The National Energy Policy Committee (NEPC) has green-lit reforms to electricity rates and promotion of residential solar rooftop systems. Energy Minister Eknath Promphand announced on April 29 at Government House that the NEPC's first meeting of 2025, chaired by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, approved two major energy initiatives following a Cabinet resolution from April 28.

The two key measures include: 1) Reforming residential electricity rates through a progressive rate structure, and 2) Promoting solar rooftop installations for citizens. Fuel costs for electricity generation have risen due to Middle East tensions and global energy price volatility, prompting the NEPC to review sustainable assistance measures that better target beneficiaries.

The progressive rate policy aims to promote efficient electricity use, address energy crisis challenges, and reduce household living expenses. The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) has been tasked with coordinating with the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) and Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) to implement the progressive rate design by June 2025.

Additionally, the ERC will allocate 369.6 million baht from bypass gas funds as a fuel charge discount for May-August 2025, benefiting households using 200 units or less monthly.

For solar rooftop promotion, the NEPC approved a net billing framework targeting up to 500 megawatts nationwide. The system will purchase excess solar power from residential installations at 2.20 baht per unit with a 10-year purchase agreement, limited to 5 kilowatts per meter. The ERC must issue regulations by June 2025, while electricity distributors will upgrade grid infrastructure and standards to accommodate the solar target without compromising national grid stability.

The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plants is intensifying efforts against illegal wildlife trafficking in response to policy directives from the Natural Resources and Environment Minister. On April 28, 2025, at 5:25 a.m., wildlife checkpoint officers at Suvarnabhumi Airport in coordination with customs, airport police, and security personnel intercepted a 19-year-old Taiwanese passenger boarding VietJet Air flight VZ568 bound for Taipei. Upon detailed inspection, authorities discovered the suspect was carrying prohibited wildlife concealed on her body. She had used tape to immobilize the animals and packed them in fabric bags attached to her clothing to evade scanner detection.

Investigators identified 30 Indian star tortoises (Indian Star Tortoise), endangered species protected under international CITES regulations, consisting of 29 live specimens and one carcass. These animals command high prices on the black market. The suspect has been taken into custody with charges filed under the Wildlife Conservation and Protection Act B.E. 2562 (Sections 19 and 23) for illegal wildlife export, the Customs Act B.E. 2560 (Sections 242 and 252) for attempting to smuggle goods across borders, and the Animal Epidemic Act B.E. 2558 for exporting animals without proper authorization. The living specimens have been transferred to wildlife authorities for emergency care while serving as evidence for species identification and further investigation into the trafficking network.

Parliament Speaker Somphon Saramul dismissed questions from opposition lawmakers and senators preparing to petition for a probe into the National Anti-Corruption Commission's handling of a false asset declaration case against former Transport Minister Sakdisayam Chidchob. Speaking at Parliament on April 29, Somphon said he had only heard rumors but received no formal submission. When asked if the opposition and senators feared the speaker would delay the investigation, Somphon said that was merely speculation and asked to wait for the proper time. Pressed on whether he could immediately forward any petition to the Supreme Court president, Somphon replied that if he simply sent it right away, he would be like a mailman, and requested waiting for the appropriate moment before responding. Asked to confirm his impartiality in his oversight role, Somphon said he had already outlined his vision of performing his duties fairly when elected speaker, clarifying he prefers the term 'fair' over 'impartial' since neutrality depends on others' judgment. He emphasized that the public will be the ultimate decision-maker.

A viral sensation has emerged around an adorably long-legged cat after user Xiaohongsu (@好運+99) shared photos of the feline named Hawyvin. Beyond its cute appearance, what really caught netizens' attention were its strikingly long legs, sparking widespread speculation that the owner had digitally enhanced them.

The owner has now come forward to firmly clarify that all photos are completely unedited and Hawyvin's legs are genuinely that long. The owner explained that he adopted the cat and it clearly loves to show off its lengthy limbs—every pose the cat strikes is perfectly composed and creative, making this leggy display a signature characteristic.

Source: HK01 Compiled by Sod News Online team

PHUKET: Phuket officials have moved to strengthen support for women-led businesses and community groups through expanded funding, debt relief measures and tighter oversight of projects under the Women’s Empowerment Fund.

Mind Labhassalai has released a surprise pregnancy reveal video showing her husband Phai's touching reaction to learning they're expecting their first child. The couple, Mind Labhassalai and Phai Sunistha, announced the happy news during the Coachella 2026 music festival earlier this April.

In the video, Mind beautifully captures the moment she first discovered her pregnancy through a medical examination and ultrasound, then carefully planned a surprise reveal for her husband. She initially wanted to give Phai the surprise for Valentine's Day but couldn't wait any longer, so she wrapped the pregnancy test results and ultrasound images in a nicely packaged gift box.

When Phai opened the box and saw the pregnancy test, he was initially confused, thinking his wife was playing a prank on him. Even after seeing the ultrasound image, he remained skeptical and didn't fully believe what he was seeing. It wasn't until he truly processed that he was going to be a father that emotions overwhelmed him—he expressed his shock and shed tears of joy.

Mind posted the video with the caption: "When we become parents @piskyhigh Can't believe it, is there anyone who's given more than this? 5555555 If this were April Fools' Day it would really work!" The video has garnered warm congratulations and amused reactions from their entertainment industry friends, who found Phai's confused-to-emotional journey particularly endearing.