows unlimited durian purchases with automatic entry into the gold raffle, plus additional durian prizes. Interested customers can visit Jao Jaek on Suang Muen road before Phya Phol intersection for convenient shopping and unbeatable seasonal deals.

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National

19-Year-Old Dating 39-Year-Old Woman, Family Forces Breakup in Middle of Street

A 19-year-old boy's relationship with a 39-year-old single mother has sparked widespread online debate after his parents publicly forced them to break up outside a school in Jiangsu Province, China. The couple has defended their serious relationship despite the 20-year age gap, with the young man helping support the woman's street food business and her child. Both have appealed for rational understanding from society rather than negative judgment of their unconventional romance.

28 Apr Khaosod

A 19-year-old boy dating a significantly older woman has sparked family controversy when his parents forcibly intervened to end their relationship on the street. This age-gap romance story from Sunyang City, Jiangsu Province, China is generating intense online debate regarding both the age difference and family interference in personal affairs.

According to reports, the woman is a single mother who currently sells crepes from a roadside stall. Despite her difficult circumstances, she maintains good character and youthful appearance. The young man is serious about their relationship and plans to build a future together, regularly assisting with her business setup and picking up her child.

However, his family strongly opposed the relationship, leading to a confrontation outside a school where his parents attempted to force the couple to break up. The incident was recorded and quickly spread online.

Following the public attention, both have issued statements. The young man confirmed their relationship is genuine, though they have not yet formally informed both families. He hopes for their acceptance in the future.

The woman stated they are well-matched and appealed to society to view the matter rationally without rushing to judgment or negative speculation.

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National

Surasakdi Clarifies 1,000 Baht Fee for Thais Traveling Abroad Is Only Under Study

Thailand's Tourism Minister says a proposed 1,000 baht fee on Thai tourists traveling abroad is only under study by the Finance Ministry, not approved, with potential exemptions for students and workers.

28 Apr Khaosod

At a Bhumjaithai Party event on April 28, 2025, Tourism and Sports Minister Surasakdi Phanjaroen addressed the concept of collecting a 1,000 baht fee from Thai tourists traveling abroad. He explained this would be a departure tax under a royal decree that existed since 1983 and was previously collected in 1997. Surasakdi clarified that the Finance Ministry is studying this idea, noting his ministry lacks authority to implement such a fee. The Finance Ministry has consulted with the Thai Travel Agents Association (ATTA) and other agencies, raising concerns about how collected funds would be used.

The minister stated the fee would apply only to tourism-related departures, with exemptions for diplomatic visas, work permits, and other visa categories. He emphasized this is still in the information-gathering phase and not finalized. The 1,000 baht figure references a historical rate and represents preliminary consideration. The rationale is to use revenue from outbound travelers to support domestic tourism initiatives.

ATTA and other associations have submitted recommendations aligned with government tourism stimulus plans like "Let's Travel Together" and nationwide tours. However, Surasakdi noted budget constraints remain a challenge. He explained the concept as "collecting from those traveling abroad to help Thais without opportunities for international travel enjoy domestic tourism."

Surasakdi emphasized the fee would not apply to students or workers abroad. The existing royal decree allows for a maximum collection of 5,000 baht. He stressed this remains purely exploratory, with no Cabinet approval date set. The Finance Ministry and government are still gathering feedback on implementation details, including approval, appropriate rate, timing, and eligible exemptions before moving forward.

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National

Tawee Warns Government: Misused Public Debt Will Become a Karmic Legacy for Future Generations

Police Colonel Tawee warns that Thailand's rapidly escalating public debt—now growing faster than GDP—risks becoming a burden on future generations if misused for current spending rather than productive investment. With interest payments al

28 Apr Khaosod

On April 28, 2026, Police Colonel Tawee Sodsong, list MP and leader of the Prachasaart Party (PCP), posted on Facebook warning that "public debt, if misused, will become a karmic legacy for our descendants to shoulder." He argued that when borrowed funds are deployed "in the wrong way," they cease to function as an economic recovery tool and instead become "poison" that will drag the country down in the long term. Thailand currently stands at a critical fiscal turning point, with rapidly escalating public debt, yet the crucial question remains: do these massive loans actually improve the economy?

1. The Unavoidable Truth: "We're Borrowing Faster Than Our Economy Grows" - 2015-2019: Debt increased by only 2.5 trillion baht annually while GDP grew by 6 trillion baht per year (economy outpacing debt) - 2020-2022: Debt increased by 1.2 trillion baht annually while GDP declined by -2 trillion baht (debt outpacing economy) - 2023-2026: Debt increased by 8 trillion baht annually while GDP grew by only 4 trillion baht per year (debt outpacing economy)

Thailand is consistently borrowing faster than its actual revenue-generating capacity. The nation has shifted from "borrowing to build the future" to "borrowing to sustain the present"—a transformation from investment to life support.

2. The Appropriate Public Debt-to-GDP Ratio: Research from the IMF, OECD, and EU shows there is no "single fixed figure" applicable to all countries. However, there is consensus that higher debt increases growth risks in a non-linear fashion. Debt doesn't destroy the economy immediately but gradually erodes it until the economic system reaches its breaking point.

3. The Silent Burden: With an average interest rate of 2.95% annually, the 2026 budget requires Thailand to pay 2.5-2.8 trillion baht in interest yearly, or approximately 21 billion baht monthly. This money is not an investment but a burden that future generations must bear—stemming from the government's failure to complete funded projects on schedule or allowing budgets to remain incomplete.

Beyond failing to generate GDP, this transfers interest payment costs to citizens, further inflating public debt due to institutional negligence. This should not compound the people's suffering further.

4. Budget Allocation Inequality and Lack of Transparency: Bangkok residents comprise 8% of the population but receive 74% of budget allocations, while provincial residents make up 92% but receive only 26%. Local government organizations receive a mere 7-8%, while approximately 80% of budgets go to recurrent expenditures. Massive loans are not flowing to grassroots economies.

5. Thailand Faces Three Concurrent Crises: - Borrowing faster than economic growth - Spending without generating growth - Inequitable resource distribution

The problem isn't that we're borrowing too much, but that we're borrowing incorrectly and spending wrongly. Unless we reform the budget allocation structure, borrowing additional trillions will merely "buy time" at an astronomical cost, leaving future generations to inherit a debt bill they barely profited from. We must transition toward genuine investment-based borrowing, distribute budgets to provincial areas, reduce recurrent spending, ensure transparent data disclosure, and grow the economy faster than interest accumulates.

Misallocating borrowed funds with interest is an embedded injustice that demands urgent correction. We cannot allow it to harm our descendants' futures or saddle them with karmic debt they did nothing to incur.

No. 09 of ∞ Read at source → Next

National

Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Meets with Five Ride-Hailing Associations, Orders Transport Department to Address Public Grievances with Public Interest as Priority

Thailand's Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angskulgiat held a meeting with representatives from five ride-hailing associations to address industry grievances related to rising fuel costs and regulatory challenges. The government accepted seven proposals focusing on stricter enforcement of digital platform regulations, fare controls, development of a state public app platform, and crackdowns on illegal vehicle operations, with public interest prioritized throughout.

28 Apr Khaosod

On April 28, 2026, Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angskulgiat chaired a meeting addressing grievances from rising fuel prices and solutions for public transport operators. Attendees included transport ministry officials and representatives from five ride-hailing associations: the Steel Network Public Taxi Team, the Thai Motorcycle Taxi Riders Association, the EV Motorcycle Taxi Riders Association, and the Thai Riders Association, along with relevant agencies at the former Civil Service Commission office.

Deputy Minister Siripong stated the meeting aimed to comprehensively address public transport operators' concerns for targeted, swift, and concrete solutions. Taxi association chairman Vorapol Gamkhunatod and representatives from the five associations presented seven key proposals:

1. Enforce the 2564 Electronic Ride-Hailing Regulation and related digital platform service announcements 2. Control fares according to the 2564 Transport Ministry announcement on fare rates 3. Consider license renewals and new registrations for motorcycle taxis 4. Develop a state public app platform for taxi, motorcycle taxi, and other registered vehicle services 5. Amend regulations on seven-passenger vehicles from 2560, 2563, and 2564 6. Strictly enforce laws against expired taxis and personal vehicles illegally offering services 7. Establish a committee with representatives from the five associations to address nationwide ride-hailing issues

The deputy minister tasked the Land Transport Department with reviewing and implementing the proposals, improving laws and regulations for fairness and equality while prioritizing public welfare, with continuous progress reporting. Illegal vehicles will face enforcement action.

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Community

Revered Ritual Master Ajarn Pa, Top Disciple of Luang Pu Sila, Flies to Kuala Lumpur for Major Blessing Ceremony on May 16-17

Renowned Thai ritual master Ajarn Pa, the sole top disciple of the legendary Luang Pu Sila, is traveling to Kuala Lumpur on May 16-17 to perform blessing ceremonies for the opening of a new office and provide spiritual consultations to Malaysian devotees. The event will include Buddhist chanting, personal fortune-telling sessions, feng shui consultations, and distribution of free amulets, with interested participants encouraged to book slots early due to limited quotas.

28 Apr Khaosod

Malaysian devotees are buzzing with excitement as they have invited Ajarn Pa (Punyadit Thierwichit), a renowned Brahmin ritual master and the sole top disciple of the legendary Luang Pu Maha Sila Sirijantho, to travel to Malaysia for auspicious ceremonies and to meet with disciples on May 16-17, 2025.

This trip's main objective is to perform a blessing ceremony for the opening of Scienz Natural Beacon's (SNB) new office, while offering an opportunity for devotees in Kuala Lumpur to receive blessings and good fortune from Thailand.

Event Schedule (Blessing Ceremony):

Saturday, May 16, 2025: - 11:00 AM: Buddhist chanting and blessing ceremony at Scienz Natural Beacon SDN. BHD. (Free admission with limited quota) - 2:00 PM: Lunch gathering with Ajarn Pa, including one-on-one consultation and fortune-telling sessions (advance reservation required)

Sunday, May 17, 2025: - All day: Open appointments for personal consultations and individual auspicious rituals (First Come First Serve basis)

Beyond the office opening ceremony, Ajarn Pa will offer various services to Malaysian disciples, including blessings and personal auspicious rituals, fortune-telling and life guidance, feng shui and personal luck enhancement advice, business decision consultation and life guidance, and selection of auspicious numbers suited to one's profession and life path.

A major highlight of the event is the distribution of free amulets and sacred objects from renowned Thai spiritual masters to attendees as a token of encouragement. Those interested in attending or booking consultation slots can contact WhatsApp: +6018 941 9998 for more details.

Note: This event has generated significant interest among both Malaysian and Thai expatriate communities. Early reservation is recommended as quotas for each session are limited.

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