The Revenue Department is ramping up efforts to combat tax evasion across lower southern Thailand, with contraband cigarettes remaining the top smuggled commodity. Excise Commissioner Pornchai Theerapavet announced enforcement results from the Department's Regional Office 9, covering seven lower southern provinces: Songkhla, Trang, Narathiwat, Pattani, Phatthalung, Yala, and Satun—strategically important border areas for the nation.

During February-March 2026, authorities apprehended 622 cases, representing 8.83% of nationwide violations, with fines and estimated penalties totaling 245.55 million baht—a 119% increase from the previous year. Cigarettes accounted for 317 cases with 5.84 million baht in fines and 232.11 million baht in estimated penalties. Officers seized 200,106 cigarette packs total: 22,030 domestic and 178,076 foreign—a 34% increase (over 50,000 packs) from the previous year.

Other contraband categories included liquor (153 cases, 1.57 million baht), fuel products (125 cases, 5.56 million baht totaling 67,402 liters), beverages (16 cases), playing cards (10 cases), and beverage products (1 case). The enforcement strategy employs data-driven targeting, border surveillance, transportation route interdiction, and technology integration to combat sophisticated smuggling networks.

Beyond enforcement, the department developed an innovative cigarette waste destruction machine replacing traditional burning methods under Zero Waste principles. Seized tobacco is now repurposed—tobacco leaves are processed into biological pesticide solutions for farmers, while tobacco fibers are used in fabric dyeing projects with Songkhla Rajabhat University and local weaving enterprises including Ban Sapanpla, Wat Kok Piao Koh Yo, and Dah La Pa Tae communities, creating added value from previously illegal goods.

Chonburi FC, a top Thai League 1 club, has announced the termination of its contract with Congolese striker Jonathan Bolongi, despite two remaining matches in the season. The club has officially ended the agreement with Bolongi by mutual consent and wished him success in his future football career. Bolongi made 29 appearances for the "Chonburi Sharks" this season, accumulating 2,304 minutes of play and scoring 7 goals. Throughout his time with the club, he was a significant contributor both in matches and training sessions. Chonburi FC expressed its gratitude to Bolongi for his dedication and professionalism during his tenure, wishing him continued success in his professional football journey.

The Palang Prachachat Party announced Wednesday it will field candidates for Bangkok Governor and all Bangkok Metropolitan Assembly (BMA) district seats, with party list MP Peeraphol Kanokwilai claiming that once their candidate's name is revealed, other parties will withdraw from the race. The party is targeting May 10 for the official announcement of its gubernatorial candidate, who is identified only by the initials 'J' and described as a prominent public figure.

Peeraphol cited pressing issues facing Bangkok—traffic congestion, flooding, foreign workers competing with Thai laborers, corruption in district offices, and inadequate garbage management—as reasons the party is mounting a comprehensive slate. The candidate, he stressed, is knowledgeable, capable, and non-political, and will easily defeat rivals while securing a majority of assembly seats. Party list MP Angsana Niyamwanit added that revealing the candidate's identity would likely cause other parties to reconsider their candidacies.

At noon on April 30, reporters at the Klong Luek border crossing in Aranyaprathet District, Sa Kaeo Province, witnessed tense and chaotic scenes after Cambodian authorities refused to open the border gates for 635 Thai citizens to return home as agreed in previous negotiations.

Cambodian officials repeatedly postponed the operation without explanation, leaving Thai authorities waiting from morning through afternoon with no progress. Thai officials, led by Border Guard Police commander Pol. Maj. Gen. Banchapol Dechatvongsa Na Ayutthaya, mobilized rangers, immigration police, provincial police, customs officials, and other relevant agencies. They established screening checkpoints on the Thai-Cambodia Friendship Bridge, while Deputy Regional Police Commander Pol. Lt. Gen. Thitivat Suriyachai personally inspected preparations and coordinated the reception plan for all 635 returnees.

Tensions escalated throughout the morning as Poipet immigration officials refused to open the border without providing any explanation, preventing all Thai citizens from leaving as scheduled. Thai authorities on their side had made complete preparations, including setting up reception points, conducting proper screening procedures, and ensuring security with numerous personnel to facilitate the smooth return of all Thais. However, all 635 Thai nationals remained stranded within the Poipet immigration facility amid extreme heat and uncertain circumstances.

Latest efforts saw Thai security representatives negotiating with their Cambodian counterparts to expedite the border opening, but Cambodian authorities have not responded or shown progress. Previously, Cambodia had committed to returning 635 Thai detainees, including 190 illegal border crossers without passports, six individuals with online crime cases, and two wanted persons.

According to the original schedule, the transfer was set for 9:00 AM, then postponed to 11:00 AM, and ultimately pushed past 1:00 PM with no transfer occurring. Thai officials, fully prepared and positioned at the border, remain committed to pursuing diplomatic negotiations to resolve the impasse.

On April 30, 2025, Labor Minister Chulphan Amorwiwat presided over the opening of the "SAFE DRIVE SAFE LIFE" campaign, aimed at promoting road safety awareness and culture among independent motorcycle taxi and ride-hailing drivers.

Chulphan stated that motorcycle taxi and ride-hailing drivers represent an independent profession with over 200,000 workers currently outside the social security system. He acknowledged their hardworking dedication to earn a living and support their families, but emphasized that the profession carries inherent risks due to workers spending their lives constantly traveling on roads.

Chulphan called for all drivers to exercise caution while using the roads. As Labor Minister, he committed to pushing for the enrollment of these workers into the social security system before the end of 2025, ensuring life protection for all.

Chulphan also presented safety helmets and flagged off a motorcycle procession of over 200 ride-hailing and motorcycle taxi drivers participating in the event. He visited more than 10 booths from various government agencies and private companies at the campaign.

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