"Elvis Thailand," an 80-year-old man born Somsak, has become a trending story again after undergoing a complete facial transformation. He opted for a full facelift procedure that left him looking noticeably younger, with many people praising his appearance as comparable to legendary stars from the 1980s-90s era.

Previously known for using facial tape before bed for years to reduce sagging skin, Somsak—known as "Grandpa Elvis"—finally decided to pursue professional cosmetic surgery to fulfill his dream of having a tight, firm face while maintaining a strong physique. He explained that despite turning 80, he still values his appearance, noting that body shape can be improved through exercise, but facial wrinkles and sagging require medical technology. The decision to have surgery at his age was difficult and required extensive research before he settled on renowned facial surgeon "Dr. Beam" at Beams Plastic Surgery in the Ratchapruk area.

Elvis Thailand emphasized his role as an elderly person who prioritizes self-care. He noted that many people opposed his surgery, asking why he would bother at his age. However, he responded: "Everything depends on ourselves. I'm not afraid of dying tomorrow—I just think about what makes me happy and what dreams I want to fulfill. The answer is wanting to be handsome. Even if I die tomorrow, at least today I'm satisfied." He stressed the importance of choosing accredited hospitals for such procedures, as they require anesthesia and close monitoring by anesthesiologists and specialist medical teams.

Two months post-surgery, the results have been impressive with barely visible scars and widespread compliments on his youthful appearance. People struggle to believe he's 80 years old. Having replaced his nightly facial tape routine with permanent surgical results, he now enjoys a tight, firm face without relying on tape anymore.

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Phuket – Provincial leaders, security agencies, and foreign representatives gathered today at the Sarasin Conference Room, Phuket Provincial Hall, to discuss strategies for managing and regulating the behavior of international tourists in the province. The meeting was chaired by Governor Nirun Pongsitthithavorn, with senior officials from the military, police, immigration, tourism, and local administration in […] Phuket Authorities Convene to Address Bad Tourist Behavior -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

The Phuket Express -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Phuket – Officials in Phuket have launched a coordinated operation to reclaim more than five rai of public land illegally occupied along Bang Tao Beach in Cherng Talay, Thalang on Wednesday (April 29th). Relevant officials told the Phuket Express that the crackdown was ordered by Governor Nirun Phongsitthithavorn and Deputy Governor Adul Chuthong, with Provincial […] Authorities Reclaim Encroached Land at Bang Tao Beach -=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=- The Phuket Express - Real. Unbiased. Impactful. In the moment.

Football Schedule April 30, 2025

UEFA Europa League Semi-final First Leg

Nottingham Forest vs Aston Villa - This match kicks off at 2:00 AM with live coverage on beIN Sports 1. It's a showdown between two English clubs as "The Reds" Nottingham Forest open their City Ground to welcome "The Lions" Aston Villa.

From their recent league performance, Forest recorded 4 wins, 2 draws, and 2 losses for 14 points, advancing as the 13th-ranked team. Villa, meanwhile, posted 7 wins and 1 loss with 21 points, advancing as the 2nd-ranked team.

In the knockout stages, Forest defeated Fenerbahçe 4-2 on aggregate in the playoff round, then drew with Middlesborough 2-2 on aggregate (winning 3-0 on penalties after extra time in the second leg), and beat Porto 2-1 on aggregate in the semi-final first leg. Villa defeated Lille 3-0 on aggregate in the round of 16 and thrashed Bologna 7-1 on aggregate in the semi-final first leg.

Forest are expected to field Igor Jesus, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Omari Hutchinson, while Villa likely deploy Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers, and John McGinn.

Forest's recent form has been impressive, making their fans optimistic. Though Villa are strong, this match should be competitive, with Forest favored to secure the first-leg advantage.

Braga vs Freiburg - This match kicks off at 2:00 AM with live coverage on beIN Sports 4. Portugal's Braga open their Estádio Municipal de Braga to host Germany's Freiburg.

Braga had to start from the second qualifying round, drawing with Levski Sofia 0-0 on aggregate (winning 1-0 after extra time), then beat CFR Cluj 4-1 on aggregate in the third qualifying round, and defeated Lincoln Red Imps 9-1 on aggregate in the playoff round. Both teams finished their league stage with identical records of 5 wins, 2 draws, and 1 loss for 17 points each, but Braga advanced as the 6th-ranked team while Freiburg came 7th on goal difference.

In the knockout stages, Braga beat Ferencváros 4-2 on aggregate in the round of 16 and defeated Real Betis 5-3 on aggregate in the semi-final first leg. Freiburg beat Genk 5-2 on aggregate in the round of 16 and thrashed Celta Vigo 6-1 on aggregate in the semi-final first leg.

Braga are expected to field Pau Victor, Ricardo Horta, and Rodrigo Zalazar, while Freiburg likely deploy Igor Matanovic, Yuito Suzuki, and Vincenzo Grifo.

Braga are strong at home and Freiburg aren't significantly superior, making the hosts favorable to celebrate.

UEFA Conference League Semi-final First Leg

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Crystal Palace - This match takes place in Krakow, Poland, and kicks off at 2:00 AM with live coverage on beIN Sports 3. Ukraine's Shakhtar Donetsk are in excellent form, and England's Crystal Palace look set for a tough challenge. Shakhtar appear to be favorites.

Rayo Vallecano vs Strasbourg - This match kicks off at 2:00 AM with live coverage on beIN Sports 3. Spain's Rayo Vallecano have more firepower than France's Strasbourg, with the home side favored to claim victory.

The durian sales controversy has escalated into a political issue, reflecting more than just pricing debates or marketing strategy—it exposes the gap between government policy and the concerns of stakeholders including farmers, traders, and consumers.

Deputy Prime Minister and Commerce Minister Supachai Suthammaphand clarified that the measure is part of an aggressive marketing plan to handle an expected 33% increase in durian production and prevent market oversupply in the future.

Collaboration with influencers for online sales represents a modern tool well-suited to the times, capable of rapid product distribution, reaching vast numbers of consumers, and potentially helping clear inventory in the short term. This certainly reflects good intentions.

Yet the problem here lies in the method rather than the intent.

The promotional pricing strategy of 100 baht per durian, even if merely a temporary tactic or specific marketing condition of sellers, has created ripples across the broader market. This has especially alarmed durian farmers who fear this price will become a "psychological price point" that depresses production values long-term.

What requires careful consideration is that the durian market structure encompasses more than just "producers" and "consumers"—it also includes middlemen, exporters, and quality-based pricing systems.

Government intervention through special mechanisms like discounted live-stream sales may help move some inventory, but risks distorting overall price mechanisms without rigorous design.

Public expectations of the commerce minister go beyond addressing immediate problems; they demand long-term stability for the trading system while maintaining balance between fair pricing and product distribution.

This case cannot be viewed from a single perspective. One side may see it as an attempt to help farmers, while another views it as price suppression. To speak neutrally: it's a well-intentioned policy but one that lacks comprehensive impact assessment.

Though begun with good intentions to solve durian oversupply and assist growers, all measures require careful, multifaceted consideration covering all stakeholders. Viewing the problem from only one angle risks solving one group's problem while inadvertently creating new ones for another.

The hundred-baht durian saga thus serves as a major lesson for the commerce minister, who bears responsibility for agricultural prices, consumer goods, and ultimately the livelihoods of all people.

On April 30th, government officials from the Ministry of Finance and private sector representatives presented flowers to Ms. Kulya Tantitemmit, Director-General of the Revenue Department, on her final day of work after submitting her resignation prior to retirement. The ceremony took place on the first floor of the Revenue Department headquarters on Phahol Yothin Soi 7 as a gesture of gratitude for her contributions to tax administration. Earlier that morning, officials from various departments, including Ms. Sudtai Chaijantuk, an accounting systems development advisor, led senior executives and staff from the Comptroller General's Department in bidding farewell and expressing their appreciation to Tantitemmit. Dr. Kulya has made history as a high-ranking female civil servant who has served as Director-General of three major departments—Revenue, Excise, and Customs—and had been considered a strong candidate to become the first female Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance.